Review: Slave by Sherri Hayes

SLAVE

Finding Anna Series #1

by Sherri Hayes

Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House (July 2011)
Genre: Romance, Dark, Adult
Format: eBook (276 page)
Source: Purchased
Find It: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)

Summary
Stephan has lived the lifestyle of a Dominant for five years. After several rebellious teenage years, it gave him the stability and control he had been seeking after his parent’s death.

As president of a not-for-profit foundation, he knows what his future holds and what he wants out of life. All that changes when a simple lunch with his college friend and Mentor, Darren, leads him to buying a slave.

Thrust into a situation he never thought he’d be in, Stephan can’t walk away. He is compelled to help this girl in the only way he knows how.

Brianna knows only one thing, she is a slave. She has nothing. She is nothing.Can Stephan help Brianna realize that she is much more than just a Slave?

At A Glance
This was not what I expected, but in a good way.

The Good
I wanted to start with a preface. This book is not erotica since the main couple mostly just kiss, but I am pretty sure the series as a whole will be erotica.

So I got this book because I have seen a few people rave about it. By the title and cover I thought it was a dark erotica, and it was dark, but this book is about learning how to heal and trust after a trauma, not sex. Brianna has gone through the unimaginable at the hands of a sexual sadist. Her life is hell until Stephan comes along. She assumes, when he buys her, that Stephan will just be another horrible master. But he is kind, gentle, and understanding. And it confuses Brianna to no end. I felt so bad for her. She is in a state of constant confusion. When all you know is pain, even when people are nice to you, you expect the abuse to start again. I loved watching Brianna gain her stride back, slowly but surely. She really was an inspiration.

Stephan was such a good man. I didn't always agree with his methods, but he always had the best intentions. He was so slow and gentle with Brianna but he still retained his dominant nature. He knew when to push Brianna and when to just be there for her as she broke down. If I was into the whole BDSM scene, I would want Stephan as my Dom.

This was such an emotional read. I mean, the FEELS! I almost cried so many times. My heart hurt a little after reading this book. I am just sad for the whole situation, but in a good way. I enjoyed the ride.

The Bad
I did like the concept, but it felt unrealistic. I don't know about slave/master mentality but if Stephan really wanted to help Brianna realize she is not a slave, then why did he keep her as a slave? A well treated slave, but a slave none the less. I think Brianna needed psychological help, not Stephan's unorthodox methods of 'fixing' her.

The ending was kind of abrupt and unsatisfying. I expected more to happen, more resolution, and more progress.

The Snuggly
You would think with the title that we would be getting some hot BDSM or something like that but no. Brianna and Stephan's relationship is all about slow trust building, so Stephan does no more than kiss Brianna. However, there is some sexual scenes, especially with the horrible flashbacks that do show sexual assault. This is for an adult audience, but it's not a very sexual book. Don't read this to get your lady boner on. (OMG, I totally just said that)

Final Thoughts
I definitely enjoyed the book but I am not sure if I want to read book 2, only because I don't want to get another non-ending. But I kind of need to see what is going to happen next. Arg! I am so conflicted. Recommended overall.

Quotes
“I am giving you a choice, Brianna, and it is an important one. If you choose to wear this, you will be mine. Your needs, your wants, your well-being will belong to me. And you should know something else. I do not share. You will belong to me and only me for as long as you wear this.”  


"I pulled her closer to me and tucked her head beneath my chin. She leaned in to me, and I thought I felt her release a small sigh. ''I would never let anything happen to you.”


"The Thought of buying a woman turned my stomach.....I couldn't leave her there that was certain, not if she was there against her will."