araleith's review
4.0
I didn't want to love this book, but I did. Enough to immediately one-click the second one.
liferhi_inspired's review
5.0
Warning: This book is part one of two that follows Cris and India's story, and it ends in a cliffhanger.
Personal Geography is a BDSM erotic story that is just enough to get your juices flowing, while also being tame enough for many people to enjoy. The relationship between Cris and India is off the charts sizzling, while also being tender and passionate.
This story is written from the first personal POV of India, and we get to experience as her heart and mind war with itself over Cris. India has a lot of history that she has to work through, and it a beautiful process to watch as she slowly transforms. And I can't forget Cris...he's a surfing god with the patience of a saint. While he might be firm as a Dom, he's also tender and perceptive when it comes to India's needs.
This story was fast paced and enthralling. I struggled to put this book down at the night and had to fore myself to sleep rather than read. The storyline was great and flowed smoothly, with a good mix of plot and smut. And while I'm not usually a fan of cliffhangers...this story went out with a bang!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions*
Personal Geography is a BDSM erotic story that is just enough to get your juices flowing, while also being tame enough for many people to enjoy. The relationship between Cris and India is off the charts sizzling, while also being tender and passionate.
This story is written from the first personal POV of India, and we get to experience as her heart and mind war with itself over Cris. India has a lot of history that she has to work through, and it a beautiful process to watch as she slowly transforms. And I can't forget Cris...he's a surfing god with the patience of a saint. While he might be firm as a Dom, he's also tender and perceptive when it comes to India's needs.
This story was fast paced and enthralling. I struggled to put this book down at the night and had to fore myself to sleep rather than read. The storyline was great and flowed smoothly, with a good mix of plot and smut. And while I'm not usually a fan of cliffhangers...this story went out with a bang!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions*
trogdor19's review
5.0
HOT! And un-putdownable. I lost a whole day's work to this book, and three separate times swore to put it down and get back to my to do list..only to find myself reading again. The author handles the tension ruthlessly, both sexual and emotional. The sex scenes are addictive and never long enough and India was surprisingly sympathetic for a hard ass. Cris made me fall in love over and over again...love his gentleness and the contrast of his sexual persona. I like that this author writes Doms that aren't jerks or bossy outside the bedroom. Can't wait for more from this author!
briarsreviews's review
5.0
Tamsen Parker's first novel about India and Crispin was definitely a sexy ride!
I read this book after the second one, Intimate Geography, and I have to admit this was a wonderful way to introduce the characters. The novel introduces India and Crispin and their very interesting relationship which involves lots of sexy scenes and R rated words. It's a great ride to follow along and introduces everything at just the right speed.
Crispin is not introduced in the first chapter, which is excellent! Tamsen does an excellent job of introducing the reader to India's current life first, then proceeding to introduce the conflict and pieces of India's past as well.
There wasn't much wrong with this book at all to be honest. I felt like there could have been more "action" or conflict that could have happened, but since this is a series and I have read the second book, I can say it's a wonderful introduction. This definitely is not a standalone novel and should not be read as one. If anything, that is the only problem with this novel. Some novels can be read as part of the series and as a standalone. This one is made to be a series and should not be read as a standalone.
Overall, I really enjoyed it! It's a sexy BDSM novel with lots of twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
I would suggest this novel to people who like: romance, erotica, Fifty Shades of Grey novels with a bigger plot, and drama/emotional reads.
Five out of five stars!
Side note: I also loved that Tamsen Parker signed by book! That made this novel a little bit cooler for me!
I read this book after the second one, Intimate Geography, and I have to admit this was a wonderful way to introduce the characters. The novel introduces India and Crispin and their very interesting relationship which involves lots of sexy scenes and R rated words. It's a great ride to follow along and introduces everything at just the right speed.
Crispin is not introduced in the first chapter, which is excellent! Tamsen does an excellent job of introducing the reader to India's current life first, then proceeding to introduce the conflict and pieces of India's past as well.
There wasn't much wrong with this book at all to be honest. I felt like there could have been more "action" or conflict that could have happened, but since this is a series and I have read the second book, I can say it's a wonderful introduction. This definitely is not a standalone novel and should not be read as one. If anything, that is the only problem with this novel. Some novels can be read as part of the series and as a standalone. This one is made to be a series and should not be read as a standalone.
Overall, I really enjoyed it! It's a sexy BDSM novel with lots of twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
I would suggest this novel to people who like: romance, erotica, Fifty Shades of Grey novels with a bigger plot, and drama/emotional reads.
Five out of five stars!
Side note: I also loved that Tamsen Parker signed by book! That made this novel a little bit cooler for me!
ajcousins's review
Tamsen Parker’s PERSONAL GEOGRAPHY is a lovely book, full of witty lines that made me bust out the Kindle’s highlighting function. It’s hot BDSM sex written in a way that makes it accessible for readers who don’t normally go there, and the tenderness of it just slays me sometimes. Plus, they make each other delicious meals that set my stomach growling, and they read together. THEY READ TOGETHER. It’s pretty much like Tamsen wrote this book for me. We barely knew each other when I had the good fortune of reading an early draft of this book, and I’ve only grown more fond of it since. Fair warning: there’s a helluva cliffhanger at the end, but book two (equally delicious!) will be out early in 2015, so you won’t have long to wait!
crystalisreading's review
4.0
This was an enjoyable change of pace from a lot of the BDSM erotic romances I've read, in that there WAS a lot of action going on, and yet the focus and energy of the story was less on the sexy times and more on the emotions behind them, on what was happening in India's mind (and body) before, during, and after those scenes.
Like in many other of this book sub genre, the protagonist India/ Kit was very emotionally damaged. Keeping her everyday self under the same ruthless control she applied to her job and the people she worked with, she only allowed herself occasional weekends of blissful release as a carefully contracted submissive with various doms. The written contracts were interesting--most BDSM novels I've read don't put much focus on them, but they are an core part of India's experience as Kit. Her relationship with her friend/ master Reyes was also an interesting and not often portrayed dynamic in these novels--a non-sexual connection, and clearly a very tight one, given the amount of time and money Reyes and his underling Matty expend arranging India's weekend excusions, apparently without any repayment. Perhaps that was because of Reyes' obscene amount of wealth, though, a fact that is rubbed in the reader's face during EVERY scene with Reyes. Frankly, all of the characters in this story were obscenely wealthy, and it was kind of annoying. How can you relate to characters who lives so far out of normal reality?
I also found myself questioning why Reyes, and Matty, and Cris were all so willing to devote endless time and patience to India/ Kit, generally without any seeming benefit. I get that that makes them heroes, but it also makes them a bit unrealistic. Selfless love is a rare and limited substance, yet India seemed to be surrounded by it, despite being extremely high maintenance, due to all her previous trauma.
Finally, as others have pointed out, India's strict divide between herself and her submissive self, Kit, was a little weird and unhealthy. I could understand, as I learned more about her previous life and experiences, why she might want to keep her experiences confidential. I did not really understand, though, how completely compartmented those aspects of her life were, almost like split personalities. It was a bit eerie.
On the other hand, given India/ Kit's level of previous trauma and current dysfunction, the story made for riveting reading, hearing how India grows and heals and develops during the story, despite kicking and screaming the entire way. I was engrossed through to the very end of the book (and then very irritated by the completely abrupt cliffhanger ending). And yes, I bought the second book in the series already. Because with an ending like that, to a book I liked, of course I need to know what happens. Well played, author and marketing. well played.
Like in many other of this book sub genre, the protagonist India/ Kit was very emotionally damaged. Keeping her everyday self under the same ruthless control she applied to her job and the people she worked with, she only allowed herself occasional weekends of blissful release as a carefully contracted submissive with various doms. The written contracts were interesting--most BDSM novels I've read don't put much focus on them, but they are an core part of India's experience as Kit. Her relationship with her friend/ master Reyes was also an interesting and not often portrayed dynamic in these novels--a non-sexual connection, and clearly a very tight one, given the amount of time and money Reyes and his underling Matty expend arranging India's weekend excusions, apparently without any repayment. Perhaps that was because of Reyes' obscene amount of wealth, though, a fact that is rubbed in the reader's face during EVERY scene with Reyes. Frankly, all of the characters in this story were obscenely wealthy, and it was kind of annoying. How can you relate to characters who lives so far out of normal reality?
I also found myself questioning why Reyes, and Matty, and Cris were all so willing to devote endless time and patience to India/ Kit, generally without any seeming benefit. I get that that makes them heroes, but it also makes them a bit unrealistic. Selfless love is a rare and limited substance, yet India seemed to be surrounded by it, despite being extremely high maintenance, due to all her previous trauma.
Finally, as others have pointed out, India's strict divide between herself and her submissive self, Kit, was a little weird and unhealthy. I could understand, as I learned more about her previous life and experiences, why she might want to keep her experiences confidential. I did not really understand, though, how completely compartmented those aspects of her life were, almost like split personalities. It was a bit eerie.
On the other hand, given India/ Kit's level of previous trauma and current dysfunction, the story made for riveting reading, hearing how India grows and heals and develops during the story, despite kicking and screaming the entire way. I was engrossed through to the very end of the book (and then very irritated by the completely abrupt cliffhanger ending). And yes, I bought the second book in the series already. Because with an ending like that, to a book I liked, of course I need to know what happens. Well played, author and marketing. well played.
anacoqui's review
4.0
Are you experiencing BDSM-romance exhaustion? I am. I have mostly moved away from reading books where BDSM is big part of the story, which is why I almost missed reading Tamsen Parker's excellent Personal Geography (The Compass Series Book 1) . I will also admit to being wary because I know Personal Geography is only part 1 of a story, and I knew I wouldn't get a HEA till its sequel, Intimate Geography comes out in March.
I am very happy however to have received a review request from Parker. I frequently interact with her on Twitter and really enjoyed her short-story "Needs" in the Winter Rain anthology and that combined with her assurance that there is a really good HEA will be coming, convinced me to give the book a try.
Despite my caution I really enjoyed Personal Geography mostly because I really liked the heroine. India is extremely competent and hardworking consultant. She comes in and straightens out the finances and everyday operations of failing agencies. Her job is high stress (crazy intense boss) and high stakes (media scrutiny & political consequences). Several years in the past, India exited a long-term D/s relationship over a deep betrayal of trust. The ending of that relationship radically changed the course of her life. With the help of her best friend Reyes, she has rebuilt her life, and has found a way to have her sexual/kink needs met through a series of short-term encounters, with dominants who Reyes has carefully vetted. She sets the terms, and walk away when she wants to. The fact that these relationships are void of emotional intimacy are feature not a bug for India.
Cris Admore is the latest Dom to get a call from Reyes with an invitation he can’t resist. Cris has recently had long-term relationship end, and is open to accepting India’s terms with some modifications. He wants a chance to talk to her beforehand. It is a minor change, but one that has reprecussion in the way they interact. Both India and Cris know getting to know each other outside the roles they play sexually can change everything. He uses this little change to India’s contract as a wedge to start breaking through her anti-intimacy wall.
Predictably the more he knows her, the more he talks to her, the more they grow to depend on each other and when India realizes just how much she has become entangled in him, how tempted she is to be more for him, she recoils, violently and decisively. As a reader I wanted to yell at her for not being willing to take that step, while completely understanding why doesn't dare.
At the end of the first half of India & Cris’s story, I was left eager for more, but not frustrated. As a reader I am rooting for Cris and India, they have some big hurdles to overcome. While the end can be characterized as a cliff-hanger, I didn't feel fear as much as anticipation about what this development will mean for India & Cris. I will be eagerly awaiting the second half of their story.
And I hope Parker does write a story for Reyes some day.
4.5 stars
I received a review copy of Personal Geography from the author, Tamsen Parker.
I am very happy however to have received a review request from Parker. I frequently interact with her on Twitter and really enjoyed her short-story "Needs" in the Winter Rain anthology and that combined with her assurance that there is a really good HEA will be coming, convinced me to give the book a try.
Despite my caution I really enjoyed Personal Geography mostly because I really liked the heroine. India is extremely competent and hardworking consultant. She comes in and straightens out the finances and everyday operations of failing agencies. Her job is high stress (crazy intense boss) and high stakes (media scrutiny & political consequences). Several years in the past, India exited a long-term D/s relationship over a deep betrayal of trust. The ending of that relationship radically changed the course of her life. With the help of her best friend Reyes, she has rebuilt her life, and has found a way to have her sexual/kink needs met through a series of short-term encounters, with dominants who Reyes has carefully vetted. She sets the terms, and walk away when she wants to. The fact that these relationships are void of emotional intimacy are feature not a bug for India.
Cris Admore is the latest Dom to get a call from Reyes with an invitation he can’t resist. Cris has recently had long-term relationship end, and is open to accepting India’s terms with some modifications. He wants a chance to talk to her beforehand. It is a minor change, but one that has reprecussion in the way they interact. Both India and Cris know getting to know each other outside the roles they play sexually can change everything. He uses this little change to India’s contract as a wedge to start breaking through her anti-intimacy wall.
Predictably the more he knows her, the more he talks to her, the more they grow to depend on each other and when India realizes just how much she has become entangled in him, how tempted she is to be more for him, she recoils, violently and decisively. As a reader I wanted to yell at her for not being willing to take that step, while completely understanding why doesn't dare.
At the end of the first half of India & Cris’s story, I was left eager for more, but not frustrated. As a reader I am rooting for Cris and India, they have some big hurdles to overcome. While the end can be characterized as a cliff-hanger, I didn't feel fear as much as anticipation about what this development will mean for India & Cris. I will be eagerly awaiting the second half of their story.
And I hope Parker does write a story for Reyes some day.
4.5 stars
I received a review copy of Personal Geography from the author, Tamsen Parker.
mkourova's review
5.0
(ARC provided via NetGalley for an honest review.)
And now I’m a believer. If I wasn’t sure about NetGalley before, I am now. I wasn’t quite sure about this book when it started, before we got to the kinky parts but that didn’t take too long and then it was just smooth sailing from there.
First of, I just have to say that this book was wonderfully orchestrated. It was my first Sub/Dom novel and it didn’t disappoint. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I was more than pleasantly surprised, that’s for sure.
I am so glad that I ventured out of my comfort zone and gave this book a chance. The grammar and writing of this book were a little more complicated than I am used to but I like a challenge. I would say it’s intermediate level in terms of that and the writing is wonderful.
And India Burke, what an interesting heroine. I don’t think I’ve read a book with a heroine who was as sharp-tongued and bitchy as she was, except maybe Scarlett O’Hara but I read that a long time ago. I loved that she had a mind of her own and reminded me of myself in some parts. What I especially loved is that she stayed true to herself all throughout the book and didn’t make any decisions that made me question her character. No, she is definitely a character who’s not very comfortable with change or intimacy and it shows in her actions and decisions. And I absolutely loved that, she made the book that much more interesting.
However, India Burke wasn’t just your average bitch either, no. She was a bitch in real life who likes to escape into a world of submission on her “lost weekends” and this made her so damn human to me. I mean, how many of us feel the need to escape from our real lives from time to time? To get lost in something and not to have to think about what’s going on in our lives right now? For me, it has become reading but there are many other ways that people escape too. Also, we had a really good explanation of her background and why she likes to escape in this manner and why she is the way that she is. Having been a psychology major in school, it’s very important for me that books have that foundation. Otherwise it just doesn’t draw me in as much.
The only thing I didn’t like was the part where she was working because for some reason this part was kind of confusing to me and the writing didn’t flow as well as in the kinky/love parts of the book. Maybe it’s because I know nothing about the type of work she does and the housing guidelines and what not, especially because there were a lot of those nuances in there and they went right over my head. Fortunately, they were only a small part of the book and I still read over them, trying to understand as well as I could. This shouldn’t upset anyone though, because this book is eighty percent romantic/erotic and those parts are amazing.
Sex scenes? Ummmm, absolutely out-of-the-box, imaginative and they blew my mind. I mean, I haven’t read any dom/sub books in the past but I’m certain the sex scenes are really good even by the highest standards. And there was a good mix of the sub/dom sex scenes and then the India/Crispin ones as well, which was a very unique twist for me and they both made me hot and bothered. Vocabulary did not lack here either, because it was written in a sophisticated manner but that didn’t prevent it from being sizzling and super hot.
And did I mention how we got to venture into India’s mind? I loved the first point-of-view and this book masterfully gave us a deep look into the mind of India Burke. I mean, it was almost as though we could see into her soul which I haven’t found with any other book before this one. In terms of characters I just wish that we got more background info on Crispin, although who knows, maybe there will be in the next book of the series.
Which brings me to the cliffhanger at the end. Like, what the fuck? I thought this book was a stand-alone. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I am glad there’s another book and it’s needed to tie everything together but I just wanted them to get their happily-ever-after already. That’s all. And now I have to wait to know what happens? Ahh. I can’t help but be frustrated.
The only other thing that I didn’t care for was the name of the book, Personal Geography? I don’t get it, I think it wouldn’t draw as many people to read this book because the name doesn’t do the book justice and isn’t a good indicator of what this book is about. I was not a big fan of this but I’m glad I gave the book a shot because I was not disappointed.
All in all, I recommend this book to anyone who wants a unique story with twists that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Also, the plot is mesmerizing and people who enjoy smut will love this book. It has a lot to offer.
And now I’m a believer. If I wasn’t sure about NetGalley before, I am now. I wasn’t quite sure about this book when it started, before we got to the kinky parts but that didn’t take too long and then it was just smooth sailing from there.
First of, I just have to say that this book was wonderfully orchestrated. It was my first Sub/Dom novel and it didn’t disappoint. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I was more than pleasantly surprised, that’s for sure.
I am so glad that I ventured out of my comfort zone and gave this book a chance. The grammar and writing of this book were a little more complicated than I am used to but I like a challenge. I would say it’s intermediate level in terms of that and the writing is wonderful.
And India Burke, what an interesting heroine. I don’t think I’ve read a book with a heroine who was as sharp-tongued and bitchy as she was, except maybe Scarlett O’Hara but I read that a long time ago. I loved that she had a mind of her own and reminded me of myself in some parts. What I especially loved is that she stayed true to herself all throughout the book and didn’t make any decisions that made me question her character. No, she is definitely a character who’s not very comfortable with change or intimacy and it shows in her actions and decisions. And I absolutely loved that, she made the book that much more interesting.
However, India Burke wasn’t just your average bitch either, no. She was a bitch in real life who likes to escape into a world of submission on her “lost weekends” and this made her so damn human to me. I mean, how many of us feel the need to escape from our real lives from time to time? To get lost in something and not to have to think about what’s going on in our lives right now? For me, it has become reading but there are many other ways that people escape too. Also, we had a really good explanation of her background and why she likes to escape in this manner and why she is the way that she is. Having been a psychology major in school, it’s very important for me that books have that foundation. Otherwise it just doesn’t draw me in as much.
The only thing I didn’t like was the part where she was working because for some reason this part was kind of confusing to me and the writing didn’t flow as well as in the kinky/love parts of the book. Maybe it’s because I know nothing about the type of work she does and the housing guidelines and what not, especially because there were a lot of those nuances in there and they went right over my head. Fortunately, they were only a small part of the book and I still read over them, trying to understand as well as I could. This shouldn’t upset anyone though, because this book is eighty percent romantic/erotic and those parts are amazing.
Sex scenes? Ummmm, absolutely out-of-the-box, imaginative and they blew my mind. I mean, I haven’t read any dom/sub books in the past but I’m certain the sex scenes are really good even by the highest standards. And there was a good mix of the sub/dom sex scenes and then the India/Crispin ones as well, which was a very unique twist for me and they both made me hot and bothered. Vocabulary did not lack here either, because it was written in a sophisticated manner but that didn’t prevent it from being sizzling and super hot.
And did I mention how we got to venture into India’s mind? I loved the first point-of-view and this book masterfully gave us a deep look into the mind of India Burke. I mean, it was almost as though we could see into her soul which I haven’t found with any other book before this one. In terms of characters I just wish that we got more background info on Crispin, although who knows, maybe there will be in the next book of the series.
Which brings me to the cliffhanger at the end. Like, what the fuck? I thought this book was a stand-alone. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I am glad there’s another book and it’s needed to tie everything together but I just wanted them to get their happily-ever-after already. That’s all. And now I have to wait to know what happens? Ahh. I can’t help but be frustrated.
The only other thing that I didn’t care for was the name of the book, Personal Geography? I don’t get it, I think it wouldn’t draw as many people to read this book because the name doesn’t do the book justice and isn’t a good indicator of what this book is about. I was not a big fan of this but I’m glad I gave the book a shot because I was not disappointed.
All in all, I recommend this book to anyone who wants a unique story with twists that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Also, the plot is mesmerizing and people who enjoy smut will love this book. It has a lot to offer.
thepassionatereader's review
5.0
I will be writing a review of this book so I won't go into great detail here. But, let me say, this is a superbly written book. It's a first person narrative that tells a complicated and compelling story. India, the heroine, is so vividly drawn that I feel I know her in a way fictional heroines rarely come alive.
I'm not a fan of BDSM books, in general, because the sexual relationship doesn't appeal to me. In this book, however, the sex scenes were so explicative of India's interior life that I found them interesting--not hot, although if BDSM books are your thing, I suspect you would find this book so.
My only complaint is that I dislike blatant cliff-hanger endings and this book has a doozy.
I'm not a fan of BDSM books, in general, because the sexual relationship doesn't appeal to me. In this book, however, the sex scenes were so explicative of India's interior life that I found them interesting--not hot, although if BDSM books are your thing, I suspect you would find this book so.
My only complaint is that I dislike blatant cliff-hanger endings and this book has a doozy.