The Flirtation

This addition to the expansive "Submissive" series (e.g., The Exposure; The Claiming) centers on Lynne, Simon Neal's submissive ex whom he's still not over. It is soon revealed that Simon broke up with Lynne using a flimsy excuse, saying he didn't think she was submissive enough; in reality, he didn't think her inexperience could match his own sadist tendencies, so he ran. When tentative Lynne decides to tiptoe back into the lifestyle through a kink website, she hardly expects to connect with Simon, under the guise of confident yet mysterious submissive "Faye." Meanwhile, Simon and Lynne reunite in "real life," leaving Simon to wonder why he ever abandoned a woman who might be his missing puzzle piece. But can lightning strike twice—and should it? Though predictable at times, and with potentially questionable ethical behavior (Lynne actively seeks out Simon while adopting a fake identity, and there is a murky incident of unprotected sex), this novel will appeal to readers looking for a tale of lovers reuniting with a cautious simmer that still brings in plenty of kink. Strong writing and abundant BDSM ribaldry keep the plot deliciously decadent, even when Simon and Lynne are doing nothing more salacious than assembling a jigsaw puzzle.