GIVING IT UP is the first in a new series, Pushing the Boundaries, by Audra North with a different take on BDSM. Beatrice Lawrence is the photographer for her friends' wedding, and she has some very heated desires for one of the men in the wedding party, Warren Davis. For reasons unknown to her, he seems to have a strong dislike for her and seems to go to great length to ruin every shot by avoiding any effort she makes to get his picture. Beatrice is determined that he will not ruin her biggest photography job so when he dodges her to make a phone call she follows him.

S.W.A.T. officer Warren Davis does not have a strong dislike to Beatrice like she thinks, but he really has some dark desires for her. Because of all of his obligations, there is no room in his life for any kind of relationship. As far as Warren is concerned, Beatrice is too innocent for the type of desires he has, but he is totally floored when Beatrice hears his phone conversation with a professional Domme and suggests he hire her instead.

GIVING IT UP is a different type of BDSM novel from the others I have read. The Dommes usually are male, but in GIVING IT UP, Beatrice is a wanna-be Domme who does research to figure out what her Sub needs. I am looking forward to the next book to see what direction Pushing the Boundaries takes.

Beatrice is totally out of her element but is willing to do whatever Warren needs. She puts her feelings on the line to show Warren she wants more with him. Warren has taken on so many family obligations and has never provided time for himself. The one relationship he had fell apart when a family crisis happened, and after that he decides he does not have room in life for anything permanent. Even though Beatrice is willing to step out of her comfort zone, she is reluctant when is comes to her career decisions.

Both Beatrice and Warren will learn lessons in pursuing and following through on their desires. They both learn that Pushing the Boundaries leads to a much desired world where giving up control is quite fulfilling. GIVING IT UP is a story about realizing your self worth, trust, and giving up control.