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The Lighthouses of Devmaer #2

Bound to the Commander

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He rules an entire nation but can he command her?

When rumors of twenty-three-year-old orphan Pepper Thornback's incredible healing abilities reach the ruling Tribunal, Commander Quinn Garrick sets out to bring her to the capital. Pepper is given no choice in the matter, and when she attempts an escape during the journey she is taken in hand and disciplined.
More humiliating still, upon reaching their destination Quinn informs Pepper that she will be his ward for the duration of her stay and he will not hesitate to deal firmly with any disobedience.
Despite her indignation at being treated in such a shameful manner, Quinn's stern dominance arouses Pepper deeply, and when he takes her in his arms and claims her properly she is left utterly spent and satisfied. But Pepper makes a shocking discovery concerning the fate of her parents. Will the revelation strengthen her bond with Quinn or tear them apart forever?

Disclaimer: Bound to the Commander includes sexual scenes and power exchanges. These are fantasies appropriate for an adult audience and for entertainment purposes only. If such spicy material offends you, please don't buy this book. This standalone novel is book 2 in the Lighthouses of Devmaer series. It has a satisfying ending and can be read on its own or as part of the series.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2021

85 people are currently reading
109 people want to read

About the author

Libby Campbell

35 books281 followers
Sign up here for Libby Campbell’s newsletter for news of free books: http://libbycampbell.com/subscribe-to...

Strong men and feisty women populate the books of Libby Campbell, USA Today bestselling author. Her fast-paced stories are full of challenges and setbacks. Each couple finds their joyful HEA only after major differences have been resolved with classic dom/sub discipline.

Some of these books span one hundred years or more, through the magic of time travel. Others take you on a fantasy ride to a faraway galaxy or into the life of a stern billionaire. Many of the romances are contemporary. Her Without Mercy series steps back in time to the roaring 20’s, 1920’s that is.

Libby loves to hear from her readers. You can email her at: libbycampbell@shaw.ca.

Stalk her everywhere: https://linktr.ee/LibbyC26

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5 stars
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24 (27%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for JD (on semi-hiatus).
984 reviews216 followers
February 25, 2022
Another entry in these narratives' usual inability to distinguish between dominance and domineering. Another hypocritical and dictatorial H who barks orders instead of simply explaining things to his h, separates her from her only family, keeps important information from her, and punishes her whenever she expresses any reasonable human emotion other than sexual pleasure (because, you see, women who are kidnapped, switched, and told they are now more or less your property are supposed to just accept all this with no reaction, didn't you know?). And another h who only by the magic of fiction and not any believable human response falls madly in love with a man who thinks it's "hot" to never say "please."

The worst by-product of Fifty Shades of Grey is that books like this are now considered BDSM.

On the plus side, Quinn -- unlike the "hero" in Bound To The Admiral -- doesn't emotionally or physically abuse his h to the point where he banishes her to a deserted island when she displeases him, knowing that she's afraid of water and leaving her in danger when a storm approaches. So baby steps...

Authors and Publishers: Put "non-c0nsent" in your blurbs. I promise that you can do it; I've seen it on Amazon. It's really not that hard.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews140 followers
May 5, 2020
1984 All Over Again
One Giant Lie!
Alpha Alien Male🐺🍆⛲👋 Sci-fi Romance💕 with BDSM Elements👋👋 and Big Brother Elements.
4117ce. A ship launched from Earth 300 years earlier barely made it to a new, habitable planet.

Fortunately, the two species of humanoid inhabitants assimilate the humans quickly. Unfortunately, they have a rigid, uncompromising Big Brother type of government, with a dominating ruling elite.
All the citizens of Elsinania are equal, but some are more equal than others....

Then, The Waking Illness, a debilitating disease strikes, which causes its sufferers to become incoherent, with hallucinations. They are sent away to rehab, but they never come back.

Sister Pepper💃, a Kendrant/ Human citizen of the small town of Rosemoor, is able to help the sufferers of the disease with a type of hypnosis aroma therapy and massage, because her sister has become ill.

When Pepper💃 is able to help the elite Minister of Citizen's Services, she triggers the interest of the Devmaereans, the huge, blue skinned dominant race on the planet.

Tribunal Commander of Elsinania, Quinn Garrick🐺🍆⛲👋, shows up at her sister's tiny house while Pepper💃 is trying to look in the window because her sister isn't answering her door.

Soon she is on her way to the capital of the country, recruited by Quinn🐺🍆⛲👋 to attend to the members of the Tribunal! She cannot say no.
**********Insert Spanking Scene Here*********

Pepper💃💋 is transfixed💕 by Quinn🐺🍆⛲👋, but She cannot allow herself to let him know. She was also secretly raised contrary to the rules, so She defies him at every turn, earning lots of spankings👋👋 and switchings.
********Insert Spanking Scene Here******

Quinn🐺🍆⛲👋 is a Dominating Super Spankenstein👋👋👋!
********Insert Spanking Scene Here***********

ARC Provided by Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.

This is a pretty scary story because of the big brother is always watching aspect and all the creepy, backward rules that women, especially must follow. Hair always covered, long drab, shapeless dresses must be worn, doesn't sound very modern or space age, does it.
**********Insert 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Here***********
180 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2020
Started Strong but Lost Steam

Not my favorite story. The premise reminded me a bit of The Handmaid's Tale (special uniforms for men and women, rigid social structures, general suppression of creativity). The chemistry between the Commander and the woman was interesting, but eventually I got turned off by the "you need spanking as a release" trope (you know, she feels all light and renewed after a good spank and cry). It slipped into beating territory for me. And once they do start to have intimate relations, I felt the "steam factor" dropped off precipitously because I felt the descriptions were pretty basic. There's some kind of plot being attempted, but I lost interest in the parents' arc and skimmed to the end.
Profile Image for Donna Louise.
797 reviews12 followers
April 30, 2020
Donna L
5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Magic
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2020
This book kept me completely riveted.I had to know what was happening
and why.It takes you to a futuristic world filled with magic,secrets,danger
and interesting characters.You won't believe the twist and turns and the
many layers of complexity to this story.

Pepper Thornback lived a simple life following the rules of the handbook
set out for all citizens to follow.Pepper has a special gift, which comes to
the attention of Commander Quinn Garrick.Quinn sets out to bring Pepper
back to Rosewyld to see if she can help out the people in the capital.From
the start,Quinn makes his dominant personality known by taking Pepper
over his knees for disobeying him.

Pepper was a rare jewel and Quinn quickly falls for her beauty.She will be
his ward while working with her magic hands.Pepper realises that Rosewyld
was very different and that she had been fed lies.The one thing she can't
ignore is the attraction between Quinn and herself.She would submit to his
command.It was a war of the wills.Life for Pepper was so different and she
found it hard to adapt.The adventure she longed for was in reality much
less appealing.

I loved the intense and complex relationship between Pepper and Quinn.
She was fiesty but Quinn was always at hand to set her in on right path.
The plot was unique and written in a manner that takes your breath away.
I loved how stern Quinn was but then he slowly softened up while still
remaining dominant.The inclusion of the secondary characters all added
depth to the storyline.This book checks all the boxes in a good romance.
A strong woman.A dominant man.An interesting storyline full of turmoil
and emotions.At the core of it,it is a real love story.
240 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2020
From the first page I was drawn into Pepper’s life. Hers is a simple existence ruled by hard work and adherence to a handbook of strict rules for behavior. Pepper has been quietly following the rules in public while trying to help her sister with the symptoms of the disease rapidly spreading on her planet, in private. When her abilities are discovered, she is visited by two different persons in authority. The first scares her and the second, Quinn, quite simply changes her life. Determined to see if Pepper is able to help with the epidemic, he insists she accompanies him to the capital. There Pepper sees a world far different than the one she has known. It’s a world filled with freedoms, choices, mystery, danger, and heart-stopping romance. Pepper yearns to free her sexuality which she has kept tightly coiled inside her old, restrictive life. When she meets the dominant and handsome Quinn, she can’t help but succumb to her desires. When Pepper discovers lies about her parents’ whereabouts, she wonders if Quinn has been lying to her. Not willing to take a chance, she sets out to solve the mystery herself. The reader is treated to both a complex and page turning plot as well as a hot and spicy romance. Quinn has a lot to teach Pepper about the world, relationships, trust and love. Most of those lessons will be pleasant, but some will be taught over his knee. I truly enjoyed the way the author continued the over lying plot of the series while ensuring this book can easily be read as a standalone. I also loved the visit from several characters from Book 1. This is a terrific new entry in the Lighthouses of Devmaer series and I highly recommend this passionate and exciting book.
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews39 followers
April 24, 2020
This is a fascinating, futuristic romance with a slightly dark undertone & it can be read as a standalone. The well-paced plot is interesting with some unexpected situations/events. The main characters are quite well-developed & have good chemistry between them but are inclined to be slightly confrontational with each of them having their own goals & expectations.
There is: a young woman (Pepper) with healing abilities draws the attentions of the Commander (Quinn Garrick) & promptly takes her to the Capital (Rosewyld) to appear before the ruling Tribunal & she is definitely not too impressed with this idea or him especially when she discovers the truth about her parents disappearance, a conniving woman (Daedra), twists & turns, drama, action, adventure, intrigue, suspense, sickness, secrets, mystery, threats, danger, deceit, betrayal, enemies, shock, defiance, ultimatums, trust issues, disobedience, resentment, discipline, spankings, domination/submission, vulnerability, unhappiness, rumors, devious plans, escape, compromises, contentment, love, steamy scenes & a satisfying conclusion.
Profile Image for Marybeth.
2,251 reviews20 followers
April 26, 2020
Pepper is able to bring relief from the Waking Illness, an illness that is slowly moving around the world. A minister of the government, Daedra, comes to her for healing, the minister decides to arrest her to bring her to the city to take advantage of her talent. Quinn Garrick is the commander of their country and he comes to save her. But, he doesn't like the way she behaves and he spanks her. Quinn and Pepper start a dance with each other leading to a match. Pepper is the typical country person who comes to the city and experiences culture shock. But she realizes that there is something wrong going on and works to find out what. There is a HEA. I enjoyed this story. The discipline isn't as strict as the first book, but I enjoyed the interplay between Quinn and Pepper. I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,468 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2020
The characters and descriptions of Devmaer jump off the page. I feel bad for the ordinary people, their lives are very restricted. The characters are real and very rounded their feelings and emotions true. Pepper is strong resourceful and sweet. Quinn is responsible and thought that had his life sorted till he met Pepper. There are plenty of elements apart from hot spicy sexy scenes and disciplinary spankings to hold the readers interest. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I very highly recommend it. It's well written and very interesting. It reads so quickly that I did not realise it was nearly three hundred pages long. I hope that there is lots more in this series.
Profile Image for Anna.
790 reviews
April 25, 2020
Every great romance starts with an abduction, right? Well, it feels like abduction to Pepper, anyway. And this is one great story. Pepper is independent and a free thinker in a society that values obedience. But she is inextricably drawn to the world’s leader, Commander Quinn. I loved Pepper and Quinn’s connection- the push and pull between them. Also, the story line is so unique. I knew there were nefarious things going but did not see all the twist and turns coming. I also loved the other characters. Book one’s Kai and Princess Gael made an appearance and I realized that somehow I missed reading that book. After I finish this review, I am definitely rectifying that! Five stars for this can’t-put-it-down-til-it’s-done read!
Profile Image for Belinda .
1,255 reviews6 followers
April 24, 2020
Pepper is a healer living in a small city with extreme rules. Quinn is the Commander who seeks her out to help his people with a new sickness that is plaguing them. Quinn leaves her only remaining relative and goes where she is told and thus starts her adventures. A rebel by nature, she clashes with Commander Quinn while also being attracted to him. This is a story about lies, betrayals, lust, and love. A good read full of mystery, action & a lot of spanking!
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,118 reviews48 followers
April 24, 2020
Quinn learns of Pepper’s healing abilities and he goes to get her from her village and return her to the capital. When she tries to escape Quinn is happy to take her over his knee and punish her. When the reach the Capital, she is to be Quinn’s ward. What will happen when sparks begin to fly between them? When Pepper learns the truth of her parents will it ruin the relationship that is growing between them? Fast-paced steamy read with great world building and steamy chemistry. I really liked it.
1,506 reviews10 followers
April 27, 2020
I adored Quinn and Pepper’s story. The world building is phenomenal and the romance was just perfect. I enjoyed getting to know more about this world and visiting with characters from the previous story. The twists and turns were surprising and really raised the premise to another level. You just want to keep reading to find out what happens next. Great writing and storytelling. Hoping there is another book coming in this series.
4,590 reviews9 followers
May 4, 2020
This well written story has many twists and turns and her healing ability has made her a target and he needs to punish her for trying to escape when he brings her to the capitol. The characters are strong-willed, but he owns the land that should have been hers. So many tragedies, but they start to forma bond. HEA's are worked for. Good Read, but it does have spanking

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,413 reviews9 followers
May 2, 2020
When Commander Quinn Garrick goes looking for massage therapist/healer Pepper, what he finds is so much more that he expected. There is a disease going around the land and she can help. He needs her help and before long, he needs her. The very controlled world they live in is in conflict. Can they find love in the midst? Can she love a man who spanks her bottom? A good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sandyinlargo.
931 reviews6 followers
May 3, 2020
This was a series I hadn't heard of before, but was definitely an interesting one. I liked the fact that the couple from the first book showed up, but not having read that one didn't inhibit my enjoyment of this one. That can get to be irritating! I'll be back for more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,394 reviews6 followers
April 23, 2020
LOVED this book. The heat between the two main characters is evident from the start. The fact that the Commander is a firm believer in discipline and Pepper is not, is quickly dispelled by her reaction to her first spanking. However, the pain and the cathartic release she gets, does not stop her from continuing her behaviour.
522 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2020
This was my first book in the Lighthouse series and I was not sure what to expect. What I found was a well-written story with a unique storyline that I couldn't have predicted. Quinn and Pepper fall in love after an unplanned meeting. The story around them shows the differences between where you are born and the perspectives you have. This book can be read as a standalone and had a HEA.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,394 reviews13 followers
May 2, 2020
Can rebellion happen while following the rules? for Pepper, the ability to heal is one she uses to the best of her talents. Will the Commander ask more of her than she can handle? will his methods be revealed when she discovers a secret that may break apart society?
5,450 reviews32 followers
May 2, 2020
The story line was great and the book had a smooth flow to it. The character work was great. I was hooked from beginning to end. I look forward to more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for E. Leta Davis.
923 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2020
A very enjoyable read

Pepper is a healer and her skills have brought her go to the attention of two of the leaders of Elsinania.Quinn is one of those leaders and he arrives at Pepper's small farming village to bring her to the capital to help with a disease that has been affecting their world. They have an immediate attraction to each other but have to work to find the trust needed for a relationship. Ms. Campbell created a story with strong characters, good world building, and a very enjoyable story line. A fine read.
Profile Image for Tracy Fritts.
1,468 reviews36 followers
April 29, 2021
Good read!!

I truly enjoyed reading about the characters. Its a page turner and well written. Its easy to read. I enjoyed the storyline.
Profile Image for Elizabeth McDaniel.
2,383 reviews
June 6, 2020
I enjoyed reading this interesting story about Pepper and Quinn as they navigated their precarious relationship. There was a terrible sickness sweeping the land. Pepper was a healer from a small community with “magic hands” most people said that helped with the symptoms of the disease. Quinn was the high commander and he came for her. It took one look and he knew he had to have her, but she was a bit willful and he knew she would need lots of spankings for corrections. Her introduction to the capital as healer and their courtship was full of intrigue, danger and doubts. Good read with a great new society. I can’t wait to read more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Just a Little Reading & Reviewing.
372 reviews126 followers
May 6, 2020
This story was definitely not what I was expecting when I started reading but I was instantly entertained by the world building, the diverse characters and of course the rocky romance between outspoken Pepper and Commander Quinn.

The futuristic/fantasy vibes paired with the old fashion discipline and power exchange between the MCs made for a very memorable read.

Pepper is a small town girl who catches the eye of big city Commander Quinn and the dramatic changes in lifestyle throws her for a loop. While adjusting to the new norm, far from her family and friends, Pepper starts to fall for the stern but caring Commander. But Quinn, so used to holding all the cards close to his chest, unknowingly sows doubt in Pepper when she's given some vital information that hints at her mother and father still being alive and in fact, incarcerated.

Throw in a bit of danger and a full blown mystery that involves sabotage, blackmail and a shady coupe and this story kept engaging my interest.

I would definitely recommend if you enjoy fantasy books with a heavy dose of spice :)

Heat Level: 4/5  

 I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  
3 reviews
May 16, 2020
Engaging story, unexpected developments and new perspectives on people we met in #1. Looking forward to next in series. The author delivers what's promised. I reviewed a free copy of this book provided by the author
Profile Image for Goddess of Chaos.
2,810 reviews12 followers
October 27, 2022
... "No Secrets"...

I fell in love with this world, and these characters, early in the story. The nature of the Handbook the citizens live by leads them to feel confined and dominated by their leaders, yet it isn’t until Pepper’s life falls into the Commander’s hands that she begins to truly appreciate what a dominant, dictating personality can be like.

One of the things I particularly enjoyed is how things feel in the moment, the gut reactions, vs. taking time to think, or responding based on information, and how Peppers understanding of her world, and People, evolves.

As for one partner in a relationship declaring “No secrets”? Trust can be hard won, and it is surprisingly fragile. Add in the miscommunications that so often happen in life, and the double standards in this story, be they real, or imagined, became quite interesting.

This is a solid stand alone, done in one story, though it does reference some things that are also referenced in Kai and Gael’s story, and those characters have some really nice scenes here.

The book reaches a very satisfying conclusion even as it suggests where we can hope to encounter these characters next, and thus implies we can hope for another book in this wonderful series.
1,005 reviews5 followers
July 4, 2020
Loved it...

Don't you just love it when you find a new author....that's what happened to me...starting with Bound to the Admiral and then this one Bound to the Commander...I loved all the characters from both books, plus having them link together between them was the icing on the cake....don't take my word for it...try them both now...you will enjoy their journeys.
Profile Image for F. Freewel.
198 reviews37 followers
April 29, 2020
It was... ugh, I can’t even explain. Lots of little annoying things accumulated in such a way that the book became very hard to enjoy.

P.S.: who’s that guy on the cover? Isn’t Quinn supposed to be blue?? Did I imagine the description in the book???
Profile Image for Kathy Zuercher Diveley.
1,562 reviews11 followers
November 2, 2021
Quinn and Pepper

Alien romance with domination. In a controlled society, Pepper is told how to dress and act. She is a healer, and helps alleviate symptoms of the current illness plaguing the aliens.
Profile Image for Nessa.
3,844 reviews69 followers
Read
May 19, 2020
DNF.

UGH SPANKING STORIES ARE ALWAYS SO CHEESY AND THE SAME...AND NOT TO MENTION REPETITIVE. The blurbs always sound so good but in the end it's just short of being smut.
848 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2020
I loved it

This book brought out all the emotions and then lust. What a great story and very well written. I cannot wait to read the next book by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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