A kinky comment that lands on unexpectedly understanding ears leads Natalie to the surprising realization that her best friend’s brother’s best friend is into BDSM. Which means Noah is not the guy for her. She tried that lifestyle while in college and it didn’t end well.
Noah eases the story of Natalie’s past from her, and all his Domly instincts flare to life. He wants to help her figure out if she’s right to close the door on her submissive needs, or embrace them and finally find the happiness she deserves. His plan to mentor her so she can decide would be going just fine if she weren’t so. Damn. Tempting.
KB Alan lives the single life in Southern California. She acknowledges that she should probably turn off the computer and leave the house once in a while in order to find her own happily ever after, but for now she’s content to delude herself with the theory that Mr. Right is bound to come knocking on her door through no real effort on her own. Please refrain from pointing out the many flaws in this system. Other comments, however, are happily received through her email or website.
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK AT WORK. You have been warned.
This book was so good! I really enjoyed it. I definitely read it at work - on my lunch break- and it was.... *fanning myself* Not the best decision. This book is hot. It's real hot. It's hot in all the good ways.
Not only is this book absolutely brimming with sizzles, it's also a pretty cute story. I identified with Natalie. I could see myself being her friend. Noah is also pretty awesome.
The characters are compelling. The plot is interesting. The sex is *lit*. I couldn't put this book down. I was Beast GIF where he is reading and slides his eyes to the side... you know the one. I really loved this book. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
Heat Factor: Well, they explore a lot of kinky play, but it’s not the same as a book that is aiming for titillating kink. If that makes sense.
Character Chemistry: The trust comes fast but the emotion builds slow
Plot: Nathalie had a bad Dom and decided BDSM wasn’t for her, but when she discusses her history with a good Dom, she realizes she might be able to safely explore her fantasies again.
Overall: This is an example of when really spicy content doesn’t feel spicy because it’s so thoughtful
There are books that make the reader think, “Well, that’s not my kink, but I’m happy you’re happy!” and then those that really allow the reader to understand the minds and desires of the protagonists, even if the kinks are not shared. And then there are the books that are titillatingly naughty and seem like they’re mostly about the kink and sure there’s also a story there.
This book is weird, and I’ll try to articulate my thoughts clearly.
The story begins with Nathalie having a really terrible, upsetting, abusive interaction with her Dom, her best friend, and her best friend’s Dom when both of the women (subs) were in college. Because she was all of 22, instead of having the knowledge and experience under her belt to understand that the situation was super not what BDSM is supposed to be, she felt like she got herself all wrong, her fantasies didn’t meet reality, and the lifestyle just wasn’t for her. Five years later, one thing leads to another, and she learns that her best friend’s brother’s best friend (that’s a mouthful), Noah, is a Dom, and she trusts him enough to tell him about her experience.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
This is the first of KB Alan's books I have read and it was very well written. Her books can be read in any order without feeling like you've missed something. Natalie, a young woman who had a traumatic event involving experimentation with the D/s lifestyle accidentally learns that a man in her friend group is a Dom. She has tried to convince herself that her early experimentation was just a phase, but her submissive nature keeps sneaking into her thoughts and fantasies. Her friend encourages her to talk about her previous painful experience and offers to mentor her if she is interested in finding out whether she might be interested in trying again. Natalie learns that her previous Dom was actually abusive and that the D/s relationship can be built on mutual respect, communication and care. If you are knowledgeable about the BDSM world or if you are interested in learning what a loving relationship can be found in the lifestyle, you will enjoy this book tremendously. The sex is hot and well written (a difficult task, in my opinion), but it's only a part of the bigger love story. I highly recommend this book and I am eager to read more of Alan's work.
The characters are so likeable, but still fill the fantasy. This story seemed more realistic, while allowing your mind to escape! Enjoyed the series. Great stories, great scenes!
She's had a bad experience with a Dom before. He think he's going to just mentor her and let her figure out what she wants. One long weekend is all it takes for them both to go for a relationship.