Veena’s review of Unrestrained by Joey W. Hill
Erotic Romance published by Berkley 03 Dec 13

In a market place overflowing with dominant and submissive themes, this book proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that Ms. Hill is a “Mistress” of her craft. The scorching off-the-charts sexual chemistry between the protagonists is balanced perfectly with the emotional connection that sucks the reader into the story and makes them a part of the journey. 

Athena is a service submissive so much so that she became a Domme for her husband Roy because that’s what he needs her to be. She never gave rise to or perhaps even recognized her submissive tendencies until one night she observes Dale Rousseau with a submissive in Club Release. She flees the scene only to run into Dale when he rescues her from a mugging attempt. They both recognize kindred feelings in each other and agree to explore them further.

Dale is a Master extraordinaire. He is known as MC or Master Craftsman as a testament to his skill as a Master and is much sought after. In some ways Athena has her own fan following as submissives seek to be under the command of Lady Mistress, as she’s known. Slowly but surely Dale leads Athena through the journey to discover herself and provides her with the safety to soar. At the same time Dale also has a journey of his own to complete.

He’s a former SEAL who lost his leg during one of his missions. He is very self-sufficient with his prosthesis, but Athena’s love and caring give him the freedom to recognize that sharing his disability makes him stronger, not weaker. He shows Athena in words and actions what it truly means to be mastered by the right master.

This story has so many layers. Athena’s grief at losing her husband Roy, her joy at finding Dale, her fear at loving again, being happy again, making a place for Dale in her heart and home, her joy at releasing her submissive side but her fear of scorn and disdain from some of her friends in the life style. Every feeling is so beautifully illustrated and described that you feel you are living the journey with Athena.

I enjoy reading good stories and this is one of the best, and I am no masochist, but for the first time I understand the craving for pain and pleasure and the freedom that comes from the right combination. The book flows perfectly such that it is almost a surprise when it comes to the end, but it’s just a pause as we bid goodbye to Dale and Athena, leaving them to enjoy their life and hoping to visit them in one of Ms. Hill’s future books.

Grade: A+ 

Summary:

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.

Read an excerpt.