Synopsis: Serafina Luca, strait-laced Manhattan professor of erotic literature, isn’t one to blush at a few raunchy words, but her experience in the bedroom is hardly bestseller material. She’s not sure the passion in the books she teaches is possible in real life, let alone for her. But then she meets Nick Stellato and their sizzling chemistry is undeniable. What surprises him is how much he enjoys the time he spends with Serafina outside the bedroom—and how easily he can imagine a future together. Before long, Serafina is falling hard for Nick, too. But how can a timid academic with virtually no past fulfill his dreams of an adventurous future?
Writing Style: This novel is a cross between romance, suspense, and erotic fiction. The love story is the predominant factor with a stalker thrown in as an added obstacle. The only thing that makes this more than romantic suspense is the explicit and profane word choice as well as the protagonist’s exploration into BDSM behavior in sensual scenes.
Subplot: There is a lot going on in this novel, but the storylines are so clearly laid out it is by no means confusing. Along with falling in love and dealing with a stalker, there are various issues caused or expanded by Stellato siblings and a trouble-making professor.
Character: I adore Nick’s youngest sister Gia. She is everything a girl hopes to be –smart, pretty, confident, and loved. The fact she is in a polyamorous relationship with two men is an added bonus. I rather hope she already has a story written so we can understand her life, as her brother Nick could not and struggled to accept his sibling is happy with her choices.
Romance: I think the author knew her storyline of a strong male with a hero-complex rescuing a shy school-marm type is a bit cliché and played with this through the voice of one of her other characters. Even so, the tale still satisfied because Nick is strong in body, mind, and emotion. The love and affection –and the lust—he displays for Sarafina is swoon-worthy and there is no doubt he will get his girl because he deserves happiness.
Quote: It only takes a moment, a single moment, and you can know. You look into a man’s eyes, he takes your hand and smiles, and it’s like you can see right into his soul. And your heart knows his soul and yours are perfect mates. It’s like lightening. It takes your breath away.
Verdict: If you have never read a BDSM-themed book, this is a good one to start with as it is more of a light intro rather than hardcore proclivities. Nick and Serafina only dabble with literary kink to spice up their frolics in (and out) of the bedroom, and are not committed to the lifestyle itself. The book is well written with strong characters and even some interesting book recommendations.
JaimeKristal 