~Synopsis~
Recently divorced and heartbroken, Charlie is starting over in a new city and job, ready to make a fresh start. Confidence shattered and having lost all hope for having love in her life, she decides to focus on her career. Things finally start looking up for her when she lands a contract with successful environmental corporation, Galloway & Associates. But when she meets her new client, Ian ignites desires inside her that she’s never known before. A rich and powerful businessman, Ian is determined to make Charlie his, despite her protests. Not wanting to put her new job in jeopardy, Charlie refuses Ian’s repeated attempts to gain her attention. But Ian’s used to getting his way and will not give up so easily. There's no denying that Charlie wants Ian as much as he wants her - but she doesn't want romance and the heartache that comes along with it. Ian’s naked hunger for her brings out a primal side of her that she’s never experienced before and she likes it. Charlie will give Ian what he wants, but only if he agrees to surrenders himself to her. Willingly give himself up to Charlie and allow her to explore her darkest fantasies. If Ian wants Charlie, he's going to have to relinquish the control he's used to and submit to her every demand - and desire.
BOOK REVIEW: Tied Up by Elle Vaughn
3 Stars
Down and dishearten after her divorce Charlotte “Charlie” Brooks Portland for a new lease on life. Not only does she find success with a new job but she also catches the attention of a new man in her life. The only problem—he’s one of her clients, Ian Galloway. It’s all too much, too fast for Charlie until she decides to take a different approach to the relationship—ensuring that she’s the one in control— to avoid heartache again. So she sets her mind to a no-strings attached, hot, sexual fling.
The initial premise is what drew me in. Girl gets the upper hand and calls the shots on a dashing but dominant man. I envisioned a fun and strong female who turned a cocky or alpha-male’s world around. But that’s not quite what I found.
First, I wasn’t completely sold on Charlie’s turnaround from meek and hurt to distant and sexually demanding all on the advice of a stranger in a bar. And boy does Charlie embrace the whole “I’m in control” role. At times it felt like she was barking orders at a dog during scenes that should have been hot and sexy. There’s plenty of sex, but Charlie’s demanding persona rather killed the chemistry for me. Perhaps if Ian had been more of a man needing tamed, it might have made Charlie easier to root for. But Ian was a pretty decent guy, and while president of a large company and obviously in control in the business world, he isn't over-the-top domineering at all, nor is he arrogant or in need of a role reversal.
Second, Charlie is a bit wishy-washy about the whole relationship. She’s wants to make Ian submissive and keep things purely sexual with no feelings involved, but then she puts expectations on him that just don’t go with a “booty call” liaison, which is really what she claimed to want. Ian has a few secrets and while in a normal relationship they needed to be disclosed up front, the games Charlie played didn’t really make me sympathetic to her when Ian wasn’t forthcoming.
Overall, if you’re looking for a “How Charlie Got Her Groove Back” type of story, then this is one to definitely pick up. However, if you enjoy the alpha male appeal in your book boyfriends, you won't necessarily find it here as this is about the girl taking charge of a pretty accommodating guy.
Elle Vaughn is an avid book lover - especially romance novels. She's the author of the Anna and Quinton novella series and is always working on a new story project. When she's not lost in her character creations she can be found chasing around her toddler, being outside in the Colorado outdoors, gardening and attempting to cook for her family!Facebook Goodreads Twitter
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