"a story the reader will not soon forget"

Needing a break from the stress of the international finance conference she was working, Beth Nakamura heads to a local bookstore for a much needed escape. While browsing the shelves for an interesting erotic title, she is intrigued by the deep and sexy voice of an eavesdropped phone conversation. When a troubled woman enters the store with her abusive boyfriend on her heels, ex-ranger Sean Lindstrom efficiently handles the situation. When Beth sees the gorgeous, blond Viking in action, the force of her attraction will allow nothing but action.

When Sean stopped by the bookstore to check on his rental property, he never expected to encounter this exotic beauty or for their chance meeting to spark a heated desire that threatens to consume them both. After their fervent encounter in the bookstore, Beth agrees to spend a weekend with Sean in which they will indulge each other's fantasies. Beth sees this as an opportunity to burn off some sexual energy with man who enjoys being submissive to her dominance; she is not looking for a serious relationship. Sean is in awe of this beautiful woman who has allowed him, for the first time, to explore his interest in a D/s relationship. As their fantasy weekend unfolds, the intensity, both emotional and physical, of their relationship takes them both by surprise. Sean is ready to make a commitment but Beth does not believe that Sean can fulfill her needs. Though she cannot deny that she has feelings for Sean, he is not a Switch; someone who can be both dominate and submissive. Beth cannot fool herself into thinking she could be happy with anything less; it would not be fair to Sean or herself.

THE SWITCH is a highly erotic, deeply emotional, character driven story. The hero and heroine, Sean and Beth, are both carrying a lot of emotional baggage. Sean, a twelve- year widow of a loveless marriage, has never trusted anyone enough to share his deepest desires and fantasies. Raising a son on his own, he has always put duty and responsibility ahead of his own needs. Beth is struggling with demons of her own. Being the child of Scottish and Japanese parents, she has never felt accepted by either culture, and feels unfulfilled despite her successful career with the U.S. Treasury. Having lost her sensual "teacher" in the September 11th attacks and then being humiliated by her cheating ex-fiancé, she is very vulnerable emotionally. This couple's journey toward trust is one the reader will not soon forget.

Ms. Whiteside has penned a story that is at once incredibly tender and so extraordinarily steamy it scorches the pages. This moving story is an outstanding example of what the genre can and should strive to be.

Reviewed by Dee Gentle
Courtesy Paranormal Romance Reviews
Posted January 7, 2006

Read an Excerpt

Originally published in e-book format by Ellora's Cave - this is an expanded edition of the original.

Summary

Sean Lindstrom is a former Army Ranger and an all-around Alpha Male. He'd also like a lover to focus on him for a change—maybe even walk on the wild side...But as a widower busy raising a teenage son, it's been years since Sean has had time for pleasure of any kind.

Beth Nakamura is a high-powered US Treasury executive, with a passion for both multi-billion dollar negotiations and high-intensity sexuality. Still aching from the loss of the lover and mentor she lost, she comes to Seattle for a high-stakes business conference.

When she meets Sean in a bookstore, both believe they've found the perfect one-night stand. Given their respective responsibilities and past experience, falling in love is not on his agenda. Or hers.

But fate has other ideas...