Deep in the Woods
Annabel JosephBDSM
Available from Ellora's Cave
ISBN: 978-1-41992-868-0
July 2010
| Having extricated herself from a terrifyingly abusive relationship a few months prior, Sophie Wheeler finally summons enough courage to attend a local munch at the BDSM club she belongs to. Though she is understandably nervous about entering into a new relationship, Dave, a funny, laid-back, erotic photographer, manages to ease her fears, even when she dissolves into a puddle of tears against him.
Attracted to Sophie from the first moment he saw her, Dave learns through group gossip some of what she's been through. The brutality of it is beyond his comprehension, but realizing what she'd suffered merely brings out the protective Dom in him. Admittedly somewhat of a sadist himself, he is not into dealing out pain that leaves permanent scars or damage, but Sophie quickly assures him that isn't what she wants or needs, and never did, so he takes her under his wing and invites her to move in with him. But one dark night out in the woods brings a reality to Sophie's nightmares that force her to face her past in a way that nearly kills her this time. Deep in the Woods offers a deep and disturbing insight into the many pitfalls and dangers of BDSM, when taken to its extreme. Sophie has been abused in ways that could cause a weaker stomach to turn. Psychologically, she has a lot of healing to do before she can be whole again. For that reason, I questioned the advisability of some of Dave's "punishments." Though Sophie could have stopped him, she clearly has difficulty saying "no" by giving her safe word. So, as an experienced Dom, I thought Dave should have worked on that problem more with her, which, in turn, would have given a stronger rationale for the harsh discipline he dealt out. For me, romance is a one guy with only one girl story. Deep in the Woods is that, but for a weekend, Dave carefully shares Sophie with his friend Ryan. She is more than willing, since having more than one guy is one of her fantasies, but after her past, and considering her problem saying "no," I really wanted Dave to be a little more protective of her. This is my personal preference, and the blurb clearly states she is "deep in the woods" with Dave and his best friend when her nightmare overcomes her, so the reader is forewarned. All in all, Deep in the Woods is so well-written and conceived that I have nothing but kudos for the author, and highly recommend Annabel Joseph's book to fans of the genre. The woods are lovely, dark and deep in this book, which definitely keeps all its promises. Once you begin, you will not want to put it down. I know I didn't.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: Kathryn |
