Notorious Nora Sutherlin is famous for her delicious works of erotica, each one more popular with readers than the last. But her latest manuscript is different—more serious, more personal—and she’s sure it’ll be her breakout book… if it ever sees the light of day.

Zachary Easton holds Nora’s fate in his well-manicured hands. The demanding British editor agrees to handle the book on one condition: he wants complete control. Nora must rewrite the entire novel to his exacting standards—in six weeks—or it’s no deal.

Nora’s grueling writing sessions with Zach are draining… and shockingly arousing. And a dangerous former lover has her wondering which is more torturous—staying away from him… or returning to his bed?

Nora thought she knew everything about being pushed to your limits. But in a world where passion is pain, nothing is ever that simple.

At the suggestion of a friend, I decided to give this book a try. Of course, it was a new experience to read something that was so hypersexualized, however I found myself rather enjoying the book. It’s nice to see a strong female character that may be perfect looks wise is clearly just as messed as the rest of us little folks.

A professional novelist by day and a professional dominatrix by night, Nora Sutherlin is an all-around successful thirty year old. Most know little to nothing about Nora’s nightly antics, but for the select few who venture into The Eighth Circle (that’s the name of a BDSM club), she’s the most notorious female dominatrix. Beautiful and extremely sexual, Nora’s easily attracts men left and right. Her virginal assistant, Wesley is exposed on a daily basis to her sexually provocative jokes and flirtations. And for her new editor, Zach Easton, Nora’s a mysterious breath of fresh air.

It was a little hard dealing with Zach’s attraction to Nora. Mainly because the entire time, he’s practically obsessing over his estranged wife, Grace. Meanwhile, Nora’s trying to move past her relationship with her former lover and Dom, Soren or as the rest of the world knows him, Father Marcus Stearns. However, as their anniversary arrives, she finds herself in a precarious situation when he tricks her into taking the virginity of a fifteen year old boy, named Michael. This part of the story rubbed me the wrong way, but only because it was used as a means of trying to keep Michael from killing himself. Long story short, after Michael attempts suicide, Soren sees he’s struggling with his sexuality and offers him a chance to meet Nora if he doesn’t harm himself for one year. His test for Nora is to see if she bothers to ask the boy his age, which she doesn’t. Instead she assumes he’s eighteen and though it’s consensual, proceeds to take his virginity.

While the sex scenes were well written, it’s the characters that help keep this story interesting. Everyone from virginal Wesley to sadistic (and creepy) Soren helps to bring a wide range of characterization which allows you not to feel completely overwhelmed by the same type. They add diversity and drama to Nora’s oversexualized lifestyle. Though I have a sneaking feeling Nora’s the biggest cause of trouble in her own life.

All in all, it was a decent book and I look forward to continuing the series.

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