Rating: 4 stars
"In a small back room in a Seattle bookstore, two strangers make their fantasy come true. But there is still so much further to take it. Beth isn't expecting it -- that's what makes it so exciting. But she knows what she wants. And she gets it: complete control over a man. Packing years of military discipline under his belt, Sean is about to give in to his ultimate fantasy: to be thoroughly dominated by a woman. They're not looking for love. They're looking for a night to remember. But where the night takes them is beyond desire, beyond fantasy, and beyond control."
This is not about two characters caught up in a cute romantic encounter. This is about satisfying the characters' sexual needs -- with all of the accoutrements. The language is graphic, candid, and appropriate. The sex is electric and vividly described. If a reader with a kinky streak wants to make the leap between traditional romance into a much darker view through the bedroom window, I'd suggest this. But don't come crying to me if you find it offensive.
With that said, any problems I have with this novel are confined to quibbling differences. This novel reads as if the author uses the same nonfiction guides I have on BDSM, only changing the sentences into an overly wordy, conversational style between characters. In trying to appeal to both the uninitiated and advanced readers, it is difficult for an author to pull off this kind of balancing act. I simply skipped the unappealing parts, ignored one repetitive word, and jumped to the action.
Which is the point, really. Sex does all of the talking here, so buying a romance between Sean and Beth is hard work without having character motivations or emotional makeup. More or less, it's left to faith outside the confines of the bedroom...like it's happening off the page. Conflict follows tradition with Beth's rejection of Sean, but her reasoning leaves the reader wondering how she makes a huge leap between Sean's character traits and the sexual power games. She assumes he cannot be what she needs -- a switch. Why? Because he didn't muster a domination game plan for her...while he's bound on his knees? Give the man time!
But when the fireworks start between the two, it's hot enough to melt the paint off the wall. At that point, it doesn't really matter if Sean had a bitchy wife, or Beth's job is the center of her life. Diane Whiteside's strong suit is writing smoking erotica. And that is where this novel really shines.
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Ellora's Cave (e-book), March 2002
Publisher: Berkley Trade (January 3, 2006)
ISBN: 0425208176