Olivia and Tom have been dating for a little less than a year, and things are going really well. Olivia loves Tom, they have a great sex life, and she knows that when she is ready, Tom will be the one that she marries. During an evening out, Olivia and Tom run into one of Olivia’s old flames, Mark. He was the one that got away, and the one that she almost lost her virginity to, if she hadn’t chickened out and ran out on him. Olivia has never forgotten or truly gotten over Mark, because he was almost the first and the only man that has ever left her. She is the one that always leaves them.

Mark, Olivia, and Tom begin a friendship that quickly turns into something more. Mark helps both of them realize things about each other and themselves that they never knew existed. Mark, a naturally dominant male, takes the pair on an adventure that allows them to realize who they really are. Olivia learns she is a natural submissive and Tom explores his bi-curious tendencies. This adventure also brings confusion and jealousy, forcing all three to face their demons and their future.

Claire Thompson has written a jewel of a book, Binding Discoveries. Olivia was once the fat girl and has struggled to get fit and thin. She is now beautiful with the perfect body, yet she still must fight her own mind, convincing herself that she is no longer that girl. She is also an intelligent woman with a great career. With all this, she still does not know herself completely. Tom has always had bi-curious tendencies, though that is not what he would have called it. He has always been able to see the beauty and sexuality in other men. Mark is one of those dark, mysterious, and magnetic men that just draws people to him, and they all want to please him and follow him. He has made many mistakes in love because he keeps his heart guarded very carefully. Throwing these three together into ménage trios creates an explosion of passion, D/s, and so much more. Olivia and Mark have a history, and both wonder “what-if” about the other. Olivia and Tom are in a completely committed and very sweet relationship. It was very interesting to read of Olivia’s and Tom’s self-discoveries, as well as their discoveries of one another, all brought on by one strong and very perceptive man, Mark. Olivia gets confused, wondering if her love for Tom is strong enough to endure this triangle. Tom, always so sure of their love, becomes jealous. The sex scenes in this book are scorching, and Ms. Thompson did a wonderful job of explaining the thoughts and feelings, as well as the dynamics of what was going on, without taking away from the sex scene. Binding Discoveries is an excellent book, and I recommend it to anyone who normally reads erotic romance, with BDSM, ménage a trios, and light M/M action.

Reviewed by: Melissa C.