Purely Professional

by Elia Winters

Columnist Bridget Hartwell agrees to write about BDSM to impress her new executive editor at Sultry, the "sex-positive magazine for sex-positive women." Unfortunately, it's a topic she knows absolutely nothing about…but if she ever wants that promotion, she'll need to learn the ropes, fast.

English professor Max Harlow is active in the Dom/sub scene, but only for casual play. He's never found his ideal partner: a woman who is his equal, but sexually submissive. When he's asked to explain the lifestyle to his cute but obviously inexperienced neighbor, Max is certain it's best to approach it academically—to keep things purely professional.

Until Bridget's first article is a huge hit, giving her the perfect excuse to delve deeper into the naturally submissive side of her sexuality. As their encounters intensify and each of her boundaries is skillfully pushed, Bridget must decide what this all means…for her identity, her career and, most importantly, her future with Max.

60,000 words

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Erotic Romance

169 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Elia Winters is a fat, tattooed, polyamorous bisexual who loves petting cats and fighting the patriarchy. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature and teaches at a small rural high school, where she also runs the drama club. In her spare time, she is equally likely to be found playing tabletop games, kneading bread, cross-stitching, or binge-watching Marie Kondo. A sex educator and kink-positive feminist, Elia reviews sex toys, speaks at kink conventions, and writes geeky, kinky, cozy erotic romance. She currently lives in western Massachusetts with her loving husband and their weird pets.

In addition to her official website, you can also find Elia on Twitter and Facebook.

Reviews

[Spanglemaker9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well.

Full disclaimer: I very rarely read erotica and almost never this kind of erotica. Idk.. I just got that out of my system when I was reading fic and the published erotica I've read since then just... blergh. The writing about the sex is usually too squicky and unappealing to me, and so much of what's meant to be sexy dialogue always sounds kind of ridiculous and decidedly unsexy. And frankly, the whole 50 Shades debacle really turned me off the whole genre. I thought I'd never be able to read something like that without all sorts of unpleasant connotations coming up.

Anyway, this link came through my twitter feed and I was kind of intrigued and in the mood for something different, so I gave it a try. I was delightfully surprised.

First of all, it's NOTHING like 50, thank God. It's like the anti-50. There's even what feels like a subtle dig at everything 50 got so wrong. The heroine is a grown-up, an accomplished professional, and pretty sure of herself in her life. How refreshing. The hero is powerful in the right places and in the appropriate context but never a controlling asshole. At times he's charming and sweet, wanting a relationship with a woman who's his equal, not his doormat.

The sex was actually steamy and sexy, never squick-inducing, and the dirty talk was generally not embarrassing. Some of it wasn't my cup of tea, but that's personal preference.

This isn't very long, somewhere around 150 pages, I think. I generally avoid shorter books like that because I'm dubious about being able to get to know and care about characters and fully resolve a relationship in such a short book. But this author did a great job of that. I felt like I knew them both and it never felt rushed.

On the whole, a very enjoyable and steamy read. I'm glad I took a chance on it.

[Mummy's Naughty Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this one was okay. I loved the story line and how the BDSM world was shown. I love the idea of someone blogging about it all and having her experiences known but I didn't really feel the characters. Bridget did annoy me in parts. She wasn't dismissive but she almost seemed to scoff at things at times. I liked Max though. I also liked the way that neither of them had an abusive past as some authors make it that your only into BDSM because your broken in a way. Some scenes were on the hotter side. Over all a nice little read.

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the concept of this story, with journalist Bridget entering a BDSM relationship with her neighbour Max in order to write a column about it. (I picked this one up because of its RITA nomination for best erotic romance this year). I thought the story went along quite smoothly as things got more and more intense between the couple, and Bridget started to realize that her feelings for Max were getting deeper than she intended. But the ending for me was rushed and tried to cram a whole bunch of sexual experiences all into one scene, where up to that point there had been a slower, paced out introduction to new things. I had a mental 'whoa!' moment when things went from bedroom action straight to some serious dungeon antics. So it's a 3.5 for me.

[Lorena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it was well written, and without the usual tropes that are found in abundance in this genre.
There was one thing that really bothered, and it was that Max got mad at Bridget for using her safeword, and wanted to punish her for it. That was not okay, and is not how a Dom should react. My enjoyment of the book suffered for the rest of the story because of it. Hence 3 stars.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Hot. Nothing felt forced about this at all.

I'd be surprised if anyone into erotica or who's a submissive doesn't have a reaction to this.

Lucky Bridget!!

[Jacqueline's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Purely Professional is a quick, easy erotic BDSM read with lots of steamy scenes



What a steamy read! Bridget doesn’t know anything about the submissive lifestyle, but her boss wants Bridget to write edgier articles. Bridget lies and tells her boss that she is in a BDSM kind of relationship. Now, Bridget needs to find a Dom, so she can experience some BDSM play and write about her experience. Max, her neighbour is the perfect person to teach Bridget.

Purely Professional is a really short read, but that doesn’t hinder your reading experience. I liked the writing style ad everything flowed. Bridget is a strong professional woman. She’s serious about her job and she wants to get promoted. She understands stakes are high and she needs to write good articles related to the BDSM world.

When I found out Bridget didn’t know anything about being submissive I was a little apprehensive in reading, I wasn’t really sure I wanted to read another book about a naïve girl. Bridget isn’t your young gal, she’s in her thirties and she doesn’t act stupid.

Over the course of weeks, Max directs the relationship. Max is the sexy English professional next door, but is no newbie in the dominate scene. He knows what he wants and he knows what pleasures him. He leaves Bridget directions on how to please him, by sending her gifts. The gift prepares her for him later that night.

Purely Professional is a simple, easy and steamy read. I recommend.

AMAZON

[Tabatha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was engaging, well written, and very steamy making it an absolute pleasure to read and a great debut from this author. Bridget and Max are neighbors, and they have been flirting shamelessly since Max moved in next door. When Bridget has to do research for her job into the BDSM culture, she finds a reluctant Max to help introduce her while pushing them both past their boundaries into something more than either of them expected. I thought that the two characters had great chemistry together and, although we get a HFN ending, I think that it was actually the perfect length for this story. I'd be very interested to read where their relationship goes from this point. Overall, I think for a short story that this one was delightful. I definitely recommend it and I look forward to what this author writes in the future as well.

*I received a review copy of this from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

[Beanimous · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF Chapter 15.

I do not like this book. Although the story sound interesting, but the actual book itself isn't that engaging.

I found the hero and heroine annoying and unlikable. I do not find their 'relationship' genuine, I found the book drags a bit in its pacing, I skip and skim from chapter 2 and finally give up at Chapter 15. I know there is only two more chapters to go till the book is finished, but I cant bring myself to do that. Sorry I just can't.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this and it starts off promising, but two things really turned me off: one, there is absolutely no aftercare to speak of, even after pretty intense scenes, and two, the dominant reacts terribly and pouts when the sub uses a safe word. That is unacceptable behavior, especially for someone who is supposed to be experienced.

[Emmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty good. I liked the hero. The heroine's behavior seemed a little unlikely at times. Given the type of writing she had been doing for 7 years, it was a little odd that she so often reacted in gasping disbelief to instructions the hero gave her, as if she had never heard of such things. I also didn't love her occasional tone of jealousy when asking about his former partners. Their chemistry was off the charts, though, so overall it worked.

[Crystie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You wouldn't expect it from the cover, but the romance was kinda sweet.

A teeny bit formulaic, but what romance isn't?

The only thing I didn't get was why the MC kept complaining about her food so much.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually pretty good. Better than I expected. The sexy wasn't cheesy and I actually liked the heroine. Often, in these types of books the women are so milquetoast or trusting or super judgey and then into it.

I was shocked to enjoy this so much, but I did.

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOTTTT!!!!

This book just hit the spot🙏🏻 a bit on the shorter side, INCREDIBLY sexy w/ really delicious D/s scenes & a kinky bespectacled Professor teaching the heroine about BDSM❤️ I super enjoyed this book, definitely recommend it!

[Kate Crowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't like the use of the word slut during the love scenes, but that's such an individual thing. Otherwise it was hot and I enjoyed it.

[Diana Wilson]

Hard pass.
Flying Tomato.
I'll stab a bitxh that shits on my safe word.

[Dev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully written! It was more of a 3.5, but I was feeling the holiday spirit.

[Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually one for straight maledom D/s but this was really hot and fun.

Although, that last scene. You can't just jump into anal like that, come on.

[Melissa Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see some reviews that are negative regarding the way Max talked to Bridget and it lacking romance... If you are familiar with BDSM, you know that for some women it is a turn on to be called a slut or whore. It's even stated in the book the Bridget is! This book is in no way lacking romance! The romance is laced with other sexual experiences. There is a picnic, shopping trip, etc that I found romantic. The book is about them trying to keep the relationship professional so they were trying to deny the romance! Anyway here is my review ;)

There isn't a character in this book that I don't like! Even the "bulldog" new boss, Marcy! Bridget is a strong woman who knows what she wants (or what she thinks she wants) and is willing to give up having a man in her life to achieve it all. It was great to see her realize that it was okay to be submissive and that it didn't mean she was weak!

Max is a college professor who was a nerd in high school and a late bloomer. He has had only one serious relationship that ended badly when he revealed his desire to explore his dominant side with her. This past experience makes Max hesitant to get attached to the inexperienced Bridget. I liked both Max and Bridget instantly! You could feel the chemistry between them before she even knew about his predilection. But once they started her "training" it was explosive! Bridget's best friend Helen is awesome and I would love to read more about her! She knows very well how Bridget feels about her neighbor before setting her up on a blind date/interview with him. I suspect she knew Bridget would be submissive and saw this as a perfect opportunity to let her explore it. I would give Helen the "best supporting character" award!

The book is well written with a story that flows nicely. Bridget and Max both develop at about the same pace. I love how Mrs. Winters shows them developing each other as well as the internal development going on with Bridget. The supporting characters are all crucial in the development of the main characters as well. There are no arbitrary people flitting about.

This is a stand alone book! No cliffhanger. No "but, what happened with_____?". Everything is clear and explained. The only thing I would like to explore further is Helen. I see her having a very interesting story! The detail in the intimate scenes is explicit. You are inside Bridget's mind, feeling what she feels. This book gets a 5/5 on the steam factor here! There is dirty talk, toys, spanking and public experiences.

*An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Gigi staub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Columnist Bridget Hartwell agrees to write about BDSM to impress her new executive editor at Sultry, the "sex-positive magazine for sex-positive women." Unfortunately, it's a topic she knows absolutely nothing about…but if she ever wants that promotion, she'll need to learn the ropes, fast.

English professor Max Harlow is active in the Dom/sub scene, but only for casual play. He's never found his ideal partner: a woman who is his equal, but sexually submissive. When he's asked to explain the lifestyle to his cute but obviously inexperienced neighbor, Max is certain it's best to approach it academically—to keep things purely professional.

Until Bridget's first article is a huge hit, giving her the perfect excuse to delve deeper into the naturally submissive side of her sexuality. As their encounters intensify and each of her boundaries is skillfully pushed, Bridget must decide what this all means…for her identity, her career and, most importantly, her future with Max.

Review:

I enjoyed this debut book from Ms. Winters, it kept me engrossed and wanting to read more of Bridget and Max. I liked the Authors writing style and the content of the story.

What I liked about the story was that it was a little different from other BDSM stories that I have read lately. I liked the premise of Bridget is a writer and has had thoughts of BDSM but has the feeling of most that the women who are submissive are weak, which me know is not true. Bridget really steps into it when she says she has background in BDSM for a new blog to her boss. Of course, she does not have experience and as luck would have it, her next door neighbor, Max is a Dom. So what starts out as "Purely Professional" leads to so much more. Bridget life is awakened by her initiation into submission. I think the Author did an excellent job conveying the chemistry and passion between Max and Bridget. The one problem I have with the story is when Bridget uses her safe word and Max, who is supposed to stop does but then he does what is not supposed to be done and takes out his frustration on Bridget and basically kicks her out. I understand what the Author was going for in that Max is frustrated and wants more from Bridget, but in this instance I really hated Max and did not feel this was right for the book. I am glad that Max and Bridget worked past their insecurities and hurt feelings and got their HEA.

I cannot wait to see what Ms. Winters offers as her next book.

3.5 stars

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridget Hartwell is a writer for the sex positive magazine Sultry where she’s been since her internship in grad school. Although she writes about sex, she hasn’t actual had it in over a year. She is trying to work with her new, demanding editor who wants her to push the envelope. In a meeting she finds herself in a quandary when assigned to do an anonymous blog for the new off-shoot, Sultry Submissions after she misrepresents her personal sex life and knowledge of BDSM.

Max Harlow is known to Bridget as an English professor as well as her next door neighbor. Her knowledge of him is minimal other than she often has to give him quite a few packages which have been erroneously sent to her house. In those interactions, she ensures there is some banter and flirting with the attractive man next door. In his private life, Max is quite active as a Dominant on the scene and has even written educational articles under a pseudonym.

Realizing she’ll need to actual research the community she must write about, Bridget finds herself stunned when she meets up with Max. From there they start on a journey as he teaches her the ropes, both literally and figuratively. She is insistent to not want any type of relationship other than a professional one. As they spend more time together, a friendship forms. Finally Max realizes he wants more with her, but will she feel the same?

This book comes across as a respectable intro to BDSM. It is responsible in the theme as well as shows how the different personalities can react to the varied situations. There are some kinks which are not mine but that didn’t make them any less sizzling. The scenes which take place are scorching and definitely got me all hot and bothered. My only wish would be for a more expanded conclusion; it seems a bit abrupt. None the less, I found this to be an immensely enjoyable read.

~ARC received in exchange for honest review.~

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading a lot of romance on my kindle lately, most of it erotic, lots of it BDSM. Most of the books were so lackluster that if i finished, I could barely remember the story, or even why I enjoyed the genre. Then I decided to try Purely Professional. I am so glad I did. I found the characters likable and interesting (despite the heroine constantly licking her lips and the hero constantly running his hands through his hair. I guess all authors have a phrase they overuse.) . I had just been wondering last week why all contemporary romance heroes need to be big macho men who are in the military or are ranchers or bikers--why couldn't some be professors? It's like Elia Winters heard my request and granted it. Max is a fun, hot, smart, thoughtful, and yet quite dominant hero. yes, please! The relationship between him and Bridget was fun and actually pretty believable. Max did do something stupid towards the end of the book, that a lot of other reviewers have touched on, but Bridget called him on it, and he apologized and made it right. No one is perfect, and this felt like it made both Max and the relationship more real. . Bridget's not perfect either--she is recklessly impulsive at times, especially when she's challenged--but this again felt like a realistic flaw in a normal person. The relationship these two slowly develop into isn't unexpected, but it is sweet and charming and so very hot. If you enjoy BDSM erotic romance, and don't need the men to be scarred neanderthals, or the women to be helpless doormats, this one's for you. Cherise Sinclair has been my gold standard for this subgenre, and I'd put this book on par with her books. Happy reading!

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hey, BDSM authors - you're doing it wrong.

Hey, Elia WInters - you nailed it...

Finally.

It took me suffering through a huge number of mediocre books in this genre - but I have found a BDSM book that I can recommend to all as a "Starter book" if you want to dip your toe in to these waters.

This is NOT a fifty ways of fucked up book. It is not a PTSD leads to BDSM book. It is a: Hello, we're pretty much well adjusted adults here and enjoy to play a little in our sexual adventures. We're not beating each other or fucking with our heads in psychotic stalker ways... book. Just sayin'.

There was, of course, the obligatory woman screaming (which I'm sure happens in real life but until I actually scream during sex, I refuse to believe in this unicorn) and also the come-on-command scenario (but this one had some build up and was a wee bit more believable); but other than that, I did like the way the subject matter was presented and tackled.

The female lead was a little annoying at work. But I wrote it off as complacency in a position after being with a company for a while.

The male lead was hot to me because the author did not go in to crazy details comparing him to gods and master works of art. She mentioned things like - him slipping on his glasses (which was hot to me!!) and how she noticed a curl of his hair over his ear (when his hair was a little damp)... things like that to let the reader develop her own mental picture.

I give it a whopping 3.5 stars. Only not a 4 because, believable or not, unicorns still annoy me. Go. Enjoy. Learn a little.

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 3 out of 5]

Length: 3013 kindle
Style: Erotica / BDSM
Story: GOOD
Intimacy: GOOD
Enjoyment: FAIRLY GOOD
Series: n/a

3.5 ***stars

This story was a nice read. I commend the author on being so detailed in her story and giving the reader something from start to finish and not rushed to get to the sex scenes.

The story started in a way that peeks your interest in both Max and Bridget. They had this flirtation that drew you in and made you eager to see where things will lead. With Max, in the beginning, his kind of flirting was a turn on in some ways. I like reading a book, and having that silly smile on my face and feel like I'm the one being flirt with, so Max did that for me. Bridget's character was interesting, she has some commitment issues, but seeing her unravelled was engaging and I like how her job fits into the story line. Max being a professor definitely gave him more sex appeal and a drool or two from me that made the story had some nice scenes, and a few steamy ones.

However, with my taste, as much as like the story and chemistry between the characters, it wasn't scorching hot, it was mild hot, but still entertaining for me. But again, I was really impressed in how detailed the story was and how the author walked you through the scenes of the story.

Overall, a nice read, not wow, but very much still a read.

RNJ
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com/So...

Pinterest
http://pinterest.com/ladyravenrave/ro...



.

[Karen Voitik · Rating 4 out of 5]

>Book Review - Purely Professional -

> I received this book from the author and Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock. I am an independent reviewer. This is a standalone book and the author's debut novel.

>Max and Bridget are neighbors. Bridget, a writer trying to move up at her magazine, finds herself agreeing to write a blog about being in a BDSM relationship. Trouble is she isn't in any relationship and knows nothing about BDSM. Her friend introduces to someone in BDSM, her neighbor, Max. Max and Bridget have always had an attraction, so when Bridget asks him to actually show her what being in a relationship as a submissive would entail, she never thought she'd like it. She never thought she'd fall for Max.

>This is a wonderful story of the feelings behind Max's idea of BDSM. This lifestyle covers an extremely broad range, but the author slowly introduces the reader, along with Bridget, to the Dom/Sub aspects that Max enjoys. The relationship between pleasure and pain is described and explored. It was a fascinating way to tell a story, through a blog.

>The erotic scenes were hot, but so were the descriptions of Bridget just getting turned on. The only aspect I disliked was the condescending use of "slut" during their "play". The word slut has a negative connotation to me and not a submissive one. That one word kept me from loving the story 100%.

>This book is appropriate to be read by an adult (18+) audience.

[Rachel Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm jumping on the BDSM bandwagon just to prove that there are way better stories out there than the 50 Shades crap and this is one of those. While this is shorter and not a trilogy, the author manages to convey more in these pages then James does in 3 books.

Max and Bridget are great together and while I would have enjoyed this even more with a dual point of view, just from Max's facial expressions, it was obvious what he was feeling towards Bridget. I liked sweet Max more than dominant Max, but both were hot and mixed well together, while Bridget was the perfect mix of innocent and confidant. It was clear from the author's writing that the relationship was based on a mutual respect for each other that grew into more, but without knocking us over the head with flowery language and crazy fast declarations of love. It felt more real this way.

I would like to read another installment in their story that furthers their relationship to more serious territory like an engagement, or maybe just in the world of Sultry where readers are inspired by Bridget's writing and try a little more in their own relationships or discover they aren't in the right relationship etc. I haven't read anything else by this author, but this one won't be my last.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5
We get a lot of review requests and some of them make me groan because they are just not our cup of tea. (This is why we have a review policy, but not everyone reads it before contacting us.) And then sometimes, we get a request that just grabs me. Elia Winters provided us with a copy of Purely Professional in exchange for a Raw Review and I devoured it! It’s not a long read, which is my one complaint. I could have read more and more of Max and Bridget. They are both mature characters and Purely Professional is a delightful story about two people who enter into a “purely professional” relationship to help Bridget out with a work project. And things get hot, fast! Elia Winters is a sensual wizard at making a sex scene come to life. The book isn’t angsty and full of drama, but it is full of great dialogue and a complete story that leaves you with the warm and fuzzies. And damp panties. For those not familiar with the lifestyle, this book skims the surface of D/s and offers intelligent answers to what BDSM is about. And what it’s not. I will be stalking Elia diligently to see what else she writes and I will probably devour that too!
Read more reviews @ rawbooksonline.com

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review**

Bridget is a journalist for Sultry magazine and writes about sex even though she hasn't had any for a year. Bridget gets a new boss and is told to spice things up, so she decides to do an article on BDSM. When she meets up with the guy she's interviewing for her article she is surprised to see that he is her neighbor Max. After the article become a hit Bridget convinces Max to teach her about BDSM for her blog.

The book started off really good! I loved the whole idea of Bridget learning about BSDM from her hot neighbor.

After about 31% into the book I wasn't as into it as I thought I'd be. Ironically I felt Bridget and Max's relationship fizzle when they started their relationship. I was a little disappointed because it had so much potential. I really liked the characters but I felt their chemistry was lacking big time.

The story wasn't as hot , emotional, or even funny. I really wish i would give this book a higher rating but it wasn't as good as I hoped.

[Jenn C Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

There was enough heat in this book to keep you reading. Bridget and Max had serious chemistry when they were just neighbors. When they became more, they practically sizzled. That being said I have a serious serious serious problem with using words like "slut" and "whore" as a means of foreplay. The first time he called her that, I bristled. In sort of the same vein, the fact that she safe words, but he just shifts the tone of the evening, becoming harsher than he's ever been, made me very uncomfortable. In that moment, Max treated Bridget like she was just his whore and it made me extremely uncomfortable, especially given his entire explanation of the lifestyle and how it's not abusive. That scene was borderline abusive for me and along with some of the wording choices, knocked it down a star, otherwise, the story, writing, and love scenes would have received all five stars.

[Paula Harp · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I received this book as an arc for a honest review. I really enjoyed this book and learning all about the BDSM lifestyle with Bridget. She is given the topic to write about by her new boss so she has to learn all about it and fast. She finds out Max, the hot professor next door, is into the lifestyle so she asks to interview him. Her first article is a hit so the boss now wants 2 blog posts a week from her. She makes a deal with Max for him to teach her the lifestyle as a "strictly professional" relationship. She really enjoys what he is teaching her as she never knew she was submissive deep down inside until sex with Max. Can they change the terms of the agreement as they both find they are falling for the other? Fun read with light bondage, a little spanking and some really hot sex!!!! Stars for hotness!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful change from the typical Erotica offerings out there. Elia Winters has written a really great novella. She has managed to balance character development, story, and sex without slighting any one area. The heroine is a professional, confident, grown woman. The hero is so very likeable - a man that won't settle for a doormat. The sex scenes actually serve the purpose of moving the story along and are passionate without being salacious. The premise was intriguing and the story did not disappoint.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.