To Serve is Divine by R.E. Hargrave

Synopsis:
Catherine O’Chancey is a reserved, demure, and graceful submissive. All traits she trained hard to enhance when she discovered the world of Dominance and submission in college. In an attempt to start fresh after the unexpected death of her last Dom, Catherine moves to Dallas, TX to escape the shroud of darkness he left behind in her life. She has tried to fight the need that resides deep within her to submit, but finally has to admit she can’t for it is not a choice, but part of who she truly is. After months of mental preparation, she ventures back into the lifestyle by attending a coveted open-night event at Dungeons and Dreams, an exclusive BDSM club.

Is it fate or coincidence that Catherine garners the attention of one of the club’s board members who happens to be on the hunt for the perfect sub – a partner who enjoys receiving pain and pleasure as much as he enjoys doling it out?

Jayden Masterson is many things: a firm Dom, a shrewd businessman, and a gentleman. What he isn’t, is someone who partakes in relationships outside of contractual ones with his multiple, un-collared, regular submissives. While he likes rough sex, he is not an animal, and can find pleasure only if it is consensual. What his harem is missing is a pain slut; could there be one in his future?Upon meeting Catherine, Jayden feels an instantaneous spark inside him that has him wanting to know not just her body, but her mind. He wants to unravel her mysteries and discover her secrets. Through pain can they find the pleasure they seek? Can part-time pain lovers find full-time fulfillment when it’s not in their contract?

My Review:
At first I expected this to be a typical BDSM novel. You know the kind, sex scene after sex scene where the female is humiliated and the man is an ass without any substance or plot. Thankfully, this book is NOT like that! I was drawn to Catherine in a way that I felt sorry for her loneliness in life. She shows us that she is strong and knows who she is and what she wants, which is rare for someone her age. Jayden is the mega-mogul who controls everything in his life. He even uses his secretary as a submissive. Of course, I thought about the possible sexual harassment suit, but that doesn't seem to be his concern. Jayden keeps multiple submissives, but feels drawn to Catherine. He can't explain why, but he just is. As we follow this story, we watch their "relationship" blossom and change. We are left hanging at the end, but in a way that only makes me want to read the next book! 4 out of 5!