Personal Geography

(ARC provided via NetGalley for an honest review.)

And now I'm a believer. If I wasn't sure about NetGalley before, I am now. I wasn't quite sure about this book when it started, before we got to the kinky parts but that didn't take too long and then it was just smooth sailing from there.

First of, I just have to say that this book was wonderfully orchestrated. It was my first Sub/Dom novel and it didn't disappoint. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but I was more than pleasantly surprised, that's for sure.

I am so glad that I ventured out of my comfort zone and gave this book a chance. The grammar and writing of this book were a little more complicated than I am used to but I like a challenge. I would say it's intermediate level in terms of that and the writing is wonderful.

And India Burke, what an interesting heroine. I don't think I've read a book with a heroine who was as sharp-tongued and bitchy as she was, except maybe Scarlett O'Hara but I read that a long time ago. I loved that she had a mind of her own and reminded me of myself in some parts. What I especially loved is that she stayed true to herself all throughout the book and didn't make any decisions that made me question her character. No, she is definitely a character who's not very comfortable with change or intimacy and it shows in her actions and decisions. And I absolutely loved that, she made the book that much more interesting.

However, India Burke wasn't just your average bitch either, no. She was a bitch in real life who likes to escape into a world of submission on her “lost weekends” and this made her so damn human to me. I mean, how many of us feel the need to escape from our real lives from time to time? To get lost in something and not to have to think about what's going on in our lives right now? For me, it has become reading but there are many other ways that people escape too. Also, we had a really good explanation of her background and why she likes to escape in this manner and why she is the way that she is. Having been a psychology major in school, it's very important for me that books have that foundation. Otherwise it just doesn't draw me in as much.

The only thing I didn't like was the part where she was working because for some reason this part was kind of confusing to me and the writing didn't flow as well as in the kinky/love parts of the book. Maybe it's because I know nothing about the type of work she does and the housing guidelines and what not, especially because there were a lot of those nuances in there and they went right over my head. Fortunately, they were only a small part of the book and I still read over them, trying to understand as well as I could. This shouldn't upset anyone though, because this book is eighty percent romantic/erotic and those parts are amazing.

Sex scenes? Ummmm, absolutely out-of-the-box, imaginative and they blew my mind. I mean, I haven't read any dom/sub books in the past but I'm certain the sex scenes are really good even by the highest standards. And there was a good mix of the sub/dom sex scenes and then the India/Crispin ones as well, which was a very unique twist for me and they both made me hot and bothered. Vocabulary did not lack here either, because it was written in a sophisticated manner but that didn't prevent it from being sizzling and super hot.

And did I mention how we got to venture into India's mind? I loved the first point-of-view and this book masterfully gave us a deep look into the mind of India Burke. I mean, it was almost as though we could see into her soul which I haven't found with any other book before this one. In terms of characters I just wish that we got more background info on Crispin, although who knows, maybe there will be in the next book of the series.

Which brings me to the cliffhanger at the end. Like, what the fuck? I thought this book was a stand-alone. I mean, don't get me wrong, I am glad there's another book and it's needed to tie everything together but I just wanted them to get their happily-ever-after already. That's all. And now I have to wait to know what happens? Ahh. I can't help but be frustrated.

The only other thing that I didn't care for was the name of the book, Personal Geography? I don't get it, I think it wouldn't draw as many people to read this book because the name doesn't do the book justice and isn't a good indicator of what this book is about. I was not a big fan of this but I'm glad I gave the book a shot because I was not disappointed.

All in all, I recommend this book to anyone who wants a unique story with twists that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Also, the plot is mesmerizing and people who enjoy smut will love this book. It has a lot to offer.