Review: Something was missing in this story.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 07 19, 2014
Read more of this review and others @The Book WranglersHeat:Hot momentsRating:*** 2.5/3 starsProvided by: NetGalleyLaren Jenson has had a rocky road filled with explosive relationships and family issues, but this doesn't deter her from building her career and supporting those she loves.Her take-no-prisoners-personality paired with a feisty and strong-minded personality have her climbing the corporate latter of success, and fast. But her personal life has taken a back seat lately, especially with the heavy baggage she's pulling along. With one last hooray before she marries herself to her career, Laren steps out of her comfort zone seeking a Dom–one that can handle all that she is and push her limits–to satisfy her for one night. What she gets is nothing of what she expected. She meets her mystery man–Michael– and is immediately smitten, but her plans don't work out the way she hoped and the opportunity is gone.Michael Kavanaugh is known for his patient, but domineering trait when it comes to women. He works hard and plays harder. With a rolodex of willing women waiting to be chosen, Michael has carefully and successfully side-stepped any real commitment. The moment he meets Laren all bets are off; he can't help the pull that she has on him, and for the first time he's met a challenge that will change his way of thinking and way of life. The game is on when she steps into his office and reminds him of their mystery meeting not long ago.Together, Laren and Michael battle it out for who will lead and provide versus who will submit, listen, and learn. Laren is used to making her own decisions, taking care of everyone around her, and sacrificing her own needs for others. While Michael is used to leading and caring for women he is dating. For every step that is taken forward, it seems as though they fall back five more. Their main struggle, trust. But Michael isn't giving up that easily."Michael Kavanaugh's life motto? Some men were made to tame only one woman...The Best Thing:The overall storyline was good. I really enjoyed how there were goofy and fun moments throughout the book that weren't over-shadowed by some of the creepy characters and events that happen later.The Worst Thing:First I should say that I didn't realize, until I was already reading, that this was a serial series that should probably have been read in order. With that said, I had a few gripes.In the preface there was this steamy interlude between Michael and Laren. This led me to believe that there would be more of the training for the (BDSM lifestyle) since this is what Laren stated she wanted. I didn't get that throughout the book. Laren totally walked all over Michael, and at times he came off somewhat weak because of his feelings. She needs a good spanking.I really hated how Laren literally, blindly, enabled her brother-in-law and sister by covering their debt for them all the time. I couldn't understand why her sister didn't work at least one job and have some type of income. (This really got under my skin the entire time, even when all the chips fell down.)Towards the closing of the book I noticed what some could call 'slang or abbreviated names' throughout, who's who? things started to get sloppy for me. More story lines were included, new nicknames were introduced, the climax didn't really feel like a climax due to all of the other events that were squeezed in at the last minute, and I couldn't figure out who's overall story it was suppose to be anymore–Michael and Laren, Jo and Ted, Lacy and David...wth.I will totally kick myself for not reading–which I normally, and always do–the books in order.Overall:For the most part I did like the book and the characters!