Unrestrained

by Joey W. Hill

From Joey W. Hill—author of the Knights of the Boardroom series—comes a novel of erotic games and power plays, in which an adventurous woman attempts to break down her own barriers…

Athena is an accomplished businesswoman in control of every aspect of her life. But since the death of her husband, she’s had the desire to explore submissive cravings she’s had for some time. Unfortunately, Athena is known as a Mistress, because that’s the role she’s always played.

Her type A personality was strong enough to serve her husband as a Domme because that’s what he needed. It’s not until she meets Dale, a retired Navy SEAL, that she attempts to discover what her own submissive desires are. But letting go of her control is not so easy.

Fortunately, Dale is an accomplished Master who can help Athena live out her fantasies. And as she slowly surrenders to his touch, both of them will learn more about the nature of love between Dominant and submissive, and how it defies all expectations.

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Erotica, Erotic Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Contemporary Romance

416 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2013

About the author

"BDSM Romance for the Heart & Soul"

A submissive herself, Hill brings authenticity to her intensely emotional BDSM love stories. With over fifty titles and seven series, her contemporary and paranormal romances feature everything from billionaires, bikers, SEALs, firefighters, cops and housemaids, to vampires, mermaids, witches and angels.

"Joey translates the world of BDSM with such intense power and exquisite beauty. LOVE is the most powerful element entwined through the Dominance and submission.” –Goodreads, Pink Lady

Joey is the recipient of the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Erotic Romance, and she loves to hear from her readers!

If you're on Bookbub, she'd love for you to follow her:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joey-...

You can also find her here:
Website: storywitch.com
Facebook: @JoeyWHillAuthor
MeWe: mewe.com/i/joeywhill
Twitter: @JoeyWHill

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 intense spank-me stars.****Review completed December 8, 2013







Athena is having a drink and a little chat at the BDSM club Release when an impressive, dark-dressed man catches her eye. Having been a Mistress to her late husband, the thought of going down on her knees for a Master she'd just seen for the first time doesn't startle her that much because deep down in her heart she knows that she isn't a natural Mistress. She loved making her deceased husband happy by being his Mistress and giving him what he wanted and needed. However, she longed to explore the other side of the coin by being a sub herself. When Athena leaves the club and needs to refuel her car, a guy is assaulting her. Lucky her, the mysterious man is not too far away and rescues her. His name is...

"My name is Dale. Dale Rousseau.”
“Rousseau.” She smiled, eyes still closed. The warmth of the car was making her drowsy. Her trembling had stopped. Things were slowing down again, the fog returning. ‘Nothing is less in our power than the heart, and far from commanding, we are forced to obey it’.”
“Intriguing choice. ‘To live is not merely to breathe; it is to act; it is to make use of our organs, senses, faculties—of all those parts of ourselves which give us the feeling of existence’.”
“A Master who knows his Rousseau. Thank you, Dale."

Dale is a former SEAL, gardener, dog trainer and junkyard operator. And let's not forget that he's also an extraordinary and rigorous Master.



Dale and Athena are having an insightful conversation and come to an agreement.

He reached down, brushing a finger underneath the wisps of hair across her forehead. “It’s interesting where you ended up, isn’t it? On your knees?”

She tensed, but his tone made it a neutral observation. He wasn’t mocking her. “Does that have anything to do with what you want to ask me?”

“Yes. Maybe.”

Unrestrained is a beautifully developed story about grief, exploring needs and desires and a second chance at love. I believe that grieving never stops (why, Athena, we are so on the same page). Over time, however, it changes its form and intensity.

“Are you ready for this, Athena?” Dale spoke in a low voice. Not interrupting her memories as much as stepping into the room and taking her hand. Prepared to lead her out of it, back to the present. “Or are you still grieving?”
“I don’t think you ever stop grieving someone you loved for so many years,” she said. “You learn how to make his memories part of your life, how to interweave them into your future, rather than letting them hold you down in the past. That’s what I’m ready to do.”

When you lose a loved one then you have the right to move on because life doesn’t stop either. You have the right to let go of your disguise and seek your own happiness because you don’t need to meet anyone’s expectations except your own. What is it that you truly want? It is all right to be sad and feel lonely or alone. It is all right to take as many months or years you need to work through the worst of your grief. It is all right to be afraid but it is also all right to fall in love again and to lean on someone’s shoulder. Also, it is all right to live out your fantasies, desires and needs. By doing that we don’t tarnish our past as long as we honor the memory of that person we loved and lost. Every action, every relationship gain a certain momentum which you simply can’t control. In fact, isn’t that very positive because sometimes it’s best to let yourself drift in the direction that was meant for you before you were even aware of what would happen? Maybe it’s called fate. In this context I need to get something off my chest. It didn't happen in Unrestrained yet I'd like to express how much I’m getting irritated with human beings who point their finger at grieving people, saying things like ‘Why, she/he only lost her/his partner a few months or a couple years ago and now she/he is in love again so soon?’ There are people in my periphery who act this way. Who are we to judge how much time anyone needs until they want to move on? We have no right to do that. I must confess that I’m pretty emotional as I’m writing this and it’s all Joey’s fault. She brings out the best and worst in me. Reading her books reduces me to an emotional mess. *sniffles*

I LOVED that Roy was such an integral part of Unrestrained. It’s obvious that he was is still very present in Athena’s life. He always will be no matter what. In any event, having been married and in love for twenty years won’t be forgotten only because he isn’t here anymore. Besides, I think that Unrestrained is as much of an (erotic) love story as it is a sign for Athena to move on, to say a final good-bye to Roy and to explore and embrace her submissive tendencies. Athena is an accomplished businesswoman. She is used to being in control and it’s not easy for her to give up the reins.

“You’re self-disciplined and selfless, and being both of those things takes a powerful will,” he observed. “Anyone who doesn’t really understand what a Dom and sub are about, would find it hard to believe you’re not really a Domme. What we are deep inside is often the opposite side of what we show to others. Deciding to reveal that, explore it, brings balance. Are you seeking balance, Athena?”
“Yes.” She looked down at his hand. He’d spread out his other fingers so they rested between hers. Just his fingertips, the curved digits above like a cage holding her hand there, a restraint she willingly accepted.

It was amazing to see how she struggled and brought her choices into question. She had such a hard time of letting go of one relationship and move into another, different one. Nothing is ever black and white, after all, and there are so many shades of grey in between. In the end, however, when all the shields are down it's about trust and taking the final step over the edge. And knowing there will be someone waiting who will catch you with strong and steady arms. What I really could rely on was the fact that she wasn’t in the game for something casual. And while Athena wanted to explore her needs, their relationship showed that you can’t exclude emotions. Only a couple of detached sessions weren't in the cards for her, not by long shot ---> talk about a situation gaining its momentum.

"Too fast?" she asked. Had he read her mind, or did he share her concerns?
"Can't tell. It moves like it moves. The trick is to make the in-between time quick, but draw out every moment like this"--he leaned down, kissed her again, proving the point by keeping the kiss going long enough she was breathless when he was done--"so it feels like the kind of forever you want. Then you have no regrets."

Dale is a very charismatic hero. He has a firm hand, a stern mouth, a sharp mind and he's very possessive and doesn't like to share his woman. He's a man’s man who exudes a commanding presence and sex appeal as all get out. In fact, Dale is an absolute sight for sore eyes. He truly enjoys to “punish” as much as he likes to soothe. Boy, Dale can dish out an incredibly mean spanking that made me cringe now and then. Yet he throws so much perception, understanding, humor, empathy and tenderness into the mix that you simply can’t resist that man. While I'm writing this I’m still salivating and swooning over him. I really, really did appreciate that Dale was physically handicapped (an amputated leg) and I loved to see how vulnerable he felt of being exposed. Silly man, don't you dare do that to yourself. I get it, he is a proud man and dealing with his disability isn't easy. Yet it's an integral part of Dale but also one that doesn't define him. It goes without saying that Joey writes the absolute best and most insightful and scrumptious BDSM heroes. Ever.



The link to a song:

You Must Be the Reason I'm Alive by Gina Rene
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qn5XrQ...


Minor quibbles
I really must be honest here, the endearment girl did not work for me. At. All. I don't see the forty-six-year-old successful, sexy and mature business woman as a girl. However, I loved it when Dale called her woman. Also, I downright melted when she was his sweetheart and Athena worked just fine for me as well.

I could have done without the daily hardcore spanking until they went to the club Release. The daily spanking happened over a time span of five days. That was actually my biggest issue of the entire story.

Now let me say something about Dale that really bugged me. The man is so incredibly stubborn when it comes to his amputated leg. Athena wanting to take care of him doesn't equate to playing nurse, for Pete's sake! Only at the end of the story did he relent a little bit because what she said to him made him think. Also, while I honestly hoped he would expose his leg at the club, I knew that was simply wishful thinking. I seriously doubt that he will ever do such a thing. Well, maybe in another lifetime…who knows?

And last but not least I would have loved to read an epilogue because seeing them a few months down the road would have been the icing on the cake.

Now back to the good stuff
What I also liked very much was that palpable balance that went through the entire story like a golden thread: intensity interchanged with calmness. The rigorous and stirring BDSM play did alternate with calmer interludes. I liked that Dale and Athena shared more than sex. They spent time together, they dated, they watched movies, and they had a good time with a bunch of kids. Make no mistake though, this is a difficult, emotionally intense ride and the BDSM elements are very strong. Yet I experienced enough situations that helped to steady and balance me.

EQUILIBRIUM/BALANCE


I guess it says a lot about me that my favorite scenes were those where they had vanilla sex. Their shared intimacy during those moments meant so much to me. And of course I LOVED their passionate and sensual kisses. It's confession time, right? I actually read and love Joey's books because of her evocative and truly splendid writing. Her books provide so much depth and I feel a strong emotional connection to the characters that I can't help and fall in love with them over and over again. I honestly don't read her stories for the sake of the BDSM elements. Besides, some of the scenes in Joey's books are clearly too much for my humble vanilla nature. I know that Joey won't be offended when I say that I highly disliked Ben in Hostile Takeover. We are all entitled to our opinion and preferences, after all.

I share my absolute favorite scene of the entire book together with the author. I'm so glad we feel the same way about this particular scene. However, I can't write down the entire scene because it's several pages long. Suffice it to say it was utterly beautiful in its intensity and made me a bit teary eyed. So, when he offered her a special gift and told her that he loved her I was so happy! *butterflies in my belly* BTW, he looks absolutely stunning in his uniform. *swoon*

She came to a full stop at the top of the stairs, even putting her hand on the banister to steady herself. When he turned toward her, she needed the support even more.
He hadn't rented a tuxedo at all. Instead, she beheld the breathtaking sight of a man wearing naval dinner dress blues, and Master Chief Dale Rousseau knew how to wear the hell out of them. (…)
(…)

It was a necklace, a beautiful choker of braided silver and gold. The pendant was the SEAL Trident, one crafted by a jeweler who knew his trade, every detail precisely sculpted. Now that she had been with Dale awhile, she knew the significance of every part of that symbol.(…)

"I want you to wear my collar, Athena," he said. "I've never offered it to a woman before."
(…)
"I love you, Athena. Don't say it back. I know you're not ready to do that."

He gave her one of those deep kisses, soothing her trembling by banding his other arm around her, pushing her to her back, his chest a solid weight against hers.
Those emotions flooded her, increasing the pressure beneath her rib cage, the aching in her throat. She couldn't say it aloud, not trusting it.
I'm falling in love with you. I love you.

Unrestrained shows what a master craftswoman Joey is. It is not for nothing that I consider her the best BDSM author. No other writer leaves me in awe and breathless and in an emotional heap like she does every time I’m reading one of her books. Kudos to Joey who did it again. I guess words fail me to express properly how I feel about her evocative writing. Unrestrained depicts a fierce love story between two special characters. Thoughtful dialogue, a compelling narrative and more than enough titillating sex and love making complement this story.



WARNING
Unrestrained contains very explicit sex (incl. oral and anal) and language, toys, bondage, plenty of severe spanking, and a public play scene at the club Release. There is no ménage though. Still, it's not for the faint of heart.

It should be a pane of glass, not a mirror. Love is about seeing one another clearly through everything and accepting each other. (…) It's not a closed circle unless you can give as much as you're given.

This is for you, Dale…



Recommended read.


Buddy read with my lovely friends Kels, Nicole and Glam. Thank you, ladies! xxx


http://baba.booklikes.com

[~IreneOust~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Nothing is less in our power than the heart, and far from commanding, we are forced to obey it.’
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau


About 18 months ago, I stumbled upon my very first Joey W. Hill book called Hostile Takeover. It has since become one of my favorite reads and, as of a couple of weeks ago, the most read books on my Kindle. Needless to say, Joey has become one of my favorite writers. Her books never fail to pull me out of book ruts & they always, always make me feel. If I had to describe Joey's work in three words, I would have to say it's raw, erotic and poetic.

Having said that, when I do recommend Joey's work to someone, my recs always come with the warning: Joey is THE Queen of BDSM romance but you won't find any pink furry cuffs and gentle spanking in any of Joey's stories. More often than not, her books depict 24/7 Master/slave relationships; her BDSM scenes are often hardcore and may include public humiliation, rope bondage, gagging, flogging, anal plugs, etc. and that's just foreplay ... So, if you are only willing to give it up to your partner in a missionary position under the covers and only with the lights off, easily offended and had nightmares after reading 'Fifty Shades of Grey', Joey's stuff may not be for you. But that's OK because, as they say, there are 'plenty more of fish in the sea' or millions more books to choose from on GR, right?? Even though Unrestrained, in my opinion, was pretty tame compared to some of Joey W. Hill's other books, it still has elements of typical 'Joey BDSM' so ... readers beware!

Now onto the actual book ...

So many things I absolutely LOVED about it! Where to even begin ...

OK, I'll start in the beginning, I guess.

Leave it to Joey to deliver an awesome love story with two mature [main] characters. When I say mature, I actually mean 'mature' - both are in their late 40s which is fabulous! Both have been through the ringer in life. Both have been married. One lost a spouse to an ugly desease, another to a divorce. Neither are looking for bullshit of early stages of dating since both have been there, done that and pretty much know what they want/need.

My feelings about this story can be summed up in this quote:

"It seemed every time she was with him, he gave her a cathartic cry as well as a shattering climax."

I swear, I thought I was going to have a whiplash because I literally went from being super turned on to an emotional mess in 2.5 seconds throughout the entire book.

Athena

Athena, in my opinion, is a typical 'people pleaser'. I can't tell you how many people I know personally who live their lives 'according to others'. They feel the need to please their parents, partner, boss, friends, etc. and end up 'faking it' through life rather than being themselves. I've always had such a hard time understanding why but I think this book helped open my eyes a little bit.

"Everyone assumed disguises to cope, to meet expectations. How rare a gift it was, to be truly oneself with another."

To see Dale give Athena the gift of letting go and being herself was beyond touching.

"Have you let everyone else be your mirror for so long you don’t know your own image? Who you really are?"

So technically, accepting Dale's collar actually helped Athena become unrestrained.

Dale

"I said a man. Just because you’re born male doesn’t mean you know how to be a man."

Dale is a retired Navy SEAL who is now involved with a dog adoption shelter. I should really stop right here because that pretty says it all but here is a little bit of Joey math for you in order to eplain how much I loved Dale: Master Ben of Hostile Takeover is my ultimate favorite Hero of Joey's (out of about 25 books of hers I've read so far) followed very closely by Marcus of Rough Canvas & Max of Willing Sacrifice and Dale reminded me of Max A LOT so Dale is pretty much up there with some of my favorite of Joey's men.

OK, back to Dale ...

“I’m right here with you, girl. Everything is safe with me. Everything you are.”

LOVED it that he calls her 'girl' ... I think it was so sweet coming from such a macho guy and a ruthless Master such as Dale.

“You are a formidable woman, Mrs. Summers. But on those very rare occasions when you aren’t invincible, that’s where you rely on your Master.”

“When your eyes are full of tears, you break my heart, girl. I forbid you to cry ever again.”

LOVED how fiercely he wanted to possess and protect her!

“Thank you, Dale. For caring about me enough to come looking for me.” “I already told you”— his mouth brushed her temple—“ Caring for you is part of the job.” “What job?” she asked, her heart beating high in her chest at his pause. Being her Master? “Loving you, girl.”

“Will you stay with me tonight?” She wanted to be sure. “Try to keep me away.”

There were so many 'AWWW' moments involving these two that I think I've highlighted the entire book! I swear, I haven't hightlighted this much since I read The Original Sinners.

"It was as if she was captured at the bottom of his soul, staring up with reverent devotion at her Master, while he stared down at his most treasured possession, so treasured he put her deep in the center of himself."


This is a MUST READ for any Joey fan.


*** One of my favorite quotes in this book belongs to Jimmy though:

"I forgot the most important deal of a place like this is accepting one another as we are. Even if the face of that changes, the heart of it doesn’t."

*sigh* How I wish this was the rule we applied more often in life ...



As always, thanks for an awesome BR, my lovelies! xo

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ON-MY-KNEES-FOR-DALE STARS!!!!

Fuck, you’re good at this. I might keep you on your knees all the time.



My Dale:

Former military, gardener, dog trainer and junkyard operator. As well as an extraordinary Dom.



Dale is not your typical Dom. He doesn’t walk around in suits. He’s more of a black t-shirt and dark jeans kinda guy who gardens and loves dogs. Don’t be fooled by this softer side. He is a hard as steel retired SEAL who is a Master of his Craft.



I LOVE Dale!!! Every time words came out of his mouth, I swooned or wiped up my drool!!! He is a big, soft teddy bear when it comes to taking care of Athena. But he is hard as stone as a Master and demands her soul.

A Master is about more than demanding every corner of a sub’s soul. He needs to be about protecting that soul as well.

If there was such a term as diabolical selflessness, she thought it would apply to him.

My Athena:

A refined woman to the bone, she was courteous to everyone, no matter what she felt.



Athena has a lot on her mind. She is a Domme, who lost her husband, and she is trying to find her way in life. She doesn’t know where she belongs. She is the type of person to constantly wants to take care of the people she loves. She is a natural submissive, but she has no idea how to give up the control. Most of the book is Athena’s constant struggle with herself in giving up control to her Master.



I certainly hope you aren’t perfect. Else I’ll have to make shit up to punish you.



I really enjoyed Dale and Athena’s journey…and that’s what it was…a journey. This was not an easy relationship. It was a struggle. It was real. It was hot and beautiful and had me reaching for the tissues several times!!!

I’m the one keeping you.





The tighter he held the reins, the more powerful the wanting became. The more she wanted, the more it turned him on, a closely intertwined strand that drove them both.



This was only my second Joey Hill book…I know! I need to read them all, and I will!

[Duchess Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

MY SYNOPSIS:
Athena was a Domme to her husband before he died of cancer a few years ago. Since his death, she has visited their club of choice but cannot bring herself to pick another sub. Not only does she feel too guilty, but no one seems to trip her trigger in the least. She has healed as much as she thinks she can from losing the love of her life. She thinks that maybe that part of her life is over, that her husband was not only her one true companion, but her one submissive as well.

"She told him that she'd be all right, that his Mistress would always love him. He would like her putting it in those terms, she knew. So his Mistress let him go, even as his wife sat at his bedside, clutching his hand, the loneliness closing around her when his breath stopped and he obeyed her."

Until she sees a certain Master one night at the club and is captured by his ability with his submissive.

Dale is a retired Navy SEAL, and considered to be one of the most proficient Doms at the club. But when he sees Athena's reaction to a scene between he and a sub one night and then gets the opportunity to play hero later when she's nearly robbed, Dale takes full advantage of his suspicions. Of course, he is correct in thinking that Athena's status as a Domme only stemmed from her submissive desires to do anything she could to please her husband.

In other words, she's always been a closet submissive.
My Athena:


My Dale:

"With a subtle demand, the power had shifted."

So this is the story of Dale teaching Athena to accept her true nature and to give herself to him, her Master. And in turn, she teaches him how to allow someone else to care for him...sort of.

MY THOUGHTS:
Boy, was I not ready for this book. I feel I need to clarify my experience with BDSM books so that you will understand my stance here. I've read a few of the genre. I know my limits, and I do tend to like the lighter, more playful punishments and scenes. I can handle the lighter stuff. That being said, a friend convinced me to give Joey W. Hill a chance, and two of her books went straight to my favorites of all time shelf. Neither of these books was necessarily light BDSM...in fact, each had a couple of very cringeworthy scenes. However, the characterization and the stories themselves were ultimately beyond beautiful and so evocative that I actually understood the BDSM elements more than ever before. I understood the need to submit, the need to let go of all choices, the trust that it takes to give yourself over completely to this other person and expect them to not only push you past your limits, but to make you crave it as well. These books, in case you want to give them a whirl, are:
Rough Canvas
Ice Queen
Mirror of My Soul

However, this book didn't come even close to either the intensity of emotion or give me the ability to empathize with the characters. I couldn't connect with either of them. That was the first strike. I just felt like Dale was a very flat, one dimensional guy. We know a few facts about him...his Navy career, his sexual predilections, and a handful of things about his past. But we don't spend any real time with him as anything but a Master. I thought at first that I would love him, but I felt like I just kept expecting something to happend that would make me fall, and it never happened.

Same with Athena; all of the elements were there for me to click with this woman, and I just couldn't. She didn't come across as submissive to me. She came across as weak. She could pretend a good game in the corporate world, but in private, she was so unsure of herself, so timid and accepting of anything that Dale would do to her, I honestly ended up just being a bit disgusted.

A few specific things bothered me more than others.
1. When Dale won't give her a safe word, AND he takes away the ability to gesture as well, because obviously he's been with her long enough (a couple of weeks at the time) that he will be able to read her body language.

2. When he gives her a ring gag and fucks her mouth...and afterwards, scoops up the drool and semen and feeds it to her.


I stuck it out because I expected more, and I just kept getting more and more...spankings and punishments. I'd say that roughly 75% of this book was Dale punishing Athena. Like I said in an update, had this been a romance book and the 'scenes' been sex, it would have been laughable. As it was, for me, it was SO RIDICULOUSLY overdone. THIS was the reason I didn't connect with Athena or Dale. I could see them as nothing but a Dom and his sub. They stopped being real to me, and started inducing eye rolls.

While this book does not necessarily hard core BDSM, I would not categorize it as light either, mainly due to the sheer amount of 'play' going on. Not to mention, there is a huge difference in embracing your submissive side and just accepting whatever someone wants to do to you. I think there is a delicate balance there, and she missed the mark for me. I was more often either bored or horrified. And if there was romance here, it was way overshadowed by bruises and punishments.

QUOTES THAT MADE ME GO WHAAAAA?!?!
:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(
****"She'd wear skirts with liners the rest of the week, and keep the box of tissues at her desk so she could put some between her legs while in her office by herself, to staunch the near constant flow of arousal..."
(You may need to get that checked out. You may dehydrate)

:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(
**** "Master?" Her voice was rusty with tears.
He paused. "Yes, girl?"
"May I...thank you?"
"Do you think you deserve that?"
"No sir. But I want to give you pleasure."

:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(
****"Before he was done, she'd lost track of the count and was squirmign, screaming, trying to get away. He proved without a doubt then that he was far stronger than she was, holding her in that position with one arm, bringing the brush down again and again until she was jerking at every blow, sobbing, clinging to his pants leg. Then he made her let go of him and put her palms back on the floor as he'd commanded, before giving her five more strong whacks. She squeezed her eyes shut and pressed her face into his leg, shuddering with the pain."
:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(

Buddy read with Baba, Kelly, and Glam :D:D Thank you ladies for the buddy read and for not holding it against me :D:D

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 “Yes Master” Stars



This is my first Joey W. Hill book and it sure won’t be my last! I LOVED the author’s writing style. I’m not even a big fan of BDSM books but the manner in which this story was written had me hanging on each word as Athena a mature business woman (YES) finds a second chance at love after her husband’s death. Athena played the dominant role for her husband, Roy and was known as Lady Mistress.

Dale Rousseau is a Dom, a retired navy seal who was total alpha! He not only catches Athena’s eye but comes to her rescue in so many ways. Dale and Athena’s story is well paced and for me totally believable.

This is a story that takes Athena from Domme to Submissive. The writing was hot and steamy while deep and thought provoking.

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This story was not only sexy and involved punishments, ropes and blind folds but it also was a very emotional journey. Roy's words play through out the pages while Athena moves forward.

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The couple's bond slowly builds throughout the story. Athena and Dale were so lucky to find one another. I more loved that they were in my age bracket and as a reader I could relate to both their feelings during my read.

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Second chances are few and far between and this reader was pleased that Dale and Athena have another shot at love!

[Deanna❤Pink Lady❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Spectacular Stars

Things always felt more intense when restrained.

Sometimes you come upon a story where the author takes you on a journey through the use of beautiful words, where you are able to experience the feelings of 2 people wanting and needing more in their life. I was blown away by this book. I never expected to be moved so much, feel so much and be totally entrapped by 2 memorizing souls. This is a story of new beginnings, second chances, exploring new desires and of learning to trust again. It was Incredibly Beautiful.

This story is about Athena Francesca Summer, a 46 yr old widower, who is a runs a successful company but is at a cross road in life. She is still young but has lost her husband, the love of her life. She was Lady Mistress to her husband, his Domme, in their BDSM world. But since his death, Athena is going through the motions of living but she truly isn't living for herself. She is always concerned about everyone else, everyone except herself. Then one night, Athena meets someone who will change her life as she knew it forever.

Athena Summers




Dale Rousseau


This is definitely a book that didn't hold back in the BDSM department but it did not make me flinch or not want to read, it made me feel what a D/s relationship truly is. It wasn't the normal D/s story. This is a story of a woman who was a Domme for many years and is waken to the fact that may be she is a submissive. Can she truly embrace her new reality, can she trust this new man in her life, can she let go of the past and learn to feel again, to love again? Her journey is not easy and it is not without heartbreak. She struggles with her new identity, but in her quest for truth, Dale is at her side, never wavering and never far. He understands Athena even when she doubts herself. He is a true Dom and does not sugar coat what he is or what he expects.

She was to rely on his strength, his control. That was part of the deal. Perhaps that was part of what he desired and needed, as much as she desired and needed to feel it, a perfect meshing.


I loved experiencing Athena's awakening. Her emotions are real and conflicting and honest. Dale is a retired Navy Seal, divorced, and has baggage of his own.As a cause of war, he has lost a leg. I must tell you that it only enhanced the story as real and honest. I loved that these 2 were "older", had lived lives and were not perfect. If you want to read a beautifully executed love story, look no further. Their lives involve BDSM, so if that isn't your deal, then don't, but if you are okay reading about it, this one will absolutely NOT disappoint.








And my favorite quote-


My first Joey W. Hill book and it definitely won't be my last!!

[Geri Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounding up to 4 stars!!

As usual, Joey Hill superb writing comes through in Unrestrained. But while the writing may be exceptional, this book is far from being my favorite. I liked it and enjoyed aspects of it, there are parts also which I didn't care for as much.

What I liked...
- The older MCs. Joey is one of those authors who isn't afraid to have a 46-year old widow and 50-year old disabled veteran as main characters. That's one of the things I've always loved about her books. Which brings me to the second thing that I liked about this book.

- Dale being a disabled vet and a dom was great. It added complexity to his character. Most of the BDSM books I've read, a dom is almost always handsome, rich and physically perfect or whole. Again, kudos to JH for writing that into Dale's character.

- I also liked how Athena's relationship with her husband was written. It's obvious that they both loved each other very much and his death left a huge void in Athena's life, not just her being a Mistress but as a wife and partner.

- I also liked the parts when Athena and Dale are outside of their BDSM persona as master/sub. Their emotions and their vulnerability was more evident. It made me root for them, for their relationship. While these scenes were few and far between, there were enough of them to keep me interested in finishing this book.

That being said...

I must say that this book is a little too intense for me especially the spanking. Dale is a relentless dom. I say relentless because he never lets up. He's on dom mode all the time. I felt that he can still be a dom and still show a sensitive side but no. He's almost brutal in meting out those punishments. He doesn't ever let go of his control. Ever. His physical disability may have been a factor but come on, dude! Just relax a little. I would have loved to see him let go a little. He can be all dom in the bedroom and in the club but outside of it, the dude needs to chill.

I felt that the one thing that this book lacked, which could have changed the whole feel of the book for me was balance. I've read my fair share of extreme BDSM scenes to know that I prefer my books, be it a BDSM book or not, to show softness to balance out the harsher aspects. More romance to balance out the intensity of their BDSM relationship. But overall, this book is still a lot better than other BDSM books out there. :)

[Kelly| Just Another Horror Reader]

DNF at 56%

I feel no connection to the two MC's and I'm not enjoying it at all, so I'm not going to finish it.


Thanks to Baba, Nicole, and Glam for reading it with me. ♥

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unrestrained
4 Strong, Commanding, Willing, Released Stars * * * *

This book was about a lot of different things for me.
Although it was based around the Dominant/submissive relationship and all that entails with clubs;
I got a much more than that from it.

What was so highly attractive from the very start was the fact these main characters were in their late forties. These people had lived lives before meeting each other; they had experienced real tragedies and had to overcome them. They had responsibilities and were full formed. And they had loved; one had married and given everything to her husband in the way he had wanted it. The other had loved his career; his comrades, county and the satisfaction of being able to make things right.
We meet these two people both handling different issues; but both just as serious.

She lost her husband of 20 years to the ugliness of long term disease. In their day to day life, husband was powerful yet caring, running a multi- million dollar company with locations all over employing thousands. He was her man and she loved him. She loved him in a way that meant she would do whatever to make him feel the love. She showed through her help with fundraising and charity work for the company; doing events and affairs for their friends and then she showed him in the most loving of all ways… she became his Mistress to his need to be the sub. She took on that identity proudly, wore it like a cloak. They would be with their friends at their club and all would admire the way she handle the scenes with him. Clearly they were the perfect couple… her Dom to his sub.

But now her husband is gone and she is adrift… she has mourned his loss as best as she can… she has come out from the fog which she was lost in for over two years; she is here at the club watching from a distance. She doesn’t feel the pull to be the Dom with someone new. She is here because it was a place of very happy memories with him and yet nothing is really right.

It is during this casual visit she sees Him. He is known as Master Crafter and he is doing a scene with a young wisp of a thing, Willow. He is working this like a conductor; ebb and flow… murmuring in her ear when needed, taking her to levels of bliss for her through all manipulation he see fit. She has given herself to him, the Master, willingly and has been rewarded for it.

This stirs something in Athena; recognition she cannot put her mind around. She watches; wishes it was her being handled by the Master and it is confusing. She leaves and ends up being accosted by thugs at the gas station right in view of the club. She is fighting them off as they try to take the rings her husband had given her. The fight is at the point where she is in real jeopardy and Master C steps in and handles these thugs easily. She is very disoriented and he takes care of her; she ends up at his home, sleeping in his tshirt with the overwhelming feeling of safety surrounding her.

As they both talk with one another, Athena learns Dale was a Navy Seal; he is now retired and devotes his time to training dogs in need of homes.
Dale sees who she is; he senses right away her confusion and uncertainty as he knows she is truly a sub not Dom at all. They have a connection; she is scared yet so drawn, she cannot stop her wanting to see if there is something for her to experience. Dale is open to see what she is about and how this will go. He agrees to meet with her at her home for a lunch to talk.

The lunch launches the rest of this story; and for me I liked all of the issues Joey E Hill addressed through it.

Yes, there is lots of sex with a Capital S. Yes, there is serious BDSM scenes; lots of them, varying in intensity. Yes, there is the terminology of Master and sir and all that surrounds it. This is a book by an author know for excellent writing in this genre.

But what really struck me about this book was the addressing of people with life experiences; older people trying to be open to love again. It is hard today being older and trying to meet new people.

Athena falls hard for Dale and starts to act as if she has the brain sense of a 16 yr old when it comes to her feeling for Dale. It is so hard for people to put themselves out there and all of these NA books demonstrate that over and over again… so imagine how scary it is for an older woman to risk her safely to experience this kind of bliss…. She self sabotages numerous times… because she feels she doesn’t deserve it. Eventually things happen for her to feel secure in Dale’s heart and that is huge.

Yet what is even more stirring in this book is Dale.
An Alpha if ever there was one; Seal of the highest order, Major Dom; yet he has his own hurdle to deal with…. He was injured and lost the lower half of one of his legs. He wears prosthesis and has adjusted through diligent therapy and hard determination. He has learned to live with it and makes no apologies for it. But even though he is confident in who he is as a Seal; a friend; a man and Master, he still can be hit with insecurity, too. To allow Athena to help him in any way or care for him in any loving way regarding that part of him is difficult and he works hard to overcome it.
The creation of Dale and his life experiences were masterful. We received insight and a sly education about what our men and women in service experience when dealt this type of hand. I felt for Dale; I understood more of the challenges and made me take a moment to think of all the others experiencing the same type of thing.

These two are perfectly matched. They have their HEA in their own way. It is their love story with all of the ways they love each other and one of the continuing themes was just be who you are and your soul mate will be there for you as you need them to be.

Arc received in exchange for an honest review.

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Unrestrained Stars

Unrestrained is a mild BDSM read that cater towards the older demographic. If you are new to the BDSM reading world, this is the perfect book to dip your feet in.

I’m no stranger when it comes to BDSM, also, I’m an avid fan of books that pushes boundaries. So if you throw anything my way with some kink, I’m all over it. Unrestrained is a “sweet” read, in the sense, there’s BDSM role play, but nothing too out of the ordinary. Also, I’m not a hug fan of reading books with older characters. I’m pretty fine with characters that are in their thirties, but when they are in their forties, its pushes it a bit for me.

Dale is and Athena are two complete opposites. Dale is a blue collar worker and is handicap (I will let you figure it out). Athena is a rich widow. When she had a husband she was a Mistress, meaning, she was the dominate one in their relationship. Now, after two years since her husband has pass, she is trying to move on and can’t help but feel a sense of pull towards dominate Dale.

Although I’m not a fan of rich Heroines (yeah, I love the alpha male billionaire), I love opposites attract kind of story line. You really do feel Athena’s pain, her love for her husband is very apparent and even though it’s been years, she just wants to move on and find herself again. Dale is a sweet man, I am not sure I could swoon over him, but I did like him as a character.

I enjoyed when Dale was dominate towards Athena, stuff like that just makes my body shiver and tingle all over. Yes please! If there is anything I love, it’s reading about a man taking control. There’s plenty of kink and steamy parts. Unrestrained would definitely fall into the Erotica genre.

I liked how Dale and Athena got to know each other and how they helped each other out. Dale with his handicap issue and Athena with getting over her husband. It’s a very sweet book with yummy parts to keep you entertained.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review

AMAZON

Author Interview and more - > HERE

[Vintage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic and poignant. Not your typical BDSM book.

To call this a BDSM book really does not do it justice. To be honest, it is a well done book about a widow trying to come back to life after grieving a much beloved husband.

Athena, OK her name is Athena, also explores the boundaries of being a submissive after being her husband's domme. Joey Hill explores Athena's conflicting emotions about grieving while being enthusiastic about opening up to a new life. Hill explores the emotional relationship as well as the dom/sub relationship between Athena and Dale, the man she turns to. It doesn't hurt that Dale is a true man as well as a gentleman. He's a truly honorable man of which there are few in fiction and hotter than a pistol.

What I liked about the book is that within the constraints of the BDSM lifestyle, Hill was restrained (no pun intended) in demonstrating the BDSM side of it. Too often authors go off the rails with somewhat torturous and somewhat (hate to say it) disgusting forays into BDSM. I doubt that most men over the age of 17 are as prolific in their sexual episodes as many authors portray. What is my experience with the lifestyle? Pretty slim as it is pretty much restricted to my Kindle. There is one scene that crosses a line for me when he punishes her for potentially endangering her life. Made me cringe as I don't care for that kind of power exchange, but I just read it quickly as there was so much more to appreciate.

The relationship between Athena and Dale is warm and loving, all spanking aside. Hill created honorable and likable characters that I cared about and managed to give Athena a second chance at love without diminishing the love she had for her husband. This novel seems to be more of what a true Dom/Sub relationship should be rather than some I've read that concentrate on penis size, "cherishing", and too much bodily excretions.

[Glamdring · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Buddy read with Baba, Kelly & Nicole <3*

**Review to come**

[★ Larissa ~ book crusher ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 out of 5

I just lost my Joey Hill virginity and let me say... WOW, the woman knows her BDSM and she can write it freaking darn well. I would have probably never picked this up on my own, mainly because I'd never read a book by her and I don't normally go for middle aged characters. I however stumbled upon it through Irene's review and decided to buddy read it with a bunch of enthusiastic Joey fans. It's not a question of being turned off by a more mature H and h. I find the thought of a middle aged alpha pushing 50, absolutely exquisite. I'd just never had the experience of reading about one. As human beings, we tend to gravitate toward what we know and this is something I'd never come across. I normally stick with characters either considerably younger than me or around my age.

Well, I'm glad I took the chance at a total unknown! (Awesomeness ensued). Otherwise I would have missed out on a beautiful love story full of heart and a deep, intelligent introspection on what it means to love someone. This goes to great lengths to explore what that love means for our sexual identity, and how a D/s relationship fits into all of that. If you want a book that thoroughly and patiently explores the psyche of BDSM from a loving standpoint, through mentally balanced, more mature lovers who have been through so much in life, READ THIS. This is for you.

And it couldn't be more removed from the New Adult stuff freely floating around these days.

I really liked this book. I think it was incredibly well written, skilfully and carefully woven, realistic to a tee. Athena is a 46 year old high Louisiana society lady who lost her loving husband of 20 years just 3 years ago. Dale is a SEAL veteran running a junkyard/dog rescue. He lost his leg during service and now wears a prosthetic leg. He's an experienced Master... with the level of skill a sub wets her panties dreaming of. They meet at Club Release (both are members) eyes connect... and BAM, they connect in other ways. The rest is a seductive, leisurely unfolding of the relationship that ensues, deeply sexual, highly soulful.

God, I really liked Dale, even much more than Athena, not that she was unlikable. She was great, maybe at times a bit TOO perfect, which detracted from my ability to see her as a living breathing human being at times. But that man... that man is the stuff dominance and virile strength is made of. He was described in such rich perfection I felt like I could smell and taste him, and his perceived weakness of the missing leg only added to his devastating sex appeal.

I could have licked my iPad!!

Me while reading about Dale:



So why did I only give it three stars? I really like this book, one or two scenes I even loved. I did. I think my main problem was the pacing. As poetic, rich and descriptive as Joey Hill's writing style is, Athena's inner monologues oftentimes were so longwinded, so pervasive, the pacing slowed to a glacial crawl. Also, the romanticism of her style has a tendency to cross into purple territory at times. The story simmered but never truly, completely exploded. I wouldn't call it boring, just a bit too descriptive for my liking. I'm also a sucker for hyper-intense relationships, unexpected twists and heart splitting angst, which this wasn't really about. This was more of an cerebral journey, interspersed with a few HOLY HELL THAT'S HOT sex scenes.

I'm not too crazy about tropes where one of the MC's has already loved deeply before, so that may have added to the inability to cross from liking it to truly loving it. It does make for a good read it's just not a favourite trope of mine. While I appreciate that Athena's deep love for her deceased husband Roy, was constantly... and I mean CONSTANTLY referenced to in the book, it just isn't my preferred way to get lost in an erotic fantasy. I get why it was necessary, it was THE only way to be both realistic and respectful toward the memory of her lost love. This has got to do more with my own particular tastes than Joey Hill's decisions.

As to the BDSM in this book, the last scene at the club is pretty hard-core, involving public sex, breast and general rope bondage, forced orgasms, ball gags, getting strapped to a stockade, getting flogged, getting gagged and so forth. If you're adverse to hard-core BDSM practices, especially in a club setting then this is not for you.

If you want something very quick-paced, this is not for you either.

If on the other hand, you don't mind taking it slower, savouring a love story like a finely aged wine, taking your time getting to know every detail of the two main characters, down to the colour and pattern of the coverlet on their bed, this will rock your world. I think it's great for someone wanting to experience a love unfolding later in a couple's life, highlighted by deep introspection of what it means to be a Dom and a sub.



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[Athena Shardbearer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating
Overall: 3
Sex: 3.5
Story: 2.5

"We care for the ones we love. We hold on to them as long as God allows and gives them the joy of life. And when life has no more joy, we walk with them all the way to the water's edge, and hope for the day when we'll get on that boat, too, and see them again."

Athena is a widow and a Domme. It's been two years since she's lost her husband and submissive to cancer. She spent two decades building a company, lifestyle and home with him. She's lost without him, and doesn't know how to get herself back.

Dale is ex SEAL, Master Chief, that's retired due to loosing a limb in combat. He was lost and finds his calling in Domme. He's so great he's called "Master Craftsman". These two find their way back from the struggles they go through, and Dale helps Athena really become who shes always been.

"Nothing is less in our power than the heart, and far from commanding, we are forced to obey it."

The problem that I had with this book is Athena. She was such a pushover, which I'm guessing is what a submissive is suppose to be like?? She's the CEO of Summer's Industries, a powerhouse of a woman, in the Private Club, she is a Domme and known as Lady Mistress. All want to be owned/subs to her, all want a chance because she's so good at it. Not once did I feel like she was this strong woman that they claim. Not once did I feel like she was this Domme that can make me beg for it. She's weak from the get go.

One night she visits Club Release and sees "MC", Dale, subbing a girl. She likes it so much she wishes he would do that to her. She leaves and is mugged outside the club at a nearby gas station. Dale saves her, he becomes her hero.

To me there was too much insta-lust, insta-love. He says it after four months! It was too much too fast. The sex scenes are pretty hot and his taking over was great...what I didn't like he took the Master/sub thing even outside of the bedroom. Uhmm...no.

"I'm not sure this is going to work. I need things more defined."

"Like a car race on a closed track, there the circles are predictable, and when you hit the finish line, the race is over?"

"Don't judge me."

"I wouldn't suggest using that tone with me. I'm likely to react exactly as you're hoping I will."

"I apologize for the outburst, Dale."

Then he tells her to sit at his feet.

Nope, can't do it.

Now, I've read other BDSM books and this for me was really intense as far as how in depth the Master/sub thing goes. Maybe this is the reality of it? Maybe this is not a great book on this subject. Will I recommend it anyone else...hmmm no. Its not horribly written and the happenings are nice, but I'm not sold on the characters.

[Starr (AKA Starrfish) Rivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t 5 stars bc it’s not as intense or as interesting as some of the other books by this author. For example in there was a serial killer that needed to be brought to justice. The pegging scene was pretty darn intense.

Here, there wasn’t any of that. Just 2 older people (40s) falling in love, working through their kink. Athena’s dead husband Roy featured a bit too much I thought. I get it, she was in love and married for 20+ years. Even so…

I bought this book bc I like mature couples. They were pretty mature in the way they handled things. Communicated plenty. Didn’t let there be BIG misunderstandings (that other novels can spend a whole novel developing).

But on the other hand, I just don’t like Dom-sub books as much. I handle Domme books better, but I just cringe at a woman submitting like that. Maybe I’m a little dom at heart. :P Or too much of a control freak to understand the desire to subject yourself to a man like that. Men dominate women everyday just by being men even in this modern world - like at work, just with their physicality and now a perfectly successful, accomplished woman wants to be spanked and choked and trussed up like a pig etc etc every moment of every day? I will never understand the appeal.

So that kinda puts my enjoyment on hold. I try to suspend belief. Thankfully there’s nothing too outlandish going on. Not a fan of ass-f*cking tho, not for the woman. There’s no prostate in there! Just not a fan.

The psychological part of all this got tedious and boring after a while. Which is why I had to finish it over a week, whereas I can usually gobble up a book I’m hooked on in one sitting.

[KC -- Reading Is My Superpower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...just wow. This was such an amazing story. It had me crying one minute, laughing the next. I stayed in a constant low simmer the entire time I was reading this. And I can remember scenes and the simmer returns. This book was holy hell hot!!! And yet, it pulled at my heart strings and I often wanted to reach in a give Athena a big ole hug.

The book takes you through Athena learning, accepting and understanding who she is. Not who she thinks or feels she should be. Or who everyone else perceives her to be. Dale was a patient and diligent teacher. Showing her things about herself she may never of figured out if left to do it alone.



Dale was an amazing master. His ability to reach in and understand where Athena was coming from, and understand her thoughts and feelings more than she did, was unbelievable. His patience with her blew my mind. He always knew when to be hard and demanding, and when to use a soft touch. He knew how to push Athena out of her box. He knew when to give her space. Although he looked out for his own needs and wants, he never once wavered from looking out for her. And his mastery of her will leave you panting for more. Someone find me a man like Dale...



I wish I could articulate how good this book was. However, I would have to give to much away in order to really get my point across. This book was easily in my top 5 of 2013. They say you always save the best for last, and since we are almost at years end, I would say in this instant, it is most certainly true.



The journey to love between Dale and Athena will grab you and pull you in. Pull you in to the point that life will pluck your nerves because it exists outside of reading this book. It was the kind of book that you get so lost in you have to be reminded to feed the kids and do the laundry. The kind of book that makes you snap at people for having the nerve to interrupt your reading.



Unrestrained grabbed me to the point that I feel a Joey W. Hill marathon coming on while bypassing the 29 million other books I currently have on my kindle that I need to read....

[~ Stephanie Lynn ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

************5 FREAKING AMAZING STARS************

LOVED IT!!!!

Joey W. Hill has done it again. This is simply a beautiful story. So much emotion. Just WOW!!

Dale is a former Navy SEAL. I fell in love with Dale right from the start. He is the BAD ASS SUPER DOM but he has a southern charm thing going on as well.

Athena is a businesswoman. I love the fact she is over 40. Athena has to make sure everyone is taking care of but never looks after herself. (submissive tendencies yes indeed) And Dale is going to bring out those submissive tendencies.

Roy was Athena's husband ( who passed away). She was his Mistress. After Roy's death it seemed like she gave up on the scene. Until she met Dale.

I do not want to go into to much detail but I will say this it is a must read. Truly An Amazing Story.

I love JWH writing!! It is like you would think she can not get any better and then BAM she does.

[MandaLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a emotionally packed read! I knew it would be yet was still surprised at the level of emotions. I live for books like this! And I love knowing it's a strong guarantee in a JWH book.
Right now I'm all over the place on what to say. I wish I could tell you how wonderful this book is:))

[Amber Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come! Loved this!!

[P C (hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars v good story alas too long of a read

Speed read the last 3rd of the book cause OMG was this book WORDY!
It was a good wordy don't get me wrong but a girl's gotta go places and read other books lol
This was peculiarly romantic for a BDSM book but hey- It was a good read!

[Debi Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey W Hill has done it again! She is the undisputed Mistress of the BDSM romance genre. Her characters are always fully developed, multi-dimensional people, with relatable, believable story lines. If this is your first time reading a Joey W Hill novel, you will not be disappointed.
Such a beautiful love story. I think what I loved most about it was it's, (and I DON'T mean this in a bad way) simplicity.
2 middle-aged people fall in Love.
No major dramas, no car chases, no subterfuge, no games, just that journey 2 people take when their hearts recognize their soul mate. Athena's self-discovery, Dale's absolute Mastery....sigh.....
He's such a compelling character. You immediately sense that his Domination, his absolute ability as a Master, isn't just bone deep, but a part of his DNA. As I first started reading their story I was struck by how little internal dialog we had from Dale's perspective. But once I finished reading I realized it wasn't necessary. Dale's thoughts, feelings were already there in every encounter he had with Athena. Honest, straightforward, absolute. Dale is every noble ideal we have of what a Knight is. I LOVE him!
Watching Athena embrace ALL of her submissive feelings, as well as watching her struggle to reconcile who she was with Roy and who she was always meant to be added so much to their journey. So many of us live our lives like Athena had. Especially when we have no outlet for what our submission really means to us. We serve, we're the caretakers, the organizers....we put everyone elses needs before our own. For most of us, that's enough. But how much more wonderful could our lives be if we grab hold of the fantasy as Athena did and make it our reality.

The encounters between Dale and Athena are incredibly Hot and Steamy!! Dale's ability to build Athena's need for release and the creative ways he achieves that are mind blowing. This is a Master fully in control of Athena's desire. A Love story definitely worth experiencing!

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intense and powerful story full of passion and emotion. A true journey of self discovery and acceptance and I enjoyed it immensely.

I felt the writing was unique, drawing me in, building me up, as I learned about Athena and Dale’s history and lives as they come together. They had such a unique chemistry and their dynamic fascinated me. Their relationship had a wonderful build from the very first meeting, pulling me in. I found both characters to be extremely intriguing. There are ups and downs but for the most part it's light drama, it's more the intensity of their relationship that kept me captivated the entire time. Athena’s journey was just so raw and real, she had such a battle inside herself as she was figuring out who she really was in the BDSM world and to herself. I'm enjoyed seeing the different sides of Dale. He’s so powerful and commanding and in control but he's got his own vulnerabilities as well. Athena and Dale were both great characters, caring, intense, and loving. There's a wonderful sensual exploration that's open and honest.

I really enjoyed the writing, it had a wonderful sophisticated cadence to it. The scenes were extremely detailed and full of wonderful imagery. There were a few spots it felt drawn out giving it a slow feel on occasion, more so in the first half, but I was so mesmerized by the story I kept right on reading.

It was a truly wonderful story and it was so much more than I thought it would be. Yes, there are lots of sexy times since this is very much a BDSM book and those elements and scenes are explored but it was about two people falling in love and opening their hearts and it captivated me the entire time.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As reviewed on Read Our Lips:


A great story with two people, finding their second chance, or a second wind in life maybe, with each other.
Athena is trying to find her footing again, still suffering the loss of her husband and not knowing what to do with herself.
One night, a stroll through the BDSM club she´s a member of, just before she´s about to go home, turns into something much more. Dom Dale is in session with a sub, and the scene grabs the interest of Athena in a way she never could think. She, a well known Domme, wanting to submit to Dale? Not possible.. Or is it?
Join their journey together into a joint future.
Smutty fluff, BDSM and two people finding their second chance with each other. A feel good book and I can´t wait for my next JWH read!

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Joey W. Hill but this book just wasn't that great--I didn't care for the characters--

[Tmstprc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone has tropes they avoid, BDSM is one I usually avoid. The few I’ve read have always seemed more focused on the sex, but rarely feel romantic—the sex seems like too much work.

This book was romantic. In the beginning, her grief and sadness is palpable. As the story unfolds, you watch them fall in love. And, that’s why this book works for me. It’s a romance with a HEA.

[Vic]

It’s impressive how this book made BDSM boring

[Noura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before i start: i have to honestly say that i am a huge JWH fan (gush gush gush!). Whatever exposure to BDSM type stories, the culture, the info...for me it all started with with her books. So what i'm saying here is that if you have not read anything on BDSM, this book may be a good start for all her other books (especially the epic and extremely BDSM-ish Vampire Mistress series).

This book tells the story of 2 mature adults (no simpering, emotional or idealistic young love here)who have been through a lot (as well for people of 40-somethings) -they have love, lost and are surviving. Athena is a smart & successful businesswoman, a philanthropist and a beautiful widow. She has served as her late husband's Domme for many years but knew deep inside that it is not her. Dale is a retired SEAL (i think that description is enough to give you an idea of what kind of alpha male-type we are talking about here) and a highly regarded Dom. I see the heroine as someone who was well-loved and was lost after her beloved husband's death. In the first part of the book she's trying to find herself, she knew that she is a sub all along, and decided to explore that side of her by approaching Dale to be her Dom after seeing him in action at a local BDSM club. But of course things get complicated along the way. It's obvious that Dale has started to develop more than a Dom's protective feeling towards her even in the very beginning. However the story is more about Athena's journey to find herself thru being a Dale's sub and to realize that love can still be found second time around.

I adore the love story between them. Dale is a a Master with a capital M. He is gentle when he needs to be and he is a hard-driving Master at the same time. Athena is strong and decisive in her business world and it took her time to relinquish that part of her for her Master.

Heads up: Matt and Savannah Kensington (of Knights of Boardroom) makes an appearance in this story.

A recommended read for people looking for BDSM love story featuring a more mature couple.

[Claudine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried. I really did. but I didn't like it, I couldn't get past 64%.

[Desiree Holt]

Another winner from the fabulous Joey Hill. No one writes this better than she does. No one. Every book is an intense, emotional journey.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-unrest...


“Anything for you. I will give you anything. I will fly for you.”

Southern, Steel Magnolia, Athena Summers is a giver. An astute businesswoman and faithful wife, she is the type of woman who puts everyone first and herself last. Athena and her late husband Roy where regular players at the BDSM club, Club Release. Both wife and Mistress to Roy, Athena never considered being on the receiving end of the whip. But ever since Roy died of cancer, there has been a hollowness to Athena that she can’t shake. Athena no longer participates at Club Release since Roy’s death, but it still provides a comfort and sanctuary to her and the memories they shared. During her latest visit to the club, Athena witnesses a new Dom (Master Craftsman/MC) in a scene with Willow (a regular submissive at the club) and is mesmerized by not only his powerful body but his commanding presence with Willow. As Athena witnesses the scene, she not only becomes aroused but begins to imagine being in Willow’s place, experiencing the lash. She wonders if feeling the physical pain would purge the emotional pain that haunts her. After the scene, Athena meets the eyes of the Dom and immediately feels bare and vulnerable; as if he reads her need for what she feels is so wrong for her personality. Submission.

When Athena leaves the club she stops for gas at the station across the street. Two men pull up with the intent to rob her of her money and wedding rings. Athena refuses and attempts to fight back after they punch her in the face. Her screams of rage and refusal to give up her rings aggravates her attackers to the point that she believes they will eventually kill her. Then the men are pulled off her by MC and peel out of the station. He knows Athena as well as her reputation as Lady Mistress at the club. MC introduces himself as Dale Rousseau and insists with her injuries and possible concussion that she stay at his place for the night. Although Athena doesn’t know Dale except through the club, she feels safe with him and agrees to a night in his guestroom. Dale informs her the next day that he was looking for her in the club parking lot when he saw her being attacked. Being a man of direct words, Dale goes on to tell Athena that the way she looked at him in the club made him believe she wanted something from him and he came to find out what it was. Athena confides that she does want something from him but would like to think on what that is and offers him lunch at her home on Friday to discuss it further.

“Former military, gardner, dog trainer and junkyard operator. As well as extraordinary Dom. A man guaranteed to pique the interest of any intelligent, breathing woman and she fit both those qualifications.”

Christmas came early for me this year when Joey W. Hill sent me an early ARC of Unrestrained. Ms. Hill is one of the few authors that whenever she has a new book releasing, my immediate response is “gimmie”! She is one of a handful of authors where I don’t need to read a blurb or see a cover to know that I want to devour it.

Alluring, vulnerable, rich in emotion, Unrestrained is a beautiful story of two characters striving for balance and surrender within the body, soul and mind. Dale’s personality is truly mesmerizing from the first moment he hits the page. A retired Navy SEAL, his commanding presence is assertive, confident, sensible yet there is a tenderness to his strength that is both genuine and seductive. When Dale meets Athena for lunch at her home, he is honest about not only what he believes Athena wants but also what he desires. He refuses a “professional arrangement”, exposes her desire for submission and tells her how their relationship will be.

“You connected with me, you want something from me. Same goes. You’re not a timid woman, Athena, and I’m sure as hell not shy about what I want. I want to see where this leads. How about you?”

Dale’s straightforward honesty about a D/s relationship opens Athena’s eyes to what her role as a Mistress was to her husband and what she denied herself in playing that role.

“Because that’s what a true service sub does,” Dale responded. ”She takes pleasure in pleasing others. Her Master, all those in her life. A Master takes pleasure in holding power, a sub in surrendering to it. The way she surrenders may be mistaken for the flip side of the coin because of what you just described. You weren’t a Domme to him. You were a Domme for him.”

Now Athena is seeking a freedom and ownership that she has never experienced and Dale is the man that wants to give it to her.

“Surrendering to him, letting him take them both on the journey he had planned, it was freedom within bondage like she’d never know outside of it.”

What I enjoy most about Ms. Hill’s portrayal of the D/s role in her BDSM themed romances is the relationships are not cookie cutter scenes that so many authors use repeatedly in a series. The punishment or pleasure is emotional and physically attuned to the Master’s need and desire as much as the subs. It’s captivating to witness because it’s never the same with each couple. Usually it’s focused on an emotional barrier that needs to be purged from the sub but there is also something the Master learns as well about himself. For Dale, it’s a matter of pride in dealing with an injured leg from war and while he demands every part of Athena’s submission, he in turn has to learn to trust her care for him and believe Athena when she insists that his legs don’t make the man or Master.

Delivering a compelling storyline of trust with sizzling chemistry and impassioned emotion, fans or first time readers of Joey W. Hill will find a profoundly inspiring story in Unrestrained.


Favorite Quote:

“I’m enough of a guy that I want to show off this gorgeous, smart woman who trusts me enough to let me be her Master. But more than that, I want your happiness. I want you to value that as much as you value my needs. I want you to realize, once and for all, they’re the same thing.”