Holding The Cards
Book 1 - Nature of Desire Series
Erotic Romance -
(Rated
E-rotic)
2004 Eppie Awards
Winner
Best
Erotica/Erotic Romance
TJBook List Blogspot
Reviewed by Aris
October 2007
http://tjbook-list.blogspot.com
The story speaks intimately about the emotional relationship
between a Dom and sub. This story, although very steamy, is more
about the depth of trust and the need to love one's self as much as
others around you. This story is not about a game people play at
parties and clubs, but a relationship that evolves because of need.
The need to trust and accept love. It is a wonderful love story,
which happens to include a Dom/sub relationship. Very moving.
Erotic Escapades
Reviewed by Nikita Steele
September 2006
http://www.erotic-escapades.com
Rating : 4 Stars
Holding The Cards is about two damaged souls coming
together to restore what was lost with the aid of a very
compassionate friend. I was instantly caught up in the passionate,
continuous foreplay between Lauren and Josh. And, with Marcus thrown
into the heated mix, I was drooling during their scorching hot,
sensual domination/submission scenes. I found Holding The
Cards by Joey W. Hill to be a delightful BDSM story that
dips deep into the emotional connection between a Dominant and
submissive. Readers will immediately bond with Ms. Hill’s
well-written characters and eagerly turn the pages to learn the
outcome. This is definitely one great book to add to your bookshelf.
Reader Comments
December 2003
First off, the word that springs to mind is intense. Whoa, mama!
I'm not sure why, but a lot of the Male Subs I have read thus far,
for all their wonderful masculine bodies and gallons of
testosterone, seem to come off a bit weak in some areas which I have
found disappointing. Not Josh. At no time did I feel that he was
subjugating any of his masculinity. This was one potent male who
maintained every bit of the alpha characteristics I so love. It was
quite a revelation, reading the process and the incredibly subtle
nuances that make up the Dom/sub relationship. I can see how very
easy it would be for that relationship to be abused; it is such a
fine line that is stepped through, setting up the dynamics of the
relationship. The intensity brought home to me like a steamroller
just how much Josh was in control of the three of them; for all his
bindings, he was the 'anchor', I believe you said. A sub surrounded
by two very strong Doms - who was the silken thread that bound them
together, the physical link. At that moment, he seemed stronger and
more dominating than Lauren and Marcus rolled into one.
At times it was not an easy read, but I really like a book that
makes me feel, that makes me think, that nudges me out of my
personal comfort zone, stays on my mind and makes me think about it
for days after I’ve finished the final page. I’m not sure how you
did it, or if you intended for it to happen, but I didn’t feel like
a ‘reader’ through the book. It was as though I was the silent
fourth member of the group, but very much 'there'. I suspect that is
because the writing was so vivid and my own emotions were pulled
into play so strongly.
So, yes - I loved it! You were right <vbg> -- S.G.
July 2003
I just wanted to write you and let you know that I just finished
reading Holding the Cards and it was wonderful. I didn't put it down
except to go to the bathroom and grab something to eat. I had read
Make Her Dreams Come True and had enjoyed it, but I passed over
Holding the Cards because I don't really like reading Female Dom
stories. [Then I] read the excerpt you had put out and I thought I
would buy it and read it. I am so glad that I did because I don't
think I have ever read a more loving story. I loved it so much that
I felt I owed it to you to let you know how much I enjoyed it and to
thank you for such a great read. -- R.M.
Romance Junkies
Reviewed by Gail Northman
July 2003
www.romancejunkies.com
Holding The Cards is an extremely well written novel, incredibly
intense and emotional. I actually felt the pain these characters
felt at the hands of their ex-partners and the joy and peace they
found in each other. Joey W. Hill has created a novel that is not for
the faint-hearted, but one that had a deep emotional impact on me,
the reader. Highly erotic love scenes, explosive in their intensity,
make for a very thought provoking book.
Holding The Cards is not the type of novel I would normally
read, but I am so very glad I did. From the first chapter I was
glued with the intensity created through the written word. I look
forward to reading more novels by Joey W. Hill soon.
Romantic Times
Reviewed by Cindy Whitesel
July 2003
4 Stars
Joey W. Hill has written an incredible story for readers of passion
- a feast of delights sure to tease, please and appease!
In The Library Reviews
Reviewed by Lisa Lambrecht
April 2003
www.geocities.com/inthelibraryreviews
Holding The Cards is a very moving story of two broken spirits
coming together to heal each other with the help of a very caring
friend. The bond and closeness these three people create is very
special and one you don't see very often. In Holding The Cards, Ms.
Hill did a wonderful job creating very likeable characters and
telling a very special story filled with romance and very hot sex.
She shows that sometimes a little TLC can go along way in healing a
broken spirit and heart.
Sensual Romance
Reviewed by Michelle Houston
March 2003
sr.thebestreviews.com
Although Holding The Cards was a bit slower to build than some of
the other Ellora's Cave releases, this was one HOT book. Never have
I seen D/s so wonderfully written and explored so passionately.
Oftentimes when D/s is mentioned, visions of leather-clad women and
men wielding whips and causing pain fill the mind. Yes, D/s can
explore the boundaries between pleasure and pain, but it isn't
always about total control. It isn't always the dominant's needs
being met by the submissive. In Holding The Cards, the fine line the
dominant walks is explored as well as the trust and devotion that is
required of a submissive.
As for sizzle, slow to build this story may be, but in the end,
it packs enough of a sensual punch it more that makes up for it. The
slower pace is needed, the trust between the three characters must
be built, for the story to evolve to its natural conclusion.
Love Romances
Reviewed by Miriam van Veen
December 2002
www.loveromances.com
4 ½ Roses
Holding The Cards takes readers into the world of D/s and the
reasons behind their preferences. The characters come with intricate
emotional scarring, but overcome their fears to trust and love once
again. Lauren is hurt in a similar way to Josh, their partners used
them for playing the game only - no emotional attachment went beyond
the dungeon. This reviewer gained a better understanding of the
complex relationship between a Dom and sub. The deep emotional bond
created is explained in intricate detail.
The best part of Holding the Cards is the character development
of Lauren and Josh. They grow despite the pain. They survive through
the power of trust, love and passion. Of all the novels this
reviewer has read, this couple grew the most together. It is totally
believable that this couple will survive together after the story
ends.
Readers should be a fan of the bondage and submission type genre,
however, to totally enjoy this story, as it does get pretty intense
towards the end.
© Love Romances, 2001-2002. All Rights Reserved.
A Romance Review
Reviewed by JaToya
www.aromancereview.com
December 2002
5 Roses
Holding The Cards is not for the close-minded. And it’s
definitely not for those who like their erotica soft. This is a
story that shows us the insides of the main characters involved. It
shows us the pain that they’ve endured. What they’re hiding from and
what they’re afraid of. And it takes us along with them as they help
each other to heal.
Holding The Cards is an emotional ride with characters that jump
from the page. From the very start they intrigue you and you care
about what they’ve gone through and what still lies ahead. In
erotica it’s tricky walking the lines between taking something too
far and not taking it far enough; and between creating characters
who are nothing more than sexual machines and characters who’s
emotions and realities are real to the reader. Joey W. Hill makes
walking these lines seem effortless.
I loved reading this book and seeing the skill with which this
story was created. But although I enjoyed it, it wouldn’t be fair to
send others to read it with out first making sure they understood
some of the less vanilla sexual aspects of this story. One, Holding
The Cards delves deep into the emotional aspects behind the
relationship between a dominant and a submissive. It will dispel
many of the myths that people believe about such relationships. It
deals mainly with the relationship between a female dominant and a
male submissive but also touches on other combinations as well. Two,
there is homosexuality in this story, male with male. Blatant and
unbelievably well written, but for those who shy away from such
things, this is definitely not the story for you. For those who have
never tried reading a story with it before, then this would be an
incredible story to start with.
Timeless Tales
Reviewed by Patricia McGrew
www.timeless-tales.net
January 2003
4 Roses
Holding the Cards takes readers into the world of Dominatrix and
their special needs. The characters come with incredibly complex
layers that slowly get peeled away so you understand the complex
relationship they have. If you can remain open-minded about women
who find the need to dominate and control, and men who are
submissive, you will enjoy this read immensely. It is very well
written, and the characters literally come alive. I felt I
understood their feelings when I finished the book.
eBook Reviews Weekly
Carrie White, Author of Erotogenic
www.ebook-reviews.net
January 2003
Holding the Cards is an erotic romance novel with the strong
elements of Dom and Sub incorporated. An attractive cover adds also
to the overall look and feel of this novel. Within the plot, many
aspects of sexuality are considered and nothing excessively
dominates the flow of the novel. One of the most erotic novels I
have had to read, it did not fail to excite or move me with the
clever use of power and domination. The whole effect makes for a
compelling read with a good insight into the lives of the Dominatrix
and their partners.
Joey W. Hill has created strong characters with their own
interesting personalities and pasts. When brought together, they
both stimulate and intrigue, so the novel is an excellent way to
introduce novices, such as myself, to the control that Doms need
over their Subs. By reading Holding the Cards, it has encouraged me
to consider trying my own hand at extending my erotic talents! I
would love to read more by this author.
Sensual Romance
Reviewed by Flora
January 2003
sr.thebestreviews.com
Ah, let the games begin...
I admit to admiring a tasteful tattoo, especially on a man. I
thought Josh was absolutely great, absolutely beautiful. The
problems the heroine and the hero must overcome are very well
depicted. The descriptive scenes in this story are certainly a
sensual delight. A lot of sexual teasing goes on. The author has a
wonderful way with words.
The Word on Romance e-zine
Reviewed by Brenda Gill
January 2003
www.thewordonromance.com
Lauren and Josh are both damaged by other relationships that
turned out badly. Lauren managed to heal herself but Josh secluded
himself on the island. The reader can feel Josh's need to just lose
himself in Lauren's control, yet his fear almost overpowers that
need. The chemistry between Josh and Lauren almost leaps off the
page even before they become intimate. I found myself thinking of
them as real people. Marcus is a wonderful addition to the mix. He
is more than a secondary character, as some of his machinations are
necessary to move the story along. It's just a darn shame, he's gay.
I've read one or two S/D stories before this one that I didn't
really care for. The characters didn't seem like people I would want
to know and the sexually activity was dead, cruel, and full of
humiliation. HOLDING THE CARDS is different. Joey W. Hill's prose is
lyrical and flows almost like poetry. A character driven plot with
S/D activity playing an integral part in HOLDING THE CARDS, it's not
the most important. The important parts of the story are Lauren and
Josh. Author Joey W. Hill has written a story that will remain with
you long after you turn the last page. If you want a story that is
hot, but still manages to tell a tale worth reading, you can find
HOLDING THE CARDS at
Ellora's Cave.
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