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Chiaroscuro #2
Figure Study
Ainsley and her former student Noma face the aftermath of their unexpected one-night stand in this second story of Chiaroscuro.
The night Ainsley spent gently dominating Noma was far more intimate than any scene she’d ever been in before. The intensity of playing with someone she’d taught and cared about was a completely different experience–and twice as intimidating. She’d had two turn Noma away and never see her again, or let her stay for a few hours more.
The years away from scenes have left Ainsley eager for play but unsteady in her role. And memories of a younger Noma, when their relationship was student and mentor, only add to the confusion. A return to familiar ropes and knots, an erotic bondage play, helps Ainsley regain a sense of control and face her vulnerabilities. She must learn to see Noma as an adult woman in every way, risking a dangerous power imbalance, even as her heart begins to yearn for intimacy she’s long hidden from.
As they delve into new scenes, Ainsley and Noma confront past pain and baggage. Only by facing their fear of opening up can they learn to trust each other and share something deeper.
The night Ainsley spent gently dominating Noma was far more intimate than any scene she’d ever been in before. The intensity of playing with someone she’d taught and cared about was a completely different experience–and twice as intimidating. She’d had two turn Noma away and never see her again, or let her stay for a few hours more.
The years away from scenes have left Ainsley eager for play but unsteady in her role. And memories of a younger Noma, when their relationship was student and mentor, only add to the confusion. A return to familiar ropes and knots, an erotic bondage play, helps Ainsley regain a sense of control and face her vulnerabilities. She must learn to see Noma as an adult woman in every way, risking a dangerous power imbalance, even as her heart begins to yearn for intimacy she’s long hidden from.
As they delve into new scenes, Ainsley and Noma confront past pain and baggage. Only by facing their fear of opening up can they learn to trust each other and share something deeper.
- GenresBDSM
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2017
1 person is currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Clay
12 books58 followersSuzanne Clay (she/he/they) is an asexual enby with a great love for writing erotic romance, and enjoys spending her time confusing people with that fact. They live with her wife and two cats, and, when not writing, Suzanne enjoys reading, playing video games poorly, and refusing to interact outdoors with other human beings.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 15, 2017
3.5 - 4 stars
After reading Painting Class by Suzanne Clay, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of book two, to know more about the leads, Ainsley and Noma. Like book one, this too is a short story. Unlike book one, where I was left wanting more, this one was the perfect length considering the content.
I love that this story/series features power exchange, former teacher/student, age-gap and an interracial relationship.
The erotic content hit the spot. I liked that both submissive, Noma, and dominant, Ainsley, were so open with each other about their needs and fears. There were commands but no demands, if that makes sense.
The cover is beautiful and extremely fitting – Shibari!
I liken this story to a guilty indulgence, rich in flavor but not enough substance to sustain you for long, which brings me back to my initial comment, this story is the perfect length if you’re looking for a quick, spicy read.
After reading Painting Class by Suzanne Clay, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of book two, to know more about the leads, Ainsley and Noma. Like book one, this too is a short story. Unlike book one, where I was left wanting more, this one was the perfect length considering the content.
I love that this story/series features power exchange, former teacher/student, age-gap and an interracial relationship.
The erotic content hit the spot. I liked that both submissive, Noma, and dominant, Ainsley, were so open with each other about their needs and fears. There were commands but no demands, if that makes sense.
The cover is beautiful and extremely fitting – Shibari!
I liken this story to a guilty indulgence, rich in flavor but not enough substance to sustain you for long, which brings me back to my initial comment, this story is the perfect length if you’re looking for a quick, spicy read.
May 1, 2018
Reviewed for Boy Meets Boy Reviews
4.5 Hearts
This is my first time reading Suzanne Clay but it will not be my last. I loved everything about this story. Ainsley’s vulnerability and insecurity was sharply contrasted by her confidence in art and dominance. I love her.
Noma is a former student who has grown into a beautiful woman, and Ainsley feels lucky to be in her presence. Noma is confident in what she wants, and is enjoying the opportunity to get to know the woman she’s always admired from afar. They are beautiful together, and this story feels like the beginning of something special for them.
This was deeply sensual and very sexy. The sensuality of the art mixed in with Ainsley and Noma getting to know each other added another layer which was compelling.
I loved the flow of the writing and how easy it was to read. This felt angst free, which is something I needed after getting home from my demanding job. An instant mood lifter. Something to fill my cup and make me swoon.
This is book 2 in a series of Ainsley and Noma, and admittedly I have not read book 1, but I will be doing that, and continuing on with book 3. I’m really excited to read more from this author.
A review copy was provided for an honest opinion
4.5 Hearts
This is my first time reading Suzanne Clay but it will not be my last. I loved everything about this story. Ainsley’s vulnerability and insecurity was sharply contrasted by her confidence in art and dominance. I love her.
Noma is a former student who has grown into a beautiful woman, and Ainsley feels lucky to be in her presence. Noma is confident in what she wants, and is enjoying the opportunity to get to know the woman she’s always admired from afar. They are beautiful together, and this story feels like the beginning of something special for them.
This was deeply sensual and very sexy. The sensuality of the art mixed in with Ainsley and Noma getting to know each other added another layer which was compelling.
I loved the flow of the writing and how easy it was to read. This felt angst free, which is something I needed after getting home from my demanding job. An instant mood lifter. Something to fill my cup and make me swoon.
This is book 2 in a series of Ainsley and Noma, and admittedly I have not read book 1, but I will be doing that, and continuing on with book 3. I’m really excited to read more from this author.
A review copy was provided for an honest opinion
February 22, 2019
There were things I liked better in this novella than the previous, and some I wasn’t crazy about. The writing is still solid and has a lovely, tranquil voice. I think I was just missing some fireworks.
The shibari scene in the second half was very thoughtfully written. And I loved seeing Ainsley fund her inner domme again. And did I mention facesitting? Because facesitting. With a happy Noma basking in the praise of a job well done.
Sometimes I found myself thinking “okay less talk more action.” It occasionally felt like mundane stuff was described more vividly than the sex. In erotica I tend to like favor super explicit, detailed descriptions, and this fell a bit short on that.
Another cute, solidly written novella in this series, and I look forward to seeing the emotional connection grow between Noma and Ainsley.
The shibari scene in the second half was very thoughtfully written. And I loved seeing Ainsley fund her inner domme again. And did I mention facesitting? Because facesitting. With a happy Noma basking in the praise of a job well done.
Sometimes I found myself thinking “okay less talk more action.” It occasionally felt like mundane stuff was described more vividly than the sex. In erotica I tend to like favor super explicit, detailed descriptions, and this fell a bit short on that.
Another cute, solidly written novella in this series, and I look forward to seeing the emotional connection grow between Noma and Ainsley.
September 27, 2017
I so enjoy these characters!
After reading Painting Class I was left wanting more from these characters, they felt real. Fleshed out beautifully, flawed, and scared and human. It made what happens with them so much visceral because they feel like actual *people*. Well, Figure Study just made them even more real. You feel like you *know* Ainsley and Noma. Their interactions are what really makes it, the banter and vulnerability between the two women is fantastically written.
Clay has done a fantastic job, and I would definitely recommend.
After reading Painting Class I was left wanting more from these characters, they felt real. Fleshed out beautifully, flawed, and scared and human. It made what happens with them so much visceral because they feel like actual *people*. Well, Figure Study just made them even more real. You feel like you *know* Ainsley and Noma. Their interactions are what really makes it, the banter and vulnerability between the two women is fantastically written.
Clay has done a fantastic job, and I would definitely recommend.
September 23, 2017
Ah, this was great.
I was super stoked for this sequel. I plowed through Painting Class and eagerly read the preview at the end. This story did not disappoint. I love the level of depth and nuance Clay gives her characters. These aren't anonymous bodies or trope collections, they are people. And that makes the whole thing feel so much more intense.
(A personal note: As a visual artist myself, seeing the way Ainsley's eye catches detail, or her artistic process as she paints later in the story, was personally gratifying and immersive.)
And then the sex. Look, it's fucking hot. There's foreplay, scene planning, checkins, rope play, pain play, face sitting, lots of lovely dirty talk and warm, fuzzy aftercare. BDSM written right, pure and simple. And I'm a sucker for a good shower scene. Definitely left me hot under the collar.
Read this story, and if you haven't, pick up the first book Painting Class. It's good shit.
I was super stoked for this sequel. I plowed through Painting Class and eagerly read the preview at the end. This story did not disappoint. I love the level of depth and nuance Clay gives her characters. These aren't anonymous bodies or trope collections, they are people. And that makes the whole thing feel so much more intense.
(A personal note: As a visual artist myself, seeing the way Ainsley's eye catches detail, or her artistic process as she paints later in the story, was personally gratifying and immersive.)
And then the sex. Look, it's fucking hot. There's foreplay, scene planning, checkins, rope play, pain play, face sitting, lots of lovely dirty talk and warm, fuzzy aftercare. BDSM written right, pure and simple. And I'm a sucker for a good shower scene. Definitely left me hot under the collar.
Read this story, and if you haven't, pick up the first book Painting Class. It's good shit.
December 10, 2020
This was a quick sapphic erotica (with a bit of kink, forbidden romance and an age gap).
The second in the Chiaroscuro trilogy and I love it as much as the first! It's a beautiful book. And that's a strange way to describe an erotica, but it really is. The rep was done beautifully, there was communication, soft angst and great smut. It's such a wholesome read and I'm officially in love with the author. I just wish it was longer! The three short books could fit into a nice little novel so I don't know why it's separate. But I'll be reading all three anyway 😂
The second in the Chiaroscuro trilogy and I love it as much as the first! It's a beautiful book. And that's a strange way to describe an erotica, but it really is. The rep was done beautifully, there was communication, soft angst and great smut. It's such a wholesome read and I'm officially in love with the author. I just wish it was longer! The three short books could fit into a nice little novel so I don't know why it's separate. But I'll be reading all three anyway 😂
August 24, 2020
It’s the day after and there is more hot and steamy encounters to come. There is also deepening of connection in the second installment. They definitely have a sexual connection but they now they are on the cusp of an emotional one. Going right into the third installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2021
I loved this- there's a shocking lack of sapphic domme/sub stories, and I love the vulnerability the Dom had. Often they're presented as unfeeling and unemotional, whereas Ainsley was uncertain and working through it as much as Noma.
November 4, 2023
3 stars. Better than book one but this series is just okay so far. I think my main thing is that I just don't feel the chemistry between Noma and Ainsley. The sex scenes are hot and I liked the Shibari scene in this but their chemistry seriously lacking for me.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews