Hold My Hand

Hold My Hand, Paloma Beck, April 2013

A story about Aubrey, a young woman filled with hurt, and William, a man who can't walk away. They're navigating through a relationship that may have too many hurdles... or perhaps not, as long as she can hold his hand.

Aubrey has been hurt in the past, discouraged and degraded by a heartless father. Still, William sees something in her that won't allow him to walk away. Instantly drawn to her but intuitive enough to take it slowly, he courts her. Then he bargains, persuades and seduces until Aubrey becomes ensnared by his commanding nature. Despite the fight she puts up in accepting William's lifestyle, the bonds he places on Aubrey give her a freedom she desperately needs. And together, they heal old wounds and find their perfect love.

Paloma Beck takes her reader by the hand and gently leads them into the world of domestic discipline and manages to craft a beautifully written and surprisingly romantic story at the same time.  In an exploding market of BDSM stories, the element of love - the kind that makes a reader want to know more about the characters and their journey - often gets sacrificed for steamy no holds barred sex.  Hold My Hand focuses on the fledgling relationship between Aubrey and William without sacrificing the erotic components.

Shy, emotionally battered Aubrey hides in plain site. Working as a barista, she manages to capture the eye of the powerful and worldly William. He sees in her something captivating and pursues her with single mindedness.  How can she say no, right? The rules that William sets out and the demands that he makes of Aubrey push her every boundary, every belief.  This young heroine must decide to go with her instincts or cave to the voice in her head that threatens to destroy everything.

Beck has created an imminently believable character in Aubrey - her past history of emotional abuse, her feelings of self doubt and worthlessness hit the reader right in the heart. While a domestic discipline relationship may not be every reader's cup of tea, this author creates one that feels very natural and is so deeply steeped in loving motivations that any discomfort one might have about the heavy D/s overtones is quickly swept aside as the reader falls as deeply in love as this perfectly matched odd couple.

Sexy and sensual with spanky goodness, Aubrey and William's romance captures the reader and holds them bound from page to page.  Fortunately for readers, theirs is a story that has more to come with an upcoming sequel Heal My Soul.  Yes, Sir - we are patiently waiting because good things come to those who wait!

RATING: Four Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.  This book was given to us by the author for an unbiased review. Many thanks.