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Bound #1

Chains of Life

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A scorching contemporary romance read from the author who brought you the Enigma and Perception series.
Can a struggling journalist ward off the attention of the dominant businessman she’s been assigned to investigate? Or will the intangible world of dominance and secrecy overwhelm her so much her astute morals will gravelly waiver?

With sexual friction so great it sparks off the pages, watch Cleo Garcia emerge into a world set to either destroy or dominate her. Will she have the strength to bring the story of the century to fruition by suppressing her lust-inspired heart’s desires? Or will she break the strict terms of her employment contract by succumbing to the mystery man’s alluring persona?

With no greater poison to an ethical mind than lust, this is not going to be a fair fight.

From the author who brought you the Perception and Enigma series comes the next tantalizing installment. This is the story you’ve been waiting for. The one I deemed too risqué to write. Sit back and enjoy the story about two people in vastly contradicting roles come together in a fire-sparking showdown. Just be warned: it is the shy ones you need to watch the closest.

Author Warning: Due to sexual content, swear words, and adult based scenes, this book is only recommended to those over the age of 18

300 pages, Unknown Binding

First published December 5, 2017

1010 people are currently reading
2639 people want to read

About the author

Shandi Boyes

96 books2,194 followers
Shandi Boyes is a USA Today Bestselling Author who was an avid reader for many years before she discovered the love of writing in February 2016. Her first penned novel 'Perception of Life’ is a new adult rockstar romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last word.

In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.

You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!

Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi

SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)

Enigma:

Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot

Bound:

Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained

Russian Mob Chronicles:

Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me

You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!

I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...

Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU

Enjoy reading!

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5 stars
475 (38%)
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238 (19%)
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35 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
4,998 reviews62 followers
January 9, 2018
Chains of Life (Perception Book 6) by Shandi Boyes is the sixth book in her Perception series. This book can be read as a standalone but I highly suggest that you read all of the books in this series. This is not my first book by this author but I think it has just become one of favorites in this series. I enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. This author's writing style is easy flowing and kept me engaged until the last page. This story has a little bit of everything in it but be aware that there are adult situations that may offend some but it is also so much more. The characters in this book are both lovable and connectable. They will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride that had me laughing in parts and angry in others. This is Cleo's story. Cleo is a struggling journalist until one chance meeting in an elevator. She runs into the most hot, sexy man that she doesn't realize how he will change her life forever. What will happen when she realizes that she has been assigned to investigate this same man? He wants her and will stop at nothing to have her but will he destroy her or dominate her? What will she do? Will she give in to him or will she write her story? When she is faced with betrayal, she is broken but will fate have other things in store for her? I enjoyed Cleo's character and the choice she is faced with. She is writing the story of her career but yet she finds herself attracted to the man she is writing about. They have such great chemistry but he is kind of like forbidden fruit for her. There is no doubt that they heat up the pages! She is quite but yet determined, she has this attitude about her that makes her lovable. He on the other hand, is hot and sexy. He will steal your heart at the same time making you not like him. The secondary characters in this book help make this story flow and I wouldn't change them, good or bad. I would highly recommend this book. You will need to see what happens when Cleo is faced with a decision that will change her life forever!
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,790 reviews17 followers
January 16, 2018
Chains of Life by Shandi Boyes a five-star read that will chain you to the story and won’t ever let you go. This is the sixth book in the Perception series but it can be read as a standalone, I have read it as part of the series and loved the whole series. I am a huge fan of the author and had previously read the Enigma series and loved it so hard I was a little scared to read this series as what if it wasn’t as good, I was worried It would tarnish the author, it definitely didn’t I may love this series a teeny tiny bit more, as broodish and dark as Isaac Holt is Mr Chains is so much more. I loved how this story was told in a different format to the rest of the series, it brought a freshness and drama that most authors couldn’t hold until the sixth book, I read them all this week as I’ve had the flu and loved every page but there was something about this story. They all have a unique story that is told but this one brings it out in ways you can’t imagine, Cleo Garcia has been down trodden by life, tragedy has struck once and she lives knowing it will strike again so she has been a quiet plodder in life, doing her job and keeping her head down to make sure her sister Lexi is taken care off. But what happens when you cross the boundaries of work and play? Sparks will fly but will they set a flame or fizzle and fade? How far will Cleo go to keep her job?
This book is suitable for over 18s as it does introduce us into the darker world of Chains. But in a great manner that intrigues and piques you interest making you wonder rather than the overly gratuitous way it has been done lots recently by others.
Profile Image for Deborah Harrell-jones.
478 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2021
Love the plot ... not the characters

Cleo is to overly dramatic and judgemental. Marcus is straight forward, quiet and mysterious. This book should have had 2 POVs. Lacking more character personalities and to much drama. The drama took up the whole book. I love the BDSM element and the suspense.
Profile Image for Denise.
267 reviews18 followers
January 21, 2018
Chains of Life (Book #6 in the Perception series) is a contemporary romance novel by Shandi Boyes. It is the story about a young woman named Cleo Garcia, who is an investigative reporter at a media company in New York City. Cleo lives with her younger sister and best friend, Lexi, who has Cystic Fibrosis. Cleo and Lexi's parents and younger brother, Tate (who was 17 years old at the time), died in a car accident four years earlier when they were returning home to New Jersey after taking a vacation to Brazil. Cleo's boss puts her on an undercover investigation into a BDSM club called Chains where Cleo, while wearing a mask and a fancy negligee, unexpectedly meets the owner of the club who is also wearing a mask who calls himself, Master Chains. After much flirtation Master Chains takes Cleo into his office and shows her his private playroom. Shortly thereafter Cleo, who is extremely nervous about being at a BDSM club but is turned on by this man, decides to leave the club but goes home with an invitation from Master Chains to join the Chains online chatrooms. After several weeks of Cleo thinking about Master Chains, she decides to sign into the Chains website and chat with members hoping to chat with Master Chains until finally he notices that she's signed in and he reaches out to her. Cleo and Master Chains end up chatting for over an hour that night, and agree to chat the next night. After chatting on the computer every day for several weeks, Master Chains asks Cleo for her cell phone number and they start to speak, flirting and even having phone sex. This verbal communication goes on for several more weeks but will they ever meet in person, and who really is Master Chains?

I loved this book! This was the first book that I've read by author, Shandi Boyes, but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed the complex backstories and the layered backgrounds of the characters that makes this story such an enjoyable read, and I'll be excited to read the next book and all the books in this Perception series by Shandi Boyes! You should know that this book is definitely for persons ages 18+ since it deals with sexually explicit subject matter and language. The story continues in the next book, Links of Life.
Profile Image for Kylima.
267 reviews4 followers
September 28, 2021
Remember to ALWAYS read Trigger Warnings ⚠️

This book bound me in chains and now I can’t stop. I’m reading the next book immediately! So much unsaid with that cliffhanger.

This in my opinion is a healthy representation of the BDSM lifestyle (some red flags but nothing major). If your research comes from 50 shades… you will be very confused at the difference between stories.

Girl meets handsome, green eyed, African American, stranger on an elevator in a hospital after a tragic accident. She leaves with him unnamed and even 4 years later she still remembers and believes they will meet again one day. That day comes when an opportunity to help her family financially is offered from her job. She is to go undercover to a very private BDSM club and report back with important people who attend. Though nervous she agrees and finds herself in a world she doesn’t understand and doesn’t want any part of. That is until in her rush to flee home she accidentally slides into the wrong car and meets a masked, green eyed, handsome, African American stranger who owns the club and goes by the alias of Master Chains.

Unable to deny their intense connection with someone she barely knows but who seems to know her better than she knows herself she is swept into a weird relationship. But is she ready to dip her toes into the crazy pool of his dominate world? She believes she doesn’t have a submissive bone in her body. Will Master Chains prove her wrong?

I flew through this book. I loved everything about Master Chains. I loved how the MC female had a mind of her own but opened herself up slowly into giving him control. Especially when he seemed to anticipate every need/desire she had without even the use of words. Just a look. He took care of her. Very interested to see where their story continues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
182 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2018
Ms. Boyes, I really need the next book. I was pretty upset when I finished Chains and couldn't immediately buy Links. The fact that you don't even learn Master Chain's name until half way through the book is mind boggling. But I don't think I'd have minded if I never learned that bit of info. I just needed their banter and chemistry. Lexi's character is also well written. The story started a little slow for me but quickly picked up and had me hooked. I really really need the next book.
Profile Image for Shandi Boyes.
Author 96 books2,194 followers
Read
January 23, 2018
*** Chains of Life is live ***

Chains of Life - Available NOW!

Amazon: http://a.co/hE93nx6
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/chai...

Cleo Garcia had the world at her feet: a lucrative position with the top media company in the country, a healthy bank balance, and the support of her beloved family. Her life was perfect. She was set for greatness. . . until she approved an article on the No1 singer in the country doing a stint in rehab when he was fighting for his life in an Intensive Care Unit. 

That was the very first kink in a downward spiral that saw Cleo slip from grace. Her desk was moved to the basement, her six-figure income stripped away, and a tragic accident no one saw coming impacted her in ways you could never envision. 

So imagine her surprise when four years after the mishap that downgraded her from Chief Executive of Entertainment to Flamboyant Obituary Writer she was personally selected by billionaire Jack Carson to investigate what was being touted as the story of the century. 

With a stream of luxury perks thrown into the deal, and the guarantee of a stable income for years to come, the dreams that slipped from Cleo’s grasp four years ago were returning stronger than ever. It was the ideal situation, a perfect way to show her top-ranked journalism studies were being wasted in the basement. She was determined. Nothing was going to stand in her way. . . until she discovered who she was set to investigate. 

Can Cleo push aside the demons of her past to bring the story of the century to fruition? Or is she being lured into a world determined to swallow her whole?

From the author who brought you the Perception and Enigma series comes the next tantalising instalment. This is the story you’ve been waiting for. The one I deemed too risqué to write. Sit back and enjoy the story about two people in vastly contradicting roles come together in a fire-sparking showdown. Just be warned: it is the shy ones you need to watch the closest.


Profile Image for Tammy.
273 reviews11 followers
March 14, 2018
I HIGHLY RECOMMENCED

Master Chain's will rock your world and while his at it give you the biggest ladyboner you have ever had it's about time their was a story about an chocolate color alpha male with green eyes who is into BDSM that just describe my ideal man

The story is very well written it has the right amount of mystery around who is Master Chain's? the chemistry between Marcus and Cleo is sizzling hot the drama between the two is very understandable and at times made me want to bitchslap both of them and say STOP JUST LOVE EACH OTHER the whole story just intrigued me so much I didn't want it to it
Profile Image for Debi.
1,129 reviews6 followers
January 22, 2018
Chains: Book One in the Bound Series by Shandi Boyes
5 Stars
What just happened??? I can't believe I'm done with this book and I can't find the date the next one will be out!! Just shoot me!!
I love this author, I can't even remember how many of her books I have read, she has a unique way of telling a story that gets you so wrapped up you find yourself practically beating on your kindle trying to turn the page for more when in reality you finished it.
This book had everything I love. A strong sassy female, a 100% hot alpha male, alot of communication through chat and texting then moving to phone after only meeting once, well maybe twice, then when meeting face to face again watching the fireworks. It was awesome!!!
Cleo had some devastating losses in her life leaving her and her sister Lexi, who is suffering from cystic fibrosis totally on their own. She works hard at a job she hates and barely makes ends meet trying to pay for Lexi’s medicine, she had the dream position with her company Global Ten Media until she did a story on the number one singer in the country that turned out to be false, she went from chief investigative reporter to the basement where she handles the obituaries. Until one day she is summoned to the top floor and realizes she has been chosen to investigate and break the story of an exclusive BDSM club. This goes against everything her parents taught her and she would say no if they weren't using Lexi’s illness against her. She has to do this.
What happens when she meets Master Chains, the one with the green eyes that seem so familiar to her, the one that she is supposed to be doing a story on if she wants to keep her job?
So so much happening in this story, so many things I loved, yet so many things I have so many questions about. Questions that wont get answers until the next book, this does end in a cliffhanger, and the only reason I'm not going insane is because i don't think it will be long till I can read the rest of this story.
Amazingly awesome book, Love this author, and I didn't really mean anything I may or may not have said about her, out loud, right when this book ended. Her stories just keep getting better and better.
Profile Image for Naomi Valkyrie.
Author 24 books153 followers
January 15, 2018
Cleo had everything, a family, a high-paying job, a life, but when everything is taken away she is left as the sole provider for her ailing sister. She and her sister a barely getting by, but Cleo is determined to make her sister’s life as comfortable as possible. When the owner of the company Cleo works for calls her in to his office, she is apprehensive. When she hears the assignment, he has in mind for her, she has a big decision to make. She’s on the fence about it. This is something that could skyrocket her career back into the stars, but it could also compromise her morals. But if she does take the assignment, her sister would be taken care of for the rest of her life.

Ultimately accepting the new assignment, Cleo is thrown into a new and questionable world. Her initial hesitation quickly turns to fear and she tries to get away, but then runs into the masked stranger. He’s intriguing, mysterious. She wants to walk away but something about him is familiar and her curiosity keeps her hanging on. In a cruel twist of fate, Cleo soon realizes that the stranger she is drawn to is the person she is also supposed to investigate for her assignment. She needs to keep this professional, but she doesn’t know if she can do it. The path she’s walking is a slippery slope into chaos.

One of the things I enjoyed about this book is that, even though it is fiction, it gives a bit of grounded education about alternative lifestyles. Personally, I think that is important since many people have preconceived ideas about certain aspects of those lifestyles and about the people who participate in them.

The story line is decent and the characters are easy to connect with. This IS a cliffhanger so you will want to read the next one to find out how the whole thing turns out. Due to the nature of the book, it is for adults only.
Profile Image for Jana.
878 reviews
January 17, 2018
Chains of Life by Shandi Boyes is the sixth book in her Perception series and I am warning you now, you will have a seriously hard time with controlling your impatience as the book ends with a cliffhanger!!! We have to wait for the second part?! Oh…I am sure we will survive, I know how I will cure my impatience – I will be reading the first 5 books of the series! I have read all of the Enigma books but I had not gotten to the Perception series and what a great opportunity I have now … curing my ‘hangover’ … The book is very steamy so if you are not into that kind of reading … be prepared to jump over pages … we others will get kicks out of it!
Chains of Life is the story of Cleo and her assignment, a mysterious dominant business man… So basically Chains of Life is the story of Cleo and her finding herself, her struggles with integrity (I mean she has this insane chemistry with the man she is assigned to investigate, she feels … so much …) and financially while also having a sole responsibility off her younger sister after her parents and younger brother died in an accident.
The mysterious businessman, if you have read Enigma series and thought that Isaac was dark and hot and …. everything we secretly fantasize/dream about … well, this man is so much more! Be ready to be swept away … still, remember he is just a man and he makes mistakes like everyone …
I loved the story line, I love Shandi’s writing style, the way how she makes us to relate to all of her characters, how we find humanity in all of them … I love how she has given us a beautifully told story of an alternative lifestyle…
If you have read any of the other Shandi’s books, you will not be disappointed … it feels as if her writing is getting better with every single book … oh my, cannot wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Michelle Mulvey.
1,151 reviews13 followers
January 14, 2018
Chains of Life is another great book by Shandi Boyes. I have been a fan of her writing for some time.
Chains of Life is about a young woman named Cleo Garcia who has had a lot of heartache in her life. She lost her parents and younger brother in an accident which then resulted in her becoming her sisters guardian. Cleo’s younger sister Lexi has a lot of health issues which caused them to not be able to afford most things.

Cleo is hand picked by her boss to go undercover and report on who attends a specific BDSM club. She is guaranteed to never have to worry about Lexi’s medication or medical needs as long as she uncovers what is needed.

The night she attends the BDSM Club she meets a dominate man who she spends some time with. She is extremely nervous and wants to leave the entire time she is there. Before leaving, she is given an envelope and told to open it when she is more curious on the bdsm lifestyle.

Luckily the big assignment at work has been put on hold but, Cleo does end up doing research and getting more and more curious so she opens the envelope and signs up on a bdsm chat blog. She ends up talking to a bunch of people. One person in particular searches her out and talks with her daily. When the computer chat conversations turn to phone conversations Cleo and Master Chains become very friendly. One night, Master Chains receives pictures of Cleo talking closely to a friend and gets very jealous, demanding her to come spend the weekend with him. When she gets there, she had no idea who Master Chains really was. He tries to get her submission but, she is very bratty and fights him on just about everything.

This was overall a great book and cannot to read the next book in the series.
264 reviews4 followers
January 9, 2018
Chains of Life by Shandi Boyes will bring the reader back into the world of the band Rise Up after several books away from their universe. This is bass player Marcus’s book and boy what a book it is. I can’t lie, I forgot all about poor Marcus, I read every book Ms. Boyes publishes and it’s been a while since I’ve been in the Perception series
Four years ago Cleo physically runs into a man in an elevator at a hospital, he makes such a huge impression on her she never forgets him and his intense green eyes. Fast forward four years and Cleo’s life is falling apart. She no longer holds the job she worked so hard for, she is the sole caretaker of her ill sister and she has suffered a horrible tragedy making each day harder and harder to face. Now her boss has tasked her with an assignment, research a new club in town and see who is linked to the club. Going against all her morals she takes the assignment since she needs to work to support her sister’s medical needs and put food on the table.
I enjoyed going back to the Perception series; it was nice seeing all the other band members and their mates. I felt bad for Cleo at times as nobody should have to deal with all that she has, I got so angry at her boss and the way she was treated that I found myself closing my e-reader and just breathing deeply (this is a sign of a great author in my mind). I loved the way she interacted with Marcus, but I do have to say that I was disappointed in some of his actions. There is a cliffhanger with this book but don’t let that stop a person from reading this latest installment as the next part should be out shortly.
47 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2025
⭐️ 2.5/5
🌶️ 2/5


Cleo is a journalist who has to support her sick sister after her parents and brother die in a car accident. She was excelling, in her career when she reported in a false story about the biggest band around, and while the company didn’t fire her, they did demote her despite being fed misinformation. Struggling to make ends meet and keep up on medical bills, the owner of the company offers her to go under cover at the local BDSM club to get stories on their high profile cliental. If she does so, she’ll get promote and more than enough money to support herself and her sister.

Despite Cleo’s massive misunderstanding of the BDSM world, she starts a friendship with the owner of the club, Master Chains. Cleo’s eyes are opened to what these dynamics are really like, and learns of the true identity of Mister Chains. She decides to trust and lean into her curiosity and move the friendship further along. Right when things start to line up, Master Chains proves to be hiding quite a bit, and her job is demanding she re-open the investigation.

This is the first book of a series and ends on a cliffhanger.

This feels very similar to a popular series, but I’m not sure which came first.

It’s only one POV, Cleo’s, and that really makes everything feel surface level. You are stuck wondering how the other characters are feeling and thinking, and you don’t fully connect to them. I like her sister the best, and everybody else in the book is annoying with very little redeeming qualities. It takes Cleo a long time to open up to this world, and it started to become annoying how slow she was at deciding what to do and she never stops being judgmental.
Profile Image for Katie.
2,260 reviews15 followers
January 9, 2018
Chains of Life
By Shandi Boyes
5 stars
Although I have read many books by this author this is the first one that I have read from this series and I absolutely loved it (not that I expected not to!!) I know by now that whenever I pick up one of Shandi’s books I am in for a good read that will take over my life and Chains of Life was no exception! Every story that I read by her is different but always amazingly written. I am captivated by her writing form the very first word until the last. Her writing is truly phenomenal.
I fell in love with the characters in this book straight away. I loved Cleo, I loved her feisty attitude but I also loved how she was with her sister. That first chapter was very emotional and I just felt this bond with Cleo straight away. She made me laugh a few times with her defiance towards ‘Master Chains’ she definitely liked to push him into a reaction!! I loved Lexi (Cleo’s younger sister) as well; she had her comedic moments too!!
Master Chains was HOT! And I mean super-HOT!! I would happily have switched places with Cleo multiple times during that story!! Some of the scenes between them were particularly kindle melting!! I can’t wait to read more about him in the next book!!
If you have previously read any of the books in this series it is without doubt that you will love this – I loved it and haven’t read any of the previous ones!! As always I eagerly anticipate the next masterpiece to come from this extremely talented author!!
Profile Image for Angela Shirley.
935 reviews6 followers
January 15, 2018
Chains of Life - Perception #6 by Shandi Boyes is a great romance book with loads of chemistry and full of passion which you will not be able to turn the pages fast enough to read.

The story is told in Cleo's point of view and follows the decisions she makes throughout the story, she is a struggling journalist who is sent to write a undercover story ona new club in town but will she be able too? Cleo has had some rough times in her life but once she is issued the job will she be able to go through with the assignment especially when she meets the dominate male who intrigues her. Although she is nervous once leaving the club she becomes curious.

Her assignment is put on hold but she still wants to understand more about the world so she does research and uncovers a blog which she chats freely and discovers more involving the scene. Will she continue to research and become involved within the world or will her morals steer her away you will have to read the book.

This is not the first book I have read by Shandi and will certainly be the last, I enjoy the way her books flow through the story and is seamless with the stories progression through. The chemistry between the two main characters was scorching and was believable in the descriptions of some of the scenes within the story.

As always this was a page turner and was fast paced, I would recommend this book to my friends to read and look forward to reading more books in the future by this author.
Profile Image for Carrie.
710 reviews14 followers
January 23, 2018
Chains of Life by Shandi Boyes is such a fantastic 5 star romance. I was so hooked on this book and could not put it down.

Marcus is in a famous band and lives a double live as a dom. In the bdsm world he is known as Master Chains. Cleo is a struggling journalist whom is stuck writing obituaries after her first journalist gig went south.

These two characters meet when Cleo has to rush to the hospital due to a life altering accident involving her family. Marcus happened to be there when Cleo was breaking down and he helped her get through it and be strong for her sister Lexi. Little did they know that after that day, each of them searched for the other everywhere they looked. When Cleo is asked to go undercover at a bdsm club called Chains, she meets this man from all those years ago. At first neither realizes the other is who they are. Cleo is nervous and opposed to the lifestyle presented to her at the club, but talking with Master Chains every day for hours coaxes her to possibly give it a try, but when she comes across a secret that Marcus has been hiding, will she be able to stay with him?

This book had my heart racing and sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next with this couple. The ending left me wanting more and I can’t wait to read the second book to see where these two end up. I would definitely recommend this book to any romance lover, and anyone who likes the bdsm style.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
511 reviews23 followers
January 10, 2018
Chains of Life by Shandi Boyer is the sixth book in her Perception series, and while this book can be read as a stand-alone I would recommend that it be read in order of the series. The characters in this book were so well written that I had a hard time putting this book down. Chains focuses on a down on her luck journalist Cleo, who wants nothing more than to take care of her younger sister Lexi. Cleo is willing to do anything to make sure that Lexi is taken care of, but when she is hit one too many times things begin to look pretty bleak. In comes the dark horse savior, Master Chains, who has been watching Cleo and working to make her his. Opening Cleo up to a whole new world and bringing her into his fold isn’t always easy but Master is willing to do anything to make this woman his. This is not the first book of Boyer’s that I have read, but with each new book I get to see her in a different light as an author. I loved how she paced this book out and made sure that Master wasn’t too over the top. The relationship in this book was so well thought out that I just couldn’t stop reading, and the steamy sex was more than enough to keep me reading well passed my bedtime. If you are looking for a great new author to delve into this is definitely one that you need to get on the bandwagon with.
Profile Image for Martha.
209 reviews4 followers
January 20, 2018
A SCORCHING READ!!
Chains of Life (Perception Book 6) by Shandi Boyes, is the sixth book in her Perception series. This is can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the series.
Cleo has just received devastating news and now she will be the one to take care of her younger sister. Cleo and her sister are barely getting by when she is offered the chance of a lifetime making big bucks at her media job. Cleo wants a chance to climb back to the top and this could be the answers she needs to help with her ailing sister and her medical expenses.
Little does Cleo know that by accepting this new assignment she will be tossed in a world unknown to her. Cleo jumps in with both feet and in the beginning she is fearful of the man with the mask and wants to run from him but something is very familiar about him, then she realizes this is the same man she is to investigate. Will Cleo be able to go through with the investigation? She is so drawn to this man but it could cost her her job to get involved with him. She is now walking a tight wire. What will her decision be?
Shandi Boyes has written another superior read. This is for adults because of the situations. Her writing is so real I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read the next book!! Thank you for sharing your talent Shandi Boyes.
Profile Image for Cindy.
849 reviews13 followers
January 22, 2018
Chains
Book One of the Bound Series
By Shandi Boyes
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Full length romance novel.
This book is for 18 and older. Due to the adult theme and language.

Cleo is a struggling News Reporter. She is independent and is also caring for her ill sister. They lost their parents in an automobile accident along with their brother, four years ago. Cleo’s new assignment is to get the information on a dominant businessman. Get into his world and spread the dirt. But is this assign worth herself dignity? Reminder… Nothing is as it seems, life is far more complicated.

Master Chains is not as he seems. He is a gentlemen and is a successful dominant man. He has a close set of friends, who are like family to him. When he runs into a woman he helped four years ago, his life begins to change. He keeps his life private, as it is nobody's business but his own. But with everything, life has a way of taking us down the unexpected road.

Shandi Boyes has written her books like a life's journal. The Perception and Enigma Series, were just the beginning. I am so pleased she has brought to life another character from her series. I love that she keeps you guessing on what will happen next. She gets you involved in the first chapter and keeps you there throughout her entire book. This series is no different. I have loved all of her books and look forward to the next one in this series.
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,832 reviews44 followers
January 24, 2018
Chains of life was thrilling and hot 5 star read.

We start with quite an emotional scene and then jump ahead 4 years. Cleo is a reporter who is given quite the assignment that could possibly lead to an investigative reporter position. She has to go undercover to a club, how hard could that be?

I am not being subjected to torture just so you can get a fanicer office.

Cleo has done her research and is ready for Chains. And when she unknowingly meets the owner you can feel the attraction coming off the pages, especially when they were completing the paperwork. Do you enjoy making strangers squirm in their seats, Master Chains?

Can Cleo keep things professional during her investigation or will Master Chains (Marcus) rattle her cage and get to her? Will Cleo get the position she wants or desires?

This was a great read, I really liked Cleo, she was a very likable character that had me LOL at times. Marcus was intense and a heck of an alpha and when he set his sights on Cleo she was his no matter what. He definitely didn’t like anyone getting close to her. How will this end for them? Shandi does a great job of pulling you right in and turning pages quickly to see what's next. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Christy.
880 reviews10 followers
January 16, 2018
4 Stars!

This was such an intense book! Chains of Life by Shandi Boyes is the 6th book in her Perception series. It can be read as a standalone. I have not read her previous Perception books but this is not the first story by Shandi Boyes that I have read.

As always, I love Shandi’s characters and her writing. Her characters are so strong. Cleo is a very strong and independent woman who is struggling when she discovers a world she is not used to but can’t stop the attraction between Marcus. Marcus is a very confidant and dominating man. Their attraction is off the charts hot! So much chemistry.

Shandi’s writing is so vivid and descriptive. It’s like you are immersed into that world. It’s very easy to read.

This book was very informative and eye-opening because I felt like I was Cleo in this situation. Marcus made some good points but he never tried making an effort to be in Cleo’s shoes. Also as strong as Cleo was in her views and ideas, it felt like it went out the window when she was lusting for Marcus.

Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely. It sort of reminded me of Fifty Shades which I like. I can’t wait to read more because it left me hanging and I want to read what happens next!
3,092 reviews34 followers
January 23, 2018
Chains Of Life by Shandi Boyes is book six in her Perception series. This is the first book I have read by this author and without a doubt I will be going back to start this series from book one!

Cleo is a struggling journalist. She had gone from the top of her career to the bottom of the ladder. Add into the mix heartache and personal struggles and it is safe to say she is not in the best place in her life.
Cleo is then assigned to investigate the high profile Marcus. Right from the start she is intrigued and drawn to him. But with her career on the line she has to stay focused on what she set out to do.
But what if the chemistry between them is too hard to ignore? What if the chemistry between them is worth exploring? The question is, will Cleo take that chance or will she let him slip from her grasp?

This was a great book. I wish I had read the series in order however it does not have to be - it would just have been my preference to really immerse myself in the full story told by this author. I loved these characters and how well written they were. They fit together beautifully. The story hooked me from the start and made me want to read more about the characters. A series definitely worth exploring further.
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,832 reviews44 followers
January 24, 2018
Chains of life was thrilling and hot 5 star read.

We start with quite an emotional scene and then jump ahead 4 years. Cleo is a reporter who is given quite the assignment that could possibly lead to an investigative reporter position. She has to go undercover to a club, how hard could that be?

I am not being subjected to torture just so you can get a fancier office.

Cleo has done her research and is ready for Chains. And when she unknowingly meets the owner you can feel the attraction coming off the pages, especially when they were completing the paperwork. Do you enjoy making strangers squirm in their seats, Master Chains?

Can Cleo keep things professional during her investigation or will Master Chains (Marcus) rattle her cage and get to her? Will Cleo get the position she wants or desires?

This was a great read, I really liked Cleo, she was a very likable character that had me LOL at times. Marcus was intense and a heck of a Dom and when he set his sights on Cleo she was his no matter what. He definitely didn’t like anyone getting close to her. How will this end for them? Shandi does a great job of pulling you right in and turning pages quickly to see what's next. I look forward to reading more from this author.

1,093 reviews5 followers
January 9, 2018
Chains of Life written by Shandi Boyes
5+

“Devour. Worship. Possess.”

There are a handful of authors that you know ANY time you crack open a new book they wrote you will be lost in the story and left completely satisfied...except for being greedy for the next new release. Shandi is one of those authors I can’t get enough of her words. I was so excited to sit down with this book and dive in. As expected I was not disappointed.

“I’ve never wanted to break the rules as much as I do right now.”


This book has EVERYTHING you can want and more...control, secrets, jealousy, discovery, chemistry, self doubt, self growth and steamy steamy moments.

“..you’re letting your fears lead your desires, instead of dancing with them.”


When two different backgrounds that come together with a bit of deceit try to mold into a world that takes complete trust. Is it possible to cross to that or are you destined to stay in the mindset that you’ve known your whole life?

“I showed him a side of me no one has ever seen. I gave him pieces of me I’ll never get back, and this is how he repays me.”







Profile Image for Gail Guerrero.
731 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2018
Chains of Life by Shandi Boyes

Five Stars

Chains of Life by Shandi Boyes centers around Cleo a journalist down on her luck. Tragedy strikes and her world falls down around her. After failing in her career she is stuck in the dungeon with no way back to the top. With medical bills and life expense Cleo will do anything to make sure her sister is cared for. In comes Master Chains and shows her a world not many understand or want to. He opens her judgmental eyes to what his world truly is about. I love this story so far. The characters have depth and flaws. No one is perfect or pretends to be. Cleo knows who she is and doesn’t try to change herself. She uses her sister as an excuse not to move forward with her life. Master Chains gives her a taste of freedom but misunderstands get thrown their way. Every woman wants a man who knows control but has its limits. I like how the author made Master Chains willing to not compromise but negotiate with Cleo. It wasn’t all my way or the highway with him. Their relationship wasn’t simple or too fast. It almost just seem to fall right into place. I’m excited to see what will happen next. This is a cliffhanger I don’t mind.




161 reviews
January 16, 2018
Chains of Life (Perception Book 6) by Shandi Boyes is the sixth book in her Perception series. This book can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading all of the books in this series. I found that I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. This author's writing style is pretty good, she knows how to weave a lust filled story while also incorporating various other attention catching scenarios. This is Cleo's story. Cleo is a journalist that has been having a hard time finding a story that will captivate a large audience and help make her name known in her industry. Cleo is given one chance to change that. She has an unexpected meeting in an elevator with an unknown sexy, charismatic, dominant , business man. Cleo later finds out the man from the elevator is the subject of her newest investigation piece. I really loved how well Cleo and the focus of her piece connected and how well the dominant side was expressed and discussed. I can’t recommend this story enough! I give it 5 stars because I honestly wanted more even after it was over. I look forward to reading more by Shandi.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,654 reviews3 followers
January 23, 2018
The sixth book in the Perception series, by Shandi Boyes is Chains of Life. This is a contemporary romance in an outstanding series that continues to defy all expectations. Chains of Life was an addictive read down to the depth of my soul, I could not deny its allure and fascination! This author has a definitive writing style that works for this series and Shandi Boyes builds upon it with each additional story. I do recommend reading these in the order they are written in the series as it will add more layers for the evolving stories to build upon with each new story. The author's character development, plots and interactions are one of the best that I have had the pleasure of reading.

Chains of Life has its own amazing cast of characters along with well written scenes. Cleo is a strong and independent woman with strong values. However, this story will potentially put a tilt on everything. One heck of a ride that is full of emotional charges, electrical currents and much, much more! The only let down was the cliffhanger, but I am anxiously awaiting the next book because this was one story I was not ready to have end!!
Profile Image for Maura.
2,179 reviews6 followers
January 23, 2018
This is not the first book I've read by this author, but I did not read the series that this is a spin off from. Having said that, I don't feel like I missed anything by not reading the back story of the band.

Cleo is a reporter who was once a rising star in her industry. She had it all going for her and then she (and others) made a mistake and it changed her career path.

Master Chains is not exactly who he appears to be. He has another side to him that Cleo doesn't know about - yet she's ready to explore the side of him that she does know.

This story takes place over a couple of months with the H and h getting to know each other. There is an air of mystery surrounding him and it taps into her unexplored curiosity.

A couple of things about her bothered me. She was a conflict of statements and actions ( willing to do anything to help her sister but stays working at same company when she could do so much more). There are also a few characters who I'm not sure why they are in the story but I'm sure it will all flesh out as the series continues.

The writing is strong and detailed and I look forward to the next chapter in this series.
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