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A Natural
Stella, a scientist with a teenage son, is doing her best to keep her sanity after the death of her husband. Adventure is the last thing she expects, but it comes to her uninvited in the form of John, a respectable British businessman freshly arrived in Munich, seeking to start a new life. But John's gentlemanly manners disguise a long-repressed dark side. As his true character is slowly uncovered, Stella is unwittingly sucked into his high-stakes world and lands in the middle of a perfect storm.
This is a story of new beginnings just when you thought endings were all you could expect from life. This is a tale of love found through disillusionment, and of redefining what's normal.
This is a story of new beginnings just when you thought endings were all you could expect from life. This is a tale of love found through disillusionment, and of redefining what's normal.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2019
About the author
Nora McKinney
1 book108 followersMy path in life has been a little erratic.
As a child, I loved books. I read all the time, and I wrote poems. I thought that, someday, I'd like to write for a larger audience.
But somewhere along the road, this idea got lost. I kept learning languages and reading whatever I could get my hands on, but I went to study physics, the notion of learning about the Universe being irresistible to me at the time. After my doctorate studies in Astrophysics, I tried the academic life for a while. Suffering from debilitating impostor syndrome, I quit and tried working in industry. This didn't satisfy me either, so I tried my hand at climate physics. I couldn't understand why nothing stuck.
And then, the words poured out. Nothing I've ever done in life has given me as great a sense of satisfaction and completeness as having my texts read and reacted upon by readers.
My works deal with the issues of relationships, self-discovery, secret desires, what drives us as human beings, and, most importantly, love. They are written with great care and attention to detail.
Come join me on this journey, and I promise you'll be drawn in from the very first page.
As a child, I loved books. I read all the time, and I wrote poems. I thought that, someday, I'd like to write for a larger audience.
But somewhere along the road, this idea got lost. I kept learning languages and reading whatever I could get my hands on, but I went to study physics, the notion of learning about the Universe being irresistible to me at the time. After my doctorate studies in Astrophysics, I tried the academic life for a while. Suffering from debilitating impostor syndrome, I quit and tried working in industry. This didn't satisfy me either, so I tried my hand at climate physics. I couldn't understand why nothing stuck.
And then, the words poured out. Nothing I've ever done in life has given me as great a sense of satisfaction and completeness as having my texts read and reacted upon by readers.
My works deal with the issues of relationships, self-discovery, secret desires, what drives us as human beings, and, most importantly, love. They are written with great care and attention to detail.
Come join me on this journey, and I promise you'll be drawn in from the very first page.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 28, 2019
As a romance author, let me start by saying that I don't believe this to be a romance. In my opinion, this is a psychological baring of one fictional character's soul (Stella, our first-person narrator) and John, her billionaire boyfriend whom we're never quite able to peg. Personally, I think the author wrote it that way, and bravo for that. This book was a bit uncomfortable for me at times (and I read all sorts of erotica, so it wasn't because of the sex!). It was more that I waited with bated breath each time I started a chapter to see what sort of mind-fu*k the author was going to present us with. That, my friends, is a great book. One that you can't put down, even it makes your insides feel a bit strange, because you have to see what happens. If you want to be challenged by a book and its characters, this one's for you. I actually love books that take me out of my comfort zone and this well-written gem did exactly that. If you're looking for a mind-bender, grab it now!
November 3, 2019
Good read
Overall a decent read. I really enjoyed a story written from an older perspective. The book is clean as far as grammatical errors.
Stella's and John's personality are a little ambiguous and Stella seems really confused throughout the majority of the story. I would suggest some format revisions, some pages were just a block of text. Still can read it just a little rough on my old eyes.
All in all, I did like the story and would recommend.
Overall a decent read. I really enjoyed a story written from an older perspective. The book is clean as far as grammatical errors.
Stella's and John's personality are a little ambiguous and Stella seems really confused throughout the majority of the story. I would suggest some format revisions, some pages were just a block of text. Still can read it just a little rough on my old eyes.
All in all, I did like the story and would recommend.
November 14, 2019
Nice read with a compelling protagonist. I hated 50 Shades because I couldn't stand Anastasia's internal dialogue. In fact, I put that book down after a few chapters. This book had a much more engaging main character, which is essential for a first person narrative. She's also likable and complex, not some Twilight clone. The BDSM dynamics here were also much more natural (pun intended!) than other books of this genre. Recommended read!
September 28, 2019
A very nice surprise which I didn't expect to be honest. I start reading it with some curiosity but very soon I couldn't put it down. A very interesting erotic, but not only, story. Highly recommend.
November 12, 2019
Erotica novels aren't a genre that would normally interest me. For anyone seeking a story within the genre, I can't imagine them being disappointed or finding anything better. 5-stars is more than deserving of the story, character development, and detail. I was mesmerised immediately by the flirtatious exchange between the main characters. Kudos to Nora on a wonderful read, and the start of a potentially bestselling series.
August 17, 2019
I don’t usually read romantic novels but, having been strong-armed into reading this by a friend, I find it really is quite good. On a very superficial level one could say it belongs to the “girl hooks up with somewhat depraved billionaire” genre, but that would be like saying Heart of Darkness belongs to the “European goes on an adventure in the colonies” genre (which I’m sure existed at one point). The main characters are all (theoretically) mature – in their forties – and the whole dynamic seems thought out and complex, but it doesn’t feel like a deconstruction of that genre either. This is not a novel criticizing other novels but rather its own little thing, which seems to work.
November 2, 2019
Erotica titillates. ‘A Natural’ does much more. This is erotic literature, well written, powerful, passionate, intriguing. It will draw you in and ask you if you really know who you are. It may take you to part of your soul you didn’t know existed.
Were you ever afraid of flying? Can you remember the first time; the fear, the rush of adrenalin as you sat strapped in your seat and the aircraft’s wheels left the ground, engines screaming in tune with your nerves? A little later you were dining on high with the gods; euphoric. When you landed you were somewhere else, steamy and exotic.
Read ‘A Natural.’ Take off with Nora McKinney. Enjoy the flight and happy landing.
Were you ever afraid of flying? Can you remember the first time; the fear, the rush of adrenalin as you sat strapped in your seat and the aircraft’s wheels left the ground, engines screaming in tune with your nerves? A little later you were dining on high with the gods; euphoric. When you landed you were somewhere else, steamy and exotic.
Read ‘A Natural.’ Take off with Nora McKinney. Enjoy the flight and happy landing.
December 18, 2019
My first taste of erotic literature.
I was given this book as a gift and was sceptical at first, but after reading a few pages I knew I would like it.
The complex and interesting characters kept me engrossed until the very end (and even after the end, wondering what they're getting up to next...)
Although I blushed my way through it, I'll definitely be reading more from this author, and more erotica :)
I was given this book as a gift and was sceptical at first, but after reading a few pages I knew I would like it.
The complex and interesting characters kept me engrossed until the very end (and even after the end, wondering what they're getting up to next...)
Although I blushed my way through it, I'll definitely be reading more from this author, and more erotica :)
September 17, 2019
At first I wasa sceptical as I didnt want another mediocre or bad version of the 50 shades of whatever ..BUT I have to say in a loud voice (in capital letters ) IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT....I read it in a single breath. The plot had no gaps slow moments yawning ...I even read some points diagonal as I was eager to find out what will happen next!! Well done Nora!!
November 1, 2019
Absolutely couldn't put it down.
All the twists and turns kept me riveted. I felt the fear of falling for the wrong man and cheered Stella on to walk away most of the book. The excellent story telling kept me undecided to the end. I expected the worst and was pleasantly relieved at the end.
All the twists and turns kept me riveted. I felt the fear of falling for the wrong man and cheered Stella on to walk away most of the book. The excellent story telling kept me undecided to the end. I expected the worst and was pleasantly relieved at the end.
June 5, 2020
Stella is No Disney Princess
I found this to be an incredibly easy and enjoyable read. It captured my attention from the first page to the last. The pacing was great and the chapters were digestible.
This is explicit erotica, so if that isn’t your thing, go ahead and exit stage left. For me, I never felt those specific scenes were too graphic or off-putting - maybe because they were also framed by an actual story and felt natural in the way they were incorporated. There was a build up before they unfolded on the page. They had purpose. They weren’t just created for shock and awe. I’m always hesitant to read erotica because it’s easy to fail in that regard, but I felt this aspect was done superbly well.
There were also numerous times I found myself highlighting passages that I enjoyed and thought were well written - little truth bombs that I could either relate to or understand deeply.
When it comes to the characters, I’m not sure I entirely liked them. It’s no fault of the author, though. Stella and John were just being themselves. The fact that, as fictional characters, they created an emotional response within me is a good sign - even if it was slightly negative. It’s hard to go into detail about this without turning this review into a novel.
Basically, I felt John was a predator and was taking advantage of Stella. Also, he kind of scared me. Numerous times I expected to learn some seriously dark things about him. As a reader, I was threatened by him and afraid for Stella. Also, the trope of rich man meets “normal” woman is bit overdone, but it worked okay here, I guess.
With Stella, as smart and strong willed as she is, I wish she had used these traits fully. Sometimes it felt her persona was a front. She acted and thought one way certain times, but often would flip or return when she knew it was a poor decision. Love can make you dumb, so maybe that was her problem. I often saw her as the bug in the web and not the spider.
One thing I like to do with a book is to find the scene or phrase where the title comes from. I had to wait awhile, but I finally found it. 😀
Don’t hesitate, this book is worth the investment. I’d be interested in following Stella and John’s exploits in the next installment.
I found this to be an incredibly easy and enjoyable read. It captured my attention from the first page to the last. The pacing was great and the chapters were digestible.
This is explicit erotica, so if that isn’t your thing, go ahead and exit stage left. For me, I never felt those specific scenes were too graphic or off-putting - maybe because they were also framed by an actual story and felt natural in the way they were incorporated. There was a build up before they unfolded on the page. They had purpose. They weren’t just created for shock and awe. I’m always hesitant to read erotica because it’s easy to fail in that regard, but I felt this aspect was done superbly well.
There were also numerous times I found myself highlighting passages that I enjoyed and thought were well written - little truth bombs that I could either relate to or understand deeply.
When it comes to the characters, I’m not sure I entirely liked them. It’s no fault of the author, though. Stella and John were just being themselves. The fact that, as fictional characters, they created an emotional response within me is a good sign - even if it was slightly negative. It’s hard to go into detail about this without turning this review into a novel.
Basically, I felt John was a predator and was taking advantage of Stella. Also, he kind of scared me. Numerous times I expected to learn some seriously dark things about him. As a reader, I was threatened by him and afraid for Stella. Also, the trope of rich man meets “normal” woman is bit overdone, but it worked okay here, I guess.
With Stella, as smart and strong willed as she is, I wish she had used these traits fully. Sometimes it felt her persona was a front. She acted and thought one way certain times, but often would flip or return when she knew it was a poor decision. Love can make you dumb, so maybe that was her problem. I often saw her as the bug in the web and not the spider.
One thing I like to do with a book is to find the scene or phrase where the title comes from. I had to wait awhile, but I finally found it. 😀
Don’t hesitate, this book is worth the investment. I’d be interested in following Stella and John’s exploits in the next installment.
June 17, 2020
In A Natural, Stella – a mum living in a German town – meets John, the wealthy CEO of a major business. They bond over a love of the nerdy details of classical literature and she quickly falls head over heels for the stern, tightly self-controlled man, and begins to explore his complexities amidst his family problems.
I generally don’t read romance / erotica unless it’s within genre fiction, so this was a bit of a departure for me, but a refreshing change. McKinney’s writing is clear and focuses very tightly on Stella as she navigates her way through a new relationship. I did enjoy that she was a forty-something mum and not a flawless model in her twenties; it added a sense of depth and realism to the story.
I did find it distracting at first that John’s surname is McInroe (similar to the famous tennis player) but I think that might just be my age! The sex stuff gets fairly-full on fairly quickly – Stella and John get into some fairly strong BDSM stuff fairly quickly, including ‘breath play’, where the other person is temporarily deprived of oxygen. It’s not really my bag, but it may be yours – and there’s a reference towards the end that subsequent books will feature much stronger stuff; something that made for an odd ending and was enough to put me off, being very honest.
There were a few aspects to the book that I found dissatisfying. Although Stella and John bond over a love of Jane Austen at the start, there is very little further depth to either Stella or John – there’s nothing about their interests and very little about their work, and the book focuses purely on their interactions and in Stella’s case, her internal monologue. There’s also no real sense of place – although later parts of the book take place in Scotland, there’s very little description of the places they go to, which is a shame and made the scenes feel a little shallow at times.
The plot does move at a good speed, and I never found myself willing it to hurry up; it was a refreshing change from SFF for me, but I’m not sure my stomach is strong enough for book two!
I generally don’t read romance / erotica unless it’s within genre fiction, so this was a bit of a departure for me, but a refreshing change. McKinney’s writing is clear and focuses very tightly on Stella as she navigates her way through a new relationship. I did enjoy that she was a forty-something mum and not a flawless model in her twenties; it added a sense of depth and realism to the story.
I did find it distracting at first that John’s surname is McInroe (similar to the famous tennis player) but I think that might just be my age! The sex stuff gets fairly-full on fairly quickly – Stella and John get into some fairly strong BDSM stuff fairly quickly, including ‘breath play’, where the other person is temporarily deprived of oxygen. It’s not really my bag, but it may be yours – and there’s a reference towards the end that subsequent books will feature much stronger stuff; something that made for an odd ending and was enough to put me off, being very honest.
There were a few aspects to the book that I found dissatisfying. Although Stella and John bond over a love of Jane Austen at the start, there is very little further depth to either Stella or John – there’s nothing about their interests and very little about their work, and the book focuses purely on their interactions and in Stella’s case, her internal monologue. There’s also no real sense of place – although later parts of the book take place in Scotland, there’s very little description of the places they go to, which is a shame and made the scenes feel a little shallow at times.
The plot does move at a good speed, and I never found myself willing it to hurry up; it was a refreshing change from SFF for me, but I’m not sure my stomach is strong enough for book two!
May 23, 2020
Not Your Average Erotic Novel
Nora McKinney has written a book that contains many themes and several familiar situations, but there's nothing average or run of the mill about her writing. Yes, there's sex, and plenty of it. But to pigeonhole this piece of transgressive fiction as merely erotica would be to do it a disservice. Her writing is so brilliant, you'll never "skip ahead to the good bits", because all of this book is "the good bits". Read the sample, buy a copy, and thank me later.
Nora McKinney has written a book that contains many themes and several familiar situations, but there's nothing average or run of the mill about her writing. Yes, there's sex, and plenty of it. But to pigeonhole this piece of transgressive fiction as merely erotica would be to do it a disservice. Her writing is so brilliant, you'll never "skip ahead to the good bits", because all of this book is "the good bits". Read the sample, buy a copy, and thank me later.
September 20, 2020
The Natural shares an intriguing story of two characters filled with realistic flaws, who begin their journey together in discovering their natural compatibility of a Sadists and Masochist.
It is refreshing to read characters with such depth. McKinney skillfully articulated the intellectual prowess of a scientist and CEO mind. Her attention to the small details in their thoughts and dialogue effectively articulated the characters brilliance and insecurities.
It is refreshing to read characters with such depth. McKinney skillfully articulated the intellectual prowess of a scientist and CEO mind. Her attention to the small details in their thoughts and dialogue effectively articulated the characters brilliance and insecurities.
February 28, 2020
Not my usual cup of tea... but it turned out a bit different. This was a great... character study, in a way. I thought the protagonist quite likeable and complex like a real person, and I found out I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. A whole lot more! I recommend reading it.
May 14, 2020
Read this fairly quickly. It starts a little slow but picks up quickly. Well written and nicely paced.
October 27, 2019
Erotic romance novels are generally not what I read, but I was asked by the author to beta read it.
I have not read 50 Shades of Grey, but I've heard that the story is a bit dumb and not very realistic. Nothing like that can be said about this book. It has very realistic (i.e. normal) characters and a realistic story (where she helps him discover his repressed BDSM tendencies). The language is also pretty nice and it didn't take long until I couldn't put it down and I had to just continue reading it into the night to find out what's happening.
So, highly recommended for people interested in this genre!
I have not read 50 Shades of Grey, but I've heard that the story is a bit dumb and not very realistic. Nothing like that can be said about this book. It has very realistic (i.e. normal) characters and a realistic story (where she helps him discover his repressed BDSM tendencies). The language is also pretty nice and it didn't take long until I couldn't put it down and I had to just continue reading it into the night to find out what's happening.
So, highly recommended for people interested in this genre!
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November 26, 2019THIS IS NOTHING LIKE 50SOG!! Also readers are on twitter so we see you judging and griping constantly just stop
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews