Starting Over by Erin Cristofoli

 

Published on August 19, 2015

374 pages

I read the paperback version

Back Cover

"You can call me Sir." Left with no option but to leave the only life she has ever known, Katherine White has packed up and moved almost three thousand kilometres for a chance at a new start, with a new job, in a new city. When her best friend drags her to a masquerade party on only her second night in town, Kate has a chance encounter with a mysterious masked man that dominates her, pushes her limits and leaves her craving more. He tells her there is no long-term in their future, but he wants to continue to explore their sexual chemistry. The only trouble is, he wants their identities to remain a mystery.

Benjamin Hyde has been burned by love and has vowed to never let another woman stomp on his heart. His days are filled with successful business ventures, and his nights with one night stands at the club. After reluctantly being dragged to a masquerade party by his best friend, Ben is surprised to find a girl that captivates him and he doesn't hesitate to take control. When Ben's new assistant, Kate, arrives on Monday morning, a glimpse of a tattoo on the back of her neck throws a wrench into his perfectly sorted world. Could Kate really be the one that Ben had hooked up with? Ben wants to pursue Kate, but she is adamant not to mix business with pleasure. Normally he would agree, except when it comes to Kate.

My review

This is the second book I read from this author and I went out of my comfort zone. I did a pause from reading erotica and I have to tell you this novel have plenty of intimate scene. I read some of them fast because it was a little redundant event though that I like Kate. She was the one who was mysterious from the beginning.

I give my star to Kate, not only because she is the one who bring the most at the story. I felt the author could make Benjamin Hyde more complicated, but she did a good job with him. It was cool to read about a different type of character. I saw some like him, but not so often.

Their relationship was interesting. I had no idea where the author wanted to lead us. It was secret because Ben did not tell her who he really was, same thing with Kate who was hiding the real reasons why she moved. I thought they connected too fast, but they made a cute couple since they took the time to know each other.

If you like erotica and BDSM, I recommend it to you. It’s soft, but I felt lot of emotion while I read switching the pages. I did not like it like Chasing Melody which was 5 stars, fortunately, I had a great time reading it.

Excerpts

" Okay, Katie, here’s to your new found freedom, your fresh beginning. May your days be filled with your killer new job, and your nights with lots of alcohol and hard dicks! " (p.2)

" Mystery can be good, I guess, though I wish I could see a little more of your face. So what should I call you then, if I can’t know your name? " (p.10)

I was a successful, good-looking guy, and before that bitch, I hadn’t had any trouble getting laid. I could easily go back to being that guy; in fact, I would become unattainable. I’d shut down my heart and just enjoy the now, with no desire for commitment ever again. (p.29)

" You owe me nothing by accepting this. I meant what I said about keeping my employees happy so that they work hard for me. Why not just go with me tomorrow after work, and if you hate it or still can’t accept it, then I won’t push you any longer. " (p.94)

" I have a very hard time trusting people, Ben, " she told me.

" I know that, but you can trust me, Kate. Whatever is weighing so heavily on you, you can trust me with it. " (p.202)