Customer Reviews

Chains

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Fifteen years ago three young women were changed forever. In the blink of an eye, Renee, Lacey, and Sherra became unwilling allies amidst tragedy. Now they are back in their hometown at the same time, and someone doesn't like it. CHAINS is a romantic suspense novel that readers won't soon forget.

CHAINS OF REBELLION, Book 1: Renee

Renee is a silent princess. Constantly on her guard to be the perfect girl, she has gone to a party with a boy she can't stand but who her mother wants her to date. When she enters a room and he is attempting to rape another girl, Renee is unable to understand why no one will help the victim. Angry and appalled, Renee does what she can to keep the girl from rape. As a result, she becomes a pariah and her mother is disappointed - all because she did what was right. Now she is back in her hometown and someone does not like it one bit.

CHAINS OF LONGING, Book 2: Lacey

Lacey was the girl everyone loved. She was steady and beautiful and people just knew she would go places. When she attends a party with her friend, Lacey's world comes to a crashing halt with one violent act. Now, fifteen years later, Lacey is single and still trying to come to grips with what happened so long ago. Running into Seth Salinger doesn't help either. Lacey needs to stay away from him because he makes her feel things she shouldn't. When an ominous presence begins to stalk her, Lacey turns to Seth - he will keep her safe.

CHAINS OF MEMORY, Book 3: Sherra

Fifteen years ago Sherra was the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. She liked to party and while at a bash given by the mayor's son, she was accosted because of her reputation. With rape on his mind, the boy who was going to rape her wouldn't take no for an answer. Rescue came in the forms of Renee, the guy's girlfriend, and Lacey, a high school favorite, but when a gun becomes involved; things go from bad to worse. Sherra suffers from nightmares and other horrible flashbacks, and her life revolves around writing horror novels. When she receives the high school reunion invitation in the mail, Sherra knows she shouldn't but she has to go back to where it all started and ended for her. Her psychotic stalker will just have to wait.

With uncanny clarity Shiloh Walker has penned three novellas that involve each woman from above. Renee, the rich princess; Lacey, the girl everyone loved; and Sherra, the girl called white trash. Each girl had her life totally and unexpectedly rearranged with just one violent act. Now, a stalker has decided that each girl needs to pay for what happened fifteen years ago.

With suspenseful words and eerily ominous scenes, Ms. Walker reeled me in and I couldn't move. I couldn't read fast enough and I couldn't turn the pages of each novella fast enough to find out what was going to happen. Surprise filled me when the stalker was revealed and I smiled at Ms. Walker's genius. CHAINS is a book I won't forget anytime soon but just to make sure, I reread it...twice.

Natalie S.

Shiloh Walker's Chains is the best of her work I've read yet--and that's saying something, as I've become a pretty big fan over the last year or so. It's written in three parts, one for each woman of the tale, but the stories are woven together into one long novel.

So many of the book's characters are fantastic--I won't go into them individually because I'd keep you here forever! In particular the three women have a great deal of depth to them. You can easily see both how they fit into the typical niches in high school, and how they were (and grew into) so much more. The only teensy thing I wanted was a little more on how the women would end up faring in their careers after the end of the book, but there were some little hints here and there, so that's barely even a complaint. The women encountered a variety of people from high school in their return, so it even made sense that some fit into stereotypes of that-guy-from-high-school while others didn't. There was enough variety to make it work.

The romantic relationships were breathtakingly wonderful, as was the sex. Everything that has annoyed me about poorly-handled dom/sub relationships in some recent books was handled ideally here. Shiloh beautifully handles the creation of a character--Renee--who is submissive in bed, yet strong in character and will. And her love interest is excitingly dominant without being abusive or cruel. Each relationship in the book has its own character and feel, and I loved each one. Shiloh also writes some of the most smoothly erotic sex scenes, in my opinion. I seriously admire any author who can turn the act of a man using a condom into an erotic, loving, and respectful part of a sex scene.

However, what makes Chains so utterly amazing isn't just the relationships, characters, and sex. As if that wasn't enough, the suspense plot will definitely keep your pulse racing! I started reading this book over breakfast one day and couldn't put it down until I'd finished the very last page. I even walked around the house reading it as I got out lunch. I was glued to every last development, wanting to find out who the bad guy was (or bad guys), what the motivation was for stalking the three women, and how things would work out.

My only warning is that this is a suspense/thriller, and it does contain some dark subject matter, such as death and rape. And of course some very explicit, very sizzling sex!

This is the best of Shiloh that I've seen so far, and I can't wait to read more!

"Renee". Fifteen years ago in Madison, Ohio, Renee Lincoln was the homecoming queen with what looked like a perfect life though she knew better as her mom did not love her. Now she is coming home, but has not forgotten that night in her senior year when her boyfriend JD tried to rape her. At the hotel bar she meets Deacon who is also wondering why he came back to town.

"Lacey". Fifteen years ago in Madison, Ohio, everyone in the senior class thought Lacey with her scholarship choices would make it in the big city. She did not want to go to the party thrown by the mayor's son JD, but did because her best friend Missy asked her to come with her. Her boyfriend Deacon was angry because she was going to Tulane instead of Kentucky where he was going. However she witnessed Renee slamming a lamp on the head of JD. In the present she rescues Renee when someone tries to run her over. Seth marvels over Dame Galahad as he calls her, but also realizes someone wants Renee dead and perhaps Lacey too; he vows to protect Lacey.

"Sherra". Fifteen years ago in Madison, Ohio Sherra was the other female involved in that horrid night with JD and his pals. She has come home from the reunion just like Renee and Lacey. Dalton vows to keep her safe if that maniac who has tried to kill Renee goes after Sherra.

Though some chapter labeling inside the three interrelated tales would have made it easier on the reader, fans will appreciate this exciting erotic romantic suspense starring three couples in which all six players are fully developed then and now. The suspense is top rate as readers anticipate a confrontation with the villain while the sexual interludes are hot and seem apropos in spite of the tension. Fans will enjoy this ultra heated suspense.

Harriet Klausner

Fifteen years ago three girls forged a bond when Sherra was attacked and Renee, Lacey, and Deacon saved her.

"Renee: Chains of Rebellion"
Renee Lincoln hasn't been home in fifteen years. If it was not for her mother's funeral, she wouldn't be there now. Home has too many painful memories. A steamy chance encounter with a stranger makes her feel differently though, until she finds out who he is. Deacon Cross is shocked to discover the woman of his dreams is Renee. He never thought much of her in high school, but he's beginning to realize that maybe she was always a better person than he gave her credit for. After spending one night with her, he thinks she was made for him. He may not get the chance to tell her how he feels when someone attempts to make her leave, for good though.

Deacon and Renee's story is the stuff fantasies are made of. They knew each other once but haven't seen each other in long enough not to recognize each other. Deacon's need to dominate is sexy and Renee is a submissive with spunk. With an intense romance and little kink, "Chains of Rebellion" has it all.



"Lacey: Chains of Longing"
Lacey Talbot has to suck it up and put her feelings for Seth Salinger aside while she deals with what's going on around her. Seth is the town sheriff and the man who's haunted her dreams for the last five years. One night of passion changed her feelings for Seth and now she can't get him out of her mind. Seth has been in love with Lacey since they were kids. Once was not enough for him. He wants Lacey forever, but the stranger who tried to kill Renee is after Lacey too.

"Chains of Longing" is the perfect title for Lacey and Seth's story. Their need, and desperation for each other are tangible. There is an incredible combination of angst and sexual tension between them. Seth and Lacey's story is the stuff fairy tails are made of with an added edge of danger mixed in.



"Sherra: Chains of Memory"
Best - selling author Sherra Salinger tries to keep her past behind her, but the attack on her left her soul wounded. She has become distant and cold, until she meets Dalton Green. Dalton creates intense and confusing feelings in her. Although Sherra doesn't want a bodyguard, she can't deny the creep stalking her is becoming increasingly more dangerous. Dalton didn't want to be a guard dog, but one look at Sherra and he can't leave her side. Sherra is not just a job anymore, but between her stalker and her temperament, he may not get the chance to tell her how he feels.

Sherra and Dalton were made for each other. Sherra needs a protector, someone to make her feel safe. Dalton is that and more. He has just the right combination of strong and gentle. Sherra's painful past keeps her from living but Dalton helps breathe life back into her world. "Chains of Memory" is a beautiful story with a dark edge.

Chains is an erotic, arresting, and provocative story told from three different perspectives. Where one ends, another begins. It's extremely well written as well as suspenseful, romantic, and erotic. Renee was the golden girl with the icy heart, Sherra was the bad girl always looking for trouble, and Lacey was practically perfect in every way. Looks can be deceiving though, and Renee, Lacey, and Sherra prove they are more than what they seem. They get what they need and want from three amazing men. The sex in Chains is sometimes kinky, sometimes hard and fast, and sometimes slow and sweet, but it's always perfect.

Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

The general theme of the book is that one horrific event has defined the lives of a handful of people and for the sake of this story, has brought them all together where the original event took place. Now it's fifteen years later, time for their high school reunion, a book signing, and ultimately, a showdown with a killer. Each section starts off with the event in that character's perspective. A brief rundown of the couples themselves and then an overarch of all the stories combined:

Renee and Deacon - This story was a little bondage flavored; Renee was the untouchable prom queen fifteen years ago because of her controlling family, so she's gone over the edge reckless in her personal life. Deacon only remembered her as an ice queen and was disgusted by the way he thought she acted fifteen years ago, but now he knows who she really is. From their unconventional meeting through their story, Renee and Deacon have great chemistry and a great emotional connection. Deacon was a nice guy, but just the man to take Renee in hand, so to speak.

Lacey and Seth - Lacey was the golden girl; good at sports, well-liked, good in school. Seth was the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, poor, always in trouble and the one girls liked to get down and dirty with. He'd always been in love with her, she'd noticed him about five years ago. Their relationship is loaded with the usual misunderstandings; he assumed she didn't think he was worthy, she assumed he didn't want her.

Sherra and Dalton - Sherra was the ultimate misfit; not quite a goth girl but not mainstream either, she didn't fit in anywhere, but she suffered the most fifteen years ago. Dalton wasn't there, he just ends up tagging along now because Sherra's got a book signing and he's the muscle sent along to protect her from a stalker. She has serious, serious issues with sexuality and he's oozing it; these two are combustible. He fits perfectly with her exactly because he wasn't part of what happened fifteen years ago.

My thoughts overall:

Of the three couples, Seth and Lacey are the weakest link. Seth is important because of his role as Sheriff and Sherra's twin, but Lacey's role, both in the original event fifteen years ago and in the present day action is a little thin. Sherra and Dalton are the strongest, which makes sense since her role fifteen years ago is pivotal, but I think maybe Walker also may have had the most fondness for her. She is a wonderfully drawn character and Dalton is delicious. I could have read about these two for the entire book and been thrilled (how about a sequel for just these two?!).

Each couples' "ending" is a little feeble. I never expect a full happily ever after, baby carriage, off into the sunset resolution, but they really ended with a whimper.

I think perhaps the hospital in this town might have been getting kickbacks from the stalker. I don't think I've ever seen so many injuries sustained in one book, at least one erotic book.

The story that joins the three women (and two of the men) is solid and emotional and left alone, would have been more than enough to sustain this book and call it a suspense. I "get" the ending. I just don't know that it was necessary.

A couple of Walker's oldies to check out: Vicious Vixen - short story about the power of love and redemption (of a stone cold serial killer) and The Hunters: The Beginning - the first (and the two best) books of Walker's Hunters series about vampires, shapeshifters and witches; the first story in this book is worth the price of admission.

I loved this book. I thought the plot was suspenseful enough but I thought the end was a little....weird....and came out of left field. Well, sort of. I enjoyed reading it none the less for it though. If you love the hot and steamy with the true love twist then this book is for you. And you get three great up close and personal points of view on one suspenseful event. I LOVED THAT! Just read it!

Fifteen years ago, Renee, Lacey, and Sherra, three women on the verge of adulthood, had a tragedy take place connecting them forever. All three have been plagued with nightmares but still decide to come to their high school's reunion. While there, will each finally find love and put these bad memories away or will someone thwart their happiness?

Once you start Shiloh Walker's Chains, you won't want to put this thriller down. Renee, Lisa, and Sherra's personalities draw you in as Ms. Walker seamlessly lets their stories flow. In "Chains of Rebellion", Renee comes to town for a dual purpose. She's here to sell her parents' house as well as attend her class reunion. Renee constantly rebelled with her parents and cannot stay at their house. She decides to rent a room and go back and forth during her short visit. While at the hotel, Renee meets a man at the bar and decides to have a one-night stand with him. Whooo, these two burn up the sheets because her mysterious man is a Dom who masterfully puts her through her paces. When Renee figures out who her Dom is, she's got to make an important decision on whether she wants something permanent with him.

Lacey longs to belong to one man in Madison and is pleased when fate throws him again in her path in "Chains of Longing". Five years ago, Lacey had a memorable night of passion with Seth, Sherra's twin. She doubts the night meant anything to him but is pleasantly surprised when events reveal his true feelings. Seth has his own insecurities, trying to get over his humble circumstances, and as a result, doesn't feel worthy of Lacey. Leave it to Ms. Walker to allow Lacey and Seth to bare their insecurities, uniting two lovers who are meant to be together.

The final story of Chains concerns Sherra, Seth's troubled twin. Years ago she took a life and still is haunted by those memories. In "Chains of Memory", Sherra is getting ready to triumphantly return to her hometown as a famous author, ready to sign the books of those who snubbed her so long ago. Unfortunately someone has been stalking her, escalating his threats. Her agent hires a bodyguard for her and its quickly evident he wants to guard more than her body! Sherra has to decide if she can truly let go of the past in order to forge a future with her hunky guard.

If you love romantic suspense novels, you'll really enjoy Shiloh Walker's Chains. Once again, Ms. Walker demonstrates her gift for superb storytelling as she creates a fast-paced contemporary romance, letting us peek into the secrets of small-town life.

This book was recommended to me by a friend for the erotic writing. I thought it started off slow and had a hard time getting into it, but once I reached the first sex scene, there was no turning back. I did enjoy the three different stories, but was much more interested in the relationships than the main point of the story - which was the stalker and who the stalker was, etc. I was disappointed when it ended only because I wanted to know what happened to all three of the women and the men they had just met up with. I also truly dislike books where the stalker is someone that is hardly ever mentioned in the book - you really have no chance of guessing who it is. I think it's better when all the characters (even supporting ones) are well developed so you can try to figure out who is involved.

I have to say that I really loved this book. I just wish it was alittle longer.

I loved this book! I thought it was a great mix of characters and did a great job switching from different character point of views! It also keep me VERY interested the whole read! It was GREAT!