Sensational erotica isn't just about scorching sex scenes, it also has a strong plot and well developed characters; Tiffany Reizes' The Siren is sensational erotica.

The plot is incredibly layered, and continues to get more in-depth the further into the story you get, creating an addictive book that completely hooks the reader body and soul.  Yet the writing is such that there is no confusion as you may often find in books with this level of plot structure, it reads as easily as a light romance.

This is a multi-layered story that really breaks down into three plot streams.

Our main plot has erotica writer Nora, Trying to write, or rather rewrite her first novel with "big" publisher, Royal House, and trying to win the respect of her editor Zach; an uphill battle as the very staid Englishman can’t see how a smut writer could really be worth his time and effort.

Our secondary plot comes from the story that is being told within the novel. A very sensual, very sexual story, that ties in perfectly with the main story.

Third plot comes from the historical revel of Nora's former relationship, the relationship and lifestyle she’s not trying to hide from Zach, but is really rather hoping he doesn’t find out about too soon. This bit of intrigue fills in the back-story as we go, and creates new layers to the current story.

As a side line to the development of Nora and Zach, there is also the slow understanding of Zach and his secrets.

I adore Nora as a character, her strength, her love for live, her emotional turmoil, her confidence, her weakness, she isn’t just a character in a book, but became a three dimensional person who was sharing her life, even though this was written in third person, and often more from the angle of Zach than from Nora's view.

This is not just a book of cheap thrills (although there are thrills), but it also provides an exciting journey of exploration and understanding. Delving into the world of BDSM from an emotional and psychological view, not just from the view of how to swing a whip,  The Siren really makes sure the reader knows what is going on, the how's and the whys, yet this is written as a natural part of the story. It’s an intensely absorbing window into a brilliantly created world.

I cried buckets at the ending. I found it emotionally intense, both happy and sad, but I have heard of others who found the ending to be "right” but not necessarily happy. I guess it all depends on what you thought ending should be, but for me it was the perfect happy ending.

This is only the first book in the series, but it is complete in itself, although has certainly provided groundwork for much further exploration. The twists are wonderfully developed, the characters are real, the plot is well crafted, and the pacing perfect; I’m sorry, but I just cannot find anything I did not enjoy in Tiffany Reisz’ The Siren. Buy one to re-read and one to loan (or maybe two to loan, I don’t think you’ll get it back).