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lifeinthebooklane's review
3.0
Whilst Beyond the Compound is a well written story, with some excellent BDSM scenes, for me it just lacked that something that makes a great read. I didn't feel a lot of emotion from the two main characters and as a result the story was felt fairly bland.
However I did finish it, which is more than I can say for a few recent DNF's that were due entirely to my current reading mood - so perhaps I'm being a little harsh with this one. I'm just not convinced there was much to remember about this book. I wanted more passion, or angst, or... just something to get my teeth into. What I got was a pleasant enough palate cleanser of a read. A sugar and spice treat when you want a quick read.
However I did finish it, which is more than I can say for a few recent DNF's that were due entirely to my current reading mood - so perhaps I'm being a little harsh with this one. I'm just not convinced there was much to remember about this book. I wanted more passion, or angst, or... just something to get my teeth into. What I got was a pleasant enough palate cleanser of a read. A sugar and spice treat when you want a quick read.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review
4.0
Beyond The Compound by Claire Thompson was a great read for BDSM lovers. The characters from Ronan an actor who doesn’t want his kink out for the public to know or have to deal with the backlash of a failed relationship acquired a consensual submissive slave that has been well trained by The Compound. The club is high quality and takes the secrecy and lifestyle seriously. Hailey is the submissive that is acquired who has been lacking in her pursuit for a Dom or Master she needs. Both Ronan and Hailey know going into the contract that this is for only the designated time and it is not for a long term relationship. Ronan has needs he needs to fulfill without them being leaked to the press. And Hailey needs a Master or Dom that can truly fill her needs, challenge her and help her past her limits and fears. The characters are well written and the dialogue is very good between the two. The author is great at showing emotions and feelings of both Ronan and Hailey and the conflict they face with Ronan’s career and his desires. George and Mistress Miriam were also smaller characters that became endearing. They add to the book and do not distract from the plot or the conflict within the book.
The book evolves rather fast paced but not too quickly for a smaller novel and it is well written and descriptive when needed to make the book believable. As an avid reader of BDSM I liked the way that the author showed the strength of the Ronan the Master, but also his safety concerns regarding Hailey. The descriptions of any punishments received by Hailey were described well and did not go into territory I would find offensive or abusive. Hailey was shown as a well trained submissive but not where she is without mistakes or flaws, but still keeps a backbone and not someone who ever think that she is weak. Claire Thompson was able to create a story and bring you into it and unlike other books I have read in the BDSM realm she was clear about the consensual aspect and does not make you question the aspects of that lifestyle. The conflict and plot were a little predictable but I was not disappointed with the ending. They way that Ronan and Hailey are able to deal with the conflict and resolve their issues to move forward was something that I loved. So regardless of my predictions there were surprises and I was happy with the how the book ended. This is a book that I would recommend to others who read this genre.
Reviewed by Gwen for Cocktails and Books
The book evolves rather fast paced but not too quickly for a smaller novel and it is well written and descriptive when needed to make the book believable. As an avid reader of BDSM I liked the way that the author showed the strength of the Ronan the Master, but also his safety concerns regarding Hailey. The descriptions of any punishments received by Hailey were described well and did not go into territory I would find offensive or abusive. Hailey was shown as a well trained submissive but not where she is without mistakes or flaws, but still keeps a backbone and not someone who ever think that she is weak. Claire Thompson was able to create a story and bring you into it and unlike other books I have read in the BDSM realm she was clear about the consensual aspect and does not make you question the aspects of that lifestyle. The conflict and plot were a little predictable but I was not disappointed with the ending. They way that Ronan and Hailey are able to deal with the conflict and resolve their issues to move forward was something that I loved. So regardless of my predictions there were surprises and I was happy with the how the book ended. This is a book that I would recommend to others who read this genre.
Reviewed by Gwen for Cocktails and Books
lindas_bookstoread's review
5.0
Ms. Thompson has, again, done an amazing job of taking her readers to a "taboo" place for many. I am able to explore and imagine a different lifestyle through her words. Her writing flows, her characters so exposed, you feel you know them, and oftentimes are there with them; voyeuristic-ally watching the "scenes" unfold. I love that Hailey has invited Ronan to escape with her to Vermont. Why, you ask? Read to find out. This movie star's career just might be over.... I am a huge fan! Ms. Thompson's books are a definite must read in this genre.
gardenofevils's review
4.0
While I enjoyed this book, the relationship between the characters beyond the Master slave was lacking a bit. While they occupied space, it was hard to see their relationship or his feelings for her outside of the sexual aspect of their relationship.
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