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Beards & Bondage #2
Sanctuary
From multi award-winning author Rebekah Weatherspoon, comes book 2 in this sexy, suspenseful series...
When she needs a sanctuary…
Targeted by a sadistic former client, attorney Liz Lewis needs a place to lay low. When a friend offers her his family farm as a safe house, she eagerly accepts, unaware that she’ll have to share the farm with her friend’s brawny, beautiful brother, Silas McInroy.
…she invades his…
Weary of a world that doesn’t understand him, Silas just wants to be left alone to grow the best produce upstate New York has to offer. Still, he’s not going to toss a woman out when her safety is on the line. But the only way to explain her presence on his farm is to claim that they fell in love online…and the last thing he needs is a fake relationship that threatens to become more and more real every day.
With her world turned upside down and danger on her trail, Liz knows that this temporary refuge can’t last forever…but leaving the comfort and ease of Silas’s arms and farm to face the reality of her life may be the hardest thing she’s ever had to do.
*** WARNING: This book contains scenes of mild bondage and domination between a gorgeous lawyer and a sexy farmer who is terrible with women. And five farm dogs with varying degrees of loyalty to both the hero and heroine.***
When she needs a sanctuary…
Targeted by a sadistic former client, attorney Liz Lewis needs a place to lay low. When a friend offers her his family farm as a safe house, she eagerly accepts, unaware that she’ll have to share the farm with her friend’s brawny, beautiful brother, Silas McInroy.
…she invades his…
Weary of a world that doesn’t understand him, Silas just wants to be left alone to grow the best produce upstate New York has to offer. Still, he’s not going to toss a woman out when her safety is on the line. But the only way to explain her presence on his farm is to claim that they fell in love online…and the last thing he needs is a fake relationship that threatens to become more and more real every day.
With her world turned upside down and danger on her trail, Liz knows that this temporary refuge can’t last forever…but leaving the comfort and ease of Silas’s arms and farm to face the reality of her life may be the hardest thing she’s ever had to do.
*** WARNING: This book contains scenes of mild bondage and domination between a gorgeous lawyer and a sexy farmer who is terrible with women. And five farm dogs with varying degrees of loyalty to both the hero and heroine.***
292 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2017
About the author
Rebekah Weatherspoon
30 books2,806 followersAfter years of meddling in her friends’ love lives, Rebekah Weatherspoon turned to writing romance to get her fix. Raised in Southern New Hampshire, Rebekah Weatherspoon now lives in Southern California where she will remain forever because she hates moving.
Her BDSM romance At Her Feet won the Golden Crown Literary Award for erotic lesbian fiction. Her novella FIT (#1 in the FIT Trilogy) won the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotica Novella, SATED (#3 in the FIT Trilogy) was nominated for the the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Digital Erotic Romance and most recently SOUL TO KEEP VSS#3 won the 2017 Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBTQ Erotica.
Her 2018 romantic comedy RAFE: A Buff Male Nanny received praise from both Entertainment Weekly and the New York Times. You can look for her most recent romantic comedy XENI : A Marriage of Inconvenience now, and a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, A COWBOY TO REMEMBER, late February 2020 from Kensington Books. In the meant time, you can find Rebekah and her books on twitter at @rdotspoon and her website www.rebekahweatherspoon.com,
Her BDSM romance At Her Feet won the Golden Crown Literary Award for erotic lesbian fiction. Her novella FIT (#1 in the FIT Trilogy) won the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotica Novella, SATED (#3 in the FIT Trilogy) was nominated for the the Romantic Times Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Digital Erotic Romance and most recently SOUL TO KEEP VSS#3 won the 2017 Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBTQ Erotica.
Her 2018 romantic comedy RAFE: A Buff Male Nanny received praise from both Entertainment Weekly and the New York Times. You can look for her most recent romantic comedy XENI : A Marriage of Inconvenience now, and a retelling of Sleeping Beauty, A COWBOY TO REMEMBER, late February 2020 from Kensington Books. In the meant time, you can find Rebekah and her books on twitter at @rdotspoon and her website www.rebekahweatherspoon.com,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
April 22, 2021
SERIES: Beards & Bondage #2 - it can be read as standalone
GENRE: erotica
TROPES/THEMES: fake dating, small town, forced proximity, dominatrix, bondage
CLIFFHANGER: no
TRIGGER WARNINGS: death threats, murder
HOTTIE METER: 4🌡
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SONG: crazy in love
Another book in the series with darker undertones for the set up of the story.
When Liz needs sanctuary from death threats regarding her job she finds it on the farm of her friend's brother Silas. These two are very much opposite with Silas being very shy and Liz outgoing and dominant. I liked both of them and the way they complicated each other. Liz is definitely a badass heroine. The steamy scenes were hot.
GENRE: erotica
TROPES/THEMES: fake dating, small town, forced proximity, dominatrix, bondage
CLIFFHANGER: no
TRIGGER WARNINGS: death threats, murder
HOTTIE METER: 4🌡
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SONG: crazy in love
Another book in the series with darker undertones for the set up of the story.
When Liz needs sanctuary from death threats regarding her job she finds it on the farm of her friend's brother Silas. These two are very much opposite with Silas being very shy and Liz outgoing and dominant. I liked both of them and the way they complicated each other. Liz is definitely a badass heroine. The steamy scenes were hot.
June 17, 2020
***4.25 Stars***
This book has got one hell of a likable and strong heroine, and a hero that says what he means and means what he says.
Basically, how did I feel about Liz and Silas??
This book grabs you right from the first chapter. There's no easing you into the story...well, okay...you get a few pages. But Rebekah Weatherspoon hits you with the BOOM right from the get-go. She wants to get this show on the road.
Liz is trying to figure out how to readjust herself after her attack. Her world is turned upside down and now she's thrust into the care of a stranger. A stranger that she doesn't quite know how to take. He's rude, but he's kind. He's blunt, but he's caring. And on top of all that, he's fine as hell. A rough around the edges farmer that's the complete opposite from the city guys she's used to.
She quickly realizes that Silas doesn't beat around the bush. He's not quite a people person, but he's not intentionally rude. He just doesn't see a need to talk around things when you can just say what you mean.
Silas is intrigued and enthralled by Liz. She's confident, even if a bit shaken. She's driven, even if a little lost. And he's undeniably attracted to her.
Their attraction can't be held off for long, especially when Liz's personality calls out to one of Silas's biggest desires...to be controlled in bed. Running a farm is a 24/7 job, and he just wants to shut his mind off and feel.
These two were explosive. The sex scenes were hot, and Rebekah Weatherspoon really highlighted the intimacy, care, and trust that Liz and Silas shared.
As much as Liz gave Silas, he gave her so much in return. He allowed her to just be. He supported her. He believed in her. He didn't think she was too much of anything. He warmed her from the inside out.
And to round out this addicting read, we get five quirky dogs that are impossible not to fall in love with, a lesbian couple that will kick your ass in Monopoly while feeding you amazing homemade jam, a Scottish bagpipe playing cafe cook that knows just what you should order, and a look at what amazing and supportive female frienships should be like.
The wee bit of a suspense element that's here is mostly a way to set up Liz and Silas. It felt rather weak and kind of like a throwaway. But at the end of the day, I don't care if Liz tripped on the sidewalk and needed to leave the city to mend her knee...whatever got her to Silas is alright with me.
This can easily be read as a standalone...and I highly recommend that you do. Read this!
I keep my reviews honest, and I do have to mention that the book could use some editing clean up. There's quite a few instances where there's words missing or extra words in a sentence. Did it hinder my reading? Not too much. But they're noticable, so I feel I need to mention.
June 19, 2020
This came highly recommended and I took the plunge based on another book I previously read and enjoyed by the author. (Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny)
I'll try to keep it short, I obviously was excited about the fake relationship trope and sold about the premise of a successful black lawyer needing to lay low after an attempt murder on her person. A gruff and on the spectrum farmer hottie hero held some major appeal for me as well.
As much as I liked Liz and Silas as individuals, I didn't find anything remotely appealing and exciting going on between them on the pages. I couldn't get any sense of chemistry or romance between them.
The pacing and parameters of their relationship be it fake or real felt really odd to me?
The rivalry drama going on between the brothers sounded pretty contrived and added nothing to the story for the reason it felt as a pretext rather than a reason for their difference of characters. Even the "fake relationship" excuse came off as a lousy way to throw Liz and Silas together in a forced proximity setting.
I thought for a fleeting moment that some tension would build on the forced proximity premise but it never occured for some reason.
As for the sex aspect of their lovemaking... sadly I just couldn't enjoy it, it felt too... scripted? It lacked something, emotions? I would have wished more development about Liz's past as a professional dominatrix.
Overall grabbed by the premise and intrigued by the diverse characters but felt disappointed by the execution and lack of romance on the pages.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
I'll try to keep it short, I obviously was excited about the fake relationship trope and sold about the premise of a successful black lawyer needing to lay low after an attempt murder on her person. A gruff and on the spectrum farmer hottie hero held some major appeal for me as well.
As much as I liked Liz and Silas as individuals, I didn't find anything remotely appealing and exciting going on between them on the pages. I couldn't get any sense of chemistry or romance between them.
The pacing and parameters of their relationship be it fake or real felt really odd to me?
The rivalry drama going on between the brothers sounded pretty contrived and added nothing to the story for the reason it felt as a pretext rather than a reason for their difference of characters. Even the "fake relationship" excuse came off as a lousy way to throw Liz and Silas together in a forced proximity setting.
I thought for a fleeting moment that some tension would build on the forced proximity premise but it never occured for some reason.
As for the sex aspect of their lovemaking... sadly I just couldn't enjoy it, it felt too... scripted? It lacked something, emotions? I would have wished more development about Liz's past as a professional dominatrix.
Overall grabbed by the premise and intrigued by the diverse characters but felt disappointed by the execution and lack of romance on the pages.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
March 5, 2021
Contemporary Romance/Erotica : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Beards & Bondage Series
#1 Haven : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#2 Sanctuary : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
#3 Harbor : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sadly this one wasn't my favorite BUT it was a solid read all the same.
#BLACKATHON2021
Beards & Bondage Series
#1 Haven : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#2 Sanctuary : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
#3 Harbor : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sadly this one wasn't my favorite BUT it was a solid read all the same.
#BLACKATHON2021
March 24, 2021
So much YES to this book... its hard to know where to start!
September 7, 2017
I quite enjoyed Haven, book one in this series earlier this year (both are stand alones) and Sanctuary was a hit for me as well. As in Haven, this book starts with quite a suspenseful scene. Our heroine, Liz, an attorney, who goes home one day after a long day of work, to find a man in her apartment, waiting to kill her. Liz is able to eventually take the heel of her stiletto, and slash the intruder's throat, resulting in some minor injuries to herself. Before her attacker dies, he mentions a former client of Liz's, who lost his court case, resulting in him having to pay fines. Liz can only assume this angered him to the point that he hired someone to kill her. Liz tells all of this to the police, who don't rush to confront the wealthy businessman in town.
Scared for her life, she turns to a close co-worker, Scott, who tells her he has a place out-of-town that she can crash at for a while until the police do their business and she feels safe to return home. Although she is extremely close with her sister and has a really good group of girlfriends. she doesn't want to burden them - or put them in harm's way. She agrees to Scott's offer, and off she goes.
She assumed she would be going to some deserted cabin, but instead, ends up on a farm owned by Scott's brother..and this man is none too happy to have a visitor. Silas or Si, is a huge, hunkin' farmer, and likes his peace and quiet. He is estranged from Scott and isn't pleased that Liz has arrived on his door step. But after some intense conversation between the brothers, Scott leaves, and Liz warily accepts Si's gruff invitation into his home. Awkward conversations happen (I love an awkward conversation) and eventually these two act on their physical lust, and a romance develops.
I really enjoyed this story, but let me just say the weakest point for me is the fact that Scott drops Liz off at his brother's, big, working farm without telling her that was the destination. And then she ends up sleeping in bed with Si the first night. It just felt - unrealistic.
But once the first night was over and done with, the story settled down and I felt better about Liz being there. I adored Liz. She likes to be in control. She is very responsible, and takes a lot on her shoulders. She is confident and sexy and although respectful to Si since she doesn't really know him, she is also honest with him when his gruff nature doesn't always bring out his best side. The attack and the fact that she killed someone definitely rattles her and the author takes her time at the beginning of the book making that traumatic day and the next for Liz very realistic. I think I mentioned something similar in my review of book one. The crime and the repercussions are not glossed over, which I appreciate.
Si is a hard worker, not the best with words, and fumbles his way around Liz for some of the book. He is also sweet and had good intentions, even if he reacts without thinking sometimes. And he has a significant farmer's tan! I love a farmer's tan.
He really likes being alone so it takes him a while to get used to Liz in his space:
People think people who live alone are lonely because they can’t wrap their minds around the idea that they could possibly enjoy being alone. I do. I like being alone. It’s fucking glorious.
He's a big man, with big forearms and a beard and other big, manly things. When their physical attraction cannot be denied any longer, Liz gives out her rules, and they are a little specific:
“You were saying something about ground rules?”
“Right.” I stand and face him, put on my courtroom exterior. “Over the years, I've come to learn that I enjoy sex a certain way. I like to be in control. In complete control. How does that—you know what? Sorry. I'm trying to ease you into this with sugar coating and that's not gonna work ’cause that’s not how you work. Here's the deal. I was a dominatrix for a really long time and now it's the only way I enjoy having sex. I'm open to negotiating because consent is amazing, but I just need to set your expectations.You're not going to throw me on the bed and pound me into next week.”
And Si has no problem with that at all:
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“I’m just—can I just say what I'm thinking?”
“Sure.” I brace myself for the worst.
“I would love for you to dominate me,” he says. The genuine enthusiasm in his voice catches me a little off guard.
I love that Liz takes control in the bedroom - their chemistry is hot and done really well. Plus I giggled a few times:
“Don’t come. Don’t you dare come until I say so. Think about farm equipment and next quarter’s sales projections if you have to.”
This book, along with Haven are well done. They blend suspense in with an erotic story very well. And as I briefly mentioned above, Liz has a great relationship with her sister and girlfriends - they have an ongoing group text string going on in the book, and it's something I related to. I enjoyed it.
Looking forward to more.
Grade: B
Scared for her life, she turns to a close co-worker, Scott, who tells her he has a place out-of-town that she can crash at for a while until the police do their business and she feels safe to return home. Although she is extremely close with her sister and has a really good group of girlfriends. she doesn't want to burden them - or put them in harm's way. She agrees to Scott's offer, and off she goes.
She assumed she would be going to some deserted cabin, but instead, ends up on a farm owned by Scott's brother..and this man is none too happy to have a visitor. Silas or Si, is a huge, hunkin' farmer, and likes his peace and quiet. He is estranged from Scott and isn't pleased that Liz has arrived on his door step. But after some intense conversation between the brothers, Scott leaves, and Liz warily accepts Si's gruff invitation into his home. Awkward conversations happen (I love an awkward conversation) and eventually these two act on their physical lust, and a romance develops.
I really enjoyed this story, but let me just say the weakest point for me is the fact that Scott drops Liz off at his brother's, big, working farm without telling her that was the destination. And then she ends up sleeping in bed with Si the first night. It just felt - unrealistic.
But once the first night was over and done with, the story settled down and I felt better about Liz being there. I adored Liz. She likes to be in control. She is very responsible, and takes a lot on her shoulders. She is confident and sexy and although respectful to Si since she doesn't really know him, she is also honest with him when his gruff nature doesn't always bring out his best side. The attack and the fact that she killed someone definitely rattles her and the author takes her time at the beginning of the book making that traumatic day and the next for Liz very realistic. I think I mentioned something similar in my review of book one. The crime and the repercussions are not glossed over, which I appreciate.
Si is a hard worker, not the best with words, and fumbles his way around Liz for some of the book. He is also sweet and had good intentions, even if he reacts without thinking sometimes. And he has a significant farmer's tan! I love a farmer's tan.
He really likes being alone so it takes him a while to get used to Liz in his space:
People think people who live alone are lonely because they can’t wrap their minds around the idea that they could possibly enjoy being alone. I do. I like being alone. It’s fucking glorious.
He's a big man, with big forearms and a beard and other big, manly things. When their physical attraction cannot be denied any longer, Liz gives out her rules, and they are a little specific:
“You were saying something about ground rules?”
“Right.” I stand and face him, put on my courtroom exterior. “Over the years, I've come to learn that I enjoy sex a certain way. I like to be in control. In complete control. How does that—you know what? Sorry. I'm trying to ease you into this with sugar coating and that's not gonna work ’cause that’s not how you work. Here's the deal. I was a dominatrix for a really long time and now it's the only way I enjoy having sex. I'm open to negotiating because consent is amazing, but I just need to set your expectations.You're not going to throw me on the bed and pound me into next week.”
And Si has no problem with that at all:
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“I’m just—can I just say what I'm thinking?”
“Sure.” I brace myself for the worst.
“I would love for you to dominate me,” he says. The genuine enthusiasm in his voice catches me a little off guard.
I love that Liz takes control in the bedroom - their chemistry is hot and done really well. Plus I giggled a few times:
“Don’t come. Don’t you dare come until I say so. Think about farm equipment and next quarter’s sales projections if you have to.”
This book, along with Haven are well done. They blend suspense in with an erotic story very well. And as I briefly mentioned above, Liz has a great relationship with her sister and girlfriends - they have an ongoing group text string going on in the book, and it's something I related to. I enjoyed it.
Looking forward to more.
Grade: B
October 23, 2017
I like the darker turn that the author has taken with this series of books, and I think the way that trauma and danger shapes the heroines and their relationships is very carefully, sensitively and successfully done. I especially liked this book because the heroine was... Well, cool. There's no other way to describe it. Just. So. Cool. Also, it was absolutely amazing to read about a domme for once. More sexually submissive men are lacking in M/F romance, and I wish that wasn't the case because it's hot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐��⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 (it was missing a bit of that emotional pull for me? But I rounded up)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥(At least 5, I may have missed some towards the end)
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: First person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? a bit more plot focused
When mains are first on page together: A bit in, chapter 4 or so
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, a few months later
Format: bought audiobook
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I did not and found it fine. I’m not sure if or how the books in the series are related together (Let me know if you know!)
Basic plot:
Liz needs a safe place to hide for a bit and is offered a place at her friend’s brothers farm..
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- in hiding
- small town feel
- close proximity
- one bed
- pets – hero has 5 dogs
- fake relationship
- lawyer heroine
- farmer hero
- celibate hero
- higher steam – at least 5 full scenes and some kink elements (femdom, bondage, elements of control)
Ages:
- Hero is 35, didn’t catch heroine but would guess somewhat similar
First line:
It’s hot as fuck.
My thoughts:
I thought this one was...fine. I listened to the audio and did like the narration (though I struggled a bit with the female narrator’s male voices, but that’s pretty normal for me in audiobooks). I liked a lot of the tropes going on here – the small town feel, the close proximity, the fake relationship...and the steam was great but it just didn’t do it for me emotionally. Like there was just a bit missing – maybe because the heroine liked to be in control so much it felt more scripted? I’m not sure. Femdom isn’t a favorite for me, so it might have just been a disconnect there. Still I did like the writing style and would try another by Weatherspoon for sure.
I think those wanting an in control heroine with a fun small town, fake relationship setting will enjoy this. The dominatrix turned lawyer and the farmer 🤣
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐��⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 (it was missing a bit of that emotional pull for me? But I rounded up)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥(At least 5, I may have missed some towards the end)
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: First person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? a bit more plot focused
When mains are first on page together: A bit in, chapter 4 or so
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, a few months later
Format: bought audiobook
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I did not and found it fine. I’m not sure if or how the books in the series are related together (Let me know if you know!)
Basic plot:
Liz needs a safe place to hide for a bit and is offered a place at her friend’s brothers farm..
Give this a try if you want:
- contemporary romance
- in hiding
- small town feel
- close proximity
- one bed
- pets – hero has 5 dogs
- fake relationship
- lawyer heroine
- farmer hero
- celibate hero
- higher steam – at least 5 full scenes and some kink elements (femdom, bondage, elements of control)
Ages:
- Hero is 35, didn’t catch heroine but would guess somewhat similar
First line:
It’s hot as fuck.
My thoughts:
I thought this one was...fine. I listened to the audio and did like the narration (though I struggled a bit with the female narrator’s male voices, but that’s pretty normal for me in audiobooks). I liked a lot of the tropes going on here – the small town feel, the close proximity, the fake relationship...and the steam was great but it just didn’t do it for me emotionally. Like there was just a bit missing – maybe because the heroine liked to be in control so much it felt more scripted? I’m not sure. Femdom isn’t a favorite for me, so it might have just been a disconnect there. Still I did like the writing style and would try another by Weatherspoon for sure.
I think those wanting an in control heroine with a fun small town, fake relationship setting will enjoy this. The dominatrix turned lawyer and the farmer 🤣
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
September 7, 2017
Rebekah Weatherspoon has done it again! While Haven continues to be my favorite in the series, Sanctuary introduced me to the wonder that is Silas and Liz; a power couple for the ages.
Romance is the perfect escape given the political climate and the stress of everyday life but Rebekah’s books include nuanced discussions on sexism and systematic racism without making the entire book revolve around it. This is something I highly appreciate from her part.
I loved getting to read a female Dom since they are so rare in this genre and the way Silas goes through the motions of being dominated is fascinating and frankly, hot as hell. The conversations on consent, from both sides, are so important in Romance right now where some authors decide to blur the lines a bit too much. I'm not always a big fan of the fake-dating trope but this one had me hooked from the very first page.
Silas is the crankiest of the heroes. His love for dogs and football, mixed with his farmer life make him the best beta hero. I enjoyed seeing him grow in his relationship with Liz and the way he’s so easygoing even when he shouldn’t filled my heart with feels. It’s not often we get Polynesian heroes or black heroines in books and getting both at the same time was refreshing and wonderful. Rebekah always delivers when it comes to strong female heroines and even the secondary characters stole my heart from the get go. I loved Liz's friends and getting to see Claudia again was a pleasant surprise.
This was exactly what I needed; a fun, sexy Romance filled with dogs and steamy sex.
I can’t wait to keep on following this series and reading Brooklyn’s installment!
Romance is the perfect escape given the political climate and the stress of everyday life but Rebekah’s books include nuanced discussions on sexism and systematic racism without making the entire book revolve around it. This is something I highly appreciate from her part.
I loved getting to read a female Dom since they are so rare in this genre and the way Silas goes through the motions of being dominated is fascinating and frankly, hot as hell. The conversations on consent, from both sides, are so important in Romance right now where some authors decide to blur the lines a bit too much. I'm not always a big fan of the fake-dating trope but this one had me hooked from the very first page.
Silas is the crankiest of the heroes. His love for dogs and football, mixed with his farmer life make him the best beta hero. I enjoyed seeing him grow in his relationship with Liz and the way he’s so easygoing even when he shouldn’t filled my heart with feels. It’s not often we get Polynesian heroes or black heroines in books and getting both at the same time was refreshing and wonderful. Rebekah always delivers when it comes to strong female heroines and even the secondary characters stole my heart from the get go. I loved Liz's friends and getting to see Claudia again was a pleasant surprise.
This was exactly what I needed; a fun, sexy Romance filled with dogs and steamy sex.
I can’t wait to keep on following this series and reading Brooklyn’s installment!
September 27, 2017
Liz Lewis is a lawyer who has had a hit put out on her and is seeking to lay low at the farm owned by the family of a friend and run by his brother. As a cover for her presence on the farm the brother and Liz play out a fake relationship but it doesn't stay fake for long.
This is the second in this series and is very similar to Haven. Again we have a woman who fears for her life taking refuge with an unlikely man, with the relationship having elements of S&M. Unlike the first book, the top in this relationship is Liz. As a short and satisfying romance novel this works quite well.
This is the second in this series and is very similar to Haven. Again we have a woman who fears for her life taking refuge with an unlikely man, with the relationship having elements of S&M. Unlike the first book, the top in this relationship is Liz. As a short and satisfying romance novel this works quite well.
September 29, 2017
The first book that I finished in 5 weeks *cue: crying emoji* I forgot how to write reviews so I'm going to make this short. It's very domestic AND it's set in country side with lots of dogs. If you want want to pick up an m/f romance where the female heroine is in charge, you need to get this stat.
September 12, 2017
I loved it!
Great chemistry between MCs + perfect balance between romance, suspense and sexy scenes.
A novel about Liz, black woman in her early thirties, a lawyer, who after attempt to kill her, flies away from the city to lay low. She's staying with biracial (Polynesian-Scottish) farm owner (Mr Grumpy) Silas and his five dogs! Also featuring Liz as dom in the relationship. It's my first novel with woman as a dom in the duo. Also it's worth mentioning that Silas is on the autism spectrum.
I'm hoping that the series continues. It's delightful!
(Beards & Bondage is NA series of standalone novels)
Great chemistry between MCs + perfect balance between romance, suspense and sexy scenes.
A novel about Liz, black woman in her early thirties, a lawyer, who after attempt to kill her, flies away from the city to lay low. She's staying with biracial (Polynesian-Scottish) farm owner (Mr Grumpy) Silas and his five dogs! Also featuring Liz as dom in the relationship. It's my first novel with woman as a dom in the duo. Also it's worth mentioning that Silas is on the autism spectrum.
I'm hoping that the series continues. It's delightful!
(Beards & Bondage is NA series of standalone novels)
October 18, 2019
The dialogue was unnatural and stiff, the actions caused many, many eye-rolls, and the author didn't seem to have an understanding of her own subject matter. Terrible.
November 12, 2022
the most awkward couple award goes to....
March 19, 2018
ACTUAL RATING 4.5 STARS
August 10, 2021
2 1/2 Stars.
The plot or I guess the catalyst of the story was very unrealistic as it was written. The writing was choppy. It doesn't flow well, and the sex scenes were kind of awkward IMO, rather than sexy. I didn't like Liz although she definitely her good moments and I loved the idea of her friend group. But again, I fell like the friendship, bonding, I got your back, girls scenes were missing something. Just off a bit. If someone broke into your apartment and tried to kill you, wouldn't your friends and especially your sister come to where ever you were to check on you rather than text? Idk...
Anywho... I really did love Silas and all his dogs. He was wonderfully weird! I wanted him to find his happy so he's what/who kept me reading.
I sound like I didn't like the book. It was okay. It really had potential to be great, but it was okay. For me.
I already have the 3rd book, so I'm sure I'm going to read it sooner or later.
Happy reading.
The plot or I guess the catalyst of the story was very unrealistic as it was written. The writing was choppy. It doesn't flow well, and the sex scenes were kind of awkward IMO, rather than sexy. I didn't like Liz although she definitely her good moments and I loved the idea of her friend group. But again, I fell like the friendship, bonding, I got your back, girls scenes were missing something. Just off a bit. If someone broke into your apartment and tried to kill you, wouldn't your friends and especially your sister come to where ever you were to check on you rather than text? Idk...
Anywho... I really did love Silas and all his dogs. He was wonderfully weird! I wanted him to find his happy so he's what/who kept me reading.
I sound like I didn't like the book. It was okay. It really had potential to be great, but it was okay. For me.
I already have the 3rd book, so I'm sure I'm going to read it sooner or later.
Happy reading.
September 3, 2017
4 ★
✔ strong and confident, city-girl heroine, who happens to be domme and love baking
✔ sizzling chemistry and light BDSM
✔ dealing with trauma
✔ small town feeling
✔ five dogs
✔ little peek of Shep & Claudia from Haven
✘ weak fake relationship trope
✘ wish more exploration of the 'lust turning into love' thing
My favorite quote:
➤ New York + Ghent
➤ August → November
#erotic #dual-pov #interconnected-standalone #interracial
✔ gruff and blunt, socially awkward farmer hero with a beard✔ strong and confident, city-girl heroine, who happens to be domme and love baking
✔ sizzling chemistry and light BDSM
✔ dealing with trauma
✔ small town feeling
✔ five dogs
✔ little peek of Shep & Claudia from Haven
✘ weak fake relationship trope
✘ wish more exploration of the 'lust turning into love' thing
My favorite quote:
“I still don't particulary like you, but I think I love you a lot.”❤ Silas Domhnall McInroy (35) & Elizabeth Lewis (31)
➤ New York + Ghent
➤ August → November
August 30, 2017
Just a few quick things...This was so good. I quickly fell in love with Silas and Liz and all the dogs. So fast. They're such unique characters. So full of strength, even when things are really bad. I love how they know themselves so well because having that sense of self is so important. I think you can't have a strong relationship with someone unless you are sure of yourself first. So the confidence they each have was brilliant.
I love that the problems Liz faced were not easily and unrealistically handled in a perfect way. Nothing is tied up in a pretty little bow. Nothing is handled in a way I would have expected so I'm really happy about that. I long for more books that don't subscribe to the same old things, the same old way of handling a bad situation. Life isn't perfect so all problems should not be solved perfectly.
Liz and Silas have a really strong sexual relationship that surprised me a bit at first, but getting to know them more, I could see how it was perfect for them. They're steaming hot scenes were so good.
I didn't want it to end, but they way it happened was so very nice and very sweet.
Recommended
I love that the problems Liz faced were not easily and unrealistically handled in a perfect way. Nothing is tied up in a pretty little bow. Nothing is handled in a way I would have expected so I'm really happy about that. I long for more books that don't subscribe to the same old things, the same old way of handling a bad situation. Life isn't perfect so all problems should not be solved perfectly.
Liz and Silas have a really strong sexual relationship that surprised me a bit at first, but getting to know them more, I could see how it was perfect for them. They're steaming hot scenes were so good.
I didn't want it to end, but they way it happened was so very nice and very sweet.
Recommended
June 30, 2021
This was really good! I liked book one but I liked this even more. I had some issues with the thriller aspect of this but the romance was really good and it kept me reading.
I sat down yesterday to read this entire book because I had to return it to the library. Normally, I have a hard time sitting down and reading a book straight through, even if I'm enjoying it. My focus just tends to drift after the first hour. I am happy to say that did not happen here! I was engaged the entire way through, which is different from book one where I was expecting action all the way through and didn't get that at all and subsequently was a bit bored. Weatherspoon writes such interesting characters and I really liked the ones she came up with here.
I think one of the best things about Weatherspoon's characters are their complexity. She does such a great job writing characters with flaws and problems in their lives and she doesn't make it so falling in love fixes those problems. The way she writes relationship progression is also really good. Liz and Silas start off really not getting along and I loved the way the transition from reluctant roommates to sexual tension to partners was written. I like the way Liz and Silas grew to appreciate each other without fundamentally changing themselves to fit the other person. There was great compromise in this story and I really enjoyed reading that. The sex scenes were also really strong (though I skimmed the anal sex scene because I don't like reading that but that's completely a personal preference). I didn't love the first sexual encounter because I think both Liz and Silas did some thing wrong there but only Silas was treated as having done something wrong and needing to apologize, but otherwise they were great.
The secondary plots were good too. I don't always like family drama but I think it was done well here. Weatherspoon did a good job showing the different sides to Scott and how Liz and Silas saw him differently. I thought she did a great job showing how Scott hurt Silas without ever really demonizing him or downplaying the nice things he did do for Liz. As I said I wasn't completely satisfied with the thriller angle. I felt like it just kind of faded out rather than building to a climax. The romance was good enough I didn't mind too much but I did want a bit more satisfying conclusion.
This is a very good series so far and I'm interested to see what comes with book three. I definitely recommend this if you like BDSM elements in your romance and a bit of a thrill factor.
I sat down yesterday to read this entire book because I had to return it to the library. Normally, I have a hard time sitting down and reading a book straight through, even if I'm enjoying it. My focus just tends to drift after the first hour. I am happy to say that did not happen here! I was engaged the entire way through, which is different from book one where I was expecting action all the way through and didn't get that at all and subsequently was a bit bored. Weatherspoon writes such interesting characters and I really liked the ones she came up with here.
I think one of the best things about Weatherspoon's characters are their complexity. She does such a great job writing characters with flaws and problems in their lives and she doesn't make it so falling in love fixes those problems. The way she writes relationship progression is also really good. Liz and Silas start off really not getting along and I loved the way the transition from reluctant roommates to sexual tension to partners was written. I like the way Liz and Silas grew to appreciate each other without fundamentally changing themselves to fit the other person. There was great compromise in this story and I really enjoyed reading that. The sex scenes were also really strong (though I skimmed the anal sex scene because I don't like reading that but that's completely a personal preference). I didn't love the first sexual encounter because I think both Liz and Silas did some thing wrong there but only Silas was treated as having done something wrong and needing to apologize, but otherwise they were great.
The secondary plots were good too. I don't always like family drama but I think it was done well here. Weatherspoon did a good job showing the different sides to Scott and how Liz and Silas saw him differently. I thought she did a great job showing how Scott hurt Silas without ever really demonizing him or downplaying the nice things he did do for Liz. As I said I wasn't completely satisfied with the thriller angle. I felt like it just kind of faded out rather than building to a climax. The romance was good enough I didn't mind too much but I did want a bit more satisfying conclusion.
This is a very good series so far and I'm interested to see what comes with book three. I definitely recommend this if you like BDSM elements in your romance and a bit of a thrill factor.
April 8, 2024
NOPE.
DNF
DNF
June 23, 2023
Okay this was so good! Silas was a blunt disaster at times. But the way he worshipped Liz 🥹
October 13, 2017
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
I received an eArc of this book from the publishers through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
Full review originally posted on my blog: Word Wonders
CW: Physical assault, attempted Murder, death, blood, BDSM.
Considering how much I loved Haven, the first book in the series, my excitement for this one was surreal, even more when I learnt that the hero has dogs, AND FIVE OF THEM. So, when I got the earc, I might’ve lost my chill and squilled a bit, I also read it as soon as I actually could. I’ll have to say that although the first remains my favorite, I really liked this one as well, especially the heroine. And did I mention the dogs? I loved those too.
The writing is just like in the first book, straight to the point but still agreable to read, the sex scenes are graphic and very detailed, I also loved how drastically it changed to match the tone when the book switches POVs. Speaking of which, it’s written from both MCs’ POVs but it’s predominantly from Liz’s, the heroine, which was definitely interesting since I’m used to both MCs getting the same amount of attention and that’s what the author did in the first book but I definitely did not mind it. What I did mind, is the use of words like insane, crazy and stupid.
Following the same outline as the previous book, Sanctuary starts with a thrilling, action-packed sequence where the heroine is assaulted by someone payed to kill her, which is pretty graphic so I’d say be careful if that type of thing might be triggering to you. Then it’s her dealing with the conséquences of that as well as her going to a farm, meeting its owner who is exceptionally bad with women and them eventually falling in love.
Listen, the romance starts with fake dating, IT’S NOT A DRILL, they fake date for a little while before turning things into a reality and I loved that. Their relationship is full of angst and conflict at first but then as they get to know each other and ease into a comfortable routine, things flow much more nicely, their banter is cute and there’s so much sexual tension between them, I loved it. I also loved how the whole Dom/sub dynamic was handled. Liz is a dom but Shep isn’t really used to being a sub, so the whole communication around it and compromising to find a middle ground where they can both enjoy themselves was awesome to read.
The only thing I didn’t like about the sex in this is one particular scene
Now back to things I loved, three in particular I wanna talk about:
How the author used the opportunity of Liz having to deal with the whole justice system to talk about the dispparities between how she was treated and how a white woman would’ve been treated if the exact same thing had happened to her and seeing her navigate that was definitely interesting.
How well the author deals with trauma. Between this book and the first, she shows how different people react and deal differently, eventhough Claudia and Liz’s ways are parrallel in some things, they are completely different in others.
The author also dismantles some of societal sexism and misogyny through sex and discussing what being a dominatrix means to Liz.
Now to the characters. They’re both all tough, rough and what not but so endearing and adorable. Liz is such a freaking strong woman. She’s a lawyer and was a sex worker in her past life. I really adored and admired her, I even related to her in some ways. She’s funny and takes no shit from anyone, she never hesitates to but Silas back in his place (which he needs quite often) and tell him when enough is enough.
Silas is so grumpy it’s actually funny. At first, he comes off as rude and snaps at her a lot, then as time passes he starts showing a softer side of him. He’s actually super attentionate, romantic and just all around swoony. He has these little gestures that make my heart melt. Also, I’m pretty sure he’s autistic. He has no official diagnosis but does say “I’m pretty sure I’m on the spectrum” at some point and proceeds to talk about why he feels that way. The actual word “autistic” isn’t used but I can’t speak about that rep. So if any autistic people have read and reviewed the book I’d love to link to their reviews.
Special mention to Liz’s sister and group of friends. They’re all so amazing, they let her know that they’re there for her whatever she needs but still give her the space to deal with things the way she sees fit for herself.
The book ends in a way that made my heart burst into confetti. It was so perfect and cute, I loved how comfortable with each other they got and how all those walls that were built between then through the story came down.
I received an eArc of this book from the publishers through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
Full review originally posted on my blog: Word Wonders
CW: Physical assault, attempted Murder, death, blood, BDSM.
Considering how much I loved Haven, the first book in the series, my excitement for this one was surreal, even more when I learnt that the hero has dogs, AND FIVE OF THEM. So, when I got the earc, I might’ve lost my chill and squilled a bit, I also read it as soon as I actually could. I’ll have to say that although the first remains my favorite, I really liked this one as well, especially the heroine. And did I mention the dogs? I loved those too.
The writing is just like in the first book, straight to the point but still agreable to read, the sex scenes are graphic and very detailed, I also loved how drastically it changed to match the tone when the book switches POVs. Speaking of which, it’s written from both MCs’ POVs but it’s predominantly from Liz’s, the heroine, which was definitely interesting since I’m used to both MCs getting the same amount of attention and that’s what the author did in the first book but I definitely did not mind it. What I did mind, is the use of words like insane, crazy and stupid.
Following the same outline as the previous book, Sanctuary starts with a thrilling, action-packed sequence where the heroine is assaulted by someone payed to kill her, which is pretty graphic so I’d say be careful if that type of thing might be triggering to you. Then it’s her dealing with the conséquences of that as well as her going to a farm, meeting its owner who is exceptionally bad with women and them eventually falling in love.
Listen, the romance starts with fake dating, IT’S NOT A DRILL, they fake date for a little while before turning things into a reality and I loved that. Their relationship is full of angst and conflict at first but then as they get to know each other and ease into a comfortable routine, things flow much more nicely, their banter is cute and there’s so much sexual tension between them, I loved it. I also loved how the whole Dom/sub dynamic was handled. Liz is a dom but Shep isn’t really used to being a sub, so the whole communication around it and compromising to find a middle ground where they can both enjoy themselves was awesome to read.
The only thing I didn’t like about the sex in this is one particular scene
Now back to things I loved, three in particular I wanna talk about:
How the author used the opportunity of Liz having to deal with the whole justice system to talk about the dispparities between how she was treated and how a white woman would’ve been treated if the exact same thing had happened to her and seeing her navigate that was definitely interesting.
How well the author deals with trauma. Between this book and the first, she shows how different people react and deal differently, eventhough Claudia and Liz’s ways are parrallel in some things, they are completely different in others.
The author also dismantles some of societal sexism and misogyny through sex and discussing what being a dominatrix means to Liz.
Now to the characters. They’re both all tough, rough and what not but so endearing and adorable. Liz is such a freaking strong woman. She’s a lawyer and was a sex worker in her past life. I really adored and admired her, I even related to her in some ways. She’s funny and takes no shit from anyone, she never hesitates to but Silas back in his place (which he needs quite often) and tell him when enough is enough.
Silas is so grumpy it’s actually funny. At first, he comes off as rude and snaps at her a lot, then as time passes he starts showing a softer side of him. He’s actually super attentionate, romantic and just all around swoony. He has these little gestures that make my heart melt. Also, I’m pretty sure he’s autistic. He has no official diagnosis but does say “I’m pretty sure I’m on the spectrum” at some point and proceeds to talk about why he feels that way. The actual word “autistic” isn’t used but I can’t speak about that rep. So if any autistic people have read and reviewed the book I’d love to link to their reviews.
Special mention to Liz’s sister and group of friends. They’re all so amazing, they let her know that they’re there for her whatever she needs but still give her the space to deal with things the way she sees fit for herself.
The book ends in a way that made my heart burst into confetti. It was so perfect and cute, I loved how comfortable with each other they got and how all those walls that were built between then through the story came down.
September 7, 2023
Someone put a hit out on Liz Lewis and she survives the attempt by just a few inches. While she is a strong woman who can handle herself, she isn't about to sit around and wait for another close call. Her friend and colleague, Scott, steps in to help. He has a place, no one will find her there, she can hide out safely while he figures out if she's still in danger. Suddenly Liz finds herself at McInroy Farm, with Scott's estranged twin brother, Silas. Silas doesn't have much to say but when he does he's clear about what he wants and what he means. Currently, Silas is not happy that his brother has dropped this woman at his doorstep, under the guise of being Silas' internet girlfriend coming to visit. Liz is annoyed by Silas immediately, but can't help noticing how handsome and built he is. Can they pull off deceiving this small town? When will Liz truly be safe? Can the resist the attraction they feel for each other even when they're annoyed with each other?
Sanctuary is the second book in the Beards and Bondage series. Once again, I could not put this book down! Silas is the strong silent type, good at all relationships except romantic ones. He's half Scottish and half Polynesian. Liz is a bad ass bitch, my favorite type of FMC. She doesn't hide the fact that she worked as a dominatrix during law school, and she always says what she needs. I love her ideas on gender equality and how to make up for all the years without it. And the lessons she gives Silas after he has spent years alone are hot! I would recommend this to readers looking for interracial romance, BDSM, fake dating, just one bed, forced proximity, small town, and steamy romance.
Sanctuary is the second book in the Beards and Bondage series. Once again, I could not put this book down! Silas is the strong silent type, good at all relationships except romantic ones. He's half Scottish and half Polynesian. Liz is a bad ass bitch, my favorite type of FMC. She doesn't hide the fact that she worked as a dominatrix during law school, and she always says what she needs. I love her ideas on gender equality and how to make up for all the years without it. And the lessons she gives Silas after he has spent years alone are hot! I would recommend this to readers looking for interracial romance, BDSM, fake dating, just one bed, forced proximity, small town, and steamy romance.
February 8, 2021
Liz , a lawyer, has a hit out on her from a past client, unfortunately she kills the hitman in self defense with a stiletto. To get out of the city her friend Scott takes her to his twin brothers farm. There they begin a fake relationship to keep her safe and give her space to work out the mess that a homicide leaves in her apartment. Silas turn out to be a grumpy, closet submissive on the spectrum, exactly what Liz needs.
I really liked the characters Silas, Liz and the dogs. Liz being the dominant is a change from that is usually the male role, especially as Silas is described as such a protective alpha male. The sexual tension between them was very well done and resulted in some super hot sex scenes. Silas being on the spectrum was handled so well.
I didn’t like the suspense portion of Sanctuary. The person who hires the hitman, ruins her career, but it actually was a blessing and she got to live a better life. The bud guy just kind of faded away, he’s like “we’re even” and that is all. For hiring a hitman that seemed an anticlimactic resolution.
My favorite quote:
“People think people who live along are lonely because they can’t wrap their minds around the idea that they could possible enjoy being alone. I do. I like being alone. It’s fucking glorious.
I really liked the characters Silas, Liz and the dogs. Liz being the dominant is a change from that is usually the male role, especially as Silas is described as such a protective alpha male. The sexual tension between them was very well done and resulted in some super hot sex scenes. Silas being on the spectrum was handled so well.
I didn’t like the suspense portion of Sanctuary. The person who hires the hitman, ruins her career, but it actually was a blessing and she got to live a better life. The bud guy just kind of faded away, he’s like “we’re even” and that is all. For hiring a hitman that seemed an anticlimactic resolution.
My favorite quote:
“People think people who live along are lonely because they can’t wrap their minds around the idea that they could possible enjoy being alone. I do. I like being alone. It’s fucking glorious.
August 30, 2017
Rebekah is simply amazing. Sanctuary, believe it or not, is better than Haven. I love both of them, but Silas and Liz's story has a big spot in my heart now. It was such a wild ride since the beginning, starting with a murder scene, no joke. Rebekah really knows how to take my attention and make me love the book from the start.
As you all probably know I absolutely adore dogs in romance books, especially if the hero owns them. And Silas owns FIVE OF THEM in Sanctuary. From uninterested pups to want to play always pups, Rebekah wrote them all. As I said it is a simply beautiful book with a small town fake dating romance with two souls that need a little bit of each other.
I hope Brooklyn and Mason gets their stories next? I just want more! This series is my new favorite and will forever be.
As you all probably know I absolutely adore dogs in romance books, especially if the hero owns them. And Silas owns FIVE OF THEM in Sanctuary. From uninterested pups to want to play always pups, Rebekah wrote them all. As I said it is a simply beautiful book with a small town fake dating romance with two souls that need a little bit of each other.
I hope Brooklyn and Mason gets their stories next? I just want more! This series is my new favorite and will forever be.
September 10, 2017
OK - I wanted to love this book as much as I loved the first one. The formulae should've worked for me: strong, Black, non-skinny heroine? Check. Interesting hero? Check. Mystery? Check. Fun supporting characters? Check. Good writing? Check. But somehow these elements did not come together as well as I'd hoped.
First of all, the way the heroine fell for the hero was not very convincing. In fact, their whole hook-up-turned-relationship journey seemed a bit rushed. I couldn't help but be skeptical about their HEA at the end. There was a secondary storyline regarding the hero's brother and heroine's friend that should've been explored some more to justify its presence. Clearly the author had a limited number of words, and she couldn't spare them to explain some storylines in detail. The heroine was not very likable, which is not a problem, but the author kept bringing up aspects about her personality and past without (I feel) tying them into the story so well.
The story is told from both the hero and heroine's POV, but whenever it switched to the hero's POV, it always seemed to present the hero in a totally different light compared to how the heroine saw him. Maybe I misread the situation, but there were a couple of moments that took me out of the story. It kind of reminded me of The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, but with more sex and less heart.
All in all, a lot was going on in this book - a lot of details were teased and not fully explained, the romance was not as satisfying as the erotic scenes and its main mystery started out promising but ultimately didn't deliver. I liked it enough - it's not the worst book I've ever read but compared to the first book, it was a let-down. The first book concentrated on setting up a story about two people who liked each other and fell in love despite their challenges, while this one did not; which lost the entire essence of why I loved the first book in the series.
With that said, I will still read the rest of the series. I have hope that things will get better.
First of all, the way the heroine fell for the hero was not very convincing. In fact, their whole hook-up-turned-relationship journey seemed a bit rushed. I couldn't help but be skeptical about their HEA at the end. There was a secondary storyline regarding the hero's brother and heroine's friend that should've been explored some more to justify its presence. Clearly the author had a limited number of words, and she couldn't spare them to explain some storylines in detail. The heroine was not very likable, which is not a problem, but the author kept bringing up aspects about her personality and past without (I feel) tying them into the story so well.
The story is told from both the hero and heroine's POV, but whenever it switched to the hero's POV, it always seemed to present the hero in a totally different light compared to how the heroine saw him. Maybe I misread the situation, but there were a couple of moments that took me out of the story. It kind of reminded me of The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, but with more sex and less heart.
All in all, a lot was going on in this book - a lot of details were teased and not fully explained, the romance was not as satisfying as the erotic scenes and its main mystery started out promising but ultimately didn't deliver. I liked it enough - it's not the worst book I've ever read but compared to the first book, it was a let-down. The first book concentrated on setting up a story about two people who liked each other and fell in love despite their challenges, while this one did not; which lost the entire essence of why I loved the first book in the series.
With that said, I will still read the rest of the series. I have hope that things will get better.
July 8, 2019
Um What. I'm 4 starring a romance novel? Thinking about maybe giving it 5 stars? What? A love interest on the spectrum? A dominatrix MC who isn't overly sexualized? Both of them dealing with their own traumas without the other being made to "fix them." SUPER STEAMY??
September 20, 2017
I published this review at the Book Queen's site: http://www.tbqsbookpalace.com/2017/09...
This book starts off with our hero Liz, coming home after a night out with friends, only to find an intruder in her apartment. She literally fights for her life, determined to survive. I will admit to having a moment of concern--obviously for Liz and her physical and emotional well-being---but because the “heroine being attacked” scene was also the beginning of Haven. You know how sometimes authors hit a groove, and every single book they write is basically the same? I am here to tell you that I was wrong to worry. Rebekah Weatherspoon is completely in charge of this story and her characters. Sanctuary isn’t a tired rehash of a previous book, it’s it’s own thing, and it’s emotionally complex and completely satisfying.
After the attack, Liz’s friend Scott helps her to find a place to hide out and recover: with his twin brother at their family farm in upstate New York. I love Liz and Silas. Their chemistry is powerful even if they aren’t sure they actually like each other. Liz is fierce, determined, and completely sure of herself. Even as her own life is in danger, she’s worried about how to protect everyone around her. Silas is painfully shy, so much so that he suspects he’s on the spectrum, but the people in his town love and care for him. Liz’s presence is completely disruptive to his life, but he wants to help her. Did I mention he has five dogs? And one of them is old, crotchety, and named Joe Namath? It’s adorable.
The primary reason that Rebekah Weatherspoon is one of my favorite authors is that she writes fully-formed, complex characters. Liz struggles to overcome the attack in her apartment, riding the waves of feelings that overcome her. Silas’s relationship with his family is strained by his difficulties with communication and by some really ugly behavior from his twin brother when they were in college. But Liz quickly figures out that although talking is hard for him, he is a man of action. He can just BE with her, and once she figures out that he’s honest and doesn’t play games, everything accelerates. I also appreciated that Rebekah Weatherspoon resists the urge to have the HEA fix every single problem Liz and Silas have. She’s still miserable in her job as a lawyer and has to figure that out. Silas’s rift with his brother is too deep and wide to be magically restored. However, they both work at making those problems better; the inner strength they’ve gained from each other helps them work to make their lives better.
Finally, probably the best thing about this book is the sex, not only because it’s smoking hot (although IT IS), but because it shows the importance of intimacy. The first time they have sex, Liz takes charge (did I mention her first act was as a dominatrix?) because that’s what she likes. But after it’s over, Silas tells her he didn’t like it. She cannot believe it! He explains, “No. I liked it. I mean, I came really hard. I think I popped a blood vessel on the side of my head. I loved it. You’re good at it. You’re good at sex...I just wanted to touch you. I think about touching you all the fucking time. I wanted to touch you more.” He wants more than just sex, he wants a connection. She’s had sexual relationships that were transactional, but he’s demanding to know her and really be with her. As Liz and Silas start to trust each other, the author skillfully shows their sexual relationship evolving, too. And, I would be completely remiss if I didn’t mention that they make a sex tape. It is unbelievably hot and perfect.
I loved this book! It is excellent and everything you’d possibly want in a romance. You should read it, and tell all your friends about it, and, like me, start anxiously drumming your fingers waiting for the next book by this fantastic author.
I received an eARC from the author.
This book starts off with our hero Liz, coming home after a night out with friends, only to find an intruder in her apartment. She literally fights for her life, determined to survive. I will admit to having a moment of concern--obviously for Liz and her physical and emotional well-being---but because the “heroine being attacked” scene was also the beginning of Haven. You know how sometimes authors hit a groove, and every single book they write is basically the same? I am here to tell you that I was wrong to worry. Rebekah Weatherspoon is completely in charge of this story and her characters. Sanctuary isn’t a tired rehash of a previous book, it’s it’s own thing, and it’s emotionally complex and completely satisfying.
After the attack, Liz’s friend Scott helps her to find a place to hide out and recover: with his twin brother at their family farm in upstate New York. I love Liz and Silas. Their chemistry is powerful even if they aren’t sure they actually like each other. Liz is fierce, determined, and completely sure of herself. Even as her own life is in danger, she’s worried about how to protect everyone around her. Silas is painfully shy, so much so that he suspects he’s on the spectrum, but the people in his town love and care for him. Liz’s presence is completely disruptive to his life, but he wants to help her. Did I mention he has five dogs? And one of them is old, crotchety, and named Joe Namath? It’s adorable.
The primary reason that Rebekah Weatherspoon is one of my favorite authors is that she writes fully-formed, complex characters. Liz struggles to overcome the attack in her apartment, riding the waves of feelings that overcome her. Silas’s relationship with his family is strained by his difficulties with communication and by some really ugly behavior from his twin brother when they were in college. But Liz quickly figures out that although talking is hard for him, he is a man of action. He can just BE with her, and once she figures out that he’s honest and doesn’t play games, everything accelerates. I also appreciated that Rebekah Weatherspoon resists the urge to have the HEA fix every single problem Liz and Silas have. She’s still miserable in her job as a lawyer and has to figure that out. Silas’s rift with his brother is too deep and wide to be magically restored. However, they both work at making those problems better; the inner strength they’ve gained from each other helps them work to make their lives better.
Finally, probably the best thing about this book is the sex, not only because it’s smoking hot (although IT IS), but because it shows the importance of intimacy. The first time they have sex, Liz takes charge (did I mention her first act was as a dominatrix?) because that’s what she likes. But after it’s over, Silas tells her he didn’t like it. She cannot believe it! He explains, “No. I liked it. I mean, I came really hard. I think I popped a blood vessel on the side of my head. I loved it. You’re good at it. You’re good at sex...I just wanted to touch you. I think about touching you all the fucking time. I wanted to touch you more.” He wants more than just sex, he wants a connection. She’s had sexual relationships that were transactional, but he’s demanding to know her and really be with her. As Liz and Silas start to trust each other, the author skillfully shows their sexual relationship evolving, too. And, I would be completely remiss if I didn’t mention that they make a sex tape. It is unbelievably hot and perfect.
I loved this book! It is excellent and everything you’d possibly want in a romance. You should read it, and tell all your friends about it, and, like me, start anxiously drumming your fingers waiting for the next book by this fantastic author.
I received an eARC from the author.
August 29, 2017
I don't even know where to start with all of my gushing! *deep breath*
I LOVED Haven but fuck if I didn't somehow manage to find just a little more love for this story. Liz is so me, but like my best vacation me, so workaholic who's somehow pared her life down to the bare necessities and doesn't know what she'd been missing until she finds it. And Silas. SILAS! I knew I was gonna love him when I heard he was (undiagnosed) on the spectrum. My heart just wanted to love every "rude" comment he made cause I totally know him/feel him. Gush.
And then the two of them together.
And then the sex! (*eyes emoji*)
This was just a great blend of so many genres with an HEA and I'm so happy this books exists. So happy that I read it and then read it again!! :D
Edited:
Wait I just looked at my Haven review and remembered that I've read the end of chapter 18 like a dozen times. IT'S SO WONDERFUL! She really manages to wrap up a story in a satisfying way that also leaves room for the future! Like Brook! And Mason! (Not necessarily together... but sexing somebody *eye emoji again*)
** I received an ARC of this book for review. All the gushing and love are straight from my own brain and heart.
I LOVED Haven but fuck if I didn't somehow manage to find just a little more love for this story. Liz is so me, but like my best vacation me, so workaholic who's somehow pared her life down to the bare necessities and doesn't know what she'd been missing until she finds it. And Silas. SILAS! I knew I was gonna love him when I heard he was (undiagnosed) on the spectrum. My heart just wanted to love every "rude" comment he made cause I totally know him/feel him. Gush.
And then the two of them together.
And then the sex! (*eyes emoji*)
This was just a great blend of so many genres with an HEA and I'm so happy this books exists. So happy that I read it and then read it again!! :D
Edited:
Wait I just looked at my Haven review and remembered that I've read the end of chapter 18 like a dozen times. IT'S SO WONDERFUL! She really manages to wrap up a story in a satisfying way that also leaves room for the future! Like Brook! And Mason! (Not necessarily together... but sexing somebody *eye emoji again*)
** I received an ARC of this book for review. All the gushing and love are straight from my own brain and heart.
February 19, 2022
I wish you could meet him’ is sprung as fuck for ‘I’m sprung as fuck
This is my fourth Rebekah Weatherspoon book. And I am really enjoying most of what she does: The stories, the characters, their growth, the steam! But each book has one part (or a few) when I finished the book that has me saying, "did she ever address...?" I don't need every book to wrap up every loose end. Well maybe I do? But now this feels like a pattern. Maybe I'm too caught up in the love that I missed the answer to my questions? But the books are good enough that I'm going to keep reading them!
This is my fourth Rebekah Weatherspoon book. And I am really enjoying most of what she does: The stories, the characters, their growth, the steam! But each book has one part (or a few) when I finished the book that has me saying, "did she ever address...?" I don't need every book to wrap up every loose end. Well maybe I do? But now this feels like a pattern. Maybe I'm too caught up in the love that I missed the answer to my questions? But the books are good enough that I'm going to keep reading them!
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