In Committed you get more than just a quick BDSM read. Bristol gives a fully developed story that incorporates the world of BDSM through the lives of the main characters Poppy and Damien. Committed is the first story that I have read where the female protagonist is a "switch" and craves being in control as much as desiring to submit to a Dominant. Not being in the lifestyle myself, the concept of truly being a switch was a bit harder for me to embrace since I had previously only placed characters in the dominant or submissive category. However, Bristol does an excellent job allowing the reader to see the different forms of emotional as well as sexual needs that are being fulfilled when a switch is allowed to express themselves on both sides of the trust dynamic.
I especially appreciated that Damien was not the type of man who couldn't or wouldn't admit mistakes. Damien makes a choice that negatively affects Poppy right off the bat, but goes on to try to make up for it through tenacity and genuine regret. However, in his defense it was a decision that I think that many people would have made as well. Damien struggles to find a balance between continuing to pursue Poppy and continuing to be engaged and dedicated to a dangerous case that he has invested a great deal of time in. Damien wants to be the one to close the case that he has been involved with, but doesn't want to sacrifice the relationship that he wants to build with Poppy.
Poppy doesn't prevaricate about her wants and needs in a relationship. Poppy is no push over and isn't afraid to give her opinions or act in her own best interest which is a nice character trait that isn't always given to women in BDSM books. This doesn't mean that Poppy doesn't struggle with how she will make a relationship with Damien work, it just made their relationship feel more real. Both Poppy's and Damien's families are part of this story and they add to the overall realism of what I would imagine couples who embrace and live the BDSM lifestyle would have to face. We are all aware that not everyone will be accepting and understanding of alternative lifestyles and this issue wasn't skirted around in Committed either. Committed is well stocked with characters that are diverse and unique which included Poppy's cats. And yes, they are characters in themselves! I am hoping that Committed is going to be the first in a series of books in this world, because I would very much be interested in getting more of the secondary characters.
Happy Reading!
Monlat
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
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Synopsis:
In this erotic tale of sensuality and suspense, Sidney Bristol proves that desire can be the most dangerous drug of all.
DEA Special Agent Damien Moana works hard and plays even harder. But while indulging in forbidden temptations at a private BDSM retreat, the unexpected happens: He falls under a stranger’s spell. This woman drives Damien to distraction, pushing him to the sweet boundary between pain and pleasure. When duty interrupts their heated encounter, his focus turns to catching a criminal . . . but his head is still with the seductress who ignites his deepest desires. Now Damien must choose between closing the case of his career and losing the woman of his dreams.
Poppy Mercer can’t forget the night she spent with her mystery lover. When chance brings them back together, she seizes the opportunity to again feel his masterful hands on her body. Poppy is a switch who delights in dominating a powerful man . . . and submitting to the ecstasy of his control. Outside the bedroom, however, she questions her place in Damien’s world. His obsession with hunting a ruthless drug lord puts Poppy in the line of fire. And though Damien might be able to save her from danger, salvaging what’s left of her trust is another matter.
Committed is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.
About the Author:
It can never be said that Sidney Bristol has had a “normal” life. She is a recovering roller derby queen, former missionary, and tattoo addict, and she grew up in a motor-home on the U.S. highways (with an occasional jaunt into Canada and Mexico), traveling the rodeo circuit with her parents. Sidney has lived abroad in both Russia and Thailand, working with children and teenagers. She now lives in Texas where she splits her time between a job she loves and writing, reading, and belly dancing.
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