Erotica Review: PAST MIDNIGHT by Jasmine Haynes

Title: Past Midnight
Author: Jasmine Haynes
Series: DeKnight #1
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Publication Date: May 3, 2011
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis:
Erin and Dominic had the perfect life—until a devastating blow rocked their marriage to the core. Now they only reconnect after dark, when sleepless nights become hours of ecstasy as they soothe emotional pain with physical pleasure—but still wake up feeling distant and alone.

Dominic refuses to give up on the relationship. To save their marriage, he sets up erotic adventures that take them far beyond the boundaries of both their comfort zones. As their love life moves from the privacy of their bedroom to public parties and sex retreats where anything is possible, will Dominic and Erin form a deeper bond…or will they lose it all?

Review:
A year after a devastating loss ruined their lives, Dominic and Erin still haven’t healed from their wounds. Erin will turn to Dominic in the hours past midnight, seeking physical pleasure to ease her pain, but in the light of the day their marriage is in shambles. Dominic refuses to give up on Erin and seeks out ways to connect with his wife again, even if it’s only the physical.

My heart broke for Erin and Dominic as I read this. Their pain was a tangible thing that hung in the air between them. Both of their need for physical pleasure, for sex, to assuage their pain and guilt was real. The sex and the fantasies played out in this one really served to show the connection, or their need for connection, since their world had fallen apart. I do like that both Erin and Dominic had been married for 15 years, so they know each other and are comfortable with each other sexually to play out their fantasies.

Wow, once again I have to tip my hat to Ms. Haynes for the flaming-hot sex and the fantasies, including voyeurism, threesomes, and exhibitionism. The fantasies Erin and Dominic played out were so very out-of-the-box and out-of-the-comfort zone for me, but as I was reading it, I was fascinated by what Erin or Dominic will do, whether they will go through with it or not, and about the consequences of acting out those fantasies. I cheered from the get go because these are two people who have suffered enough.

Near the end, it did drag a little and became a bit repetitive. Erin and Dominic act out their fantasy, then Erin shuts down, over and over again. I was ready to scream at Erin to just get over herself and come clean!

I really enjoyed Past Midnight and can’t wait to read more of Ms. Haynes works. I definitely recommend this to erotica fans!