As you’d guess from noticing that the publisher is Nexus, the word ‘punishment’ in the title relates to erotic flagellation, and a glance at the cover makes it clear that we’re talking the M/F variety of this genre. The book concerns the exploits of a female submissive, named Indigo, in her efforts to acquire a very rare publication, in competition with a number of dominant males. This basic scenario provides the opportunity for a number of encounters between dominants and submissives, not all of which support the ‘obvious’ notion that dominants actually dominate, except in the practical sense of wielding a rod, strap or other instrument over the vulnerable rear of his partner. Indigo manages to engineer many situations in which she is able to show her tolerance of humiliation and pain, and the plot contains some interesting twists and turns. There are elements of tightly stretched rubber and leather clothing in the story which will please some aficionados. The book is well written and fast paced, descriptive without being obsessive on any particular ‘kink’, and it a good contribution to the genre. ( )