4.5 stars

I have been a fan of both of these authors for the longest time. When I first heard about this collaboration I was very excited because I knew that they would work very well together and boy did they. For some reason, I was anticipating something darker and that was not this book. Yet, that didn't stop me from enjoying this great story. The story itself was pretty intense.

From the beginning, I could tell that there was going to be a push and pull between the characters. I had no idea how Dex and Katja were going to come together as a couple, especially, with the way that the first chapter started and where they both were in regards to commitment in their lives. The animosity and contempt that they both had for each other were apparent from the start. Yet, so was their undeniable chemistry. I enjoyed the fact that the authors didn't make this an instant love. Instead, they built on that resentment and contempt and by tying in some BDSM they made the characters acknowledge their connection. And let me just say, IT WAS HOT. Oftentimes, it comes across as cheesy, especially when spanking or things like it come into play. However, these are two of the best at what they do and they made it fit with the story. So well, in fact, that I am not sure had they not gone this route in the story that it would have had the same impact. It enhanced the story.

I vacillated on the mystery of the story and who was behind why Katja needed to go to Dex in the first place. This also worked to the story's benefit because it kept me guessing. These authors seamlessly connected their writing style so perfectly that I honestly cannot tell you who wrote what. It was fluid without bumpy transitions. I didn't know that they were intending to write more in this world but let me just say that I am 1000% ready for that because the sneak peek of what is to come is FANTASTIC. The only reason that this didn't rank higher was because of the happily for now ending. I am going to assume that is because the next story must be occurring back to back with this one.

Highly recommend. This is one of my favorites from both of these amazing authors. ( )