Bound: The Mastered Series

( 96 )

Overview

FIRST IN A NEW SERIES

In the new Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a woman’s desire to shatter her inhibitions leaves her unprepared for where that erotic journey will take her….

Former small-town girl Amery Hardwick is living her dream as a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado. She’s focused on building her business, which leaves little time for dating—not that she needs a romantic entanglement to fulfill her....

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Bound: The Mastered Series

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More About This Book

Overview

FIRST IN A NEW SERIES

In the new Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a woman’s desire to shatter her inhibitions leaves her unprepared for where that erotic journey will take her….

Former small-town girl Amery Hardwick is living her dream as a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado. She’s focused on building her business, which leaves little time for dating—not that she needs a romantic entanglement to fulfill her. When her friend signs up for a self-defense class as part of her recovery after an attack, Amery joins her for support. That’s where she meets him.

Ronin Black, owner of the dojo, is so drawn to Amery that he takes over her training—in public and in private. The enigmatic Ronin pushes Amery’s boundaries from the start, and with each new tryst, Amery becomes addicted to the pleasure and to him. But when Amery senses Ronin is hiding something, she questions her total trust in him, despite the undeniable thrill of his possession….

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Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly
12/09/2013
When graphic designer Amery Hardwick escorts a friend into the Black Arts dojo in a questionable part of downtown Denver, she catches the attention of sensei Ronin Black. He’s surprised by her ability to defy him and decides to personally instruct her in self-defense, first in class and later in much more intimate venues. James launches her new “romantica” series in an urban setting and puts Japanese erotic rope bondage at center stage. As Amery gets literally tied into knots, she must also untangle how she feels about Ronin’s craft and his cloaked past, which she slowly uncovers, one secret at a time. James masterfully builds the sexual tension between Amery and Ronin, delaying their intimacy until they’ve built a bond. Readers who like romance in their erotica will be frustrated by the cliffhanger conclusion, which suggests that happy-ever-after won’t arrive until the end of book three. Agent: Scott Miller, Trident Media Group. (Feb.)
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780451467300
  • Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
  • Publication date: 2/4/2014
  • Series: Mastered Series , #1
  • Pages: 400
  • Sales rank: 61687
  • Product dimensions: 5.50 (w) x 8.10 (h) x 1.10 (d)

Meet the Author

Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary erotic romances, including the Blacktop Cowboy novels: Turn and Burn, One Night Rodeo, Wrangled and Tangled, Saddled and Spurred, and Coralled. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota with her family.

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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 96 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(60)

4 Star

(22)

3 Star

(10)

2 Star

(1)

1 Star

(3)
See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 96 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Feb 06 00:00:00 EST 2014

    I love Lorelei James!  She's always an automatic buy for me!  Sh

    I love Lorelei James!  She's always an automatic buy for me!  She didn't disappoint with this book either!  I love her characters. Amery is like one of my girlfriends, who just happens to have such a HAWT bf.  Btw, his name is Ronin Black, who is soooo alpha, I get goosebumps just thinking of him. Yes, I have lost sleep reading this bk.  Yes, I've thought of the characters during my work day.  And, yes I have rushed home just to continue reading.  I love the characters and storyline.  Totally will await the next installment!  

    13 out of 13 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Feb 06 00:00:00 EST 2014

    A Must Read!!

    I absolutely loved this book! I read it in one day as I could not put it down. The charactors are intense and the story is unique. The sex and chemistry between Ronin and Amery...OMG! I can't wait for the conclusion of Unbound in March.

    7 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Thu Feb 06 00:00:00 EST 2014

    4 1/2 earth moving stars! I don't think that it's possible for L

    4 1/2 earth moving stars!
    I don't think that it's possible for Lorelei to write a book that I wouldn't absolutely love. Strong characters with lots of layers and depth. Ronin and Amery literally scorch the pages of this book. Their chemistry is beyond hot. He is, or course, a typical closed off man. Unfortunately, he's keeping a lot more secrets than most - and not willing to share. They meet at his dojo when she is a last minute addition to a self defense class she was tagging along with for support of her friend. Their connection is instant and only heats up further as the book progresses. In addidion to the fabulous sex, the bondage scenes practically transport the reader to the same happy space Amery is in and makes you crave the ability to let go and find your own release. When the bondage using ropes first appears, Amery says quite a few hurtful things to Ronin due to shock and fear. They actually discuss this as mature adults after each have calmed down. It's not glossed over as if the reader won't realize. There is an impromtu rooftop dinner party, a run-in with her ex at an exclusive event, an attempted robbery, a woman who bares her heart and soul and a possesive man afraid to let anyone in. After Amery's last minute business meeting, things do come to blows and there is quite a bit of tension. I'll have to wait until next month to find out what happens. This does end on a cliff, but not one so drastic that you want to throw the book across the room. I actually read that part 3 times and am very proud of Amery for holding herself together and getting it all out there. One of the reasons I love Lorelei's books so much is that she writes a story as if you are actually seeing it unfold in front of your eyes - like a movie. I can't wait for more!

    5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Sat Feb 08 00:00:00 EST 2014

    Wow! Great start to the Mastered Series!  I wasn't sure what to

    Wow! Great start to the Mastered Series!  I wasn't sure what to expect from Lorelei James latest novel, BOUND. Even though its set in Colorado, there are no cowboys in this one!  There is, however, one very sexy, mysterious and secretive martial arts and Shibari master, Ronin Black.  I was instantly intrigued by Master Black and so was our heroine, graphic artist Amery Hardwick.  They meet when Amery  goes along to a self defense class to support a friend.  And sparks immediately fly! Something about the dominant and demanding Sensei Black compels Amery to act out of character, to be quite bold.  Raised in a strict  fundamentalist Christian family, Amery struggles to claim her sexuality and to be the bold, independent, strong woman she wants to be.  Sensei Black encourages  and accompanies her on her journey. 
    The two begin a relationship that is, at times, a challenge for Amery. Ronin's lifestyle is very different from anything Amery has known in the past.  She struggles to accept certain parts of Ronin, while also growing frustrated that he holds back certain parts of himself. Their differences do cause some conflicts, which I felt were very authentic and realistic.   One of my favorite things about Amery, and there are quite a few--I loved this character!--is that she doesn't just go along with Ronin.  When confronted with certain things that are a little shocking and foreign to her, she has questions and concerns.  She needs time to think things over. 
    I loved this book!  I'm going to be completely honest here--I'm not a fan of bondage.  Although I've read a number of bondage-themed books, none of them have ever made it interesting or appealing to me.  Ms. James history and descriptions of the art of  shibari and kinbaku were so vivid, that I could picture it in my head.  I still don't want anyone to tie me up, but I have a whole new appreciation for this artform.
    BOUND is just the first part of Ronin and Amery's story. Their story concludes in UNWOUND (March 25, 2014).  This book is a complete story.  It's just not the entire story.  It never felt contrived or padded.  I loved every word of it!!  Was I sorry it ended?  Hell yes!  I'm always sorry when a good book ends...but I cannot wait to read the rest of Ronin and Amery's story in UNWOUND!!

    4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sat Feb 08 00:00:00 EST 2014

    Amazing read

    This was another fantastic read by Lorelei James. It has a great strong story line and depth in the characters! I cant wait for the next one in the series!

    4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Tue Feb 04 00:00:00 EST 2014

    OMG! I absolutely loved Bound! Amery and Ronin had me hooked in

    OMG! I absolutely loved Bound! Amery and Ronin had me hooked in chapter one and I had a very difficult time putting the book down. Master Ronin can tie me up any time!! Miss Lorelei, I am so happy you took this book in a different direction than others similar to it. I will never look at someone in Gi pants the same way ever again!!

    4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Feb 28 00:00:00 EST 2014

    Disappointed.

    Did you this is a two book story? Ive read all of Lorelei's books. Absolutely love her stories. This one? Not so much. Of course it had an abundance of passion. But this book didnt feel like a Lorelei book. This read like every other commercialized erotic book out there; with the trend of having to read more than one book to finish it. Didnt feel as pure as all of her other books. Im so disappointed. I can no longer buy her books just bc i see her name.

    3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Fri Feb 07 00:00:00 EST 2014

    Bound took me by surprise. I figured it was going to be your t

    Bound took me by surprise.

    I figured it was going to be your typical BDSM book. I approached it with some measure of trepidation, because many BDSM books don't appeal to me. It's the submissive part of the relationship I always have the biggest problem with. But, I wanted to try Bound because it's by Lorelei James, and from what I've read by her, she masters super strong characters.

    Surprise number one - Bound is NOT a BDSM book. Surprise number two - there isn't a single cowboy in this book.

    Bound is about art and secrets and how the past has the power to strengthen or destroy you.

    Amery is the owner of a freelance graphic design business who is trying to remake herself in Denver. After enrolling in a self-defense class, she meets Ronin Black, eighth-degree black belt and super sexy owner of the dojo where her class is held. Ronin makes Amery feel things she never thought possible. He makes her want to bare her life, her soul and her body for him, and yet, she doesn't get the same openness in return. It's clear Ronin cares deeply for her, yet he keeps a lot of secrets.

    Ronin spent a lot of time in Japan, and while there learned the Japanese art of Kinbaku and Shibari, both of which use ropes and scarves to bind a person, sometimes for sexual pleasure. It's treated as a form of art - a thing of beauty. In this way, it's very different from what we westerners think of as "bondage." It's not whips and chains and handcuffs. It's colorful scarves and soft touches and something to be admired. How amazingly fascinating and refreshing!

    Ronin is a master at these arts and for awhile, Amery is his canvas. They both grow and learn so much about themselves during the course of their relationship. Despite the fact that Ronin kept that part of him a secret from Amery for awhile, in the spirit of continually trying to broaden her horizons and break out of the stifling mold in which her parents put her, she opens herself up to this new and exciting thing with him.

    I loved reading about the binding. I even Googled a few of them so I could see what they looked like. It was such a new and interesting approach to the same old BDSM genre. And even cooler is that it came from Lorelei James. I've only known her for her sexy cowboy series. What a wonderful surprise!

    The chemistry between Amery and Ronin was awesome. I loved how they cared for each other and seemed to want to meet each others' needs, no matter what they were. It was sweet and sexy and I was rooting for them the entire time.

    But, Ronin - GAH. His inability to open up and share... well, anything of substance, really... was infuriating. And, Amery's constant acceptance of that equally frustrated me. I could see a mile away that there was going to come a point when everything was going to come to a head and create a colossal mess. And, when that happened, I was very torn. I was cheering Amery on for finally growing a backbone, and yet, my heart was breaking for both of them.

    Despite my frustration with him, Lorelei James' development of Ronin Black made it impossible to not love him. I love that he's not your typical young stud (he's 38). Well, young - no (at least, not comparatively speaking). Stud? Absolutely. Ronin Black may not swagger, wear chaps or don a 10-gallon hat, but that's okay. Because hot is hot. And, Ronin Black is H-O-T. He's enigmatic and intense and strong. He's all things that embody sexy.

    Bound is told from Amery's POV, except for the last chapter, which is all Ronin. There is a bit of a cliffhanger ending, but it fit well with the story and the events that unfolded in the last few chapters. Thank goodness we don't have to wait long for the follow-up to their story!

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Mon Feb 10 00:00:00 EST 2014

    Wait for the conclusion

    I loved this book. I felt like an author of her stature did not need to do something as gimmicky as a two parter. Book was 300 pages, how much longer can a second book be..y

    !


    2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sat Feb 08 00:00:00 EST 2014

    A definite MUST to read!

    Lorelei does it again!!! She takes us in a new direction, keeps your heart (and lady parts) pumping, and gives an adrenaline rush right up to the end!!!! Ronin is sexy, intense, frustrating, and melt-your-panties yummy! Amery may have issues, but she can definitely stand on her own, and she definitely makes Ronin reconsider himself. BOUND is so difficult to put down, yet you want to savor it slowly. And this will definitely be a re-read in anticipation of UNWOUND in March!

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sat Feb 08 00:00:00 EST 2014

    I did not think this was one of Lorelei's best books. The charac

    I did not think this was one of Lorelei's best books. The characters, especially Amery, were a little unbelievable to me. She is a lot smarter than she acts with Ronin. He is secretive but she never asks questions. Several times he mentions "family pressures" but she never asks questions. Her friends tell her things they've heard, but she never asks questions. She should not be so surprised to find out that he's been hiding things from her. I will read the next book, because I've read everything else she has written, but I hope it's better than this one.

    2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Sat Feb 08 00:00:00 EST 2014

    I have read several of Lorelei James¿ western novels and I alway

    I have read several of Lorelei James’ western novels and I always enjoy them. This is the first book I have read by her set in a totally urban environment and it is obvious her talent is not restricted to a particular genre. In fact, I think this is the best book of hers I have read.

    Amery comes from an ultra religious background and her father was both physically and emotionally abusive when he did not feel she met his standards. She escaped to college as soon as she was able, but her upbringing still inhibits her sexually.

    Ronin is a martial arts expert and sparks fly between them as soon as they meet. He is very secretive and obsessed with control in all areas of his life . . . particularly his sex life. He is a master of the art of rope bondage which reflects his Japanese heritage.

    Fortunately, Amery is excited about being bound and enjoys her sexual relationship with Ronin. Unfortunately, her background causes her to be ashamed of her feelings. She believes there is something wrong with her because she enjoys the bondage.

    All of this could be overcome if Ronin would just open up to her. He keeps so many secrets, Amery cannot believe he really cares about her.

    Let me repeat, I loved this book. I had heard of rope bondage, but I did not know that much about it. Now, I can visualize the beauty of it and understand how it might be a part of Dom/Sub relationship. Mostly though, I see it as a form of living art.

    The sequel, Unwound, is due out on March 25th and I cannot wait. The ending of Bound definitely left me on edge and I want to know how Amery and Ronin work out their problems. I know it will be another page turner to read.

    Overall: 4.5 (Definitely a re-read, but I did not like the cliffhanger ending.)
    Sensuality level: 4.5 (Except for the rope bondage, the sexual relationship was fairly vanilla.)

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Mon Feb 03 00:00:00 EST 2014

    more from this reviewer

    Lorelei is one of my favorite authors and this book did not let

    Lorelei is one of my favorite authors and this book did not let me down.  I absolutely loved it.  Ms. James has another hit series on her hands.  I had to laugh when Amery first meets Ronin and throws her pants at him.  From that point on it was a roller coaster of emotions.  The sex in this book is amazing as is the chemistry between Ronin and Amery. There were times in the book that I seriously wanted to reach in and smack Ronin on the head.  When Ronin told Amery that the scar on her arm looked like the Japanese symbol for his name, I honestly thought to myself, see your meant to be together you hard headed fool! I will admit when this book ended I yelled.  I cannot wait for the next book in the Mastered Series.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sat Aug 09 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Compelling

    I resisted buying this book because bondage and martial arts hold no interest for me and I hate books that are dividedinto parts......but its Lorelei James so I broke down and bought it anyway. Is it kinky? Not really that kinky. Is it good? Yes, emotional depths are plumbed and the struggles to find ones place in theworld revealed. You will love reading it...but then you have tobuy anotherbook! Ah well.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Fri Jul 25 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    more from this reviewer

    4.5 stars It is a very, very hot erotica romance. I will start

    4.5 stars It is a very, very hot erotica romance.

    I will start off this review with WOW. I really love reading authors for the first time and being blown out of the water with the story line and writing. One of the great things about reading is learning new things and I learned about the art of shibari. Ms James gave such a beautiful description of it from Ronin's perspective that I almost wished he was doing it on me.

    This book is a cliffhanger and not for the person who is sexually shy. For me it was so good I had to buy the next one in the series.

    To see the full review visit my blog: sportochicksmusings.blogspot .com

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Fri Jul 11 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    really enjoyed this book

    I bought this book because it was book 1 in what I thought was a series only to find out it was just a 2 book story. It was somewhat Shades of Grey but better in my opinion. I read Bound and Unwound, the conclusion, one right after the other and thoroughly enjoyed both. The characters were interesting, Ronin, a very high ranking jujitzu master,Alpha to the max and Amery, a rediculously wholesome daughter of a minister from small town USA. The sex was hot with just the right amount of kink and the story line held my interest from beginning to end. I really hope Ms.James does a follow-up story on Ronin's sister Shiori.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Mon Mar 24 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    more from this reviewer

    This fabulous story is about Amery Hardwick, a graphic designer,

    This fabulous story is about Amery Hardwick, a graphic designer, and Ronin Black, an 8th degree black belt and owner of Black Arts, a martial arts training facility.  Oh yeah, he's also a Shibari and Kinbaku Master, which is Japanese rope bondage.  Beautiful rope bondage!  They both fall hard for each other but one thing holds Amery back.  He's got secrets.  A lot of secrets!  He's an extremely private man and she can tell he picks and chooses the details he allows her to know.  Rumors run rampant about the type of man Master Black truly is.  Will Amery be able to accept the lifestyle Ronin leads along with all the secrets he's not sharing?

    Fantastic book!  I highly recommend this first book in The Mastered Series.  I know when I crack open a book written by Lorelei James, that it's a sure thing in my hands.  She NEVER disappoints!  The detail Ms. James goes into with this bondage is amazing.  The images pop into your head and you can actually see him performing these beautiful Japanese bondage arts on her.  He is a tortured soul and she is walking around living life to please every one else.  When these two come together, you can feel the pull between them.  With the first book I can tell this will be one of those series that you can read over and over and never get tired of it.  I am so excited to read the next book in this fabulous series, Unwound.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sun Mar 16 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Amazing

    I never write reviews on books I purchase, but this book had me glued. Finished it in a day. The charcters are well written and the story line is great. I am happy that the author didn't give us the story line of some pathetic woman so messed up that she couldn't be strong enough to.make her own decisions. I'm glad she made her strong willed. I'm so happy that I had other reviews to help me make my final decision on reading this story. Now I can bearly wait till the 25th for the upcoming ending to this story. I think I might have found a new writer to follow.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sat Mar 15 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    My Favorite Author Strikes Again

    From page 1 to the end I was enrapt
    My Nook was running hot and so was I
    I in knots waiting to see what twists this tale of love takes
    I can't wait
    Ps
    Mrs. James if you ever read this
    Give the tattooed bald brother a book he sounds like my kind of man.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sat Mar 15 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Wow!

    This book took me by surprise. Its so refreshing to find a book that pulls you in. Characters and story line were well developed. Literally could not put the book down. The sexual intensity between the main two characters--lets just say I fully could appreciate the saying, "I need a bottle of cold water to cool off" after reading this.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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