I wish everyone who read and liked Fifty Shades would read this instead because DAMN. The books have similar origin stories (they were both published online as Twilight fanfiction around the same time, but you should know that this one came first) but this is so much better on so many levels. It's extremely well written. It's obvious the author did her research on safe BDSM and dom/sub relationships (unlike EL James...I don't claim to be an expert because it's not something I'm personally into but even I know some of the stuff she wrote about are big no-no's). The characters are flawed without being problematic, and the love scenes are super hot. 10/10 would recommend for anyone who wants a good, kinky romance. (For real though, please read this instead of Fifty Shades. Please.)

Honestly, this should have been a 1.5. I was enjoying it for a while until Nathaniel's character completely changed, without much explanation. I found his single tear episodes really cliche and just completely out of character. I also thought the "explanations" of his odd behavior, detachment, and of his previous stalker-like tendencies were weak and rushed.

I have the other two books in the series but now I am not sure if I will read them.

If you like your characters under developed, poor conflict/drama and to have everything revealed and resolved in the last 15% of the book, then this is your book.

Other than Abby wanting Nathaniel, we never get to really know her. Nathaniel has issues and they are poorly 'hinted' at through the book and then everything gets resolved in quick succession at the end. This book is very unsatisfying.

3.5 stars

I really didn't like Nathanial.

This book was WAY better than Fifty Shades of Grey. Better story, better character development and better overall writing. This book was more than just erotic scenes. There was real drama and it kept you engaged even when there was no sex going on. I had very low expectations when I first picked up this book, but was surprised that it was actually pretty good for erotica.

Something about this story is very off. There is almost absolutely no characterization for these people. You don't even really get a look description. I have no idea what color the girls hair is, or her eyes. It may of been mentioned once in the beginning. Also the way they came together, while explained in the 3rd book, its still lacking, as is the emotions between them. It's just not very well thought out.

Abby and Nathaniel; some have called it FSOG-ish novel. I think it is better, the characters are stronger. Nathaniel is not the super strict Dom like in many other books and she is not the innocent virgin…thank god!!!!

Nathaniel had been secretly stalking her when she interviewed to be his submissive. Her coming I for the interview was purely chance. Abby was unhappy in past relationships and has taken a 3 year hiatus, she is looking for 'more'.

Despite being unexperienced Abigail turns out o be an almost perfect submissive. Nathaniel is beyond enamored with her but he knew he would be thus the one and only safe word being turpentine, ending their entire relationship.

Abby's past isn't tragic but Nathaniel did lose his parents in a car accident years ago. His aunt raised him in a loving environment. He still does have plenty of issues.

It's a nice story and you can clearly see the love and trust building within their story.