Review: Claim (Bonds #2) by Sierra Cartwright

Four men. One powerful bond. Rich, powerful, eccentric, Julien Bonds knows what each of his friends needs, and he's determined to see they get it. 

It had to be her. He won’t be satisfied until he claims her.

Kennedy Aldrich has perfected the art of dodging any romantic entanglement that will lead to marriage. That is until he sees Mackenzie Farrell at a BDSM gathering.

When they meet, he’s entranced by her intelligence and submission, not to mention her stunning good looks. For the first time, he has met a woman who captivates his interest on every level, someone he wants to share his life with.

Mackenzie is overwhelmed by Kennedy's attentions. A failed marriage taught her to distrust men, and she's vowed never to walk down the aisle again.
It takes all her resolve to resist the devilishly handsome dominant. After all, the whole world knows of his legendary reputation with women. Every feminine instinct warns that this man will demand more than she can offer.

But she hasn’t counted on Kennedy’s determination to claim her and prove that love is worth any risk.

Review

Kennedy Aldrich is a successful business man, who taken over his father's business when he became ill. He's been dodging commitment. After a scandalous break-up, his parents hope he sown his oats.  

Mackenzie Farrell  (Zee), is divorced and happily single.  Her ex-husband had cheated right after they were married.  Instead of having her heart broken again, she has decided to stay single. Both her parents have been divorced and she has a very extended family. Her parents relationship issues haven't helped her confidence in long term relationships.

"I think you keep a shell around you. It looks thick to the rest of the world, but that's the trick. You cultivate that image so no one will know how fragile it really is. No one will realize you're vulnerable, that you don't want to be hurt, that you are afraid to trust."

Kennedy and Mackenzie had chemistry from their first scene.  McKenzie does her best to keep their relationship a 'non-relationship'. Kennedy continues to try and woo over Zee.  

"Mackenzie recognized that she was becoming ensnared. The way he spoke to her, commanded her, claimed her, all put her under his spell."
  
Although Kennedy continued to try and formalize their relationship, Mackenzie continued to pull away.  She was fearful of losing her privacy and her heart.

Kennedy, makes the biggest mistake, he gives Mackenzie an ultimatum and she runs.  After weeks of being separated she decides they should try a relationship.  The question is who will take the first step?

This was a sweet (physically painful and HOT at times) story.  Both character have nuances that makes them real. Kennedy has developed OCD with his new position in life. He has been thrown into a stressful job and needs to keep his life in order. Mackenzie has been hurt and does her best to keep her heart intact.  They learn from each other that a relationship takes time, but can be done. Mackenzie learns to open her heart and Kennedy learns to gives up some control.