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Series: Partners in Play #1
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: NAL Trade
Publication Date: 3/4/14
Format: Paperback
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3 stars
Tara Sue Me became a worldwide phenomenon with the Submissive Trilogy. Now she presents a scorching tale about a risky passion too hot to ignore.…
Julie Masterson craves a taste of danger.
Despite being familiar with the different games people play in the bedroom, she’s never given in to her curiosity about putting her body in someone else’s power—until a chance meeting with Daniel Covington, the seductive Senior VP of Weston Bank, draws her into a titillating new world of sexual experience, one that she never knew she desperately needed.
Daniel is highly respected within his community, but he hasn’t had an exclusive relationship for over two years. Yet Julie’s eager innocence is driving him to the brink of ecstasy, making him rethink his feelings about commitment.
As their sizzling connection heats up, Daniel is ready to take Julie fully under his command. But when the dangerous side of their play rears its ugly head, Julie will have to decide if she trusts him enough to surrender completely—or if she should escape before she gets burned...
I've hit a bit of a wall when it comes to BDSM-centric novels. I still like them for the most part, but I want a story that is as much about the mental and emotional aspects than the physical. I've recently started seeing the name Tara Sue Me (interesting name, right?) around the blogosphere, along with several positive reviews. When her latest release Seduced by Fire was offered for review, I decided to give her a try.
I'm glad I did. While I was not blown away by Seduced by Fire, I did like it. Julie and Daniel were the typical BDSM couple, with him being a Dom and her willing to explore her submissive side. (Sidenote: I want to read a book with the gender roles reversed. Bad.) While I did find them typical- which is fine, btw - I did appreciate a couple of things. One, Daniel isn't an alphahole jerk who storms around town clearing Julie's path and making grown men cry. And two, I liked that despite him instinctively *knowing* Julie is a submissive and hoping to help her see that, Daniel wasn't hell bent on forcing the lifestyle on her. He gently pushed Julie towards acceptance, but was willing to step back if she resisted. That was refreshing. Another interesting and surprising turn was the exploration of the dangerous side of BDSM, involving Julie's best friend Sasha. I really liked that this secondary story was included, and that the aftermath wasn't brushed over.
So. I did truly enjoy the sexual side of the relationship. And let me just add that while those scenes didn't occupy a huge part of the story, they were each very sexy and I believe that intimate scenes are definitely a strong point for the author. Despite my enjoyment of those scenes and the emotional and mental sides to the BDSM, I didn't feel a particularly strong connection between Julie and Daniel in the other areas of their relationship. Maybe I was supposed to feel the implications, but I didn't. I got that they were attracted to one another sexually, and that they liked each other, but I didn't feel the great love.
I found Seduced by Fire to be a very interesting read. I read it fairly quickly, and never felt disinterest. Though the resolution seemed a bit rushed, I was satisfied with the way the story wrapped up. I will say that I am very interested in a slight secondary story, between Dena and Jack, a submissive and her former Master. There was some serious intensity between these two, and I hope the second Partners in Play novel is about them.
Favorite Quote:
He was slow and tender, and shattered any lingering misguided impression she had about domination. Fast or slow. Hard or gentle. He would take what he wanted in any way he wanted. And she would let him, because she knew there was only freedom to be found in placing herself into his keeping.
His hands slid to her face and the blindfold fell from her eyes. She saw her own desire reflected in his gaze. And as he drove them both toward and encompassing climax, she saw something deeper. It was her strength that made him strong, and his command that made her complete.
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About the author
YES!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI still haven't read this series, and to be completely honest - my friends didn't like it very much so that is the main reason why I avoided it for this long. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed it. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteWhere the fuck do these closet pervert CEOs work? The only bank CEO's I've ever seen were fat, bald and ugly. Ugh! Pass. I love how you put a positive spin on your reviews when you can. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed even if it didn't blow you away. You're right the bdsm if a true type has to be so much more emotional too.
ReplyDeletethis looks and sounds fabulous :) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm getting tired of the whole BDSM thing too, but the part of your review about the more dangerous side of it has me curious. I do have to say... it amazes me the amount of Dom CEO's that can be found in this reading world lol... and in a last note... Aggie & Jace... I think that's all I have to say lol
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, YES!!! Really looks like a fantastic read. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteYes! It sounds like a really good book. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteYes, yes and YES! Thanks for the giveaway!! <3
ReplyDeleteRomance is my favorite genre. Erotic not so much. But I love to read and I am willing to see if I will like this book. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteI've been more interested in stories that have emotional depth lately too. This sounds interesting though it's more you than me. Glad you enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have read The Submissive and The Dominant and loved them both. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYes! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI think Seduced by fire would be for me to read because I have read the other two books and I just love the way Sara writes her BDSM stories.
ReplyDeleteYes, it does sound like the book for me. It sounds really good. I love the characters and the pretty cover. Thanks for having the giveaway.
ReplyDelete"I want to read a book with the gender roles reversed. Bad."
ReplyDeleteSame here! Let me know if you find a good one like that. This book looks good too, though.
You and me both! I can't connect to these kinky bitches and bastards anymore. I think my curiosity has passed and I'm really vanilla. The physical aspect holds no fascination for me any longer, I'm more interested in the WHY than the HOW.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Training series, I'd give this one a try!
ReplyDeleteOh YES! Me love a naughty book :-) Added this to my TBR list!!
ReplyDeleteI like when a story has more depth and emotion to it also. I like that the author explored the dangerous sides of BDSM in this story also. That sounds like an interesting and unique aspect of the story. I ha e trouble enjoying a story when I don't "feel" the connection to that two main characters as well. Very thorough Review Friend!!!
ReplyDeleteIt seems interesting really. I hope I would enjoy it. I see a lot of BDSM books around lately, I am glad each one felt different.
ReplyDeleteWow. So adding to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteI've seen this author around too and said the same thing about her name! LOL Sounds like it could be interesting. Not sure I'd rush to read it though.
ReplyDelete