Monday, October 14, 2013

Unbound by Cara McKenna


She set out to find herself, and discovered the darker side of desire.

Merry’s lost a lot recently—first her mother, then close to a hundred pounds. Feeling adrift, she strikes out in search of perspective. A three-week hike through the Scottish Highlands was supposed to challenge her new body and refocus her priorities, but when disaster strikes, she’s forced to seek refuge in the remote home of a brooding, handsome stranger…

Rob exiled himself to the Highlands years ago, desperate to escape his own self-destruction. Haunted by regrets, he avoids human contact at all costs…but when Merry turns up injured, he can’t very well run her off. And as he nurses her back to health, Rob can’t resist his guest’s sweet demeanor—or her flirtatious advances. The igniting passion between them rouses a secret appetite Rob has long struggled to keep hidden. But Merry craves nothing more than to help Rob surrender to his desires, and the journey draws the lovers into an entirely different kind of wilderness.

Type: Contemporary Romance/Erotica
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
One of the things I love about McKenna's books is that the people feel real. They deal with real life shit and the hardships and everyday things we all go through. That may not sound all that exciting but somehow McKenna makes it feel earthy, interesting and addictive. And Unbound had all of that going on. It's filled with fascinating characters, a gorgeous setting and an incredibly unique romance that changes everything for two lonely people.

Alright so, Rob and Merry. The two get pushed together when Merry's hiking trip goes awry and in need of some TLC she lands on the doorstep of his remote cabin in the woods. I really liked both of them. He's a bit grumpy--okay, okay, not a bit he's a total grouchy ass--and awkward around people to boot after pretty much exiling himself from society years earlier to escape his demons. And she's, well, Merry's cheerful and adventurous. She's just lost a ton of weight and is determined to use and enjoy the body she's worked so hard for. She really cares about people and is very open minded and giving. Just what Rob needs to pull him out of his shell and into life again.

Their journey together is interesting as she recovers and they both begin to feel...something for each other and dread the day she'll have to leave. Things get hot and heavy pretty quickly with them and it's full of all kinds of steamy kinkery. I liked parts of their physical relationship--that she'd go to extremes to help him fulfill his deepest desires and to help him overcome the gut wrenching shame he feels because of them. It was incredibly sweet and intimate and touching. But, really, it didn't do too much for me personally. The scenes are well written and really make you feel for Rob's struggles but since they really weren't my kink didn't have me fanning myself or anything.
"You...you know I'm terrifically fucked up, right?" he asked.

She laughed. "Yes. I've come to like that about you."
While I enjoyed the story--had some good chuckles (there are some fucking awesome one liners) and shed some tears-- I never really connected with either Rob or Merry despite really liking them both. I don't know if it was the kinks putting me off a bit or that he wasn't alpha enough or that it wasn't quite as gritty as the others or what. I enjoyed the overall story and so wanted them to find their way but it just didn't have quite the knock out punch I expect from one of McKenna's books--at least for me--and left me wanting something just a little more. Still I think it's worth a read especially if you enjoy a unique romance and some kinky explorations.

I've used him before but he was just too perfect not to use for Rob.

Have you read McKenna?
What did you think? Have a favorite?

No comments:

Post a Comment

I always enjoy hearing what YOU think so come on and leave a comment. Everyone's welcome :) And feel free to leave comments on old posts. I'll check in on you there too :)

Bloggers don't forget to leave your links!
~Anna

The Herd Archives