Book Smart Kate

Audiobook: 🌟🌟🌟

So much of this book falls well outside my comfort zone. If I had explicitly known that I was embarking on an age-gap, teacher-student, BDSM novel, I probably would have passed. However, I’m happy I didn’t.

What doesn’t work about so many “rich older guy that is a control freak in the bedroom” stories is that the guy is a profoundly flawed psycho (see: Twisted Lies and Fifty Shades). That’s not what this book is, and somehow all of those tropes I think are so <ugh> actually work in the context of this story.

Cassandra is awarded a scholarship to attend the premier training school for circus performers and to study under Chandler Moreau, whom she has admired her entire life. Cassandra and Chandler are taken with each other immediately, initially for their shared passion and talent in their aerial silk performances and later a more profound attraction and connection through erotic hobbies. Although this is usually where a book loses me, the precision and control required in their jobs naturally translates to a desire for power in other aspects of their lives. What I enjoyed about this is that, although this whole BDSM storyline is there (a lot, geez), it doesn’t define their relationship or power dynamic outside of the bedroom.

The most exciting part of the book is unraveling the connections between Cassandra and Chandler’s families. As the story evolves, it moves from a romance with a hint of mystery to a thriller with a side of romance. Unfortunately, much of the mystery/intrigue is left unresolved, and I assume it will be addressed in a future book.

The audiobook version was a cast narration with special effects. The male narrator was excellent. However, I wish the female narrator’s voice sounded slightly more mature to match the 40/25 age gap of the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Liza Snow for the opportunity to review this audiobook in exchange for my honest review!