Spiraling from the bustling streets of New York City to the opulence of Paris, KNOTTED, the third book in Juliet Braddock’s Manhattan Bound series, continues the steamy journey of Maxine Kirk’s whirlwind romance with star of the Broadway stage, Drew McKenzie.
As their love continues to flourish, Maxine finds herself ensconced in Drew’s world, where power reigns in his all-consuming lust for her. From a blackout in Manhattan to a back alley in Paris to a castle in the Loire Valley, their passion knows no boundaries.
All the while, though, traces from their separate pasts continue to haunt, threatening to disrupt their happiness.
Maxine must confront the harsh, emotional realities that she’d thought she’d conquered. However, she wonders if her courage will withstand the crushing heartache that has threatened to destroy her soul.
As Drew continues to fit together the missing pieces of his childhood, danger shadows his every move. Drifting through the tumultuous events of their public and personal lives, Drew will stop at nothing to keep Maxine safe—and to guard their secrets from the world.
Passion and peril collide, culminating in the explosive revelation of the enigma that’s followed Drew for years.
KNOTTED, the third novel in Juliet Braddock’s “Manhattan Bound” series of four books, is available at most major e-book retailers on October 3.
Well, Juliet, you certainly made living in Paris a lot more interesting. I’ll have some ‘splaining to do when I’ll drive around accompanied and I’ll suddenly start cackling like a mad hyena. Thanks for that.
But let’s get back to the book.
I think I’ve stated well enough what I think about this series in my review of Wrapped which you can find HERE.
It’s well written, the story is captivating and very intense, the characters are well developed, mature, fascinating, easy to love and just as easy to connect with.
Another interesting fact about this series is the manner in which the author described the locations. First New York City and, in Knotted, Paris. While reading, it feels like you’re actually there. You see and hear and smell the exact things, you walk the same streets and feel the peace and tranquility of Paris with its beautiful gardens and romantic ambiance. Brilliant.
In Weakened and Wrapped we see Drew and Maxine meet and fall in love. Now, they’re ready to take the next step.
There are still things, events from their pasts that are not quite settled yet and they’ll have to face them in order to step toward the future without a worry.
Drew is the same sweet, protective and powerful man Maxine has fallen in love with. His presence is overwhelming sometimes because he has this way of inspiring confidence and strength with just one look or one touch.
I’ll admit, I shivered right alongside Maxine more than once “under” Drew’s capable hands. The man is a danger for any woman’s heart, I tell you.
Then, there’s Maxine. Strong, confident, a little bit hurt and a little bit carefree Maxine who has the power to turn her lover inside out with just one touch.
And she’s a mess. In the good way. Poor, poor Drew. LOL.
She’s, maybe, the only one who can bring out Drew’s childish, more carefree side because, with her, he doesn’t have to pretend. Nor her with him.
They’re passionate and wild and, together, they burn like the brightest star. The connection they share is so very strong and runs so deep that there’s no Penelope without Kind Sir, and no Kind Sir without Penelope. Truly awe inspiring.
It doesn’t mean that they’re perfect. Far from it. But all the flaws and all the qualities make them so lovable, so … real, and make the Manhattan Bound Series a must read.
I don’t know what else to say.
It’s amazing how much certain novels make you feel and how easy it is to lose yourself between the pages of the book to the point that you completely lose contact with reality.
You’ve never felt that before? In this case, you haven’t read the right books.
And, since I raved about the emotional side of the story, let me tell you about the sexier one.
Holy freakin’ always horny Maxine, Batman! This girl needs to be kept under the cold shower all the damn time. Oh my God, what she can come up with…
Miss Braddock, you owe me a Victoria’s Secret gift card and a check for my water and electricity bill. Just sayin’.
God, woman. You’re wicked! Love it! *wide grin*
And I think I’ve kept you here long enough. Go ahead and start reading. What are you waiting for?
Don’t forget to start with Weakened since Knotted is definitely NOT a stand alone.
Five more than deserved stars.
Happy Reading!!
P.S. – Uncle Benjy is still MINE! Back off.
Some Myths About BDSM…and the Realities Behind Them
By Juliet Braddock
All Doms are Billionaires. Where, oh, where did this myth evolve? On a personal level, I can tell you that no Dominant man I’ve ever dated has been a billionaire.
Sure, it’s fun to fantasize about a man who can buy his lady anything—from couture clothing to an entire Island in the Caribbean, if she so desires. But how about a Dom who’s a plumber? Or maybe he owns a struggling little store in a small town? Any man can be Alpha. He doesn’t need to have oodles in the bank just to keep his submissive happy. Emotional security and trust are far more critical in a Dominant/submissive relationship than having access to endless amounts of cash.
In my Manhattan Bound Series, I actually chose a very different profession for Drew McKenzie, my hot-blooded, hopelessly romantic Dom. While he is wealthy—an heir to a luxury department store chain—he decided to forgo that business and pursue what made him happy: the theater.
Fame and money aren’t two words that are usually associated with a star of the stage, but Drew loves his work and he couldn’t live anywhere else but in New York City. And his work as an actor allows him so much creativity in his kinky role play. It all adds to his mystique…and leaves his biggest fan Maxine intrigued.
You have to be brooding all the timeto be a good Dom. In reality, do you really want a man who’s just going to berate you all day long? I’ve always felt that a sense of humor is the key to someone’s soul. What a person finds funny can reveal so much about their personality, their intelligence, and how far they’ll push the boundaries of life.
Laughter in the bedroom is of utmost importance in any relationship—even when you practice BDSM. Taking life too seriously in anything is a mistake. And if you can’t laugh while you’re making love with someone—be it straight up Vanilla or something a little heavier—things can sour quite quickly.
Maxine and Drew are always finding some reason to giggle between the sheets—whether they’re in the master bedroom or the Master’s Dungeon. While he takes her safety in their play so very seriously, as any good Dom should, they both realize that there’s a much lighter side to life. Play is only one facet of their relationship, and with so much angst in the world, a good laugh sometimes does make everything better.
BDSM is abuse.When two adults consent to a certain lifestyle, this does not constitute abuse. If one is coerced in any way, shape or form—or if BDSM isn’t something that they don’t find arousing—then you’re treading on very murky territory. Bribing someone with gifts to go play in your secret kinky room when all they want to do is run away is abuse. Using any sort of force to engage an unwilling submissive is rape.
Safewords exist for a reason. They should not only be used, but should be respected by the Dominant partner. If “Strawberry” means “Stop,” and a Dom continues play…it’s time to back out of that relationship for good.
Which brings me to my next point…
To be a submissive, you must be naïve and weak. Nothing could be more horrifically wrong! When you’re engaging in Power Play, you need to know and understand your wants, needs and limits. You must be able to communicate with your Dominant partner on all fronts, and you must have the courage to speak up when you’re uncomfortable.
Another assumption by many people is that submissives must have been abused at some point in their lives, and that’s not the case at all. Many people just enjoy the freedom they find in relinquishing control.
Strong, independent women can gain so much in a true BDSM relationship, in fact. Having a voice to articulate your darkest desires is a very sexy turn-on for a Dom. And when you take control of everything in your life outside the bedroom, it’s often nice to allow the details to fall upon someone else in sexual fantasy. Giving up control shouldn’t be forced—it should be a form of embracing fantasy.
Doms can’t be romantic. Again, I don’t know where these notions evolve! So he likes to harness you and cane you and deny you of orgasms? That doesn’t mean that he still doesn’t like to curl up on a cold winter’s night by the fireplace with you and snuggle over a few glasses of wine.
BDSM is a lifestyle, but practicing kinky play doesn’t absorb the true essence of a person. Your Dom could—and should—hold your hand in public. He should be attentive to your whims. He should also have the emotional capacity to support you when times aren’t so wonderful.
Going on dates, sending flowers, seeing a movie together, sharing a quiet meal at a fabulous restaurant—they’re all facets of the art of wooing. And any true Dom with whom you’re planning to have an actual relationship should be mindful.
BDSM is a 24/7 role play adventure.There is no right or wrong way to practice BDSM. In some relationships, partners do have a 24/7 commitment to each other, and they’ve made it their consensual lifestyle choice. For others, kinky play in between the realities of life is the norm. Some keep it in the bedroom, and others have private Dungeons or playspaces designated for their daring indulgences.
There’s also a belief that contracts are a necessity. Some people in the lifestyle feel that it’s a good idea to map out their limits on paper. While that works in some relationships, others in the lifestyle feel that spontaneity is lost when you’re married to a list.
Choice and agreement again play into the full picture. And one rule of thumb should always be applied:
Keep it Safe, Sane, and Consensual.
Juliet Braddock loves eighties music, wine, food, theater and all things French. When she’s not exploring the big cities of the world—most notably Paris—she lives and writes in Manhattan, and is the proud cat mom to a very spoiled Russian Blue rescue.
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