The Deep End

I have to admit that I was very hesitant to read The Deep End because I just couldn't wrap my mind around the theme. But knowing how much I really love all of her Colorado books, I finally jumped in. And man-oh-man...soooo glad I did. Yes it was a big departure from what I normally read, but the way she takes her time to reveal the reasons why the characters wanted what they wanted helped me get over the newness of the subject matter. The first couple of chapters are a little crisper of a voice than KA usually writes in, but by the 3rd or 4th chapter, there is the usual vibe you get from her other books. So, for what it's worth, I highly recommend giving this book a shot. And I loved the supporting characters so much I'm jumping right into the next book.

I've read everything she's written many of them 3-4 times. Love her characters, real life situations, the relationships. This book was a real disappointment! I'm about a hundred pages in and I give up. There is no story no characters no relationship just kinky S&M sex at a club.

I've read most of Kristin Ashley's books, but I'm sad to say that this one was kind of a let down. I honestly couldn't even finish it and I rarely do that with most books. Although this is an erotic romance most people still want the "Romance" part included, but this was mostly just sex. There wasn't really anything into their real lives about their jobs or many friends. And also the way the characters developed together just didn't do anything for me. Sad to say that I won't be reading the rest of this series..

i've read a lot of her books and i've got to say this is the worst one yet. i was completely surprised. it was corny and really didn't seem to have a storyline at all. i was disappointed cause i was excited that she was releasing a new book only to read it and seriously i lost interest at the very end. it was very predictable and boring. better luck with the next book.

Another Kristen Ashley coup! Her characters are gut level real, her erotic situations are hotter than hot, and I can't wait for the next installment in this series. I hope she'll delve into a m/m relationship before it's over.

Not the usual gripping, soul reaching story line with the characters you either want to know or want to be.

That was something! Bring on the next one!!

Fantastic erotica, love story moving, once again Kristin comes through with a winner!! Once started can't stop till finished! Can't wait till Branches story is released!!! 📚📚📚💕💕💕

Beautifully written. I can't wait for the second book of this series. Good read.

I am always a fan of Kristen Ashley and like every book of hers, this one is incredibly well written (with one exception, in my opinion. The hero’s speech). Her characters are complex and extremely developed. The world she has created is consistent and decedent. That being said, The Deep End just didn’t do it for me. The story never quite pulled me all the way in and, for me, it was too slow. The author takes the story in a really interesting direction. Exploring the different styles of Dominatirix/sub relationships, focusing on that of the Domme and Alpha sub (which I hadn’t known about before this). It’s not always about s guy who will fall at your feet and do everything you ask. Amélie is a pretty fascinating character at times. Despite her refined speech and appearance, her dominatrix attitude, she is not an ice queen with her subs. And, she prefers a very different kind of guy. Olivier is an Alpha sub, if he hadn’t been, I would have lost interest in the story very quickly. In most respects he's super alpha, dominating, self-assured, manly. But at the club he wants to be sub, not a slave (there is a difference). He doesn’t bow down in complete submission at his Domme’s command. Though he does what he’s told, he does it with an air of defiance. He wants to be broken, or at least, he wants her to try and break him. His arrogance and borderline insolence is something Amélie gets off on. I admit, it was this tug of war, the struggle of personalities that kept me reading. It was pretty fascinating to delve into. I knew going in that this book was pretty hard core BDSM. And, fair warning, that is not a warning to take lightly. Even though its way more BDSM than I like, I can’t dock stars from the book because of my preferences. It’s the author’s creation and if you enjoy the more extreme, then you’ll definitely like this book. As I said before, very well written. And, it was clear she had done her research and truly cam to understand the mentality behind what she was writing. There are a lot of aspects of BDSM that I enjoy reading about, but when you start getting into pony play and such, as well as a lot of anal, it becomes a turn off for me. Again though, this is strictly my preference and has no bearing on the rating. The one thing that really kept me from getting lost in the story was the hero’s way of speaking. Amélie is very refined. In her vocabulary, her speech pattern, her look. They all scream money, education, and sophistication. Then in walks Olivier. His name is French, he’s wearing an expensive and perfectly tailored suit. He’s sexy as sin. I couldn’t wait to see how a man who is her equal in all those ways would handle his inner sub. Then he opens his mouth and the illusion is shattered. He doesn’t often speak in full sentences, he uses words like “gonna” and loses the G on words ending in “ing.” It’s a very jarring juxtaposition with Amélie and it constantly pulled me out of the story. Overall, not a bad read, but not something I’ll read again. Depending on your preference as a reader, its very possible others will disagree with me and find this a fascinating and riveting story. But, for me, it was pretty mediocre. And, even though the other characters had me slightly curious about their stories, it’s wasn’t enough for me to continue the series.