RELUCTANT SURRENDER FIRST REVIEWS
Reviews:
Reluctant Surrender is a very tantalizing, sizzling hot book without a lot of actual graphic sex scenes, Riley Murphy manages to pull the reader into the emotions and feelings of the characters…..I would highly recommend Reluctant Surrender if you are curious or enjoy reading about various aspects of the BDSM lifestyle. The tension between Colin and Ethan is palatable at times, they made me laugh and brought tears to my eyes as they dealt with a variety of emotions together and individually.
4.5 STARS
Wow, just wow! Reluctant Surrender is everything I hoped for and more. I was thoroughly enchanted by Reclaimed Surrender and had very high expectations for this story. Ms. Murphy did not disappoint. There is a vibe throughout this story that just enthralls the reader. The BDSM theme is being vastly overused these days and often the whole emotional/mental component is sacrificed for graphic sex scenes. Not so with Colin and Ethan, their connection is far more than physical. However, the simmering and sensual sexual energy is nothing to scoff at. Creative, profound and soul searing scenes abound. Both Colin and Ethan confront themselves, their fears and the effect their pasts had on their beliefs. I loved the way the perspective flows back and forth between the two characters. We get a complete picture of the journey. Highly recommended! I do hope there are more stories to come. Jo and Ted could really use one.
Guilty Pleasure gives Reluctant their True Gem Award!!!
4.5 STARS. Here’s what they had to say about it,
Each scene was played out like an appetizer before ever getting to the “main course”. I found that rather refreshing as well as hot and exciting as a reader.
BDSM BOOK REVIEWERS GIVES THIS 4.5 PADDLES FOR STING AND 4.5 PADDLES FOR PLOT!!!! HERE’S WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT IT,
Fabulous! Riley Murphy did a great job with the chemistry between Ethan and Colin. The story is filed with heat and sex without overtaking the plot. And the sex scenes were hot and steamy. …The author did a great job showing that being a submissive is not the same as being a doormat to someone.
4.5 KISSED FROM TWO LIPS REVIEWERS. HERE’S WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT IT,
If you love intellectual mind candy, pick up Ms. Murphy’s Reluctant Surrender today. I for one can’t wait to return to this setting to see not only how Colin and Ethan are doing but their friends who are in need of surrendering to their own desires.
FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS! Laura via Goodreads says,
I don’t dole out 5 star reviews very lightly so y’all know I’m serious about it when I do. THIS BOOK, y’all, THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC!
The BDSM genre is not always a slam dunk for me, too many “wannabes” and too many “trying to hards” and not enough “just rights” well, this book is just right in all the important ways.
Riley Murphy created two very realistic characters in Colin and Ethan. Colin is a funny, smart, sassy woman who meets her match in Ethan, who is equally funny and smart, he is also domineering without being a jerk. The way he approaches Colin and how he wants to help her explore and uncover some secret and not-so-secret desires was extremely attractive. He made it about HER and wanting to help her unlock things she had hidden away and refused to acknowledge because of how she feared people would judge her. Colin’s complete understanding of the BDSM scene and his confidence in himself and his proclivities allowed her to feel safe, free and encouraged her to be who she really is. Also, he never treated her as anything but a woman to be loved and cherished. Any “scenes” they did together were just scenes and once they were over, always brought back to that place of feeling safe and loved.
I feel like I’m rambling so I’ll wrap it up. Please give this book a shot, it is smart, hot, funny and just a great read.
FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS – Cosmogirl via Goodreads says,
This book…
This book!
I freaking loved it!
I loved everything about it.
With as much erotica as I read, it’s often hard to find something that doesn’t seem derivative of something else. Especially within the BDSM genre. And fortunately for me, different is exactly what I found with Reluctant Surrender.
Our heroine is Colin. She is snarky and strong and smart, but the author balances her wit beautifully with believable insecurity and a need she’s not sure she’s ready for. I adored her. She felt real to me. Nothing about her seemed contrived. She is loyal, hard-working, and determined. All of which are traits I relate to.
Our hero is Ethan. And fuck me, Ethan is just about the swooniest man I have read in a long time. But one of my pet-peeves about Erotica heroes is the way they always seem to be far too much of a good thing and not enough of another. Riley Murphy gives us a hero that is equal parts swoony and strong. He’s sensitive enough to admit that he needs Colin, and man enough to be strong when she needs him to be. It was refreshing to read.
BDSM isn’t my favorite erotica genre. It’s generally hit or miss for me. Often times, I find that I am unaffected by the dominant man because he (more often than not) comes across as an asshole. This never happened for me. In fact, this is one of the best explanations of power exchange that I have ever read. Ethan wants and needs her to submit, but at the same time, he’s explaining to her why.
She is never once treated as property.
And fuck me, that’s so damn important.
From Ethan:
“My normal is as follows. I like to spank, suck, fuck, cherish, challenge, discipline, correct, entice and control my woman. You may think that seems demeaning. I know you like that word, but I’m smart enough to know there’s no honor in degrading a girl who thinks she’s worthless. I make sure my woman knows her value because I don’t do all these things to her, I do them for her. There’s a vast difference between the two.”
GTFO with that perfection!
I couldn’t put this book down. And after a period of reading highly overrated and disappointing erotica, this came as such a welcome surprise.
Definitely recommend!
I hope that you will enjoy this as much as I did.
5 Stars!
Christine via Amazon says: 5 out of 5 STARS
This was about the best dang BDSM book I’ve ever read!
Rarely does a book hit all my happy switches. It was funny, emotional and super
sexy and when it was over, I sighed out loud. A satisfying ending, but at the
same time, I felt a little wistful it was over. I can’t wait until a few months
go by so I can re-discover these characters, and even better, judging by the
ending, I’m thinking sequel! Things I liked: When Colin and Ethan meet, it’s
off the charts chemistry right from the word go. I’m a sucker for a book that
grabs me from the first page. Even better, as things progressed between them
and (panty-melting sexy) Ethan opens Colin’s eyes to the world of BDSM, we get
to sort of walk through it with her and believe me, there is no better person
to walk through it with, because Colin is laugh out loud hilarious. If you love
spunky female protaganists like Stephanie Plum you will love her as much as I
do. I would enjoy this character in any setting. Things I LOVED: Tapas. I don’t
want to spoil it, but I think it’s okay to say that, in order to help Ethan
decide what types of scenes Colin might enjoy, he takes her on a journey
through about half dozen mini-scenes that he calls tapas. I won’t say what they
are, but MAN, get out a fan! Totally original, fun and sooooo steamy. Then,
let’s talk about the bj scene O_0 Yeah, I said it. And it’s the best damn bj
scene I’ve ever read. If bj’s were cars and I read that scene, I’d be signing
on the dotted line and driving that puppy home RIGHT NOW! It was fog the
mirrors hot, y’all. And last but not least, this story was also really
emotional. There was a real connection between the characters but they also
each grew as people over the course of the book, making the HEA extremely
satisfying. All in all, if you’re in the market for visceral, authentic-feeling
BDSM, this is the one to get. It’s definitely on my keeper shelf.
Margarita via Ellora’s Cave says: 5 out of 5 STARS
I’m so there with Christine, she nailed absolutely. Really
The bestBDSM book I´ve read. Though I like reading BDSM books iI usually feel
let down by the heroines, who act mostly as absolutely unaware ,bratty
teenagers instead of inteligent adults ; not so in this book, Colin is a
charming due to her inteligence and honesty,and knows herself fairly well, and
I would like her in any kind of book. the hero is more you”usual”(in
books) caring Dom. The interaction between them is very intertaining and Hot!!,
and the glimpse we see of secondary characters leads us to what I hope are
books to come ,which I’ll be anxiously awaiting.
Kit via Amazon says, 5 out of 5 STARS
I couldn’t wait for this book to come out! This author’s first book was recommended to me but I did hesitate because I don’t have and ereader so I had to read that one adn this on my laptop but I’m not complaining.Colin Reneaux (the heroine) is one of my favorite heroines in any genre I’ve read. I felt like I was friends with her. She’s smart, strong and funny. And Ethan? (the hero) *swoon* times ten! Ms. Murphy writes a smokin’ hot hero second to none. Commanding and tender at the same time.
Them as a couple what can I say? Their banter and interaction is so entertaining I grinned, laughed out loud, got serious and listened to what they were saying and I even had to pull the tissues out in a few pages because things do get emotional between them and I LOVED it! Once again as she did in her first book Ms. Murphy gave me insight into BDSM things I didn’t understand before. She conveys this knowledge through her character interaction which was fun, fun and more fun.
The sex scenes are totally refreshing and unique. Hotter than hell, dirty but done right. The tapas had my blood pressure racing. I hate to keep repeating myself but I LOVED these little bits. So original and it was like different little stories on their own. Ethan as the abductor. OMG! I wouldn’t have wanted to go home if he stole me from my family. He says something to Colin at one point that took my breath away in that scene. Really. I wanted to dive on the page and eat him up. Speaking of diving there was a set the room on fire “BJ” scene in this book. The BEST. I know others have mentioned it and I have to as well. Holy HOT! I took notes anyone else? I’ll be reading that again and again.
I could finish this up by saying that I LOVED this book right through to the ending because I did and yes I did cry at one point but I want to finish by saying that there were two things about this book that surprised me. Ms. Murphey can really write people. There is a conversation between a couple of children and Colin and Ethan that had me genuinely smiling throughout. So visual. Her secondary characters are interesting and entertaining without stealing anything away from the main players. One stands out. Colin’s best friend Jo. Close to the end of the story Colin and Jo have this time together that had me laughing, crying and getting mad right along with them. I really felt that I was sitting in the room with them and this was a place I wanted to be.
It’s no wonder I was surprised when I got to the end of this full length story and wished there was more. Normally when a book is this long I skip passages and pages and yet I didn’t with this one because I din’t want to miss anything. Already I can’t wait to go back and read because I know I probably did. I really connected with these characters and I’m truly hoping Ms. Murphy plans to write her next book with some of these other players. Jo would be good. She has problems that I’d love to see a hunky dom fix for her. Ted maybe? 
This author is an automatic buy for me so I’m going to invest in an ereader. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun, sexy, emotional and original BDSM love story. It was really that good.
Glenna via Ellora’s Cave gives 5 out of 5 STARS
“MUST READ FOR ANYONE INTO BDSM. I ABSOLUTELY HATED TO SEE THIS BOOK END. HOPE TO SEE MORE FROM THIS AUTHOR.”
Excerpt of Recluctant Surrender
Ethan had finished his errands early and hoped to surprise Colin with his return, but he was the one who wound up surprised. He halted as he arrived at his office doorway.
“Colin.”
The second he called her name, she barked out a laugh, which drowned his greeting. That didn’t interest him as much as where she’d chosen to sit. The chair may have been turned so the back was facing him, but he saw her all right. She was sprawled out in his maroon leather chair with her bare feet braced against the windowsill. She had a pencil in her right hand and was waving it as if she were conducting an orchestra while she chatted on her cell.
“Yeah I called my real estate agent back and left him a message. I’m worried. He sounded upset. I know you’re probably right.”
Ethan was just about to clear his throat when he changed his mind as he heard her say, “Ethan? Nope, creampuff. I know, I know. You could have knocked me over with a toothpick. He looks like trouble, but he’s really sweet.”
Hearing this, his sweetness crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the door frame. He was grinning until he heard her next words.
“Alpha? Umm.” She paused mid-pencil twirl and then jabbed it out as if she were literally making a point. “I’m not sure. Aren’t they supposed to be mean dudes that roar and growl all the time?”
Creampuff? Not sure?
He’d heard enough. Without breaking stride he walked to the desk and stood there, knowing she’d eventually see his reflection in the glass. Once she got her head out of her ass, that was.
It didn’t take her long. “Jo.” Her feet shot off the sill and she sat right up. “I gotta go!”
He waited.
“Ethan.” She swiveled around in his huge leather chair. “I didn’t expect you back so fast.”
“I gathered that.”
She went to put her phone in her pocket and he shook his head. “Hand it over.”
“My phone?”
“Yes.” He reached for it. “Good, now please stand up. I think I told you, you weren’t to sit in my chair or at my desk.”
“I know.” She stood and had the decency to eye the desktop as she grumbled, “Sorry.” When he didn’t reply, she hastily looked up. “I said sorry.”
He continued to scowl at her, purposely making her uncomfortable.
“Gee, I guess this is you being the ‘strong man’ you were talking about last night.”
“Not even close.” He turned her phone off and tossed it on the desk before he pulled his own out and did the same. “Follow me, Colin.”
He didn’t wait for her. He just went directly to the kitchen. Once there he got out his black gloves and dug around for another pair. Finding them, he handed them to her. “Put these on and have a seat on the stool.”
He was glad when she didn’t question him. He went to the fridge and retrieved the bag with the ripened ginger in it. “We’re going to carve this. I’m going to show you how, but first I’m going to tell you why we’re carving it.”
Collecting two paring knives, he shut the cutlery drawer with his hip and handed one over to her.
“Thanks, but first I want to explain.”
“No.”
“What do you mean no? Yes.”
He stared her down. “No.” Her scowl made him sigh. “I suppose you want to tell me that you didn’t see the harm. That you thought I’d be gone to the store and I wouldn’t be the wiser about you sitting at my desk.”
Her scowl eased into a frown.
“And as far as what I heard you say about me to your friend, I imagine you want to tell me that she thinks poorly of me and you were trying to smooth things over with her on my account.”
She mouthed the word “wow” and said, “How do you know all this stuff?”
“I’m the next Steven Hawking. You may want to bump me up on that scale of yours from a seven to a nine. Put the gloves on.”
He waited until she had them on before he said, “Now, would you like to know why we’re going to peel some of that gingerroot in the bag?”
“No.”
“Colin.”
“What? It’s the truth. I don’t want to know. You’re mad and…this?” She held up the root. “Looks scary.”
He took the swinging bag from her hand and after he removed the ginger, he began to prepare it. Slowly, he shaped the root, cutting two of the three fingers off before he smoothed the remaining one. He methodically peeled the stem down three-quarters of its length, leaving a good inch of peel on the bottom. Just above that line of skin, he cut a sizable groove.
“Your turn.” He passed it to her and waited for the questions to start.
“Why do you leave this part at the bottom alone?”
Reaching forward, he adjusted her hands and said, “Careful. You don’t want any nicks. You want it smooth as glass.” She nodded as he let go. “Unpeeled, ginger is harmless. That’s what you can hold on to without a glove.”
“Done.” She held it up and her pleased expression soon turned to shock. “This looks like a—wait, is this the BDSM version of washing my mouth out with soap?”
He’d been expecting her to say something, but this definitely wasn’t in the realm of what he’d anticipated. “Excuse me?”
“For breaking the rules you’re going to make me suck on it, aren’t you?”
“No.” He snatched it from her gloved hand before she dropped it, watching as she nearly wilted over the counter in obvious relief.
“Thank God. I was worried about that now that I know ginger burns.”
“I know.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Maybe you better tell me why we’re peeling it?”
“I’ve told you before, I’m old school. I’m going to spank you for breaking the rules and when I do,” he held up the ginger, “this is going to help you learn how to take the spanking I give you.”
She slapped her palms on the counter and pushed up until her shoulders were aligned in a perfect T. “We’ll address the spanking part in a minute, but for now? Teach me to take it? How?”
“Once inserted, it will stop you from clenching your ass when I spank you.”
She gasped.
“What?” He dropped the ginger plug into a fresh baggie and tilted his head as he eyed her. “Is that too much creampuff for you?”
Ethan White
One minute Ethan White is shielding the ultra-conservative events photographer from his snake-charmer friends, and the next he’s channeling his inner Dom to hypnotize the submissive he’s discovered hiding behind her blustery exterior.
Colin Reneaux
Colin Reneaux has a successful career, a secretive, but thriving blog and three quarters of the capital she needs to realize her dream until Master-disaster, Ethan White, hires her company to work his pre-opening event. The instant she meets him an internal trigger is squeezed. Immediately, she goes from cool and collected to fried as in, ”kill me now I want to die”. Good thing it’s only a one day job because as soon as it’s over she plans on catching the train back to her normal life in Denial-ville. With no sexy Dom tempting her.
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