Awakening by Elene Sallinger is a stand alone novel.  Previously released in the UK, the novel is making its U.S. debut.  The erotic novel deals with bondage and submission.  If these themes offend you, this is not the novel for you. 

Claire Ryan is coming out of a bad marriage.  Her abusive marriage fell apart and she blames herself.  As a form of punishment, Claire has secluded herself from the world.  She lives a very isolated life, her only companion her Pit Bull Terrier Chester.  In an effort to rejoin society she joins a romantic book club.  Always being a fan of the romance genre she believes a book club will be a great way to start rebuilding her life. 

Evan Lang is the widower that owns a cozy, neighborhood book store.  He notices Claire when she enters the store out of breath and on the verge of a panic attack.  He becomes intrigued by her and is upset by his reactions.  Evan still harbors some major feelings of grief regarding the death of his wife.  Often confused and, frankly, pissed off about his body's reaction to Claire, he pushes her away and is often rude to her. 

Claire and Evan's relationship develops as she begins to piece her life together and try to understand her own body's reaction to the BDSM lifestyle.  Claire sexually enjoys pain and it was this reason her marriage fell apart.  Claire uses the bookstore's assorted collection on BDSM to satisfy her cravings and need for self-education.  Evan, seeing the direction Claire's interests have turned, offers to become her Dom and introduce her safely into the BDSM lifestyle.  But they will not have sex.  Um....what?!  Yes, Evan cannot dishonor his late wife's memory by actually having sex with another person.  The BDSM scenes are tastefully done and quite nice to read.    

The book is somewhat of a slow burn.  Claire is plagued by guilt and has a hard time accepting her own sexual appetites.  Evan can't get past his own guilt and fear and constantly pushes Claire away.  I won't ruin the book, but I was very pleased at the way things turn out.  The ending was a little quick but you get your HEA in an epilogue. 

I really enjoyed the way the author wrote.  Hell, she had me five pages in when Claire mentioned reading J. R. Ward on her Nook.  Two of my favorite things!!  Ms. Sallinger you had me at hello...you had me at hello.  I recommend this book, giving it four stars.  Happy reading smut puppies