Veena’s review of The Collar (Submissive Series, Book 7) by Tara Sue Me
Erotic Romance published by NAL 07 Jul 15
I’ve enjoyed the progression of Nathaniel and Abby’s story and the evolution of their relationship. This stand-alone story about a couple we’ve met and speculated about in the past stories makes for a refreshing change of pace. In some ways this story feels like a clearing of the palate before the next course of Nathaniel and Abby in the continuous evolution of their story. I find this book a deeply satisfying emotional feast for the senses with the edge of danger and suspense that runs through the reconnection and baring of baggage.
Dena and Jeff have a history. She was once his collared submissive, and while they seem to both lead independent lives, it is clear that neither has really moved on from the past. Their back story is an emotional sucker punch as we finally learn how they came together and the traumatic events that separated them.
Just as Jeff has finally made the decision to cut the final threads that tie him to the D/s group they both belong to and move out of town, he finds out that Dena has a stalker. All the old feelings are resurrected and the two try to find a way to air their baggage and find a way to work past it to be together. This is an interesting story because they’re both in love with each other and yet can’t seem to find a way to get back together, once they took the steps to step away from each other.
The signature D/s encounters that are so much a part of these stories are all there, but in many ways I find this story more emotionally enriching than some of the main stories featuring Nathaniel and Abby. While D/s seems to emphasize transparency and honesty and absolute truth, their insecurities earlier prevented them from truly dropping all their walls. Now that they have a second chance, can they truly shed pride and insecurity and bare all to each other to forge the connection they need?
I enjoyed this story and I think the ending is beautifully done. Clearly the next book will go back to Nathaniel and Abby and I can’t wait to see where their relationship will go next.
Grade: A
Summary:
The New York Times bestselling author of The Submissive returns with a scintillating new tale about power, danger, and jaw-dropping passion….
Nathaniel and Abby are struggling to navigate the challenging waters of their own relationship, when they get a surprising phone call from their partners in play, Dena and Jeff, who are in need of a helping hand…
Seven years ago, blonde, beautiful lawyer Dena Jenkins was tired of her carefully controlled life. Desperate for something exhilarating to help her escape the pressures of her demanding job and her senator father, she joined a steamy, local BDSM club as a submissive. There she met brooding Dominant, Jeff. The attraction between them was undeniable, and, despite Dena’s doubts, they couldn’t stay away from each other.
Except, as the years have passed, their blazing connection has proven difficult to maintain. Dena and Jeff have a history they’d rather forget, but Dena can’t let go of the past, and Jeff is ready to move across the country to give her space. Now, to save their passion, they’ll have to rediscover what it means to trust each other—and give themselves to each other completely…
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
