Title: The Submissive
Series: The Submissive Trilogy
Author: Tara Sue Me
Genre: Erotica
Blurb: Abby King has a secret fantasy.
New York City knows Nathaniel West as the brilliant and handsome CEO of West Industries, but Abby knows he’s more. He’s also a dominant, and when she hears he’s looking for a new submissive, she applies for consideration. She’s a complete novice, but Abby yearns to experience a world of pleasure beyond her simple life as a librarian.
After one weekend with the skilled Master, Abby knows she needs more, and she fully submits to Nathaniel’s terms. He’s pleased by her willing spirit, yet her attempts to reach the man behind the rules are met with coolness.
As Abby falls in deeper, she fears Nathaniel’s heart is non-negotiable. But can she salvage her own before it’s too late?
Thoughts: Abby King is a novice to the world of BDSM, but she is intrigued by the idea, especially when she hears that Nathaniel West is in need of a new submissive. Something about Nathaniel draws her to him, and the book begins with her “interview” for her new position. Nathaniel agrees to hire her on a temporary basis, and they have a weekend together to test the waters. Nathaniel is pleased with Abby, and they enter into their special arrangement. From almost the very beginning, it’s apparent that Abby feels deeply for Nathaniel and wants more of a relationship than the dominant/submissive one. Nathaniel begins to have feelings for her as well, but due to some issues from his past, is very leery to enter in any type of permanent relationship.
I went into this book with a little bit of a negative attitude. I have to admit that I was expecting to read a knock-off book of Fifty Shades of Grey – of which I was sorely disappointed with. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this book! This book had a much more realistic feel to it, with characters that you could feel a connection with. I was very impressed with Abby – once she decided to try out this lifestyle, she went into it with her eyes wide opened. She did her homework and researched about the lifestyle she could expect as a submissive. She didn’t wander into it as naive schoolgirl. She also took steps to protect herself – she made sure her best friend knew where she was and had a plan to text each other to make sure she was safe. Abby, from the very beginning, was already thinking of something more permanent with Nathaniel. But she plays by his rules, all the while trying to worm her way into his heart.
Nathaniel was a bit cold to begin with, and – of course- a dominant. However, you catch glimpses of his caring nature and of his growing feelings for Abby. Toward the end of the book, I found myself cheering for this couple. When Nathaniel begins to push Abby away, I felt my heart ache for them both. In order for them to be together though, Nathaniel has to face his feelings, as well as some old baggage from his past. They also have to reach a compromise in their relationship, so that they both get what they need. Whether you are an avid reader of BDSM and/or Erotica, or just testing the waters, I recommend this book wholeheartedly!
I find myself eager to read the second installment The Dominant – told from Nathaniel’s perspective, which is set for release on 8/6/2013!
Rate: A
I read this a few weeks ago and I totally agree with your assessment. I wasn’t a fan of 50 Shades either, but I though The Submissive totally stood on its own and Abby and Nathaniel were so much better than Christian and Ana.