Review: Under a SMOKIN' HOT Tuscan sun...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 4, 2013
* Review is based on a copy provided by the author and includes portions from review of the original story released as "Liaison".(★★★★) What a great revision and expansion to the original story!  Really enjoyed (re-)reading this to see how the author changed the story without affecting its basic premise or lessening the emotional impact.  Still highly recommend this novelette for anyone looking for a quick and well-written BDSM/erotica read.TAUGHT TO KNEEL has an unexpected level of emotional depth and character development for its short length, enough to understand why Gabrielle and Julian act the way they do when they meet at a Tuscan B&B.;  Both have regrets over how their respective marriages ended but unlike Julian, Gabrielle hasn't let go of her guilt.Having experienced something similar, Julian quickly recognizes her burden, as well as the fact that she's a natural submissive.  Somewhat self-serving but he proposes a possible therapy for Gabrielle--yep, you guessed it, a very hands-on speed course in D/s 101. Time is limited (as are the pages) because both are at the B&B; only for the weekend, so they transition very rapidly from strangers to lovers.  The sex/BDSM scenes were erotic as hell and realistically written.Certain aspects of the storyline are revised slightly and fleshed out more.  And I liked that a certain new scene added a little more depth to their connection.  Also, unlike with the original version, I was better able to accept the notion that "punishment", in the BDSM sense, could enable Gabrielle to begin to release her guilt. Regardless of one's personal opinion on this point, it works as a plot device and got Gabrielle and Julian to where they needed to be--namely, in the bedroom.Alas, Gabrielle and Julian don't get their stay extended at the Tuscan B&B; as I had hoped.  But given that it ended with a loose HFN, I hope that Ms. Knight considers a possible Act II of Gabrielle and Julian in future.* My thanks to the author for kindly offering a copy of the revised edition.  And for taking note of my little reading quirk in the original review. ^ᴗ^