"Emotionally and sexually intense."

After being emotionally burned by her former submissive lover Jonathon, Lauren needed to get away. When her friend offered her the use of her home on a private island, Lauren jumps at the chance for some relaxation in the sun, alone.

But it turns out that she won't be alone. The island caretaker, Josh, and his friend Marcus will be there. But Lauren's friend assures her that they are lovers. Boy was she wrong. Although Marcus indeed prefers men, he still admires the beauty of a woman. It's simply the art dealer in him, or maybe the dominant. Josh however, very much adores women, and something about him awakens a sleeping part of Lauren.

When Marcus brings about events that would put Lauren in control of Josh and to some degree himself, Lauren jumps at the chance to heal herself, and maybe help Josh battle whatever demons plague his gentle soul.

Although HOLDING THE CARDS was a bit slower to build than some of the other Ellora's Cave releases, this was one HOT book. Never have I seen D/s so wonderful written and explored so passionately. Oftentimes when D/s is mentioned, visions of leather-clad women and men wielding whips and causing pain fill the mind. Yes, D/s can explore the boundaries between pleasure and pain, but it isn't always about total control. It isn't always the dominant's needs being met by the submissive. In HOLDING THE CARDS, the fine line the dominant walks is explored as well as the trust and devotion that is required of a submissive.

As for sizzle, slow to build this story may be, but in the end, it packs enough of a sensual punch it more that makes up for it. The slower pace is needed, the trust between the three characters must be built, for the story to evolve to its natural conclusion.

I greatly enjoyed this tale, and recommend it highly, but would caution that it does contain some scenes that some may find uncomfortable to read. There is interaction sexually between Marcus and Josh, there are whips and pain used, and it is a D/s love story.

Rated NC-17. Contains: straight, gay, D/s, and intense emotional scenes.

Reviewed by Michelle Houston
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted March 31, 2003

Summary

Lauren is a successful doctor with a healthy attitude toward sex, unashamed of her proclivities as a sexual dominant. She wants love and a family, but she's beginning to believe there is no Mr. Right willing to stand by her in sickness and health...and be cuffed, stripped, and smacked with a riding crop.

Then her friend Lisette invites her to spend a long weekend on a private island. It turns out Lisette can't come with her, but Lauren opts to go anyway, with no one for company but Joshua, the island caretaker, and his visiting friend, Marcus. Though both men are beautiful, it is Joshua that catches Lauren's attention, and not just because Marcus prefers men.

Something in Josh's stormy eyes calls to her. When Marcus facilitates a game of submission and control between the three of them that will last throughout the weekend, Lauren embraces the opportunity. Josh overwhelms her with his willingness to submit to her body's desires, but her heart wants to get to the secrets behind those eyes. She is going to have to tear down his defenses and make him give her everything. And this is one Mistress who doesn't take no for an answer...

Sexual Content: NC-17. Genre: BDSM.