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After Hours #1
Alpha in the Sheets
I like my men the way I like my drinks: tall, stiff, with a few aches the only proof I pounded them the night before.
I don’t do relationships. I don’t do romance. I do kinky AF strangers I never speak to again. Or I did, until Cris Ardmore comes along.
Handsome, charming, and cooks almost as well as he f*cks—which is to say phenomenally—Cris makes me want to break all my carefully cultivated rules. I don’t want to like him and I definitely can’t afford to trust him. Not after what happened the last time I fell in love. The only thing Cris is supposed to be in charge of during our dirty weekends is my body, he needs to keep his too-talented hands off my heart.
I don’t do relationships. I don’t do romance. I do kinky AF strangers I never speak to again. Or I did, until Cris Ardmore comes along.
Handsome, charming, and cooks almost as well as he f*cks—which is to say phenomenally—Cris makes me want to break all my carefully cultivated rules. I don’t want to like him and I definitely can’t afford to trust him. Not after what happened the last time I fell in love. The only thing Cris is supposed to be in charge of during our dirty weekends is my body, he needs to keep his too-talented hands off my heart.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2014
257 people are currently reading
1091 people want to read
About the author
Tamsen Parker
43 books389 followersTamsen Parker is a stay-at-home mom by day, erotic romance writer by naptime. She lives with her family outside of Boston, where she tweets too much, sleeps too little and is always in the middle of a book. Aside from good food, sweet rieslings and gin cocktails, she has a fondness for monograms and subway maps. She should really start drinking coffee.
You can sign up for her newsletter here to find out about her latest release, sales, or other goings on: http://bit.ly/1Bry07O
You can sign up for her newsletter here to find out about her latest release, sales, or other goings on: http://bit.ly/1Bry07O
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
July 18, 2016
4.5* oh my Cris STARS!!
Re-read: 3x and I still love him. *sobs*
Another read from Tamsen Parker. I'm quite enjoyed her newest book, Craving Flight. I never read her previous books so I'm gonna give it a try. I couldn't resist the BDSM theme, huh?
India Burke is craving for a Dom and never want into serious relationship. When her best friend also mentor found the person who could be her Dom by weekend, India agreed to meet this man before going further. Outside BDSM, India is a ruthless determined woman and loyal to her job as a consultant. Her first met with the enigmatic Cris Ardmore fascinated her. He has everything India has imagined for a Dom and she couldn't resist his charm and kindness.
Strange name, huh? Yeah, that's what I thought. Her name isn't easy to say. India is a hard-working woman by day with boring job when every time described. I always skip it. BDSM is like a vacation outside her stressful job. There is nothing wrong with this woman and I understand about her job. India isn't a newbie in BDSM world and she has been submissive for years. When she's with Cris, she isn't India. Because of her past, she didn't want mix personal life and feeling. She avoid relationship. When Cris gives full attention and affection that she never have, India is starting uncomfortable. Not with Cris, but with herself.
IMO, Cris is way too perfect. Nothing shady about this man. I almost doubt I will like him, but I was wrong. Getting into their BDSM relationship, make me re-think my impression with him. Outside bedroom, he's a playful and charming also handsome man. Reverse with India who is closed and (sometimes) cold person. Cris is a very patient man until the end. He 'pushed' India because he wants to know more about her, outside being his sub. But India barricade herself. Her failed relationship still traumatized her. He never rushed or forced her even when they play together.
As a Dom, he's quite strict and intense but not rough. I really love him as a Dom. He always show responsibility and double check. When things out of control, Cris quickly step in. The thing that bother me so far is I never know much about him, beside job and family. I remember he doesn't like socialize so much and how's he getting into BDSM lifestyle. I couldn't guessed it how.
The story told from India's POV. At first, I quite liked everything about her. She's in full control of her life outside, and craving dominance inside. Eventually it bothers me when the past haunted her back when she's with Cris. Hunter is the man who damaged her and how everything is different when she's with Cris. I'm hardly like her now. She's being hard with mixed signal.However, it's beautifully written and not detailed enough. The sex? Not so much. I'm hardly know they're having sex. It's too 'polite' for my taste although I always enjoy their BDSM scenes. When they have sexy times, it's hardly enjoyable and sometimes annoyed me.
Personal Geography still a great read despite some flaws. It's a safe kink from BDSM world and nothing extreme. I loved their interaction as a Dominant and submissive. Communication is the main key. I hope India will move on from her past because Cris deserve better and I wish she is the one.
Re-read: 3x and I still love him. *sobs*
Another read from Tamsen Parker. I'm quite enjoyed her newest book, Craving Flight. I never read her previous books so I'm gonna give it a try. I couldn't resist the BDSM theme, huh?
“Is that what this is? A date?”
“What did you think it was?”
“Well, I don’t know about you, but I was under the impression that I had signed up for a weekend full of very hot, very kinky sex.” ~India to Cris
India Burke is craving for a Dom and never want into serious relationship. When her best friend also mentor found the person who could be her Dom by weekend, India agreed to meet this man before going further. Outside BDSM, India is a ruthless determined woman and loyal to her job as a consultant. Her first met with the enigmatic Cris Ardmore fascinated her. He has everything India has imagined for a Dom and she couldn't resist his charm and kindness.
Strange name, huh? Yeah, that's what I thought. Her name isn't easy to say. India is a hard-working woman by day with boring job when every time described. I always skip it. BDSM is like a vacation outside her stressful job. There is nothing wrong with this woman and I understand about her job. India isn't a newbie in BDSM world and she has been submissive for years. When she's with Cris, she isn't India. Because of her past, she didn't want mix personal life and feeling. She avoid relationship. When Cris gives full attention and affection that she never have, India is starting uncomfortable. Not with Cris, but with herself.
This is new. India Kittredge Burke doesn’t want to kiss. Children kiss, vanilla lovers kiss, people who don’t know any better kiss. I like to fuck. I like to be hit. I like to have unspeakable things done to me. What the hell?
IMO, Cris is way too perfect. Nothing shady about this man. I almost doubt I will like him, but I was wrong. Getting into their BDSM relationship, make me re-think my impression with him. Outside bedroom, he's a playful and charming also handsome man. Reverse with India who is closed and (sometimes) cold person. Cris is a very patient man until the end. He 'pushed' India because he wants to know more about her, outside being his sub. But India barricade herself. Her failed relationship still traumatized her. He never rushed or forced her even when they play together.
As a Dom, he's quite strict and intense but not rough. I really love him as a Dom. He always show responsibility and double check. When things out of control, Cris quickly step in. The thing that bother me so far is I never know much about him, beside job and family. I remember he doesn't like socialize so much and how's he getting into BDSM lifestyle. I couldn't guessed it how.
The story told from India's POV. At first, I quite liked everything about her. She's in full control of her life outside, and craving dominance inside. Eventually it bothers me when the past haunted her back when she's with Cris. Hunter is the man who damaged her and how everything is different when she's with Cris. I'm hardly like her now. She's being hard with mixed signal.However, it's beautifully written and not detailed enough. The sex? Not so much. I'm hardly know they're having sex. It's too 'polite' for my taste although I always enjoy their BDSM scenes. When they have sexy times, it's hardly enjoyable and sometimes annoyed me.
Personal Geography still a great read despite some flaws. It's a safe kink from BDSM world and nothing extreme. I loved their interaction as a Dominant and submissive. Communication is the main key. I hope India will move on from her past because Cris deserve better and I wish she is the one.
November 25, 2014
Genre: Erotic Romance
Type: Book 1 of The Compass duology
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
ARC provided by author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Personal Geography is an erotic romance debut novel by Tamsen Parker. It spun the story of India Burke, a straight talking no nonsense consultant. India was an up and coming star of her company. She’s an alpha in the boardroom but crave submission in the bedroom.
The last relationship she had was three years earlier with her Dom and it didn’t end well. Since then, she had been reluctant to form a relationship for the fear of getting hurt again. So to satisfy her cravings, she use her weekend breaks for short term contractual encounters.
It worked well for her until her latest encounter with Cris Ardmore. Cris was not like any other Dom and she had a hard time not to break her own rules around him.
I really love the idea of an alpha sub and a beta Dom. It made the Dom/sub culture seemed more “politically correct”. And it also made the book easier on general readers who are not familiar or new to the BDSM culture. So if you’re not into BDSM reading, Personal Geography would be a good starting point because the scenes were mild and tastefully written.
I like India because she’s a strong independent character. She’s also amusing and witty. I especially love how she was argumentative and challenged Cris – when she’s not in play.
But of course she had her weaknesses and still haunted by her less than stellar past and Cris’s charm made it harder for her to keep it in the past.
I have to say, if I ever to be a sub, Cris would be my first choice of Dom. He’s gentle, respectful and didn’t get off on humiliating his sub. And he can cook!
He’s very easy to love which at some point made me want to slap India for being so closed off. Him being needy was also endearing. Though gentle, don’t write him off as an incompetent Dom. He could deliver when he needed to.
Story wise, personally I prefer it to have faster pace. I like that India and Cris’s relationship progressed through time in a realistic manner. However, I felt it lacked excitement in between. I find myself confused and apathetic whenever the scenes went to her work matters. Partially, it could be because I’m not familiar/interested in her field of work. It also because I feel it didn’t really add much to the story.
I understand her work scenes were to portray her alpha tendency outside her playtime. But I wish there were more to it to make it more interesting. The one thing that her work time was significant to her play time was the Slade incident. I also really like to know more about Cris because we really didn’t know much about him other than what he did for a living and what his hobby was. I'm wishing for the next book to be in Cris POV.
Overall it’s a good book to lose yourself in easy pace story and the lighter side of BDSM world. The cliffhanger ending definitely made me want to read the next book because I need to know what’s going to happen next.
For more reviews visit:
Type: Book 1 of The Compass duology
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
ARC provided by author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Personal Geography is an erotic romance debut novel by Tamsen Parker. It spun the story of India Burke, a straight talking no nonsense consultant. India was an up and coming star of her company. She’s an alpha in the boardroom but crave submission in the bedroom.
The last relationship she had was three years earlier with her Dom and it didn’t end well. Since then, she had been reluctant to form a relationship for the fear of getting hurt again. So to satisfy her cravings, she use her weekend breaks for short term contractual encounters.
It worked well for her until her latest encounter with Cris Ardmore. Cris was not like any other Dom and she had a hard time not to break her own rules around him.
I really love the idea of an alpha sub and a beta Dom. It made the Dom/sub culture seemed more “politically correct”. And it also made the book easier on general readers who are not familiar or new to the BDSM culture. So if you’re not into BDSM reading, Personal Geography would be a good starting point because the scenes were mild and tastefully written.
I like India because she’s a strong independent character. She’s also amusing and witty. I especially love how she was argumentative and challenged Cris – when she’s not in play.
“This…This is, by far, the strangest date I’ve ever been on.”
“Is that what it is? A date?”
“What did you think it was?”
“Well, I don’t know about you, but I was under the impression that I had signed up for a weekend full of very hot, very kinky sex.”
But of course she had her weaknesses and still haunted by her less than stellar past and Cris’s charm made it harder for her to keep it in the past.
I have to say, if I ever to be a sub, Cris would be my first choice of Dom. He’s gentle, respectful and didn’t get off on humiliating his sub. And he can cook!
He’s very easy to love which at some point made me want to slap India for being so closed off. Him being needy was also endearing. Though gentle, don’t write him off as an incompetent Dom. He could deliver when he needed to.
Story wise, personally I prefer it to have faster pace. I like that India and Cris’s relationship progressed through time in a realistic manner. However, I felt it lacked excitement in between. I find myself confused and apathetic whenever the scenes went to her work matters. Partially, it could be because I’m not familiar/interested in her field of work. It also because I feel it didn’t really add much to the story.
I understand her work scenes were to portray her alpha tendency outside her playtime. But I wish there were more to it to make it more interesting. The one thing that her work time was significant to her play time was the Slade incident. I also really like to know more about Cris because we really didn’t know much about him other than what he did for a living and what his hobby was. I'm wishing for the next book to be in Cris POV.
Overall it’s a good book to lose yourself in easy pace story and the lighter side of BDSM world. The cliffhanger ending definitely made me want to read the next book because I need to know what’s going to happen next.
For more reviews visit:
January 9, 2016
Short review time.
India is a powerful woman at work, she thrives on control and doesn't take shit from anyone.
However, she sometimes feels the need to "unwind" and finds herself in the care of whatever dominant she can find.
I expected two things from this book: hot sex (What ? This is erotica, I didn't get into it thinking it would win a literary award.) and a good powerful india/submissive India parallel.
The sex felt hollow.
India had two personalities: powerful and ruthless and submissive. BORING.
Yes, I wanted to see both, but I didn't want to see another person. Unforunately for me, that's what happened with Personal Geography.
India literally became someone else when being submissive, and even her thought process wasn't the same. It felt more like I was reading two parallel stories than a story about the same person.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
India is a powerful woman at work, she thrives on control and doesn't take shit from anyone.
However, she sometimes feels the need to "unwind" and finds herself in the care of whatever dominant she can find.
I expected two things from this book: hot sex (What ? This is erotica, I didn't get into it thinking it would win a literary award.) and a good powerful india/submissive India parallel.
The sex felt hollow.
India had two personalities: powerful and ruthless and submissive. BORING.
Yes, I wanted to see both, but I didn't want to see another person. Unforunately for me, that's what happened with Personal Geography.
India literally became someone else when being submissive, and even her thought process wasn't the same. It felt more like I was reading two parallel stories than a story about the same person.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2015
*I received a complement copy from the author, through the BDSM group, in exchange for an honest review*
India is completely in control of her world, everything nice and orderly, even her sexual encounters are planned down to the minute detail; anonymous and enjoyable, mostly.
Then she encounters Cris, set up as one of her weekend play time Doms, and who wants something unusual as part of their contract; to talk.....
India is thrown by this, and the stirring inside her that makes her want to run, but draws her closer to his space. This isn't part of her orderly life, and she doesn't appear to be able to handle it.
I really loved this story. India is the sort of strong female lead I love. Completely in her element at a high stress job, keeping herself together, and releasing pressure through her submission.
Cris is a great Dom for her. Someone who pays more attention, learning what she needs through pushing, and doing the unexpected. I really like his character, and what we learn about him.
The writing was clean, and well put together, concise, nothing unnecessary. Everything shared from the author helped to develop India's character, and give us a glimpse of who Cris is, from India's POV.
Even though this is a cliffhanger, I have not been disappointed and I look forward to reading the next series. I get tired of the same boring female 'emotional' trope, which I cannot relate to. This was nothing like that. I was impressed that India's character stayed true to who I thought she was through the entire book.
Recommended for those who enjoy M/f from the female POV. There is plenty of sexy bdsm elements, but the focus is more on the relationship building both within the bdsm context and outside of the playroom.
India is completely in control of her world, everything nice and orderly, even her sexual encounters are planned down to the minute detail; anonymous and enjoyable, mostly.
Then she encounters Cris, set up as one of her weekend play time Doms, and who wants something unusual as part of their contract; to talk.....
India is thrown by this, and the stirring inside her that makes her want to run, but draws her closer to his space. This isn't part of her orderly life, and she doesn't appear to be able to handle it.
I really loved this story. India is the sort of strong female lead I love. Completely in her element at a high stress job, keeping herself together, and releasing pressure through her submission.
Cris is a great Dom for her. Someone who pays more attention, learning what she needs through pushing, and doing the unexpected. I really like his character, and what we learn about him.
The writing was clean, and well put together, concise, nothing unnecessary. Everything shared from the author helped to develop India's character, and give us a glimpse of who Cris is, from India's POV.
Even though this is a cliffhanger, I have not been disappointed and I look forward to reading the next series. I get tired of the same boring female 'emotional' trope, which I cannot relate to. This was nothing like that. I was impressed that India's character stayed true to who I thought she was through the entire book.
Recommended for those who enjoy M/f from the female POV. There is plenty of sexy bdsm elements, but the focus is more on the relationship building both within the bdsm context and outside of the playroom.
December 28, 2016
Personal Geography was an enjoyable read. I especially liked the dynamics between the hero and heroine I liked watching the relationship progress, watching the heroine, India let down her guard and enjoy things that she previously hadn't allowed herself to. I loved how although dominant Crispin was really sweet caring towards India. I must make mention of the fact that all the sex scenes weren't my cup of tea especially the fisting scene but really enjoyed the book and I'm looking forward to seeing how Crispin and India's story concludes.
Copy won during Shh...Dispelling the MYTHS about BDSM Giveaway!
Copy won during Shh...Dispelling the MYTHS about BDSM Giveaway!
June 8, 2023
DNF. Written well, I think; however, not my cuppa.
November 18, 2014
(ARC provided via NetGalley for an honest review.)
And now I’m a believer. If I wasn’t sure about NetGalley before, I am now. I wasn’t quite sure about this book when it started, before we got to the kinky parts but that didn’t take too long and then it was just smooth sailing from there.
First of, I just have to say that this book was wonderfully orchestrated. It was my first Sub/Dom novel and it didn’t disappoint. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I was more than pleasantly surprised, that’s for sure.
I am so glad that I ventured out of my comfort zone and gave this book a chance. The grammar and writing of this book were a little more complicated than I am used to but I like a challenge. I would say it’s intermediate level in terms of that and the writing is wonderful.
And India Burke, what an interesting heroine. I don’t think I’ve read a book with a heroine who was as sharp-tongued and bitchy as she was, except maybe Scarlett O’Hara but I read that a long time ago. I loved that she had a mind of her own and reminded me of myself in some parts. What I especially loved is that she stayed true to herself all throughout the book and didn’t make any decisions that made me question her character. No, she is definitely a character who’s not very comfortable with change or intimacy and it shows in her actions and decisions. And I absolutely loved that, she made the book that much more interesting.
However, India Burke wasn’t just your average bitch either, no. She was a bitch in real life who likes to escape into a world of submission on her “lost weekends” and this made her so damn human to me. I mean, how many of us feel the need to escape from our real lives from time to time? To get lost in something and not to have to think about what’s going on in our lives right now? For me, it has become reading but there are many other ways that people escape too. Also, we had a really good explanation of her background and why she likes to escape in this manner and why she is the way that she is. Having been a psychology major in school, it’s very important for me that books have that foundation. Otherwise it just doesn’t draw me in as much.
The only thing I didn’t like was the part where she was working because for some reason this part was kind of confusing to me and the writing didn’t flow as well as in the kinky/love parts of the book. Maybe it’s because I know nothing about the type of work she does and the housing guidelines and what not, especially because there were a lot of those nuances in there and they went right over my head. Fortunately, they were only a small part of the book and I still read over them, trying to understand as well as I could. This shouldn’t upset anyone though, because this book is eighty percent romantic/erotic and those parts are amazing.
Sex scenes? Ummmm, absolutely out-of-the-box, imaginative and they blew my mind. I mean, I haven’t read any dom/sub books in the past but I’m certain the sex scenes are really good even by the highest standards. And there was a good mix of the sub/dom sex scenes and then the India/Crispin ones as well, which was a very unique twist for me and they both made me hot and bothered. Vocabulary did not lack here either, because it was written in a sophisticated manner but that didn’t prevent it from being sizzling and super hot.
And did I mention how we got to venture into India’s mind? I loved the first point-of-view and this book masterfully gave us a deep look into the mind of India Burke. I mean, it was almost as though we could see into her soul which I haven’t found with any other book before this one. In terms of characters I just wish that we got more background info on Crispin, although who knows, maybe there will be in the next book of the series.
Which brings me to the cliffhanger at the end. Like, what the fuck? I thought this book was a stand-alone. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I am glad there’s another book and it’s needed to tie everything together but I just wanted them to get their happily-ever-after already. That’s all. And now I have to wait to know what happens? Ahh. I can’t help but be frustrated.
The only other thing that I didn’t care for was the name of the book, Personal Geography? I don’t get it, I think it wouldn’t draw as many people to read this book because the name doesn’t do the book justice and isn’t a good indicator of what this book is about. I was not a big fan of this but I’m glad I gave the book a shot because I was not disappointed.
All in all, I recommend this book to anyone who wants a unique story with twists that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Also, the plot is mesmerizing and people who enjoy smut will love this book. It has a lot to offer.
And now I’m a believer. If I wasn’t sure about NetGalley before, I am now. I wasn’t quite sure about this book when it started, before we got to the kinky parts but that didn’t take too long and then it was just smooth sailing from there.
First of, I just have to say that this book was wonderfully orchestrated. It was my first Sub/Dom novel and it didn’t disappoint. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I was more than pleasantly surprised, that’s for sure.
I am so glad that I ventured out of my comfort zone and gave this book a chance. The grammar and writing of this book were a little more complicated than I am used to but I like a challenge. I would say it’s intermediate level in terms of that and the writing is wonderful.
And India Burke, what an interesting heroine. I don’t think I’ve read a book with a heroine who was as sharp-tongued and bitchy as she was, except maybe Scarlett O’Hara but I read that a long time ago. I loved that she had a mind of her own and reminded me of myself in some parts. What I especially loved is that she stayed true to herself all throughout the book and didn’t make any decisions that made me question her character. No, she is definitely a character who’s not very comfortable with change or intimacy and it shows in her actions and decisions. And I absolutely loved that, she made the book that much more interesting.
However, India Burke wasn’t just your average bitch either, no. She was a bitch in real life who likes to escape into a world of submission on her “lost weekends” and this made her so damn human to me. I mean, how many of us feel the need to escape from our real lives from time to time? To get lost in something and not to have to think about what’s going on in our lives right now? For me, it has become reading but there are many other ways that people escape too. Also, we had a really good explanation of her background and why she likes to escape in this manner and why she is the way that she is. Having been a psychology major in school, it’s very important for me that books have that foundation. Otherwise it just doesn’t draw me in as much.
The only thing I didn’t like was the part where she was working because for some reason this part was kind of confusing to me and the writing didn’t flow as well as in the kinky/love parts of the book. Maybe it’s because I know nothing about the type of work she does and the housing guidelines and what not, especially because there were a lot of those nuances in there and they went right over my head. Fortunately, they were only a small part of the book and I still read over them, trying to understand as well as I could. This shouldn’t upset anyone though, because this book is eighty percent romantic/erotic and those parts are amazing.
Sex scenes? Ummmm, absolutely out-of-the-box, imaginative and they blew my mind. I mean, I haven’t read any dom/sub books in the past but I’m certain the sex scenes are really good even by the highest standards. And there was a good mix of the sub/dom sex scenes and then the India/Crispin ones as well, which was a very unique twist for me and they both made me hot and bothered. Vocabulary did not lack here either, because it was written in a sophisticated manner but that didn’t prevent it from being sizzling and super hot.
And did I mention how we got to venture into India’s mind? I loved the first point-of-view and this book masterfully gave us a deep look into the mind of India Burke. I mean, it was almost as though we could see into her soul which I haven’t found with any other book before this one. In terms of characters I just wish that we got more background info on Crispin, although who knows, maybe there will be in the next book of the series.
Which brings me to the cliffhanger at the end. Like, what the fuck? I thought this book was a stand-alone. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I am glad there’s another book and it’s needed to tie everything together but I just wanted them to get their happily-ever-after already. That’s all. And now I have to wait to know what happens? Ahh. I can’t help but be frustrated.
The only other thing that I didn’t care for was the name of the book, Personal Geography? I don’t get it, I think it wouldn’t draw as many people to read this book because the name doesn’t do the book justice and isn’t a good indicator of what this book is about. I was not a big fan of this but I’m glad I gave the book a shot because I was not disappointed.
All in all, I recommend this book to anyone who wants a unique story with twists that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Also, the plot is mesmerizing and people who enjoy smut will love this book. It has a lot to offer.
November 28, 2014
If you like BDSM, kink and a D/s partnership that isn’t far-fetched and unrealistic, Personal Geography is that. Tamsen Parker has a great writing voice and has created a story that, whilst not perfect for me, grabbed me. And left me dangling over the fiery pits of hell as it ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger. I don't cope well with cliffhangers and therefore can guarantee I shall be reading the next book.
In her daily life India Burke is a confident, career-focussed, strong woman - she knows what she wants and she goes for it. The same applies to her role as submissive; she needs a dominant man to control her and sate her desires, she’s experienced and she knows her limits. Yet she has vulnerabilities and when Cris Ardmore becomes her Dom, he may be greeted by Kit, her submissive alter-ego, but it isn’t long before he starts to work his way through India's steely exterior.
I liked Cris, he read like a Dom and not like an alpha on a power trip. Grounded and thoughtful, a sub isn’t just a plaything to him and it was refreshing to be greeted with a 39 year old, slightly greying, sexy man who shows respect, consideration and isn’t dripping with wealth or arrogance. In other words normal, but I wanted more from him. I didn't feel like we got to know him. India… she frustrated me, she has so many faces and I must admit I struggled to warm to her. I love a strong-willed woman, but at times she came across as over-confident, heartless and each time she started to win me over, she went and pulled a stunt that put her back to square one. But to cut her some slack, she does have insecurities and understandably so; there were parts when I felt for her and when she opened up I liked her and together she and Cris had a great chemistry.
“…you think the way to make it go away is for me to beat the living shit out of you. I’m not going to. You’ve had enough.”
As for the sexual content, it’s plentiful, sexy, kinky and one scene was particularly educational. It was an enjoyable read and had I just felt that it jumped about a little in time (I’m not actually sure what period we covered) and whilst we discover a great deal about India, Cris felt under developed. Something I have hope will be addressed in the next book, Intimate Geography; I'm looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds.
3.5 stars
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy received courtesy of NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion
In her daily life India Burke is a confident, career-focussed, strong woman - she knows what she wants and she goes for it. The same applies to her role as submissive; she needs a dominant man to control her and sate her desires, she’s experienced and she knows her limits. Yet she has vulnerabilities and when Cris Ardmore becomes her Dom, he may be greeted by Kit, her submissive alter-ego, but it isn’t long before he starts to work his way through India's steely exterior.
I liked Cris, he read like a Dom and not like an alpha on a power trip. Grounded and thoughtful, a sub isn’t just a plaything to him and it was refreshing to be greeted with a 39 year old, slightly greying, sexy man who shows respect, consideration and isn’t dripping with wealth or arrogance. In other words normal, but I wanted more from him. I didn't feel like we got to know him. India… she frustrated me, she has so many faces and I must admit I struggled to warm to her. I love a strong-willed woman, but at times she came across as over-confident, heartless and each time she started to win me over, she went and pulled a stunt that put her back to square one. But to cut her some slack, she does have insecurities and understandably so; there were parts when I felt for her and when she opened up I liked her and together she and Cris had a great chemistry.
“…you think the way to make it go away is for me to beat the living shit out of you. I’m not going to. You’ve had enough.”
As for the sexual content, it’s plentiful, sexy, kinky and one scene was particularly educational. It was an enjoyable read and had I just felt that it jumped about a little in time (I’m not actually sure what period we covered) and whilst we discover a great deal about India, Cris felt under developed. Something I have hope will be addressed in the next book, Intimate Geography; I'm looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds.
3.5 stars
Reviewed for Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy received courtesy of NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion
July 7, 2015
Just wow...I mean WOW! Love India...honestly, knowing your head/heart and going into things, even with a contract, she is one tuff-cookie! Balancing her life is something she strives to do...knowing when to take a much needed long weekend and how to spend it, to come back refreshed and ready to take the corporate world by storm. She is high class, high powered, and truly a wonder-woman of sorts. I enjoyed getting to know her work habits as well as have heart-racing moments in her personal habits.
Rey is amazing as well, her rock and protector, he knows what she needs and makes it happen. Their friendship and mutual love for one another goes beyond the pages and seeps into your heart. You can't help but be happy when you read their banter and feel his understanding and support for her.
Cris, oh Crispin...*sigh* #spankme and #tiemeup anytime...lol...He is so sweetly DOM, it gives you a toothache. He knows how to wield cuffs, rope, chains, paddles, crops, bars and crosses. ;) And will push India...maybe even more than she can handle. Beautifully submissive to his DOM, India couldn't be a better match for Cris. But contracts as they are....are always up for negotiations.
There is a cliff-hanger from hell at the end that made my heart stop...but you never see it coming till it happens. All I KNOW is I WANT to read the rest of their story. It's captivating and totally enchanting. India has #bewitched me with her beauty and submission as well as her balls-of-steel-business sense.
*A copy of this book was provided to me by the Author through the BDSM group TPE Bar read2review on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.*
Rey is amazing as well, her rock and protector, he knows what she needs and makes it happen. Their friendship and mutual love for one another goes beyond the pages and seeps into your heart. You can't help but be happy when you read their banter and feel his understanding and support for her.
Cris, oh Crispin...*sigh* #spankme and #tiemeup anytime...lol...He is so sweetly DOM, it gives you a toothache. He knows how to wield cuffs, rope, chains, paddles, crops, bars and crosses. ;) And will push India...maybe even more than she can handle. Beautifully submissive to his DOM, India couldn't be a better match for Cris. But contracts as they are....are always up for negotiations.
There is a cliff-hanger from hell at the end that made my heart stop...but you never see it coming till it happens. All I KNOW is I WANT to read the rest of their story. It's captivating and totally enchanting. India has #bewitched me with her beauty and submission as well as her balls-of-steel-business sense.
*A copy of this book was provided to me by the Author through the BDSM group TPE Bar read2review on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.*
April 16, 2018
In her professional life, India Burke barracuda in Chanel everyone is afraid of, but can't help but respect. She hides a secret life through best friend, and handler. He sets up anonymous BDSM contracts to only worthy Doms, to experience the submissive of their dreams. A lot of effort and safeguards are in place so that neither of her worlds will ever intersect. Dominant Cris Ardmore enters the picture, and shakes it off the wall.
The Good:
1. India was just a different kind of heroine for this type of read. She was prickly, bitchy, and somehow still likable.
2. Cris is the most beta Dom I've ever come across in a BDSM romance, and I'm not mad at it. In the playroom he was alpha to the bone, but the chillest guy ever in his day to day life.
3. This book explored series kink. This is a must read for those looking for more than spanking, or light bondage in their BDSM books.
4. Safe word realness.
The Bad:
1. The hero is a sadist, and the heroine is an experienced submissive. Please prepare yourself for some things that might be outside your comfort zone.
2. It ends in a cliffhanger.
Final Thoughts:
I loved this. It exceeded my freak number a bit, but the storyline kept me invested.
The Good:
1. India was just a different kind of heroine for this type of read. She was prickly, bitchy, and somehow still likable.
2. Cris is the most beta Dom I've ever come across in a BDSM romance, and I'm not mad at it. In the playroom he was alpha to the bone, but the chillest guy ever in his day to day life.
3. This book explored series kink. This is a must read for those looking for more than spanking, or light bondage in their BDSM books.
4. Safe word realness.
The Bad:
1. The hero is a sadist, and the heroine is an experienced submissive. Please prepare yourself for some things that might be outside your comfort zone.
2. It ends in a cliffhanger.
Final Thoughts:
I loved this. It exceeded my freak number a bit, but the storyline kept me invested.
Read
December 3, 2014Tamsen Parker’s PERSONAL GEOGRAPHY is a lovely book, full of witty lines that made me bust out the Kindle’s highlighting function. It’s hot BDSM sex written in a way that makes it accessible for readers who don’t normally go there, and the tenderness of it just slays me sometimes. Plus, they make each other delicious meals that set my stomach growling, and they read together. THEY READ TOGETHER. It’s pretty much like Tamsen wrote this book for me. We barely knew each other when I had the good fortune of reading an early draft of this book, and I’ve only grown more fond of it since. Fair warning: there’s a helluva cliffhanger at the end, but book two (equally delicious!) will be out early in 2015, so you won’t have long to wait!
July 21, 2015
This book is BDSM Themed it has everything from spanking to whipping to fisting.
This book was incredible to read and I can personally say that it is in my top 10 read so far for this year. The characters are strong, interesting, personal able the best thing about this book for me is that each of the characters is actually allowed to be human as sometimes in books character come across as cardboard cut outs and fake because they are so perfect. But this book all the characters come across as real and down to earth not fake.
I would just like to thank the author for writing such an intriguing beguiling and wonderfully bewitching book which makes you need to keep reading it and also at the end makes you need to read the next book. So guess what I will be doing after I finish reviewing this book I will be stopping at the Amazon shop and buying the next book.
India the main female character of the book is strong willed, bold but human so flawed as all good characters should be because without this she would feel fake. She is one of those character who submits to the Dominate male so beautiful and respectful. Yet she is strong she has a high powered job and is successful and actually is a woman I want to be. You can see that life has knocked her down but she has now risen from the ashes and and now is stronger for this fact.
Cris/ Crispin is the Dominate of the story and he is caring and attentive his character is very strong he knows just the right buttons to push but also knows India better than she than she knows herself which means he knows exactly when to stop even if she can't see it. Which makes him to me the perfect and oh so loving character I have come to respect throughout this book.
The end is a real cliff hanger which is like no don't do this to me I need to know whats going to happen because of course since I found myself loving the characters I needed to know what happens next. When I looked on goodread and saw the next book was already out there was a big sigh of relief that I wouldn't have to wait to read the next installment of this amazing story.
*A copy of this book was provided to me by the Author through the BDSM group TPE Bar read2review on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.*
This book was incredible to read and I can personally say that it is in my top 10 read so far for this year. The characters are strong, interesting, personal able the best thing about this book for me is that each of the characters is actually allowed to be human as sometimes in books character come across as cardboard cut outs and fake because they are so perfect. But this book all the characters come across as real and down to earth not fake.
I would just like to thank the author for writing such an intriguing beguiling and wonderfully bewitching book which makes you need to keep reading it and also at the end makes you need to read the next book. So guess what I will be doing after I finish reviewing this book I will be stopping at the Amazon shop and buying the next book.
India the main female character of the book is strong willed, bold but human so flawed as all good characters should be because without this she would feel fake. She is one of those character who submits to the Dominate male so beautiful and respectful. Yet she is strong she has a high powered job and is successful and actually is a woman I want to be. You can see that life has knocked her down but she has now risen from the ashes and and now is stronger for this fact.
Cris/ Crispin is the Dominate of the story and he is caring and attentive his character is very strong he knows just the right buttons to push but also knows India better than she than she knows herself which means he knows exactly when to stop even if she can't see it. Which makes him to me the perfect and oh so loving character I have come to respect throughout this book.
The end is a real cliff hanger which is like no don't do this to me I need to know whats going to happen because of course since I found myself loving the characters I needed to know what happens next. When I looked on goodread and saw the next book was already out there was a big sigh of relief that I wouldn't have to wait to read the next installment of this amazing story.
*A copy of this book was provided to me by the Author through the BDSM group TPE Bar read2review on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.*
January 17, 2015
I read this in under four hours after reading a recommendation in All About Romance's Buried Treasures blogpost. It was great. Loved the heroine, India, who is a well-written, perfectly characterised, grown up, workaholic, neurotic with trust issues. A Non-Perfect Human Woman. Hurrah! Hero less well fleshed out, but this is the first in a series and I think that'll resolve itself in the next instalment. It's first person narrative from the heroine's perspective which isn't everyone's bag, I know, but if you like the character, it's fine. The BDSM didn't feel as if it was there for the sake of sensationalism, I understood why India was into it and it added to her enjoyment of sex. Not an awful lot of story, but I'll take character over unbelievable plots every single day of the week. Why does this fail to get five stars from me? Not hawt enough. I wanted these characters to combust in bed and, for me, they didn't quite manage it. Not enough dirty talk probably. Next instalment not out till March 2015 (curse you, cliffhangers!) but I've already bought it, which speaks volumes for my enjoyment of this book. I'm not one for finishing a series of books just because I started them. If you bore me or annoy me I will cut you dead, I don't care if I never know what happened next.
February 21, 2019
First things first
I enjoy reading BDSM. It isn't the only romance category I read, but definitely read enough. I suspect that more would read BDSM if there were more authors that wrote it well.
Tamsen Parker is a new-to-me author and from what I've read so far seems to specialize in the category. She writes it reasonably well, too.
Strengths: Good character development. Excellent portrayal of the complex power exchange. Overall a satisfying read.
Weaknesses: I wasn't wild about the h or H. I didn't feel their connection. Cliffhanger-y and I didn't feel the need to read how the couple resolved the relationship. Side character more interesting than main characters, so I'm moving on to his book
I enjoy reading BDSM. It isn't the only romance category I read, but definitely read enough. I suspect that more would read BDSM if there were more authors that wrote it well.
Tamsen Parker is a new-to-me author and from what I've read so far seems to specialize in the category. She writes it reasonably well, too.
Strengths: Good character development. Excellent portrayal of the complex power exchange. Overall a satisfying read.
Weaknesses: I wasn't wild about the h or H. I didn't feel their connection. Cliffhanger-y and I didn't feel the need to read how the couple resolved the relationship. Side character more interesting than main characters, so I'm moving on to his book
October 4, 2017
I wavered between 3.5-4 stars, but I got *so* invested in India and Chris. I loved India's complexity and the connection she forged with Cris, in spite of herself. Their play and chemistry = swoon-worthy and healthy, which, thank goodness. But that cliffhanger! RUDE.
October 10, 2019
I have to say this author writes some beautiful kink. Her D/S stories are some of the best I have read. These two are all kinds of tortured and emotionally damaged. Major cliffhanger. Absolutely loved it!
February 1, 2023
This is actually a reread because I loved it so much. Just as great as I remembered and jumped in to book 2 immediately! I’m not one to usually like cliffhangers but this one is really good, adrenaline SPIKED.
~4.5
~4.5
December 6, 2014
First I’ve heard of Tamsen Parker was when I read the Winter Rain anthology (also last year’s first installment – Summer Rain). BTW, if you haven’t yet, get it and enjoy it – all profits go to RAINN.
I don’t read many BDSM novels. While I don’t live the lifestyle, I consider myself a logical person and many authors just write it depraved and psychologically flawed – it just doesn’t make sense. So I’m very selective in my BDSM reading and it’s pretty much limited to Tiffany Reisz, Sophie Morgan and a couple more authors (and I’m stretching it).
Anyhoo, her contribution to Winter Rain was fantastic, with got me very eager to read her debut novel, Personal Geography. And oh, boy…
Not going into the plot in this review. I’ll spoil it for you guys if I did.
India Burke is one strong, feisty, very broken woman. She also knows her limits exactly and what she wants. I think I admired her from the very beginning of the book. Her character is very precise and meticulously crafted, and as such, her arc is very defined, in this book, her shell is just starting to crack. As a submissive in desperate need of release, she is reluctant to tie herself to one Dom and will traipse all over to unwind from a very stressful job.
Crispin Ardmore (Gah, that name) is special. He’s a Dom fresh out of a long relationship and is looking for a rebound. Sounds like a fairytale beginning, right? Apart from being gorgeous, he’s also very attentive and gentle. Falling for India is no big hardship, but getting her to open up is proving to be a challenge.
What I loved about their relationship is the gradual give and take, Cris slowly chipping India’s wall, pushing her.
I know people who live this lifestyle always say the submissive holds all the power, and I can’t think of a better example to prove that than India and Crispin’s relationship. It’s clear Tamsen Parker thought hard about every word in this novel.
There’s a perfect amount of play, emotion, angst and teasing in Personal Geography and while the ending left me with my mouth open ready to scream at the author, I can’t not love it and hold my breath for the next installment. Oh, I didn’t mention it’s part of a series (trilogy)?
Get on this rollercoaster of emotions and enjoy a great story, packed with surprising plot twists and some incredibly hot moments.
* My thanks to Tamsen Parker and NetGalley for this review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I don’t read many BDSM novels. While I don’t live the lifestyle, I consider myself a logical person and many authors just write it depraved and psychologically flawed – it just doesn’t make sense. So I’m very selective in my BDSM reading and it’s pretty much limited to Tiffany Reisz, Sophie Morgan and a couple more authors (and I’m stretching it).
Anyhoo, her contribution to Winter Rain was fantastic, with got me very eager to read her debut novel, Personal Geography. And oh, boy…
Not going into the plot in this review. I’ll spoil it for you guys if I did.
India Burke is one strong, feisty, very broken woman. She also knows her limits exactly and what she wants. I think I admired her from the very beginning of the book. Her character is very precise and meticulously crafted, and as such, her arc is very defined, in this book, her shell is just starting to crack. As a submissive in desperate need of release, she is reluctant to tie herself to one Dom and will traipse all over to unwind from a very stressful job.
Crispin Ardmore (Gah, that name) is special. He’s a Dom fresh out of a long relationship and is looking for a rebound. Sounds like a fairytale beginning, right? Apart from being gorgeous, he’s also very attentive and gentle. Falling for India is no big hardship, but getting her to open up is proving to be a challenge.
What I loved about their relationship is the gradual give and take, Cris slowly chipping India’s wall, pushing her.
I know people who live this lifestyle always say the submissive holds all the power, and I can’t think of a better example to prove that than India and Crispin’s relationship. It’s clear Tamsen Parker thought hard about every word in this novel.
There’s a perfect amount of play, emotion, angst and teasing in Personal Geography and while the ending left me with my mouth open ready to scream at the author, I can’t not love it and hold my breath for the next installment. Oh, I didn’t mention it’s part of a series (trilogy)?
Get on this rollercoaster of emotions and enjoy a great story, packed with surprising plot twists and some incredibly hot moments.
* My thanks to Tamsen Parker and NetGalley for this review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
February 14, 2015
I’ve heard so much about Personal Geography that I when I saw it on Netgalley I knew I had to request it. But I have to say my expectations fell well short of how I feel about this book. Don’t misunderstand me, I did enjoy Personal Geography but I had such high hopes for it. From what I heard some friends say to the synopsis, I wanted something more than what I got.
I enjoyed India and Cris. They are likable characters from what little we actually learn of them. But I feel like a lot of what we learn is surface level, we aren’t given anything truly deep about them. Especially with India. Everything is told from her point of view so what we get of Cris is what he says and does. But with India, we are given a backstory that while horrid, doesn’t account for much of who she is now. Yes, okay, her experiences shaped her BDSM limits and how she acts when she scenes, but it doesn’t explain the person. It explains Kit, not India. I really wanted to know more about her. I wanted to know more about her job. I wanted more of her outside of her relationship with Cris. I just wanted something more personable. Cris seems like a wonderful guy. I loved how he cared for India and how he wanted to get to know her better. I just wish that she opened up to him better. I also wish we got to learn more about Cris. We got a line here or there about him but the rest was essentially pushed “off-screen” like a lot of their time together.
I think that’s what I disliked the most. I’m all for books with sex for the sake of sex as long as there’s something more going on when there’s no sex. But I felt like Personal Geography could have been so much more than that. I feel like it wanted to be that but the author maybe didn’t know how to juggle the two. I will end up reading the sequel though. Personal Geography ended on a cliffhanger, which I usually despise, but I do want to see what happens. I want to see if we learn more about these characters. I want to be able to believe they have something more going for them than explosive sex.
I enjoyed India and Cris. They are likable characters from what little we actually learn of them. But I feel like a lot of what we learn is surface level, we aren’t given anything truly deep about them. Especially with India. Everything is told from her point of view so what we get of Cris is what he says and does. But with India, we are given a backstory that while horrid, doesn’t account for much of who she is now. Yes, okay, her experiences shaped her BDSM limits and how she acts when she scenes, but it doesn’t explain the person. It explains Kit, not India. I really wanted to know more about her. I wanted to know more about her job. I wanted more of her outside of her relationship with Cris. I just wanted something more personable. Cris seems like a wonderful guy. I loved how he cared for India and how he wanted to get to know her better. I just wish that she opened up to him better. I also wish we got to learn more about Cris. We got a line here or there about him but the rest was essentially pushed “off-screen” like a lot of their time together.
I think that’s what I disliked the most. I’m all for books with sex for the sake of sex as long as there’s something more going on when there’s no sex. But I felt like Personal Geography could have been so much more than that. I feel like it wanted to be that but the author maybe didn’t know how to juggle the two. I will end up reading the sequel though. Personal Geography ended on a cliffhanger, which I usually despise, but I do want to see what happens. I want to see if we learn more about these characters. I want to be able to believe they have something more going for them than explosive sex.
February 17, 2017
This intriguing erotic romance, first in a two part series that ends on a cliffhanger (!) is the story of India and Cris. India periodically takes a break from her stressful and high powered job by engaging in anonymous weekends as a submissive to Dominants who don't ask any questions and are happy to provide her with their services. When she meets Cris, he turns the tables on her by wanting to get to know the real woman and not just the play person that she hides behind. Will India let Cris in and reveal her true self to this man who threatens to control not only her body but her heart as well?
I really enjoyed this story! If a reader is unfamiliar with the world of dominance and submission (the DS of BDSM) they will certainly get an education in this story, as the author has explained the semantics of a D/s relationship from the contract to the actual scenes in detail. Cris is a wonderful man, perfect for the role of dominant and serious man while in a scene but caring and thoughtful when being his normal self. He takes pains to give India exactly what she wants and at the same time scares her with his desire to know her better. Yet she finds that her attraction to him outweighs her hesitations. India is equally engaging as a strong and confidant woman who likes the kink of D/s and values her anonymity, something she struggles with as Cris breaks the rules and tries to take their relationship outside of the neat box she prefers. The sex scenes are steamy and well written, sometimes slightly clinical in the bondage descriptions in order for the reader to get the right picture in their head but always carrying a weight of sexual tension and emotion.
I found the whole concept of the story to be quite intriguing and the cliffhanger ending leaves no doubt that there is much more to tell in this tale! It was an entertaining and sexy read and I look forward to the concluding chapter. 5 stars!
I really enjoyed this story! If a reader is unfamiliar with the world of dominance and submission (the DS of BDSM) they will certainly get an education in this story, as the author has explained the semantics of a D/s relationship from the contract to the actual scenes in detail. Cris is a wonderful man, perfect for the role of dominant and serious man while in a scene but caring and thoughtful when being his normal self. He takes pains to give India exactly what she wants and at the same time scares her with his desire to know her better. Yet she finds that her attraction to him outweighs her hesitations. India is equally engaging as a strong and confidant woman who likes the kink of D/s and values her anonymity, something she struggles with as Cris breaks the rules and tries to take their relationship outside of the neat box she prefers. The sex scenes are steamy and well written, sometimes slightly clinical in the bondage descriptions in order for the reader to get the right picture in their head but always carrying a weight of sexual tension and emotion.
I found the whole concept of the story to be quite intriguing and the cliffhanger ending leaves no doubt that there is much more to tell in this tale! It was an entertaining and sexy read and I look forward to the concluding chapter. 5 stars!
December 2, 2019
The question I've gotta ask myself now is: Why did I let it take so long for me to read this one? I've regularly heard such wonderful things about it, seen the cover everywhere, and as soon as I opened it up and started reading, I really understood why it gets talked about.
India is a character who has been burned before. She comes from money and is now in a high paid job. She's also a submissive who likes to go on 'lost weekends' away from her job and life fairly routinely. That said, there is a fantastic balance here between the kink aspects and the real life/work aspects. India is a submissive who can definitely hold her own.
I should say at this point that it ends on a cliffhanger, though, so those wanting the happily ever after at the end of *this* book are going to be disappointed.
Cris is a gorgeous character, and as gentle as a dominant as India is hard as a submissive. I kinda love when, outside of their roles, they completely flip stereotypes. I also love the respectful way that the author wrote about different kinds of power exchange relationships outside of the kinds that India herself has chosen to engage in.
There's really a lot to love about this. I wanted to know more about the other kinksters in the scene that India knows about, and also Jack and other people she worked with, so I guess it's a great thing that this is only the first part of a series!
India is a character who has been burned before. She comes from money and is now in a high paid job. She's also a submissive who likes to go on 'lost weekends' away from her job and life fairly routinely. That said, there is a fantastic balance here between the kink aspects and the real life/work aspects. India is a submissive who can definitely hold her own.
I should say at this point that it ends on a cliffhanger, though, so those wanting the happily ever after at the end of *this* book are going to be disappointed.
Cris is a gorgeous character, and as gentle as a dominant as India is hard as a submissive. I kinda love when, outside of their roles, they completely flip stereotypes. I also love the respectful way that the author wrote about different kinds of power exchange relationships outside of the kinds that India herself has chosen to engage in.
There's really a lot to love about this. I wanted to know more about the other kinksters in the scene that India knows about, and also Jack and other people she worked with, so I guess it's a great thing that this is only the first part of a series!
May 20, 2020
Tamsen Parker's first novel about India and Crispin was definitely a sexy ride!
I read this book after the second one, Intimate Geography, and I have to admit this was a wonderful way to introduce the characters. The novel introduces India and Crispin and their very interesting relationship which involves lots of sexy scenes and R rated words. It's a great ride to follow along and introduces everything at just the right speed.
Crispin is not introduced in the first chapter, which is excellent! Tamsen does an excellent job of introducing the reader to India's current life first, then proceeding to introduce the conflict and pieces of India's past as well.
There wasn't much wrong with this book at all to be honest. I felt like there could have been more "action" or conflict that could have happened, but since this is a series and I have read the second book, I can say it's a wonderful introduction. This definitely is not a standalone novel and should not be read as one. If anything, that is the only problem with this novel. Some novels can be read as part of the series and as a standalone. This one is made to be a series and should not be read as a standalone.
Overall, I really enjoyed it! It's a sexy BDSM novel with lots of twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
I would suggest this novel to people who like: romance, erotica, Fifty Shades of Grey novels with a bigger plot, and drama/emotional reads.
Five out of five stars!
I read this book after the second one, Intimate Geography, and I have to admit this was a wonderful way to introduce the characters. The novel introduces India and Crispin and their very interesting relationship which involves lots of sexy scenes and R rated words. It's a great ride to follow along and introduces everything at just the right speed.
Crispin is not introduced in the first chapter, which is excellent! Tamsen does an excellent job of introducing the reader to India's current life first, then proceeding to introduce the conflict and pieces of India's past as well.
There wasn't much wrong with this book at all to be honest. I felt like there could have been more "action" or conflict that could have happened, but since this is a series and I have read the second book, I can say it's a wonderful introduction. This definitely is not a standalone novel and should not be read as one. If anything, that is the only problem with this novel. Some novels can be read as part of the series and as a standalone. This one is made to be a series and should not be read as a standalone.
Overall, I really enjoyed it! It's a sexy BDSM novel with lots of twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
I would suggest this novel to people who like: romance, erotica, Fifty Shades of Grey novels with a bigger plot, and drama/emotional reads.
Five out of five stars!
June 24, 2017
Original, kinky,
and
well-written? I almost didn't believe it when I started reading. But yes, it's true. This was really good; I'd even go so far as to say that it read like -
gasp
- literature.
Thankfully lacking the preachy, teaching tone that a lot of books that portray a D/s relationships take on, Personal Geography was like a breath of fresh air. In turns, it was serious, heart-wrenching, and funny. I mean, how often do you read this in a romance novel:
LOL. I love it! India was a super-strong heroine who's been through a lot, and I really liked the way the author showed the two sides of her personality, workaholic hardass and submissive. At times it almost felt like Cris wasn't strong enough to keep up with her. And if I had to complain about something, it would be the lack of access to Cris' thoughts and feelings, and his reasons for sticking with the bitchy India and her walled-off heart. But overall 4 solid stars!
Thankfully lacking the preachy, teaching tone that a lot of books that portray a D/s relationships take on, Personal Geography was like a breath of fresh air. In turns, it was serious, heart-wrenching, and funny. I mean, how often do you read this in a romance novel:
"He's monogamous with his subs, and he just ended a five-year contract."
Holy. Shit.
"I get to be the rebound fuck?" I squeal with delight.
LOL. I love it! India was a super-strong heroine who's been through a lot, and I really liked the way the author showed the two sides of her personality, workaholic hardass and submissive. At times it almost felt like Cris wasn't strong enough to keep up with her. And if I had to complain about something, it would be the lack of access to Cris' thoughts and feelings, and his reasons for sticking with the bitchy India and her walled-off heart. But overall 4 solid stars!
February 18, 2015
This book was super hot and extremely explosive!
This is the first book that I have read by Tamsen Parker and I was completely blown away. This book was so descriptive it was like watching a movie. Reading the description you would think that this book is all sex. Well hey, this book gives great sex and even better romance. This is a full book packed with romance, fun, and great lovin' .
India Burke is all business in the boardroom, a complete take control woman who knows what she wants and exactly how to get it. But on her special getaway weekends she loves to be dominated.
Cris Ardmore is just what India needed. He needs a temporary sub and she needs a temporary Dom. But when the weekend is over and the time to play is over Cris tells her once is not enough. He wants more but the question is can she give him what he wants?
I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley for my honest review and honestly I am happy I requested book 1 and 2 at the same time. because once I read the first one I had to get my hands on the second book! Great job Tamsen Parker!
This is the first book that I have read by Tamsen Parker and I was completely blown away. This book was so descriptive it was like watching a movie. Reading the description you would think that this book is all sex. Well hey, this book gives great sex and even better romance. This is a full book packed with romance, fun, and great lovin' .
India Burke is all business in the boardroom, a complete take control woman who knows what she wants and exactly how to get it. But on her special getaway weekends she loves to be dominated.
Cris Ardmore is just what India needed. He needs a temporary sub and she needs a temporary Dom. But when the weekend is over and the time to play is over Cris tells her once is not enough. He wants more but the question is can she give him what he wants?
I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley for my honest review and honestly I am happy I requested book 1 and 2 at the same time. because once I read the first one I had to get my hands on the second book! Great job Tamsen Parker!
January 28, 2015
I will be writing a review of this book so I won't go into great detail here. But, let me say, this is a superbly written book. It's a first person narrative that tells a complicated and compelling story. India, the heroine, is so vividly drawn that I feel I know her in a way fictional heroines rarely come alive.
I'm not a fan of BDSM books, in general, because the sexual relationship doesn't appeal to me. In this book, however, the sex scenes were so explicative of India's interior life that I found them interesting--not hot, although if BDSM books are your thing, I suspect you would find this book so.
My only complaint is that I dislike blatant cliff-hanger endings and this book has a doozy.
I'm not a fan of BDSM books, in general, because the sexual relationship doesn't appeal to me. In this book, however, the sex scenes were so explicative of India's interior life that I found them interesting--not hot, although if BDSM books are your thing, I suspect you would find this book so.
My only complaint is that I dislike blatant cliff-hanger endings and this book has a doozy.
March 24, 2015
I have read a few BDSM theme books, and had never taken a liking towards them, I tried to understand, but just couldn't relate. So my judgement towards this book may not be just.
I DNF at 50%.
In my personal opinion, profanity is a mercurial and dangerous tool for writers to use. Use it in a right place, it fits, but use it in a wrong place, and the book seem crass. And this book, unfortunately, for me, the use of profanity and its frequency had back-fired and brought down the desirability of this book for me.
Just not my cup of tea, sorry!
I DNF at 50%.
In my personal opinion, profanity is a mercurial and dangerous tool for writers to use. Use it in a right place, it fits, but use it in a wrong place, and the book seem crass. And this book, unfortunately, for me, the use of profanity and its frequency had back-fired and brought down the desirability of this book for me.
Just not my cup of tea, sorry!
March 21, 2016
The writing is beautiful, and I love the Different People For Different Audiences thing, but stg if I have to read another billionaire white-boy Dom, I'm going to lose my cool completely. That being said, I appreciated that Cris had a rather unusual occupation, and at least it wasn't set in Manhattan. India's relationship with Rey was A+, and the intensity between Cris and India--sexually and emotionally--was authentic and is a welcome respite from so much of the frankly unhealthy "power exchange" that exists in the BDSM romance world. Also, cliffhanger, which, y'know. YMMV.
March 4, 2015
Really enjoyed this one - erotic bdsm - ends in a cliffie but book 2 is out now. (reading next)
Hero is the dom and also pushes for more intimacy and sharing of feelings. Heroine has a hard time with this. Really enjoyed them both.
Reviewing both books soon
Hero is the dom and also pushes for more intimacy and sharing of feelings. Heroine has a hard time with this. Really enjoyed them both.
Reviewing both books soon
July 27, 2018
This is an extraordinarily well-written erotica novel. I found the heroine to be realistic, difficult, complex and fascinating. Personal Geography is not your typical BDSM book, and all the better for it. Can't wait to start the second in the series!
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November 16, 2014I enjoyed this book. Curious where Book Two will take Crispin and India. Great, ambitious debut.
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