The Story of Rachel (Tales of Pandora) by K.D. McLean

Rachel Collins is praying. And not for world peace. Thirty six years old and single, her prayer is self-centered. "Kill me now, Lord," she pleads during her latest attempt to meet Mr. Right via the Internet.

She’s not hoping for a billionaire or even a millionaire, just a guy who can strike a spark to her tinder! Is she asking too much? She's a great gal! Just ask her parents! She might be a bit naive about some things, but capable enough- she's a correspondent for a major magazine, after all. So there!

On assignment she meets Michael, 42 years old, also a writer. The attraction is immediate and intense. Rachel, who sees vanilla as only a baking ingredient, enchants him. Michael can whip up some pretty hot delights himself, outside of the kitchen. He introduces a curious Rachel to powerful experiences of sensuality. Her Ladylike sense of propriety engages in a running battle with her now sparked Tinderbox desires.

Michael is an excellent cook and knows how to turn up the heat. Sampling the flavors offered, Rachel experiences humorous hiccups. On a date, Michael ramps up the risqué, resulting in a memorable skirt swirling salsa dance. Rachel's "What the hell, I ain't getting any younger" attitude spurs Michael to take her to the exclusive, adults only club Pandora's. Here, Rachel witnesses even more variations of earthly delights, and begins a lifelong friendship with another guest.

Michael is a realist, convinced that within 90 days, his affair with Rachel will be but another painful memory of loss. He is neither willing nor able to yell 'Geronimo' and fall for her. He can't, and that's that.

Maybe he should just get a damn dog.

This modern, urban, grown up love story is a recipe –three cups romance and one cup of slapdash humor. Blend in spices of eroticism, and beat until smooth.

Review:
Let me start off by saying that I liked this book, the main character Rachel is really funny. I laughed so hard I cried at some of things she did or said. I liked that she was innocent and things with Michael were like a whole new world to her. Michael is into BDSM and Rachel is interested to learn what that is. The book breaks it down and explains it, but it's not the hardcore stuff that you are use to or you think you know. This is more like the sesame street of BDSM, a softer side.

At times when they weren't together I struggled to keep my attention on the story, but over all I really enjoyed this book. I connected more with Rachel than Michael, his character was good, but I think maybe he was just a little too old for me. I like that there's more to the story than just sex, Michael has a past and poor Rachel has had the worst luck with men, meeting one loser after another. That being said, and with her past relationships you would think she would be a little more experienced. At times it seemed she was a little too innocent.

I am looking forward to reading more from K.D. McLean and can't wait for more Tales of Pandora

You can find The Story of Rachel at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Goodreads.