crystalisreading's review
4.0
I've been reading a lot of romance on my kindle lately, most of it erotic, lots of it BDSM. Most of the books were so lackluster that if i finished, I could barely remember the story, or even why I enjoyed the genre. Then I decided to try Purely Professional. I am so glad I did. I found the characters likable and interesting (despite the heroine constantly licking her lips and the hero constantly running his hands through his hair. I guess all authors have a phrase they overuse.) . I had just been wondering last week why all contemporary romance heroes need to be big macho men who are in the military or are ranchers or bikers--why couldn't some be professors? It's like Elia Winters heard my request and granted it. Max is a fun, hot, smart, thoughtful, and yet quite dominant hero. yes, please! The relationship between him and Bridget was fun and actually pretty believable. Max did do something stupid towards the end of the book, that a lot of other reviewers have touched on, but . Bridget's not perfect either--she is recklessly impulsive at times, especially when she's challenged--but this again felt like a realistic flaw in a normal person. The relationship these two slowly develop into isn't unexpected, but it is sweet and charming and so very hot. If you enjoy BDSM erotic romance, and don't need the men to be scarred neanderthals, or the women to be helpless doormats, this one's for you. Cherise Sinclair has been my gold standard for this subgenre, and I'd put this book on par with her books. Happy reading!
Spoiler
Bridget called him on it, and he apologized and made it right. No one is perfect, and this felt like it made both Max and the relationship more real.kazen's review
3.0
The writing is decent but the story is same ol', same ol' - woman tries out being a submissive for one reason or another (here, writing a blog) and ends up falling in love. There's a ton of explanation that would make it a decent first BDSM book, but those already reading the genre may find it a bit tired. Winters' next book will be steampunk erotica... her writing is solid enough that I may just make the leap.
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