Security Binds Her (A Dark Romance) (The Thalia Series Book 1)

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Thalia is abducted from her work location by Marcus, the building security guard who trains her to be a submissive. Thalia fights Marcus and is punished, but eventually she submits to Marcus whom she never feels safe with. Thalia gets under Marcus’ skin so he is reluctant to let her go at the auction. James makes the winning bid, yet offers her a choice to go with him. Thalia accepts James’ life raft much to the angst of Marcus. James just asks for 6 months to see if the lifestyle is what she wants. If not, he will help her rebuild her life. The book ends on a cliffhanger though the other 2 books are available.

I voluntarily read this ARC in exchange for a honest review. I knew what I was getting into from the start a dark book,but I have to say is I was hooked from page 1,I didn't want it to end.There is light at the end of the tunnel,after all three books there's a book in the series called Christmas @ Purgatory which sound very good can't wait to start reading that one.Ms.Bene is my new favorite author for dark romance.I absolutely loved this cover,very hot!!!

I have been following this online forever. I am so glad it's in book form now. I love the story. Book 2 is even better. Sad there are only 3 books. A must read for anyone who enjoys the bdsm lifestyle.

If you like graphic, abusive, sexual encounters you will like this novel. Sorry, but sometimes people want that. This novel provides that. What I didn't like was how sexually responsive Thalia was, given the forced sex and abuse. This was from day one. Stockholm syndrome didn't have time to set in, So that is no excuse for her unbelievable sexual response.

The opening of this book intrigued me. Sure, the concept of a captured submissive trained to be sold as a sex slave isn't the most unique in the world, but that doesn't mean it can't be enjoyable. Too few of the books iout there ncorporate interessting plot twists and subplots. Security Binds Her did have some interesting twists. The ending was quite well done in terms of plot and it made me want to read the next book.

However, there is one serious problem with this book which will preclude me from continuing the series. The editing. More than half of the dialog tags are wrong, and there are other glaring editing errors that took me out of the story time and time again. The dialog worked well, the descriptions were well done and varied, but the technical issues with the book need to be addressed.

With a better edit, this author could be one of the next great dark erotica authors out there.

This is a story of rape and sex trafficking. There is nothing sexy about kidnapping, beating and raping a woman. I couldn’t finish this. There is no real man who beats and rapes a woman. There is nothing redeeming in the male character. This is not a dark romance. This is about HURTING a woman. Would not recommend. This book should have been listed under horror not romance. Absolutely cannot understand ANYONE giving this more than one star.

Thalia was just an average girl working average temp jobs when she was sexually assaulted and kidnapped. She endured so much, not understanding why. It was a horrific experience for her. Her captor is brutal and brutish, demeaning her in every way possible, all in the name of training her to be sold as a slave. Her story was a harrowing one, yet despite it all, Thalia couldn't help but respond sexually to him, as well as his partner. She was forced into submission, and there is nothing light about her experience in captivity. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and you have to cross over this bumpy road to see what happens. It was dark, deeply disturbing, yet gripping and riveting. This was a hard one to read yet an even harder one to put down. Loved it for all its darkness and despair. This is book 1 ending in a cliffhanger.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Wow this story keeps you interested from the beginning. Thalia is kidnapped from work one night by the buildings security guard. She finds out he only was working there to get closer to her to take her for his business of training women that he has found that he believes will be good slaves to wealthy men. He trains them then sells them to the highest bidder. But the man she only knows as guard starts to become attached shows kindness then cruelty in the next instant. Its a book that you want to get through quickly just to find out what happens. This is the first in the trilogy. This is also not a captive falls In Love with her captor story. Also its pretty dark in some parts. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

A Review of Security Binds Her by Jennifer Bene

Thalia's journey begins - 4.5 stars

This is the first book I have read by this author and it is actually the first book of a series around the same woman. Just be ready, because this is one darkly intense book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While there is more to the story, it ends on a good note for now, without leaving you chomping at the bit for the next part of the story. The other good thing is that ALL books in the series are out now, so you can pick up the next one as soon as you are ready to continue with the story.

**Honest review voluntarily provided from a Complimentary Copy**

Security Binds Her is a dark read by Jennifer Bene. Ms. Bene has delivered a book that is well-written. This book is horrifying, but at the same time, like a train crash, you can't look away. I had to keep reading. Thalia was kidnapped leaving work one night. Her kidnapper wants to train her to the BDSM lifestyle because she will be auctioned off. Basically, it's a story of human trafficking. There's plenty of drama, suspense and lots of sex in this book. There is also rape and torture in this story, so it's not for everyone. This isn't what I was expecting, and I found it disturbing. While I can't rate this book at 5 stars, I also can't rate it at 1 or 2 just because of my personal preference. Security Binds Her is book 1 of the Thalia Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete story, not a cliff-hanger. Thalia's story does continue in other books though, so it's not her whole story.
I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If anyone ever asks for a dark book recommendation, I will give this one. I screamed a lot during the reading. Being in Thalia's place, I would never have made the choices she did, but I certainly understood why she did. It's hard to read about such brutality and not recoil and rebel against it, but the punishment just isn't worth it. It was very well written, the characters and storyline complicated and I'm looking foward to Part 2?

I will readily confess to not getting any work accomplished this afternoon. I meant to do it…stares at Kindle…but something came over me. If blame is to be handed out, and I’ve already accused her of this, Jennifer Bene is an enabler. She won’t be able to deny it because yes, I absolutely ate up this story. I adore dark stories. Ones that nip at our baser instincts of right and wrong—dark and light—and how there never really is a firm line between the two. And I was instantly drawn in to the story. Granted, I wasn’t completely lost. I did remember to feed and walk the dog. Eventually. Even took a cool shower. It got really hot in here. But then I buried my head in the story again and didn’t come out until I had finished.

You should too. Especially if you like your erotica dark and powerful. Mmmm….

And this is the part where I indicate to the powers at the store that I received this story as a gift from the author. Thank you.

Let me start by saying that I understand this book came with a warning, but there are a lot of issues not covered by the warning. This review is not based on the writing quality, as it was great writing.

Dubious consent would mean to me that both parties were interested but maybe hesitant at first. There is an explicit rape scene in which the author gives in to the issues surrounding a woman orgasming during rape. Thalia (the main female character) even doubts herself, which is normal for a rape victim, however she is then lead to believe and accepts that maybe this is just a dark side of herself that she needs to embrace.

This novel is not a move in the right direction when we combat rape. It is not okay nor acceptable. Rape is rape is rape is rape is rape. It is not dubious consent, and I'm ashamed that this book has so many reviews from so many women who think it's okay to be convinced that you actually enjoyed your rape and it's just part of yourself you didn't know yet. It's okay to participate in various types of sex but only when consent is granted, and this book was not in any way, shape, or form consensual.

This book is not okay.

When Thalia is kidnapped one evening from work by a man who was posing as a security guard she knew that she was in trouble as there was no one would miss her or look for her.

Originally, she fought every attempt he made to master her however over time he wore down her spirit by using her body against her and making her question why she would sexually respond to someone who would demean and hurt her at will which is followed by confusion as at times he was kind and considerate.

When she realizes that her time to be sold as a slave is approaching will she be able to draw on her inner strength and try and find a way out or is she destined for a life of slavery?

Although this story is very dark the author has created complex and compelling characters that draw you in. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

I was skeptical about whether or not I would find this book enjoyable. The disclaimer by the author had me like "don't read this" but then my curiousity got the best of me. I actually enjoyed this book. Even with the disclaimer, I was not fully prepared for what I would read on these pages. Not sure what I was expecting, but what I read was not it. Now, don't get me wrong. There were moments that made me cringe because let's face it, these things were happening to Thalia against her will. Yes, her body may have been responding, but nobody asked her if that's what she wanted. After some scenes, I had to put this one down for a little break. The sex scenes were super intense and not necessarily in a good way. Even though I thought Marcus was bat sh*t crazy when he was talking with Thalia, I thought maybe he was actually falling for her and that he would "rescue" her, but I'm glad that it didn't work out that way. There are two more books in this series and immediately after finishing this one, I began reading the second book to see how Thalia's story would end. If you enjoyed this, you definitely need to keep reading. Obviously, this book was not your typical romance, but I think the next two books make up for that. I loved Thalia's character. Throughout her ordeal, she remained incredibly strong and still tried to fight. I hated Marcus and hated Anthony even more. But I think the contrast between them and the character James had to be extreme. Again, even though there were some "OMG what am I reading moments" I'm glad I stuck it out finished not only book but the other two books in the series as well.

This has certainly been a compelling book, one that has had me whizzing through highs and lows of emotion until the early hours of the morning.

But I must warn you: if sexual violence triggers anxiety in you, don't read this book. What happens between man and woman in this book is far from consensual, and doesn't just border on abuse - it IS abuse. And where many would argue that this has no place in reading-for-pleasure, and before members of the BDSM community crucify me for this statement, I'll qualify it by saying that this is the plight thousands of women face in the sex trafficing world today, and I am certain the author meant it in that way. My comment is in no way a criticism of the BDSM lifestyle.

Why not five stars?

I usually avoid serials, books that end in a cliff-hanger; I hate having to wait for the next installment in a story to be published, and then having to pay even more money towards subsequent books, just so I can see what happens to these characters I have invested so many midnight-hours of reading into. The other books in the series are a little out of my price range, but I am buying them anyway, just because I can't bear not knowing. I would have preferred to have these available as a box-set.

I volunteered to review an ARC.

I voluntarily read this book as an Advanced Reader Group. This book is very dark, a tale of kidnapping, human trafficking, sexual slavery. Do not read if you can't handle very dark characters. This is the story of Thalia, who is a young woman working at a temporary job, with no family and few friends. While walking to her car in the parking garage after working late, she is attacked, raped and kidnapped, then thrown into her trunk after being handcuffed by the security guard that had normally walked her to her car in the evening. He had been watching her for a while. He was training her brutally to be a human slave, sold to the highest bidder when training was complete. The guard told her car was on its way to Mexico, had emailed notice to quit her job and her apartment manager told she was moving and no longer needed the unit, and he hired men to clear it out. She was kept naked and bound, subject to sexual attacks, anal and vaginal stimulation, as well as electrical shocks and filmed for the benefit of men who may be interested in purchasing her. The story doesn't end there, no conclusion, except she is sold and her buyer does offer some hope for her future. Will need to read second book to see how this will play out for Thalia.

Ladies and Gentlemen, if you crave the dark, here is one heck of a hot, kinky, thriller !! From the first page I was hooked by Thalia and her "Guard". The two of them together gave me goose-bumps. He is torn between having her as his own and knowing that his brother is expecting a slave-sale and making a large amount of money. At first he's just training a new slave but by the end of Book I he's ready to keep her as his own pet, a first for him. I kept kind-of hoping that he would decide to kick his brother in the balls and let Thalia go, but I knew the closer we got to the auction it just wasn't meant for these two to stay together. I guess I'm just a softie at heart and always hope for an HEA ending. This isn't that kind of story though is it Ms. Bene ?? This is definately a top notch read but be warned, you might need a night light close by.

I voluntarily read this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is definitely not for the feint hearted but was a very riveting read. The story of Thalia being kidnapped and being trained to become a sex slave with the view of selling her to the highest bidder is a very dark read. However, there is a twisted romantic side in the guard who initially took Thalia and I could quite easily dispose of the guards brother quite evilly. This story keeps you on the edge at all times which is weaved by the writer into the storyline. The ending was totally unexpected but just wills you to go onto the next book. Oooh cannot wait what a fantastic five star read.

Having read and enjoyed "the Rite" and really, really, really enjoyed "The Invitation", I was looking forward to reading Ms. Bene's longer works in the Thalia series. The book opens with a warning about the subject matter being dark. Not easily spooked or faint of heart, I thought, "OK, sure". Turns out, the warning is serious. This is dark. This is extremely intense, and I would even go so far as to say it was emotionally harrowing in places. Ms. Bene captures perfectly the frenetic teeter-totter of desire and fear that Thalia experiences at the hands of "The Guard", as well as the claustrophobic setting in which the novel (novella?) takes place. The reader feels for Thalia, and I myself was easily able to empathize with the terror and the complete lack of emotional and psychological center she felt experiencing this ordeal. Now as far as consent/non-consent - Ms. Bene blurs the line in such a way that I could not help but feel some of the same confusion that Thalia felt. You're right there with her, through it all. Without revealing too much, one of the characters is genuinely terrifying, and is truly the stuff of nightmares.

As for Ms. Bene's writing style - I always found it to be fresh and interesting, and I appreciate the fact that she isn't lazy or repetitive. Even the sex scenes (and oh boy, there are a LOT of them) are different and varied each time. In general, Ms. Bene is one of my favorite erotica writers because she knows what she is doing, and she can actually write, and write well.

As for anyone who might be curious about this work, I would say, go for it and give it a chance! But definitely brace yourself. It's a hell of a ride - and I mean this in the very best possible way.

Holy macaroni this book was fabulous. It's taken-and-trained BDSM fantasy at its best, like the sort of stuff I used to be able to find on Literotica before that site got flooded with second-person-present-tense barely-literate stories almost exclusively aimed for some inexplicable reason at men. For people who like dubcon/noncon/dark, this is a great book to read. Strong chemistry between characters, and I really liked the ending. I didn't feel like I was waiting for the story to go somewhere, either, which I often do at the beginning of stories like this one. I also felt it delivered on the hot BDSM sex front. Can't wait to read the next one in the series!

The Thalia Series is a set of four separate novels (Security Binds Her; Striking A Balance; Salvaged By Love; and Tying The Knot) which tell the story of the titular main protagonist of the series – Thalia. Though the first story in this series begins with a very difficult to read scenario, the author has created a narrative in which the characters draw you into their world in such a way that you want to see what happens to them beyond that initial episode, and by the end you are so glad that you did. This is a series borne out of pain, and agony, turning to self-introspection, then ultimately to growth, happiness, finding oneself, and – yes – even love. It is a journey that is hard to begin, but once you’ve started, you cannot pull yourself away from it until by the end you wish it didn’t have to come to a close. The author uses a quote by Robert Frost at one point that sums this up perfectly: “The best way out is always through.” This is the Thalia Series to a ‘T’. Along the way – yes - there is plenty of sex, as one would expect. The real joy in this series comes, in my opinion, from watching how the characters in the novels evolve, and that is especially true for the protagonist Thalia. Accept the challenge the author puts before you and make it through everything before the Happily Ever After, especially the beginning, hard though it may be. Because the reward at the end is simply incredible.
SECURITY BINDS HER - This is the first novel in the series, and it is a tough one. The one that is the most difficult to get through, because this starts with events which are brutal, painful to read, and terrifying, and contains situations that are honestly gut churning. This is the beginning, and because this series of novels is built upon a certain premise, it requires us (the readers) to go through this darkness, and this novel is without doubt dark. At times, very, very dark. The initial set up is…. rough. Savage. It is a terrible, horrifying situation that our protagonist for the entire series - the titular character Thalia - finds herself put in. For some, it may be overwhelming. However, what takes place is completely necessary for several reasons which become clearer as the novel goes on. Thalia finds herself placed in a horrifying situation, one which no person should ever be put into. Yet, the author allows the character to overcome some of the dreadfulness of this situation to discover things about herself. Discover aspects of the strength of her own personality, her desires, and just who she is as a person in the midst of this barbaric situation which unfolds upon her. The further you go into this novel, the more you become drawn to Thalia. Here is a woman who embodies everything that a strong person can be, and yet who gives up nothing of her own personality to placate or adhere to constraints put on her by anyone. She does not succumb to the evil which she finds herself in, and at the same time embraces certain things that take place in which she discovers much about herself while being put through this trial, without falling victim to it. She takes agency over what she can, involving what is happening to her in a way that the antagonists of the novel – brothers Marcus and Anthony- could not envision or imagine. In fact, this becomes a major plot point that is important throughout the remainder of the series. This story builds up Thalia into a person whom you just cannot help but be drawn to. You want to know her. You revel in the discoveries she makes about herself in the midst of this terrible situation, even as she refuses to let those same circumstances completely overwhelm her, or to become entirely what others would have her be. The antagonists believe themselves to have ‘broken’ her, but the reality is that it is they themselves who are broken (at least in one case), as the ending of this novel spells out clearly. It is also here where we are introduced to a new character which comes into Thalia’s life - James. It is this character that provides Thalia with a clearer understanding that some of the things that she’s discovered about herself are not, and need not, be directly tied to what she has been forced to endure. That these feelings, desires, can happen in an environment outside of the terrible one she’s been forced to suffer through, and be both healthy, and fulfilling. This allows her to make a decision that gives her back control over her life, by making a choice that ultimately has life-altering consequences for a great number of the characters introduced in this novel. By the end, the things that Thalia has discovered about herself, then manner in which she makes the choice to be with whom she desires, and the ramifications (and foreshadowing) of what lies ahead overshadow, in this reader’s opinion at least, much of the earlier discomfort that this novel started with. You see Thalia blossom into something far greater than the sum of the parts of what she has gone through, and you want to follow her to see where the new path of her life’s journey takes her. Her new par amour James is an enigma; he offers her a chance to expand upon some of what she has already discovered, but the very setting of how and where this takes place leaves the reader with questions of what his own motivations may be. This, and the drama of how the novel closes, are the perfect enticement to tease the reader to continue onto the next novel. Thalia will have gotten underneath your skin by now, no less than she has two of the characters within the world of the story. And you want to be there with her to find out just how all of that is resolved.
There is a certain conceit to this series that may potentially be a stumbling block for some readers, and it is this: in romance, even dark romance, non-consensual is a tricky tightrope for an author to walk with readers. This is especially true if the author wants the readers to take a character or characters to heart, and read their story from beginning to end. If that isn’t the intent of the author, but they simply want it to be ‘dark romance’ of the ‘don’t care about these people, just want to watch them have non-con / dub-con sex’ type (and there is certainly a place and niche for that type of novel), then character development and empathy typically take a backseat to the action. The Thalia Series is NOT that kind of series. The author quite clearly wants you to feel drawn to Thalia, and despite the dark nature of most of these books, she wants you to be invested in Thalia enough to follow along with her through her story, and empathize enough with the character to be willing to read not only the darkness, but also the light. In this regard the author succeeds admirably. These novels are by far much more than the sum of their ‘dark’ sex scenes. This series is more about the development of the protagonist, the experiences she lives and grows through, and the strong, independent person she becomes because of all of that. To be certain, there is plenty of hot, steam, dark and lite sex in these novels. However, in the end, it is the character (and characters) that you will remember most.
If there were any weaknesses to this series, I would say that they are minimal at worst. I will admit that the start of the first novel seems, upon first reading, to be abrupt, but in hindsight you come to appreciate that in the overall pacing and plotting of the novel, and into the series as a whole. However, it takes a leap of faith on the part of the reader to continue, and that is a risky choice by the author. There is simply not enough backstory provided to start to truly draw you immediately to Thalia; she’s somewhat of a cypher, and it’s hard at first to truly ‘feel’ for her. Admittedly that is a hard thing to say, considering the circumstances and actions which take place at the beginning of the first novel, but it was a potential sticking point, at least for this reader. I was unclear as to what tone this series was going to take from that beginning, and honestly thought at first it was going to be much more in line with the ‘don’t really care about these people, just want to watch them have sex’ style as mentioned above. I had refrained from reading reviews of these novels prior to purchasing the set, and based my choice solely on the basis of having read several of the author’s previous novels. I took it on faith that they would be tonally similar to her other works, but I wasn’t entirely sure at the start of this one. All I can say is that you need to be patient with Security Binds Her. It starts off quick, and it takes a bit of time to build into the main character and story. However, you’ll be so glad that you did.
I have no doubt that the second novel and the final novels may also be off-putting to some readers (reviews of which can be read under each novel), especially those who are drawn more towards the darker aspects of the authors other works. These two novels of the series, while having a certain amount of ‘darkness’, are largely absent of the really dark aspects of both Security Binds Her and Salvaged By Love. Now, while I personally did not find that to be detrimental in the slightest, I have no doubt that others might. Some will come to this series, especially after reading the first novel, or certain of the authors other books, and have expectations that all four will have the same timbre. That may leave them disappointed by Striking a Balance and Tying the Knot. So while I cannot call this a criticism, it is definitely something that readers should take note of. I do not know how the novels would read sequentially if Striking a Balance and Tying the Knot were to be skipped, but I suppose they could each possibly be read as stand-alone if all dark, only dark were the reader’s taste. I would not suggest it, but for a reader to deny themselves the pleasure of reading anything of this series would be an even greater mistake, so if all a reader wants is dark, then read novels one and three, and skip two and four. However, I don’t advocate that, but only offer it as an option so as not to pass the series by completely.
As a final closing note: in the box set I read the author has also included a selection of additional short stories that round out some side scenes and back story for the characters in this series. Some are strictly based around side characters, and others revolve around Thalia and stories that are not necessarily contiguous with the main story arcs. These are fun little short stories that serve to flesh out in an entertaining way the main story arcs in the four novels. I wouldn’t consider any of these stories dark (unless you count BDSM focused situations to be dark), but they are a delightful addition to the series, and I was grateful to the author for having included them. Consider them the chocolate mint left on your pillow by the author before a good night’s sleep.

LikeBDSM, this book will push you to your limits and then slightly beyond. You may call Red before the end but I would strongly recommend you hold out because it's totally worth it. There were times my heart raced in fear, where I cringed in empathy with Thalia and even felt sympathy for her captor. That's because this is an exceptionally well written book. Although gah this is a series, this first book is a complete novel, not a teaser. Brava Ms. Bene, I don't know where you've been but I'm so glad we've been introduced. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is Jennifer Bene at her best, extremely dark, extremely twisted and extremely exceptional in her writing. This takes a trip down non consensual pretty hard and is a turn off for many, however if you stick with it, it is a great story of a woman coming to terms with her desires and sets up the story beautifully for books 2 and 3. If you read book one, you must read books 2 and 3. They are not nearly as non-con and does a phenomenal job of bringing you along Thalia's journey of freedom and love.

Thalia seems to have a normal life...until she doesn't. She has a temp job as a data entry clerk, her own apartment, and goes to the gym...until she doesn't. She does not date or go out with the gang at work. After all, she is only a temp. Once this job's contract is up she will move on to the next one. Until she doesn't. Her boss keeps hitting on her. Until he doesn't. One night, after the boss has piled on a bunch of data entry contracts that must be done that evening before she can leave, Thalia leaves her office around 9 PM. As she goes down the stairwell towards the parking garage after discovering the elevators do not work, she is grabbed, handcuffed, and raped. When her attacker handcuffs her to her car and rapes her again, she knows she will not get away any time soon. He then locks her in the trunk and takes her to a house. He tells her that she is going to be taught how to be submissive, then she will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. He tells her that she was made for the life of a submissive. He tells her things nobody else knows about her. She figures out who he is: the security guard at the office building she was working at. He tells her that the life she once had has literally ceased to exist, and that nobody will ever search for her. A part of Thalia hates what is happening to her, but a deeper part of her secretly is becoming turned on sexually by it, too. She tries many times to escape, to defy her "Master." Each time she does, he punishes her. One time he allows his partner to punish her, and he almost goes too far. Somewhere along the way, the guard starts to fall for her, and thinks of her as his and his alone; he will never part with her. Thalia will become HIS submissive. Will Thalia be sold off, or will the guard's partner end up killing her? Can she escape, or will she end up submitting to these people? If she is sold, will she end up with a nicer man, or someone who is much more cruel than the guard or his partner have ever been? Can she even adapt to this new life? This book sheds a whole new light on the human sex trafficking crime scene. It is a terrifying story of one woman's descent into the life. And this is only book one. (Note: I have read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.)

Dark reads are my favorite. I am always struggling to find one that is the perfect juxtaposition of light and dark without seeming over the top or too extreme. This book manages to do it and with flying colors. I was uncomfortable yet I was intrigued. My heart hurt for Thalia but then it found a sense of peace for her.

Anxious to continue this journey. Looks like I found another dark to acne author to follow.

I read this arc and am voluntarily leaving a review. This book was complex, had a great set of main characters. I loved this author and the effort she put into explaining their feelings. This was part of a series and I have already downloaded the next book. This book definitely makes you aware of being a woman alone in public and the issue of human trafficking.

I am lucky enough to have already read the entire series and the author asked me for an honest review, so here goes.
This part of the trilogy is dark and deals with the kidnapping and forced training of Thalia by her abductor, Marcus. It is dark and intense and times, but oh so beautifully written. You can't help but feel her pain and wish her a happy ending.
I guarantee that if you are hooked by book one, then you will love the next two parts.
Not plot spoiling for you but parts two and three are not as brutal to our poor heroine, but intense non the less.
Beautifully written Jenn and I hope it does well for you. It is well deserved.

***This is an updated review for my second reading of the book.***

The first time I tried to read this it proved too dark and non-consensual for me. It was a DNF and whilst I appreciated the quality of writing the content proved too much. However since then I've been corrupted by the writings of Addison Cain and Cari Silverwood, who both write IMO excellent dub/non-con stories but in the Sci-Fi/fantasy genre. For some reason I find it easier to accept non-con in a 'not-reality' setting.

Since this series was repeatedly mentioned and recommended I entered a competition on FB and won an e-book copy of this story. This time, knowing about the story AND being fully prepared for the non-con elements, I not only read all the book but I enjoyed it. This is NOT and never will be an easy read. It has some very difficult and challenging scenes, but what makes the difference is Thalia's strength through out.

You can't help but like Thalia and hope she gets a HEA of some sort. Marcus/The Guard is a complex character, obviously twisted and evil (or mentally unbalanced) to think it is ok to snatch women off the street and force them to be sex slaves. However he shows real moments of tenderness and care for Thalia too. You would need to have lived under a rock, or not have Facebook, to not know the huge twist at the end of this book. Just in case you've missed it I won't spoil things but I will say that I loved this unusual approach to resolving the story.

I read this in two sittings, and that was only because I literally couldn't keep my eyes open last night to finish it then. Whilst in some ways you could read this as a stand alone, the story does continue in other books and once I've finished writing this review I will be purchasing them.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book, first time reading a book by this author. This book may make some uncomfortable, it the first book in a series about a young woman, Thalia who is kidnapped by the security guard at work. She is held captive and forced to train in preparation to become a sex slave. The end has hope for Thalia at the end of this novel as a lead in to the second book in the series "Striking Balance".

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I have read books of this type and have been disappointed, but can honestly say that I was not disappointed in my choice of book to read for my second R2R book. The book was the very dark side of the Master/slave relationship. He did try to break her will but found out that he fell in love with the slave. Only to find out that he lost his chance to own her. I did like that another Master stood up to offer for and she took the chance to something different than what they showed her .

I look forward to reading to other two books from by Jennifer Bene

This book takes you on a gripping ride between horror and fascination. In just one week the h. is turned from a lonely, unassuming girl into an unwilling but nevertheless responsive participant in a cruel game of dominance without care.
At times I hated myself for loving this book.
But in her own inimitable way Ms. Bene sucks you into the story and does not let you go until you arrive at the end, dizzy and out of breath.
A gutwreching, spinetingling tour de force !

I loved this book. Great storyline. Great characters. It moves along. I love that Thalia (and the readers) didn't learn the brother's names till the end. I think it made Thalia more relatable. The book was a 10 for darkness without being gory. Going to borrow the second installment right now!!!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. This is an extremely intense book, not for the faint of heart. The author created a compelling story with a heroine that quickly becomes connected to the reader. The author connects scene after scene of sexual torment that brings you to end breathless. This is part 1 of series, but still a complete story. I found myself immediately clicking to purchase the next installment.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book. Definitely written for a mature audience. This story about Thalia is definitely hard to read , but with it. She is kidnapped leaving work one evening. She is treated horribly by The Guard who is training her to be a submissive. He becomes obsessed with her alternating between being somewhat nice, and perfectly horrible.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. This is a very dark emotional book, but it will forever change you. Thalia will be put through hell, before she discovers who she really is and come out stronger. Even tough the subject matter is dark and violent at times, you will become a captive audience in the story. This is my first book by this author and I will make sure to read more of her.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. The first installment in this series certainly grabbed my attention! I read this book in one day. Although storylines similar to this have already been done, the differences in this book kept me turning page after page right from the beginning. I recommend this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series!

Normally I find these darker BDSM stories hard to read yet while aspects of this story were hard to read overall I found the story very well written and truly fascinating. The character of Thalia was so well written I really felt like I was in her head, feeling her thoughts, pain and confusion. I connected with her trying to find her real feelings in the fear and unknown. The character of Marcus was also very well written. His internal conflict was evident in how he kept running hot and cold. The characters were very complex. The plot was well presented and stayed constant. If you don't mind dark erotica then I highly recommend this story for you. It does have trigger issues in it such as kidnapping, rape and abuse. So please keep that in mind if these are issues for you.

***I voluntarily read and advance readers copy of this book.***

The writing and story itself were wonderful. You get drawn very quickly into Thalia's life and want so much happiness for her.

While the book was well written, I had a hard time with the abduction and rape in this book. Just not my cup of tea.
The rest of the series will probably redeem itself but I am not sure if I can continue.

Wild, sexy ride...When Thalia is kidnapped going home from work, she figures out she must submit to survive. What follows is a up and down battle of wills between her and the nameless security guard--revealed to be a wealthy trainer of elite sex slaves. He's noticed Thalia's sexual proclivities and masterfully exploits them. This story has elements of non-con and BDSM--and it is super hot and well written. You will not want to put it down!

This book is not for everyone. The themes in this book can be major triggers for some. That being said, I was captivated by this book. The emotions expressed by the h was so encompassing that you become invested in the plot. I will definitely be continuing with this trio. I voluntarily received an arc of this book.

Like dark romances? Look no further! Security Binds Her has the dark romance themes to intrigue and captivate! Interesting storyline with steamy scenes, suspense, drama and so many other elements. Overall, great read with characters who have great chemistry. ***I voluntarily read and reviewed this as an ARC***

Oh wow. This book was sinfully sexy, full of suspense the type that keeps you on your toes.

Thalia is abducted from her office by the security guard, whom we find out sells girls to the highest bidder.
This is a great read and I highly recommend it.

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

Security Binds Her was, sadly, not a book for me. My unease with this book has nothing to do with the writing style, and I'd like to make that clear up front. Jennifer Bene writes clearly, creates realistic worlds and characters, and can carry a story through without it dragging on. However, several elements of the story put me off and made it hard for me to continue reading.

I understand the concept of rape fantasy, and I've read other books that have included similar situations. However, for Thalia, being held down and then being held captive wasn't a fantasy. She felt like her body was betraying her. Putting anyone in that situation is NOT okay, and just because Thalia's captor is pretty and well built doesn't make raping her acceptable. The synopsis claims instances of "dubious consent," but Thalia's body physically responding to touch while she screamed no (both mentally and verbally), does not constitute consent in any form.

Thalia does grow as a character as the story progresses, forced to make the choice between what she thought she wanted and what her captor is offering. But to me, this story glorified rape and made it okay because it was a hot guy doing it. I understand how some people are into that, and I'm sure they would enjoy this book a lot more than me. As I stated above, the writing was great, and Jennifer Bene is a fantastic writer. The fact that these situations really do happen to people should not be taken lightly, though.

This is an extremely dark novel. I usually enjoy dark stories but I had to force myself to finish this one. There were just no redeeming qualities in "Master". It is a part of a series but concludes fairly nicely so I have no need to read the rest of the series. This one just wasn't for me.

Is it sexy? Not to me. The thought that someone could kidnap a person and make them disappear into a life of sexual slavery is horrendous but the end offers hope and light. I need to read the next book to see how Thalia' s adventures unfold.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. For not being exposed to kind of this lifestyle, it was an eye opener. Took a little longer than I expected to read as I kept putting it down, but kept coming back because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.

Superb book! This book keeps you on the edge, once she gets it going. The book is not rushed at all. Love the detail she puts into this book. You can feel Thalia's pain and sense the dread she has in her position. Looking forward to the next book and what James will do for Thalia. If you like non con this is a great book to read.