The Forbidden Bookshelf – Review: RECLAIMED SURRENDER by Riley Murphy

Characters
Plot
Heat

RECLAIMED SURRENDER
By Riley Murphy
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Release Date: Feb 2012
Length: 54,304 words

Things take a sizzling turn when Rene Tanner finds himself neck-deep in marital unbliss. He’s fully prepared to do whatever it takes to reclaim his wife’s surrender. The way he sees it? He’s been putting her on a pedestal when all she really wanted—needed—was for Rene to put her on her knees.

Alexis Tanner has felt alone and unfulfilled for quite a while. So when her marriage counselor suggests a week of “As You Wish” therapy, she’s expecting to be wooed with chocolates and flowers. Instead she winds up in leather restraints and a silver collar. Now she must surrender to her darkest desires—or be forced to let Rene go forever.

If RECLAIMED SURRENDER is on your BDSM romance wish list, move it to the top. And, if it’s not on your list, add it right now! It was that fantastic.

Rene and Alexis Tanner’s marriage is on the rocks. They’ve had a D/s relationship from the beginning, two years of dating and three years of marriage. An unfortunate incident six months prior ruined Alexis’ trust in Rene and upset the power balance between them. Now they’re both distant and angry, and traditional “vanilla” couple’s counseling just isn’t working for them.

Rene decides to “tweak” an assignment given to them by their therapist in a way that it would apply to their Dominant/submissive dynamic, or at least, the one they used to have. During his week of being in charge of “As You Wish” therapy, Rene intends to reclaim Alexis’ submission by taking complete control. She’ll wear his collar and obey his commands, or else be punished, at least for one week. And, if she’s not willing to give him a week to earn back her trust and take an honest look at the barriers between them, then there’s no point in staying married. Luckily for Rene, Alexis is willing…

RECLAIMED SURRENDER is going on my list of favorite BDSM romances. It was a very well-written, moving story with realistic, multidimensional characters. Ms. Murphy presented the complexities of the D/s relationship beautifully and the challenge it is to be vanilla to the outside world and submissive at home. Her characters were easy to connect with, and because of them I was emotionally invested in this story. Rene was an amazing Dom. He was stern and a bit intimidating, but there was no doubt that he loved Alexis with all his heart and wanted to give her what she needed as a submissive. *swoon*

As well as being a compelling story, it was also hot, hot, hot! The whole D/s tone was very erotic, and if you like that power exchange dynamic, then this book is sure to hit all your right buttons. Alexis’ big punishment scene in the book was so well done. Emotionally gripping, but sexy as hell! I’m only sorry we never got to see the Japanese clover clamp scene that Rene mentioned.