REVIEW: Training Amber by Desiree Holt

Training Amber

by Desiree Holt

3.5 HEARTS

From Goodreads

Sequel to Teaching Molly 

Amber McCloud is taking a two-week timeout with her friend Molly to heal the wounds from a bitter divorce. The last thing she expects is to meet a sexy man like Cesario “Rio” Negron. But the attraction is instant and hot. Not only does he teach her how good sex can really be, he also introduces her to the world of BDSM, a world she takes to like a kid with candy. It helps when she learns Molly and her husband are also advocates of the lifestyle. But when the two weeks are up Amber has to decide if what’s developed between her and Rio is real or if she will turn her back on it, afraid to risk her heart again.

This story was hot, fast, and interesting!

The BDSM world is always interesting to read about, to see how different authors portray such a world and lifestyle and if they do it justice. I don’t know much about the lifestyle, so I can’t comment on how accurate this novella is, but I have to say the world was quite fascinating. I’ve also never been a fan of novellas because they never seem to have time to flush out the characters, but then again that’s not their purpose. Their purpose is to jump right into the good stuff, and that’s exactly what it did.

Amber is visiting her friend Molly in an attempt to get away from her nasty divorce and not-so-good life back home. She gets guilted into attending Molly’s cocktail party, and meets Rio—who throws himself at her right away. She gets swept up in Rio and the way he worships her and stumbles upon his stash of BDSM toys, and with encouragement from her friend, she dives into the lifestyle.

Amber is a very fragile character. She has just escaped a really bad divorce from a man who wanted her to surgically change every aspect of herself just to be attractive again. She refused, and he found someone younger. Any woman who had really loved their husband would be hurt and damaged by that. Because of it, she tries to avoid social interaction and is left with very little confidence and self-esteem. After she meets Rio she still struggles with her body image, but she finds courage, strength, and a new confidence within herself. The BDSM lifestyle and the gentleness Rio shows her and turns her into a new woman, who ends up happy with herself and her life.

From the beginning Rio is very forward, knowing that a woman like Amber is a once in a lifetime opportunity. But just like in the first book, Teaching Molly, he is almost a decade younger than her. His age is practically a non-issue because of how grown up he appears to be throughout the story. He continually denies Amber’s comments about her poor body image and tries to convince her he doesn’t see it and none of it matters. He knows what she’s been through and is very gentle and caring with her, patient at other times when all he wants is to give her all of him—BDSM style. I thought he was a great match for her, he introduced her to the BDSM lifestyle slowly and in his great care, helped her become a better woman.

The club was absolutely fascinating! I have to say, I think it was my favorite aspect of the story. It is a privileged BDSM club where singles and couples can go to indulge in the world. The dining room had regular tables to eat, but other tables hidden in a darker area against glass walls. These glass walls allowed those patrons to see others performing for their entertainment. It was a very lustful and sexual setting, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. It definitely hits the spot if you’re looking for some straight up fun.

*This book was provided by Ellora's Cave in exchange for an honest review.

Hotness Rating

4 out of 5