Sandy M’s review of The Dominant (Submissive Trilogy, Book 2) by Tara Sue Me
Contemporary Erotic Romance published by NAL Trade 6 Aug 13
Ever since I turned the last page of The Submissive, I’ve been waiting for Nathaniel’s story. I know there’s probably a number of readers out there who won’t like the fact that this book shares some of the same scenes with the previous one, only from the hero’s POV. But what sets this book apart is the depth of character we get in Nathaniel, the vulnerable, insecure side of him.
Don’t let the little bit of repetition deter you from reading this story. Just remember you’re in Nathaniel’s head and I think you’ll do fine with it. When we finally begin to see deeper into his heart and soul, the scenes are no longer as repetitious as those in the early chapters. I actually like this idea of writing nearly the same book in another character’s POV. I like seeing the different reactions than we got the first time around. Because, as they say, men and women are wired differently, every emotion and feeling is quite varied throughout this book.
While we see at first a confident, strong, and sometimes benevolent man, this is the person Nathaniel shows the world. He is all that, of course, but I love seeing behind the facade. Especially when it comes to Abby. He tries to keep her at arm’s length when she first comes to him as his submissive. He’s actually abrupt and very, very controlling in that regard. Sometimes even a jerk. Yes, as much as I like the man, he is a jerk in the beginning. And this is even more glaring because of Abby’s kind and gentle nature. But he has his reasons and he does change as the story goes along.
I really enjoyed seeing how Nathaniel falls in love with Abby. He feels he’s not capable of loving a woman in the traditional way, being a resolute dominant. But you begin to see the little details that he subconsciously, at first, lets slip when he’s with Abby more than just their weekends together. His dawning realization in the change of his feelings toward her is fascinating to watch. But then, just when you think all is well in their world, the bottom drops out, and Nathaniel has so much groveling to do at that point. That being said, their black moment is a bit anti-climatic, but it works despite that fact.
More changes are in store for Nathaniel. Aside from the groveling, he knows he has to learn how to have Abby in his life without his control taking over every aspect of her life all the time. He’s one lucky SOB to have found this particular woman, so he’d better do it right. As with all relationships, this one is work. Probably even more so with their dual life, so to speak. But as long as they work together and there’s compromise, there should be a long and happy life ahead for them. Which is what, I believe, we’ll get when The Training is released later this year. Or at least something along those lines. I mean, training can go both ways.
Both of these characters are quite likeable and sympathetic. Both have secrets that need to be shared and consequences to be had once those secrets are revealed. The secondary characters have much more depth to them this time around, since most are friends of Nathaniel’s, so we get a closer look at them here. Though this is probably a stand-alone book, I would recommend you read The Submissive first. I think you’ll just enjoy the experience of it all the more if you do. This is definitely a series of books that reading back to back would be beneficial. So if you’re not started it yet, the last is out in October, not all that far away. That would definitely be an experience.
Grade: B
Summary:
Nathaniel West doesn’t lose control.
As the playboy CEO of West Industries, he governs the boardroom during the day; as a strict dominant with exacting rules, he commands the bedroom at night. He never takes on inexperienced submissives, but when Abigail King’s application comes across his desk, he breaks his own restrictions and decides to test her limits.
Abby’s combination of innocence and willingness is intoxicating, and Nathaniel is soon determined to collar her as his own. As long as she follows his orders and surrenders herself fully to him, no one will get hurt.
But when Nathaniel begins falling for Abby on a deeper level, he realizes that the trust must go both ways—and he has secrets which could bring the foundations of their entire relationship crashing down…
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
