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Falling Under #2

Under His Touch

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Amber Dolors knows better than to get involved with her boss. Devastatingly handsome in his sharp suits and sexy beyond belief, he possesses an air of command that fuels her darkest fantasies. But she's worked too hard to get this job, and keeping it will lead to a brilliant future. She won't cross that line--even if his way of giving orders and demanding her best performance gives her delicious warm shivers.

Alexander Knight prides himself on his integrity and self-discipline. After all, he hasn't risen to the position he enjoys by indulging his whims over ambition. He also isn't blind. He's certainly noticed his sharp, young assistant is hot as hell. His self-imposed sexual hermitage doesn't stop him from watching her. And endlessly fantasizing.

The day Alec's cool reserve cracks and Amber catches a glimpse of something simmering beneath his apparent indifference is the day everything between them changes. Alec gives her what she's been looking for sexually--as masterful in the bedroom as he is in the boardroom. He finds himself in the grip of an affair that tests even his boundaries, while Amber's new role as willing student pushes them both past any consideration other than mutual longing.

Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2015

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About the author

Jeffe Kennedy

101 books1,343 followers
💙She/her💙 Award-winning Bestselling Author of epic fantasy romance. Taoist. Swiftie. Santa Fean. Cat lady @sfwa_inc Past-President. Rep by @seyitsme

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Melliane.
2,073 reviews350 followers
June 22, 2016
3.5/5

Mon avis en Français

My English review

J’avais beaucoup apprécié le premier tome qui mettait en avant des thèmes que l’on aborde peu en littérature, notamment la place de la femme dans le secteur des jeux vidéo ainsi que ses conséquences. Le côté érotique était assez bien fait et light ce qui explique que j’étais curieuse de me lancer dans le second roman.

A l’inverse du tome précédent, on retrouve un schéma plutôt classique pour un livre érotique BDSM. En effet, on découvre Amber une jeune fille en quête d’un homme qui satisfera ses fantasmes SM, qu’elle n’a pu pour le moment assouvir. Problème ? L’homme dont elle a envie et qui est plus âgé qu’elle est aussi son patron et il est bien décidé à ne pas mélanger travail et plaisir. Pourtant, quelque chose va se créer entre eux et nos deux héros vont se retrouver emportés par une histoire qui les prendra au dépourvu.

J’ai été un peu moins emportée par ce roman que le précédent je l’avoue. Je vous explique pourquoi… je ne suis pas forcément une grande fan d’érotique ou encore de SM mais le premier tome m’avait amené quelque chose que je n’attendais pas, un contexte très intéressant et une intrigue qui tenait la route. Ici, c’est un peu différent car l’histoire tourne autour d’Amber et de son envie de relations spéciales au point qu’elle ne réalise pas les conséquences de certaines de ses actions. On évolue ainsi sur son couple avec Alexander et son initiation au SM. C’est vrai que j’en voulais plus, une histoire derrière qui me prenne, ajouté à cela l’érotique. C’était une lecture agréable et rapide tout de même mais ça manquait d’une intrigue plus forte pour moi mais je pense que les fans de ce genre seront ravis de l’histoire et passeront un très bon moment.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,449 reviews13 followers
December 29, 2014
Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com

2.5 Hearts Let me start by saying I am usually a fan of what Kennedy has to write but I just couldn’t enjoy this story. First it took almost half of the story for the characters to really get together. There was so much of the back and forth of “we shouldn’t do this”, “I can’t get you out of my head”, “you are my employee”, blah blah blah that I felt the connection lacked by the time they got together. I also had a hard time with the age difference. Not because it was there but because too many time it was reminded he was “old enough to be her father” putting that thought in my head.

Amber is actually too innocent if you ask me and Alec just doesn’t have the Dom attitude, again to my way of thinking. I wish I could say I thought this story had potential but I just don’t. Mind you this will not stop me from picking up the next book by Kennedy in hopes that she has gone back to her usual way of writing.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews872 followers
February 23, 2015
Kitty's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

3.5 Stars

In this May to December story, Jeffe Kennedy brings us into the business world where the taboo of boss/assistant relationships thrive. High-powered Alexander Knight, British divorcee, alpha male knows that he is hiding behind his work to escape the hurt caused in his divorce. Amber Dolors, young, fresh, innocent is looking to make her way in the financial world but has deep dark desires that no guy she has dated can or will fulfill. Together, they bring her fantasy’s to life and make Alec look at what really happened to his marriage.

I have no problem with older/younger stories. Unfortunately, this storyline left me a little bereft. Nothing seemed natural in the way that the BDSM came into the story. And, when it did, there was really no negotiation between the two of them. Dinner/strip. Yes, safewords were discussed but no boundaries were set … no talk of expectations. And, when it did happen, it escalated very quickly with no easing in for a first-time submissive. There was also a “Daddy” scene that left me a little shaken. A true Mind-fuck on me. And, believe me, the mental aspects of BDSM were well and truly explored in this book.

As this is the first time that I am reading Jeffe Kennedy, I will tell you that she does have a way with words and bringing a story together. Her references to the Classics and her fantastic way of building the story is what kept me involved and intrigued. I was wondering how everything would turn out in the work place and in their lives. The only thing that threw me off and does not have me giving a 5 star review was the BDSM aspect and how it was handled with a new submissive.

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,513 reviews86 followers
January 5, 2015
Recieved an ARC for review

Well, I torn between 3 and 4 stars. I guess it averages out to 3.5 which I have to round up to 4.

Yes this is a second book, but there is no one from the previous book even alluded to. So don't worry if you haven't read it yet.

At about 30% I was like hurry up, enough with the "foreplay" and get to it already. Boy when they did...it was seriously hot. I got to about 70% and said this is either going to be a serial or have a rushed ending. It isn't a serial. And there's no epilogue.. maybe it really is just 3 stars.
Profile Image for L.E.Olteano  .
514 reviews70 followers
June 23, 2015
Yumm!!

Originally posted on Jan 16 2015 at Butterfly-o-Meter Books:

In a Flutter: All-my-kinks come true
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: I loved the contemporary New York setting :D
Characters: In order of appearance, Amber was beyond fun, I have a total girl-crush on Kiki, and of course…Alexander Knight…*le sigh*
Amber was lively, enthusiastic, fun, passionate, had a great sense of humor, a lot of guts trying to go after what (and who) she wanted. She was very easy to love and admire, and she was obnoxiously beautiful of course, lol. The kind of gorgeous, smart, freaking lucky girl you love to hate and secretly want to be like…especially if she gets an Alexander Knight on top of everything, lol.
Which brings us to Mr. Knight…and so much sighing on my part. I mean, I have a thing for mature, controlled, Dom-like gentlemen :D Throw in English accent, and we’re talking panties-melting inferno, not just hotness. The one thing I didn’t like about the charismatic, hot-as-hell Mr. Knight is the fact I don’t have one of my own :D
Amber and Alexander had awesomesauce chemistry, their one on one was very hot, power-play but not too extreme in my opinion, I’d say appropriate for the moderate kinkster, lol. But not extreme. More naughty than out-right hardcore, you know what I mean? Of course, that’s a very subjective POV and I read hardcore stuff with ease.
Plot: The May/December romance was intense, lots of emotional and quite a bit of sexual tension. I loved the way the romance evolved and the focus on the pair. Yum.
Writing: Third person, past tense narrative, his and her POV.
Curb Appeal: Hot cover, hooking blurb, auto-buy author name. Definite impulsive buy material.

All in all, this was a smoking hot, super-yum power-play romance (totally appropriate made up genre name, don’t you think? I should start labeling stuff that way), and yet another score for Jeffe Kennedy. If you’re into contemporary power-play romance and May/December romance stories, you should definitely go for this baby.
Profile Image for Maria Rose.
2,650 reviews279 followers
April 4, 2016
This erotic romance is the story of Amber and Alec. Amber is Alec's twenty something assistant, forbidden in more ways than one but that doesn't stop them from engaging in an affair that could have long term consequences for them both professionally and personally. But though the sex scratches an itch they both have, will it be the start of something deeper or the road to ruin?

I really enjoyed this story. Alec is a man with a dominant personality, ready and willing to use that side of him in the bedroom with a willing submissive. But though he knows this is what Amber is offering him, his conscience is very clear that this could have negative consequences for her in the workplace and before he gives in to his deepest desires, he finds a way to protect her as much as he can from any professional fallout. I really liked this about him, that he didn't just give in to his sexual attraction to this younger woman but made sure that it would be as safe for her as possible. Amber is a fun, flirty, smart young woman, with a crush on her boss that goes deeper than that - she sees that he could give her what she is craving sexually but is disappointed that he won't act on the attraction - until he finally does and then the gloves come off. The sex scenes between them are hot and definitely on the kinky side as the D/s power dynamic comes into play. But along with those scenes are ones of a more tender, intimate nature as their feelings for each other deepen. Alec realizes that his concerns about their age difference and working relationship are only a hindrance on his side, something he must come to terms with. Amber is willing to go the distance with him, it's up to him to accept that or walk away. Overall I found this to be a really interesting and unique forbidden love affair story with a sweet romance hiding underneath the kink. 5 stars!
Profile Image for Emily.
5,963 reviews557 followers
January 15, 2015
Amber Dolors has been attracted to her boss for awhile, she never thought it was mutual though. Alexander Knight is not denying his attraction to Amber, but it is against his morals to act on it. Amber though seems to find a way to continue to get under his skin and before he knows it he is acting on his desire for her.

Overall good story, Amber doesn't quite seem to realize the game she is playing when she tries to get under Alex's skin. I thought Alexander was an intriguing character he is really fighting his feelings for Amber and could easily end up losing her if he doesn't acknowledge them. Will look for more in this series.
Profile Image for RoloPoloBookBlog.
1,102 reviews34 followers
August 3, 2015
Under his Touch by Jeffe Kennedy
Book #2: Falling Under Series
Source: Purchase
My Rating: 4½/5 stars
My Review:

Office romances sure can be nasty but in the capable hands of Jeffe Kennedy, an office romance can also be delightfully naughty and fraught with sexual tension.

Amber Dolors is young, ambitious, intelligent, and looking for something in a man she has never been able to find. She works in the financial industry, she is very good at her job, and when given the chance she will absolutely shine. She also works under Alexander Knight, the coolest, calmest, sexiest man she has ever encountered. Alexander is always present and put-together, he is cunning and clever, he never really engages any of his employees, and in certain moments when only Amber is watching, his control slips and she gets a glimpse of the man behind the façade. Amber very much wants to see more of that man, the man she comes to call, Dark Alec. (Yes, it’s with a “C” as he’s British!)

Alexander Knight moved to the U.S. not because he wanted a change of scenery but because he needed a change of scenery. His divorce wasn’t just ugly, it was devastating and has left him in a deep depression for far, far too long. By choice he has avoided companionship of the female variety and focused all of his attention on his job. He is certainly the leader of the pack among his colleagues and the man they go to when there is a problem that needs fixing but as of late, the work is no longer all the satisfaction he needs or wants in his life. When the other partners come to Alec to solve a serious problem he is assigned help in the form of Amber Dolors. Though Alec doesn’t know Amber he has been very, very aware of her for a very, very long time.

The sexual tension between Alec and Amber is palpable and in a moment of very, very rare weakness Alec confirms for Amber what she has suspected, Alec wants her. What’s more, Amber discovers Alec’s particular kink is exactly the kind of sexual relationship she would like to explore. Getting to the good stuff is going to take some convincing since Alec has never crossed the line with an employee and is supremely conscious of tanking Amber’s young career. Amber, however is more than Alec could have ever hoped for and in her incredibly logical and reasoned manner she convinces him to engage in a sexual relationship with her. Though extremely nervous about the potential fallout Alec is also irresistibly attracted to Amber and so, the ground rules are set and the safe words are chosen.

From the moment they allow the sexual energy to release, Amber and Alec are perfect together. Alec has no interest in a total submissive and Amber has no desire (nor the personality) to be anyone’s slave. With very little experience in the BDSM world Elizabeth needs Alec to help her navigate the sexual world she wants to explore. Their first encounters are meant to help Elizabeth get accustomed to Alec and his ways and for Alec to feel her out in terms of boundaries. Even with as light as those moments are, they are still incredibly hot and Amber is certain she wants more. Yet again, Elizabeth has to convince Alec that she is ready to move forward and with her perceptive mind ever-working she begins to pick away at Alec’s tough exterior in order to better understand her new lover. Elizabeth’s highly perceptive nature doesn’t so much irritate Alec as it frustrates and scares him. In only a few weeks, Elizabeth is able to see beneath his cool exterior and discover what it is that makes him so hesitant to engage in a more complete and public relationship with her. The secrets and fears Alec harbors are significant and holding them in is going to cost him the best thing that has ever happened to him!

The Bottom Line: Jeffe Kennedy has never disappointed me and she certainly didn’t with this read either. Office romances are always tricky and just when you think you are going to get through this read without the shit hitting the fan, Kennedy blindsides you with office drama. It is good drama too! Both Alec and Amber are likeable characters but in very different ways. Amber is intelligent and I like that Kennedy has allowed her to be so. Amber may be young but she is also very logical and level-headed and I found that quite appealing. She rarely ever devolves into an emotional mess and I found that quite refreshing. Alec is likeable because of his age and experience, the two things he sees as disadvantages in his relationship with Amber. When Alec is in command and on his game, he is fiercely attractive. His command of Amber is both powerful and caring but he allows his doubts and fears to consume him from time to time. Once he finally pulls his head out of his ass and realizes what he has with Amber, Alec becomes an even better character and man.

Nothing is perfect and there is one issue in this read I found particularly irritating, Lily. Lily is another partner in the firm and though she starts out OK she quickly becomes seriously unlikeable. Lily is such a dominate female that she automatically assumes Amber needs her protection and that Amber is both unwilling and/or incapable of making her own decisions and/or taking care of herself. Kennedy has built such a fine and self-sufficient character in Amber that it makes Lily come across as nothing more than a nosy bitch. Perhaps a bit more background on Lily may have eased this perception but alas, that was not to be.

At the end of the day, I thoroughly enjoyed this read as I have every other Jeffe Kennedy book. Kennedy doesn’t do gratuitous sex and that is something I very much appreciate in erotica titles. I need good characters and a good plot to go along with the sex and that is certainly delivered in this read. The Falling Under series is quickly becoming one of my favorite BDSM series 
Profile Image for Kate Crowe.
331 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2017
A boss/employee affair that also incorporates May-December & BDSM, this book had an intriguing relationship and well written and hot love scenes. This is another one by Jeffe Kennedy that I will be reading again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for new_user.
263 reviews193 followers
October 15, 2017
Super sweet gentleman in the streets, hot dom in the sheets, lol.
Profile Image for MBR.
1,398 reviews361 followers
January 27, 2015
Under His Touch by Jeffe Kennedy is an explosive read and the second book in the Falling Under series by the author. Being my very first Jeffe Kennedy novel, I didn’t find any difficulty in immersing myself in the story, thus pretty much safe to say that this can be read as a standalone and that Jeffe writes one helluva story!

Amber Dolors is young, smart and ambitious. The only thing that seems to be lacking in her life are prospective men with whom she can connect on a physical and mental level. What Amber craves physically is someone who would hold mastery over her, but Amber finds herself hardpressed to find someone who fits the persona that she has in mind. A persona that seems to tie in perfectly with her boss Alexander Knight (Alec).

Scarred from his marriage and preceding divorce, Alec is a broody hero if ever there was one. Hailing from Britain, Alec’s move to the U.S. had come in order for him to leave his past behind. Amber is a distraction that Alec can definitely do without. Though their workplace has no strict rules on inter-office dating, Alec feels that he is way older for someone like Amber even though his body smolders from the very idea of him and Amber together.

Under His Touch is a story that has a lot of angst of the good variety in it. Alec though he wants to possess Amber in every single way possible, resists her at every level until he realizes that him and Amber will happen, one way or the other. For Amber, Alec giving in means she gets to experience the sort of sex life that she has been craving for, for a very long time. But as these two embark on an affair that has no time limit set on it, both Alec and Amber realize that it is not just the physical aspect of their relationship and connection that draws them together. And Amber realizes that if ever they were to have a chance at making things work long term, Alec would definitely need to lay the demons that hound him to rest.

Under His Touch is an erotic romance with BDSM elements to it. Alec is a man who exudes so much control over himself and that of his encounters with Amber that lent an extra charge to the sensuality that was pretty much overloading my senses to begin with. The one encounter during which Alec’s legendary control broke is one that is worthy of a mention. I couldn’t help but want more of the same.

Amber was definitely a heroine that endeared to me. I liked her spunk, her independent nature and the fact that she wasn’t willing to settle for anything less than what she wanted. And I loved her for the fact that even though she is young and inexperienced when it comes to the likes of a BDSM lifetstyle, she is intuitive enough to know what Alec wants and needs. Though Alec might be the dominant in their relationship, Amber herself provides the much needed relief and salvation that Alec had been seeking, albeit unknowingly.

Alec is a hero that would drive most readers nuts, and all in a good way. His sexuality is one that is not all over the place, but yet the strength of it could be felt at the turn of every single page. Amber labeling his attire as suit porn was one I could definitely relate to. I couldn’t help but smile and fan myself a bit everytime Alec came into the picture. Yes ladies, he is that enchanting! And now imagine all that with a sexy British accent? Swoon!

The only thing that I felt lacking in the story was a well rounded ending. I wanted a little bit more of Alec and Amber before the story was through. I felt that the ending was a trifle bit rushed. Perhaps an epilogue that showed Alec and Amber somewhere down the line would’ve done a lot to appease readers like myself who wants to actually see the happily ever after before turning the last page of the story.

Recommended for fans of BDSM, fans of angsty romances & fans of sexy British heroes! I loved it!

Rating = 4/5

For more reviews & quotes, please visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
Profile Image for Elisabeth Lane.
407 reviews135 followers
February 3, 2015
Under His Touch by Jeffe Kennedy is a May-December boss-subordinate office romance, a setup that is complete catnip for me that nevertheless has epic potential to go really far wrong. I love huge age gaps in my romance (my husband and I are ten years apart) and I love the realism of office romances. But often neither of these storylines work so well. In any office romance, especially a boss-subordinate romance, and even more so with an age difference, there's a fine line to walk between hella hot and hella creeptastic. Kennedy manages to walk the line with room to spare, creating a delightful story of a precocious, ambitious young woman and her older, more experienced lover that worked for me on every level.

Amber Dolors is a bright, ambitious young woman who knows just what she wants, but not how to get it. Not quite yet anyway. She's had no trouble attracting harmless young men, but what she wants is a relationship that's quite different from that. Amber has developed an interest in BDSM and is eager to explore it with someone attractive, experienced and willing to teach. Her nascent kinkdar tells her that her boss, Alec Knight, might be her ticket into the world of dominance and submission. Maybe her only ticket since her local NYC kink scene is portrayed as being difficult for a youngster such as herself to break into.

Alec Knight is Amber's boss, many rungs above her in the corporate hierarchy. This presents a huge problem for him because not only is he in fact a dominant with a ex-wife in his past whose kinky standards he couldn't live up to, he's also a really good guy. He's painfully aware of the fact that getting involved with Amber could ruin his career, but mostly that it would open her up to accusations of having slept her way to the top, which is horrifically unfair because she's super bright and fully capable of getting there all on her own. After much resisting though, he finally gives into her pleas to teach her the, ahem, ropes.

One little fun thing for me was that Amber is also just a little bit geeky. She makes all these references to Neil Gaiman's Sandman comic series, which is the series that got me into comics and which hasn't ever been replaced in my affections. Seeing the myriad Sandman references just tickled me silly and probably significantly influenced my affection for this book. But they're not just Easter eggs for Sandman fans. Amber tries to share the series with Alec, who is fairly dismissive of them. It's a problem that isn't unique to May-December romances, but a lot of the time such issues signal death in them. Despite the relative youth of one partner, there still needs to be mutual respect and Alex spends much of the novel struggling with the fact that Amber is just so young.

Together the two of them eventually stumble their way through the minefields of all their various power dynamics (including the boss-subordinate one) in a way that felt believable to me, even given current human resource realities. It's mainly Alec's reticence to ruin Amber's career and her insistence on a sexual relationship that made this work for me. Alec really has a rough time trying to decide the best course of action. He veers a bit into over-protectiveness, which Amber neither needs or wants and which she makes very clear. I think it would be easy to say, "Nope, no way, always wrong" when confronted with a scenario like this. But I remember being a young woman eager to make my own decisions (even if they turned out to be wrong ones, against the wisdom of my friends and family) and sometimes big gambles pay off. It's part of growing up. And definitely makes Under His Touch one for my keeper shelf.

For a recipe inspired by Under His Touch, visit Cooking Up Romance: http://www.cooking-up-romance.com/201...

Under His Touch Italian Cannoli
Profile Image for Beanimous.
1,025 reviews15 followers
August 1, 2016
I am giving this book 5 stars, and to be honest, i can not remember the last time I gave 5 stars to a book. This book is so perfect, it will be wrong for me to get anything less than perfect 5 stars from me.

This is my first book by this fabulous writer Jeffe Kennedy, and I am completely blown away by her book. Her prose is so polished and sophisticated, it's amazing to gather so much information from a simple short sentence. I am completely in awe. I had went ahead and bought two more books from her when this book is only 80% read.

This is a book about BDSM, this is a very very well written, steamy erotic book. I can almost see steam coming off my head while reading this book. However, it is so much more than just kinky sex, this book is also about relationships, taboo, connection, communication and love. This is a beautifully written book that I am certain I will come back to it again and again.

I am not a big fan on BDSM books, I don't usually see the appeal in it, and the scenes often make me cringe. However this book is totally different, the communication, the respect, the care the characters have for each other make the BDSM totally works. Which I am very happy to to read about. Yes, the kinky sex act is erotic and hot, but the desire to care for one another and to bring pleasure to each other is what really set this story apart from the other lesser BDSM books I have read.

The hero in this book is British, and I can not begin to tell you, the author's talent in how perfectly she writes British dialogues. I have read so many books portraying British characters with dialogues that does not sound British at all. One of my best friend is British, and the hero speaks just like my friend. The character is so vividly portrayed that I can almost see my friend saying the same thing like the hero did in the book, with the perfectly stoned face except the tiny lift at the corner of his lips and the glint in his eyes to tell you he's been sarcastic. Brillliant! (My friend would said)

When the author writes the dialogue for mature British male, the dialogue sounded just like one, and when she writes young american girls, the dialogue is exactly like a young girl. Most of the books failed to make such clear distinction, and yet this writer pulls it off just perfectly.

Ok, here comes the taboo and the issue that most people found uncomfortable. The large age gap......I have had known many couples who has a large age gap (8 yrs, 15 yrs, 20 yrs), and all of them are happily married, some have kids and their relationships have continue to go strong when other couples of similar age groups have fallen apart. Call me a romantic, but I believe the heart want what the heart wants, sometimes there is very little we can do to dissuade our heart from loving the one it wants. So the age gap didn't bother me much, but I can understand it bothers some.

Another thing I really like about this book, is how the submissive is not powerless and in more ways than one, holds the ultimate control of the relationship. Which is refreshing to read and I am just so glad I didn't have to read about another doormat submissive female characters that I constantly want to slap her to get some sense into her thick skull.

Finally, I didn't expect this book to be so deep and insightful. I was thinking it will just be a frivolous superficial erotic story that I will forget as soon as the book is finished. Not so, this book will stay in my mind for a long long time, like my all time favorite book "Willing Victim" by Cara McKeana. Both of them will be used as a standard for 5 stars books in the future.

I am so glad I have found this author, and will wholeheartedly recommend this book to any readers out there looking for a smart, well written erotica.

Profile Image for ItsAboutTheBook.
1,447 reviews30 followers
February 14, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book

Amber is young and smart. She’s going places with her job and her life. But she’s really really interested in her boss. And she knows it’s wrong and that it could potentially jeopardize her position, but if he would only give her a hint…

Alec isn’t sure what to do. He’s incredibly interested in his assistant at work, but it would completely damage both of their careers if he asked her out. If he even acted interested. And trying to get her transferred so he could ask her out would make it seem like he didn’t like her or he wasn’t satisfied with her work–both nonnegotiable. What can he do except suffer in silence with a stiff, British upper lip?

Well, apparently he can let her fondle his erection! This book veered from can we? to what can’t we do!, with nice exposition in between. The older Alec came with his own baggage from a former marriage and D/s relationship with his ex-wife; and Amber is very new to the scene yet very interested in trying out all the things that she is pretty sure she would like. But she’s got a few totes of her own to unpack–old boyfriends who thought she was a freak because she wanted to be spanked and worse. So it’s two steps forward and three steps back, but what delicious steps they are.

With Alec, Amber finds herself exploring new parts of herself sexually and testing boundaries never crossed before. She’s also finding new challenges at work as well, and finding out that sometimes the boardroom isn’t much different from the playground. People don’t like to share, and when they find out you’ve got a special toy, they want to take it for themselves. Plus, they want to get you in trouble.

Alec also finds himself at the end of his boundaries…literally. Guided by her new-found intimate knowledge of him, Amber sets up a scene guaranteed to push all his buttons. Hesitating, not sure if he can follow through, Alec surprises and delights them both when he finally opens up and moves into the real expression of his sexuality and shows Amber that he truly feels open with her and trusts her explicitly with himself–inside and out.

I really appreciated the fact that Amber was intelligent and good at her job. There was real concern on all parts that her career not be jeopardized because of her social choices to see Alec, and that she not be punished because of a relationship that might be outside of the norm. Her career was given full weight in this scenario–comparatively as much as Alec’s senior one, and that was insightful and well-done. Just because she was female, she wasn’t relegated to a more subservient role like secretary or administrative assistant that she could or would be willing to toss in order to stay in the relationship. Alec actually made concessions, large ones, in order to make sure that Amber’s position and job reputation remained intact throughout the book and that was admirable–of his character and the author.

The author mixes subtle game play with real human emotions to build a realistic, heartfelt romance into a kinky sexual backdrop that never crosses the line into discomfort and gives justice to the two people involved. Maybe a little unrealistic? Perhaps. But what is a romance sometimes but a little impossible, a tab bit improbable. I give it 4 stars and hope they enjoy themselves forever!
Profile Image for Pansy.
2,228 reviews24 followers
January 26, 2015
*fanning self* Okay then. When I chose to read this, I remember commenting, “Yum! This sounds like it has the potential for some over the desk goodness.” Alas, I was disappointed they never got to the “over the desk goodness.” They talked about it, and was heading there at the end of the book, but *sigh* fade to black. They did get to some other very hot stuff though. Whew!

I, personally, liked this book. I found Alec sexy and hot! That British stiff upper lip and all. *sigh* He has ethics and tries very hard to stick to them. How was he to know that an American chit could drive him so crazy and challenge all his closely held beliefs on who he was?

Amber is ambitious. She works hard and plans to go places. Her personal life, boooorrrrrring! The guys she meets just don’t do it for her. But that new guy, he appears to be the dominating soul she may be looking for. Too bad he doesn’t do office romance.

In spite of these two knowing the pit falls of an office romance, especially with him being a superior, and dancing around each other for the first half of the book, some things are just meant to be. I noticed some reviewers did not like this dance, but I found it endearing. Alec, the big bad Dom, tried so hard not to be tempted by Amber. He knew it could cause trouble for him and career issues for her. But Amber knew what she wanted and went after it.

Yes there was a twenty year age difference that added some interesting dynamics to the story like the frequent references to Faust and/or the pop culture graphic novels Sandman. I personally have read neither one, but they both figured heavily in this story and underlined some of the age differences. I liked that and thought it added dimension to the story.

Amber had exuberance and was willing to go the extra mile to learn what Alec liked and wanted. Alec had the maturity and experience to handle her, the way she wanted to be handled. (And did he handle her! *sigh*) I loved their roll play. It was so hot! All of it.

This is not the typical erotic office romance. NOTHING happened in the office except professionalism and the job. I had to respect that. Outside of work however, once they got past the “this can’t work” thing, well . . . as I said, “HOT!”

The ending was a bit of a letdown. This writer writes such a wonderful sex scene that I would have liked to experience the “over the desk” scene rather than fade to black. But, I can live with what went before and use my imagination. That being said, I would have liked the office politics to have been tied up a little more tightly. This had an unfinished feel to it. Like deadlines were looming or word count had been reached so end of story. That is really my only complaint about it. It ended too soon. I wanted more.

As for it being a book two – I don’t see how it relates to the first book in any way other than maybe the D/s aspects of the story. This is very much a stand-alone book. I haven’t read the first book yet, but I will.

This does get edgy, so those of you don’t like kinky sex in your reading, *waves hand and intones* “This is not the book you are looking for. Move along.” For those of you whose minds reside in darker places, enjoy a hot read.

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for encore_un_manga.
441 reviews18 followers
June 1, 2016
Chronique complète ---> http://chroniqueslivres.canalblog.com...

J'avais déjà passé un excellent moment avec le premier tome de cette série qui nous proposait un thème assez original et je dois dire que je me encore plus régalée avec cette seconde histoire.

On va découvrir l'histoire d'Amber, cette jeune femme de 23 ans à la recherche de l'homme qui la guidera dans l'aboutissement de ses fantasmes. Jusqu'ici aucuns hommes n'a répondu à ses désirs...Mais son patron Alexander Knight pourrait bien être celui qui la mènera dans un monde de plaisir intense.

Amber le sent, chez son patron il y a cette part d'ombre qui l'excite terriblement, elle sent que le courant passe bien entre eux et elle provoquera délibérément les choses, les entraînant dans une passion dévastatrice. Mais Alec est plus âgé et il n'est pas sûr d'être l'homme qu'il faut pour Amber.

Entre séduction, doute, domination et soumission, Jeffe Kennedy nous emmène une fois de plus vers un monde où les plaisirs sont décomplexés et très excitants.

Ce qui a fait que j'ai vraiment adoré ce second tome c'est l'intensité de l'histoire mais aussi la subtilité de l'auteure. En effet, le jeu de séduction est impitoyable, la tension sexuelle est si palpable que vous en deviendrez fébrile, et au moment où nos héros vont enfin se lâcher et libérer toute leur frustration sexuelle je peux vous dire que ce fut un vrai feu d'artifice.

Là où l'histoire se démarque c'est dans l'évolution de l'intrigue, nos personnages sont différents, ils ont de l'ambition dans leur métier, Amber n'est pas une jeune écervelée, elle sait ce qu'elle veut dans sa vie et elle est bien décidée à l'obtenir.

Ici la relation domination/soumission est sublime, Jeffe Kennedy prend son temps pour mener son histoire, je dois d'ailleurs conseiller ce roman à toutes celles qui voudraient découvrir une romance érotique à caractère SM, parce qu'ici il s'agit bien d'une relation intense, et les sentiments d'Amber et Alec sont beaux, l'amour qui naît entre eux est unique et le côté SM vient pimenter le tout mais l'auteure nous fait bien comprendre qu'il ne s'agit pas là que de sexe.

Amber est une héroïne comme je les aime, elle a du caractère, elle sait ce qu'elle veut, aux côté d'Alec, elle se sent vivante et elle trouve enfin ce qu'elle recherche depuis si longtemps. Alec lui est un homme charmant, il a de très bonne manières et dans son rôle de dominant il est juste parfait, désirable, intimidant et il ferait fondre n'importe quelle nana avec un regard sombre plein de sensualité.

C'est toujours un plaisir de lire un roman de cette auteure. Elle sait écrire une histoire avec un scénario qui nous tient en haleine, avec des personnages intéressants et une bonne dose d'érotisme pour éveiller nos sens.

Ce second tome est une belle réussite et je vous conseille de vite le découvrir.
Profile Image for Molly Smith.
687 reviews12 followers
August 3, 2015
This was something new, courtesy of winning a free copy from Ms. Jeffe Kennedy. I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but it completely surprised me. Though this is the second story in the series, I feel as if I missed nothing by not reading the first story. It seems that the series is grouped by the type of romance, not the characters or an overarching plot. So feel free to jump into this series at any point.

The story is a trope that I usually don't care for: the older man who is also the boss over the young naive girl who is hopeless in love. That being said, Ms. Kennedy twisted this trope into something new for me. I enjoyed how their journey progressed and how the obvious issues came to light and were resolved. I respect and like the fact that it is not an HEA at the end, but a HFN with them both committed and on board with what the future may hold. Very realistic ending and I enjoyed it. I had severe reservations on reading romance with erotic BDSM, I had read some things prior and did not care for it. I now realize what about it I didn't care for; the lack of communication that seemed necessary for this type of play. The respect both parties had, the communication and the honesty and frankness between them made this work for me. I can see myself reading more in this series and trying more in the genre.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,288 reviews73 followers
August 1, 2015
Under His Touch by Jeffe Kennedy is the second book in her Falling Under series. It can be read as a standalone.

A romantic tale buried under a hot alpha male, BDSM and role-playing, and a feisty young woman.

Amber is unsatisfied with her life. All her potential dates seem lacking and she craves more. She senses that her wickedly hot and sophisticated boss Alexander Knight has that extra something she needs in her life. There's something about his manner that makes her believe he'd be excellent at giving her order she wouldn't want to refuse.

Alec is working stateside after fleeing England and a disastrous divorce. It's been a couple of years and he's still working through the issues. When Amber makes her intentions and interest known to him a light is switched on in his life that he doesn't want to turn off. He has doubts... She is much younger, new to the lifestyle she is interested in, and his subordinate at work.

What happens when these two finally come to an agreement will blow, nay, melt your knickers off.
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,073 reviews96 followers
February 11, 2015
I had been waiting super patiently to read Under His Touch, the second book in the Falling Under series by Jeffe Kennedy. Having thoroughly loved Going Under I was super excited to get my mitts on a copy.

The story this time is set around Amber (An assistant) and Alec (Her boss) and instantly you can see where the story 'should' be going. I cannot deny you could feel and almost taste the chemistry between these two, but will say I didn't love them as much as I loved Emily and Fox's story in the previous book.

I will say that Jeffe Kennedy sure knows how to write about sex and make it hot,I'm actually fanning myself here when I think of some of the scenes. They are hot, dirty and yet I would not describe them as smutty. This is not a Mills & Boon romance, this book is not conventional and in honesty at times it was damn frustrating. However, I did enjoy Under His Touch I just didn't love it as much as the previous book. I do still recommend it and although it may look I have given this 1 whole star less than Going Under (Again Goodreads will you bring in bloody half ratings please!), I would give it 3.5 stars.

This review and others are also featured on my blog - http://www.bewitchedbooks.co.uk/
Profile Image for Dagmar Bancroft.
63 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2015
Under His Touch by Jeffe Kennedy

Independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.
I had the privilege to get a copy free for an honest review.
I loved the characters in this story older, handsome man Alec Knight and young good looking woman Amber Dolors. Amber knows what she wants and goes after it even though the odds are against her. Alec is her boss and older than her, divorced and broody at times but yet she seems to think that he can give her what she is looking for or can he? Alec also can keep his mind of her but thinking that he isn't allowed any contact with her as he is so much older than her. But as it happens they manage to get together and yes Amber get what's she wants and more. But Alec seem to be set to destroy both of them before it even started properly. Can they come out of that ??
I enjoyed the story and loved Amber strong character and also Alecs. I am in the same relationship where I have an older husband I never felt the difference in years but he still feels like an dirty old man. So I can see how Amber and Alec feels at the same time. My only downfall was the ending it sort of left me with an wtf. Could have had a better ending than that, I feel like the Author ran out of ideas and because of that I will only give it 4 stars.
Profile Image for Carien.
1,302 reviews31 followers
February 27, 2017
An awesome, totally hot, and intense BDSM romance!

Jeffe delivered yet another delicious read!

This book has so much goodness to offer its readers.

There's steaming hot scenes, emotional scenes, and a very compelling romance.

I liked how it is Amber who is the stronger of the two, even though she's younger and the submissive. She knows herself and what she wants, something that Alec still has to figure out for himself. Their interaction is full of tension, both sexual and emotional. I very much enjoyed reading how they explore their feelings and wants together.

Something else I really enjoyed is how Jeffe used one of my favorite comic book characters (Dream from the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman) as a comparison to Alec and his growth throughout the book. I know as a big fan of this comic book series it will probably have an extra layer for me, but for those not familiar with the comic it is written in a way you won't feel lost.

All in all this is a delightful, and awesome BDSM romance that I will most certainly reread in the future. I'll be getting my hands on the last book in this series once it releases for sure.
92 reviews
August 5, 2016
THIS. WAS. SO. GOOD. I am shocked that I didn't come across this author earlier. Incomprehensibly, some really bad romances have been getting all the hype on this site (I won't name any names!), and somehow even though I regularly trawl through all the 'best of' lists looking for new authors it took me this long to find Jeffe Kennedy. I'm so happy I finally did.

I was more than a little in love with the H -- who was wounded, broody, and so goddamn sexy -- but to me, the heroine was the true revelation. Amber was so fearless and vulnerable, I rooted for her the whole way through!

The only thing I wish would change is -- I wish the author had added an epilogue. I am confident in this couple's HEA but I just wish I had a chapter to enjoy Amber and Alec as a couple, etc. I wish I had a glimpse into the couple's HEA, but instead the novel ends right on the cusp of it. As far as complaints go, that's a minor one! Basically: this novel was so good I wanted an extra chapter and now I'm whining about it :P

So excited to read through Jeffe Kennedy's back catalogue now!!!
Profile Image for Michie Scott.
65 reviews
February 12, 2015
My Review

Rating - 4 Books


I received ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I love the story, it's a May December love affair. I really agree that office romance is not acceptable but we can't stop anyone if they are in love. At first the story is so slow. They are attracted with each other but Alec is still holding on because he is Amber's boss.

The plot was a bit different, the characters are amazing.The book is full of intrigue that really knocked my socks off.

Their relationship is so very sweet and very intense. I love the sexual chemistry and tension that they share.

You will not regret reading this book, trust me.


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23 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2015
Underneath it all............

My choice of five stars was easy, it was a page turner. It was a sweet, intense erotic story, even though the ending was left to the imagination.
The references to Faust were perfect, the depth and darkness were perfectly synchronised.I must add the proof reader did a great job too because many many American books I have read have so many mistakes it's unbearable to finish them. Thank god I have a kindle that allows me to look up some of the more complicated words used. I read the other book too and enjoyed it equally, I think because I have now stumbled on British writers, that's where will stay,far more depth and character. So that is where I'm staying for the time being. Thank you for this.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews163 followers
December 6, 2014
Alec sure is a Mr. Bossypants, "it seemed appropriate, given that I couldn't properly savor what you inspired on the occasion of our other meal. Go set the privacy button and come here." He's a romantic guy, "I might be past effing you at the moment, but I'm plenty capable of doling out more punishment. OR using something else on you." Alec it's like in his nature to argue over everything, "you call that make-up sex? That was hardly disciplined domination. Not at all what you asked for from me." I liked this book I love inner-work relationships I think you call them that.
Profile Image for Karinosa.
682 reviews11 followers
December 25, 2014
Alec seems like a serious brooding alpha male. Amber is young and smart. Vibrant and light to his dark. Alec has some internal issues and tries to work through them. He has a way about him and he tries to avoid Amber and his feelings for her. This read was good. It has good writing and better written scenes. I enjoyed this book and not knowing this is #2 in a series. Maybe, Kiki is next. Not a bad read at all. Fast read. I would have liked an epilogue.

I received this ARC from the author via Net Galley for my honest review. Thank You Net Galley!!
Profile Image for Iris Hunter (InstagramREADS).
696 reviews79 followers
March 19, 2015
HOT* but ... Alec just doesn’t have the Dom attitude he thinks he and she thinks he have."

Alec is fun to read about maybe even better then the female character. Amber is a fun, flirty, smart young woman but somehow her character was a little off. Attracted but not acting much - until he finally gives in and then the gloves come off. The sex scenes between them are hot and definitely on the kinky side despite that he is older. I don't know what I have to think about the age difference :( Overall interesting and unique forbidden love affair story with a sweet kink lining. 4 1/2 stars!
Profile Image for Jenn C Reads.
1,970 reviews51 followers
April 6, 2015
Received an ARC from NetGalley for honest review.

I liked this one. It wasn't clear at first that Alec was so much older than Amber, so I wish they would have clarified that a little more at the beginning. The two of them were completely adorable though, each pushing each other and not backing down. And I loved the way it ended. Each of them were miserable, but willing to get through it until it blew up in their faces. It was real and completely endearing.
Profile Image for Karline05 Un brin de lecture.
1,958 reviews22 followers
May 21, 2016
http://www.unbrindelecture.com/2016/0...
Un roman érotique, BDSM, très bien écrit. J’ai apprécié l’écriture de l’auteure et l’histoire d’amour entre les protagonistes. La relation de domination-soumission se réalise dans un grand respect et même une certaine ...tendresse qui est touchante . Je suis ravie de ma lecture, qui n’est pas vulgaire, ça change un peu !
Profile Image for Katherine.
5,405 reviews42 followers
June 10, 2015
interesting. I loved the main character, Amber. She's bright, confident and whip smart. Not as sure about Alec, the hero. He was so mopey, spent too much time doubting that Amber really wanted to be in a relationship with him. The ending is supposed to be a HEA, felt a bit forced. Worth reading for the heroine and sex scenes.

Bought from kobo.
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