Review: Sizzling contemporary romance with a  twist!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 31, 2013
Synopsis: Kate McDermott is a graduate journalism student writing a research paper. She's chosen to write about the world of BDSM and tries to convince herself that her interest is purely intellectual.  She has contacted a real-life Domme in order to get some information.  The Domme has agreed to set her up with a Dom who can "instruct" her in the ways of a D/s relationship.  Enter Dr. Drake Morgan, or "Dr. Delish" as he's known. Kate's met Drake at a fundraiser given by her father, a high-powered state judge.  She's also been warned against getting involved with him by her meddling and judgmental friend. Imagine her surprise when he turns out to be the Dom she's supposed to use for her research...there's no way she could work with this man who is so close to her father.  Kate is mortified that Drake is aware of her interest in the subject, but Drake pursues her relentlessly, and a relationship inevitably ensues.My thoughts: I don't want to give too much away here, so I'll let you read the rest for yourselves. Suffice it to say that the road travelled here is hot, hot, hot!  Ms. Lund knows how to write a sizzling scene, and there's no shortage of those. I found a nice balance of sex and plot though. As Kate and Drake struggle to reach their HEA (no surprise there, this is a romance after all!) there are seemingly endless roadblocks thrown up. What I really liked about this story was that the roadblocks were not always set up by the characters themselves as they play out all of their anxieties. Sure, they have some hang-ups like everyone else, but all in all these two are likeable and believable characters. Although I'm sure the inevitable comparisons will be made to Fifty Shades I found this story to have an entirely different feel.  Sure, they are both stories about a high-powered man and a younger woman exploring a D/s relationship, but for me that's where the similarity ends. Kate is no virginal, underprivileged Ana and while Christian Grey would scare the crap out of me, Drake is someone I'd love to get to know (wink, wink).  As the story drew to a close I found myself with tears in my eyes (yeah, I know I'm a wuss) and that's the mark of a great book for me. I truly got in Kate's head and felt her pain and her eventual joy. Some great secondary characters and relationship development rounded out the story for me.I'd be remiss if I neglected to share one of my favourite quotes from a letter Kate reads in preparation for her research. It's written by a Dom to his sub:"I've known every part of you - every naked inch, inside and out.I can't wait to bind you with my soft leather restraints and make you cry out my name as you come, again and again. Then, I will really kiss you, smothering your moans with my mouth..."Can't you just feel it?  I know I did... I couldn't put this book down!  Highly recommend.ARC received from the author in exchange for a fair review.