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The Silver Chain Series #2
The Golden Locket
Temptation would test them…
The second novel in the Unbreakable Trilogy, The Golden Locket follows Gustav and Serena to New York.
Ensconced in their Manhattan penthouse, all seems blissfully happy for Gustav and Serena. Still in the first flush of love, they have every satisfaction they could need.
But as they enjoy their New York pleasure ground, ghosts start to emerge from Gustav’s past, and when his damaged younger brother, Pierre, comes back into his life, he brings with him a dangerous threat…
With temptation waiting at every turn, can Gustav and Serena survive all the excitement that the Big Apple holds?
The sexy sequel to Primula Bond’s Sunday Times Top 20 bestseller, The Silver Chain. Perfect for fans of erotic romance.
The second novel in the Unbreakable Trilogy, The Golden Locket follows Gustav and Serena to New York.
Ensconced in their Manhattan penthouse, all seems blissfully happy for Gustav and Serena. Still in the first flush of love, they have every satisfaction they could need.
But as they enjoy their New York pleasure ground, ghosts start to emerge from Gustav’s past, and when his damaged younger brother, Pierre, comes back into his life, he brings with him a dangerous threat…
With temptation waiting at every turn, can Gustav and Serena survive all the excitement that the Big Apple holds?
The sexy sequel to Primula Bond’s Sunday Times Top 20 bestseller, The Silver Chain. Perfect for fans of erotic romance.
400 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2013
About the author
Primula Bond
35 books120 followersOxford educated mother of three boys masquerading as respectable pillar of society but harbouring secret ambition to be considered a MILF. Writer of freelance features on single motherhood, older parenthood, MS and erotica. Published erotica author of 'Country Pleasures' 'Club Creme' and 'Behind the Curtain' for Black Lace; 'Random Acts of Lust' and 'Out of Focus' for Xcite Books'; and 'Sisters in Sin' for Mischief. First part of trilogy 'The Silver Chain' out in August 2013 for Mischief/Avon.
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March 27, 2015Arc received via Harper Collins Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
November 22, 2019
Full Review on NetGalley
April 10, 2014
Ok!! Seriously! This book was better than the first, which totally redeems this series, I think. AND although as very predictable as the other one, it played out well. I am a total fan of UK Authors!
Relocating to New York city, Serena gets a photography job via Gustav. This opens up a whole new world for this innocent country girl & turns her into more of a dominant vs submissive. It gets bad when she's hired by Gustav's brother since he wants to get back at Gustav. AND poor Polly! Obviously it isn't going to work, with his determination to ruin his brother!
Pierre, Pierre, Pierre! You are an ass! Some people deserve to be shot & I hope he gets shot in the next book. He's secretly vindictive by the way... I bet if you've already read it, you didn't see that coming! *sarcasm*
Geez!! And then we have Margot... Gustav's ex-wife is out there & she's coming!! We have been warned, so I am guessing she's a threat to Serena in the next book, like Pierre was to Gustav in this one.
I think it's worth the read & NOW I cannot wait for the next one! After the first book, I kind of wanted to continue the series, but was not in a great rush. I felt like I could read more of her books, bt could give or take them. NOW, I changed my mind & I was entertained! I would definitely NOT share this with my mother, or some of my friends & to some I would even deny I read it! LOL! But, I belong to a group of secret readers who couldn't resist the temptation & read this book.
I do have to say that I prejudged this series by the authors name! I thought, with a name like that, writing erotica, it had to be pretty cheesy... But it was kind of good! I am so glad this book made the continuing story better, and I cannot wait for the next!
Relocating to New York city, Serena gets a photography job via Gustav. This opens up a whole new world for this innocent country girl & turns her into more of a dominant vs submissive. It gets bad when she's hired by Gustav's brother since he wants to get back at Gustav. AND poor Polly! Obviously it isn't going to work, with his determination to ruin his brother!
Pierre, Pierre, Pierre! You are an ass! Some people deserve to be shot & I hope he gets shot in the next book. He's secretly vindictive by the way... I bet if you've already read it, you didn't see that coming! *sarcasm*
Geez!! And then we have Margot... Gustav's ex-wife is out there & she's coming!! We have been warned, so I am guessing she's a threat to Serena in the next book, like Pierre was to Gustav in this one.
I think it's worth the read & NOW I cannot wait for the next one! After the first book, I kind of wanted to continue the series, but was not in a great rush. I felt like I could read more of her books, bt could give or take them. NOW, I changed my mind & I was entertained! I would definitely NOT share this with my mother, or some of my friends & to some I would even deny I read it! LOL! But, I belong to a group of secret readers who couldn't resist the temptation & read this book.
I do have to say that I prejudged this series by the authors name! I thought, with a name like that, writing erotica, it had to be pretty cheesy... But it was kind of good! I am so glad this book made the continuing story better, and I cannot wait for the next!
November 22, 2013
Contemporary, New York City & Venice
Serena Folkes and Gustav Levi are now in Manhattan enjoying their new found love. As they settle in their new penthouse they have every satisfaction they could need. Though they are enjoying their new pleasure ground in New York, ghosts from Gustav’s past start to intrude into their lives. When Gustav’s younger brother, Pierre, who is damaged comes back into Gustav’s life he brings problems with him including a dangerous threat.
With all the temptations and ghosts waiting at every turn for Gustav and Serena it will test them in ways that they have not been tempted so far. Will they survive what they are facing or will this end up destroying them?
This story picks up shortly after the first book ends filling in what the reader needs to know in such a way as to make it intriguing to read. This is one trilogy that is proving that it needs to be read in order so that the reader gets all the nuances of the plot that has so far been weaved through the first two books. With a fascinating cliff hanger at the end that is sure to have readers eagerly awaiting the third and final book in this trilogy just to see how things will ultimately turn out for Gustav and Serena and if it will be possible for them to have a very well deserved happily ever after. This is one book that should be read with the ac on full blast with a glass of ice water sitting nearby. The series is proving to be extremely hot and explosive. This is one for reader of erotic romances to definitely check out. They will not be disappointed.
November 21, 2013
• release date: ebook: 21 November - Paperback: 19 December 2013
• 400 pages
• Unbreakable Trilogy #2
Book #3 - The Diamond Ring will be out May 2014
MY THOUGHTS
About the story...
After Serena agreed to accompany Gustav to New York at the End of
The Silver Chain, we now find oursevles in Manhattan.
It's New Year's Eve.
"This is going to be a fabulous year, Serena Folkes."
Serena is thinking back on what happened these last days
"This is the first day of the rest of our lives, girl."
- and to what happened on their last day in London.
Remember? When we left Serena & Gustav in book #1 they were on their way to pack their bags and fly to New York, but first they went to the Gallery where we met - PLEASE DO NOT KEEP ON READING IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST BOOK!!!!!
We met Pierre! Gustav's long lost little brother. He's the new boyfriend that Serena's cousin Polly has been with for a while now! OMG I was sooo shocked at the end of The Silver Chain!!! Pierre!
Gustav and Pierre hadn't spoken in FIVE years and now here he is!!!
Lots of things happend all those years ago - we heard most of it in book #1, but we'll hear a lot more now. How Pierre saw it - how Gustav saw it.
And of course we hear a lot about Gustav's Ex-Wife Margot. The b***h ☺☺☺
On that night 5 years ago she seduced the young Pierre, took the family heirloom-jewels and the poor boy with her and disappeared!
She told Pierre soo many lies that he stopped worshipping his big brother and started hating him.
Well - the story of Gustav, Pierre & Margot is a really big part of this book. And poor Serena is right in the middle of it all, because Pierre seems a bit too interested in her and Serena is a tiny bit attracted to him too.
Not everything is about the Levi's of course.
Serena is in New York City now - she wants to become a famous photographer!!
And with the help of her lover she has landed her first commissions.
The first one: shooting pictures of a billionaire housewife...
Not as easy as it sounds - turns out the über-rich european couple is extremely kinky. They start making out in front of Serena's camera and they don't stop there ☺ They even want to convince Serena to join them. But Serena doesn't want to betray Gustav like that.
But Gustav knows his darling girl better than she knows herself.
He knows she needs this - she needs her voyerism and he wants her to experiment new kinky things... well, he doesn't really want it - but he thinks that she needs it - she's so young - has so much yet to experience and he hopes with letting her experiment a bit she will be happier with him.
"My little country bumpkin. What's happened to her?"
The book might also take us to another city ☺
but that's it - I'm not telling you anything more...
....like.....
WILL THERE BE A HAPPY END?
I can't tell you, of course ☺
I don't want to spoil your reading pleasure ☺
BUT - since there will be a third book - there probably won't be a HEA - YET ☺☺☺
There are still many questions and secrets left to talk about ☺
_________________________________
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS SEQUEL TO THE SILVER CHAIN!
I really loved the first book in the series - and with this horrible cliffhanger-ending I was sooooo looking forward to this second book!!
And it didn't disappoint at all!
I think I even loved it a bit more than the first one!!
There were so many interesting moments in this book.
So many deeply erotic scenes.
There's not all that much really explicitly described sex between Gustav and Serena (doesn't mean there is NO sex between them!!!)
but there are soooo many sexy scenes!!! Gustav & Serena. Serana & other people with Gustav watching, or not watching ;) .
The whole book has this deeply erotic vibe without having a sex scene on every other page!
Serena and Gustav are so adorably in love - after everything that happened in book #1 - that's really nice to see.
But Serena is drawn to so many other things, other men/women ...she has so much sexual energy in her.
She doesn't want to leave or hurt Gustav but she sure does experiment a lot ☺
The whole story about Margot and Gustav and Pierre's past is this constant suspensy cloud hanging over this book.
I couldn't put it down - or if I had to go do something else for a while, I couldn't stop thinking about the book.
I NEEDED to know what would happen. And of course, I needed to know if Margot will ever show up again.
We - the reader - hate her so much. Well, at least I did ☺ I didn't want her to come between G+S!!!
She's caused enough trouble already - without having been there at all!!
Normally I'm not a fan of girl on girl sexiness - well, I'm still not a fan - but it didn't bother me all that much in here. It somehow needs to be in this book. Serena needs all that experimenting.
I also love how Primula describes things. Like, when we're in Venice, I could almost smell the oregano and the fish and the rain ☺ I was right there with them!!!
The end didn't shock me as much as the end of book 1 did - but it still leaves lots of questions open ... and there are still all those secrets.
I sooo want Serena and Gustav to get their happy ever after!
♥
Ahem - and going by the title of book#3 - THE DIAMOND RING ??? ☺ I have very high hopes!!!!
(The title of this book - The Golden Locket - plays a big part again - like it did with The Silver Chain. Those 2 things are actual pieces that Gustav gives Serena as gifts and to bind her to him.)
I totally recommend this book (this whole series) to readers who love a great, deeply erotic, moving & gripping Love Story!
You might even shed some tears - at least I did ☺
GRRRRR now I can't wait for book #3 to come out!!!!
Tomorrow would be nice Mrs. Bond ☺
Were there a few things I didn't like? Hm can't think of anything ☺
For some people there might be too many words in this book ☺ It's not one of those 250 pages - fast-reading new adult romance thingies. It's a real book!!!!
I really loved it.
GO GET IT!☺
September 1, 2015
This book continues the story of Serena and Gustav and elaborates on the characters of Pierre and Margot.
At the end of book 1 they had been surprised by the turn up of Pierre at the gallery and now we find out what happened. We find out why Pierre is angry at his brother and vice versa and how Margot manipulated the truth to get what she wanted. They brothers both hurt each other with what the say and "wonder if it's only siblings who can twist the knife" their argument is so painful.
Pierre seems proud of his behaviour gloating "You forget that I learned that kind of mischief making from the mistress herself". Margot seems to be the centre of attention and the centre of trouble again even though not in the same room.
Gustav's Christmas present to Serena is a beautiful locket which she cannot remove just like her bracelet, again it's a sign of ownership, "when people see it resting on your beautiful breast the will know that you are mine, and mine only". Inside the locket is a secret which she again has to earn.
Serena is developing her business and taking on commissions, first of note is for the Weinmeyer billionaire couple. When taking pictures of their love making they try and tempt her in and at first she goes willingly but comes to her senses only to be told "Gustav will be proud of you when we report back,. You've passed the test with flying colours". He's still testing her trust and loyalty. After this commission, Gustav decides he needs to accompany her and pretends to be her assistant. She gets drawn into the action at a photo shoot with 2 girls and again in a prestigeous, exlusive all male club. I wonder if she just radiates sex appeal and wants to join in or whether word has spread that while taking her pictures she also likes to join in? Anyway, Gustav finds watching her is a turn on but he's confused as he's also jealous and wants her to himself, he admits "maybe I'm not as cool as I thought with this setting-free idea".
Serena is drawn in by the similarties of the 2 brothers "where Gustav's face is angular..... Pierre's features are broader yet meaner.....why couldn't I look away? Because it was the eyes. Whatever their setting...... the daylight accentuated the same dark, glittering, questioning eyes. Black enough to drown in".
Pierre starts to ingratiate himself into their lives, apparently putting the past behind them. Serena does a photo shoot for him and sees someone who looks very like Margot. Later when alone with him, Serena quizzes him and he says she is imagining it. He then makes a pass at her and tries to kiss her but she pulls back. She describes his voice as "like the snake in The Jungle Book" and he admits he is trying to take her from Gustav, "be warned, if I can't have the woman I want, I might just have to take someone else's".
It appears Polly was spying on Pierre and caught the kiss between Serena and Pierre. She confronts Serena and shows Gustav the picture. The past comes back to haunt him, his brother is again taking his woman, but mostly, he can't trust anyone. He storms out. Serena goes to pack some clothes to leave and finds an email on her ipad from Margot, she's back and intends on causing trouble. Serena leaves the ipad and disappears, taking the Weinmayar's up on the job offer in Venice.
Her job in Venice is to take photos at an exclusive masked ball which is full of debauchery. She is dressed by Crystal in an elaborate dress and wig with 5 feathers as instructed by the shop owner. The instructions seem strange and you get a sense of trouble looming. At the ball hands are everywhere, clothes are being shed and finally a man in matching male version of her outfit draws her attention. She follows him out of the ball and through the streets all the time believing his silence as keeping the pretense of the masked ball. Only when clothes are being shed and she touches him does she feel the scars and realise it's Pierre tricking her again. She fights and frees herself and falls into the arms of Gustav near the hotel. Has Pierre set this up so Gustav would stumble onto them having sex again? Gustav thinks Serena is confused mentioning Pierre as he assures her he isn't even in Venice but back in America. Gustav apologises and say Pierre has told him the kiss was all a mistake and nothing was intended other than a polite kiss goodbye. When Gustav hands over her ipad she checks and the email from Margot has gone. She now is questioning herself: did the email ever exist? Did Pierre grab her after the ball and attempt to have sex with her?
Gustav at last trusts her "we don't need the silver chain to bind us. However long a leash I attach to you, you will always stretch it further. It's a symbol that has run its course, because i trust, I know, that you'll always come back to me". He throws the chain away and says he has something else for her. He opens the locket and presents her with a diamond ring and proposes.
Back in New York they are getting into the swing of life as a couple again, her next exhibition is nearly ready but she has managed to avoid Pierre so far. She can't avoid him though when in innocence her asks Gustav over the phone to speak to her so he can congratulate her. Out of his brother's earshot he confirms what he did in Venice, she wasn't imagining it, and he says she has to chose whether she damages his relationship and possibly hers with Gustav by telling him.
I'm awaiting the final book now so I can find out if Pierre and Margot come clean or at least if Gustav becomes wise to the manipulation.
At the end of book 1 they had been surprised by the turn up of Pierre at the gallery and now we find out what happened. We find out why Pierre is angry at his brother and vice versa and how Margot manipulated the truth to get what she wanted. They brothers both hurt each other with what the say and "wonder if it's only siblings who can twist the knife" their argument is so painful.
Pierre seems proud of his behaviour gloating "You forget that I learned that kind of mischief making from the mistress herself". Margot seems to be the centre of attention and the centre of trouble again even though not in the same room.
Gustav's Christmas present to Serena is a beautiful locket which she cannot remove just like her bracelet, again it's a sign of ownership, "when people see it resting on your beautiful breast the will know that you are mine, and mine only". Inside the locket is a secret which she again has to earn.
Serena is developing her business and taking on commissions, first of note is for the Weinmeyer billionaire couple. When taking pictures of their love making they try and tempt her in and at first she goes willingly but comes to her senses only to be told "Gustav will be proud of you when we report back,. You've passed the test with flying colours". He's still testing her trust and loyalty. After this commission, Gustav decides he needs to accompany her and pretends to be her assistant. She gets drawn into the action at a photo shoot with 2 girls and again in a prestigeous, exlusive all male club. I wonder if she just radiates sex appeal and wants to join in or whether word has spread that while taking her pictures she also likes to join in? Anyway, Gustav finds watching her is a turn on but he's confused as he's also jealous and wants her to himself, he admits "maybe I'm not as cool as I thought with this setting-free idea".
Serena is drawn in by the similarties of the 2 brothers "where Gustav's face is angular..... Pierre's features are broader yet meaner.....why couldn't I look away? Because it was the eyes. Whatever their setting...... the daylight accentuated the same dark, glittering, questioning eyes. Black enough to drown in".
Pierre starts to ingratiate himself into their lives, apparently putting the past behind them. Serena does a photo shoot for him and sees someone who looks very like Margot. Later when alone with him, Serena quizzes him and he says she is imagining it. He then makes a pass at her and tries to kiss her but she pulls back. She describes his voice as "like the snake in The Jungle Book" and he admits he is trying to take her from Gustav, "be warned, if I can't have the woman I want, I might just have to take someone else's".
It appears Polly was spying on Pierre and caught the kiss between Serena and Pierre. She confronts Serena and shows Gustav the picture. The past comes back to haunt him, his brother is again taking his woman, but mostly, he can't trust anyone. He storms out. Serena goes to pack some clothes to leave and finds an email on her ipad from Margot, she's back and intends on causing trouble. Serena leaves the ipad and disappears, taking the Weinmayar's up on the job offer in Venice.
Her job in Venice is to take photos at an exclusive masked ball which is full of debauchery. She is dressed by Crystal in an elaborate dress and wig with 5 feathers as instructed by the shop owner. The instructions seem strange and you get a sense of trouble looming. At the ball hands are everywhere, clothes are being shed and finally a man in matching male version of her outfit draws her attention. She follows him out of the ball and through the streets all the time believing his silence as keeping the pretense of the masked ball. Only when clothes are being shed and she touches him does she feel the scars and realise it's Pierre tricking her again. She fights and frees herself and falls into the arms of Gustav near the hotel. Has Pierre set this up so Gustav would stumble onto them having sex again? Gustav thinks Serena is confused mentioning Pierre as he assures her he isn't even in Venice but back in America. Gustav apologises and say Pierre has told him the kiss was all a mistake and nothing was intended other than a polite kiss goodbye. When Gustav hands over her ipad she checks and the email from Margot has gone. She now is questioning herself: did the email ever exist? Did Pierre grab her after the ball and attempt to have sex with her?
Gustav at last trusts her "we don't need the silver chain to bind us. However long a leash I attach to you, you will always stretch it further. It's a symbol that has run its course, because i trust, I know, that you'll always come back to me". He throws the chain away and says he has something else for her. He opens the locket and presents her with a diamond ring and proposes.
Back in New York they are getting into the swing of life as a couple again, her next exhibition is nearly ready but she has managed to avoid Pierre so far. She can't avoid him though when in innocence her asks Gustav over the phone to speak to her so he can congratulate her. Out of his brother's earshot he confirms what he did in Venice, she wasn't imagining it, and he says she has to chose whether she damages his relationship and possibly hers with Gustav by telling him.
I'm awaiting the final book now so I can find out if Pierre and Margot come clean or at least if Gustav becomes wise to the manipulation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2019
If you thought 50 Shades was hot and suspenseful, it is only because you haven't read this series. I literally couldn't put it down. It is a total sexual awakening for the lead female and rescue of the male. The series has so many dips and turns as to who's behind what and where loyalties lie.
May 4, 2024
I could not get into this and couldn’t get past page 44. Sadly nothing pulled me in and nothing made me want to keep reading. This is the first time I’ve put a book down without finishing but my TBR pile is huge so no point sticking with it.
I couldn’t get my mind to focus on the characters and had no idea what was going on or who was who.
I couldn’t get my mind to focus on the characters and had no idea what was going on or who was who.
Read
November 5, 2019Spicy and intriguing
I love this series and admit that for part of the story I was scared for our heroine as she just leaps into situations without proper thought. That said however it made the book exciting as well as romantic. Awesome series
I love this series and admit that for part of the story I was scared for our heroine as she just leaps into situations without proper thought. That said however it made the book exciting as well as romantic. Awesome series
October 24, 2023
To be honest...I realised 2 chapters in this was part of a series and i hadnt read the first book but had no other books on me on a 12 hour shift, so read it anyway. So was confused at the start. Is quite sexual but didnt really float my smutty boat personally. Still a read though just not my vibe.
February 21, 2021
Very fucking intriguing book. Sexy and my heart is stronger
November 21, 2013
A little while ago I wrote about why I’d give the second in a series a try even if I wasn’t a fan of the first (in reference to L. Marie Adeline’s S.E.C.R.E.T. series). Other reviewers were discussing the same idea at the time, so I was happy to learn I wasn’t alone. And I decided to try it again with Primula Bond’s The Golden Locket, the second in her Unbreakable trilogy. I thought Bond’s writing was skilled and compelling, but I really couldn’t get into the story in the first book, The Silver Chain, nor could I get attached to the protagonists.
In The Silver Chain we met Serena, a fledgling photographer newly arrived in London. Almost immediately she crosses paths with Gustav Levi — older; tall, dark, and handsome; mesmerizing. And, of course, filthy rich. They sign a contract, he tethers her to a chain (I do mean literally, by the way), and the skeletons in his closet come out to torment her, but (spoiler alert? nah) in the end they’re together and off to New York.
That’s where The Golden Locket begins. Gustav has relocated to New York for a year to manage his North American assets (I’m still a bit fuzzy on what he does, exactly, but no matter). He’s asked Serena to come with him so she can launch her career in style. They’re installed in a penthouse overlooking Central Park, natch. And Gustav’s busy mending fences with his unstable, damaged brother.
Much of the, ahem, “action” takes place on the job for Serena. She’s got a reputation for being a voyeur, so she’s hired by wealthy perverts to capture them doing filthy things, and is, curiously enough, always invited to participate. Gustav grants her permission, acknowledging that at her age she deserves a bit of adventure, within reason. Unfortunately, one person who wants her to participate definitely does not qualify for “within reason,” but is dangerously persistent.
My hope was that I would enjoy the story more in the second book, and I did to for the most part. Reading back over my review of the first, I see right away that there are a lot of improvements: the sex is better, the exclamation marks are toned down, the pet names are mercifully absent. But first, the ways in which it disappointed me, of course. ’Cause we humans are so good at finding fault. First, off I wasn’t much more enamoured of Gustav and Serena in this one than I was in the last, although their personalities are starting to come together a bit better; they’re not so contradictory or wishy-washy as in the first. Frankly, Gustav’s barely around, so that solves that problem. It kind of caused other problems, though: for long stretches I wondered what storyline was going to drive the narrative forward, which can be a bit dull.
But the first couple of chapters drove me up the wall more than anything. The amount of exposition in the dialogue was the textual equivalent of a “In last week’s episode” television montage. Thankfully when that was all dealt with the dialogue was much more tolerable. I actually really like Bond’s dialogue. It weaves and rambles as it would in real life and still accomplishes what it should. (Sometimes more than it needs to, of course. See exposition in the dialogue.)
There were other little things that really bothered me. Serena’s shocked that her cousin and Gustav’s brother are thinking of shacking up “so soon,” even though they’ve been dating longer than the definitely-shacked-up Serena and Gustav. Also, at one point Serena says that the Venice Carnevale “always” coincides with Valentine’s Day, and I’m pretty sure that’s dead wrong. I mean, it’s all determined by Easter, right? The year I went to Mardi Gras, it was in March, almost a month after Valentine’s Day. Last I checked, (okay, today), Carnevale isn’t almost-a-month long. Whatever; these are minor quibbles that for some indefensible reason I just have to get off my chest. Also, even though she’s got majorly burned for withholding information in the past, Serena continues to do so. Argh! But then, that complaint pretty much applies to every romance novel ever, so that one’s hardly worth mentioning. (Too late! Ha.)
Serena’s little work encounters, on the other hand, were certainly compelling. Also, perplexing — like, is everyone really that into her? Even all those women? She’s almost always keen, at least, and Gustav is accommodating. So on the “hot” scale, this is up there. And it promises to stay up there in the third book. And get a lot more complicated. Which will keep me interested. The Golden Locket was definitely an improvement over The Silver Chain, so see? Never give up.
Lila
Reviewed from ARC. Published by HarperCollins November 21, 2013.
Full review here.
In The Silver Chain we met Serena, a fledgling photographer newly arrived in London. Almost immediately she crosses paths with Gustav Levi — older; tall, dark, and handsome; mesmerizing. And, of course, filthy rich. They sign a contract, he tethers her to a chain (I do mean literally, by the way), and the skeletons in his closet come out to torment her, but (spoiler alert? nah) in the end they’re together and off to New York.
That’s where The Golden Locket begins. Gustav has relocated to New York for a year to manage his North American assets (I’m still a bit fuzzy on what he does, exactly, but no matter). He’s asked Serena to come with him so she can launch her career in style. They’re installed in a penthouse overlooking Central Park, natch. And Gustav’s busy mending fences with his unstable, damaged brother.
Much of the, ahem, “action” takes place on the job for Serena. She’s got a reputation for being a voyeur, so she’s hired by wealthy perverts to capture them doing filthy things, and is, curiously enough, always invited to participate. Gustav grants her permission, acknowledging that at her age she deserves a bit of adventure, within reason. Unfortunately, one person who wants her to participate definitely does not qualify for “within reason,” but is dangerously persistent.
My hope was that I would enjoy the story more in the second book, and I did to for the most part. Reading back over my review of the first, I see right away that there are a lot of improvements: the sex is better, the exclamation marks are toned down, the pet names are mercifully absent. But first, the ways in which it disappointed me, of course. ’Cause we humans are so good at finding fault. First, off I wasn’t much more enamoured of Gustav and Serena in this one than I was in the last, although their personalities are starting to come together a bit better; they’re not so contradictory or wishy-washy as in the first. Frankly, Gustav’s barely around, so that solves that problem. It kind of caused other problems, though: for long stretches I wondered what storyline was going to drive the narrative forward, which can be a bit dull.
But the first couple of chapters drove me up the wall more than anything. The amount of exposition in the dialogue was the textual equivalent of a “In last week’s episode” television montage. Thankfully when that was all dealt with the dialogue was much more tolerable. I actually really like Bond’s dialogue. It weaves and rambles as it would in real life and still accomplishes what it should. (Sometimes more than it needs to, of course. See exposition in the dialogue.)
There were other little things that really bothered me. Serena’s shocked that her cousin and Gustav’s brother are thinking of shacking up “so soon,” even though they’ve been dating longer than the definitely-shacked-up Serena and Gustav. Also, at one point Serena says that the Venice Carnevale “always” coincides with Valentine’s Day, and I’m pretty sure that’s dead wrong. I mean, it’s all determined by Easter, right? The year I went to Mardi Gras, it was in March, almost a month after Valentine’s Day. Last I checked, (okay, today), Carnevale isn’t almost-a-month long. Whatever; these are minor quibbles that for some indefensible reason I just have to get off my chest. Also, even though she’s got majorly burned for withholding information in the past, Serena continues to do so. Argh! But then, that complaint pretty much applies to every romance novel ever, so that one’s hardly worth mentioning. (Too late! Ha.)
Serena’s little work encounters, on the other hand, were certainly compelling. Also, perplexing — like, is everyone really that into her? Even all those women? She’s almost always keen, at least, and Gustav is accommodating. So on the “hot” scale, this is up there. And it promises to stay up there in the third book. And get a lot more complicated. Which will keep me interested. The Golden Locket was definitely an improvement over The Silver Chain, so see? Never give up.
Lila
Reviewed from ARC. Published by HarperCollins November 21, 2013.
Full review here.
January 1, 2014
The Golden Locket by Primula Bond, Is book two in the Unbreakable Trilogy, it is a continuation of the relationship between Gustav and Serena, now living in New York. The authors writing style is filled with symbolism, attention to detail, beautifully erotic passages, emotions and some great one liners. One could also describe the writing style as overly descriptive, wordy or flowery. Once I settled into reading the book, I actually came to appreciate it, I looked forward to the visual tapestry that would be laid out for me, the point where I became as voyeuristic as Serena.
I enjoyed the first book of the trilogy and had high hopes for this book as well. Polly, Crystal, Pierre, and Margot reprise their roles from the first book. More than anything this book is about relationships – Pierre and Polly, Gustav and Serena, Gustav and Pierre , Pierre and Serena, and the effect that Margot has on them all. With the exception of Crystal, who remains a supportive friend to Serena, Polly, Pierre and Margot play disruptive, dangerous, jealous, vengeful roles, constantly challenging and threatening the budding relationship between Gustav and Serena. The story exposes secrets from Gustav’s and Pierre’s past, shows the brothers trying to rebuild their lost relationship, the lies, tricks and manipulated situations that Pierre sets out as traps for Serena.
I was disappointed that the story seemed to lack a strong plot, there were many intertwined threads, storylines of the other characters, but the book was held together with sex. Although some of the sex scenes were beautifully written, the amount of sex seemed to become the focal point of the book. Through Serena’s growing photography business, we meets new supporting characters, some with minor roles and some more pivotal roles. It seemed that each new photographic opportunity for Serena, not only had the erotic side of the subject matter, and a hefty commission, but lead directly to some sort of sexual encounter with the photographic subjects. We had the elderly couple who tried to have a threesome with Serena, the young girls who shagged Serena after the completion of the family portraits in their home, the actress’s who felt they needed Serena to be filmed in their sexual encounter, after the photo shoot in the theater, and then sex scene at the private club after the bachelor party photo shoot. For me it started to get boring, I wanted more storyline, what happens when our characters are not having sex, wanted to know what Gustav did when he wasn’t with Serena, why did they come to the states - the US gallery business played no part in the story. There really wasn’t any character growth. The relationship between our H/h was tied to the photographic opportunities, or the adversarial behavior of Polly, Pierre or Margot; any growth they experienced was always a reaction to the situation, it was forced. I felt that Serena had lost too much of her strength and independence, becoming a willing victim in everyone’s sexual encounters, and far too needy with Gustav. I also disliked that she would never tell Gustav what was going on with Pierre, carrying the burden of the brother’s friendship like a badge of guilt.
I found that time was also an issue for me, the passages in the book seemed to jump around, it wasn’t a linear timeline, nor was it easy to tell when something was a memory, or a glimpse into the future. We started in the states at New Years, and towards the end of the book there was a reference to 7 weeks passing. Considering that time span of the story was maybe two and a half months give or take a day – the end of the use of silver chain and the opening of the golden locket seemed a bit premature or too soon for this relationship in my opinion.
Overall for me The Golden Locket was a three star read, as vested as I am in The Unbreakable Trilogy , I look forward to book three in the series, so I can see how the story come to it conclusion
ARC provided by NetGalley, HarperCollinsUK/Mischief books in exchange for an honest review
I enjoyed the first book of the trilogy and had high hopes for this book as well. Polly, Crystal, Pierre, and Margot reprise their roles from the first book. More than anything this book is about relationships – Pierre and Polly, Gustav and Serena, Gustav and Pierre , Pierre and Serena, and the effect that Margot has on them all. With the exception of Crystal, who remains a supportive friend to Serena, Polly, Pierre and Margot play disruptive, dangerous, jealous, vengeful roles, constantly challenging and threatening the budding relationship between Gustav and Serena. The story exposes secrets from Gustav’s and Pierre’s past, shows the brothers trying to rebuild their lost relationship, the lies, tricks and manipulated situations that Pierre sets out as traps for Serena.
I was disappointed that the story seemed to lack a strong plot, there were many intertwined threads, storylines of the other characters, but the book was held together with sex. Although some of the sex scenes were beautifully written, the amount of sex seemed to become the focal point of the book. Through Serena’s growing photography business, we meets new supporting characters, some with minor roles and some more pivotal roles. It seemed that each new photographic opportunity for Serena, not only had the erotic side of the subject matter, and a hefty commission, but lead directly to some sort of sexual encounter with the photographic subjects. We had the elderly couple who tried to have a threesome with Serena, the young girls who shagged Serena after the completion of the family portraits in their home, the actress’s who felt they needed Serena to be filmed in their sexual encounter, after the photo shoot in the theater, and then sex scene at the private club after the bachelor party photo shoot. For me it started to get boring, I wanted more storyline, what happens when our characters are not having sex, wanted to know what Gustav did when he wasn’t with Serena, why did they come to the states - the US gallery business played no part in the story. There really wasn’t any character growth. The relationship between our H/h was tied to the photographic opportunities, or the adversarial behavior of Polly, Pierre or Margot; any growth they experienced was always a reaction to the situation, it was forced. I felt that Serena had lost too much of her strength and independence, becoming a willing victim in everyone’s sexual encounters, and far too needy with Gustav. I also disliked that she would never tell Gustav what was going on with Pierre, carrying the burden of the brother’s friendship like a badge of guilt.
I found that time was also an issue for me, the passages in the book seemed to jump around, it wasn’t a linear timeline, nor was it easy to tell when something was a memory, or a glimpse into the future. We started in the states at New Years, and towards the end of the book there was a reference to 7 weeks passing. Considering that time span of the story was maybe two and a half months give or take a day – the end of the use of silver chain and the opening of the golden locket seemed a bit premature or too soon for this relationship in my opinion.
Overall for me The Golden Locket was a three star read, as vested as I am in The Unbreakable Trilogy , I look forward to book three in the series, so I can see how the story come to it conclusion
ARC provided by NetGalley, HarperCollinsUK/Mischief books in exchange for an honest review
December 31, 2013
Title: The Golden Locket
Author: Primula Bond
Publisher/Year: HarperCollins UK 5/6/14
Length: 400 pages
Series: Unbreakable Trilogy #2
Overview
Temptation would test them…
The second novel in the Unbreakable Trilogy, The Golden Locket follows Gustav and Serena to New York.
Ensconced in their Manhattan penthouse, all seems blissfully happy for Gustav and Serena. Still in the first flush of love, they have every satisfaction they could need.
But as they enjoy their New York pleasure ground, ghosts start to emerge from Gustav’s past, and when his damaged younger brother, Pierre, comes back into his life, he brings with him a dangerous threat…
With temptation waiting at every turn, can Gustav and Serena survive all the excitement that the Big Apple holds?
My Thoughts
so, after reading the introduction of the tale of Serena and Gustav, I had such high hopes on what could become of them since there's so much anxiety and animosity running through the relationships. we were left on such a cliff hanger, learning that Polly's boyfriend is none other than Gustav's estranged brother...and all hell breaks loose.
Fast forward just a short bit, and we are now in NYC where Gustav and Serena have relocated. Gustav is using some of his connections to get Serena some work, and she builds a name for herself not just as a voyeur photog, but as one that acts on it a bit as well. That's a big change from the naive little girl that we met in the first book and we're starting to see that she's not only becoming a master, but is she possibly mastering Gustav? She participates in activities with folks that a small town country girl never would think about, she becomes a temptress and seductress that men can't avoid being drawn to her and fantasize of her...and she indulges in fantasies that were originally not her own, but have somehow become such.
Throughout this story, we get a lot of insight into various sexual experiences, which of course are all designed to test Serena and see how devoted she is to Gustav? does she pass, does she fail? Well, what i will say is that she takes a commission to go to Venice and Gustav does not come with her....so make your own decisions there.
In this 2nd installment, Pierre rears his ugly head towards Serena since i have a feeling that his intentions are not on the nice and innocent side. All the while, his relationship with Polly is crumbing and that's a story line on it's own. Along with that, there's the woman that both men started their hatred of one another from, Margot, and she seems to be coming up a lot and possibly may be planning and plotting a way to come back.
I have to say though, that there's one small thing that i really enjoyed about this book aside from seeing where the friendships, brotherhoods, and relationships go - it's the locket itself. All throughout the book, we're told about this lovely gift that Gustav has given Serena, and we know that something's inside, and i'd be lying if i didn't say that EVERY page i kept wondering what was in it. is it something dark that would align with the vampire esque conversations in the first book, or is it something overly anti-climactic.
So, i will have to keep my eyes open for this 3rd and final installment that's still untitled i believe, since i have a feeling that the roller coaster that we were on so far is only just beginning.
Author: Primula Bond
Publisher/Year: HarperCollins UK 5/6/14
Length: 400 pages
Series: Unbreakable Trilogy #2
Overview
Temptation would test them…
The second novel in the Unbreakable Trilogy, The Golden Locket follows Gustav and Serena to New York.
Ensconced in their Manhattan penthouse, all seems blissfully happy for Gustav and Serena. Still in the first flush of love, they have every satisfaction they could need.
But as they enjoy their New York pleasure ground, ghosts start to emerge from Gustav’s past, and when his damaged younger brother, Pierre, comes back into his life, he brings with him a dangerous threat…
With temptation waiting at every turn, can Gustav and Serena survive all the excitement that the Big Apple holds?
My Thoughts
so, after reading the introduction of the tale of Serena and Gustav, I had such high hopes on what could become of them since there's so much anxiety and animosity running through the relationships. we were left on such a cliff hanger, learning that Polly's boyfriend is none other than Gustav's estranged brother...and all hell breaks loose.
Fast forward just a short bit, and we are now in NYC where Gustav and Serena have relocated. Gustav is using some of his connections to get Serena some work, and she builds a name for herself not just as a voyeur photog, but as one that acts on it a bit as well. That's a big change from the naive little girl that we met in the first book and we're starting to see that she's not only becoming a master, but is she possibly mastering Gustav? She participates in activities with folks that a small town country girl never would think about, she becomes a temptress and seductress that men can't avoid being drawn to her and fantasize of her...and she indulges in fantasies that were originally not her own, but have somehow become such.
Throughout this story, we get a lot of insight into various sexual experiences, which of course are all designed to test Serena and see how devoted she is to Gustav? does she pass, does she fail? Well, what i will say is that she takes a commission to go to Venice and Gustav does not come with her....so make your own decisions there.
In this 2nd installment, Pierre rears his ugly head towards Serena since i have a feeling that his intentions are not on the nice and innocent side. All the while, his relationship with Polly is crumbing and that's a story line on it's own. Along with that, there's the woman that both men started their hatred of one another from, Margot, and she seems to be coming up a lot and possibly may be planning and plotting a way to come back.
I have to say though, that there's one small thing that i really enjoyed about this book aside from seeing where the friendships, brotherhoods, and relationships go - it's the locket itself. All throughout the book, we're told about this lovely gift that Gustav has given Serena, and we know that something's inside, and i'd be lying if i didn't say that EVERY page i kept wondering what was in it. is it something dark that would align with the vampire esque conversations in the first book, or is it something overly anti-climactic.
So, i will have to keep my eyes open for this 3rd and final installment that's still untitled i believe, since i have a feeling that the roller coaster that we were on so far is only just beginning.
November 24, 2013
Full review and details can be found on my blog
http://foxylutely.blogspot.com/2013/1...
Review
*ARC provided direct from the publisher – Avon Books UK (Harper Collins) in exchange for my honest review
This is the second instalment of the Unbreakable Trilogy, and follows on from The Silver Chain in which the reader was left at the end knowing Pierre, Gustav’s long lost brother returns. However we had been left knowing Serena and Gustav were in a position to move on with their relationship which takes them to New York. Pierre follows them there and he certainly has a big impact on the storyline.
In this book Serena has matured considerably from the first book which was engaging in the ‘older, rich tycoon ravishes young country shy girl’ kind of way. But here, well let’s just say she is a totally different woman. Capitalising on the success of her first art show which Gustav had played a major part in, she is now trying to establish herself in New York to the rich and famous who she has promoted her skills as an voyeuristic photographer with the acclaims sweeping over the pond from London. It is in these commissions she lands that shows another darker and more advantageous side of Serena. Although Gustav shows conflict with this he knows he needs to let Serena experiment and act on these desires that he played a major part on being released.
For me it is these areas of the book I found a little hard to take. Whilst taking the pictures of the rich couple from high society she finds herself moved from being the voyeur to being engaged in the activity. Then again with the senator’s wholesome and innocent daughter on her pre marriage photo shoot and the dancers in the theatre behind that screen - just flabbergasted me! A whole lot of WTF was going through my mind reading these scenes.
As for Pierre, he was a conundrum and his behaviour so bizarre but then I guess we have a lot more to learn about Gustav’s younger brother and the ‘damage’ Gustav’s ex-wife, Margot has done to him. Oh yes Margot was still ingrained and entwined throughout the book and her evil spread even into the relationship Serena holds with her cousin Polly.
Polly was another eye opener in this book, as in book one she was a go getter, trend setter, kick ass who let no one control her. Yet here she is with Pierre being a total doormat. Gasp!
It was a delight to see the trust built between Serena and Gustav and I loved the action of what Gustav does to the silver chain near the end of the book. A wonderful significance of what the chain had been throughout both books.
But I guess the star of the book is the golden locket (hence the title) and I had tried to guess the significance of this. Was it an ownership emblem? What was held inside? Would it be a new contract for Serena or would it mean an entirely new direction for them both? I loved that by the end of the book Serena and Gustav had overcome another hurdle and cemented a new depth of love and trust.
However naughty, naughty Ms Bond leaves us with another cliffhanger! Who was the voyeur in that car outside the gallery, who left that letter and what the hell did it say? Good heavens I shall have to wait until The Diamond Ring is released in May 2014.
http://foxylutely.blogspot.com/2013/1...
Review
*ARC provided direct from the publisher – Avon Books UK (Harper Collins) in exchange for my honest review
This is the second instalment of the Unbreakable Trilogy, and follows on from The Silver Chain in which the reader was left at the end knowing Pierre, Gustav’s long lost brother returns. However we had been left knowing Serena and Gustav were in a position to move on with their relationship which takes them to New York. Pierre follows them there and he certainly has a big impact on the storyline.
In this book Serena has matured considerably from the first book which was engaging in the ‘older, rich tycoon ravishes young country shy girl’ kind of way. But here, well let’s just say she is a totally different woman. Capitalising on the success of her first art show which Gustav had played a major part in, she is now trying to establish herself in New York to the rich and famous who she has promoted her skills as an voyeuristic photographer with the acclaims sweeping over the pond from London. It is in these commissions she lands that shows another darker and more advantageous side of Serena. Although Gustav shows conflict with this he knows he needs to let Serena experiment and act on these desires that he played a major part on being released.
For me it is these areas of the book I found a little hard to take. Whilst taking the pictures of the rich couple from high society she finds herself moved from being the voyeur to being engaged in the activity. Then again with the senator’s wholesome and innocent daughter on her pre marriage photo shoot and the dancers in the theatre behind that screen - just flabbergasted me! A whole lot of WTF was going through my mind reading these scenes.
As for Pierre, he was a conundrum and his behaviour so bizarre but then I guess we have a lot more to learn about Gustav’s younger brother and the ‘damage’ Gustav’s ex-wife, Margot has done to him. Oh yes Margot was still ingrained and entwined throughout the book and her evil spread even into the relationship Serena holds with her cousin Polly.
Polly was another eye opener in this book, as in book one she was a go getter, trend setter, kick ass who let no one control her. Yet here she is with Pierre being a total doormat. Gasp!
It was a delight to see the trust built between Serena and Gustav and I loved the action of what Gustav does to the silver chain near the end of the book. A wonderful significance of what the chain had been throughout both books.
But I guess the star of the book is the golden locket (hence the title) and I had tried to guess the significance of this. Was it an ownership emblem? What was held inside? Would it be a new contract for Serena or would it mean an entirely new direction for them both? I loved that by the end of the book Serena and Gustav had overcome another hurdle and cemented a new depth of love and trust.
However naughty, naughty Ms Bond leaves us with another cliffhanger! Who was the voyeur in that car outside the gallery, who left that letter and what the hell did it say? Good heavens I shall have to wait until The Diamond Ring is released in May 2014.
November 21, 2013
The second installment in the Unbreakable Trilogy picks right up where the first left off, although the tension is increasing for all concerned. New city, new intrigue and Serena’s efforts to build her name in photography, new opportunities and situations.
Gustav and Serena have moved to New York City, he Is supporting her efforts to launch her photography career: with his connections the commissions are not all that difficult to come by, yet he wants Serena to succeed, his faith in her talent is obvious.
We met Gustav’s brother briefly in the first book, in this he reappears after a long period of silence between the brothers, instigated by lies and intrigues masterminded by Gustav’s ex-wife. More information and perspective on the estrangement between Gustav and Pierre is provided, with a clever use of point of view and reflection, Primula Bond gives depth and backstory to these two characters: I wasn’t a great fan of Gustav before this, I now feel as if I have a better understanding of his motivations.
And that is how this series works, Bond manages to fill in earlier blanks and improve impressions while firming up motivations with each new revelation. Gustav is far worldlier than Serena, this trip to New York is to serve a dual purpose, to educate and expose her to the options available, while also reinforcing their own bond. And giving her options to explore he does: from encouraging her voyeuristic side to exploring the limits of her sexual opportunities, the potential is worldly and endless.
We can’t forget that the majority of the focus on this book is working the relationship between Pierre and Gustav, and seeing just how that dynamic will affect the relationship between Serena and Gustav, as there is interest between she and Pierre. A tangled labyrinth of a story, that manages to answer as many questions from book one as it poses for book 3. Continuing with the jewelry theme, Gustav gifts Serena with another token, a Golden Locket: a token that serves to feed the romantic in them both: a remembrance of him, signifying the bond that is between them.
These are not books that stand alone, you must read them in order to be able to understand the bonds between the characters, and have the full impact of the sexual scenes to bring their full impact. There is sex in this book, but for the most part it is imbued with emotion and wonder in the enjoyment, a testament to Bond’s skill as a writer and her ability to put the reader into the scene with descriptions and prose that present wonderful imagery full of life and light.
I enjoyed this book as much as the first: new answers, new questions and Primula Bond’s ability to place a reader into the scene without overt direction or overplaying her hand with too much information or description. A superb follow-up to the first book, and a great addition to the series, I am certainly looking forward to the conclusion.
I received an eArc copy from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Gustav and Serena have moved to New York City, he Is supporting her efforts to launch her photography career: with his connections the commissions are not all that difficult to come by, yet he wants Serena to succeed, his faith in her talent is obvious.
We met Gustav’s brother briefly in the first book, in this he reappears after a long period of silence between the brothers, instigated by lies and intrigues masterminded by Gustav’s ex-wife. More information and perspective on the estrangement between Gustav and Pierre is provided, with a clever use of point of view and reflection, Primula Bond gives depth and backstory to these two characters: I wasn’t a great fan of Gustav before this, I now feel as if I have a better understanding of his motivations.
And that is how this series works, Bond manages to fill in earlier blanks and improve impressions while firming up motivations with each new revelation. Gustav is far worldlier than Serena, this trip to New York is to serve a dual purpose, to educate and expose her to the options available, while also reinforcing their own bond. And giving her options to explore he does: from encouraging her voyeuristic side to exploring the limits of her sexual opportunities, the potential is worldly and endless.
We can’t forget that the majority of the focus on this book is working the relationship between Pierre and Gustav, and seeing just how that dynamic will affect the relationship between Serena and Gustav, as there is interest between she and Pierre. A tangled labyrinth of a story, that manages to answer as many questions from book one as it poses for book 3. Continuing with the jewelry theme, Gustav gifts Serena with another token, a Golden Locket: a token that serves to feed the romantic in them both: a remembrance of him, signifying the bond that is between them.
These are not books that stand alone, you must read them in order to be able to understand the bonds between the characters, and have the full impact of the sexual scenes to bring their full impact. There is sex in this book, but for the most part it is imbued with emotion and wonder in the enjoyment, a testament to Bond’s skill as a writer and her ability to put the reader into the scene with descriptions and prose that present wonderful imagery full of life and light.
I enjoyed this book as much as the first: new answers, new questions and Primula Bond’s ability to place a reader into the scene without overt direction or overplaying her hand with too much information or description. A superb follow-up to the first book, and a great addition to the series, I am certainly looking forward to the conclusion.
I received an eArc copy from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
February 8, 2014
I received an ARC from the publisher, an invite to view the title via Netgalley.
3.5 stars.
Review contains some plot spoilers.
I loved the first book in the series, so much I pre ordered the second book from iBooks. Then a few months ago I got an email with an invite from the publisher to view via Netgalley and did a little happy dance. I was dying to continue this series.
The publisher asked that reviews not be posted until release date. Ok. I was going to be on holiday on release day so it would make good plane reading. Didn't quite manage that. I didn't cancel my pre order either. It wasn't until the middle of December that I actually started. I don't know what it was...for some reason I couldn't get into the second novel on the kindle version I had. I have since bought both books in this series in paperback and it's the paperback I finished.
The second instalment focuses on Gustav and Serena in New York where her photography career is taking off. The first book left off on an awesome cliffhanger. . This takes the drama up a whole notch. There was a big ass argument between the two brothers, and Serena throwing her own two cents in. Serena has several new commissions in New York which lead her down a whole new level of sexiness and voyeurism.
While I enjoyed the story very much, the first half seems to be about Gustav and Serena testing boundaries and the strength of their relationship in the desires and delights that the creme of the crop of New York have to offer, I didn't find the plot as gripping as the first novel. Some of the sex was smouldering. Gustav is as sexy as ever. Dominant without being a jackass. And smart enough to know how to handle firecracker Serena. The sex was fun and some of it was extremely hot. Though I found myself getting a little bored with it in this second instalment.
There wasn't so much Serena and Gustav. I think that was what made it dull for me. I understand where Gustav is coming from and admire him immensely for it.
The latter part of the novel kicked off in the drama. Not putting too much in about Pierre as that would be some major major plot spoilers. Gustav's terrible ex-wife Margot plays a huge part as well all though she's never really seen. The threat of her is still a heavy presence.
Either way, I certainly had fun reading it so a huge thanks to Avon for letting me view the title. I',m dying to read the final book in the series.
3.5 stars.
Review contains some plot spoilers.
I loved the first book in the series, so much I pre ordered the second book from iBooks. Then a few months ago I got an email with an invite from the publisher to view via Netgalley and did a little happy dance. I was dying to continue this series.
The publisher asked that reviews not be posted until release date. Ok. I was going to be on holiday on release day so it would make good plane reading. Didn't quite manage that. I didn't cancel my pre order either. It wasn't until the middle of December that I actually started. I don't know what it was...for some reason I couldn't get into the second novel on the kindle version I had. I have since bought both books in this series in paperback and it's the paperback I finished.
The second instalment focuses on Gustav and Serena in New York where her photography career is taking off. The first book left off on an awesome cliffhanger. . This takes the drama up a whole notch. There was a big ass argument between the two brothers, and Serena throwing her own two cents in. Serena has several new commissions in New York which lead her down a whole new level of sexiness and voyeurism.
While I enjoyed the story very much, the first half seems to be about Gustav and Serena testing boundaries and the strength of their relationship in the desires and delights that the creme of the crop of New York have to offer, I didn't find the plot as gripping as the first novel. Some of the sex was smouldering. Gustav is as sexy as ever. Dominant without being a jackass. And smart enough to know how to handle firecracker Serena. The sex was fun and some of it was extremely hot. Though I found myself getting a little bored with it in this second instalment.
There wasn't so much Serena and Gustav. I think that was what made it dull for me. I understand where Gustav is coming from and admire him immensely for it.
The latter part of the novel kicked off in the drama. Not putting too much in about Pierre as that would be some major major plot spoilers. Gustav's terrible ex-wife Margot plays a huge part as well all though she's never really seen. The threat of her is still a heavy presence.
Either way, I certainly had fun reading it so a huge thanks to Avon for letting me view the title. I',m dying to read the final book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2013
THE GOLDEN LOCKET is the second instalment in Primula Bond’s contemporary, adult erotica series focusing on twenty year old photographer Serena Folkes and billionaire recluse Gustav Levi. If you have ever watched the Tom Cruise movie-Eyes Wide Shut-there is a similarity to much of the storyline premise.
Following shortly after the events of The Silver Chain where Gustav comes face to face with the brother he has not seen in five years, Gustav will embark on a soul searching and revealing promise to reunite with his brother Pierre. Pierre and Gustav’s adult history together is fraught with betrayal, lies, accusations and misunderstanding which is dramatically different from their early years. Gustav is still a dark and tortured soul whose love for his brother is tempered by a betrayal he considers unforgivable but a betrayal where he believes his brother was used as a pawn in a game of deceit and revenge.
The relationship between Gustav and Serena is sensual, daring, dark and passionate but Gustav’s past life in the BDSM scene threatens the building relationship when friends and acquaintances want more from Serena than either she or Gustav are willing to accept. Gustav pulls Serena into a lifestyle she knew nothing about and in return will discover that he is having a hard time accepting that Serena is a willing participant in a different game. As Serena’s career begins to flourish she is drawn into a web of seduction and danger with every job opportunity.
Pierre Levi is a man possessed. He wants what his brother has-success, wealth and love- and he will go about capturing it all even the woman who is not his to possess.
The storyline is darker and more sexually erotic than The Silver Chain. Primula draws the reader into a world of domination and submission; betrayal and trust; manipulation and degradation. Although all of the people are willing participants, there are varying degrees of acceptance and in this a line was crossed on a couple of occasions.
The erotic and sexual content is sensual between Serena and Gustav but becomes aggressive and demanding when other people become involved. Our couple are willing to experiment and consider all of the options but it was uncomfortable at times when our heroine Serena appeared to be pushed into situations where she had very little control or say. This was not the fault of her lover but of other people taking advantage of her naivety, youth and connections to Gustav and his dark and dangerous world.
Primula Bond has written a storyline about two tortured souls-brothers-who have fallen victim to the same woman time and time again. There is an odd pull between Gustav and Pierre as it involves said woman, but the pull towards Serena may be the only thing that saves both men in the end. Serena is the woman to pull Gustav back from the edge but Pierre is a man looking for someone to pull him back.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
Following shortly after the events of The Silver Chain where Gustav comes face to face with the brother he has not seen in five years, Gustav will embark on a soul searching and revealing promise to reunite with his brother Pierre. Pierre and Gustav’s adult history together is fraught with betrayal, lies, accusations and misunderstanding which is dramatically different from their early years. Gustav is still a dark and tortured soul whose love for his brother is tempered by a betrayal he considers unforgivable but a betrayal where he believes his brother was used as a pawn in a game of deceit and revenge.
The relationship between Gustav and Serena is sensual, daring, dark and passionate but Gustav’s past life in the BDSM scene threatens the building relationship when friends and acquaintances want more from Serena than either she or Gustav are willing to accept. Gustav pulls Serena into a lifestyle she knew nothing about and in return will discover that he is having a hard time accepting that Serena is a willing participant in a different game. As Serena’s career begins to flourish she is drawn into a web of seduction and danger with every job opportunity.
Pierre Levi is a man possessed. He wants what his brother has-success, wealth and love- and he will go about capturing it all even the woman who is not his to possess.
The storyline is darker and more sexually erotic than The Silver Chain. Primula draws the reader into a world of domination and submission; betrayal and trust; manipulation and degradation. Although all of the people are willing participants, there are varying degrees of acceptance and in this a line was crossed on a couple of occasions.
The erotic and sexual content is sensual between Serena and Gustav but becomes aggressive and demanding when other people become involved. Our couple are willing to experiment and consider all of the options but it was uncomfortable at times when our heroine Serena appeared to be pushed into situations where she had very little control or say. This was not the fault of her lover but of other people taking advantage of her naivety, youth and connections to Gustav and his dark and dangerous world.
Primula Bond has written a storyline about two tortured souls-brothers-who have fallen victim to the same woman time and time again. There is an odd pull between Gustav and Pierre as it involves said woman, but the pull towards Serena may be the only thing that saves both men in the end. Serena is the woman to pull Gustav back from the edge but Pierre is a man looking for someone to pull him back.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
January 28, 2016
I received the book from Netgalley for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Unbreakable Trilogy Series, and I have to admit since I read The silver chain as well, that I loved this book more.
The complexity of the characters came more to the forefront and I could connect with both Serena and Gustav on a personal level in this book. Previously they were distant as if it could never happen but in this book their characters came to maturity, gone was the awkwardness of a new relationship when they met in Book 1. They were more relaxed and open with each other, with no hidden agenda's as they went on an exploration journey with their lives and sexuality.
Many of the question raced in book 1 was answered in this book, as you indulge yourself in the pages of this well written story. With believable scenes that captured the attention and kept me guessing on the outcome. The story unfolds flawlessly as they embark on a journey together, committed and very much in love.
Gustav's past came in view as we met Pierre, his younger brother and learn more about the fight that led to the separation of them for five years. The road to discover one another again and the havoc Gustav's ex-wife had caused. Although she remains an illusive character, her presences could be felt throughout the story line. Even between Pierre, Polly and Serena her lies could be seen that brought on a whole new set of problems.
The devastation that Margot left behind in both these men are mind boggling to say the least. She controlled both to the point of obsessive and abusive behavior and kept them apart due to lies and sick games.
The added characters of Mr and Mrs. Weinmeyer, the Robinson family, the Club Creme, Tomas and Crystal gave the story an erotic feel as you indulge in their fantasies. The boundaries were consistently moved of what was aloud or permissible within the relationship. It left Serena vulnerable during her commissions and she found herself in awkward positions often to discover what she was comfortable with at the end.
The Golden Locket's significance could be seen throughout the story as it unfolds, the silver chain always connecting them as a couple in the most erotic love scenes. Its conclusion was touching and very romantic.
As we move from New York to Venice we learn more about her self-discovery and her love for the one man she could not live without. Real, believable characters that would captivate you till the very end...and of course we are left with another cliff hanger.
Will we finally meet this illusive ex-wife of Gustav? We can only hope and see what the author has planned for Book 3.
I would recommend that book 1 would be read first since Book 2 do continue where they left in The Silver Chain.
This is the second book in the Unbreakable Trilogy Series, and I have to admit since I read The silver chain as well, that I loved this book more.
The complexity of the characters came more to the forefront and I could connect with both Serena and Gustav on a personal level in this book. Previously they were distant as if it could never happen but in this book their characters came to maturity, gone was the awkwardness of a new relationship when they met in Book 1. They were more relaxed and open with each other, with no hidden agenda's as they went on an exploration journey with their lives and sexuality.
Many of the question raced in book 1 was answered in this book, as you indulge yourself in the pages of this well written story. With believable scenes that captured the attention and kept me guessing on the outcome. The story unfolds flawlessly as they embark on a journey together, committed and very much in love.
Gustav's past came in view as we met Pierre, his younger brother and learn more about the fight that led to the separation of them for five years. The road to discover one another again and the havoc Gustav's ex-wife had caused. Although she remains an illusive character, her presences could be felt throughout the story line. Even between Pierre, Polly and Serena her lies could be seen that brought on a whole new set of problems.
The devastation that Margot left behind in both these men are mind boggling to say the least. She controlled both to the point of obsessive and abusive behavior and kept them apart due to lies and sick games.
The added characters of Mr and Mrs. Weinmeyer, the Robinson family, the Club Creme, Tomas and Crystal gave the story an erotic feel as you indulge in their fantasies. The boundaries were consistently moved of what was aloud or permissible within the relationship. It left Serena vulnerable during her commissions and she found herself in awkward positions often to discover what she was comfortable with at the end.
The Golden Locket's significance could be seen throughout the story as it unfolds, the silver chain always connecting them as a couple in the most erotic love scenes. Its conclusion was touching and very romantic.
As we move from New York to Venice we learn more about her self-discovery and her love for the one man she could not live without. Real, believable characters that would captivate you till the very end...and of course we are left with another cliff hanger.
Will we finally meet this illusive ex-wife of Gustav? We can only hope and see what the author has planned for Book 3.
I would recommend that book 1 would be read first since Book 2 do continue where they left in The Silver Chain.
November 21, 2013
ARC received from Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for an honest review.
Primula Bond’s second in her Unbreakable series, The Golden Locket continues the rollercoaster ride begun in The Silver Chain. Gustav and Serena have moved to New York City. As their relationship deepens and their sexual exploration continues, Gustav’s old nemesis, ex-wife Margot, continues to disturb the couple’s newly established connection and domestic bliss, and Pierre, Gustav’s brother, appears to be a pawn in the game, despite his protestations to the contrary.
My responses to this book remain similar to the first. Despite my frequent desire to shake some or all of these characters until their teeth rattle and my frustration with some of the plot developments, I remain intrigued, dismayed, captivated, annoyed and fascinated by turns.
There was some minor confusion in timeline at the beginning which made me have to re-read and I would have advised some stronger signposting to the writer. Character inconsistencies cropped up particularly with regard to Polly, who seems to be a thoroughly modern young woman and yet she continues to fixate on Pierre, even after that disastrous conversation on New Year’s Eve. Nothing in Polly’s background suggests that she would allow herself to be treated with dismissal.
I really disliked the Weinmeyers who came across creepy and somewhat intimidating. Despite their roles as clients, they push for less ‘approved’ client interaction, later claiming it was a ‘test.’ Meh.
Gustav flip-flops between being irritating and engaging. He is still a swoon-worthy man, but his emo mood swings become a real source of conflict. He fortunately gets his act together by the end.
As in the first book, the title item is symbolic and its significance is skillfully woven throughout the narrative. It is not until near the end that part of the mystery of the locket is revealed.
There is beautiful imagery throughout the book which is an ongoing theme from the first book. It gives a nod to the protagonist’s photographic eye and her inner voyeuristic nature which enable her to transform the ordinary into erotic art. This is particularly in evidence when the action moves to Venice during Carnivale.
Ms. Bond continues to pull readers in and has created a masterful cliffhanger ending, which managed to leave readers on the edge of their seats without tearing their hearts out. I look forward to the next book where it is to be hoped that issues are resolved and the evil nemesis defeated.
Thank you to Harper Collins UK and Avon Books for allowing me to read this book.
Primula Bond’s second in her Unbreakable series, The Golden Locket continues the rollercoaster ride begun in The Silver Chain. Gustav and Serena have moved to New York City. As their relationship deepens and their sexual exploration continues, Gustav’s old nemesis, ex-wife Margot, continues to disturb the couple’s newly established connection and domestic bliss, and Pierre, Gustav’s brother, appears to be a pawn in the game, despite his protestations to the contrary.
My responses to this book remain similar to the first. Despite my frequent desire to shake some or all of these characters until their teeth rattle and my frustration with some of the plot developments, I remain intrigued, dismayed, captivated, annoyed and fascinated by turns.
There was some minor confusion in timeline at the beginning which made me have to re-read and I would have advised some stronger signposting to the writer. Character inconsistencies cropped up particularly with regard to Polly, who seems to be a thoroughly modern young woman and yet she continues to fixate on Pierre, even after that disastrous conversation on New Year’s Eve. Nothing in Polly’s background suggests that she would allow herself to be treated with dismissal.
I really disliked the Weinmeyers who came across creepy and somewhat intimidating. Despite their roles as clients, they push for less ‘approved’ client interaction, later claiming it was a ‘test.’ Meh.
Gustav flip-flops between being irritating and engaging. He is still a swoon-worthy man, but his emo mood swings become a real source of conflict. He fortunately gets his act together by the end.
As in the first book, the title item is symbolic and its significance is skillfully woven throughout the narrative. It is not until near the end that part of the mystery of the locket is revealed.
There is beautiful imagery throughout the book which is an ongoing theme from the first book. It gives a nod to the protagonist’s photographic eye and her inner voyeuristic nature which enable her to transform the ordinary into erotic art. This is particularly in evidence when the action moves to Venice during Carnivale.
Ms. Bond continues to pull readers in and has created a masterful cliffhanger ending, which managed to leave readers on the edge of their seats without tearing their hearts out. I look forward to the next book where it is to be hoped that issues are resolved and the evil nemesis defeated.
Thank you to Harper Collins UK and Avon Books for allowing me to read this book.
August 4, 2014
Check out more of my reviews on my blog www.gemmareadstoomuchforittomenormal....
The Golden Locket is book #2 in The Unbreakable Trilogy here is my review of the first book The Silver Chain.
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this book or this trilogy.
I feel like I have changed allegiance in this book and I now am a bigger fan of Gustav than Serena.
I spent most of the book wanted to shake Serena and shout ‘What the Hell Are You Doing’
I HATE Pierre and I just don’t understand why Serena just sits back and let’s stuff happen without telling Gustav!!!
The kink factor in this book is head and shoulders above the first book but instead of focussing on the bondage side of things for some reason this book has a bit of a thing for girl on girl action.
I like Gustav in this book he is an idiot I love and we don’t see any of the weird stalker like tendencies that he exhibited previously.
God Polly needed a slap too what the hell was going on with her!!!
I’m not sure that I actually like this book, the sex seems forced and to be honest I feel again like Primula Bond throws in the ménage and lesbian stuff in the hope of being provocative.
Unfortunately for me it just didn’t work, the way the weird sex type scenes with everyone who fancied a grope were literally every other page was just a tad weird.
In this book Serena had full blown sex, received an orgasm from or kissed the following people.
- Gustav.
- The Weinmeyer’s both husband and wife had a grope on multiple occasions.
- Mr Robinson’s daughter and her lesbian lover.
- The two lesbian burlesque dancers.
- Pierre.
- Several unknown people at the party in Venice.
- The stag and several of his guests Inc Toga Tomas from the first book.
Now that’s just off the top of my head there is probably more!!!
What really infuriated me was that on all of these groping sessions the author wrote it as though Serena was being forced to be involved because she simply could not say no!!!
I know that some may find that sexy and titivating but I just really didn’t sorry!!!
Now last but not least I am convinced that everyone with half a brain knows that Pierre & Margot are in it together to try and split up Serena & Gustav I think it’s completely obvious!!!!!
I’m sorry but im giving this book 2 stars!!! The worst thing about this is I have committed to read the third and final book as well hopefully it will resolve all of the intrigue.
The Golden Locket is book #2 in The Unbreakable Trilogy here is my review of the first book The Silver Chain.
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this book or this trilogy.
I feel like I have changed allegiance in this book and I now am a bigger fan of Gustav than Serena.
I spent most of the book wanted to shake Serena and shout ‘What the Hell Are You Doing’
I HATE Pierre and I just don’t understand why Serena just sits back and let’s stuff happen without telling Gustav!!!
The kink factor in this book is head and shoulders above the first book but instead of focussing on the bondage side of things for some reason this book has a bit of a thing for girl on girl action.
I like Gustav in this book he is an idiot I love and we don’t see any of the weird stalker like tendencies that he exhibited previously.
God Polly needed a slap too what the hell was going on with her!!!
I’m not sure that I actually like this book, the sex seems forced and to be honest I feel again like Primula Bond throws in the ménage and lesbian stuff in the hope of being provocative.
Unfortunately for me it just didn’t work, the way the weird sex type scenes with everyone who fancied a grope were literally every other page was just a tad weird.
In this book Serena had full blown sex, received an orgasm from or kissed the following people.
- Gustav.
- The Weinmeyer’s both husband and wife had a grope on multiple occasions.
- Mr Robinson’s daughter and her lesbian lover.
- The two lesbian burlesque dancers.
- Pierre.
- Several unknown people at the party in Venice.
- The stag and several of his guests Inc Toga Tomas from the first book.
Now that’s just off the top of my head there is probably more!!!
What really infuriated me was that on all of these groping sessions the author wrote it as though Serena was being forced to be involved because she simply could not say no!!!
I know that some may find that sexy and titivating but I just really didn’t sorry!!!
Now last but not least I am convinced that everyone with half a brain knows that Pierre & Margot are in it together to try and split up Serena & Gustav I think it’s completely obvious!!!!!
I’m sorry but im giving this book 2 stars!!! The worst thing about this is I have committed to read the third and final book as well hopefully it will resolve all of the intrigue.
August 31, 2016
***I won this book on a first reads.***
This is book 2 in the Unbreakable trilogy, and follows straight off after The Silver Chain book 1. I felt there was a great deal of difference between this book and The Silver Chain for so many reasons. Good and bad differences. Although this book leads straight on, where you find Gustav and Serena in New York pursuing her up and coming photography career and Gustav's already lucrative business over there. Everything seems to take a much different pace from book 1. For starters we don't really see all that much of Gustav in this book as it focuses far more on Serena's career and her client base. Extremely wealthy clients who have seen her work and know she favours being a somewhat sexual voyeur. Therefore her clients seem to have a lot of compromising propositions for her. So were really seeing a glimpse of some wealthy and kinky clients through Serena's exceedingly aroused and desperate to experiment, eyes.
This is all good and some really hot and explicit scenes, which are written really well. I must admit I find I'm not as keen on Serena as I was in the first book. She seems very full of herself and never doubts her affect on others. She's crazy in love with Gustav, yet is constantly putting herself in the line of fire with her abundantly hard to control desires. She always seems to be in situations out of her control and I find it gets a little bit too unrealistic after a while.
We also have the addiction of Pierre, Gustav's younger brother in this book. Who is the younger, more risky and carefree version of Gustav. Who it seems to also have fallen under Serena's spell. I can't say much more about him without giving too much away.
Luckily on the plus side in this book, the really repetitive and ridiculous pet names have disappeared from Gustav's vocabulary. Maybe because he's not in this one as much or maybe because it was seen to be annoying, I'm not sure. But it's much better.
So on the whole, great storyline. Great writing. The characters are warming on me (when Serena's in check) and the hotness rates high! Left on a cliffhanger again as it was in book 1. So I'm excited for book 3. 3.5 stars.
This is book 2 in the Unbreakable trilogy, and follows straight off after The Silver Chain book 1. I felt there was a great deal of difference between this book and The Silver Chain for so many reasons. Good and bad differences. Although this book leads straight on, where you find Gustav and Serena in New York pursuing her up and coming photography career and Gustav's already lucrative business over there. Everything seems to take a much different pace from book 1. For starters we don't really see all that much of Gustav in this book as it focuses far more on Serena's career and her client base. Extremely wealthy clients who have seen her work and know she favours being a somewhat sexual voyeur. Therefore her clients seem to have a lot of compromising propositions for her. So were really seeing a glimpse of some wealthy and kinky clients through Serena's exceedingly aroused and desperate to experiment, eyes.
This is all good and some really hot and explicit scenes, which are written really well. I must admit I find I'm not as keen on Serena as I was in the first book. She seems very full of herself and never doubts her affect on others. She's crazy in love with Gustav, yet is constantly putting herself in the line of fire with her abundantly hard to control desires. She always seems to be in situations out of her control and I find it gets a little bit too unrealistic after a while.
We also have the addiction of Pierre, Gustav's younger brother in this book. Who is the younger, more risky and carefree version of Gustav. Who it seems to also have fallen under Serena's spell. I can't say much more about him without giving too much away.
Luckily on the plus side in this book, the really repetitive and ridiculous pet names have disappeared from Gustav's vocabulary. Maybe because he's not in this one as much or maybe because it was seen to be annoying, I'm not sure. But it's much better.
So on the whole, great storyline. Great writing. The characters are warming on me (when Serena's in check) and the hotness rates high! Left on a cliffhanger again as it was in book 1. So I'm excited for book 3. 3.5 stars.
August 19, 2016
The Golden Locket is the second book in the Unbreakable Trilogy by Primula Bond. The continuation of Serena and Gustav's relationship has New York as a backdrop. As their relationship and connection deepens, Gustav bestows upon Serena a golden locket with a hidden treasure inside. Serena has blossomed into a confident seductress and artist who is quite in demand to the rich and kinky in New York. New York offers various temptations to Serena's new found adventurous nature as she is booked by the wealthy for her photographic genius that lead into sensual extracurricular activities. Serena's role is reversed from a voyeur to avid participant. Now Gustav does indulge in Serena's new found desires, but sets limits. While I did find some of the situations cliché - the extremely wealthy over indulging in kink and sex- I found that Serena's sexual awakening showed not only her growth as a woman, but also in confidence. Some of her clients were over the top and gave the story a much needed lightness within such tense situations with the brotherly reunion. With Pierre Levi now in the picture, emotions and past resentments fill the story with an ever present tension and an eerie foreboding. Pierre's hidden agenda and the lingering of Margot's ghost mess with our dear Serena's mind. The story is beautifully written as Serena relates her feelings, experiences, desires and with her descriptions of New York and Venice - its inhabitants, sights, sounds and weather. The writing captures on overall mood that brings a reader into Serena's thoughts and emotions- she describes every detail with an ease that makes you feel as if you are right there with her. I really enjoyed the continuation of Serena and Gustav's story and the evolution of their relationship. The stakes are now higher in our couple's relationship once what is inside the locket is revealed (I won't say what's in the locket you'll have to read it to find out!!!) The ending was great and I cannot wait to continue their story.
*ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
*ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
November 26, 2013
To some extent, I'd say there's less overt silliness in this book (i.e. chaining a woman to a wall with a chain that actually allows her to explore an entire house), and you could even say that there's more emotional depth. But there's still a fair amount of silliness, so it's hard to take it too seriously.
With this volume, Gustav and Serena have relocated to NYC, where Gustav's primary motivation seems to be reconciliation with his brother Pierre and Serena's primary motivation seems to be establishing herself as a major photographer. However, her first commission is more of her "voyeur photography" for a very rich, very decadent couple with a taste for threesomes. While she refuses their intimate invitation, this opens Serena up to the concept, which then leads her into a new era of discovery, as it were. Here's where the silliness comes in--while I don't have a problem with the first couple inviting her to put down the camera and play, the next couple of incidents make no sense to me. Even given the subject of the photography, who just invites/forces their photographer to participate as a matter of course? I'm supposed to believe that Serena is so absolutely irresistible that everyone on the planet is compelled to come on to her? And in case you hadn't figured it out from the beginning, that includes Pierre, of course.
The emotional conflict on the subject of Gustav and Pierre seems fairly believable. Because she cares so much for Gustav, Serena doesn't want to ruin his nascent relationship by telling him the shenanigans that Pierre is up to. Obviously, this produces a screaming, flashing lightbulb warning of "gonna bite you in the butt!!!", not all of which plays out in this book. The specter of Margot, the woman who broke the brothers up in the first place, continues to grow, though again Bond seems to be waiting for her conclusion volume to bring that plotline to head. I do find myself more sucked in after this volume than I was after the first.
I received this ARC from NetGalley.
With this volume, Gustav and Serena have relocated to NYC, where Gustav's primary motivation seems to be reconciliation with his brother Pierre and Serena's primary motivation seems to be establishing herself as a major photographer. However, her first commission is more of her "voyeur photography" for a very rich, very decadent couple with a taste for threesomes. While she refuses their intimate invitation, this opens Serena up to the concept, which then leads her into a new era of discovery, as it were. Here's where the silliness comes in--while I don't have a problem with the first couple inviting her to put down the camera and play, the next couple of incidents make no sense to me. Even given the subject of the photography, who just invites/forces their photographer to participate as a matter of course? I'm supposed to believe that Serena is so absolutely irresistible that everyone on the planet is compelled to come on to her? And in case you hadn't figured it out from the beginning, that includes Pierre, of course.
The emotional conflict on the subject of Gustav and Pierre seems fairly believable. Because she cares so much for Gustav, Serena doesn't want to ruin his nascent relationship by telling him the shenanigans that Pierre is up to. Obviously, this produces a screaming, flashing lightbulb warning of "gonna bite you in the butt!!!", not all of which plays out in this book. The specter of Margot, the woman who broke the brothers up in the first place, continues to grow, though again Bond seems to be waiting for her conclusion volume to bring that plotline to head. I do find myself more sucked in after this volume than I was after the first.
I received this ARC from NetGalley.
December 27, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The original review can be found on Genuine Jenn
I have really had a love/hate relationship with this series. I love how Primula Bond is a fabulous story teller she grabs you right from the beginning and hooks you for the rest of the book even if it isn't really something that you think is "real" life. This book was WAY out there for myself but I continued to read on and really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the final installment of the Unbreakable Trilogy now that I am fully invested in the story line and I want to know what happens to Gustav & Serena. Bond really makes you feel part of the action and you feel for the characters. Gustav in this book is opening up more to the relationship with Serena but still is very mysterious and handsome.
This book picks up from where we left off in book one learning about the Levi brothers dark secrets and is very dark and heavy. The beginning has a lot of dialog but you learn all about Gustav's brother Pierre who we met at the end of book #1. I did find this a bit long and was starting to think this book was going to be more dialog than story but it got moving and had me interested in seeing where it was heading.
Serena and Gustav take their relationship to a whole new level and learn about trusting each other while Gustav gave Serena the okay to explore her sexuality. It seemed like everywhere Serena turned she was met with temptation, exploration and lust. Pierre wasn't my favorite character in this book and I was hoping to see a happy ending for Gustav and Serena. This is definitely a roller coaster storyline but it is heavy on the sexual exploring, along with deception and manipulation. To be able to follow this storyline you do need to read the first book as they are not stand alone.
I give this book 3 stars out of 5.
I have really had a love/hate relationship with this series. I love how Primula Bond is a fabulous story teller she grabs you right from the beginning and hooks you for the rest of the book even if it isn't really something that you think is "real" life. This book was WAY out there for myself but I continued to read on and really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the final installment of the Unbreakable Trilogy now that I am fully invested in the story line and I want to know what happens to Gustav & Serena. Bond really makes you feel part of the action and you feel for the characters. Gustav in this book is opening up more to the relationship with Serena but still is very mysterious and handsome.
This book picks up from where we left off in book one learning about the Levi brothers dark secrets and is very dark and heavy. The beginning has a lot of dialog but you learn all about Gustav's brother Pierre who we met at the end of book #1. I did find this a bit long and was starting to think this book was going to be more dialog than story but it got moving and had me interested in seeing where it was heading.
Serena and Gustav take their relationship to a whole new level and learn about trusting each other while Gustav gave Serena the okay to explore her sexuality. It seemed like everywhere Serena turned she was met with temptation, exploration and lust. Pierre wasn't my favorite character in this book and I was hoping to see a happy ending for Gustav and Serena. This is definitely a roller coaster storyline but it is heavy on the sexual exploring, along with deception and manipulation. To be able to follow this storyline you do need to read the first book as they are not stand alone.
I give this book 3 stars out of 5.
November 22, 2013
Feel like reading a captivating, disturbingly dark erotica? Then,
The Golden Locket
is for you.
Stylistically speaking, Primula Bond has an interesting, beautifully descriptive prose. The exquisite detail taken in some scenes will transport the reader into the story. She is not unnecessarily loquacious, but rather, generous in her vivid story-telling.
It's the story arc that might leave you frustrated, though. Can you handle a heroine who can be chained for her and her lover's pleasure? Can you swing your sexual-preferences pendulum in as many directions as Serena? Can you survive a rather loose understanding of fidelity? Will you enjoy the dark, dominating, yet dependent Hero?
In some sense, this section of the three-part story, was the missive of Serena's sexual exploration. Be prepared for graphic and strangely eclectic sex scenes. Be prepared for the discovery of the fine line between lust and hate. Longing and abhorrence. Self-adoration and self-flagellation.
This is not light bedtime reading, as you will find it hard to put down, and possibly find yourself far too aroused to sleep. Not necessarily aroused in a sensual way, but in your mind. Images may disturb some. This is not a sweet, undemanding read. It was dark. It was somewhat mystical. It was intense. The Golden Locket is for readers who enjoy reading Tiffany Reisz.
I am not certain I would return for the third installment as I didn't feel completely invested in the characters. I am a picky reader. For the most part, I loved Serena's fire and pluck. But, there were frequent WTH moments for me. I loved the vivid pictures, especially when the story was in Venice, created by Bond's elaborate writing.
If you've read The Silver Chain, do read this next installment. I welcome feedback on this review once you've read The Golden Locket.
Thank you LightBrigade for the ARC of The Golden Locket in exchange for an honest review.
Stylistically speaking, Primula Bond has an interesting, beautifully descriptive prose. The exquisite detail taken in some scenes will transport the reader into the story. She is not unnecessarily loquacious, but rather, generous in her vivid story-telling.
It's the story arc that might leave you frustrated, though. Can you handle a heroine who can be chained for her and her lover's pleasure? Can you swing your sexual-preferences pendulum in as many directions as Serena? Can you survive a rather loose understanding of fidelity? Will you enjoy the dark, dominating, yet dependent Hero?
In some sense, this section of the three-part story, was the missive of Serena's sexual exploration. Be prepared for graphic and strangely eclectic sex scenes. Be prepared for the discovery of the fine line between lust and hate. Longing and abhorrence. Self-adoration and self-flagellation.
This is not light bedtime reading, as you will find it hard to put down, and possibly find yourself far too aroused to sleep. Not necessarily aroused in a sensual way, but in your mind. Images may disturb some. This is not a sweet, undemanding read. It was dark. It was somewhat mystical. It was intense. The Golden Locket is for readers who enjoy reading Tiffany Reisz.
I am not certain I would return for the third installment as I didn't feel completely invested in the characters. I am a picky reader. For the most part, I loved Serena's fire and pluck. But, there were frequent WTH moments for me. I loved the vivid pictures, especially when the story was in Venice, created by Bond's elaborate writing.
If you've read The Silver Chain, do read this next installment. I welcome feedback on this review once you've read The Golden Locket.
Thank you LightBrigade for the ARC of The Golden Locket in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2013
Reviewed by: Melissa
“‘Never say never’ could be a risky adage. Risky is where the fun is, don’t you agree?”
The Golden Locket, book two of Primula Bond’s Unbreakable Trilogy, picks up right where The Silver Chain concluded, with Gustav and Serena leaving London for Manhattan in search of new opportunities for their professional and personal lives. Now committed to making his relationship with Serena flourish and deepen, Gustav is equally committed to supporting her budding career as a talented photographer. Ever the sexual adventurist, Gustav encourages Serena to “explore” her sexual wants, desires and needs by introducing her to well-heeled socialites who become clients, friends and seductive encounters. Gustav’s younger, troubled brother Pierre adds tension, plot twists and drama to the story as his machinations and obsessions threaten Gustav and his relationship with Serena. Will Gustav and Serena’s relationship survive the outside forces conspiring against them?
Once again Primula hooked me with her sensually descriptive atmosphere, complex characters and tightly woven plot. Gustav and Serena’s relationship continues to deepen and evolve in The Golden Locket and I found myself racing through the pages to find out what would happen next. The story line is laced with sultry encounters that steam up the pages while adding depth to the characters. Gustav, committed to assuring that Serena fulfills her erotic fantasies, is a mysterious, thoughtful and sexy leading man and Serena comes into her own as the self assured artist is not afraid to take what (or who) she wants. The Golden Locket ramps up the tension as Gustav and his brother Pierre try to renew their relationship, but when Pierre takes his obsessions with Margot and Serena too new far seeds of deceit are planted adding tension and intrigue. Left with a startling cliff hanger, I can’t wait to read the final installment to see how the the series concludes.
“‘Never say never’ could be a risky adage. Risky is where the fun is, don’t you agree?”
The Golden Locket, book two of Primula Bond’s Unbreakable Trilogy, picks up right where The Silver Chain concluded, with Gustav and Serena leaving London for Manhattan in search of new opportunities for their professional and personal lives. Now committed to making his relationship with Serena flourish and deepen, Gustav is equally committed to supporting her budding career as a talented photographer. Ever the sexual adventurist, Gustav encourages Serena to “explore” her sexual wants, desires and needs by introducing her to well-heeled socialites who become clients, friends and seductive encounters. Gustav’s younger, troubled brother Pierre adds tension, plot twists and drama to the story as his machinations and obsessions threaten Gustav and his relationship with Serena. Will Gustav and Serena’s relationship survive the outside forces conspiring against them?
Once again Primula hooked me with her sensually descriptive atmosphere, complex characters and tightly woven plot. Gustav and Serena’s relationship continues to deepen and evolve in The Golden Locket and I found myself racing through the pages to find out what would happen next. The story line is laced with sultry encounters that steam up the pages while adding depth to the characters. Gustav, committed to assuring that Serena fulfills her erotic fantasies, is a mysterious, thoughtful and sexy leading man and Serena comes into her own as the self assured artist is not afraid to take what (or who) she wants. The Golden Locket ramps up the tension as Gustav and his brother Pierre try to renew their relationship, but when Pierre takes his obsessions with Margot and Serena too new far seeds of deceit are planted adding tension and intrigue. Left with a startling cliff hanger, I can’t wait to read the final installment to see how the the series concludes.
January 8, 2017
Having gobbled up The Silver chain I was really excited to read this, in fact I enjoyed the first book so much I kept putting off reading this because I didn't want to get closer to the trilogy ending. Yes, I do realise that's crazy behaviour, but I don't care. ;p
This book starts a few weeks after the first one ends, and does a very respectable job of filling in the details of the missing weeks without bombarding us with information. In this book we see Serena as a much more collected and mature character, there are a few moments where the younger Serena shows herself but overall this is a much more grown up character, and in Gustav we have a man who is more relaxed and is finding his way to being the man he wants to be for her. At the end of the first book we met Gustav's estranged brother Pierre, and this book develops his character, we start of with a man who seems completely together and sure of himself but little clues lead you to think all is not what it seems, and things unravel quickly. I think one of my favourite characters in this book was Polly, she went from being this strong-minded, independent woman to a raging mess. I'm sure we all know someone who has had this happen; you get totally strung out by a guy. I couldn't wait to see what she did next, and she did not disappoint. Another character who seemed to be looming ever larger in the background was Margot, Gustav's ex-wife, her potential presence still causing upset and paranoia.
While I loved the character and story development we see in this book, there were a few scenes that felt forced, almost out of character. But as someone who is currently trying to 'discover' myself sexually I understand they were things that had a real place. And while they made me a bit uncomfortable they did nothing to damage my love of the book or my desperate urge to read the next instalment.......now. A good addition to what is shaping up to be an excellent series.
This book starts a few weeks after the first one ends, and does a very respectable job of filling in the details of the missing weeks without bombarding us with information. In this book we see Serena as a much more collected and mature character, there are a few moments where the younger Serena shows herself but overall this is a much more grown up character, and in Gustav we have a man who is more relaxed and is finding his way to being the man he wants to be for her. At the end of the first book we met Gustav's estranged brother Pierre, and this book develops his character, we start of with a man who seems completely together and sure of himself but little clues lead you to think all is not what it seems, and things unravel quickly. I think one of my favourite characters in this book was Polly, she went from being this strong-minded, independent woman to a raging mess. I'm sure we all know someone who has had this happen; you get totally strung out by a guy. I couldn't wait to see what she did next, and she did not disappoint. Another character who seemed to be looming ever larger in the background was Margot, Gustav's ex-wife, her potential presence still causing upset and paranoia.
While I loved the character and story development we see in this book, there were a few scenes that felt forced, almost out of character. But as someone who is currently trying to 'discover' myself sexually I understand they were things that had a real place. And while they made me a bit uncomfortable they did nothing to damage my love of the book or my desperate urge to read the next instalment.......now. A good addition to what is shaping up to be an excellent series.
June 26, 2014
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in place of an honest review.
The first book in this series just pulled me in and I thought that a book like that would probably be boring and I wouldn't like it. Well I didn't like it I loved it. In the first book you see Gustav and Serena working on their relationship, learning how to trust, and letting the past of his ex-wife stop holding him back.
In this second book you will start were the other left off. Seems these two are going from London to New York City. Now they will have more that happens in the city and it won't be like London. Gustav tales Serena because she wants her photography career to launch out and get new people to see it. Gustav supports her because he believes that she has a talent.
In this book I was happy to see that some of my questions will be answered but I still have some left. We get to see into his past with his brother before his ex-wife came between them. So you get more knowledge and you understand why he is the way he is. They are still working on their relationship and trying new things. Serena has opened up more and this time she is given a gift to show how much their love is growing.
I didn't know if this would be the last in the series but now I have the answer. This is not the end and we have a chance to hopefully get some more questions answered. This author has done a wonderful job with this series. I was caught up in this one and didn't think that it would pass the first one.I was hooked more on this one. I would be chewing on my lips wondering what would happen next.
If you haven't read this series you really need to and yes some of the stuff is dark but it turns very emotional in the second book. I know that there will be a third and I will be going crazy until I have it in my hands.
The first book in this series just pulled me in and I thought that a book like that would probably be boring and I wouldn't like it. Well I didn't like it I loved it. In the first book you see Gustav and Serena working on their relationship, learning how to trust, and letting the past of his ex-wife stop holding him back.
In this second book you will start were the other left off. Seems these two are going from London to New York City. Now they will have more that happens in the city and it won't be like London. Gustav tales Serena because she wants her photography career to launch out and get new people to see it. Gustav supports her because he believes that she has a talent.
In this book I was happy to see that some of my questions will be answered but I still have some left. We get to see into his past with his brother before his ex-wife came between them. So you get more knowledge and you understand why he is the way he is. They are still working on their relationship and trying new things. Serena has opened up more and this time she is given a gift to show how much their love is growing.
I didn't know if this would be the last in the series but now I have the answer. This is not the end and we have a chance to hopefully get some more questions answered. This author has done a wonderful job with this series. I was caught up in this one and didn't think that it would pass the first one.I was hooked more on this one. I would be chewing on my lips wondering what would happen next.
If you haven't read this series you really need to and yes some of the stuff is dark but it turns very emotional in the second book. I know that there will be a third and I will be going crazy until I have it in my hands.
November 6, 2013
Sexier, darker and more in depth than The Silver Chain, the second installment of Primula Bond's Unbreakable trilogy continues the story of billionaire Gustav Levi, and Serena Folkes, his protege-turned girlfriend. Gustav and Serena have left London for Manhattan so Gustav can concentrate on his 'American Business Assets" (what these "business assets" are is never fully explained other than it has something to do with art galleries), and Serena can begin her career as a photographer. Much of the story focuses on Serena and the wealthy friends and associates Gustav introduces her to, and there are several scorching hot sex scenes that include girl-on-girl and three-way action. The Golden Locket also explores the history of Gustav and his long estranged brother Pierre. Ms. Bond's writing is stylish and sophisticated, but she is at her best in "back story" scenes of Pierre and Gustav's childhood or Gustav's marriage to the mysterious Margot. The specter of Margot hangs heavy in The Golden Locket-she is always just out of sight but never far from the minds of several of the characters. Serena is the real star of the story, however, and while she is still "attached" to Gustav thru their silver chain, she also expresses her newfound sexuality and professional growth away from Gustav's influence. Pierre is also central to the story, and he comes across as bolder and kinkier than his more reserved older brother. In some ways Pierre is a better match for Serena than Gustav, and this idea is not lost on Serena. There is an actual golden locket in the plot and its meaning is explained at the end of the novel, which sets up the next book in the series. Ms. Bond has created an erotic series with substance, depth and enough suspense to make you eagerly await the next installment.
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