Review: Unleashed

Unleashed by Alyssa Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Following right after book one, Unleashed I thought would be one of the other five kings. I was WRONG!  Instead, it continues the complex relationship between Oleg and Sam.  This book is a wild ride punctuated with a few intense BDSM scenes.  I liked it. At the same time, I kept feeling dread as Sam is still in the dark about Oleg's family and what he is involved in.  This book contains it all: sex, love, betrayal, loyalty, and death.

First, let's talk about Henri. Pauvre Henri, il est très triste. Learning about his family and what happened to him is devastating. I can understand why he is friends with Oleg and why he is now a doctor. His intensity comes out in this book.  The knife play scenes in this story are an unexpected twist and I am horrified as well as aroused. Henri's needs are difficult to meet and yet Sam is able to address them in amazing ways. Sam defies the categories of BDSM.  This is actually more realistic than one thinks.  Whilst many would like BDSM to be clearly defined with black and white lines, there are some who never conform.  Ms. Turner is taking an interesting step to showcase a submissive who is not submissive yet she is not dominant either.  She is kind of a switch but not quite there.  I like it.

Second, let's talk about Henri and Oleg's relationship. They are brothers. In their world, they may occasionally share a submissive but it is not permanent. Sam is torn between these two men who don't want to come over blows for her submission. It is a delicate balance and I am eager to see how this will all play out.

Third, can I just say I loathe most mafia theme stories? This constant looking over one's shoulder because they are a bunch of backstabbing asshats who claim loyalty is frustrating.  For a group that prizes loyalty so much, they tend to frequently find ways to betray each other through "loop holes".  Then these irritating twatwaffles claim "for their honour" is why they committed the betrayal. 

Fourth, what just happened with Sam and her family? This is getting interesting and I wonder if her brother will have his only little novella with his relationships. Sam seems to be getting along for once with her family which is great. I liked seeing their dynamic which leads us to the last point.

Lastly, the ending is not unexpected, just disappointing what occurs.  I like how Ms. Turner is not writing a happily ever after book here.  This is an erotic novel with realistic endings.  This is not exactly a cliffhanger but it is a nice hook into the next book.  I am eager to start the next book in this series yet hesitant. I want to know what happens next yet fear that it will leave me hankering for more and who knows when the fourth book will be available? This erotic novel is recommended to kinky readers who enjoy dark themes with open endings leading into the next book.

* A review book was provided by Give Me Books