Unbound

Cara McKenna

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scottish highlands setting

transformative journey of self discovery

kink exploration in romance

body image issues

emotional depth and humor

intimacy and personal growth

character development in contemporary romance

sympathetic character portrayal

isolated cabin atmosphere

realistic depiction of relationships

evolving relationship dynamics

slow pacing for emotional exploration

recovering alcoholic character

submissive desires and fetishes

Unbound by Cara McKenna is a compelling and immersive read that delves into the complex and realistic depiction of two deeply sympathetic characters, Merry and Rob. Merry, who undergoes a dramatic weight loss, embarks on a journey across Scotland to rediscover herself, where she encounters Rob, a recovering alcoholic with submissive desires and fetishes. The story follows their evolving relationship, challenges, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. McKenna's writing style is lauded for its unique take on romance and erotica, weaving together themes of healing, intimacy, and personal growth with depth and authenticity.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, with Merry dealing with body image and Rob confronting his past, showcasing significant emotional growth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is gripping and realistic, skillfully balancing emotional depth with humor while driving character development effectively.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on Merry's transformative journey of self-discovery intertwined with her encounter with Rob, highlighting themes of acceptance and the exploration of kink.

Setting:

The setting is a remote cabin in the Scottish Highlands, contributing to the story's atmosphere of isolation and introspection.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow, facilitating a thorough exploration of the characters' emotions and relationship development.

Hey gals! Anybody free for pre-vacay drinks tomorrow? I figure it’s pretty likely I’ll get taken captive as a sex slave by some rippling, kilted Highlander next week, never to return. Promise you’ll k...

Notes:

The novel features a journey of self-discovery and acceptance for the main character, Merry.

Merry has lost nearly 100 pounds before the story begins, impacting her self-image.

Rob, the male lead, is a recovering alcoholic living as a recluse in the Scottish Highlands.

Both characters deal with significant emotional baggage and shame surrounding their pasts.

The story includes elements of BDSM, with Merry taking on a dominant role and Rob being submissive.

The novel explores themes of loneliness, body image, and the complexities of relationships.

Set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, the story emphasizes nature and solitude.

The author, Cara McKenna, is praised for her realistic portrayals of flawed characters.

The book features a slow burn romance that highlights emotional connections alongside physical intimacy.

Readers report feeling deeply affected by the characters' journeys, often needing breaks during emotionally intense moments.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of internalized shame around kink, references to alcoholism, body image issues following weight loss, and emotional abuse.

Has Romance?

Yes, there is a strong romantic element as the main characters develop a deep emotional and physical connection.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

An all-new novel from the author of After Hours. She set out to find herself, and discovered the darker side of desire. Merry’s lost a lot recently—first her mother, then close to a hundred pounds.

Feeling adrift, she strikes out in search of perspective. A three-week hike through the Scottish Highlands was supposed to challenge her new body and refocus her priorities, but when disaster strikes, she’s forced to seek refuge in the remote home of a brooding, handsome stranger… Rob exiled himself to the Highlands years ago, desperate to escape his own self-destruction.

Haunted by regrets, he avoids human contact at all costs…but when Merry turns up injured, he can’t very well run her off. And as he nurses her back to health, Rob can’t resist his guest’s sweet demeanor—or her flirtatious advances.

The igniting passion between them rouses a secret appetite Rob has long struggled to keep hidden. But Merry craves nothing more than to help Rob surrender to his desires, and the journey draws the lovers into an entirely different kind of wilderness.

Ratings (8)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (32):

Read It (8)
Want To Read (15)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (7)

What can you read after
Unbound?

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