Review: The Siren by Tiffany Reisz

The Siren
Book 1 in the Original Sinners series
Author:  Tiffany Reisz
Publisher:  Harlequin
Author's website:  Link

In the world of kink authors, she's the top.

Notorious Nora Sutherlin is famous for her delicious works of erotica, each one more popular with readers than the last. But her latest manuscript is different—more serious, more personal—and she's sure it'll be her breakout book...if it ever sees the light of day.

Zachary Easton holds Nora's fate in his well-manicured hands. The demanding British editor agrees to handle the book on one condition: he wants complete control. Nora must rewrite the entire novel to his exacting standards—in six weeks—or it's no deal.

Nora's grueling writing sessions with Zach are draining…and shockingly arousing. And a dangerous former lover has her wondering which is more torturous—staying away from him...or returning to his bed?

Nora thought she knew everything about being pushed to your limits. But in a world where passion is pain, nothing is ever that simple.

Once in a while I'll read something that is completely different from what I'm used to reading and takes me out of my comfort zone...and that is good thing.  Every now and then I need to read something that gives me a challenge.  You see, reading the same type of books over and over can get very boring.  That is exactly what I was dealing with before I started The Siren. I've read some books in the past that contained BDSM in them, but The Siren has so much more.  A storyline that will having your jaw dropping while reading it.  Unforgettable characters that are multidimensional and unforgettable.  Excellent writing that manages to keep the readers entertained and trying to guess what will happen next.  

At the heart of the story is Nora Sutherlin who has written erotica books in the past. She is currently writing a new erotic book with a new publishing company and Zachary Easton has been asked to be her editor.  Zach doesn't want to accept this job because he feels as if erotica books have no substance.  After meeting Nora and realizing that she's willing to do whatever he says to make this book happen, he agrees to edit it.  Together they are able to turn her book into something that makes them both proud.  But there are challenges along the way.  They are both attracted to one another and agree that nothing can happen while they are working on the book.  This doesn't stop them from flirting with one another and the attraction grows as they get to know one another better.  It's at this time that the reader gets to know the characters better as well. Nora had something to prove to herself; that she could challenge herself and finish this book.  We get to see so many different facets to her character while she travels on this journey to get to the finish line.  She's a teacher, a nurturer, and a legend in her own right.  Zach discovers this about her during different parts of the book and she opens his eyes to a whole new world.  Secrets are revealed throughout the book that allows the characters to push each other to discover certain truths about themselves. This is when Tiffany Reisz's writing truly shines as the characters have to look inside themselves and think about their past decisions and mistakes.  Nora has quite the past that has shaped her into the woman that she has become.  I felt that she had an inner strength that gave her the ability to be comfortable with who she is.  But at the same time, there were times when I just wished that I could grab her from the book and hold her so tight.  She's been through so much and while we learn about her past and relationships with others, I feel that there is so much to learn about her.  Zach continues to revisit his past and while he's made some steps in the hope of a happier future, it takes an eye opening experience from Nora to help him achieve that.  Zach is a different man by the end of the book because of the different things he experienced throughout the book.  There is more to his journey and I can't wait to read more about him.

I'm giving The Siren a rating of:

The Siren is one of the most thought provoking and shockingly intense books that I have read.  I felt very overwhelmed at the end of the book as the story and characters remained fresh in my mind.  There were a few scenes that made were uncomfortable to me, but I felt that they added so much to the story and gave the me a glimpse into the characters a little more.  I had so many questions when I finished the book, with the main one being Why? Why were the characters the way that they were.  While the main focus of the book is on the main characters, the secondary characters were just as important as they so much a part of Nora and Zach's life. One of those secondary characters is Soren who was a huge part of Nora's past. He is extremely intense and absolutely terrified me. Soren has an air of mystery about him and left me wanting to know more about the man that he is.  His character is just another example of the great writing by the author. I thought I would loathe this man and after finishing the book he stayed on my mind.  The Siren truly left me questioning so many things and I was so happy to learn that it's the 1st book in a 4 part series.  With The Siren being so intense, I can only imagine how the other books in the series will be.  This book will definitely make it on my end of the year post for favorite books of the year for sure.  My review only scratches the surface on how great it really was and I would highly recommend it to anyone that's looking for a book that will truly consume you while you are reading it.