Review: Steamy BDSM play and a lot of deep thoughts
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 27, 2014
Just A Woman is the second part of Marina's story. In the first installment, we were left with a terrible cliffhanger. Marina and Nate were held at gunpoint in Marina's hotel room after the Russian mob tracked her down. The book ended with a gunshot. I started this book expecting to be thrown right back into the action, but that's not what happened.Instead, there was a flashback to an earlier sex scene between Marina and Nate (very hot) and then a lot of Marina's inner thoughts about Nate, herself, her past, and her future. It was only a few pages in that we finally learned that Nate lived, though he was in the hospital and not speaking a single word to Marina. She's been by his side the entire time, barely eating, entirely focused on this man she thinks she just might love one day.From there, the real story begins. Nate is discharged and Marina flies them both back to Blue Ridge Ranch in Montana where Marina grew up. She's back to take her place running the ranch. Or is she?This part of Marina's story takes an interesting turn on the plane. Nate finally speaks to Marina and tells her that he's not letting her go. He blames her for the shooting and hasn't forgiven her for keeping the existence of the brothel from him, but he's not letting her go. In fact, he's doing the exact opposite. He's taking control. From the time they touch down, he owns her.Marina is shocked. She's not submissive. Nate isn't dominant. Or so she thinks. Just A Woman introduces Marina to who she really is and what she really wants. There's a lot of steamy BDSM play but the beauty of this book is Marina's inner dialog. There isn't actually a lot of action in this book. No, it's all emotional. Marina's thoughts, her reactions, and her fears. The author does a great job of breaking Marina down for the reader and showing us who this strong woman really is. Unlike the first installment, when things end here, Marina is in a place where she's safe and contemplating her near-contentment. Is this who she is? Is this who she wants to be?This is a very satisfying and steamy read. I know there's more to Marina and I know there's more action to come (because that's how Ms. Akeroyd's books are) and I look forward to the next two installments in Marina's tale.**This review originally appeared on Author Alliance.**