3.8 Stars out of 5 stars (standard rounding rules apply)
-Be kind to yo' self and check your TWs and CWs-
This was the first novel I had read by Evelyn Austin. I went into it without any real expectations other than that it would most likely fall more into the erotica side of romance novels. Of course, I don't mind this at all - and it didn't disappoint.
This is the second book in a series. They can be read as standalones, which is what I did with this novel. However, like most standalone series, characters from prior novels do appear and there is always a chance it could help bring to light some things, but by no means required to read the book.
Normally, I don't start with the spice... but I felt the spiciness was one of the biggest redeeming qualities of this novel. I would give it a three-point-five chili-peppers out of five chili-peppers. (Please, keep in mind this is my personal opinion; it may be more or less for you.) There is no shortness of praise, spanking, discipline and just general BDSM spicy scenes throughout the book. It starts off this way burning bright and continues to do so, even as the characters relationship progresses.
Ash is our main man; he is hot beyond hot. He is cocky, confident and oh so obsessed with Lexi. One thing he also is would be a possessive dominant with a heavy emphasis on possessive. His dirty talking game was on point, as was his prowess in the bedroom. Ash is also very vague with what he does, and secretive - for a reason.
Lexi is annoying. There truly is no other way to put it. I had hoped that there were be some redemption... but there wasn't. She came off as flighty and honestly - a gold digger - when we first met her. Her lack of knowing what she wanted in life became very frustrating. The back and forth she went with Ash and her supposed "boyfriend" left a bad view of her in my mind. That is how she was throughout this whole book. It wasn't a good look for her. Her roommate Gwen was more interesting to me.
When it comes to the story as a whole the plot is good. There was definitely some suspense, but questions that one could speculate about, but never one hundred percent sure about. Some twists and turns - a few you could see coming, and others that added a good surprise. It was the storyline and plot - though rushed in my humble opinion - that saved this story for me in a way that I am willing to give another one a shot. I am was also intrigued with the setup for what I am assuming will be Gwen's story.
I would recommend strictly based the spicy scenes. Going into this I knew it would be more erotica based, with some plot. However, if I was going based on character development and plot... I am not convinced I would recommend as often, or only would to particular reader friends.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.