Customer Reviews

The Switch

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Yes, this is some smoking erotica, especially if you're into BDSM, but I wasn't sure I bought the romance here. Ms Whiteside can definitely write steamy sex scenes but I didn't feel much non-sex-related emotion from these two. And the period of time that these two spend together is very short to create such strong attachments IMHO. Unless, of course, you believe that strong sexual attraction just naturally will lead to love.

Sean Lindstrom is a former Army Ranger who came from the wrong side of the tracks and made some mistakes in his life including an unplanned pregnancy and a subsequent failed marriage. His wife resented having to marry him and he paid every day of their marriage until she died after suffering several stokes). But he wouldn't trade his son Mike for anything. He's extremely proud of his son, but at eighteen, he'll soon be out on his own, attending West Point. With his parenting responsibilities pretty much done, Sean plans to more fully investigate his long-repressed interest in BDSM, particularly to experience his fantasy of submission to a woman who would appreciate it. He meets just such a woman in the erotic section of a book store and so begins our story.

Beth Nakamura is half Japanese and half Scots and is torn between the cultures of East and West. She's an executive with the Treasury Department in Seattle on business in the months after 9/11. She is a bit adrift since her former lover and friend (who introduced her to BDSM) died in the Twin Towers on that dreadful day leaving a hole in her heart. She's determined to get serious about finding a husband when she gets back to DC, but in the meantime, she visits a local book store to pick up some "inspirational" material of the sexual kind. There she meets a gorgeous blond Viking of a man and they have a rather steamy encounter in a backroom. From there they meet several more times culminating in a weekend in Vegas where all manner of fantasies are explored. But what happens when the weekend is over? Are they over as well? Can they be more to one another than just sexual partners?

Well, that was still a bit of a question to me by the end. Though Sean and Beth are very likable people, and I did not doubt Sean's feelings for Beth, I wasn't so sure about her. Her determination to only marry a "switch" - someone who can both submit and dominate - and her conclusion that that is not Sean, seemed a tad superficial and selfish. But if you like erotica, this will be a steamy and satisfying read.

The Switch was my second Ellora's Cave ebook and still holds a special place in my heart. Sean and Beth, two lovers looking for something a bit special in a relationship. Beth is a sexual Dom, struggling amid cultural restrictions and family expectations. With her oriental background, her family expects her to settle down like a good submissive bride and husband. She is way too fiery for that. Sean is trying to figure out his sexuality. He has been raising his son alone for years, and now that he is closing in on an empty nest, he wants to broaden his horizons. He's always been interested in DBS&M but never quite knew how to fulfill his needs. Running into Beth one day at the erotic book section of a small bookstore, these two instantly connect. Beth has been swamped with feelings of ennui lately, and is looking not only for a good sub, but someone who can dominate her as well...a Switch.

The story follows these two characters, delving into their psyche as well as into their sex life. I really enjoyed seeing Sean's point of view, something a reader doesn't get to see often. Their story is poignant and hot. Well written erotica is not easy to come by, and Ms. Whiteside has done a fantastic job blending fantasy, real life, sex and a lasting relationship. Down to earth, realistic and fun, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Switch

Beth Nakamura was on a break from the conference she had spent weeks preparing for, and needed a diversion so she stopped in at a bookstore called The Next Page. As she browsed around at the selection of erotica, a gorgeous, blond-haired man came into the shop and looked at her with interest. Beth was defiantly interested in him as they struck up a conversation; in fact, she was too caught up in the energy of the moment to remember her caution of relationships.

Sean Lindstrom is a widower who quit the Army Rangers to raise his son after his wife died. He has not had time or the inclination to date and was very interested in Beth when they looked at each other in his bookstore. After their bookstore encounter, Sean and Beth decided to get to know each other better and explore the attraction between them, keeping it strictly physical. When Sean and Beth return from a weekend indulging each other's fantasies, will they be able to keep their feelings out of their deal?

If you are looking for an exciting erotic story full of fantasies then The Switch is the book for you. This full-length story is overflowing with erotic encounters that will keep the blood flowing and leave you trembling. Beth is a strong woman who knows what she wants and goes after it. She is wary of relationships due to problems in her own family and her former lover being killed on 9/11. Sean is a strong man who wants to discover and explore his own sexuality but has not had the chance until he meets Beth. I enjoyed watching both characters open up and trust each other while exploring their desires. The Switch tells the story of Sean and Beth but it also incorporates their backgrounds and families into the story that gives it a well-rounded and inclusive feel.
I give this gripping story by Diane Whiteside 4 angels.

By Tammy
Fallen Angel Reviews
[...]

I;ve enjoyed all of Diane Whitesides' works, but this was so authentic and contemporary as to be extra-enjoyable.
There is a story (that's always a good sign). The characters are multi-dimensional and real. Instead of the over-the-top, unrealistic drama of some erotica and romantic novels, we explore the thoughts, fantasies, fears and hopes of real people--people with whom the reader can identify. The sex feels very real--a bit too real, perhaps, with the exhaustive inventory of safe-sex products--but she certainly illustrated that one can be madly, pervy erotic...and also be safe.

He's kinky, she's kinky...and they're both not just okay with that, but are okay with celebrating that.
A great read and very affirming. I don't know when I've felt so simpatico with both main characters in a BDSM novel.

Ex-ranger Sean has been a single father since his wife died seven years ago. His marriage had been a miserable experience. Since Tiffany's death, Sean's remained celibate and concentrated on raising his son. He's put all his fantasies of submitting to a strong woman to the back of his mind. He's 100% alpha male with long buried submissive tendencies just waiting to be discovered.

Beth works as a Treasury agent. She's smart, wealthy and beautiful. She's also a switch. Her fondest desire is to find a man who can accept that she enjoys playing both dominant and submissive roles in a relationship. She broke up with her fiance a year ago when she caught him cheating. Beth knows that he would have never been able to accept her dominant side. She's now determined that any man she settles down with will have to also be able to switch roles.

Beth was only looking for some erotic reading material when she first met Sean in the bookstore. His looks remind her of a Viking, when they act on their mutual attraction, Beth leads Sean to a secluded spot in the back of the store. Sean reacts a little too enthusiastically and rips Beth's dress, his reaction is immediately apologetic and humble. Beth senses his vulnerability and seizes the opportunity to discover his submissive side. Provocatively she entices Sean to bare himself to her and use her scarf to pleasure himself. The ringing of her cell phone interrupts them, and Sean promises to have the scarf cleaned and return it to her that night. Each encounter between Sean and Beth is more intense and loving. Beth only sees Sean as temporary, but Sean is going for permanence. Beth explains to Sean that he's all submissive and she needs a man who can play dominant to her submissive side. Sean has no qualms with his dominant side, and Beth has laid down the challenge that will bring it out in a big way.

Provocatively sexy from beginning to end is the only way to describe Diane Whiteside's book THE SWITCH. The characters are wonderfully open and honest about their needs and desires which add to the intensity between them. The BDSM is portrayed in a realistic and safe manner while still being extremely arousing. One of my favorite things about this book, well besides the awesome sex scenes, is the emotional attachment I felt as a reader for both Beth and Sean. Ms. Whiteside does a fantastic job of drawing the reader into the plot and psyche of her characters.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

Beth Nakamura lost her lover in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, but even before that, she knew he wasn't the great love of her life. Sure he introduced her to the world of domination, taught her the use of those special tools that can make simple sex come alive, but he wasn't the type who could be faithful to her--or could allow her to dominate him. Beth dreams of having it all--a perfect man, a man who wants children, a man who'll think only of her. But most of all, she demands a switch--a man who can be both submissive and dominant. She's happy to savor a weekend or two with a submissive, or with a dominant, but she needs the whole package to commit.

Ex-Ranger Sean Lindstrom got his first taste of sex when his boss's wife dominated him the night before he headed off for boot camp. Trapped into a loveless marriage by a broken condom and a wonderful son, Sean is free now--and dreams of picking up where the older woman left off. When beautiful Eurasian Beth walks into a bookstore on one of his properties, he thinks he's gone to heaven when she demands to be shown the erotica section--and heads straight for the BDSM section. The attraction is clearly mutual and the two set up a date--but does Sean really know what he's getting into.

Following Beth's demands, Sean prepares for their encounter--and what he gets goes far beyond even his most outlandish hopes. Beth takes him through complete fantasies, dominates him, ties him up, punishes him, makes her worship her feet, and generally satisfies every urge Sean can imagine. Sean knows this is the real deal--that Beth is the woman for him. But Beth has made this mistake before. Like her ex-lover, Sean can fulfil only one part of the woman she is. He's a sub, not a dom. She needs both--she needs a switch and Sean can't do the job. Still an ex-Army Ranger is a hard man (in more ways than one) to walk away from.

Author Diane Whiteside dishes up a super-sexy story, with a smooth narrative style that keeps the reader involved. Beth and Sean slip comfortably from fantasy to reality, pursuing their dreams. Beth's dilemma is a serious one--and Whiteside portrays Sean's submissive nature so compellingly that the reader is likely to agree that he simply cannot live up to Beth's requirements. In fact, I wonder if Sean's ultimate attempt to be dominant is not a submissive's play-acting. Of course, that just might be what Beth really wanted.

This author reaches outside her past range of character-driven highly sensual historicals (both of which were darn good) to an intense contemporary BDSM story. Included inside is everything from an informative discussion on whip...thickness, to various fantasies including geishas, vikings, space captains and far more about the safe sex use of dental dams than I EVER wanted to know---ICK! OK, ok I appreciate her grown up approach and if this is your cuppa' tea you'll find information and an interesting story of two strong contemporary characters. However, I'm still the sentimental sort who prefers being taken to cocktails rather than a cat o' nine tails.

This is the paperback version of the e-book. I wish that the book info had stated that...truth in advertising and all. That said, this is a book that is well worth owning and keeping in both e-book and print formats. The character development is what I most enjoyed about the book, and the sensuality, of course. Sean is a great fantasy guy ... caring, a good parent, and a tad kinky.

In 2001 Seattle, former Army Ranger Sean Lindstrom owns the building containing the bookstore near the BDSM dungeon. There he meets US Treasury Agent Beth Nakamura who is looking for various non-fiction sex books. She orders him into the backroom and he obeys her command. She demands the submissive follow her orders and Sean does everything she commands she do ending with him jacking himself off in front of her. She is stunned with how easily she took control of this big dude while he is shocked that he came easily as he has been a monk for about a dozen years.

They agree to meet for more S&M lighthearted fun and when they do sparks fly. As they share sexual fantasies, Beth and Sean fall in love with one another, but both have monster doubts about a future together. He is a widower with a high school senior son whose memories of marriage are not that good while she was humiliated by her womanizing ex-fiancé so has trust issues.

Though the opening encounter at the bookstore (not the ten years earlier military operation in Latin America) seems more a fantasy, erotic romance readers will appreciate this fine look at dominant-submissive behavior. The relationship between the lead couple starts off at a high bang and never slows down as they enjoy their sexual encounters. Not for everyone, THE SWITCH is a heated novel that takes adjusting to the topic, but once done readers will appreciate that the tough ex Ranger who could kill without blinking has a submissive streak in the bedroom; now to find those satin ropes.

Harriet Klausner

This is the first book that I have read by this author so I really didn't know what to expect. The writing was good so I will try another book by the author but as far as this one goes it was just an okay read for me. I liked the characters and most of the story line. I wasn't crazy about the historical written fantasies that Sean and Beth shared with each other. Those portions kinda dragged for me. I am also not a big fan of femdom but knew that going into the book however it was tastefully done in a yummy erotic sort of way.