I wish I had liked this more because I got almost exactly my wish, namely that the dude wouldn't be masterly-Master and the lady submissively-Submissive. I quite liked the switching, but thought that Beth's relationship with her ex overwhelmed the romance with Ed. And because the story was so short, both plots got short-changed. It's kind of sad that the series ended on a down note for me, but I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Dryden's work. ( )

You know, I think I like Ed and Beth even more than Ben and Lindsey. Ed was super sweet for a self proclaimed curmudgeon. And Beth just clicked with me. She overcame a lot in the short time we were getting to know her. She's strong and only getting stronger. These two have chemistry both in and out of the bedroom and other places their hormones take control.

Overall this was a really good story. 4 Stars ( )

I read this book as an electronic advance reading copy (e-ARC) via NetGalley, and I have posted my review on that web site.

The love story here is more vanilla than I had expected, and the sex was less kinky than I had hoped. I do appreciate that this book, rather than following the formula of male dom/female sub (like the other two books in this series and the general Fifty Shades of Derivative Bondage Erotica genre), explores a female led relationship. I also liked how the characters are emotionally vulnerable. The author does a good job capturing how sexual power exchange can--but does not always--lead to emotional intimacy.

The most disturbing aspect of this book, for which I give it a below average rating, is its cavalier and naive treatment of sexual health/safety. Beth sucks Ed's cock, and swallows his ejaculate, without knowing ANYTHING about his sexual history first. When they do decide to fuck--is that the only risky sexual behavior in their clueless opinion?--all they do is verbally disclose that neither has a "nasty" disease (being judgmental does not encourage honesty!) and then proceed happily. If this trilogy continues with a fourth book where the couple is treated for antibiotic resistant gonorrhea, I would not be surprised.

If a book like this one offers the first glimpse of kink to many readers, it must take more responsibility for modelling intelligent, informed ways to negotiate sexual health and communication. ( )