Review of Tie Me by Olivia Cunning

His heart is tied to his past…

When Sole Regret’s rhythm guitarist, Kellen Jamison, vowed to be faithful to his fiancée and love her forever, he meant it. He never expected to lose her to cancer so early in life. He’s certain he’ll never love again, but destiny has another plan for him.
Her heart is tied to her work…
Grammy-winning classical composer and piano virtuoso, Dawn O’Reilly, is overwhelmed with music-writing deadlines, a fickle muse, and high-expectations. She doesn’t have time to find love, but chance seeks to interfere with her carefully devised plans.
They’re bound to become entangled...
From the instant Kellen hears Dawn’s latest musical composition, his spirits rise. The stirring melody and the remarkable woman responsible for its creation are impossible to resist. His attraction is undeniable; her passion unquenchable. Kellen teaches Dawn there’s freedom in bondage, while her sensuality drives him to unleash his tightly controlled self-restraint. Will the ropes Kellen uses to secure Dawn’s body be the force that binds them together or ultimately sever all ties between them?

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After my disappointment with the ending of the previous book in this series I'm happy to report that for the most part this story rewards me for my loyalty in continuing to read this rock n' roll series of books.  Kellen is still aching from the death of his fiancée years ago and in honor of her he's remained celibate, though he's not adverse to playing with women while with his best friend Owen.  His pain and loneliness have been apparent through the series thus far and I ached for him while applauding his loyalty to a woman that didn't really deserve it.  Sara wanted to be Kellen's only obsession and felt his music kept getting in the way.  Sara never truly understood him or his needs and was too pure to bring him long-term happiness.  On the night he returns to the home of her dreams to rid himself of the symbol of her soul that he wears on his wrist he hears haunting music that brings him a sense of joy and happiness that's been missing from his life since Sara died.  In search of its origin he discovers Dawn, a celebrated pianist whose luscious looks and exceptional talent have him completely enthralled and forgetting his promises to Sara.  A night of steamy interludes with a bit of bondage make for a memorable connection between two people looking for a bit of happiness and acceptance from the obligations that weight them down.  He feels guilty as his inherent honor sees his night of sexual freedom as a betrayal that has him on the run from a potential lifetime of happiness that Dawn represents.

Luckily Dawn is a strong-willed woman who has obligations of her own and who goes after what she wants.  From the moment Kellen shows up on her doorstep she can't help but be drawn to him.  Their mutual love of music is the foundation for what promises to be an intense relationship.  She can understand him in a way Sara never could or would and even though he makes no long-term promises, she'll take whatever she can get.  The darkly erotic promises he offers her have her jumping in wholeheartedly to their one night of freedom through bondage as they make beautiful music together.  Dawn is immensely likable and more than willing to take a walk on the wild side.  She desperately wants to heal Kellen and shares with him many hard truths that he struggles to accept as they get closer to one another on their rocky road to a HEA.

Dawn and Kellen are a wonderful couple who appear to have everything even as they're struggling with obligations to others.  Their sexual connection is intense and freeing and allowed for numerous truths to come out that set Kellen on the pathway to healing.  Though the focus of this story was on them we get to spend a bit of time with the other members of Sole Regret and the brotherly bond they have.  Owen especially plays a big role as he and Kellen have a history they must come to terms with before both of them can find a HEA.  On a whole this story was my favorite of all with his damaged hero, strong heroine, and super HOT sexual encounters.  The only thing that diminished my enjoyment was the return of band groupie, and Owen-obsessed Lindsey.  She's extremely possessive of Owen and expects to be taken care of even though she got herself into the position she's in.  I find her completely unlikable and slightly delusional and I'm frustrated by her continued presence.  She's ruined two books that otherwise were enjoyable reads and I'm at a loss as to why she's being forced down our throats.  Even though there's been some bumps along the way this is still a hot and entertaining series.  It pales in comparison to her Sinners On Tour series but is a satisfyingly decadent way to spend an afternoon.

My rating for this is an B+/A-

*I bought this book with my own money for my personal reading enjoyment.