Today’s second review, since I missed yesterday.

*****

Abigail Stevens, an efficient and no-nonsense editor for one of the biggest names in the romance novel industry, has a big problem. She’s been desperately in love with Anthony Tate, Mr. Romance-Writer himself, for the last four years. She’s settled for friendship and professional success for the last four years, but now the sexy writer needs something more from her and she can’t find a reason to refuse.

Tony Tate has built a career centered on his identity as America’s most romantic writer. That identity does not include a debauched temper tantrum in the aftermath of his very public break-up with his on-again, off-again girlfriend. Tony has known that Abby has had the hots for him since the moment they met, but when his Plain Jane best friend and controlling editor ends up being his only option to exorcise his demons and pent-up sexual frustration, he can’t wait to break her prim and proper shell.

As Tony and Abby push each other farther than they’ve ever gone before, the question becomes, who will break whom?

There are a lot of people who aren’t going to like Break Me.  Tony’s treatment of Abby is horrible and she goes along with it for a long time … then she finally reaches her breaking point.

This is the first book by Autumn Stark and it’s a good start.  The sex is extremely hot, although some may not appreciate Tony’s dominance and there are times when it is almost violent.  Abby’s heart is too involved, so I understand why she lets things go as long as she does.  Tony, though, is typically clueless to his real feelings and motivations until it is almost too late.  He’s a complete jerk and his treatment of Abby definitely is beyond outrageous.  The tone changes toward the end but I’m not sure if everyone is going to appreciate his aha moment.

We get a great secondary cast and I can’t wait to see what Stark has in store for us with them.  Abby’s friend, her brothers, and Tony’s buddy have interesting stories, providing plenty of material for more books.

A decent first novel, Break Me won’t be for everyone, but it’s a good beginning for a new series.