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Walk on the Wild Side

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NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Genre: Romantic Suspense; BDSM; Multicultural
Length: Novel

Detective Liza Bowman has never failed to solve a case, but the Keller kidnapping tests her mettle. The victim disappeared while reading The Story of O in a public bar dressed like a ‘ho. Because no other clues exist, Liza must imitate the victim’s last acts. Wearing only fuck-me heels, a peekaboo top and a tiny leather skirt, she reads the famous bondage novel in the same bar from which the victim disappeared. She’s surprised to find that she’s turned on by the adventures of sex slave O.

She’s taken by James Li, known as the most notorious whoremaster in San Francisco. They’ve tangled before, with both secretly attracted to each other. Now James has his dearest wish: Liza Bowman under his complete control. He can’t resist his desire to enslave her. And she’ll have to trust him if she wants to solve her case.

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First published January 1, 2006

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About the author

Suz deMello

79 books56 followers
Romance author Suz deMello wants you to know that she has finished the process of re-acquiring rights to her books from various publishers, and then re-editing and repackaging each for indie release.

All her books are available in fresh, re-edited and re-covered new editions.

Befriend her on Facebook to be notified of sales and other events.
https://www.facebook.com/SuzDeMello

About Suz:

Suz deMello says, "I'm a cliche...A vegan yoga teacher from California who loves walks on the beach, cuddling her dogs and romance novels." But she's an award-winning, best-selling writer who's hit several best-seller lists, been short-listed for the RITA and reviewed by such prestigious publications such as Kirkus, Library Journal and Publisher's Weekly.

Suz uses a pseudonym to protect her privacy. But if you're a romance fan, you've probably read one of her 20+ books or have heard of her, since she's known for fast-paced, layered novels charged with humor as well as emotion.

Her personal motto is: Never stop learning, never stop growing. She's had at least five careers she can remember: librarian, trial attorney, Starbucks barista, grant writer, and yoga teacher. Perhaps her most interesting career move was teaching English to preschoolers in China! But she loves to write romance and teach yoga. She also has earned a 2d degree black belt in kenpo karate.

She currently resides in Mazatlan, Mexico, where she practices yoga, cuddles her dogs and walks on the beach every day. And yes, she's writing romance—this time, another Regency.

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Lisabet Sarai.
Author 181 books219 followers
December 5, 2018
San Francisco Police detective Eliza Bowen is a tough gal. Raised by her black mom after being abandoned by her white father, she belonged to a street gang before she went straight. First in the Vice Squad, now in the Major Crimes Unit, she’s known as a hard-working, even driven, officer who doesn’t quit until she sees the perps get what they deserve.

Her current case has her stumped, though. A young paralegal has disappeared without a trace. There’s no sign of a struggle, no clues at all, until Liza unearths a secret diary kept by the victim, Sindie Keller. The sexually explicit journal reveals that on the night she vanished, Sindie’s boss, with whom she was having a kinky affair, sent her to a particular bar dressed in red leather, carrying a copy of The Story of O. Liza decides to mimic the vic’s actions, figuring whoever picked up the victim might try the same trick with her.

Sure enough, a man appears, binds her, and whisks her away in a fancy sports-car. Liza is disturbed to find that her captor is James Li, notorious owner of several brothels around the city. When she was in Vice, she’d tried to bring him down, but had never been able to make any charges stick. His infuriating ability to get away with his crimes is only part of what disturbs her, though. Li is charming, intelligent and breathtakingly good looking. Liza knows he should be off-limits for a cop like her, but it’s difficult to resist temptation. When he takes charge, demanding her total obedience for a weekend in return for the full truth about Sindie, it’s not just professional interest that makes her consent.

James “makes” Liza into his slave. He shares her with other men. He dresses her in shamefully revealing clothing and parades her around his fancy whorehouses. He teases her mercilessly and punishes her when she fails to follow his orders. Most of all, he uses her sexually, in every way imaginable. Liza finds the experience of submission simultaneously thrilling and horrifying, give how it challenges her self-image as a tough and independent woman. Still, there’s something about James that satisfies her, in ways no previous lover has ever been able to do.

Phoenix and Dragon is subtitled “Romantic Suspense”, but there’s a lot more romance than suspense in this novel. The setup with the missing paralegal provides a mechanism to get Liza and James together. From that point on, the book focuses entirely on their interaction, their sexual games, and their growing relationship. The end of the book ties up the loose threads regarding the Sindie Keller case, but this feels like an after-thought.

Not that this is necessarily a complaint. Phoenix and Dragon is erotic romance with an emphasis on erotic. The sex scenes (of which there are many) are well-written, varied and intense. As a dominant, James is both creative and considerate. As a lover, he’s astoundingly virile and predictably enormous. Liza meets him halfway, rising to his every challenge, discovering the paradoxical strength to be found in submission. As the story unfolds, she learns that he’s not the manipulative, exploitative villain she had believed, but a self-made entrepreneur with strong family ties, who has wanted her for a long time.

Some of the Amazon reviews of this book warn that the sex might be too extreme for some readers. I presume they’re referring to the BDSM content in some of the scenes. One review referred to “disturbing elements”, another to “dark themes”. I found this surprising because I actually felt that Ms. de Mello too often pulled her punches with regard to the kink. Li isn’t a true Dom, just a rich, good-looking guy who’s used to getting what he wants. When the novel takes his point of view, he’s clear on the fact that he really doesn’t feel all that comfortable inflicting pain on his partner. He enjoys having Liza in his power, sexually, but to be honest, the psychological dynamic is a far cry from serious BDSM.

My other (relatively minor) complaint about this book was that it was all too easy. There aren’t any obstacles to Liza and James falling in love. Indeed, it feels inevitable. Hence, there’s no real conflict to be resolved.

It’s still satisfying to see Liza lowering her guard and letting James into her heart. That is, after all, what romance is about.

If you’re looking for an appealing heroine and a seductive hero, who share amazing sexual chemistry, you can’t go wrong with Phoenix and Dragon. Just don’t expect a taut thriller – or push-your-limits, make-you-squirm kink.
Profile Image for Kathleen R..
1,407 reviews43 followers
June 15, 2017
Title: Phoenix & Dragon
Author: Suz deMello

4 unexpected stars



I remember the Story Of O - or rather the movie that was made so many years ago. I also remember i couldn't finish it, mostly because the subject of it hit much too close to home for comfort. I'm pretty certain that if i were to watch it again now, i might have a different outlook on it as well. Having had read Phoenix & Dragon by Suz deMello, i was surprised by this new author (for me) and how my reaction to themes discussed weren't those i would have had so many years ago. Don't get me wrong, this was and is a dark theme novel, but it's done in such a way that i couldn't turn away.

4.5 sexy dreams



I fell captivated to how this was book written. It was so full of suspense that i had to keep going to find out what would happen next. Just how would James make Liza submit to his every whim and submit to the pleasure and attraction that exists between these two. The fact that Liza is a police officer simply added more drama to this story, created more aspects to make you want to see what Suz deMello has in store for her characters. It had so many twists and turns, that my brain was working overtime in trying to figure out what would happen next! This is one author that i'll be looking forward to finding out what ales she has in store for us in the future.







*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books


50 Book Reviews  Professional Reader






https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8063169-kathleen-r   Goodreads | [image error]    Amazon |   http://www.facebook.com/smallgirlandherbooks1   Facebook |     http://smallgirlandherbooks.blogspot.com  By Email

Profile Image for Ashley .
1,159 reviews4 followers
August 3, 2017
This was an interesting read for me. I found the story to be intriguing and the situations really fascinating! The twists helped push me along while reading. There is some darkness to the story that really adds a great depth :)

I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Sussan.
187 reviews
March 9, 2013
My first book into S&M. Took me by surprise but was a good read. Lots of sexual content but intriguing
Profile Image for Heather.
208 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2017
BDSM isn’t always my cup of tea. Phoenix and Dragon has some disturbing elements that I would usually avoid as a reader and reviewer simply because it’s not interesting to me. But I accepted the challenge and was surprised at what I found in the book.

The story starts with a taboo sexual encounter between police detective partners that is hot and a great way to set the theme and pace of the story. Liza is investigating a high powered lawyer’s missing mistress and the trail leads to a notorious pimp who successfully evaded prosecution on a previous case of Liza’s. Choosing to go undercover when the trail leads directly to James Li, Liza finds herself drawn into a world of decadent sexuality with James at it’s head.
The mystery of the missing woman takes a far back seat, acting as the catalyst to get our heroine into her predicament. So don’t expect the story to be a crime mystery because it’s not. It’s a romance. And there’s lots of sex and some of it is not for the squeamish.

It’s also a rather dark story of the seedy underbelly of politics, crime, and the wealthy that most never hear about. While there is an HEA, the darkness seems to hang on the lovers through the end despite their happiness. That’s something I haven’t seen before. It creates and edge to the book that is both attractive and repulsive, much like the character of James Li. I was disappointed at the outcome of the missing woman’s case as I began the book thinking it’s and erotic mystery. The ends tie up nicely despite the strange outcome.

I recommend the book for anyone wanting something that is 180 degrees different from their usual fare.

For more reviews, visit our other social sites:

Website: http://tangledhearts1.tumblr.com/
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Email: tangledheartsandboxerbriefs@gmail.com
Profile Image for Heather.
208 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2017
BDSM isn’t always my cup of tea. Phoenix and Dragon has some disturbing elements that I would usually avoid as a reader and reviewer simply because it’s not interesting to me. But I accepted the challenge and was surprised at what I found in the book.

The story starts with a taboo sexual encounter between police detective partners that is hot and a great way to set the theme and pace of the story. Liza is investigating a high powered lawyer’s missing mistress and the trail leads to a notorious pimp who successfully evaded prosecution on a previous case of Liza’s. Choosing to go undercover when the trail leads directly to James Li, Liza finds herself drawn into a world of decadent sexuality with James at it’s head.
The mystery of the missing woman takes a far back seat, acting as the catalyst to get our heroine into her predicament. So don’t expect the story to be a crime mystery because it’s not. It’s a romance. And there’s lots of sex and some of it is not for the squeamish.

It’s also a rather dark story of the seedy underbelly of politics, crime, and the wealthy that most never hear about. While there is an HEA, the darkness seems to hang on the lovers through the end despite their happiness. That’s something I haven’t seen before. It creates and edge to the book that is both attractive and repulsive, much like the character of James Li. I was disappointed at the outcome of the missing woman’s case as I began the book thinking it’s and erotic mystery. The ends tie up nicely despite the strange outcome.

I recommend the book for anyone wanting something that is 180 degrees different from their usual fare.

For more reviews, visit our other social sites:

Website: http://tangledhearts1.tumblr.com/
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1BdNWR0
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1JKj5h0
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TangledHearts1
Email: tangledheartsandboxerbriefs@gmail.com
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,042 reviews317 followers
May 29, 2017
This is a very steamy read and whilst the plot revolves around the mystery of a missing woman the story focuses on Liza and her willingness to submit to James.

The BDSM element does feature quite significantly but it felt much more about Liza forgiving herself for mistakes in her youth and James trying to persuade her that what they had was more than a weekend fling. James really surprised me, I disliked him at first but actually really liked him after a few chapters. He certainly wasn’t the man Liza thought he was or indeed I expected him to be from the blurb. I struggled at first with why Liza would chose the course of action that she did, but as we learnt more about her past it became more believable and understandable.

The chemistry between the hero and heroine was very intense and I felt their connection was also believable. I liked the suspense element and really didn’t see where that part of the story was going. The romance part was a little predictable but was still a very good read. I liked the author’s writing style and found it easy to read. The plot had good pace and kept me engaged, the characters were rounded and I did feel a connection to them, more so to Liza than James.

Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it didn't have enough of an emotional impact to hit the 5 star rating. It is however a worthwhile read. This is a new to me author and I would definitely read more of her work.
Profile Image for Dana Busenbark.
2,801 reviews29 followers
July 14, 2017
Who is Liza? Who is her partner? What about James Li? Who is Sindie Keller? These are important people in the scheme of this book and you find out pretty quickly. How does Liza know James? Who is Liza's mother? What surprises are in store for Liza with regards to the whole 6-degrees of separation? This book was full of surprises. It was interesting to learn more about Liza, LaDonna, and James. Things about Liza's past when she was 14 had brought her into James' sights years ago and then when he realized who she was at an incident at one of his businesses brought her back into his sights. What were those two events? Why is she in his sights? What is it that draws him to her like a moth to a flame? Watching as these two find a way through the quagmire of life is interesting. Does Liza ever find who and what she is looking for? Read and find out.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
3,426 reviews20 followers
July 23, 2017
Liza, San Francisco detective's promotion to major crimes took her away from her commitment to take down one man. James Li. His clubs and high priced escorts, ha, had escaped her grasp and now it wasn't her job. The possible kidnapping case she was on was her job and she needed to find out what happened to the young woman. Missing, was it voluntary or had she been abducted?

Following a lead sans partner, Liza put herself in a risky situation. She was going to copy what the missing woman's diary said the woman was going to do. Alone, dressed provocatively, reading a Bondage novel, she waited. Liza is about to learn about herself, another world, her past with the teacher being the man himself, James Li.

Will she find the missing woman or lose herself?

This one is very much as described, plenty of erotic situations, the characters learn about themselves as well as the mystery with the emphasis on the steamy situations. The author has once again given her audience a good story with interesting characters and steam.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
Profile Image for Donna.
685 reviews5 followers
August 7, 2017
Detective Liza Bowman has no leads on a missing girl. After finding and reading the young lady’s diary, Liza decides to reenact her last entry, dress seductively, sit at a local hot spot and read The Story of O. What happens next is a steamy story of sexual enslavement, BDSM and a promise to learn the truth from the hottest bad boy in San Francisco. The steam factor on this book is HIGH! But it’s not just an erotic tale filled with hot sex scenes, there is also a good story woven together with the sensual. This author is one I will definitely keeping my eye on. 4 stars with 5 hands down the pants!
Profile Image for LaGina.
2,058 reviews42 followers
June 19, 2017
Just a heads up for all my paranormal reading friends out there this isnt PRN. But holy cow what a great read and OMG is it ever got the hot factor. Liza and James are interesting characters to get watch work out their situation. As far as who is responsible for the disappearance of Sidnie...I cant tell ya. But you will not believe it.


Profile Image for Wminbc.
1,153 reviews82 followers
April 30, 2012
This novella was a real challenge for me. There were times during the story that I really loved it and other moments where I wanted to throw the computer. Liza is such a detached character that I had a hard time relating to her and her motivations in the beginning. As a police officer, maybe you need to be like that, but as a woman I found it difficult. Thankfully, the author addresses this issue later in the story and I really gained a connection to Liza in the same way that James did. That was a wonderful piece of the puzzle that is Liza Bowman. The ugly piece of the puzzle was the sex. Quite frankly, it put me off in many places. Mutually consenting adults doing things that are pleasing to them is one thing, but when one or more partners are performing acts that are not only unpleasant to them, but brutal to their partner…Why??? I almost understood the sharing for James and Liza’s first time together, she was after all reading the Story of O…but later when James brought young Kevin back again, it just didn’t seem to me that that would be something James would do: James was too possessive of Liza, too “obsessed” with her, but as the author explained, she needed it so James gave it to her.

I was so conflicted about this story and maybe that is what makes it a great read. I was upset, repulsed, enthralled and finally happy in the end. Weird, but true. Not for the faint of heart…hard core stuff, but for those who are curious you may enjoy. 
 
65 reviews
March 10, 2015
good read for the kinkster's out there...

The book was good, lots and lots of sex BDSM, train pulled on a women he claims to love, (hit the brakes right), yes he claims to love her, but let some council man hit it, his nephew got to hit it twice, call me old fashion, but if you claim to love me, and have from a far, why am I having sex, and giving blow jobs in front of my man, ie the four, and that is me being generous
Profile Image for ElaineY.
2,463 reviews68 followers
July 8, 2008
My first romance featuring an Asian hero.

This was just below average. I would have given it one and a half stars if half-stars were available. I expected there to be more suspense and the story to be a little darker, considering James' occupation but in the end, it was...nothing. James ended up a stereo-type, a caricature and just for the sake of having an Asian objet d'art in the story.
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,945 reviews1,441 followers
February 13, 2011
This book tickled my fancy because I like the bad boys who aren't really as bad as you think. This was a light read with some fun sex scenes. Nice and light. Okay, and I have to admit because I'm Asian, it coloured my review. James Li was appealing to me, if not realistic. I have yet to meet an Asian male like this. :)
Profile Image for Merry.
57 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2011
I couldn't get into this book, and I'm an avid reader of all things erotic. This particular one didn't speak to me, it was too unbelievable...too...predictable. but still, don't take my word for it. Read it yourselves and form your own opinion.
Profile Image for Ashley Carr, LSoR.
5,025 reviews64 followers
May 1, 2017
This book was a pleasant surprise. I love how this author combines the sexual aspects of the story with the mystery. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

Liza and her partner are assigned to crack a kidnapping case. Liza finally gets a break when she discovers the sex diary of the woman that was kidnapped. In her final entry she is instructed to go into a coffee shop scantly clad and pick up the book The Story of O, pretend to read and just wait. So Liza decides to reenact it and she gets more than she bargained for. James Li, the infamous whoremaster happens upon her and realizes this is the chance to bed the sexy Detective. I mean reading a bondage novel in public is like waving a red flag at a bull, he just has to take her up on her "offer". Will she ever find out what happened to her kidnap victim? Will James fulfill her every fantasy and even ones she doesn't know if she has?

** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,157 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2017
Detective Eliza "Liza" Blue Bowman is 29 and in the major crimes unit. She is partners with Tom Hardwick and the two have an intense relationship on the job while having casual sex while off the job. When the two are investigating a missing woman named Sindie Keller, the two are up against some of the biggest "pimps" in town, Derrick Galway and James Li.

When Liza goes on her own following a clue in the missing woman's diary she finds herself taken by James Li. Soon she finds herself battling herself over her attraction to the man who is considered dangerous and a criminal.

Will she be able to save Sindie and figure out who is really behind everything and will she discover the truth about James.

I really enjoyed this book and I thought by the sound of the book it was going to be a paranormal romance but I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. There was tons of hot BDSM scenes and lots of mystery to suck you in.

I liked Liza and how she was trying to do her job while trying to sort out how she felt towards James. She also had to figure out what side of the law he was really on as her job was important to her.

Initially I must admit that I really didn't like James and what he did to Liza. I was hoping she would take him down for what he put her through. I still didn't agree with it even as Liza began to realize he did care for her but it was great for the story and definitely brought me in more.

I was super curious on who was going to be tied into the disappearance of Sindie Keller and I liked how the mystery played out.

I also liked how Liza was able to come to terms with how she felt in the book and what was important to her through everything she has lost and gained in her life.

I would love to have some more books with Liza and her business!!
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,157 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2017
Detective Eliza "Liza" Blue Bowman is 29 and in the major crimes unit. She is partners with Tom Hardwick and the two have an intense relationship on the job while having casual sex while off the job. When the two are investigating a missing woman named Sindie Keller, the two are up against some of the biggest "pimps" in town, Derrick Galway and James Li.

When Liza goes on her own following a clue in the missing woman's diary she finds herself taken by James Li. Soon she finds herself battling herself over her attraction to the man who is considered dangerous and a criminal.

Will she be able to save Sindie and figure out who is really behind everything and will she discover the truth about James.

I really enjoyed this book and I thought by the sound of the book it was going to be a paranormal romance but I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. There was tons of hot BDSM scenes and lots of mystery to suck you in.

I liked Liza and how she was trying to do her job while trying to sort out how she felt towards James. She also had to figure out what side of the law he was really on as her job was important to her.

Initially I must admit that I really didn't like James and what he did to Liza. I was hoping she would take him down for what he put her through. I still didn't agree with it even as Liza began to realize he did care for her but it was great for the story and definitely brought me in more.

I was super curious on who was going to be tied into the disappearance of Sindie Keller and I liked how the mystery played out.

I also liked how Liza was able to come to terms with how she felt in the book and what was important to her through everything she has lost and gained in her life.

I would love to have some more books with Liza and her business!!
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