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When It Rains

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His control is her release...

Emily is a tough-as-nails, over-controlled ER doctor. Alex is her sexy, arrogant, and enigmatic med student. After a particularly tough shift, the two find themselves spending some time together, with unexpected results. Alex sees something in the urgent desire to let go. He yearns to be the one to release her. Emily can’t stop her curiosity about what hidden passions lie beneath Alex’s laid-back exterior, and what it is he knows that she doesn’t.

They know it’s wrong, but they’re irresistibly drawn to each other. Throw them into close quarters in a remote tropical location, and sparks are sure to fly.

Friction gets them hot, and emotions run high, but when disaster strikes, old trauma and long-hidden secrets are dredged up to the surface, threatening to ruin everything. As Alex and Emily face their biggest fears, they must decide if their new-found bond is worth dropping the facade.

434 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2024

21 people are currently reading
168 people want to read

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Alexis Rey

16 books71 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Cécile Smits .
1,483 reviews292 followers
April 24, 2024
Alexis Rey had the most delicious surprise for me with this beautiful ARC of When It Rains.
A beautiful story of how two lovers found eachother against all odds.
How they made eachother more than they were before.
How they healed the broken pieces within the other.
How they saw eachother for who they were,two sides of the same coin.
How Alex drew out Emily’s submissive side and made her stronger because of it.
How Emily soothed Alex’ aching soul,the unnecessary guilt he’d been carrying for too long.
And how,when they were separated,they still couldn’t let go.
And how,even after finding out some uncomfortable truths,they still needed eachother.

Even when it rains,there’s always the sun behind the clouds……

Alexis is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
Her characters may be flawed,but she still makes you love them.
She shows you it’s ok to be human,to make mistakes.
And she shows you how good the making up is.
One thing is certain,she clearly loves the people she writes about!
Profile Image for addictedtodarkromance.
419 reviews135 followers
July 2, 2025
My Lord - Alexander 🥵🥵🥵 ... He has quite the dirty mouth on him and def knows how to care of Emily!! He's dominant & demanding in the bedroom and yet he took his time introducing her to bdsm in order for the trust to build between the two. And Omg, I can't even explain how well and uniquely written the steamy scenes were 🔥🥵

They both end up working in a remote area where they begin exploring the intense chemistry and pull they towards each other... and it.is.HOT!! 🔥Something sudden and out of their control happens and it forces them back home where things between them start to fall apart. You can feel the turmoil they went through as they navigated the circumstances surrounding them.

Both Emily and Alex experienced trauma in their lives shaping who they are today and my heart broke for them both. Because of Emily's circumstances, she felt she needed to maintain control over everything in her life and Alex slowly helped her let go, in a safe environment, so she could embrace her natural sub-like desires.

There is a lot of suspense and back and forth between Alex & Emily while they try to figure out where and if they both fit into each other's lives.

Alexander is sweet and funny and you can feel how he deeply cares and cherishes Emily - like she is the air he breathes. Emily has a big heart, is kind, down to earth & I really appreciated that she never caused any unnecessary drama.

This is not the typical kind of book that I read. I usually go for the dark, red flag uber alpha males who bulldoze their way into the h's life but Alexander is not like that. He allowed Emily to make her own choices and respected them. In saying that, he still has his own kind of dominance over Emily, knowing what she needs and when (even if she doesn't) because he can read her in a way no one else can.

I loved the inner thoughts that Alex had while figuring out what Emily likes in bed, it was almost mesmerizing & pulled you into the scene.

❝Dirty talk,I noted. Needs work.❞
...
❝Rough, maybe?❞

The banter is amazing, especially at the start of the book and had me laughing out loud.

❝Got your trauma shears, sex toy expert?” I said to the student standing on the sidelines as we donned our gowns. “Always.” I could tell by the way his eyes crinkled that he smiled behind his protective mask.❞

I seriously loved this book and highly recommend it!!!


Overall: 4.75 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity/Description: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵
Main Characters: Alex & Emily
Nickname: Type of book: MF, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone
Title: When It Rains
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA


*Dominant in the bedroom
*Eyes only for her
*Dr (h)/Student (H) - (Not a reverse age-gap)
*BDSM ish
*No cheating (IMO) or sharing between MCs

⚠️ Please check the TW/CW before reading! 18+

*I received a copy of this book from the author via BookSiren and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Cindy thismomreadsbooks.
535 reviews25 followers
May 28, 2024
This is a new to me author and I enjoyed this book. I loved getting to know these characters with all their flaws, and strengths while seeing them flourish throughout the story.

Emily and Alex both had trauma from their past that they were working through, but I love the fact that they found comfort, understanding and a safe place in each other. They got one another on a different level than anyone else in their lives and it shocked both of them that they were truly seen.

Alex worked to bring Emily out of her shell, bring her comfort in herself while being so patient with her and just truly knowing what she needed. The confidence she developed in her life because of this, was empowering. She stood up for herself, especially with her ex.

They fought their feelings, and let their minds get in the way of the strong connection they shared. It hurt my heart when they took time apart, or constantly thought their time together would end. But ultimately it did them both good to follow the journey they took. Doing that for themselves made them realize how much they wanted to be together.

I really enjoyed what both Alex and Emily discovered about themselves in the time they spent together. They were wonderful together and I was waiting on the edge of my seat right to the end, to have them realize it too. There was wonderful character growth.

Alex was so sweet, kind and caring with Emily…but oh boy did that man have a mouth on him! Their steamy moments were intense in multiple ways and the chemistry they shared was so high. There was very realistic progressions with their spicy times and the Dom/sub storyline as well as both Emily and Alex processing their changing relationship had on their lives.

I enjoyed how this book brought out a bunch of different emotions, which I felt brought the story to a higher level. However, some parts dragged for me and the writing style was not always my preferred or consistent. I found myself wanting to get to more of Emily and Alex-and their relationship building and pasts. Overall, I was very happy to have read their story.


4⭐️

**Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the eARC. This review and its opinions are my own**
Profile Image for PleaseGoAwayImReading.
467 reviews26 followers
May 4, 2024
This book was an absolutely unexpected, amazing surprise. I got to read the ARC and… just…WOW.

This is a gem. It’s by turns funny and witty, but also sad, bittersweet, tense, compelling, and intense. So emotional in so many ways. Triumphant. And sexy as hell.

From a meet-cute situation (x-rays of naughty things in naughty places, anyone?) through a sensual but deeply raw, emotional journey the reader gets pulled into the story of Emily and Alex.

Emily is an ER doctor, Alex is a fourth year med student. There is no age gap as Alex , like Emily, is in his early 30s. The way the author writes these characters has you forgetting that they are, in fact, fictional characters. Their general likeability draws in the reader, and their explosive chemistry alongside the heavy emotional baggage ensures that the reader stays engaged.

I felt EVERYTHING, and very intensely: nervous and a little embarrassed but intrigued during Alex and Emily’s first real conversation and subsequent encounter. Despair at so many things. Heartbreak at the revelation of trauma but also at misunderstandings. Rage at a certain gaslighter and abuser. Euphoric at the connection Emily and Alex begin to make. And so on. I could be here all day describing my roller coaster of emotions!

It’s a beautiful story of two flawed, emotionally injured individuals trying to figure out who they are and what is their place in the world, who end up finding each other. Sometimes the scariest thing is to find that person who really SEES you, maybe even better than you see yourself.

DEFINITELY READ THIS!
Profile Image for Stephanie Bilicki.
189 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2024
I truly enjoyed this book!

The development and story was well written. The plot developed nicely and it was a joy to see the character development in the main characters.

Good hurt / comfort vibes. A couple secondary characters you love to love and hope to see more of. There was a plot twist/ secret I totally did not see coming.

Spice was very detailed in writing and delicious. I wouldn't say it was forced into the story, it all vibed pretty well.

Highly recommend.

ARC Review
Profile Image for Aly.
69 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2024
All I have to say is that I would 1000% read this book again. I only reread the ones I’ve fallen in love with. And this? Alex and Emily? I love it so much. I almost DNF the book in the beginning because I thought they wouldn’t get together again, but realized I had like 70% more to go. The details in this made it seem like I was on my couch watching a movie, eating popcorn yelling at the screen. Definitely in my top 10 of the year. 10/10 🩵
Profile Image for Theo.
1,191 reviews57 followers
November 1, 2024
This was about 100 pages too long. Rey does a great and careful job tackling complex topics, such as miscarriage, abuse, environmental disasters, professional reputations, PTSD, disability, and the consequences of work relationships. Still, the book felt bloated in word count, and parts dragged.

I'd recommend When It Rains for those looking to read actual romance books that address getting out of an abusive relationship and the subtleties of emotional and financial abuse that can be so invisible in our society. Emily saves herself and gathers up her life while taking Alex on the ride with her, and he sorts through his shit while she holds his hand back.

Rey layers in BDSM to further explore the power balance between Emily and Alex. Alex starts as one of Emily's resident doctors in the ER and comes to work with her in Guatemala. He, as dom in the bedroom, balances it well. Rey also doesn't shy away from looking at power abuses and how close the line can come for a dom. I always appreciate a book where a man all about control breaks down. No character in this book gets to have unaddressed trauma or issues.

Everything comes crashing down on Emily and Alex, and it's all about how they can withstand together.

I wish we'd gotten a little more insight into Alex's brother, who has been severely disabled in a car accident that also killed their parents. He's a little too much the disabled BFF cheering on our main relationship with only a small insight into who he is outside of his brother.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,537 reviews80 followers
May 11, 2024
DAMN! I got so swept up into this story and the beautiful way it was written that I forgot to blink or breathe a few times throughout!

Emily and Alexander took me on one hell of an emotionally charged journey that I never wanted to end. These two are so well matched, both broken and damaged in some way, and needing something more in their lives.

Alexander is a dominating, aggressive, and possessive lover with one hell of a filthy mouth on him. And I was so into it. The way that he slowly introduces Emily to his lifestyle was really heartwarming. He takes care of her needs and his own at the same time. In the bedroom these two were sizzling hot and they had my body aching and my panties melting!

Their banter was perfect and kept me giggling. And their chemistry was explosive and off the charts!!! But not all relationships are rainbows and butterflies, and Emily and Alexander hit some seriously hard bumps in the road.

This story was really well written, with poignant word weaving that brought tears to my eyes and left me breathless. It was filled with suspense, emotional turmoil, drama, angst, heartbreak, healing, passion and an all-consuming love.

I could not get enough of this incredible story! I just absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for Alison Spear.
352 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2024
I enjoyed the build up. The characters getting to know each other. A falling out of sorts and then a potential medical disaster to bring them back together

The author got me in the feels when the FMC started talking about when she lost religion. I use to work in an ER and she pretty much listed all the worst things you see

Alex and Emily’s banter was comical:

“Tell me more about you?”
“Okay. I’m just a small town boy…”
“Living in a lonely world?” 🤣😂

You can’t go wrong quoting a Journey song, I mean who can’t relate to that?

The only thing slightly negative thing, was sometimes I felt like the author used more sophisticated words than were necessary. Words like verklempt, austere and apropos slowed down the flow of reading for me personally.
Profile Image for Elisa S..
161 reviews6 followers
May 7, 2024
"Move a fraction of an inch closer..."

I really don't know how to write a review that will do justice to this latest offering by Alexis Rey. I usually have all the necessary words, but readers, When It Rains is, quite simply, breathtaking, and I haven't stopped to take a breath at how exquisite and elevated this story is.

We first meet confident, capable, compartmentalized ER attending physician Emily Williston as she introduces her idle medical students to a variety of unusual artifacts often found lodged (or dislodged) in interesting anatomical places.

Enter Alex Meyer, fourth year resident, himself confident and capable, but also commanding of both the subject at hand ("Without a base, without a trace...") and "Ice Queen" Emily's attention.

A mentoring, banter-filled breakfast, a walk home in the rain, and the prelude to a kiss turn into a night of extraordinary passion and pleasure.

Alex's deliberate pursuit and unthawing of Emily across two continents, coupled with Emily's possession of and submission to exactly what Alex needs (even as she's discovering what it means herself) are the very stuff of which the perfect steamy romance is made. Secrets, tragedy, trauma, and angst are also present, but Rey has outdone herself.

This book was satisfying in so many ways, appealing on both a cerebral and emotional level. Rey's distinct, straightforward, storytelling voice; her skill in portraying two people exploring the pitfalls and boundaries of their passion and connection; her unique brand of humor; and, her extensive medical knowledge all shine through to make When It Rains a top-tier read.

NOTE: Please heed content notes as this book contains darker themes, including pregnancy loss, grief/loss, circumstances requiring medical treatment, discussion of an abusive relationship, and one instance of on-page DV (not between MCs).
Profile Image for Lynda Myring j.
57 reviews
April 27, 2024
That is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. Lots of things going on that means there is never a dull minute. If you like some BDSM in your stories you are going to absolutely love this story. So real the characters jump off the page at you. Can you handle the excitement ,you are not going to want to put this book down.
996 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2024
Had me from the very beginning. Dominants and Submissives. Family violence but a couple that are just right together and a trip to Guatemala.
Profile Image for Cecilie.
25 reviews
May 6, 2024
✨️ ARC review ✨️

What a wonderful book, I've had such a good time reading it. I love that we get to see how Emily grows and figure herself out. Alex had me from the first line, our sex toy expert 😜
Their story were beautiful from start to finish

Thank you Alexis for giving this to me as an ARC! ❤️

It's always a pleasure reading your books 👀😏
Profile Image for Michelle Frater.
1,787 reviews20 followers
April 9, 2025
This was an emotionally gripping journey that left my heart aching in the best way possible.
By the time I turned the final page on Alex and Emily’s story, I felt like I’d been through the wringer in the most satisfying, soul-deep way. My fingers quite literally ached from being crossed so tightly, hoping these two beautifully broken people would find their way to each other. Emily, a dedicated ER doctor, and Alex, a fourth-year med student (yes, they’re the same age—no reverse-age-gap or student/mentor dynamic here), are both carrying heavy emotional baggage. But watching them slowly, tenderly unpack it together was incredibly rewarding. Alex is the kind of take-charge man who brings calm to Emily’s chaos, and their chemistry is palpable from the start. I especially loved how he made her laugh and helped her let go during their first time together—tender, sexy, and vulnerable all at once—even if the night didn’t end quite how I’d hoped. Their connection only deepens when Alex follows Emily on a medical mission to Guatemala (be still my swooning heart!). What unfolds is a delicately paced and beautifully written journey into the D/s dynamic. Emily’s natural submissiveness is explored with care, and while Alex clearly leads in the bedroom, his unwavering respect for Emily’s autonomy shines through. The emotional safety he offers her made their intimate moments even more powerful. The banter between them was absolute gold. I found myself grinning and giggling like a lovestruck teen more than once. And the dirty talk? Let’s just say it deserves its own five stars. Both characters have walked through fire, and it’s through each other that they begin to truly heal. There’s a sense that no one else could ever fully get them the way they do each other. Of course, with that kind of intensity comes fear, doubt, and a whole lot of emotional unraveling, but the payoff is oh-so worth it. Their hard-won happily-ever-after is one that felt earned and deeply satisfying. This wasn’t just a romance. It was a cathartic, character-driven love story that left me breathless, emotionally spent, and utterly smitten.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sam Lance.
86 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2024
If you thought that Fifty Shades of Grey was a cheesy introduction into BDSM and wanted something more realistic, then When It Rains by Alexis Rey is the book for you. On top of the BDSM relationship, there’s other themes explored in this book. There’s ice queen and aloof man. He falls first and she realizes he broke through her carefully structed walls. She stands up for herself against her abuser. There’s a secret romance going on as they are not supposed to be together due to their professions.
This book explores what it’s about to be in a submissive/dominant relationship between Alex (dom) and Emily (sub) who begin as a mentor (Emily) and student (Alex). After a one-night stand, Alex realizes Emily is the one for him. He follows Emily to Guatemala on a Doctors Without Borders mission and they further explore their relationship. There’s a storm that results in them being stranded together which only adds to the bubble-like romance they have going on. There’s a betrayal after the storm that shows why Emily is known as the Ice Queen. After Emily comes to her senses, she pursues Alex. They work their relationship out and end in a happily-ever-after.
My favorite thing about this book is that it’s not just your typical dom/sub story. Alex realizes that while Emily would be a good submissive, he has to ease her into it as she’s never done it before. There’s the enjoyment of finding out that you can release yourself to someone else’s control without it being purely “whips and chains” type of submission that a lot of BDSM stories talk about. You see Emily’s pure bliss of not having to have full control like she does in her work and personal life. I also love the reference to those being in the BDSM lifestyle as being “wizards” and those not being “muggles”.
I rated this story four out of five stars. The main reason it didn’t obtain five stars is because the writing style is a bit choppy. It gets less so as the book progresses. That is really my only complaint with the whole book.
Profile Image for Shannan.
161 reviews9 followers
May 6, 2024
What a hot little surprise to get dropped into my Kindle one afternoon.

Alexis had shared the “prelude to a kiss” scene with me through our messages and I BEGGED for more. And she absolutely delivered. I think this has jumped in front of even The Wonderland Chronicles and those are my favorite!

This story follows Emily (ER doctor) and Alex (med student). Two people with incredible chemistry.. that probably shouldn’t have it. Both are broken in their own way and see that one piece the other is missing in each other. Alex can see the need to let go within Emily, who has carefully structured everything about herself to not allow anyone else fully in. Watching him break down her walls was a deliciously spicy adventure. And when she realizes those walls are down? It might be too little, too late, as a person from her past makes a reappearance.

As usual, for an Alexis read, the spice is spicing and the angst be hurting. Their chemistry and banter was sizzling from the start and only got better as Alex became the cinnadom mentor to Emily’s submissive. His dirty talk had me flushing and fanning myself as he guided her. Their journey to a happily ever after is hard fought and hard won and kept me on the edge of my seat and flipping pages almost faster than my brain could keep up. I HAD to see them happy and I was almost worried for a moment we wouldn’t get it, but their ending had me kicking my legs and giddy as can be.

You’ll like this if you love:
- forced proximity
- doctor and med student
- she’s the doctor, he’s the dom
- intro to BDSM
- gentle dom/cinnadom
- general badassery
- 🌶🌶🌶 but like really hot
Profile Image for Rebecca Hill.
750 reviews10 followers
May 16, 2024
When It Rains was an unexpected and thought-provoking read. The book features Dr. Emily Williston and Alex Meyer, an ER physician and a 4th year medical student. These characters are so well written, it is easy to forget they are fictional.

Alex is a dominant character - capital D, dominant. He knows who he is, but it took him awhile to not only get there but to accept it. Emily would never call herself a submissive; she needs to be in control. But there is something about Alex. She finds herself willing to not only listen to him, but to follow his instructions. The two explore this dynamic throughout this spicy and often titilating story.

I know that most authors who write fiction with a BDSM component frequently include a note to readers that their writing is not to be taken as instuctional. Readers are encouraged to research and educate themselves on the lifestyle. That said, I feel like this author took me on a beautiful and educational journey. The characters' exploration of their relationship afforded me a different perspective and appreciation for the give and take nature of that type of rapport.

Their story though is so much more than just the sex. We learn both Emily's and Alex's back stories that speak to what they've had to endure and who they are. Their struggles make them more relatable and had me invested in their outcomes, both individually and together.

Shout out for the wonderful secondary character Max. She's amazing!

I would like to thank the author not only for this beautiful love story, but for elevating her readers by not simplifying her writing. I love that I had to look up multiple words while reading this book. I always appreciate the opportunity to learn.

While this was my first Alexis Rey book, it definitely won't be my last.
760 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2024
I really enjoyed When It Rains! There are many emotional situations going on, yet they all make sense when applied to the control/power dynamic of a dom/sub relationship. Emily is an ER attending doctor and Alex is a student doing a rotation in her ER. They find each other intriguing. Alex finds Emily to be an enigmatic and controlled woman with her life together and he wants her for his submissive. Emily finds Alex to be an unusual medical student. He is older than the typical medical student at 33-years-old. He also seems to be amused easily and shakes her composure. Emily invites Alex to breakfast after a particularly grueling night shift, and their relationship takes off from there.

This book was a fast-paced, page-turner with witty banter, gut-wrenching trauma, dark and passionate spicy scenes, and entertaining drama. The story was beautifully written and captivating from start to finish. Both main characters were written with lots of depth and complexity, and the attraction between Emily and Alex was intense and steamy. This book has such depth that it will evoke strong feelings and reactions. My emotions were all over the place with them: happy, sad, angry, etc. Rey’s storytelling makes you feel like you are there in the moment. I especially liked the supporting character of Jaime and his banter with Alex. Please read the trigger warnings before reading. Overall, I definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more from the author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Erin Collins.
677 reviews22 followers
May 5, 2024
✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨
ARC REVIEW

When It Rains - Alexis Rey

5/5⭐️
4.5/5 🌶️

✨✨✨✨✨✨
Well Alexis Rey has done it again! I absolutely I loved this book! Alex and Emily seriously had me feeling all the emotions! At some points I was wanting to yell through my kindle at them to just open their eyes! Both characters are broken in their own ways and this book really shows how you can be a human. I’m glad Emily eventually got away from that husband of hers because YIKES! Overall in the end Alex and Emily brought out the best in each other while also being really supportive of what the other needs. Even all the side characters were so likable except that husband of Emily’s!

📚📚📚
If you like to read:
~ Forced Proximity
~ Angsty Love
~ Remote Location
~ Intro to BDSM
~ Cinnadom
~ she’s the doctor but he’s the dom
… You should definitely check this out

📚📚📚

Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words.

✨what’s a forced proximity book you’ve read?

#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc
Profile Image for Lisa S.
23 reviews3 followers
May 21, 2024

Thank you Alexis Rey for allowing me to ARC read this delicious story!

With any books please check the author's notes and all TW before reading. 18÷

We have Emily, the OTT ER doctor and Alex the cocky med student. You just know this is going to be a spicy but beautiful story.

Emily and Alexander took me on one hell of an emotionally roller-coaster. These two are so well matched, both broken and damaged in some way, and needing something more in their lives.
The banter is amazing, especially at the start of the book and had me laughing so much.
Their general likeability draws you in and their explosive chemistry alongside the heavy emotional baggage kept me completely engaged.

it’s not your typical dom/sub story. Alex realizes that Emily would be a great submissive, but he has to ease her into it as she’s never done it before. There’s the enjoyment of finding out that you can release yourself to someone else’s control without it being the “whips and chains” type of submission that a lot of BDSM stories talk about. Alex's naughty mouth had me turning on a fan to cool off!

I love Alex and Emily's story and how it unfolded with a great detailed back story. It has all the right spice and plot to keep those pages turning!
451 reviews15 followers
May 13, 2024
This is the story of Emily and Alex. Emily, a no-nonsense ER doctor, and Alex, a dark and arrogant med student on her ER rotation.

Emily has a reputation for being an “Ice Queen.” She is highly respected but can compartmentalize her emotions. Alex is a little older than the other med students under her rotation in the ER and sparks an unwanted interest in Emily.

A breakfast together after a traumatic nightshift leads to a steamy encounter where Emily gets introduced to Alex, the Dom. However, Alex gets triggered and sneaks out of Emily’s apartment afterwards.

This story has twists and turns and a lot of miscommunications between the MC’s. When they are together, they are good. When they are apart, they struggle. Emily suffers a medical emergency and Alex goes back to a former sub to find emotional/physical relief.

This was a good story and was full of tension. While it was frustrating that two intelligent people could not communicate any better than what they did, they both do find their voice.

Like other reviewers, I felt the author wrote a realistic BDSM story line. The smexy times between Emily and Alex are smoking hot.
655 reviews16 followers
May 23, 2024
Ok so why haven't I heard of this writer before now?! This is really powerful writing! Deserves more than 5 stars!

Alexis Rey has absolutely nailed it!! A must read for all BDSM romance lovers everywhere who are so over the whips and crops at the kink club! This is original, intellectual and refined, and I can't rave enough about it!

Written with the ease and pace of an expert. Raw, real, thoroughly researched, so real it could be biographical. A beautiful and sensuous exploration of desire, of male dominance, of submissive awakening: wax play for your minds ladies and gentlemen!

This is a novel of exceptional emotional force and razor sharp chemistry. A story you'll dive in to and never want to leave. Be warned, you're so going to want an Alex for yourself!

I received this as a free arc and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Profile Image for Kat.
287 reviews7 followers
December 30, 2024
🌶🌶
It's an ok book. But it's too slow for me. I've been ruined by very dark books. This book is like an intro to s*x and bdsm. (Idk anything about bdsm). I thought it was going to be good, but it was too "vanilla" for me. The spicy scenes were too simple. The dom/sub scenes were too gentle. The FMC felt like a crybaby who couldn't handle pain. At times, I felt the MMC said some girly things. There was too much asking for consent. There were a lot of thank you's, and you're welcome. Those were funny. There were moments when it was good. Other moments, I just wanted it to end. It started getting too long and boring. The backflashes were also a bit confusing. It just wasn't very clear. Should have been better addressed. They did have good chemistry, though. I do enjoy a book where I'm not waiting 20 chapters for the spicy scenes. This one starts on chapter 4.
Profile Image for Dalene.
1,436 reviews30 followers
May 5, 2024
When you look at this cover you think it's just pure sex right? It isn't though. Yes there is tons of sex but you know what else this book has. Two people going through a lot and finding each other at the right time.

Emily is an ER doctor and Alex is a student doctor who is about to graduate. After a one night stand Alex flys to Mexico to see Emily again. There they both help the town they are in. Do you they reconnect though? Stay tuned and read it.

Oh man Alex is a kinky man and I'm here for it. Boy found his match in Emily. Together they work so damn well. Both need that BDSM to get release and both have a reason for wanting sex to be more.

The chemistry, the sex, everything was so well done.
Profile Image for Tonje Juvik.
99 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2024
When I was given this book from Alexis Rey through my book club, I didn't know what to expect. This book has swept me off my feet in all the good ways! The love, build up - of the dom/sub relationship. And gotta say, Alex, how well he reads Emily ❤️🥵👌

But I will also add that there are many aspects in this book that I think some can recognize themselves in, in one way or another in both good and bad. Trying to express myself without spoiling anything, but this one person with bad vibes that comes more into focus in the later part of the book is someone that I think all women meets at some part in their life. And then to have that strength that it takes to remove oneself from that person, it gave me so much.

This book is so whole❤️ from beginning to the end. Highly recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for SunsetLibrary.
117 reviews15 followers
May 13, 2024
Another fantastic release from Alexis Rey. This time we’re treated to a full length novel following Emily and Alex as they navigate a forbidden relationship, their own past traumas, and present challenges. I loved everything about this book. The characters, the plot line, the dialogue and the wonderful side characters.

Emily is an ER doctor with a reputation for being cold and off putting. Alex is a fourth year med student on an ER assignment. After a particularly hilarious late night lesson, followed by a traumatizing case, Emily finds Alex disillusioned and upset so she puts her mentor cap on and takes him out to breakfast to give him some wisdom and perspective. Emily learns she and Alex are the same age despite him being a student, and he’s very bossy in a way that sets her on fire. Alex learns exactly how to make the ice queen melt.

What follows is an angsty journey of self discovery, trauma, and healing. Alexis Rey does a phenomenal job making us fall In love with these characters and care about their life together. Exciting storyline, spicy spice, and hilarious friends and side characters all make this an absolute must read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Harriet.
16 reviews
May 28, 2024
Just a fraction of an inch 🥵🥵
Count to fifty…….
I loved the relationship build up between Alex and Emily holy spice and chemistry!!!!
This book was well written and dam these spicy scenes were change panty worthy!
I loved that they just didn’t jump into the dynamic that Alex wanted, it was clear he understood what she needed and was able to give her the freedom and space to see that. I would have maybe liked ti see more of the safer aspects of the dynamic discussed as she was a newbie, however it was mentioned that Emily had done her home work.
This is not a how to guide for BDSM !!
Not gonna lie this book was a challenge, I try to avoid books with cheating in it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
23 reviews
December 27, 2024
I liked this book for the most part. I thought the characters were well thought out and I enjoyed their interactions. The only part that got me angry was when Alex took it upon himself to “help Emily” grieve/cry. She was definitely not experienced enough to understand what he was doing and it felt like that bordered on abusive behavior and I don’t like when a book about consensual D/s takes a turn like that. I do understand that it was for the plot and the conflict that the author was creating but it still felt off-putting knowing that Alex has years of experience in the scene.

I appreciated the HEA for these characters but I felt like the ending was a bit rushed.
297 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2024
I stumbled upon Alexis Rey from another author. And Alexis is quickly becoming one of my favorites. When it Rains is a wonderful story of two people coming together when in the beginning it seems they shouldn't. Emily is an attending physician in the ER and Alex is a medical student under her supervision. The two are pulled apart but perspective in the form of a medical mission in Guatemala brings them back together. Their relationship is dom/sub and there are many steamy scenes. The story is just as good as the spice with many unexpected complications for the characters.
Profile Image for Rebecca Georgiev.
245 reviews5 followers
April 24, 2024
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

"True love is hard to fade away"

This book was so good and so well written. I loved the whole plot and storyline. This is my first-time reading Alexis books and it won't be the last as I will definitely go back and read through Wonderland Chronicles and Brutal, to get a better understanding of the story background.

Forbidden Romance✔️
Hot Chemistry✔️
Dom/ Sub✔️
Dirty Talk✔️
Spicy🥵🔥🥵✔️✔️
Forced Proximity✔️
Dual POV's✔️
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