This was EXACTLY what I was looking for! Why is it so hard to find BDSM books that aren't cringe-worthy? I understand (and like) having my boundaries pushed. But I still like to ENJOY my book, and I like to actually keep some lines that I won't cross. This book was perfect!I love the nerd that is Ivan! I love how literal he is, his obsession with order, the way he needs everything to make sense to HIM. He's a control freak, and why have I never read of another Dom nerd? They have the perfect temperament...patient and quiet, with a controlling nature and the ability to make astute observations. Not to mention that Ivan isn't the pasty, paunchy nerd that normally springs to mind when I think of a science geek. No, no, no!!! This man keeps in shape, so he's a super smart and sexy alpha nerd! Whodathunk that would flip my trigger? The story starts out explaining the relationship between Camilla and Ivan. They're acquaintances and neighbors, they both work at the same college. They know each other casually, and have hung out with the same group of friends a few times. But they grow closer when socially inept Ivan asks her to prepare him to schmooze some rich people at an upcoming fundraiser for his research. This includes taking him on social outings...like a date...where Ivan FINALLY, FINALLY realizes that Camilla seems interested in more than a casual friendship. Problem is, Ivan is a Dom. When Camilla shows an interest in trying a night as his submissive, WHEW!!! This story quickly heats up!There is a really unexpected romance to the story. Ivan is so endearingly awkward. He voices all of his insecurities (because he doesn't know any better), and he's just a super sweet, nerdy geek of my dreams! “Sense memories of you persist and do not seem to abate as the day progresses. It’s disconcerting, Camilla. I don’t like it when my mind plays tricks on me. I would much rather simply have you here in the flesh, to feel and taste and smell with my actual senses. Instead my mind keeps conjuring this false perception of your presence. I think it means I miss you.” The D/s play is wonderfully done. No over the top scenes...in fact they never even go to a club. All of the fun stuff is confined to their apartments, so there is no exhibitionism or sharing, and while there is a tiny bit of name calling, it's done in such a way that for me, it wasn't demeaning. It added to the titillation and shock factor. I loved this book! If anyone has any more recs that are similar to this style, I'm totally down, so let me know!!
