I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Slave
on July 28, 2011 and has 194 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Review source: The Writer’s Coffee Shop Publishing House
First in the Finding Anna BDSM erotica (although there really isn’t any sex in it beyond some wanting and kisses) series based in Minneapolis.
I’d consider it more of a psychological exploration.
My Take
I considered giving this a “3” if only because the writer does create engaging characters and uses good English. But I decided it wasn’t enough to counter the lack of warmth or pull. Admittedly, I don’t know this lifestyle, so perhaps I’m being unfair.
Several times, Hayes mentions Brianna’s stiffness, her robotic responses. It made me think of Hayes’ writing. Stiff. Detached. It reads more like a report on someone’s condition. A report of atrocities committed. It begins with Stephan’s voice and his thoughts for several chapters and then Brianna’s thoughts and reactions are brought into play and their different perspectives switch back and forth throughout the story. We start to learn her history — the recent and the past.
It’s an interesting contrast between what is seemingly the worst and best in a Master. I liked Brianna’s comment about the books punishment: “He didn’t yell at me or continue to make me pay or messing up for days. …never brought it up, never rubbed it in…” More parents could take a cue from this in how they punish their children. Consistent, reliable, just the punishment and then move on. Repeat as necessary.
No, the being in love bit that Stephan claims just isn’t believable. Primarily because I’m not just feelin’ the love. Hayes has drawn some interesting characters. She’s also dribbled out just enough information that I’m curious to know what happens next. What will be revealed in Need. I know I’d like to see Ian and the person who sold her into his care punished.
But, I’m not feeling the passion that Stephan claims to feel for her. I do feel Brianna’s fear. I feel Richard and Diane’s concern. But I don’t feel much of any other emotion. It’s all just words. For all that Brianna has gone through, I should be crying. And I’m not. I wanna take out a contract on Ian…but I’m not all that angry. That’s wrong. I should feel this more.
The entire scenario of Stephan trying to bring Brianna out of her shell was interesting to read; the guy’s got the patience of a saint! I’m not sure if the slow, sometimes tedious reading was on purpose to set the mood for how very careful Stephan was being, if Hayes is drawing it out so she can fill up part 1, or ???
The Story
Daren has learned of a slave who needs rescuing from a man both he and Stephan despise. It’s clear that Stephan must buy her as he’s the only one of the two who has the funds for it.
At first, Stephan simply intends to free her from Ian, but seeing her so broken, so fearful… He needs to protect her. No matter what.
The Characters
Stephan Coleman is the head of a not-for-profit organization, the Coleman Foundation, which helps fund medical care for those who can’t afford it. Jamie is his secretary. Logan is his best friend and he and his girlfriend, Lily, have tried to set Stephan up many times. Lily is in charge of the foundation’s fall fundraiser.
Brianna Lynn Reeves is currently a slave to Ian Pierce, a man well-known within the community and known to be into pain and humiliation. He’s broken Brianna. A woman who doesn’t want this. Her father is Sheriff Jonathan Reeves.
Jimmy and Samantha went to school with Stephan. Daren was Stephan’s college roommate for two years and had introduced him to the lifestyle. Gina is his submissive whom he shares.
Dr. Richard Cooper is Stephan’s uncle with whom he’s been on the outs for the past six months ever since he learned about Stephan’s lifestyle choices. Diane is his wife and Stephan’s very loving aunt.
Karl Walker is the rude, arrogant CFO for the Coleman Foundation. He was inherited from the previous acting president. Cal Ross of Ross Builders is not his father’s son. Nor does he agree with the idea of donating to the Coleman Foundation.
The Cover and Title
The cover is simplistic in its design and colors. Black with a spotlight that softens once it gets near the kneeling, submissive Brianna, wrapped in a black sheet in the center at the bottom of the cover. Her naked shoulders are the only color.
The title focuses on Brianna, her state when Stephan bought her. What she believes she is, a Slave.
