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naaytaashreads's review against another edition
3.0
"Thank you for your acceptance, your forgiveness, your willingness to allow me back in your life. Thank you for not giving up on me, on us, even though I had."
I was surprised I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
I came into this book really on the fence that it was the same timeline as the first book but just a different POV.
With the first book, I think I spoke about how I wish we have gotten Nathaniel's POV so we know his story and what he felt.
I should have been glad I have gotten it from this book but I was nervous in the beginning like do we need a whole book of his POV of the same timeline, but I am glad we got it.
The plotline brush of whatever happens in the first book which I am glad about.
It really focuses on Nathaniel's feelings, thoughts, insecurities and past.
I just want to hug give and protect him from everything!
"I wanted nothing more than to take her in my arms and tell her everything. To murmur in her ear how much I wanted her. How much I needed her. To tell her she was my one percent - my something special. To fucking kiss her."
I was surprised I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
I came into this book really on the fence that it was the same timeline as the first book but just a different POV.
With the first book, I think I spoke about how I wish we have gotten Nathaniel's POV so we know his story and what he felt.
I should have been glad I have gotten it from this book but I was nervous in the beginning like do we need a whole book of his POV of the same timeline, but I am glad we got it.
The plotline brush of whatever happens in the first book which I am glad about.
It really focuses on Nathaniel's feelings, thoughts, insecurities and past.
I just want to hug give and protect him from everything!
"I wanted nothing more than to take her in my arms and tell her everything. To murmur in her ear how much I wanted her. How much I needed her. To tell her she was my one percent - my something special. To fucking kiss her."
jamiesbookaddiction's review
3.0
I am so happy to finally get Nathaniel's POV. However, I still feel like we missed out on some things. His reasons for how he was with Abby just never really came together for me. What intrigued him so much with her? Was it because she was helping someone? I mean, the author doesn't seem to ever really describe what Abby looks like. Just basic statements like she's beautiful. But we never truly get why he thinks of Abby as his 1%, the piece he was missing. We also never really understand why he's so insecure with himself. There has to be a deeper issue why he is this way but there's nothing. He has been a dominant for 10 years, but he really doesn't seem like he is truly one.
So for me, I'm glad we got more from his POV. But I was expecting more. This was his book. This was the opportunity to make us all see his character and I feel like it just felt short. Way short.
So for me, I'm glad we got more from his POV. But I was expecting more. This was his book. This was the opportunity to make us all see his character and I feel like it just felt short. Way short.
tsukikomew's review against another edition
3.0
This review was posted at Tsuki's Book Blog on September 2, 2013.
About a month or so ago I reviewed "The Submissive" on a 'similar to 50 shades' kick. I really enjoyed the relatively short book and thought myself lucky to find the book on NetGalley. I snatched it up and then naturally didn't read it until the paper copy came out in August. That's sort of the story of my reading and review life.
This book followed the same exact story of "The Submissive" but followed Nathaniel's point of view. For those of you who haven't read the first book (which is doable due to it cover the same material), this follows the romance between Dominant Nathaniel and submissive Abby. Abby seeks out Nathaniel to be her Dominant and he accepts because he's obsessed with her. There are two rules. One Abby cannot kiss him on the lips and two, 'turpentine' is her safe word. As the romance unfolds, the two dance around deepening their romance all while battling Nathaniel's emotional issues.
I'm always a fan of getting the hero's point of view. If you are like me then this is a great book for you. The entire book is spent inside Nathaniel's head. We get all of his issues, feelings, worries, etc. and it was fantastic. Nathaniel was inherently flawed which always makes for excellent reading. I loved spending time with him and getting a sense of why he acted the way he acted in the first book. To be honest I thought he was a little bit douchy in the first book but this explained some of his behavior.
While the story was the same I was delighted to get some of the conversations only hinted at in the first one. Occasionally someone appeared mad at Nathaniel or Nathaniel seemed to struggle with Abby's decisions. In this case we got the other side. I got to understand why Nathaniel acted a certain way and his reactions to the way Abby was insecure. At the same time I got to read the conversations he had with Elaina, Todd, and Jackson. I also liked his musings on his failed relationship which was mentioned but not heavily utilized in the first book.
I had issues over the lengthy quality of the book which seemed nearly double to the first one. In the first book I had issues with the rushed relationship even though months passed. A short book made it hard for me to believe the relationship. In this book I struggled with the exact opposite. In the first book some scenes lasted a paragraph and chapters were short. This one had pages and pages of the same scene with Nathaniel agonizing over everything. It was tedious to say the least. I actually struggled to finish the book.
Overall it was a fun read and would have been better to read simultaneously with "The Submissive". It would have been interesting to get the whole story at once instead of getting half a month earlier. It was a good book if you're looking for a book in the vein of 50 shades. I'm excited to read the third book which will be coming out soon. "The Training" sounds awesome.
3 Stars
Published by NAL Trade
August 6, 2013
400 Pages
Provided by--the Library and NetGalley
About a month or so ago I reviewed "The Submissive" on a 'similar to 50 shades' kick. I really enjoyed the relatively short book and thought myself lucky to find the book on NetGalley. I snatched it up and then naturally didn't read it until the paper copy came out in August. That's sort of the story of my reading and review life.
This book followed the same exact story of "The Submissive" but followed Nathaniel's point of view. For those of you who haven't read the first book (which is doable due to it cover the same material), this follows the romance between Dominant Nathaniel and submissive Abby. Abby seeks out Nathaniel to be her Dominant and he accepts because he's obsessed with her. There are two rules. One Abby cannot kiss him on the lips and two, 'turpentine' is her safe word. As the romance unfolds, the two dance around deepening their romance all while battling Nathaniel's emotional issues.
I'm always a fan of getting the hero's point of view. If you are like me then this is a great book for you. The entire book is spent inside Nathaniel's head. We get all of his issues, feelings, worries, etc. and it was fantastic. Nathaniel was inherently flawed which always makes for excellent reading. I loved spending time with him and getting a sense of why he acted the way he acted in the first book. To be honest I thought he was a little bit douchy in the first book but this explained some of his behavior.
While the story was the same I was delighted to get some of the conversations only hinted at in the first one. Occasionally someone appeared mad at Nathaniel or Nathaniel seemed to struggle with Abby's decisions. In this case we got the other side. I got to understand why Nathaniel acted a certain way and his reactions to the way Abby was insecure. At the same time I got to read the conversations he had with Elaina, Todd, and Jackson. I also liked his musings on his failed relationship which was mentioned but not heavily utilized in the first book.
I had issues over the lengthy quality of the book which seemed nearly double to the first one. In the first book I had issues with the rushed relationship even though months passed. A short book made it hard for me to believe the relationship. In this book I struggled with the exact opposite. In the first book some scenes lasted a paragraph and chapters were short. This one had pages and pages of the same scene with Nathaniel agonizing over everything. It was tedious to say the least. I actually struggled to finish the book.
Overall it was a fun read and would have been better to read simultaneously with "The Submissive". It would have been interesting to get the whole story at once instead of getting half a month earlier. It was a good book if you're looking for a book in the vein of 50 shades. I'm excited to read the third book which will be coming out soon. "The Training" sounds awesome.
3 Stars
Published by NAL Trade
August 6, 2013
400 Pages
Provided by--the Library and NetGalley
pearlbrook's review against another edition
5.0
Summary: This is the book that introduced me to the scene eight years ago, and I have loved every moment of my journey.
BDSM erotica. Nathaniel and Abby have pined over each other for years without the other knowing. Now Abby takes the chance to explore BDSM for the first time, as Nathaniel's submissive. He tries to keep emotion out of the relationship but is that possible for these two? Expect a butt load (hehe) of sex, BDSM scenes which are relatively light but include some corporal punishment, and a bit of angst.
Time for a history lesson: this is the book that introduced me to BDSM. Back around 2009 it was available for free online and it was the first kinky romance I ever read. This book is directly responsible for the wonderful eight years I have spent so far on my local scene and I have done and enjoyed a whole lot more than I ever dreamt of. No, this book isn't perfect. Yes, if this particular couple was in a real life relationship it would be super concerning. But it's also a great read - better than 50 Shades, you can't change my mind - and is a reasonable gateway book into the kinds of things you can get up to if you so desire. More below.
This book is an alternative POV of book 1 ([b:The Submissive|17407233|The Submissive (Submissive, #1)|Tara Sue Me|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1361512956l/17407233._SX50_.jpg|21489886]), so I'm going to link you to my review of that book and then talk about why this one gets a higher rating.
FYI: this book was written before 50 Shades was. They were both fanfics, but The Submissive was written first.
Main review!
Spoiler
Character rating: 7/10
Plot rating: 9/10
Setting rating: 10/10
Overall rating: 9/10
Why this book is better than Book 1: This book is told from the point of view of Nathaniel, someone who has experience in BDSM and understands how to scene. Why is this important? We get to witness his inner acknowledgement of how terrible his manipulation of the safeword idea is; we get to hear him being lambasted for failing to provide necessary aftercare, and we get a better view of how scenes *should* be run. This is so far beyond important that I cannot stress enough how vital this knowledge is. It takes the series from a "maybe slightly dodgy author daydream" to a more realistic, safe understanding of an M/s relationship. The issues are still there, but I feel like they're properly recognised and addressed.
There are also a few parts of book one that are very much a "fade to black" moment. In this book we get to see those moments! It made the book longer but it was so worth it.
In general, this book really fleshed out who Nathaniel is and what his motivations are. He became a more likeable person and that can only benefit the series.
Final opinion: I'm biased about this book because it catalysed my own BDSM journey. But I would recommend giving this whole series a read if you are interested in the lifestyle, or simply want a bit of good BDSM erotica. And if you have any questions about the book or the scene, please feel free to ask in the comments!
stucknbooks14's review against another edition
4.0
my review of The Submissive is more detailed
As a second book in a series rarely does, The Dominant keeps up with The Submissive. Which is surprising, since they're essentially the same story. And although I liked being in Abigail's thoughts, I enjoyed being in Nathaniel's head space even more.
this is my review for The Submissive:
I was recommended this series, and again made the decision to read at least the first one to give it a try. Very quickly I needed more. If you're looking for the perfect D/S relationship book, THIS is the one to dive into! Toss your Fifty Shades and Replace it with Submissive. It's got the D/S hook, it's smutty, it's cheesy, it's instalove, it's complicated, it's fun. When you want to read a D/S book because you're interested in how things could be in the community or because you're in the community, this is the way to go. It has an equal amount of instalove, D/S, and romance. A sweet balance of sweet and spicy. But if you're going to start this one, be prepared to read more of the series.
9/10 Romance
<10/10 Series
As a second book in a series rarely does, The Dominant keeps up with The Submissive. Which is surprising, since they're essentially the same story. And although I liked being in Abigail's thoughts, I enjoyed being in Nathaniel's head space even more.
this is my review for The Submissive:
I was recommended this series, and again made the decision to read at least the first one to give it a try. Very quickly I needed more. If you're looking for the perfect D/S relationship book, THIS is the one to dive into! Toss your Fifty Shades and Replace it with Submissive. It's got the D/S hook, it's smutty, it's cheesy, it's instalove, it's complicated, it's fun. When you want to read a D/S book because you're interested in how things could be in the community or because you're in the community, this is the way to go. It has an equal amount of instalove, D/S, and romance. A sweet balance of sweet and spicy. But if you're going to start this one, be prepared to read more of the series.
9/10 Romance
<10/10 Series
eurynome's review against another edition
3.0
2nd half was definitely better. His understanding of being dominant is a bit dangerous to the submissive. At least he learned.
calyx018's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
lassarina's review
2.0
I really liked The Submissive. This book is basically that one from the "hero's" point of view, and I just found him very tiresome. I wasn't that interested in rehashing the same storyline, and as it turns out, Nathaniel is even more of a dickbag from inside his own head than he was from inside Abby's! God, shut up, Nathaniel. The sex scenes were still hot, but ugh.
kdswhite's review
3.0
The series does have a not-as-dark Fifty Shades feel. Nathaniel and Abby are not so much tortured by their demons as on a road of self-discovery together. The Submissive (first book in series)was well written and interesting. However, I rarely feel that a book with the same exact story told from a different POV is needed. The Dominant just didn't didn't give me that much more insight into either character and I skipped many parts becuase I simply didn't feel like re-reading the story. Yes, I enjoy seeing into the heads of both characters, but I feel that is best done in snippets on a website or as an added chapter or two in the next book that include really interesting added info. I recieved the paperback version of The Dominant from Goodreads First-Reads for an honest review.