Bound was written for the Goodreads M/M Romance Group’s 2014 Love’s Landscapes Event. It’s the story of Adrian and Nathan and their growing relationship. It’s told in third person through the eyes of both Adrian and Nathan.

Adrian has been injured in a motorcycle accident and has lost the use of his legs. He's become bitter, angry and depressed. He pities himself, believing he’ll never find another boyfriend and will only end up having pity sex periodically for the rest of his life. Over a year has passed and he’s lost his friends and pushes people away. He’s been going to physical therapy and after a while meets Nathan, a physical therapist.

Nathan is a nice, cheerful, persistent guy. He’s attracted to Adrian right off the bat, but Adrian thinks Nathan is making fun of him, so he pushes Nathan away. But Nathan is patient until he eventually is able to get a date with Adrian under the guise of a ‘therapy session.’ Because of Adrian’s insecurity and anger, Nathan has to contend with a lot, but he keeps urging Adrian to push himself to go out, do more and learn more. There’s a lot of contention in their relationship.

One evening by accident, Adrian finds out that Nathan is into BDSM like Adrian used to be before his accident. Now Adrian has a chance to gain something back from his former life. In this story the BDSM is light so I think many people who don’t like BDSM, might actually be able to read this. I think those who are looking for harder core BDSM will be disappointed.

The author did a great job with the progression of Adrian’s and Nathan’s relationship. There were no magic fixes, either mentally, emotionally or physically. It all took a lot of hard work. The plot would jump through time. It would focus on an event then jump a few weeks or months into the future at various times throughout the story. I would get into the story, but the jumping in time would pull me out. I think this was the main problem I had with the story. Other than that I liked that this wasn’t instant love and it was a relationship that took it’s time to grow, just like real life.

Despite starting on a very sad note, this is a happy story. Bound is not so much about BDSM, but about overcoming obstacles and finding your happily ever after. I give this story 4.5 stars and raise it to 5 Stars.
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Well written hurt comfort fic. The first few pages are almost uncomfortable to read, the way Adrian cuts himself off from everybody. Covers a long period of time in a short story. My only complaint would be that I'd have liked to see more of the in between moments.

Don't be put off by the BDSM. It's more BDSM-lite. ( )

This was a very beautiful story. I enjoyed the realism of Adrian's frustrations and fears. Nate was a beautiful soul with a big heart. I really liked this story. ( )

Well written hurt comfort fic. The first few pages are almost uncomfortable to read, the way Adrian cuts himself off from everybody. Covers a long period of time in a short story. My only complaint would be that I'd have liked to see more of the in between moments.

Don't be put off by the BDSM. It's more BDSM-lite. ( )

This is a great story about a man who survives a horrible accident, ends up in a wheelchair, and has to relearn how to deal with life. He isn't very good at it until he meets a guy who dares to push him a little, nudging him in the right direction. Their romance blooms slowly, as does the discovery of what they each like in the bedroom, and the gentle pace of the story was just right for me.

Adrian has a very hard time dealing with the fact he will never walk again. He is grumpy, full of self-pity, and manages to push everyone except his parents and sister away from him. He's even got his physical therapist "trained" not to be too hard on him. And then he meets Nate, who doesn't take no for an answer and Adrian is shocked. His interest is piqued, though, and he is slowly pulled into a closer relationship - very slowly! But the fear of trusting in what they have and then losing Nate is too powerful for him to just give in.

Nate is a great guy, and determined to make Adrian see what he feels for him is more than friendship. He pushes Adrian into doing more, becoming stronger, and believing in himself again. Nate also likes a little "vanilla BDSM" and finds his match in Adrian. Their kinky play brings them closer and helps Adrian build the trust Nate so desperately needs from him.

If you like stories about men who need to adapt to being in a wheelchair and run into some unexpected issues, if you enjoy reading about men who manage to walk into a relationship to make sure they are right for each other rather than jump into it without considering the possible consequences, and if you're looking for a gentle, sweet read with a nice level of heat and some kinky play, then you will probably like this free short story. ( )