I have to admit that I usually don't like stories about Dommes and subs and sex clubs. It is just not my cup of tea. However, this is Katie Ashley so I tried to go in with an open mind because I usually trust her to bring me characters I can relate to and like. Yes the story does start out there, but I found myself totally engaged in it and there really is so much more to this book.

I found myself loving the interactions of the main characters Sophie and William. The more I saw of them, the more I liked them. They had a fun rapport, chemistry, but also were both intuitive and understanding. I loved seeing them begin to open up, share past pain, and develop more of an appreciation of the other. He had his reasons for his preferences, but it was a job for her and not her lifestyle. But she was able to relate to his needs and proclivities. And he was charismatic, sexy, and manly enough to make his needs known even as a sub. He did not feel meek, wimpy or less of a man because he liked to give up control in the bedroom and let go. He's big, built, handsome, and athletic. And his personality was likable, sweet, magnetic, and he still had a sexy edge.

She was more of a dichotomy between the sweet, caring, Daddy's girl and the intimidating Domme. But even when she was in her character, her heart still showed through and she connected on a personal level with the men despite the fact she had rules in place and did not engage in certain activities with them. But it was just a job to put her through school and help with money, and now she is ready to start her new life away from the Scene and follow her dreams.

At the heart of this story though are two people who met when they least expected it and found a connection. But whose lives are in some ways different and others almost too similar, and that come with built in complications. They are faced with more than they ever expected to be. Their chemistry making it difficult to avoid temptation even when their lives are dictating that they resist.

Even though this is not subject matter that I usually seek out or particularly enjoy reading about, I found it entertaining and enjoyable. It was humorous, steamy, emotional, and sweet. The characters were likable and there was a lot of fun banter and teasing. The side characters added more humor, support, depth, drama and emotion to the story. I loved her relationship with her brother Ansel and her Dad.

I found William to be a swoony hero which surprised me since I usually find issue with sub types. He was charismatic, charming, and sexy. I thought Sophie was outspoken, strong, sassy, and funny. And I genuinely loved them as a couple. I liked that she understood his needs and could satisfy them even when she was not sure she was really cut out for it. And that he knew what he wanted, needed, and was determined to make her see what they could be...no matter how stubborn she could be. But the conflicts in their lives were real and the repercussions could be serious. This is more about how they tried to navigate through all of the complications they were facing in regards to trying to have a relationship and with career and family issues rather than just being an erotic story. I found myself totally invested and trying to figure out how it could all work out. So even though this does explore Domme/sub relationships and starts in a sex club, it also has other dramatic and emotional situations going on as well that make it a full, interesting story with lots of feels.

Sophie Jameson turned to the world of BDSM as a professional Domme for the financial aspects rather than any particular interest in her own pleasure. She has never taken pleasure from one of her subs, until William. But her heart has never been involved in her activities and she has plans that mean she is leaving the club behind her, until William. What was supposed to be one night turned into an unexpected problem when their paths crossed once more, in a far different setting.

This was my first time reading a Domme/sub book, usually when I venture into the world of BDSM it’s a male Dom. Shifting that dynamic in my head took a few chapters, but the way Sophie’s Mistress Juliette persona is introduced and developed made it an easy switch and I quickly came to love Sophie -- from her motivation for working at the club to her disorientation at learning her last sub was her new boss.

William is a smart, sexy, well built man. I loved getting to know him. His sweet side really complimented Sophie and gave him the insight to know exactly when he needed her to push and when to back off.

They had a lot to sort out -- from Sophie’s first foray into a sexual relationship with a sub to their professional interactions after the fact. Because Sophie had never had a relationship outside the club with one of her subs, she had a lot to learn about the dynamic between them and how to navigate the control she wielded between them.

The connection between them was fast -- nearly instant attraction and chemistry grew as they learned they had more in common than was obvious.

This was very different from Katie’s other books in some aspects, but in others is absolutely characteristic of her. Humor and wit flows throughout the story. Her women are smart and sassy, and her men are strong and sweet. The BDSM aspect, while very strong in the beginning, almost takes a backseat to the relationship between them and the struggle to keep things professional, at least until the major conflict picks up.

Review copy provided by author and tour host in exchange for an honest review.