I didn’t get it, an alpha sub? Sounds like an oxymoron to me. Going into this book I had a hard time wrapping my head around that concept and honestly I still do. I'm not sure I fully get it but you know what? It's ok because regardless I still really liked the story. I'm not a BDSM expert by any means but I do know KA. I've read lots and lots of her books, many more than once and while this level of BDSM is new for her, the story is still classic KA alpha awesomeness.

Mistress Amèlie is one of the most sought after and respected Dommes at The Bee's Honey. She is nothing like I expected. My BDSM has been limited to images of dommes in leather, wilding whips and making their sub lick their books. Amèlie was nothing like this, she was way more sophisticated and real. Like many women, regardless of her predilections Amèlie was also going through a bit of a crisis. She wanted more out life, more than just a play toy for the night; she wanted to find the 'one', someone who she could connect with both in and out of play.

In walks Olivier, the tall, sexy sub with alpha tendencies who himself has doubts and insecurities about how his real life and his desire to be a sub fit together. Amèlie is immediately drawn to him and the feeling is mutual. Together they form this great relationship where they each help the other truly find what they are looking for.

This book had a lot of good in it. I really liked both Amèlie and Oliver. They each had their own unique voices that grew on me the more and more I read. Also, as I would hope you'd expect, there was some serious kink happening in this book. It was fantastically delicious and on top of all that kink there was also this really sweet playfulness between Amèlie and Oliver. I loved the tender moments between the two of them more than the ropes and chains. I also really loved the trust and honesty they shared with each other both in and outside of the play room.

One of the biggest cons for me however was actually the writing, which really surprised me. Told in third person, which is not a favorite of mine, I had a hard time following along at times. At points in the story the dialogue felt choppy and there was an over abundance of inner dialogue that felt unnecessary. It did take a bit to find my groove and really get into it, but when I did I really enjoyed the story and I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series to see what KA has in store for us.

Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Inkslinger PR and St. Martin's Press
Genre: Erotic Romance
Part 1 in a new series


My The Deep End Review . . .

~ He wanted to be topped. He just fought letting go.~


Often books are predictable from the start but not this one, even though for me it had a very slow start. I'm so happy that kept reading and hung on, because then I got to experience all that were Olivier and Amelie.

"You get off on the struggle, baby, I see that. You know it tears me up and you help me push through. You fuckin' know that and don't pretend you fuckin' don't. So this shit is bullshit and you know that too."


The beginning starts with Amelie, where we get to know her and her world. This part I found slow and I wasn't super engaged until Olivier came onto the scene and they started to interact. Olivier is in way over his head being at the Honey club, but he knows that he needs this to properly live.

Once the scenes start Olivier and Amelie are steaming hot. However, their kink won't be for everyone and will push some people's boundaries, but if you can let that go than it's well worth the steamy journey.

" . . . I know I'm your toy but still, I'm not that. I'm a man who consents to be your fuckin' toy. And in this room, I gotta trust you'll never forget that."


These two may be from different walks of life, but they have two major things in common. 1) Their kink or lifestyle and 2) they both have their own baggage.

"I'm yours, you can claim me, but get me know, Amelie, or we gotta have another conversation. You claim me, I claim you. I get my place. I get you make this decision. But I'm fuckin' sayin' it anyway. You're mine."

This was the first BDSM book where I got to meet an alpha sub, and I gotta say I liked it.

"You ladies like your ass," Olivier muttered. Amelie turned fully into him and replied. "We do when you do."


This was the same KA but different at the same time. Yes, she had her Alpha male which I loved. And yes, she had a strong heroine, which I always love and appreciate. But their love story was kinky, unique and different. After reading this I now understand more of Deacon from Deacon (Unfinished Hero #4), but I didn't quite get that part of his character until I read this book. So, now after reading this, I feel I need to re-read Deacon from a different perspective.

"That thing fuckin' with my head. Gone. Thank you for that freedom, sweetheart. If you didn't struggle with it, I'm seriously fuckin' glad, but if you didn't, you can't know what it means. And it means too much to say, Leigh-Leigh. So I hope you get how deep I'm givin' that gratitude because it's really fucking' appreciated."


As soon as I was hooked in, I couldn't put this book down. It was super sexy. Steam oozed from the pages and I loved the story between Amelie and Olivier even though they have quite the tempers when triggered. Sometimes we don't know what we are looking for until we find it. And for Amelie and Olivier they are each other's missing puzzle pieces that make them whole.

I can't friggin' wait for The Furthest Edge. June 6th can't come fast enough

4 . 5 Alpha Sub loving thumbs up!

I tried very hard to get into The Deep End and I wanted to not only like it but love it but unfortunately I didn't. I just couldn't stay connected with the story.

DNF at 33%

This had a different "voice" to it. If I hadn't been told who the author was, I'd have never guessed KA wrote it. There were some flashes of her usual style in it, just not a lot. And no, that isn't why I'm not finishing this.


Mistress Amelie (I LOVE that name) specifically asked him what his hard limits were. And while he didn't say he had any, he named three things he was very uncomfortable with and would prefer not to do and I'll be damned if she didn't do two of them, and she did one repeatedly. No, he didn't use his safe word at that point, but he was very uncomfortable and it made me uncomfortable so I'm choosing not to finish reading this.

I'm sure this will be great for others, just not me.

Shel: The Deep End is the first look at a Kristen Ashley new series and while it definitely has the KA vibe that makes her books distinctly her books, she's acknowledged that this new series might not be for everyone. The Deep End is set in a BDSM world and the sexual boundaries that seem to beset contemporary romance aren't the same, so if you're uncomfortable with characters exploring their sexuality outside of "vanilla" sex, this novel may push some buttons for you. I liked the buttons it pushed so if you're open to trying something new from a favorite author, I say go for it!

Court: It was definitely a new world for her, and I enjoyed it immensely. There is definitely as you said buttons pushed, and new things tried. And I liked the idea of our favorite "alpha" type characters being submissive. I can't say that I don't find the "Mistress" and "Master" titles something I would ever enjoy in real life, but I really enjoyed the writing...definitely enjoyed the scenes...and it being Kristen Ashley it did not disappoint.

Shel: For me, it wasn't the sexual exploration that Olivier experienced with Amelie that was something to adjust to, it was the "voice" of Amelie--it took me a few pages to settle in to who she was. Her language was elevated and that coupled with being unused to the world of Honey took me some time to get my bearings. Had I just treated this novel as uncharted KA territory rather than assume it'd be like her other series, I think I would've settled into my reading so much faster. All this to say that once I let go of what I thought this would be and relaxed into this new world and new characters, I found that I was as absorbed as I normally am in her novels. Amelie and Olivier have strong personalities, both have things they want and need from their time together and both have things that worry them about what they're falling into. How they negotiate their trouble spots is pure KA--in elevated sexual fashion (it was hotter than hot when these two collided in the club--all of their encounters at the club are *fans self*, hot!). Court: I did that too. Her way of speaking, even in her mind...took some adjustments from me. At first, I couldn't figure out if it was me or not, but then the characters make light of the way she speaks and you figure out it definitely is just the way she is. I don't think it took too long to settle in, though. The slow burn, if you will, did just about do me in...whoa sexy times. These are a plenty in this book. Olivier has a few things he struggles with more so than Amelie, and I really really really (I've said that a lot this review, haven't I!) enjoyed that. This alpha-sub direction is a new one and I think really was a huge part of enjoying it so much.

Shel: In addition to getting to know our two main characters, meeting the secondary characters was interesting as it had me wondering which ones I'd get to read more about in other novels. Several characters were mysterious and intriguing and I am so hopeful that the ones that had significant page time, as well as one who never even had a word of dialogue, will show up as this series continues. I also loved that these secondary characters were as supportive and loving of the main characters as they always are in KA-world. Court: I'd wondered going in, as I haven't looked up too much about the second book if this one a one-off and the others would be a companion or not. I think I was afraid that this would go on for multiple books and that there would be a lot of angst heading my way. I'm not sure why I was afraid of that, because Kristen literally hasn't led me astray EVER, but for some reason I had that in my brain. Never fear, though. I believe we're getting a different character for each book, and I really, really, really wanna tell you who I'm excited to see in the future!

Shel: A final new thing that made this series feel completely separated from previous KA worlds was it's setting. We were no longer in Colorado; we're now in Arizona. I thought this was really smart--it's a geographical separation from the Kristen Ashley series (all of them) that we all know. It added to the entire feeling of newness to this series. Court: It is! I love how KA brings the setting into the story and really makes it feel authentic and like you'd walk out your back door and see it.

Shel: So where do I stand with this new series? I definitely want to read more--this first book was surprising, interesting, and felt like something a little different than what Kristen Ashley has shown us before and yet it had the trademark things I love--the alpha, the strong heroine, the endearments, the struggles and the ultimate overcoming of them to come together -and I look forward to exploring the world of Honey more. Court: Their honesty, their vulnerability was just inspiring and couldn't look away from it. I was nervous at first, with it being so heavily BDSM about the story not being able to compete with that...but I was wrong...And this one was a page burner that I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I really enjoyed Olivier and Amelie and hope we get to see more of them in future books!

I'm really not sure how I feel about The Deep End. It is very different from all the books I have read by Kristen Ashley and yes I have read all her books. This is not a typical KA book so please do not think you're getting that!!

Olivier was not afraid to get what he wanted and go after that. He was very sure of what his standards were in the bedroom and would not turn away from that. Is he alpha.....YES very much but not in the typcial alpha male way.

Olivier and Amelie love wasn't insta and at times I felt like it was sad that we didn't get a love that was lead up to. It seems that both of them went with the "flow."

I will go back and reread this book because I know I missed something. I missed the love that I know is there but it's hidden. I missed the chemistry that I know exist.

This is definitely a book that everyone should read and I am anxious to know how everyone feels and what their take is.

In Ashley’s latest book, The Deep End, she jump starts a new series with a bang. Amelie is a well-known domme but she’s looking for more. She frequents the elite Honey club where her services are extremely sought after. It’s all become routine for her until a new steed comes in, Olivier. He’s nothing like the others and while he’s all Alpha, he’s more than willing to submit to Amelie. The Deep End explores this relationship in all its kinky bounds and sets the pages on fire.

Amazon/BN

Let me preface my review by stating I am a huge Kristen Ashley fan so it was weird to me when I wasn’t immediately submerged in this story and it didn’t capture my attention throughout. While it may be a big leap for Ashley in plot lines, her main characters still remain very much in the KA jargon. Olivier is a huge alpha male and is extremely caring with Amelie despite Amelie being in control. Amelie was a bit stilted for me, her language seemed archaic in the beginning. Once I got into the rhythm of the story and with Olivier’s influence, Amelie slowly became friendlier and had less of a cold façade. Amelie remains in control whether it’s in or out of the bedroom but when Olivier comes in she’s able to learn how to share the burden.

That’s what I did like about this book, the connection between Amelie and Olivier was genuine and unique. It showed new parameters to Ashley’s writing and while it’s not my favorite of hers, it’s still all Kristen Ashley style.

ARC provided by Netgalley



HAPPY READING,

The world that Kristen Ashley creates in The Deep End is drastically different from the ones she’s constructed in her previous series, and while it took a bit for me to understand this new setting and its dynamics, I soon found myself mesmerized by all that The Honey offered to its members and the differing personalities that exist in this world of domination and submission.

I haven’t read many books where the female in a heterosexual BDSM relationship is the dominant and her submissive is an alpha-sub – one who commands his life outside of the club in all ways that matter and one who takes instruction, punishment, and domination in the club. Amelie is a graceful, highly cultured, highly sought Dominatrix who’s an affectionate Domme while playing but also wields absolute power in whatever room she and her sub find themselves in. It’s clear that Amelie is respected for her craft, but what’s also striking about her is the way she treats those around her…the care she gives…the truths she’s willing to speak because she doesn’t know any other way but complete honesty.

Oliver is quite the complex alpha-sub. At face value, those two words seem to battle one another due to their differing defining characteristics, but in witnessing Olly, both in and out of the club, it’s clear that that’s exactly who he is and what he needs to feel whole, and while I admit, I can’t begin to understand it, Kristen Ashley illustrates both sides of Olly’s nature to stay true to his alpha-sub demeanor.

In the club, while at play, Amelie and Olly are seen as a D/s, but beyond those roles, their lives are drastically different and so they both question what they could be outside of the Honey, and while Olly’s doubts mess with his mind, at times, by claiming one another, they are connected on all levels, proving that regardless of other’s opposing views and differing lifestyles, their feelings for each other are not in question; in fact, they illustrate just how much they’re willing to do to be together in all possible ways.

Working to keep an open-mind as a reader of Ashley’s new Honey series is essential in order to adjust to the risks Ashley takes in The Deep End. For years, Ashley has created a stellar fan base based on her alpha heroes and her sassy, feisty heroines who find themselves in complicated situations, and while those ideas still hold true in her new BDSM series, the differences are striking, but if readers focus on Amelie and Oliver’s story, without bringing in preconceived notions and expectations, they will truly enjoy all that is Mistress Amelie and her submissive beast.

An unbiased review was given in exchange for a complimentary copy of the text.

4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

I think this was the hardest KA book to rate that I've ever read. It was not what I expected, but then again I didn't know what to expect so I went into this with zero expectations. When I heard that Kristen Ashley was introducing a new erotica series, I was intrigued. My curiosity has been slaked but I'm not sure exactly what to say about this read. At first I was going to DNF this story for a multitude of reasons, one of which was the oddity of what I was reading. But then I looked at it from a different angle and found that if I read this as regular old smut, it was quite entertaining. So I've labeled this smut and encourage smut lovers to take a chance on it.

Amelie is a domme at the Honey Club who has finally figured out, after seven years on the scene, that she wants more. She wants more than what the posturing subs that frequent the place have to offer. She wants more than a sub who will break under pressure. She wants a sub that she can bond with and have a future with. She meets Olivier and while he's new to the club (and to the life), it's almost immediately apparent that he is all that she's wished for and more. He offers a fulfillment and a kinship she hadn't found before.

Olivier was obviously no ordinary sub. For one, he was huge and I mean everywhere ladies *wink. He was also quite the Alpha and found it hard to relinquish the rigid control he held over himself. I think that's what I liked about him and Amelie. There was a fluidity and sensuality throughout their relationship, both in and out of the bedroom/playroom and they both seemed to have an inherent sense of each other's limits.

So, what didn't work for me was the fact that Olivier was an Alpha and I was expected to believe that he wanted to be submissive. Huh? That didn't work for me. Maybe if I didn't find plenty of KA-isms throughout this story, such as typical Alpha/caveman behavior like grunting and "babe" and the use of incomplete sentences, maybe then this would be easier to read. But the KA formula was still there and as much as I still love that formula, there was an idiosyncrasy when linked to the idea of an Alpha male as a submissive. And I didn't completely buy the idea of Amelie as a domme. The scenes where she played weren't enjoyable for me. I preferred when she and Olivier were real with each rather than playing a scene that lacked authenticity. This was a huge step out of the box for KA fans such as myself and I'm unsure if it was a hit or a miss. I'm still contemplating the effect this story had on me.

Release Date: March 7, 2017
Genre: Erotica - BDSM
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Steam: 5 out of 5
Book Type: Book One of the Honey series

Here's the link to my review

"That magnificent beast was a sub. An alpha-sub, assuredly."

I confess, I didn't even know what an alpha-sub was prior to reading The Deep End. But what can I say, I'd read Kristen Ashley's shopping list, she's a favorite author. So, hells yeah I was willing to read anything she wrote. It was definitely a treat to read about one of Kristen's alpha male characters, sub or not, they are H-O-T!

Amèlie is a Domme who only plays with male toys. She likes her men to be big and strong, with fire in their eyes. She prefers alpha-subs that resist being tamed. Unfortunately, it's been slim pickings at the Honey club. She's on the verge of being bored as she scans the room, hunting for her next plaything. And that's another problem, she wants more. She's ready for something real.

"The bottom line was that she had to keep expectations low so she wouldn't be devastated when he didn't turn out to be top-shelf whiskey."

Knowing in advance after reading the synopsis that Olivier would soon be arriving at the Honey club, I was beside myself with excitement as I waited for their first meeting. I was not disappointed. He was wearing a suit, and he wasn't shy. He was confident and direct and knew what he wanted. Every woman that had seen him during his visits had tried to pick him up, but he refused them all. Until her...

I knew going in that I was going to learn a thing or twenty about the BDSM world and the club lifestyle. And yes, I did Google a few things so I could get a visual. It was very refreshing to have a different perspective with the sub being a male. And I must say, I was very pleased that the author didn't make him weak or wimpy. I loved his alpha attitude and his way of talking, using his sexy, bossy caveman talk. Getting his point across very clearly.

I really liked that Amèlie's style is to be affectionate during her scenes. She's sweet with her friends, and her subs. She uses endearments and nicknames and takes care of her toys. Well, at least she does with him. She let him know that she thought he was beautiful and strong. She didn't talk down to him or ridicule him. The chemistry between them was intense and they weren't shy about letting each other know how they felt regarding sexual things. But it got a little tricky when they wanted to take it further than the playroom. As I read their alternating POV, I got a front row seat to their thoughts and feelings. However; they weren't so free about sharing them with each other. With multiple roadblocks in the path of a possible relationship, it's touch and go. And in the meantime, I became intrigued with the support characters. Especially Nash. Yup, I wanna spend some more time with him. Please? The line forms here...

I'll be honest, I started this book with trepidation but I can honestly say that I did enjoy the story, especially Amelie and Olivier's connection and their special story and bond.

I love all of KA's books but surprisingly, this is the first that I've actually "read"; being an Audible fan of KA's work up to now. What I dislike with a passion though is BDSM themed books and so this was going to be a real challenge for me to read and, even more so, to enjoy but I put my trust in KA and I'm glad that I did.

I was immediately drawn into this story and this shocked me given the feedback I had received from book friends prior to starting it. I was expecting to feel the usual discomfort and unease when reading anything involving a Dom, and knowing this was about a Domme, I immediately imagined PVC catsuits but I couldn't have been more wrong in my expectations. Amelie portrayed her role of Domme in a way that I couldn't have foreseen. She had a soft vulnerability simmering beneath her Dominatrix exterior, which really surprised me. I found the way that she handled Olivier's feelings admirable and beautifully tender, given the scenes she was expecting him to partake in.

Olly was, as expected this time, generous with his emotions and feelings towards Amelie. It was clear from the outset that he was clearly struggling with who he is, sexually, and having suffered at the hands of ill-qualified Dommes, to date, he was looking for the one person to finally give him his inner peace, and that was most definitely Amelie.

My thoughts clearly go to show that all readers are different and experience different things from what a book has to offer and so, I would recommend reading this book with an open mind. Put aside your expectations of KA based on her other stories, and read beyond the scenes in order to fully experience all that is The Deep End.

A highly erotic sexual, sensual romance that will take readers out of their comfort zone. The Deep End by Kristen Ashley is one of those reads that needs to be read with an open mind as Ashley tackles a trope that is not for all. While I know many readers didn’t like this KA book, I however found this book bold, provocative and intriguing as Ashley explored the whole Domme/Sub relationship in a whole new light. So if you are looking for a hot erotic read that is layered with sensuality and eroticism then this book might be for you.

I love Kristen Ashley and her books. I liked this one. It just was not completely my cup of tea, or a favorite. Please stick with me through with my rambling. Amelia and her dominatrix ways and even Oliver and his alpha submissive self did not bother me. I loved the fact that KA did something new. You can tell when you are reading the book that she did a bunch of research to make the book accurate. There are a lot of steamy sex scenes. That part reminds me some of the Unfinished Hero series. With that being said, I was disappointed that there was not a deeper connection or story line for the characters. I just felt that, that was lacking. I do not know if it is because she was writing something new and different, or if it was on purpose. Other than that the book was not bad. I still do recommend people to read it. Do not let Kristen Ashley doing something now stop you.

5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Deep End is quite a different type of book from the usual Kristen Ashley story. Darker, more erotic, and taking place around an exclusive sex club. But as different as the story is, it is also exactly the same. The same comfortable writing that speaks to me in ordinary language even while explaining very extraordinary scenes. The author elicits the same emotions that tear my heart apart in each of her books and the same knowledge that she will some how make things right for me.

“You give me something, many somethings, many somethings that mean the world to me, and you do it constantly, Olly.”
“You get me,” he said low and firm.
“Ol—” Okay. Maybe she didn’t.
“You know you give me more, Amélie. You know I’m only me with you.”

Amelie is a different kind of heroine. Such a strong and independent exterior that covers an extremely vulnerable girl. Amelie frequents a posh, restrictive sex club called The Honey. She is a Dominant who is intrigued by the newest, very alpha sub.

"Amélie, you can drop the Mistress shit.” “Of course,” she murmured. “You’ll still be formal. It’s your way. It’s sweet,”

Olivier struggles to come to terms with a side of himself that he has always felt was depraved. Keeping his life separate from his darker wants and needs. He pulls strings to gain admittance into The Honey hoping to catch Amelie's eye.

“There’s enough judging in the world,” he went on. “The things we give each other mean too much to bring that kind of shit into it.” He said the words and he had to live by them."

This story takes Hot to a new level and I may have bookmarked a few scenes to read over and over!! ;) The Deep End is an amazing and beautiful love story that just happens to revolve around the world of BDSM, sex clubs, Dom/subs, scenes, etc. Amelie and Olivier have found a home in my heart and will take their place among my favorite KA Heroes and heroines!

I never thought the day would arrive when I typed these words... but I could not finish this book. KA is absolutely one of my go-to authors, but I had to throw in the towel at 20%.

For those who have read her other series like the Rock Chicks, Colorado Mountain series, etc., I know it has been said before but it is worth reiterating: this series is very different from her other books. But that isn't even really the issue for me because I will read anything ranging from YA all the way to erotica/ BDSM depending on my mood. From the first chapter of The Deep End, I actually had to go back to double check if this series was being co-written with someone else because the writing was just SO different. It seems to just be Amelie's voice that struck me that way because Olivier's voice was much more what I am accustomed to reading from this author's heroes, but that just made the differences stand out so much more strongly. Amelie is a Domme, and Olly is an alpha sub just learning what that term means but in the end I just couldn't get past my dislike of (or perhaps apathy for) Amelie enough to be able to get past those first few chapters.

Bottom line: if you are new to this author's books, I recommend starting with a different series to see why she has legions of fans rather than making this your introduction to her work. For those who are already fans: proceed with caution and be prepared for something much different. That may not necessarily be a bad thing, and it may just be the characters of this particular story that were off-putting to me so form your own opinions accordingly.

★★ 3.5 stars! ★★

Hold on to your Kindle, honey, this ain’t your mama’s old Kristen Ashley! The Deep End is most definitely erotica. Saying that, it is still very much a “Kristen Ashley book” and her signature dynamics shine through the kink.

Amelie is a very strong and confident woman who is a dominatrix at the Bee’s Honey BDSM club. While she enjoys dominating men, she’s still looking for the happily ever after like anyone else. She may want to settle down with a man, but not before she works him over and dominates him with her arsenal of tools.

Olivier is a hulk of a man who is exploring his sexuality and needs more than plain vanilla to feel satisfied. While he’s experimenting and dabbling in BDSM, he is told the secret of the best-of-the-best Honey club and bluffs his way through the interview. Olly is a reluctant sub, but he's unable to stop returning for more of Mistress Amelie's treatment.

I have to say, I was very intrigued to read a book about alpha subs. I was curious to know how that would work and let me tell you, it takes the typical BDSM dynamic and turns it on its ear. It took me about 15% of the book to get into the story, but once I did, the rest flew by. I got caught up in Amelie and Olivier’s fight to discover how to be what the other needed. Seeing them battle their mental will against their physical need was a juxtaposition I found very intriguing.

The BDSM aspect didn’t deter me (in fact, it’s scorching hot!), but the tone and the attitude of the heroine was a little off-putting. I had a hard time connecting with her. Olly, on the other hand, is a hero you would expect from a Kristen Ashley book. He’s alpha, he’s possessive, and he struggles.

If you are a fan of BDSM erotica, I think you’re going to enjoy Amelie and Olly. Leave all of your expectations of a plain love story at the door, though, because this is not that. There’s a little bit of a mystery thrown in the mix, too, so there is more to the story than just kink. My advice? Make sure you have a fan handy because you are going to need it.

3.5 'Risk taking' Stars!
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kristen Ashley never ceases to amaze me. I have to confess.. I was extremely scared to start this book. I knew this would throw me out of my comfort zone but I also really wanted to give it a try because Kristen is one of my favorite authors ever. I have to say I actually enjoyed The Deep End more than I thought even though it’s definitely not something I would normally read.

The Deep End is the first installment in Kristen’s new series called Honey. All these books will be all related around a BDSM club and here is what is/will be different about them: the heroine is a Domme. Amélie is more than ready to find the perfect man for her when Olivier appears in the Bee’s Honey. He is an alpha-sub and even though he is reluctant to accept it at first, he can’t stop himself from wanting to be with Amélie.

“I’m open to anything,” he confirmed.
“Anything?” she pushed.
He held her gaze like a dare. “Anything.” Again his lips twitched. “Mistress.”

I still have mixed feelings about The Deep End. It is different from anything else I have ever read and I appreciate that! It’s new but still has Kristen Ashley’s touches all over it. I read this so fast! I loved the emotional part of The Deep End best and I loved Olly, the hero. Even though he likes to submit in his sex life, he still is a KA alpha! I don’t know how Kristen managed to keep that flowing but she did!

“I’m yours, you can claim me, but get me now, Amélie, or we gotta have another conversation. You claim me, I claim you. I get my place. I get you make this decision. But I’m fuckin’ sayin’ it anyway. You’re mine.”

Now, about those mixed feelings.. Amélie is not my favorite KA heroine. Besides the getting used to having a Domme as female MC, I just could not connect with her. Also, some sex scenes (even though they are hawt!) just felt weird to me and I could not get passed it. Still, as I said, I felt all the feels. KA always manages to make me cry lol I enjoyed experiencing this ride!

They fit. They worked splendidly in all ways that could be. When the explosion settled, it ended with Amélie and Olly tangled together magnificently.

Therefore, my rating for The Deep End is 3.5 STARS because to me this still felt like a KA book even though it definitely has a kinkier and more unexpected plot! And I am positively curious abot the next book! I say give this one a try if you are interested to know more about this world or just if you are a massive KA fan like me!

I never doubt that I'm going to love a book by Kristen Ashley. Never. But I did wonder how she was going to create an alpha-submissive, and do it in a way that's true to the lifestyle. I don't know why I wondered. I should have known she would create a wonderfully alpha man ready to take care of his woman, but also NEEDING to be dominated by her. It was beautiful, it was beyond hot....WAY BEYOND HOT!! I can't wait for more from the Honey Club!

Note to self: when Kristen Ashley says that her new book is very racy, very sexy, and unlike anything she’s written before, she’s not exaggerating. At all. A few pages in to the author’s BDSM-themed erotic romance, The Deep End, my eyebrows were raised to my hairline, my cheeks were flushed, and I couldn’t help but feel the need to cover my Kindle to prevent anyone from getting a glimpse of what I was reading. It’s that steamy. There are scenes that will make you say “holy crap” and sentences that will make you stop and do a double take. But like with any Kristen Ashley novel, The Deep End will make you feel. Kristen Ashley’s words can make your heart skip a beat then turn around and send a sharp, wrenching pain to your gut so that, even when the storyline ventures into unfamiliar territory (like with The Deep End), you still get to experience all the comforting qualities of a typical Kristen Ashley novel.

With Kristen Ashley’s Honey series, readers are introduced to the taboo world of the Bee’s Honey, an exclusive BDSM club where individuals go to indulge in sensual abandon. At the Honey, Amélie is a renowned dominatrix, who craves both a submissive and a man with whom she can share her everyday life. Enter: Olivier (a.k.a. Olly), a quick-tempered Alpha submissive with more curiosity than expertise. The attraction between the two is instantaneous, with Amélie leading Olly on a carnal journey in which they become intimately acquainted with every inch of each other’s bodies. What makes things interesting is their push-and-pull dynamic – how each challenges the other in a way neither has previously encountered. Together, they’re electric, commanding, and captivating, so much so that, once you get started, the book is impossible to put down.

Starting this book was a bit jarring at first because the connection between Amélie and Olly sprouts from a baser, physical attraction. I initially missed that emotional bond that Kristen Ashley routinely takes an extensive amount of time to build between her characters – a bond that tugs on your heartstrings and makes you emotionally invested in the relationship between those characters. Of course, once we get to know these two better, spending time with them both in and out of the Honey, that bond is established with an almost ferocious intensity. You get that butterflies-in-the-stomach, anticipatory feelings of a budding romance after they've already explored each other's deepest, darkest desires. Amélie and Olly swept me along with their emotional whirlwind of lust, affection, fear, excitement, jealousy, etc., until I was consumed by their shifting feelings. That’s the beauty of a Kristen Ashley novel, though; the author has the distinct ability to make me feel the emotions of these characters so acutely that it’s as if they have a direct line to my heartstrings (which, of course, is the case with Amélie and Olly).

The Deep End is *not* your average Kristen Ashley book. I just want to make a note of this fact because if you go into this book expecting classic KA, you *might* be in for a surprise, albeit a deliciously naughty one. This book had me swooning left and right, fanning my face and frequently exclaiming "good lawd". Not only is The Deep End about ten times steamier than any of her previous books (and there have been some steamy ones...), but it pushes boundaries – sexually and emotionally. With The Deep End, Kristen Ashley gives readers a jaw-droppingly sensual, relentlessly erotic love story, perfect for fans of 50 Shades or Anne Rice's Sleeping Beauty trilogy.

*complimentary copy provided by publisher for an honest review