Lawson’s review of Bonded by Ann Wesley Hardin
Erotic romance eBook released by Red Sage Publications (no date) 2008
I don’t normally read erotic romance, but I did need a change of pace. Or at least something quick, hot and entertaining. Bonded fit the bill, and I’d never read anything by Red Sage either. I also don’t normally read a lot of ebooks, but I would give Red Sage another try if they have more stories like this one.
The set up is pretty simple. Sela Wilson has come for a fantasy weekend with some of her friends to a remote 5-star hotel. Their fantasy man is played by an actor, though Sela’s doesn’t show and has to be replaced. The new guy isn’t a very good actor, but he is the hotel’s owner who wants to correct Sela on her assumptions about the weekend. Erotic adventures ensue, but the weekend ends much sooner than either party want it to.
There was some snappy dialogue between Sela and Daniel Bond, the hotel owner. Sela is hiding her heart since she’s become single again (yes, it’s explained in the book, but telling it would be a little spoilery), but Daniel helps her open up through some very sexy role-playing games. Daniel is used to getting what he wants and comes across Sela who he finds interesting, sexy and very strong. They do fall into bed with each other rather quickly, but apparently that’s the point of the fantasy weekend and it’s not something major to quibble about.
The writing at the beginning is funny, but it’s almost trying too hard to make a point. The style settles down a bit, but the end is rather contrived. In fact, I’d say the story is too short. If it had been longer and more time spent with the characters the ending would have been more satisfying. I suppose the fact that I wanted more story should be a good thing rather than a bad one. . .
Grade: B-
When Sela Wilson requested a gothic hero during Fantasy Weekend at a luxury hotel, she didn’t expect to be stuck with the worst actor ever. Daniel Bond, womanizing, billionaire hotelier, didn’t expect to have to go under cover to play the part, nor did he expect Sela to ditch him for a dildo. But soon, his offer to fulfill all her sexual fantasies has him peeking out from under his mask, and finding that only Sela can coax out the real man he is inside.
Read an excerpt. (scroll down)
