Sterling has known for a long time that he was gay. While at a "straight" party, he stumbles upon two men in an obvious BDSM scene. It hits him like a ton of bricks and he knows instantly that he was meant for that sort of relationship.

When he goes to a BDSM club and sees Owen, one of his previous college professors, he knows that he has found the man that is going to teach him the dynamics of a BDSM relationship. Now he just has to convince Owen that he can be the perfect submissive.

I was first drawn to Bound and Determined by the cover, title, blurb, and then the excerpt. This book just had everything going for it. When I began reading, I was drawn into a dramatic scene in a BDSM club, and I thought for sure that I had a definite winner on my hands.

I had all these ideals in my head of the romantic side of this budding relationship. This is not the first BDSM book that I have read. In fact, I have read many, and it is one of my preferred genres to read. However, I have never read one quite like this. Yes, it is obvious that these authors know their characters, the dynamics of a BDSM relationship, and how to write a compelling and intriguing book. However, for over the first half of the book, I felt a bit lost. I couldn't put my finger on why I wasn't just infatuated, nor why I couldn't stop reading when I wasn't feeling it. I then realized that the normal relationship building just wasn't there. The romance was overshadowed by the sadomasochism.

Owen and Sterling seemed to be a perfect fit, and were excellent characters, but there was a problem. There really was nothing between them except for the BDSM. They didn't do anything outside of that part of their relationship. When they finally began acting a little more like a couple and less like teacher/student, I found myself enjoying the book even more. By the end of the book, I was totally immersed in the story and characters.

Jane Davitt and Alexa Snow did a wonderful job of writing Owen and Sterling. They were each obviously their own person, with their own issues and quirks, which only made them that much more fun to get to know.

If you are looking for a sweet and tender romance, or at least as sweet as a BDSM romance can be, then this book may not fit that bill. However, if you enjoy the BDSM relationship, with a focus on the sadomasochism part, paired with very well written characters, then you may want to pick up a copy of Bound and Determined.

Reviewed by: Melissa C.