The Submissive

Written by Tara Sue Me

Narrated by Sasha Pick

For fans of E. L. James and Sylvia Day. Before there was the fan fiction that became Fifty Shades of Grey, there was The Submissive, Tara Sue Me's seductive and scandalous series that has enthralled millions and inspired a genre...

Abby King has a secret fantasy. New York knows Nathaniel West as the brilliant and handsome CEO of West Industries, but Abby knows he's more: a sexy and skilled dominant that is looking for a new submissive. Yearning to experience a world of pleasure beyond her simple life as a librarian, Abby offers herself to Nathaniel, to fulfill her most hidden desires.

After only one weekend with the Master, Abby knows she needs more, and fully submits to Nathaniel's terms. But despite the pleasure he takes in Abby's willing spirit, the Nathaniel hidden behind the rules remains cold and distant. As Abby falls deeper into his tantalizing world of power and passion, she fears that Nathaniel's heart may be beyond her reach — and that her own might be beyond saving...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hachette UK Audio
• Release date: Jun 4, 2013
• ISBN: 9781472209924

Reviews for The Submissive

[jljaina · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very hot and sexy read. A great blend of bedroom fun, angst and sweet romance!

Abigail (Abby) King has just applied for the position as Nathaniel West's new submissive. She has desired him from afar and is considered otherwise unobtainable. he is rich, powerful and very in control of his life. She is a librarian with a easy-going disposition that is easy to like.

Abby takes going after what you want to new extremes entering into a BDSM relationship. It starts off very professional-papers to sign, exercise and sleep requirements, etc. As long as she follows her sleep and exercise rules the week is hers to use as she sees fit. But the weekends belong to Nathanial. Pleasure untold is promised but he has a few rules. 1-No Kissing 2-No sleeping in his bed 3-the safe word is not just the end of the session but a relationship breaker. Sounds simple, right? Not when you start to fall in love.

Nathaniel comes across a bit distant from Abby. He only uses her full name and there always seems to be a wall between them. Yet the more she gets closer to him, his family and friends, the more she learns. He has a heart of gold. Honestly some of the things he does makes my heart melt just thinking about it. He will drop everything to help a complete stranger even and more!

This book has some very steamy scenes, naughty bedroom play and more. A great introduction into a BDSM novel. It gets the point across but not too heavy which i liked. Toss int he romantic angst and I loved this! The emotions run off the page and seem very real. one of the best aspects to a good book is to make me feel something. Well things book gives a wide range of feels.

This is very much and adult novel. If you want a new risqué romance with an edge, but still has some sweet, poetic scenes, this book is it!

[olongbourn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What some reviewers have against fan fiction I simply do not understand. For hundreds of years, painters have gone Paris to study from the masters. For decades, people armed with their black & white film have gone to the National Parks to try their hand at Ansel Adams perfection. For centuries, pianists have spent countless hours learning pieces composed by Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and others because their music is just that beautiful and timeless.

Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, Henry James and Charles Dickens have inspired hundreds of, if not thousands or more, writers to try their hand. Some of these inspired writers pen stories that are worthy of rereading and some do not. Some debut authors have one extremely good story, but cannot follow it up. Other authors churn out a book every years and sell millions in pre-orders before the release date.

Of course, fan fiction can be hit or miss. Pride and Prejudice is my hands-down all-time favorite book and I enjoy reading many contemporary authors' attempts at What-if variations, as well as continuation stories, based on P&P. There clearly are some misses when it comes to P&P inspired books! Can these authors write as well at Miss Austen? No, because they aren't Miss Austen, but many write interesting take off stories nonetheless. The same holds true to Twilight-inspired books.

So, to the review of The Submissive... Overall, I rate this first book of this series a 3.75/5 stars. Initially, I feel it is worthy of 3.0 stars, primarily because it was too short in terms of plot development and too late in terms of character development. In the first chapter, we are thrust immediately into their trial relationship with no attempt of reader attachment to either character. The reader is given no history, which is fine, because the author saves the reveal for later. At the same time, the reader is given no rhyme or reason to empathize with either character for a good hundred pages or so - H is presented cold and unfeeling and distant (probably by design as this is from the h POV), while h is presented as uncertain and timid for nearly the same number of pages. I wanted to feel for both characters much sooner than I was allowed!

Time was imbalanced in the book. The first 150-ish pages represented about 2-3 weeks of time - the getting-to-know-you stage, the set-up of the relationship and the Dom/sub scenes (yummier as time passed). The last 75 pages represented about 2-3 months - the break-up, the reconciliation, the taking-things-slow stage, but in the reading of this portion, I didn't feel the length of time in this portion. I felt the author zoomed through the 2-3 months portion with less care possibly because she was "tired" of this story and needed to end the book quickly. She hastened to the end, leaving me wanting more now that I was finally into both characters.

The plot and character development deserves a 3-star rating. The fact that the author made the characters adults bumps up the rating - though not quite a full star. After having read and enjoyed FSoG, Crossfire, Gabriel's Inferno and a few other similar series, I am extremely pleased that these characters were in their thirties, an age where I can believe characters to know the difference between love and lust. (Acting from lust is fine, but confusing lust for love is disappointing.) It may be just me, but the believability of love at 22 or 24 with such a new-to-her concept as a D/s relationship is nill. I just don't buy it, not even in fiction.

It is a stretch for a just-graduated 22 year old virgin to know her mind like Ana - she can't be thinking with her head. Eva isn't much better, though she does have independent wealth and childhood experience/trauma that made her grow up just a bit more quickly. Where Julia is concerned, while she's slightly older that Ana and Eva, she's been thinking and working toward Gabriel for ten years -- plenty of time for her to figure out who she is and what she wants and to act on a feeling of love rather than lust. Also, there is no D/s relationship with Julia & Gabriel meaning independence of mind is not as necessary to buy into a relationship as it is with a D/s relationship.

Back to The Submissive. I like that Abby has established herself in a career and that Nathaniel's wealth isn't dazzling to her -- yes, she comments a few times about being out of her element and notes the grandness of his home (inherited from his parents upon their death, mind you), but she takes his wealth in stride. He doesn't flaunt his wealth, also a pleasant change -- little is more off-putting than a wealthy man wearing his wealth on his sleeve. (Another nudge up on my rating!)

This book is too short of a story, leaving me wanting more (surely, this is was intended?), but an enjoyable read nonetheless. If you have read and reread FSoG or the Crossfire series, you may enjoy this book, but know it is not as well developed as the other two series. As I haven't yet read The Dominant or The Training, I cannot comment on this series as a whole.

Unlike Collide and The Proposal, which stop abruptly with a cliff hanger and disappointingly unfinished story lines, this first in the series book is a complete story with questions answered and issues resolved, rather than a complete story cut in half and published between two sets of covers. Of course, there is enough mystery remaining to allow for Nathaniel's and Abby's story to continue, too.

Thank you to Tara Sue Me and NetGalley for accepting my request to read this digital book in exchange for a review.

[debbie97462 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Damn this was a good book. Sure it had tons of similarities to FSoG but hey I loved that book too. They are just different enough to make them their own and thus it is not telling the same story with different characters.

[theibookemporium · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Submissive book 1, in The Submissive series by Tara Sue Me is a daring sexually charged erotic BDSM adventure.

Ms. Me packs a punch with this first installment to the series. The book wastes no time in propelling a reader into the sensual side of BDSM. The story-line tasks great pains to explain the lifestyle and sets the stage for an intense relationship.

Building resentment and longing for sexually completion, Abigail King is about to take a risky adventure into the sultry side of the BDSM lifestyle. Although she may be naive in what it means to be a true submissive to a master, there is one thing that she is certain about. Only one man has the power to make her scream and shudder at his touch. Ms. Me’s portrayal of Abby’s eagerness to please and submit is realistic and sweet. As are the minute mistakes that Abby make along her way in discovering sexual fulfillment. Although there are time that maybe Abby was a little too accommodating. Not asking questions that should have been addressed during her time in her personal space.

Nathaniel West is a dominant who wear his strength and confidence like an aura. He’s aggressive in his demands as instructs Abigail in what it means to be his “Submissive”. His Unrelenting need for control and swift application of punishment when warranted are just a few qualities that seduce and entice Abby as well as the reader. Those familiar with the lifestyle will notice carefully sculptured faux pas thought-out Nathaniel and Abbigail’s weekends tryst. Don’t fret, all will be righted in “The Dominant “.

One would think it would be smooth sailing for these two as they explore their mutual agreeable BDSM encounters. Oh no! That would be too easy. Ms. Me does an excellent job of mixing it up with a dash friends and family. From venomous banter between Nathaniel and Felicia, Abby’s best friend to reality checks, “The Submissive” manages to add just the right amount real-world drama making it and enjoyable read.

“The Submissive” is not just a book about the lifestyle, it’s a book that teaches trust and honesty. Honesty with others and oneself. I enjoyed the book and can’t wait to read the Dominant.

Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC

[gloria.herrera · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

For those who enjoyed Fifty Shades, this book is a must read. This is a passionate story of a young woman obsessed with the idea of belonging to a man who influenced her life. She researches and pursues the way to becoming his submissive even though she has no experience in the lifestyle. What transpires between them will both move as well as surprise you.
This is a well written first part to the trilogy. Characters are well defined and approachable. The reader feels invested in their life choices and the plot line. The next two books are already scheduled for release later this year, so readers will not have to wait very long for the rest of the trilogy to conclude.

[jenn.s · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I've read quite a few books listed similarly to this one. A few were just as bad, or worse due to horrible grammar. This one was a huge disappointment. The characters didn't feel the least bit fleshed out or true to what they were supposed to be. There were no layers to the characters or the plot. Everything felt flat or like pieces of ideas tossed around then entered to fill in the blanks. So many times I just wanted to toss the book away as I thought "Seriously? She's supposed to be a sub? He's a Dom?" After a while nothing made sense in their dialogue or decisions.


Free copy provided through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review.

[lexiechan-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Time and time again. I always remind everyone that I'm not an Adult/Erotica reader. Much less a BDSM one. I'm more of a Young Adult/New Adult reader. But I just wanted to read some contemporary today and I saw the second book up for ARC request. So I just looked at the first book and just told myself, "Sure, why not?" LOL.

Well, this one book is surprisingly good. BDSM removed, the lines is good, some witty remarks are good. Made me laugh or smirk. I enjoyed reading it. Of course there're lots of smut going on. Riding crop, spanking, plugs (shuddered at this one)... are always there.. The main plot or climax of the story is okay-ish. That's what I don't like. If they could just explain each other well... Hmmm... oh well.

I think that'll be always the plot. Misunderstanding and all that. But yeah, I enjoyed reading it to the point I read it for just 6 hours. And yes, that's quite fast for me cause nowadays, I barely got enough time to read. And this is the first book in weeks that kept me reading non-stop.

[sheila1957 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Abby knows that Nathaniel talked the bank out of foreclosing on her mother’s house and has followed him since. When she has the opportunity to enter his life she does, as his submissive in Tara Sue Me’s THE SUBMISSIVE, book 1 of her The Submissive trilogy. Nathaniel does not train submissives but he cannot resist Abby because of the past. Both have feelings towards the other from the beginning. How does it work for them? Can they put those feelings aside to have a Dom/sub relationship? Will those feelings eclipse the Dom/sub relationship?THE SUBMISSIVE is one wild ride. I love first person point-of-view because I become that character. Tara Sue Me did well. Never does her story leave Abby’s point-of-view. I only knew what Abby felt, thought, and conveyed in her conversations. I learned what others thought of her and Nathaniel together through their conversations with Abby. I loved being immersed in Abby.Abby and Nathaniel were fantastic characters. Abby has no idea what is truly in store for her with Nathaniel. Watching her move out of her librarian world into his wealthy world fascinated me. She is not overly confident but she is able to hold her own in that world. When her best friend, Felicia, does not approve of her becoming Nathaniel’s submissive, she notes it but makes her own decision to do it. Abby’s confusion comes through when Nathaniel asks her questions in public. She wonders what answer he wants. Nathaniel is not always clear of how the two should interact in public. I could feel Abby’s hesitation when answering questions. I also loved that Abby learned to know Nathaniel in ways that few had. I learned about Nathaniel as Abby learned. When they came to an impasse she was strong enough to say enough and walk away with dignity. She was also able to eventually pick up the pieces of her life and get through the days that followed. Abby was truly a strong woman who knew what she wanted, how to get it, and when to say no. Excellent role model.The secondary characters were excellent also. Most of them were Nathaniel’s family and friends. I was amazed at how quickly they took to Abby. Their reactions were based on how Nathaniel was changed by Abby. I would like to know these people. While non-judgmental, they stood up for what they believed and spoke their minds. I also liked that Felicia and Jackson, Nathaniel’s cousin, had their love story. Although it was smoother than Abby and Nathaniel’s. Abby and Nathaniel’s relationship develops through their Dom/sub scenes. The sex is hot and plentiful. I liked that the BDSM was brought into the story and explained by Nathaniel to Abby, not just the how but the why. It was interesting and made it less fearful for her. I also liked how Nathaniel took his time with Abby and learned her and her body. I knew what Nathaniel could not say to her. I wish he would have let her know but that would have been too easy a story—probably too short a story, too. I look forward to reading book 2 of the series, THE DOMINANT.

[herewithoutyou_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Where to begin?

It's probably pointless to point out that this was written BEFORE 50 Shades and thus people should stop whining about the similarties and think for a moment: This author didn't rip off your precious 50 shades.

Sorry, couldn't help myself, it's getting on my nerves big time and I'm trying hard not to turn this into a rant against 50 shades.

Instead I want to focus on something else first: why does everyone whine about fanfiction authors being published? Is someone forcing you to buy their books? Is someone forcing you to read them?

No. And no. So, what.the.hell? These authors also worked to write their story and while I don't agree with the "Take it offline, switch names and publish it" methode, I don't mind people publishing their work. Apparantly there's a market for it or else they wouldn't be published.

I won't argue that fanfiction and novels are two entirely different things but why, oh why, blame the author for something other people obviously want to read?

I also dislike bad editing but badmouthing someonelse's work just because you don't like that it was written as fanfcition and only for that reason?

Yeah, I don't get it. Sorry for the rant guys.

On to the book, I like the story. I know that it wasn't edited very much or at least it read that way to me. This was probably a case of the name switching routine.

It doesn't matter though, the book kept me engaged and there weren't too many Twilight traits that kept the "OH BELLA AND EDWARD" signs flashing in my mind.

I've read a few reviews where people described this book as cold and clinical and I agree, BUT it was that way for a reason and so it didn't bother me at all.

The BDSM part of it was "standard" and nothing hardcore and probably won't freak out the majority of erotica readers.

This definitely wasn't one of the best books I read, but it kept my attention and I read it in a span of hours. And I plan on reading book 2 and 3 because I already liked them better as fanficition than the first installment.