Veena’s review of Bound To You (At Your Service, Book 1) by Shawntelle Madison
Erotic Contemporary Romance published by Love Swept 10 May 16
This is a sweetly emotional love story with a light touch of D/s to spice it up. A strong female protagonist is always a plus for me, and Sophie definitely hits all the right notes in this category. Abandoned by her birth parents and raised in the foster system, she’s made herself into a premier concierge for the rich and famous, and it’s quite impressive to watch her wheeling and dealing through her Rolodex to deliver the goods.
Xavier is a millionaire who’s looking to take his business to the next level. He hires Sophie to help him connect with and impress a reclusive Japanese billionaire. He’s not into personal relationships and, even more so, he believes in keeping business and pleasure separate. But when he meets Sophie, those lines are soon blurred and will definitely be crossed.
It’s a refreshing eye opener to see Sophie outline and execute a campaign worthy of a general. Just as things are going well and Xavier has the coveted opportunity to impress, Sophie’s past throws a monkey wrench into his plans. Fortunately, Xavier puts Sophie’s needs ahead of his business, making him a true hero in my eyes. From then on I was just sold and the rest of the story, as in cuffs, chains, bondage, surviving meeting the parents at dinner, are all icing on the cake.
There are so many facets of Sophie, and I personally enjoyed each one, even if I had some strong feelings about some of her choices. It’s really fun to watch her in her business-woman role as she guides Xavier through his paces and uses her connections to deliver what he needs. If I hadn’t become a fan already, her handling of Xavier’s family would have definitely tipped the scales for me.
Definitely a keeper, and I am quite looking forward to Sophie’s friend Carlie’s story, which is up next.
Grade: A
Summary:
Shawntelle Madison’s deeply sensual novel of pleasure and persuasion revolves around a high-stakes business deal in which the rules of negotiation are defined by desire.
Through grace, talent, and hard work, personal concierge Sophie Ashton has turned international corporate warfare into an art. But when she meets her new client, a suave CEO who radiates masculine heat, she knows this is no ordinary job. With a past hurt fresh in her heart, Sophie tries to keep her professional relationships exactly that: professional. But Xavier Quinn is a man who knows how to get what he wants, and soon Sophie is tempted into his wicked dance of seduction.
Xavier needs Sophie’s charm and finesse to land a coveted contract with a Japanese tech mogul, yet he’s even more intrigued by her as a woman. He sees Sophie’s darkly sensual nature and can sense her passion. He wants to dominate her, more than he’s ever wanted anything before. He’ll make her submit, though he can’t give her his heart, not after the tragic death of his last sub. Xavier assures himself he can keep his distance from Sophie . . . but can he? He’s used to taking risks in work and in life, but the stakes have never been higher. Because the game he plays with Sophie will bind them together—or destroy them both.
No excerpt available.
