The Submissive (Submissive #1)

The story follows the life of Abby King, a young woman who works as a librarian in New York City. Abby is a shy and reserved person who has never been in a serious relationship before. However, she has always been curious about BDSM and the power dynamics that come with it. One day, she decides to explore this curiosity by attending a BDSM club in the city.

At the club, Abby meets Nathaniel West, a wealthy and successful businessman who is also a dominant in the BDSM world. Nathaniel is immediately drawn to Abby and offers to train her as his submissive. Abby is hesitant at first, but she is also intrigued by Nathaniel and the world he represents. She agrees to become his submissive and begins a journey of self-discovery and sexual exploration.

The relationship between Abby and Nathaniel is complex and intense. Nathaniel is a demanding and controlling dominant who expects complete obedience from his submissives. He is also a caring and attentive lover who wants to help Abby explore her sexuality and push her boundaries. Abby, on the other hand, is a submissive who is eager to please Nathaniel and fulfill his every desire. She is also a strong and independent woman who struggles to reconcile her submissive desires with her feminist beliefs.

The audiobook version of The Submissive does an excellent job of capturing the emotional intensity of Abby and Nathaniel’s relationship. Sasha Pick’s narration is clear and expressive, and she does a great job of conveying the characters’ emotions and motivations. Her voice is also well-suited to the erotic content of the book, which is both sensual and explicit.

One of the strengths of The Submissive is its exploration of the power dynamics in BDSM relationships. The book does not shy away from the fact that BDSM involves a power imbalance between the dominant and the submissive. Nathaniel is a powerful and wealthy man who has complete control over Abby’s life and sexuality. However, the book also shows that this power dynamic can be consensual and empowering for both parties. Abby willingly submits to Nathaniel’s control and finds pleasure in her submission. Nathaniel, in turn, is responsible for Abby’s safety and well-being and takes his role as a dominant seriously.

Another strength of The Submissive is its portrayal of Abby as a strong and independent woman. Despite her submissive desires, Abby is not a passive or weak character. She is intelligent, resourceful, and capable of standing up for herself. She also struggles with the conflict between her submissive desires and her feminist beliefs, which adds depth and complexity to her character.

The book also explores the emotional and psychological aspects of BDSM. Abby and Nathaniel’s relationship is not just about sex and power; it is also about trust, intimacy, and emotional connection. The book shows how BDSM can be a way for people to explore their deepest desires and vulnerabilities and to form deep emotional bonds with their partners.

However, The Submissive is not without its flaws. The book’s plot is somewhat predictable, and the characters are not particularly well-developed. Nathaniel, in particular, is a somewhat one-dimensional character who is defined solely by his dominant persona. The book also perpetuates some problematic stereotypes about BDSM, such as the idea that all dominants are wealthy and powerful men and all submissives are meek and submissive women.

Overall, The Submissive is an enjoyable and well-written erotic romance novel that explores the world of BDSM and power dynamics in relationships. The audiobook version is well-narrated and captures the emotional intensity of the story. While the book has some flaws, it is still a worthwhile read for anyone interested in BDSM or erotic romance.