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Woman in Chains
Former Dom, Dak Ricci is a part of a BDSM group called S.A.F.E., which means Security Away From Extremists. The group concentrates on saving abused slaves and submissives from their dominants. After an emotional save, he decides that's it for him. However, his friend and fellow Dom has another plan for him. He wants Dak to do one last rescue.
"This Slave" pushes her Dom to the limit to get the abuse she thinks she deserves. During a BDSM luncheon, another Domme sees what she perceives as abuse and contacts S.A.F.E. to help her. Dak decides to help "This Slave," now renamed Rebekah, when he learns her Dom is the same man Dak's last submissive left him for. He's going to make this save about revenge.
As soon as they get together, the sexual tension between them is so palpable that they both rethink their BDSM roles. But when the truth about Dak's involvement in her save and Rebekah's past comes to light, will their connection be enough to keep them bound together?
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Strong BDSM theme and content, anal play/intercourse, dubious consent, exhibitionism, female/female sexual interaction.
"This Slave" pushes her Dom to the limit to get the abuse she thinks she deserves. During a BDSM luncheon, another Domme sees what she perceives as abuse and contacts S.A.F.E. to help her. Dak decides to help "This Slave," now renamed Rebekah, when he learns her Dom is the same man Dak's last submissive left him for. He's going to make this save about revenge.
As soon as they get together, the sexual tension between them is so palpable that they both rethink their BDSM roles. But when the truth about Dak's involvement in her save and Rebekah's past comes to light, will their connection be enough to keep them bound together?
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Strong BDSM theme and content, anal play/intercourse, dubious consent, exhibitionism, female/female sexual interaction.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2008
3 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Bridget Midway
38 books127 followersBefore you can say, "She can't go there with that story!" Bridget Midway is already taking you there and then some. Currently living in Virginia, Bridget writes erotica and erotic romances with multi-racial characters and usually with interracial romances. Differences should be celebrated, shared and explored, not seen as taboo. When she's not writing she's writing and writing and, oh, writing some more. To read about her upcoming events, read her latest news, participate in her contest or read exclusive excerpts, go to her website. Also join her on MySpace.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 26, 2011
Okay, I'm biased, but as far as I'm concerned Bridget Midway writes some of the BEST BDSM-themed romance out there (and accolades from various BDSM groups agree with my assessment, so there LOL). She was also one of the first authors to do it when the sub-genre wasn't as popular AND she was one of the first to write multicultural/IR BDSM (two things that I wish more authors in this sub-genre would get a grip about and stop pussyfooting around). What makes Midway so amazing is that she isn't even involved in the scene, but one would never know it from the quality of her writing and the great deal of respect she brings to the subject. This is a writer who understands that perusing through the JT's Stockroom catalogue does not an expert on BDSM make. Midway makes a point of attending events, getting involved with actual practitioners and doing the real research that make her BDSM-themed romances so compelling and realistic.
Woman in Chains is the second BDSM-themed novel from Ms. Midway I've read and this one kept me at arm's length for a few years. Why? Because I really hate BDSM books where the characters have issues that somehow lead them into the lovestyle. For me, as an ex-practitioner, I just feel such books tend to reinforce all the negative stereotypes--that one has to be crazy, have abuse issues, etc.--to enjoy such sexual expression. On the other hand, let's be honest--there are those in the scene with those very issues and mayhaps BDSM is the vehicle they use to come to terms with whatever haunts them. Having said that, Woman in Chains drew me in from page one and kept me there, sometimes holding my breath, sometimes near tears and sometimes cheering for Dak and Brea (aka Rebekah) through their torturous path to love and acceptance.
I seriously had to swallow my anger at how Rebekah is first introduced, as the submissive of Master Blade, a guy who really should never been allowed near a flogger. She called herself 'This Slave' and that remained her mode of address for about a quarter of the book. But she's an interesting case; she does whatever she can to push her Dom into punishing her rather than waiting for him to do so. In her mind, controlling the when and wheres of punishment means she's not anyone's victim. When Dak is called to rescue her from Master Blade, he finds her under the bed in a locked wooden box. In spite of all this, Rebekah is a fighter. She doesn't know if Dak is friend or foe and she's not going to wait around to find out. If he wants her trust, he's got to earn it.
Dakota Ricci (aka Dak) is a former Dom and founder of S.A.F.E.: Security Away From Extremists, a BDSM group that rescues subs from abusive Doms and places them with other Doms/Dommes for their safety and retraining. One of the group's rules is that members do not get involved with those they rescue. After one painfully emotional rescue, Dak is calling it quits. Not so fast there. His friend, fellow Dom and fellow member of S.A.F.E. has one more mission and this one will turn Dak's life upside down forever. What I liked about Dak is that he might be the Dom, but he doesn't know all the answers and in the case of a woman like Rebekah who's not only been emotionally and physically damaged by everyone she trusts, he's out of his depth but somehow does his best to do the right thing. He's not the uber-powerful alpha, but just a man who's slowly opening up and re-learning just what it means to be a Dominant. That's another thing I like about Midway's heroes--they aren't perfect. In their zeal to do the right thing, they can be pigheaded asshats, but that's what makes them human.
Midway touches on so many themes in this book, nor does she shy away from some of the more controversial aspects of the lovestyle. One exchange between Dak and another Dom brings up the issue of race-play (since Dak is white and Rebekah is black). The other Dom, hoping to get his hands on "one of those" (I'll leave it to you to figure out what he meant) licks his chops hoping to "push her buttons" by using the n-word. Dak practically goes ballistic on the Dom in question. (Race-play is a hot-button issue in BDSM). But this is really the only time race is even mentioned (though Master Blade is black as well). What I really enjoyed though was Rebekah's re-training with Dak, learning her true power as a submissive. That trust is a gift any real Dom/Domme cherishes. That she should hold her head up and want to serve, and to do so with pride. So many authors get it wrong, because they're so enamoured of this uber-alpha hunk telling the poor sub (whom the reader mainly identifies with) what to do.
Dak and Rebekah are imperfect people who somehow manage to forge a perfect love and submissive partnership through hellish circumstances. My only problem with Woman in Chains? It was just too damn short, LOL. It was one of those books that I just didn't want to end and where Dak and Rebekah were more than just characters, but two people I really cared about. And even though Blade was a jerk, I was interested in his story and how he could get everything so very wrong. Overall, Bridget Midway does it again and while there's a HEA, it feels right for there to be one because these two people earned it.
Woman in Chains is the second BDSM-themed novel from Ms. Midway I've read and this one kept me at arm's length for a few years. Why? Because I really hate BDSM books where the characters have issues that somehow lead them into the lovestyle. For me, as an ex-practitioner, I just feel such books tend to reinforce all the negative stereotypes--that one has to be crazy, have abuse issues, etc.--to enjoy such sexual expression. On the other hand, let's be honest--there are those in the scene with those very issues and mayhaps BDSM is the vehicle they use to come to terms with whatever haunts them. Having said that, Woman in Chains drew me in from page one and kept me there, sometimes holding my breath, sometimes near tears and sometimes cheering for Dak and Brea (aka Rebekah) through their torturous path to love and acceptance.
I seriously had to swallow my anger at how Rebekah is first introduced, as the submissive of Master Blade, a guy who really should never been allowed near a flogger. She called herself 'This Slave' and that remained her mode of address for about a quarter of the book. But she's an interesting case; she does whatever she can to push her Dom into punishing her rather than waiting for him to do so. In her mind, controlling the when and wheres of punishment means she's not anyone's victim. When Dak is called to rescue her from Master Blade, he finds her under the bed in a locked wooden box. In spite of all this, Rebekah is a fighter. She doesn't know if Dak is friend or foe and she's not going to wait around to find out. If he wants her trust, he's got to earn it.
Dakota Ricci (aka Dak) is a former Dom and founder of S.A.F.E.: Security Away From Extremists, a BDSM group that rescues subs from abusive Doms and places them with other Doms/Dommes for their safety and retraining. One of the group's rules is that members do not get involved with those they rescue. After one painfully emotional rescue, Dak is calling it quits. Not so fast there. His friend, fellow Dom and fellow member of S.A.F.E. has one more mission and this one will turn Dak's life upside down forever. What I liked about Dak is that he might be the Dom, but he doesn't know all the answers and in the case of a woman like Rebekah who's not only been emotionally and physically damaged by everyone she trusts, he's out of his depth but somehow does his best to do the right thing. He's not the uber-powerful alpha, but just a man who's slowly opening up and re-learning just what it means to be a Dominant. That's another thing I like about Midway's heroes--they aren't perfect. In their zeal to do the right thing, they can be pigheaded asshats, but that's what makes them human.
Midway touches on so many themes in this book, nor does she shy away from some of the more controversial aspects of the lovestyle. One exchange between Dak and another Dom brings up the issue of race-play (since Dak is white and Rebekah is black). The other Dom, hoping to get his hands on "one of those" (I'll leave it to you to figure out what he meant) licks his chops hoping to "push her buttons" by using the n-word. Dak practically goes ballistic on the Dom in question. (Race-play is a hot-button issue in BDSM). But this is really the only time race is even mentioned (though Master Blade is black as well). What I really enjoyed though was Rebekah's re-training with Dak, learning her true power as a submissive. That trust is a gift any real Dom/Domme cherishes. That she should hold her head up and want to serve, and to do so with pride. So many authors get it wrong, because they're so enamoured of this uber-alpha hunk telling the poor sub (whom the reader mainly identifies with) what to do.
Dak and Rebekah are imperfect people who somehow manage to forge a perfect love and submissive partnership through hellish circumstances. My only problem with Woman in Chains? It was just too damn short, LOL. It was one of those books that I just didn't want to end and where Dak and Rebekah were more than just characters, but two people I really cared about. And even though Blade was a jerk, I was interested in his story and how he could get everything so very wrong. Overall, Bridget Midway does it again and while there's a HEA, it feels right for there to be one because these two people earned it.
July 29, 2012
People jumping to conclusions, irresponsible Doms, mentally unstable submissives, what other messed up situation can be added to this book? Oh right, a Dom who sees things in black and white who ALSO jumps to conclusions. This book was not an easy read. Several times the urge to shoot the characters in the book became almost overwhelming.
Let's start with the fucked "This Slave". Once again we have a submissive who is from an abusive household in the lifestyle. Lovely. Because all submissives are fucked in the head, just like another mentioned in the book - "lil Mary". That one was a trip too. Over time the readers learns more about Rebekah and understands why she does what she does. Another issue with this sub, Rebekah, is tops from the bottom consistently. Makes her real happy, doesn't it? Ms. Midway does an excellent job of depicting how a D/s relationship unfolds when the submissive tops from the bottom.
Dak is the least screwed up piece of work here. Yes he does become judge, jury and executioner, but how can one blame him? He's a freaking retired SEAL. And going to work for the police force? I don't know many former military who would find police work that great for them. The missions of the two are similar in the "protect". However, the execution is totally different. Doesn't really make them that compatible. Regardless, Dak is a good Dom with the shittiest friends, with the exception of Mistress Siren.
What is going on with Gordon? Can't make a single phone call? Gordon is an asshat with ulterior motives and an arrogant pissant. Sir Steele - what a joke. Moira? Yeah, she fits the shrink title to a T. Judgmental and leaping to conclusions much? Disappointing. She gives good psychiatrists a bad name.
This story was interesting from the perspective of a secret organization designed to save abused submissives. It's good to know these organizations really exist. Although if they are run as half assed as showcased in this story, it's a concern.
The characters actually earned a 1 or 2 star. They were unappealing except for Dak. The storyline didn't do much better - barely a 2 star. What really made this work was the D/s scenarios/teachings/insights and the hawt BDSM scenes. These were enjoyable and very well written. For this, the story settled on a 3 star overall.
Let's start with the fucked "This Slave". Once again we have a submissive who is from an abusive household in the lifestyle. Lovely. Because all submissives are fucked in the head, just like another mentioned in the book - "lil Mary". That one was a trip too. Over time the readers learns more about Rebekah and understands why she does what she does. Another issue with this sub, Rebekah, is tops from the bottom consistently. Makes her real happy, doesn't it? Ms. Midway does an excellent job of depicting how a D/s relationship unfolds when the submissive tops from the bottom.
Dak is the least screwed up piece of work here. Yes he does become judge, jury and executioner, but how can one blame him? He's a freaking retired SEAL. And going to work for the police force? I don't know many former military who would find police work that great for them. The missions of the two are similar in the "protect". However, the execution is totally different. Doesn't really make them that compatible. Regardless, Dak is a good Dom with the shittiest friends, with the exception of Mistress Siren.
What is going on with Gordon? Can't make a single phone call? Gordon is an asshat with ulterior motives and an arrogant pissant. Sir Steele - what a joke. Moira? Yeah, she fits the shrink title to a T. Judgmental and leaping to conclusions much? Disappointing. She gives good psychiatrists a bad name.
This story was interesting from the perspective of a secret organization designed to save abused submissives. It's good to know these organizations really exist. Although if they are run as half assed as showcased in this story, it's a concern.
The characters actually earned a 1 or 2 star. They were unappealing except for Dak. The storyline didn't do much better - barely a 2 star. What really made this work was the D/s scenarios/teachings/insights and the hawt BDSM scenes. These were enjoyable and very well written. For this, the story settled on a 3 star overall.
July 19, 2012
The main theme in this for me was Trust. Or the lack thereof, because no one in the book seemed to trust anyone else - sometimes with excellent cause.
It isn’t unusual for me to dislike one of the characters at the start but I think I actually disliked Dak more at the end than I did at the beginning. He had a lot of growing up to do.
So Dakota is a member of SAFE - which is an interesting idea but seems like a kind of train wreck in execution. As we learn, the members have some real honesty issues - with each other and even with themselves. They seem to be entirely making it up as they go along - which, to me, could make them just as dangerous to the people they are trying to help as those they are trying to save them from.
Anyway, because these people can’t communicate with each other Dak ends up with a young woman who refuses to call herself anything other than “This Slave.” He names her Rebekah because he isn’t in to the made-up name stuff as we learn in the first chapter - except in the case of his former submissive who he and everyone else refer to as Lil’ Mary so many times I felt like I was the one being tortured.
He actually rescued her from a guy who calls him Blaze - no real name given. Apparently, this guy saw her out shopping and convinced her to come home with him and become his slave in a fashion most unexplained because I don’t even think Christian Grey could pull that one off and he didn’t seem to be exactly oozing animal magnetism. We find out her back story and it explains some but definitely not all. Anyway, Blaze seems sort of responsible as he uses safewords and the most dangerous thing he does to her is lock her up in a small container hidden in his bedroom and leave the house. I mean, what possibly could go wrong there? He was one of the most self-centered Doms I have seen lately, and that is actually quite a statement, believe me. And when he said “I had to break her” I wanted someone to break his face.
So Dak is trying to get Rebekah to trust him while dealing with his own issues while trying to figure out how to get rid of her. Despite pretty much a recipe for disaster, it goes well for a while until he loses it over something that I thought wasn’t a big deal. Frankly Rebekah was way too patient with his faults. Mouse’s first visit was fine. Mouse’s second visit was so wrong they should have left together and let Dak learn to deal before either of them talked to him again. Believe it or not, Dak was into 24/7 Total Power Exchange - which I have no problem with as a matter of principle but he never proved to me he was up to the challenge.
This is the kind of plot I generally love but I can’t say I did this time. Things worked out well in the end but I give Rebekah most of the credit for that. Well-written and interesting but I just couldn’t quite get into the characters the way I prefer.
It isn’t unusual for me to dislike one of the characters at the start but I think I actually disliked Dak more at the end than I did at the beginning. He had a lot of growing up to do.
So Dakota is a member of SAFE - which is an interesting idea but seems like a kind of train wreck in execution. As we learn, the members have some real honesty issues - with each other and even with themselves. They seem to be entirely making it up as they go along - which, to me, could make them just as dangerous to the people they are trying to help as those they are trying to save them from.
Anyway, because these people can’t communicate with each other Dak ends up with a young woman who refuses to call herself anything other than “This Slave.” He names her Rebekah because he isn’t in to the made-up name stuff as we learn in the first chapter - except in the case of his former submissive who he and everyone else refer to as Lil’ Mary so many times I felt like I was the one being tortured.
He actually rescued her from a guy who calls him Blaze - no real name given. Apparently, this guy saw her out shopping and convinced her to come home with him and become his slave in a fashion most unexplained because I don’t even think Christian Grey could pull that one off and he didn’t seem to be exactly oozing animal magnetism. We find out her back story and it explains some but definitely not all. Anyway, Blaze seems sort of responsible as he uses safewords and the most dangerous thing he does to her is lock her up in a small container hidden in his bedroom and leave the house. I mean, what possibly could go wrong there? He was one of the most self-centered Doms I have seen lately, and that is actually quite a statement, believe me. And when he said “I had to break her” I wanted someone to break his face.
So Dak is trying to get Rebekah to trust him while dealing with his own issues while trying to figure out how to get rid of her. Despite pretty much a recipe for disaster, it goes well for a while until he loses it over something that I thought wasn’t a big deal. Frankly Rebekah was way too patient with his faults. Mouse’s first visit was fine. Mouse’s second visit was so wrong they should have left together and let Dak learn to deal before either of them talked to him again. Believe it or not, Dak was into 24/7 Total Power Exchange - which I have no problem with as a matter of principle but he never proved to me he was up to the challenge.
This is the kind of plot I generally love but I can’t say I did this time. Things worked out well in the end but I give Rebekah most of the credit for that. Well-written and interesting but I just couldn’t quite get into the characters the way I prefer.
September 14, 2020
This is Dakota and Brea’s story.
This story uses the vehicle of BDSM to tell the love story between this couple.
Dakota is Master Dak, but he is no longer active as a Dom because the last submissive he had left him because she wanted him to be rough on her and he did not feel very comfortable with this. He felt like a failure because he failed to be what she needed and he left the lifestyle. He becomes a member of a group called S.A.F.E. that rescues submissives who are being abused by their Doms and Dommes.
Rebekah is the name that Dakota gives Brea, but she refers to herself as “This Slave”. She comes from a very abusive background. She lost her mother at an early age and her father was her caregiver. He taught her through his abusive behavior towards her that she was worthless. She believed him and escaped her home as soon as she was old enough to do so and joined the lifestyle. She finds Master Blade, a Dom, who does not mind giving ‘This Slave’ what she wants. She pushes him to be cruel to her and he complies.
When Dakota rescues her from this horrible situation and shows her tenderness and kindness she rejects his care and wants to go back to Master Blade because with him she knows what she is getting. She could not handle Dakota’s tenderness and caring. He uses the lifestyle to teach her that no one has the right to abuse her and she can say no at any time.
I enjoyed the story. I learned a lot about the BDSM lifestyle and that it is just not about sex; it is about obedience, respect and trust. That is the biggest element, trusting the other person without reservation. The submissive must trust the Dom that he has her well-being as his utmost concern, at all times. He needs to treat her with respect and follow her wishes. It is not about what the Dom wants.
The couple establishes a relationship. Their past catches up with them and tests their love. Dakota did not tell Rebekah everything about the reasons he gave up the lifestyle originally. He has to deal with the consequences of this decision.
I enjoyed this story; it was well written and engaging. The pace of the story could have, perhaps, been a little quicker but the writer takes the time to ensure that the reader understands what the BDSM lifestyle is all about.
I recommend this story; it is a good read!
This story uses the vehicle of BDSM to tell the love story between this couple.
Dakota is Master Dak, but he is no longer active as a Dom because the last submissive he had left him because she wanted him to be rough on her and he did not feel very comfortable with this. He felt like a failure because he failed to be what she needed and he left the lifestyle. He becomes a member of a group called S.A.F.E. that rescues submissives who are being abused by their Doms and Dommes.
Rebekah is the name that Dakota gives Brea, but she refers to herself as “This Slave”. She comes from a very abusive background. She lost her mother at an early age and her father was her caregiver. He taught her through his abusive behavior towards her that she was worthless. She believed him and escaped her home as soon as she was old enough to do so and joined the lifestyle. She finds Master Blade, a Dom, who does not mind giving ‘This Slave’ what she wants. She pushes him to be cruel to her and he complies.
When Dakota rescues her from this horrible situation and shows her tenderness and kindness she rejects his care and wants to go back to Master Blade because with him she knows what she is getting. She could not handle Dakota’s tenderness and caring. He uses the lifestyle to teach her that no one has the right to abuse her and she can say no at any time.
I enjoyed the story. I learned a lot about the BDSM lifestyle and that it is just not about sex; it is about obedience, respect and trust. That is the biggest element, trusting the other person without reservation. The submissive must trust the Dom that he has her well-being as his utmost concern, at all times. He needs to treat her with respect and follow her wishes. It is not about what the Dom wants.
The couple establishes a relationship. Their past catches up with them and tests their love. Dakota did not tell Rebekah everything about the reasons he gave up the lifestyle originally. He has to deal with the consequences of this decision.
I enjoyed this story; it was well written and engaging. The pace of the story could have, perhaps, been a little quicker but the writer takes the time to ensure that the reader understands what the BDSM lifestyle is all about.
I recommend this story; it is a good read!
June 8, 2014
This is Dakota and Brea’s story.
This story uses the vehicle of BDSM to tell the love story between this couple.
Dakota is Master Dak, but he is no longer active as a Dom because the last submissive he had left him because she wanted him to be rough on her and he did not feel very comfortable with this. He felt like a failure because he failed to be what she needed and he left the lifestyle. He becomes a member of a group called S.A.F.E. that rescues submissives who are being abused by their Doms and Dommes.
Rebekah is the name that Dakota gives Brea, but she refers to herself as “This Slave”. She comes from a very abusive background. She lost her mother at an early age and her father was her caregiver. He taught her through his abusive behavior towards her that she was worthless. She believed him and escaped her home as soon as she was old enough to do so and joined the lifestyle. She finds Master Blade, a Dom, who does not mind giving ‘This Slave’ what she wants. She pushes him to be cruel to her and he complies.
When Dakota rescues her from this horrible situation and shows her tenderness and kindness she rejects his care and wants to go back to Master Blade because with him she knows what she is getting. She could not handle Dakota’s tenderness and caring. He uses the lifestyle to teach her that no one has the right to abuse her and she can say no at any time.
I enjoyed the story. I learned a lot about the BDSM lifestyle and that it is just not about sex; it is about obedience, respect and trust. That is the biggest element, trusting the other person without reservation. The submissive must trust the Dom that he has her well-being as his utmost concern, at all times. He needs to treat her with respect and follow her wishes. It is not about what the Dom wants.
The couple establishes a relationship. Their past catches up with them and tests their love. Dakota did not tell Rebekah everything about the reasons he gave up the lifestyle originally. He has to deal with the consequences of this decision.
I enjoyed this story; it was well written and engaging. The pace of the story could have, perhaps, been a little quicker but the writer takes the time to ensure that the reader understands what the BDSM lifestyle is all about.
I recommend this story; it is a good read!
-Reviewed by Marcia
This story uses the vehicle of BDSM to tell the love story between this couple.
Dakota is Master Dak, but he is no longer active as a Dom because the last submissive he had left him because she wanted him to be rough on her and he did not feel very comfortable with this. He felt like a failure because he failed to be what she needed and he left the lifestyle. He becomes a member of a group called S.A.F.E. that rescues submissives who are being abused by their Doms and Dommes.
Rebekah is the name that Dakota gives Brea, but she refers to herself as “This Slave”. She comes from a very abusive background. She lost her mother at an early age and her father was her caregiver. He taught her through his abusive behavior towards her that she was worthless. She believed him and escaped her home as soon as she was old enough to do so and joined the lifestyle. She finds Master Blade, a Dom, who does not mind giving ‘This Slave’ what she wants. She pushes him to be cruel to her and he complies.
When Dakota rescues her from this horrible situation and shows her tenderness and kindness she rejects his care and wants to go back to Master Blade because with him she knows what she is getting. She could not handle Dakota’s tenderness and caring. He uses the lifestyle to teach her that no one has the right to abuse her and she can say no at any time.
I enjoyed the story. I learned a lot about the BDSM lifestyle and that it is just not about sex; it is about obedience, respect and trust. That is the biggest element, trusting the other person without reservation. The submissive must trust the Dom that he has her well-being as his utmost concern, at all times. He needs to treat her with respect and follow her wishes. It is not about what the Dom wants.
The couple establishes a relationship. Their past catches up with them and tests their love. Dakota did not tell Rebekah everything about the reasons he gave up the lifestyle originally. He has to deal with the consequences of this decision.
I enjoyed this story; it was well written and engaging. The pace of the story could have, perhaps, been a little quicker but the writer takes the time to ensure that the reader understands what the BDSM lifestyle is all about.
I recommend this story; it is a good read!
-Reviewed by Marcia
July 24, 2012
I am a bit torn between a 3 and 4 star rating on this book. The story was good, but I could not get into the characters at all. It felt as if the story came before the characters, so they just kept changing their basic natures to fit with the program.
Rebekah (This Slave) is a victim of abuse so bad she feels she deserves nothing and trusts no one. For a person with her background to do a complete turn around from distrust to trust is unrealistic enough. But that she suddenly had enough self esteem to stick to her decision regarding Dak, while he continually rejected her, made no sense to me at all.
Dak kept waffling back and forth so badly that he essentially had no real personality. The back stories that were to support his behavior were just not enough. He kept insisting Rebekah trust him when he didn't do the same, while treating her like garbage one moment and a goddess the next.
Unfortunately this relationship was not one I really cared much about by the time we get to their HEA. It just felt flat and rather lifeless in the end.
I'm very glad I read Love My Way, before I read this one. If I hadn't I might not be willing to give this author another read. Since I really liked Love My Way, I'll just assume this one wasn't to my taste.
Rebekah (This Slave) is a victim of abuse so bad she feels she deserves nothing and trusts no one. For a person with her background to do a complete turn around from distrust to trust is unrealistic enough. But that she suddenly had enough self esteem to stick to her decision regarding Dak, while he continually rejected her, made no sense to me at all.
Dak kept waffling back and forth so badly that he essentially had no real personality. The back stories that were to support his behavior were just not enough. He kept insisting Rebekah trust him when he didn't do the same, while treating her like garbage one moment and a goddess the next.
Unfortunately this relationship was not one I really cared much about by the time we get to their HEA. It just felt flat and rather lifeless in the end.
I'm very glad I read Love My Way, before I read this one. If I hadn't I might not be willing to give this author another read. Since I really liked Love My Way, I'll just assume this one wasn't to my taste.
July 25, 2012
This review may change but as of right now I'm just shy of half way through and I could care less about this book. I'm not engaged in the characters lives and at this point I think Rebekah is one of those characters that is TSTL (Too Stupid To Live). I'm going to give it another 50 pages or so but this may be my firs DID NOT FINISH in a long time.
Ok sto done now and still did not enjoy. i felt no connection to the characters or their lives AT ALL.
Ok sto done now and still did not enjoy. i felt no connection to the characters or their lives AT ALL.
May 7, 2015
65% complete
DNF due to irreconcilable differences with the protagonists.
DNF due to irreconcilable differences with the protagonists.
August 2, 2014
Cocktails and Books Review
Original Review Published here: http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/revi...
Dak Ricci is a former Dom who spends part of time working for a BDSM group called S.A.F.E. (Security Away From Extremists). He helps subs and slaves who have been abused by their Doms. Dak is a complex man who seems to be very introverted. He does not open up much and we see this because we don’t get to learn much about him until about two thirds into the book.
Gordon called Dak for one last save. When Dak goes in and rescues the slave known, as This Slave” Gordon is nowhere to be found I quickly got frustrated at Gordon because he left Dak holding the bag and then had the audacity to criticize Dak for training “This Slave”.
“This Slave” who is renamed by Dak to Rebekah (mostly because she won’t tell him her real name). Rebekah is very messed up. Right from the beginning of the book its apparent that she provokes a lot of her punishments and she does not even know why she does it. She also seems to think she deserves to be treated that way.
Dak does a good job trying to train Rebekah and help her. He is left to figure it out when his contact bails out on him. It’s apparent that Dak has no idea what he is doing but he tries hard to help her. I enjoyed seeing Rebekah’s attitude change and her love grow for the man who saved her.
I found this book well written with a very lifelike plot. The main and secondary characters were complex and realistic. The ending was somewhat predicable but the book seemed more about how the main characters arrived at the ending then the ending itself. This book was different from most book I have read and in enjoyed the different take on the BDSM lifestyle. Overall, this was a fascinating and interesting book.
Original Review Published here: http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/revi...
Dak Ricci is a former Dom who spends part of time working for a BDSM group called S.A.F.E. (Security Away From Extremists). He helps subs and slaves who have been abused by their Doms. Dak is a complex man who seems to be very introverted. He does not open up much and we see this because we don’t get to learn much about him until about two thirds into the book.
Gordon called Dak for one last save. When Dak goes in and rescues the slave known, as This Slave” Gordon is nowhere to be found I quickly got frustrated at Gordon because he left Dak holding the bag and then had the audacity to criticize Dak for training “This Slave”.
“This Slave” who is renamed by Dak to Rebekah (mostly because she won’t tell him her real name). Rebekah is very messed up. Right from the beginning of the book its apparent that she provokes a lot of her punishments and she does not even know why she does it. She also seems to think she deserves to be treated that way.
Dak does a good job trying to train Rebekah and help her. He is left to figure it out when his contact bails out on him. It’s apparent that Dak has no idea what he is doing but he tries hard to help her. I enjoyed seeing Rebekah’s attitude change and her love grow for the man who saved her.
I found this book well written with a very lifelike plot. The main and secondary characters were complex and realistic. The ending was somewhat predicable but the book seemed more about how the main characters arrived at the ending then the ending itself. This book was different from most book I have read and in enjoyed the different take on the BDSM lifestyle. Overall, this was a fascinating and interesting book.
June 10, 2015
Brea Oliphant refers to herself as “This Slave”. In her mind, being treated like an abused slave is the only value of her worthless life. A product of an abusive background, Brea learned from an early age that ill-treatment and pain were the way of life, so she turns to the BDSM lifestyle, purposely seeking out brutal punishment.
Dakota “Dak” Ricci has given up the Dom/submissive life after his last sub left him because he refused to be a ruthless, violent Dom. Dak thought of himself as a failure because he could not physically and emotionally satisfy his submissive. Nevertheless, Dak allows his best friend to talk him into remaining an member of a group that specializes in rescuing physically battered submissives from their Doms and Dommes.
This rescue mission turns out to be more than Dak and Brea bargain for. Will Brea be able to see that even as a submissive that her body is worthy of admirable and lovable treatment? And, more importantly, will Dak realize that he is indeed a commendable Master Dom?
Woman in Chains has taught me that the BDSM lifestyle is foremost about trust, honesty, respect, and conformity. Without these key elements, there can never be a good, solid Dom/submissive relationship. It is a struggle for Dak and Brea to build a strong foundation. Brea has major trust issues and thinks of herself as undeserving of a loving relationship. Likewise, Dak has self-esteem concerns as a Dom after it had taken a beating when his last submissive had left him without a trace. Yet, Dak and Brea could not deny the strong attraction between them. I enjoyed the couple’s journey to redemption, the discoveries of a wholesome BDSM relationship, and to true love.
This book was reviewed by Nikita Steele for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.
Dakota “Dak” Ricci has given up the Dom/submissive life after his last sub left him because he refused to be a ruthless, violent Dom. Dak thought of himself as a failure because he could not physically and emotionally satisfy his submissive. Nevertheless, Dak allows his best friend to talk him into remaining an member of a group that specializes in rescuing physically battered submissives from their Doms and Dommes.
This rescue mission turns out to be more than Dak and Brea bargain for. Will Brea be able to see that even as a submissive that her body is worthy of admirable and lovable treatment? And, more importantly, will Dak realize that he is indeed a commendable Master Dom?
Woman in Chains has taught me that the BDSM lifestyle is foremost about trust, honesty, respect, and conformity. Without these key elements, there can never be a good, solid Dom/submissive relationship. It is a struggle for Dak and Brea to build a strong foundation. Brea has major trust issues and thinks of herself as undeserving of a loving relationship. Likewise, Dak has self-esteem concerns as a Dom after it had taken a beating when his last submissive had left him without a trace. Yet, Dak and Brea could not deny the strong attraction between them. I enjoyed the couple’s journey to redemption, the discoveries of a wholesome BDSM relationship, and to true love.
This book was reviewed by Nikita Steele for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.
May 16, 2015
Brea Oliphant refers to herself as “This Slave”. In her mind, being treated like an abused slave is the only value of her worthless life. A product of an abusive background, Brea learned from an early age that ill-treatment and pain were the way of life, so she turns to the BDSM lifestyle, purposely seeking out brutal punishment.
Dakota “Dak” Ricci has given up the Dom/submissive life after his last sub left him because he refused to be a ruthless, violent Dom. Dak thought of himself as a failure because he could not physically and emotionally satisfy his submissive. Nevertheless, Dak allows his best friend to talk him into remaining an member of a group that specializes in rescuing physically battered submissives from their Doms and Dommes.
This rescue mission turns out to be more than Dak and Brea bargain for. Will Brea be able to see that even as a submissive that her body is worthy of admirable and lovable treatment? And, more importantly, will Dak realize that he is indeed a commendable Master Dom?
Woman in Chains has taught me that the BDSM lifestyle is foremost about trust, honesty, respect, and conformity. Without these key elements, there can never be a good, solid Dom/submissive relationship. It is a struggle for Dak and Brea to build a strong foundation. Brea has major trust issues and thinks of herself as undeserving of a loving relationship. Likewise, Dak has self-esteem concerns as a Dom after it had taken a beating when his last submissive had left him without a trace. Yet, Dak and Brea could not deny the strong attraction between them. I enjoyed the couple’s journey to redemption, the discoveries of a wholesome BDSM relationship, and to true love.
Reviewed by Nikita Steele for Joyfully Reviewed
Link: http://bit.ly/1F6BKSn
Dakota “Dak” Ricci has given up the Dom/submissive life after his last sub left him because he refused to be a ruthless, violent Dom. Dak thought of himself as a failure because he could not physically and emotionally satisfy his submissive. Nevertheless, Dak allows his best friend to talk him into remaining an member of a group that specializes in rescuing physically battered submissives from their Doms and Dommes.
This rescue mission turns out to be more than Dak and Brea bargain for. Will Brea be able to see that even as a submissive that her body is worthy of admirable and lovable treatment? And, more importantly, will Dak realize that he is indeed a commendable Master Dom?
Woman in Chains has taught me that the BDSM lifestyle is foremost about trust, honesty, respect, and conformity. Without these key elements, there can never be a good, solid Dom/submissive relationship. It is a struggle for Dak and Brea to build a strong foundation. Brea has major trust issues and thinks of herself as undeserving of a loving relationship. Likewise, Dak has self-esteem concerns as a Dom after it had taken a beating when his last submissive had left him without a trace. Yet, Dak and Brea could not deny the strong attraction between them. I enjoyed the couple’s journey to redemption, the discoveries of a wholesome BDSM relationship, and to true love.
Reviewed by Nikita Steele for Joyfully Reviewed
Link: http://bit.ly/1F6BKSn
August 5, 2012
Characters were confusing going from one extreme to another, why were all the subs broken with some serious issues , made me uncomfortable.
The story went from really heavy to a sickly sweet love story, with poor communication skills. The Dom was whipped lol and the sub had him twisted around her "amusement park". From The Slave to The Boss in one chapter not believable. She wanted out, out, out then she wants to stay, stay, stay, he wants her he doesn't want her. This could have been an interesting story, but it took a wrong turn, actually it took a roundabout. I was wishing it would pick a road to turn onto but it kept going in circles, until the rushed ending.
The story went from really heavy to a sickly sweet love story, with poor communication skills. The Dom was whipped lol and the sub had him twisted around her "amusement park". From The Slave to The Boss in one chapter not believable. She wanted out, out, out then she wants to stay, stay, stay, he wants her he doesn't want her. This could have been an interesting story, but it took a wrong turn, actually it took a roundabout. I was wishing it would pick a road to turn onto but it kept going in circles, until the rushed ending.
August 9, 2014
Another Great Story about love and healing!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves reading a great story. This is a book about finding love and healing in an unlikely place and time. I've given this book 5 stars because it is well written and the characters are not just great ,but relatable too. Bridget used BDSM as a vehicle for two lost souls to find love and discover that they can learn to trust despite their painful past. Job Well Done Bridget Midway. I read my first story by Bridget Midway in the awesome box set called Scandalous Heroes. Great Story and Awesome Writer!! I'm hooked!!
I recommend this book to anyone who loves reading a great story. This is a book about finding love and healing in an unlikely place and time. I've given this book 5 stars because it is well written and the characters are not just great ,but relatable too. Bridget used BDSM as a vehicle for two lost souls to find love and discover that they can learn to trust despite their painful past. Job Well Done Bridget Midway. I read my first story by Bridget Midway in the awesome box set called Scandalous Heroes. Great Story and Awesome Writer!! I'm hooked!!
July 21, 2014
If you would have told me I would be reading BDSM, I would have laughed in your face but honestly...Bridget Midway is the ish! The Queen of IR BDSM erotic romances, I quickly fell for Dakota in this tale inspired by the movie 'Black Snake Moan.' Rebeka/Brea made me wince with pity but applaud her growth. You gotta read this!
July 22, 2012
3.5 Nice read. Characters are interesti ng......but not always believabl
e. Liked that the Doms were flawEd
e. Liked that the Doms were flawEd
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