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Exceeding Boundaries

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Lawyer Megan Connors wants a man, one that will wine her, dine her, and help her to forget the pain of a date rape she experienced as a teen. Her boss, Adam Wentworth, is just the man--tall, dark-haired, blue-eyed, and a confirmed player. He's perfect for a weekend of non-committal sex that will entice her inner woman out to play for good. So Megan devises a plan for seduction, one that will lure Adam into her arms.

Adam has been attracted to Megan since day one, but his preference for dominance and her fragile air kept him at bay. Megan's kiss under forgotten mistletoe is just the fuel his lust needs to exceed the boundaries she once put in place. He's game, but he wants more than a weekend with the vulnerable yet sexy Megan.

When the weekend is over, will Megan allow the past to keep her bound or can Adam convince her she’s strong enough to submit?

Contains: Graphic and explicit language, really hot sex including anal, very light BDSM.

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2012

6 people are currently reading
250 people want to read

About the author

Mia Downing

32 books252 followers
Mia Downing started creating heroes at age four, but her heroes back then rode ponies to the rescue and only kissed her on the cheek. Today, Mia’s heroes still rescue those in need, but the price of their toys and the expertise of their seduction leads to a whole lot more.

When Mia isn’t busy creating new stories for her readers, she ensures justice runs smoothly in a New England courthouse. She lives on a small farm with her family, and enjoys horses and knitting.

Fun facts: Mia can juggle poorly, create balloon animals, and face paint. She was the hit entertainment of two family parties. No clown suits were involved.

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Daisy Sloan.
776 reviews115 followers
October 8, 2012
This was a very emotional short story. I really enjoyed it! Megan is a lawyer facing some pretty hefty emotional demons. Adam has his own demons and lets the office think he's man-whore to keep the women at bay. Megan decides to use Adam to help her get over some of her own demons.

Adam really like Megan and decides to let her have her way.....for now. He's a Dom and an Alpha Male and will get his way.

Adam and Megan heal each other and learn to love again.

Megan's discovery that she is submissive was enjoyable and heartbreaking to watch. My heart went out to her.

I understand where Adam is coming from in demanding she let her past go, and I agree with him. I did kind of feel like he was a bit of an ass when it came to her demons. He demanded she let hers go because he couldn't carry her demons and his. It's not always that easy and sometimes it takes a little time with the right person for those demons to go away.

The BDSM was very light in this story. But I think anything heavier than what it was would have killed the story. Megan couldn't have handled anything more than that.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Katie(babs).
1,866 reviews530 followers
September 30, 2012
Megan Connors has it bad for youngest partner at the law firm, lawyer hottie, Adam Wentworth. Megan decides she’ll seduce the alleged playboy and have one night of hot sex with him in order to help her get over her trust issues with men, and with sex in general because of being raped when she was a teenager. She literally bumps into Adam and flirts with him, which he finds strange because Megan has always been the quiet type and never went out of her way to be too friendly with him before. They share a kiss, and now Adam is more than intrigued by this seductress. After offering to drive her home, she asks him up to her place for the sole purpose of having a one night stand with him. Adam accepts, not realizing it’s for one night, and after a hot session of sex, he wants to date Megan, to her shock and dismay.

Adam is frustrated that Megan holds back emotionally from him, but is more than willing to act on their physical attraction for one another although she refuses to have sex in her bed or even allows him to sleep over in her bed. Megan has bed issues when it comes to being intimate with a man that’s explained as the story progresses. He takes his time with Megan and courts her, as well as pushes her limits sexually by trying a few BDSM techniques with her that has always interested him. Megan is soon falling for Adam, and she wants more from him, but she’s still uncertain how to proceed because he doesn't just want her her body at his beck and call but her heart and soul.

The premise behind Exceeding Boundaries by Mia Downing has a lot of merit. We have an emotionally scarred heroine who looks to the hero to help her embrace her sexual side and help her heal because of a horrible trauma in her past. The way Megan gets Adam to notice her is cute, as well as sexy, and when Adam falls for it, it leads to some hot sex between the two. The sex here is borderline scorching, but then out of nowhere Adam decides, "hey, I’m dominant on the inside and I want Megan to be my submissive. Let’s create some BDSM fun times together which will enable Megan to get over her rape when she was a teenager". At that point I could help but roll my eyes and it pushed me out of the story. The BDSM section seems so tacked on and ridiculous. Adam goes on and on about being a Dom, which based on his personality, and how he was introduced, doesn’t make any sense. It comes across as cheesy and silly and really ruins the entire story.

I also felt at times the dialogue was silted and canned, and even though the love scenes did the job, they felt a bit off in a way that makes me think of the good old “Slot A” into “Slot B” and you have “C” scenario.

With a story like this, there should be something deeper to hit the reader hard in the gut because of the heavy emotions shared between Adam and Megan. But by the end there was no connection between this couple and everything came across as one-dimensional, down to Megan’s trust issues and Adam’s sudden BDSM craving that made me laugh, but not in a good way.

Exceeding Boundaries has a great cover, but other than that this gets a pass from me.
Profile Image for Christi Snow.
Author 70 books740 followers
September 17, 2012
My Review:
What an amazing book. Sexy while still incredibly emotional. Megan works at the same law firm as man whore Adam and she's decided that he's just the cure she needs to get over her sexual anxiety that she's been battling since she was raped in high school. What she doesn't realize is that his man whore persona is just a ruse to keep women at bay after the sudden death of his wife two years ago.

Now you understand why this book is emotional right??

But it's also extremely sexy because Adam is a Dom and he sees that Megan is a natural submissive, but with her issues that is most definitely a mine-field just waiting to blow up in his face. It's especially touchy because Adam is NOT a one-night stand kind of guy. He honestly likes Megan and he wants more, but she just wants him to help her work through things. She has no idea who he really is when it comes to relationships. The emotion of it all is written so well. As a reader, you can't help but ache for both these people. Adam wants more. Megan is just trying to heal. They are both hurting.

This isn't a long book, but there is SO MUCH packed into it. These characters have a really deep back-story as to how they both got to this place. The actual time frame on the book doesn't cover that much time (about two weeks) but it never seems to be rushed. Adam has been attracted to Megan for a long time. She's just never shown any indication to him that she also felt the attraction.

I definitely enjoyed this one. It has some good angst, some incredibly hot sex, and two characters that I just fell in love with. Another winner from Mia Downing!
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews221 followers
February 9, 2013
Reviewer: Victoria
Source: Publisher
Victoria's review was first posted at Romancing the Book's blog.

I chose this book because the journey Megan will have to go on to take back her life from the ghosts that haunt her. It is a hard and commendable journey. While this story is not part of a series at this time, it is apparent that there is room for either a sequel or to become part of a series.

Megan Connors has been fascinated to Adam since she met him. Megan is very strong and realistic character as she struggles with her past. Adam’s playboy persona is what she thinks could help her move on from a traumatic event that has haunted her for years. Megan runs into problems when the heart does not listen to the mind. I loved her seduction attempt of Adam. It was very convincing as awkward as it was.

Adam Wentworth is a person that never mixes his personal life with his work life. Adam has wanted Megan from the first day her saw her at work. Adam, who has his own personal problems, decides go with Megan’s seduction. Adam comes across as a very patient man.

The chemistry between Adam and Megan literally burn up the pages. The author did a great job with the struggles that both Adam and Megan have. The part that I found unrealistic was in the space of a week they fall in love and have both faced the demons that have haunted them for years.

I loved this book. I can appreciate anyone who tries to face a past that would crush most people, What would have improved the story was that the time frame expanded to several weeks and not just one week. Overall, this is a do not miss.
Profile Image for Amy.
133 reviews24 followers
July 26, 2016
Ladies make sure you have someone to help you out with things if you pull this one out to read okay?
This is erotica with some BDSM thrown in for good measure and it is really hot! Yes, it's a familiar story like some reviewers said, but isn't all romance really? We read it for the escape not because we want to write a master's thesis.
Megan is a strong heroine- a lawyer who decides to take matters into her own hands to help her get over her trust issues with men due to an incident in her past. Adam is her target. Adam is also her boss and has been attracted to Megan from day one but hasn't acted on it because he's a Dom and can sense a vulnerability with her.
Megan comes up with a plan for seduction but thinks she's just getting a one night stand. Adam won't have it, he wants Megan for the long haul.
Yes, there's a lot of really hot sex-these scenes are spot on. BUT- there's also a great story here. I need both to keep me turning pages and Mia Downing doesn't disappoint.
A great read!!
Profile Image for M.J. Fredrick.
Author 70 books205 followers
February 18, 2012
Megan is ready to take control of her life and her sexuality. She thinks the best way to do this is by seducing her co-worker, Adam. She knows there will be no strings attached because he’s a man-whore. She’s not risking anything.

She’s unprepared for the power of her desire for him, for his attraction to her. Every time he touches her, more of her boundaries fall away, despite her best efforts.

I absolutely loved Megan. I thought she was the perfect blend of tough and vulnerable, with a backstory that was intriguing and heartbreaking.

Adam was sexy as hell, a generous hero who isn’t all he seems. I loved how he was with Megan, who knew what she wanted but wasn’t always certain about how to get it. He’s so gentle and patient with her.

And the sex is smoking hot--adventurous and plenitful! A terrific debut by Mia Downing!
Profile Image for Kellie Kamryn.
Author 49 books74 followers
August 17, 2012
This is the first book from this author I've read and it did not disappoint. I wasn't sure what to expect, but from the first page, I was hooked and wanted to know why this woman was trying so hard to seduce her co-worker. As the story progressed, I couldn't put it down. I loved the back story of the characters and why they were at that place in their lives. An interesting introduction to light BDSM, one I enjoyed because it's not a topic I read a lot of. For me, the story ended too soon, and I wanted to know more about how the characters would proceed, but it certainly was complete in and of itself. I'll be looking for more of this author's work.
Profile Image for Sandra Dailey.
Author 6 books36 followers
July 22, 2012
Exceeding Boundaries was so much more than I expected. Yes, it was a hot read, but the emotional insight was intense. The character development, amazing. I was totally invested in these characters and rooting them on the whole way. I'm going to recommend this book to everyone I know. * I won this book in a contest*
Profile Image for Darah Lace.
Author 22 books75 followers
March 3, 2012
Mia Downing is now on my must read list. Her characters come alive on the page and have the depth to take readers on an emotional roller coaster. And ssssssssssssss...that's the sound of sizzling hot sex! Loved this story!
Profile Image for Lucy Francis.
Author 8 books16 followers
March 6, 2012
Be warned, this is a seriously HOT book. But while the sex is sizzling, the characters are also well fleshed out people with real motivations for what they do, and it's a joy to see them both overcome past heartbreak and pain through their love for each other. Good stuff.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
336 reviews92 followers
December 31, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. Not only was the sex hott, but I was fully engaged with the characters. I surprised myself by tearing up when Megan started crying. I was very emotionally involved with this couple, and it was great! Can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Netanella.
4,713 reviews37 followers
June 28, 2012
Lawyers in love. Emotional baggage. Rape, widowers, seduction, submission, comatose moms - this one has it all, plus some mistletoe.
Profile Image for Gurpreet Kaur.
206 reviews18 followers
April 4, 2019
My first read of this author's books. What to say .. it was a pretty emotional story. Both the characters were facing their own fears and demons. Everything seemed so natural in the story. I might not be able to write about my exact feelings but one thing for sure, I really liked it.
Profile Image for Raven Kelly.
27 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2015
Megan Connors works for a very prestigious law firm and just happens to have “the hots” for one of the best looking lawyers in the firm. Megan comes up with the idea that she is going to seduce Adam Wentworth for a weekend of wine, dine, and hot sex. That’s really all she wants from him. Megan doesn’t want commitment with any man, she just wants sex and keeps her heart safely tucked away.

Megan is absolutely terrified of commitment. When she was younger, she was raped and mentally abused by a ex-boyfriend and since then, she trusts no one. Will Adam change all of that?

Megan’s seduction conquest with the sexy Adam Wentworth is going to end up being FAR more than just a weekend fling. This hunky lawyer is going to show Megan what a real man is like inside, and outside the bedroom. Will Adam be able to get Megan to let go of her fear commitment, and be able to submit to him? Will Megan let him dominate the relationship?

Adam will bring Megan to new sexual heights she has never experienced such as BDSM and total submission. Megan will also learn that Adam is not a player, and that he is someone that she can count on and trust. Will Megan let go of her fears and learn to trust Adam with her heart? Find out what happens in the electrifying novel by Mia Downing.

Erotic EBook </a>
Profile Image for Dar.
4,509 reviews93 followers
April 7, 2013
I liked this book and the style of the writer. I am always looking for a new authour that catches my interest with both good story lines and a nice writing style, and I think I found one here! A little bit fantastical, but, hey, it's a book not a biography and it is about taking us away. So sexy lawyer man has lusted after sexy lawyer woman but never made a move because something seemed too fragile about her. She decides to make a move, and he completely caves. Turns out, she had bad experiences and needed a man, and he was the one she decided. After a hot and steamy, no-holds barred weekend, they return to work where she has no idea how to handle the situation. He unleashes her inner vixen and she has no idea how to cope. He is away working all week and they agree to meet and see where they are. Family tragedy takes him away, she tracks him down, they reveal all too each other, some of it extremely painful, and decide to build a relationship and life together
A quick and sweet story, oh, and some very hot scenes and dark pasts, but you still have a warm and fuzzy feeling at the end!
Profile Image for Crystal Marie.
1,483 reviews68 followers
May 24, 2015
I ended up enjoying this book more than I thought that I would. To be honest, I went into it thinking it was just an erotica story, so I didn’t have extremely high expectations on my enjoyment.

I ended up loving this story to no end! Yes, there is erotica aspects to it, but overall? There was so much more happening in the story than just that. Ms. Downing was able to write a story about a victim finding her strength to overcome her fear, but she did it so realistically, that it made the story that much better.

Megan and Adam has some insane chemistry between them, it was literally coming off the pages! I couldn’t get enough of what was happening and wanted to know even more. Even though that was great, my favorite part was the ending, when Megan finally came to face everything. It seriously made me cry because of how amazingly strong that woman was, and how far she has came.

My huge complaint about this story is the ending! I seriously didn’t want it to end and I really hope that Ms. Downing will add more to their story in the future.

Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
Profile Image for Mia Downing.
Author 32 books252 followers
written-by
November 4, 2012
"The dynamics of Adam and Megan's relationship come across so simple, yet were complex the more we delve into the their lives. Ms. Downing created a realistic relationship between Megan and Adam that shows that love really does conquer all. Exceeding Boundaries is a very good read with multiple surprises that I'm sure you will enjoy."
~L.T. Blue, Just Erotic Romance Reviews, five stars Full review at: just erotic romance reviews

"I thoroughly enjoyed this read as it had everything going for it."
~Sam, CBLS reviews, five stars CBLS reviews


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Profile Image for The BookChick .
1,454 reviews425 followers
December 18, 2014
3½ stars on this one. I enjoyed the story and the characters. You had to feel bad for Megan and the things she went through at the hands of her rapist. But you had to love Adam even more because every obstacle she threw up, he blew past it and demolished it. I would have loved to read an epilogue about them and their lives in the future after things settled with his mother but I'm greedy that way :).

I listened to this in audio format and didn't exactly care for the narrator. Her voice lacked believable inflection and her intonations made the story fall flat but don't let that defect the quality the story. My advice would be to just read the book and not listen to the audio.
Profile Image for Divalish Smile.
311 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2012
Rating 3.75 stars
I started of wanting to read this book because of the cover. Then I started reading it and I wasn't totally loving it. Then I got about half way through any really started to enjoy it. I think the story line was actually pretty good but it just took a while for it to connect for me. Adam is my kind of Dom!
Profile Image for Renee.
239 reviews
July 6, 2013
Never read this author but I am definitely going to seek out more of her books. Very sexy read but absolutely had characters that were easy to relate too. I definitely recommend this book as a quick evening read.
Profile Image for Darth.
384 reviews11 followers
July 20, 2016
Quick well paced read.

The characters are going places and doing things, and the story doesn't bog down with lots of "angsty" repetitive nonsense.

Very good
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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