Natural
Law
Book 2 - Nature of Desire Series
Erotic Romance -
(Rated
E-rotic)
Winner -
2005 Eppie Award - Erotica
Erotic Escapades
Reviewed by Nikita Steele
September 2006
http://www.erotic-escapades.com
Rating: Crystal Tattoo Award
Natural Law is an excellent pager-turner for true
fans of the BDSM genre. Right away I was intrigued by both the great
murder mystery and the sexual interactions between two alpha-type
people. Just because Mac was a submissive did not mean that he was a
weakling. On the contrary, he exuded great sex appeal and was truly
magnificent and powerful. Likewise, Violet is a sassy
self-sufficient woman who knows exactly which buttons to press to
push Mac to the limits. As expected, the Dom/sub foreplay is
sinfully lustful, erotically passionate and will have you going up
in flames. And, let’s not forget about the edge of your seat
suspense. Until the identity of the killer was revealed, I was
suspecting any and everyone. I must admit that I was totally shocked
when the killer was revealed! I had no idea.
Natural Law by Joey W. Hill gets an A++ from me
because this exceptional book is truly mind-boggling like a flower
in its first bloom. Each petal is unique within itself just like
each portion of this story is distinctively enticing. From the
thrilling murder mystery with a scandalous ending, to the robust
BDSM world and the compassionate love story. All this combined to
create a highly emotional, dynamic work of art.
Love Romances
Reviewed by Lil
June 2006
http://www.loveromances.com
Rating: 5 hearts
Ms. Hill has written a sensitive and complex work. While the
topic itself is extreme, the exploration of the emotions and
thoughts of the characters was fascinating. It is a beautifully
crafted and moving account of two people who have given up their
search, yet succeed in finding their soul mates in this unusual
setting. Phenomenally erotic and provocative sex scenes were
underscored by the development of this compelling romance between
Mac and Violet.
Likewise, the mystery in this book was written with a deft hand.
It was anything but predictable and is sure to keep readers on the
edge of their seats. Hunter and hunted switched places occasionally,
adding to the suspense. When the unveiling finally arrived, the
revelation as to the identity of the killer was astonishing.
If one has ever been curious about BDSM, this is the book to
read. Be warned to set aside time, for once the reader picks up this
riveting story, interruptions will be very unwelcome.
Comments from fellow author
Shelby Reed:
I started reading about ten last night, FORCED myself to go to
bed at 2 a.m., then was up again at 9 to finish the book. It grabbed
me by the throat and shook me to my bones, yanked at every emotion
known to Man, pulled me in so deeply that even now, I still feel
foggy and pensive, still have one foot in Mac and Violet's world,
can see them, hear them, know what they're thinking...they just came
alive on page one...there are no words to express how beautifully
you handled this unique and naked love story.
You laid it out with no holds barred, took every risk, molded
magnificent characters and a suspenseful, excellent subplot, and it
just worked to perfection, every bit of it. It's one of the finest,
most erotic love stories I've ever read, sex or no sex. In fact, I'm
not sure the story was even ABOUT sex. It was about gut-wrenching
emotion, vulnerability and fear and trust, and the power of love to
demolish the walls we build around ourselves, and I'll never again
raise my brows when I see or hear anything about BDSM. The theories
behind it, the reasons for the lifestyle, make so much more sense to
me now that I've seen it through Mac and Violet's eyes.
It was an amazing pleasure to venture into that netherworld and
FEEL what these people were feeling as they sought to fulfill their
soul needs, to experience their agonies and pleasures. In short,
reading this book was a PHYSICAL experience because it pushes
through every other plane until you feel it in your marrow.
Review from fellow author
Rae Monet's
Newsletter
Book Reviews Section
September 2005
http://raemonet.com
Holy cow, I fell in love with this book. I had never read any of
Joey Hill's books, so I thought, "Let's see what this EPPIE winning
book is all about." Well I can tell you, I absolutely loved it. Joey
is a gifted writer, weaves words like I could only dream of. She was
able to convey the inner workings of a sub/dom relationship in a
very compelling and romantic way with an emotional commitment from
the reader that can't be equaled and was thoroughly enjoyed. To top
it off, there is this outstanding suspense plot I could really sink
my teeth into, and believe me, that's a compliment coming from a
former FBI agent. These characters absolutely came alive for
me. I could feel them, see them, smell what they were smelling. I
got to know every emotional roller coaster they were experiencing. I
don't know how she did it, but I was wishing I could make music with
the computer keys with my characters like Joey Hill does hers. I
think that might be called envy, but in a very magnificent way. This
book, it Rocks! I will certainly be reading every bit of this
author's work I can get my hands on - she's a master story crafter.
Novelspot Reviews
Reviewed by Marissa
September 2005
Rating: 8
http://novelspot.net
Have you ever experienced a book that grabs you by the throat and
refuses to let you go until the very last word? Natural Law does
just that, and it does it so skillfully, you don't care that it's
cutting off your air, and you beg for more.
Natural Law fulfilled more than one fantasy of mine; I've always
wanted to see a male as the submissive. More often than not, in
books and in movies, it's the female that is the submissive. Nothing
in this book was done without a reason, and the relationship between
Violet and Mac explodes off the page, sucking me in like a
whirlpool. The murder mystery was a good reprieve, while it didn't
exactly let me catch my breath, it gave me time to recover from
Violet and Mac's one on one. It brought to the front something that
isn't often shown: a D/s lifestyle that isn't about one person
wanting to be beaten, and the other wanting to beat someone. It's
not about that at all. It's about the ability to truly let go, to
let all your defenses down, and trust in the person who is with you.
Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Reviewed by Raven Jackman
March 2004
Rating: Gold Star Award
Heat level: O
http://www.justeroticromancereviews.com
If you have ever read one of Joey W. Hill’s books, you probably
know she is a writer that can craft a truly enthralling story, but
Natural Law goes well beyond enthralling; in fact it actually enters
the realm of obsessive. The sex is explosive, the love story is
riveting and that doesn’t even include the murder mystery, which is
spectacular. I was truly shocked at the identity of the killer. I
never saw it coming.
Ms. Hill has crafted a story that is so well-written that the
characters, main and minor, demand your attention and respect…
Natural Law is so far beyond the norm of a Gold Star book in my mind
that I find the Gold Star Award not to be enough. In fact, if there
was a Pulitzer for erotica I would ask for it to be passed this way.
I think we have a winner here.
Sizzling Romances
Reviewed by Crystal
March 2005
Rating: 5 Flames
http://sizzlingromances.tripod.com/
NATURAL LAW is another wonderfully-told story by Joey W. Hill.
The writing is great, and I found the characters so interesting. In
particular, I enjoyed that once again my own misconceptions about
BDSM were challenged as Ms. Hill portrays a strong alpha male as a
submissive, and I love when authors can open my eyes to new areas in
the world. Ms. Hill has a knack for creating wonderful characters
and incredibly sexy scenes between her characters. Another thing
that I loved about this story was that it wasn't just about Violet
and Mac finding each other and establishing their relationship, it
was also a great murder mystery.
Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Reviewed by Oleta M Blaylock
March 2004
Rating: Gold Star Award
Heat level: O
http://www.justeroticromancereviews.com
Few books have caused the restlessness and emotional upheaval
that this story provoked in me. I started reading the story thinking
that it would be like so many others. Oh, how wrong I was. I should
know by now that Ms. Hill doesn’t write like anyone else. This is a
powerful story drawing you in and holding you until you finish it.
The emotional connections that form between the well-crafted and
enduring characters, and the powerful well-written storyline, put
Natural Law in a class all its own. This book is most deserving of
the Gold Star Award because it is so much more than just a BDSM
story. It is a finely woven mystery as well as an exceptional love
story, with a powerful plot that twists and turns and will shock you
in the end! Get a box of tissues…you’re going to need them.
Congratulations to Ms. Hill on a masterpiece!
The Road to Romance
Reviewed by Meribeth McCombs
March 11, 2004
http://www.roadtoromance.ca
Natural Law is the perfect blend of suspense and romance. Even
while reveling in the developing bonds of passion, love and trust
between Mac and Violet, the reader is seeking the clues to solve the
murder case that brought them together. Ms. Hill manages several
unexpected plot twists that make the revelation of the murderer a
delightful surprise. Mac and Violet’s relationship is intense, yet
very real; the struggle for Mac, a totally alpha male outside the
bedroom, to truly submit to Violet’s wishes is wonderfully shown.
This is a story that will linger in the mind long after it’s
finished for the depth of realism that Ms. Hill gives it.
Romance Junkies
Reviewed by Contessa
September 2004
Rating: Blue Ribbon Review
http://www.romancejunkies.com
NATURAL LAW is a magnificent love story and compelling murder
mystery that will leave you breathless. Joey Hill created an amazing
plot with many twist and turns; it kept me speculating about the
identity of the killer until the killer was revealed.
RBL Newsletter
Reviewed by Maggie
September 2004
Rating: Hugh Rating
http://www.geocities.com/rblnewsletter
After I got my PDA (Palm Pilot), I realized that I could finally
start reading some of the sexy stories published only at Ellora’s
Cave. I skimmed the titles, browsed the excerpts, and came upon a
story titled NATURAL LAW by Joey W. Hill. Like most romance readers
these days, I generally prefer the alpha male who always wants to be
in charge, and who cherishes and protects his lady whether she wants
him to or not. So, to this day, I don’t know why I decided to get
this book, because the hero is a sexual submissive! But something
(maybe it was the cover) persuaded me to try it, and I am SOOO glad
I did.
Mac and Violet are amazingly well drawn characters, and their
relationship is explosive and passionate. It is one of the deepest
I’ve read in a long time. Watching Violet peel away Mac’s resistance
is sometimes painful, but it’s clear that the reward is going to be
well worth the effort. Their ultimate devotion to each other is
heart-wrenching.
The sex in NATURAL LAW is BURNING HOT but never gratuitous. It
genuinely moves the story along, helping to uncover both Violet's
and Mac’s deepest desires. The sex in this story is NOT for the
faint of heart, as it involves public sex and dominance and
submission. But while Violet is ruthless in cutting through Mac’s
resistance to what she knows he really wants, she never hurts or
degrades him, nor uses pain as a means of pleasure. The relationship
is ultimately extremely tender and loving, despite the
unconventional way of expressing it. NATURAL LAW also has a
convincing murder mystery which ends up playing a huge part in Mac's
and Violet’s relationship. The mystery moves their relationship
along, as the relationship assists the investigation.
NATURAL LAW is among the handful of books that I’ve reread
immediately upon finishing it because it just wouldn’t let me go.
(The others that come to mind are THE LADY'S TUTOR by Robin Schone,
and the first three Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon.) Mac stayed
with me for a very long time, and I have to say it sure enlightened
me about at least SOME submissive males. (In fact, if they were all
like Mac, I’d have to go out and buy a LOT of black leather!) In
short, I loved, loved, LOVED this book. Joey Hill is a very, very
fine writer and I can’t wait to read her next publication.
PS - I’ve read all of her other work available at Ellora’s Cave,
and I recommend all of it without reservation.
RT Bookclub Magazine
Reviewed by Charlene Alleyne
September 2004
Rating: 4 Stars
www.romantictimes.com
Hill’s novel offers a fascinating glimpse into a world few
understand, with characters who know what they want. The author’s
skillful narrative – combined with erotic sex, amazing
characterization, a budding romance and a surprise ending – makes
this book a highly enjoyable and recommended read.
Sensual Romance
Reviewed by Gillian Fitzgerald
March 2004
http://sr.thebestreviews.com
If we gave stars this would be 6 out of 5. It's simply the best
D/s novel I've ever read...
I adored this book. It works on all levels: as a thriller, as a
love story, as kinky erotica, as a psychological study. Mac is a
devastatingly sexy man, tough and tender both. Violet, the pixie who
can wield a whip and cradle a man in her arms with equal ease, is
wonderfully believable. These aren't stereotypes like the characters
in the Beauty Trilogy or Story of O. These are REAL people, with
jobs, hobbies, families, pets and interests other than kinky sex.
What they are searching for is a complete partnership: spouse,
friend, lover, mistress/slave. Real life sometimes get in the way of
their love story, just as it does for vanilla people, something you
never seem to see in erotica. The closest equivalent is Rice's Exit
to Eden, but it doesn't come close to this book for psychological
complexity, realistic treatment of a forbidden topic, and depth of
characterization, all rendered in fluid, sensuous prose. You seldom
find erotica with this level of richness, nor one which understands
that the real drive behind D/s is a soul-deep need to know and be
known completely by one other person. If you are looking for an
erotic novel which will move you emotionally as well as turn you on,
buy this book.
Reader Comments
March 2004
Here’s what fans have to say about Natural Law:
“Rarely am I rendered speechless when describing a newly released
book. I could say it is intense, full of three-dimensional
characters that pull the reader thru all the spectrums of human
emotions. I could say it is a love story that happens to be a D/s
story that is highly erotica as well as insightful. I could warn
that it is not for the faint of heart, as some of the scenes might
be too erotic and intense for some readers. I could say all of these
things but they would not be correct descriptions because all of
these descriptions fall far, far short of conveying the true quality
of this story. One might as well describe the sun as a small pale
orb of light.......somehow the description just doesn't work. So I
will just say WOW! Her best work!”
“Another great, will-be-reread-many-times read!”
“Natural Law is the best damn book I've read in a really long
time. I never thought that I could possible enjoy a BDSM book as
much as I did today. I really loved the characters and it was such a
refreshing change to read about a male sub who wasn't a wimp. He was
able to give into his passions without losing the alpha quality that
I love. The passion and the emotions that your characters had for
each other were so overwhelming that I consumed this book in one
sitting. I just wanted you to know how much I really loved your
book, and that I can't wait to read more from you.”
“…Natural Law is now my "yard stick" and I am not sure there are
many that will meet or come near your standard of raw intense
emotions of this alternative lifestyle. So, you might just have
spoiled D/s reading for me but it was well worth it.”
Click here to go back.
Click here
to read an excerpt.
Click here to buy the e-book at
Ellora's Cave.
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buy the trade paperback at
Amazon.com.
