Romancing the Book
When Cruz Dubois contacts an agency looking for a submissive, he is matched with a woman who has had a less-than-ideal experience with the BDSM lifestyle. Jane Owen wants to be with Cruz, but with her ex-Master lurking in the shadows, she is fearful that she will never get a happy ending. Alaska Angelini has written a sizzling BDSM read packed with plenty of action and excitement. This story prevents a believable story line that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Adding the element of suspense greatly enriches the story, taking it beyond a typical erotic tale. One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the emotional connection between the couple. They are essentially polar opposites, which means they have to develop a method of finding common ground. Cruz is used to a world of luxury while Jane struggles with finances. The author does an excellent job of creating scenarios where these differences have to be resolved. The BDSM elements are well integrated into the story line, with just the right amount of heat. I really liked how the author lets the characters develop a relationship since they are technically strangers in the beginning of the story. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader’s attention. I found myself trying to guess what would happen next. The secondary characters, including the villain, give the story an added boost. I am hoping that Zevier gets his own story and readers are given another look behind the scenes of a submissive placement agency.