Deviations: Submission

By: Chris Owen, Jodi Payne

Narrated by: Maxx Power

Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's Summary

Tobias is a skilled Dom, able to bring even the most hesitant submissive around. Noah is a man in need of just that. He wants to sub badly but has yet to find someone he believes can take him where he needs to go.

Through a series of encounters in the world of bondage and discipline, Noah reveals why he has trouble trusting, why he needs such a firm, steady hand. Tobias may allow himself to dominate, but he has trouble letting himself love. Still, Tobias can't resist Noah's charms, and the two of them set about making a scene for themselves, one that works for them and their unique set of problems. They learn to love, but can they stay together while they explore each other's secrets in a world where all is laid bare and emotions run high?

From authors Chris Owen, writer of the popular Bareback, and Jodi Payne, writer of String of Pearls, comes a romance on the deviant side, where love is all tied up with the need to submit, the need to dominate, and the need to share a life of exploration and care. These two skilled authors create a world that's hard to resist and a book that's even harder to pause.

©2007 Jodi Payne and Chris Owen (P)2017 Jodi Payne and Chris Owen

An outstanding performance

Would you listen to Deviations: Submission again? Why?

When Tobias, a successful vet and skilled dom, goes to his favourite club to celebrate his birthday, he's looking for a simple hookup… What he finds instead is Noah, a young man in need of a reliable dom to help him learn his limits. Tobias is immediately attracted to Noah and his responsiveness, and soon he finds himself with a demanding sub in his hands…
A very entertaining novel in the BDSM spectrum, Submission shows us the making of a relationship between a dom and his sub. Told mainly from Tobias point of view, the story focuses on the development of the relationship, which moves swiftly from an almost casual night together in Tobias' favourite club, to their commitment by signing a six months contract to explore the possibilities of their relationship. Through their encounters and the establishments of the rules in their relationship, we are privileged witnesses of the dynamics of BDSM, from the use of safe words to the enacting of fantasies. This book only deals with the beginning of their story, I felt a bit let down by the somehow abrupt end. Talk about creating expectations! I'm now looking forward to finding out what comes next.
Max' narration is an excellent example of how to make an audio enjoyable. He brings characters to life, providing them with nuances and pitches that make them easily recognisable, and most likeable. Tobias' “dom” voice is especially remarkable, as it changes whenever he decides to adopt his role and exert his dominance. In short, the narration made an already good story into a great one.
Highly recommendable

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher

Deviations: Submission

When Tobias decides to go to the club for his birthday his good friend sets him up with Noah for the night. The two hit it off so well that they begin a tentative relationship but can the two work through their blocks to find a happy ever after?

I enjoyed meeting Noah and was happy to see him get his story told. Noah is a good man that has had more than one dominant hurt him and at this time he is searching for something that even he doesn’t truly know what it is. Tobias is an older Dom who finds Noah to be what he has been looking for all this time. The two make a nice couple and work well with each other. While they are good together, I found Tobias to be a selfish Dom. He is touted as respected and all knowing but he does things to satisfy himself not with his sub in mind. He claims that he does not want a slave, but Noah does everything from cooking and cleaning to taking care of the horses when he is there as well as taking care of Tobias and any needs he may have. I also was turned off with his reactions to Noah being upset at any time. He tells Noah that it does not matter if he talks to his ex or tells Noah all about the implements and such used with him. He calls his ex while entertaining Noah and demands that Noah accept it. He will not listen or hear the hurt it causes Noah. I am sure if the tables were turned Tobias would be furious that Noah was talking and sharing intimate knowledge of their relationship to another Dom and an ex at that. Tobias has little regard for Noah’s feelings, and it shows. It is obvious that Tobias has not gotten over Phan no matter how much he professes to love Noah. Especially when Tobias calls Phan when there is a problem and tells him what should be only between Tobias and Noah. Tobias comes off as egotistical and considers himself always correct because he is a Dom. I would have liked to see Noah and Tobias connect more on a deeper level and see less of Phan. Narrator Maxx Power keeps the narrative flowing but I was not fond of the voices used for the submissive men.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

High Protocol BDSM at its Best

I had heard of the Deviations series some time ago and was thrilled the books are now being released on audio. After about an hour of listening, I became curious and looked up the original publishing date – 2006. Aside from having pagers instead of smart phones, the book is in no way out-of-date. It is, however, somewhat different than many of the contemporary books.

Tobias returns to the BDSM club he belongs to and it creates quite a stir because it’s been a while since the Dominant has visited. His friend Bradford, who owns the club, introduces Tobias to Noah. Noah is a submissive who has been going to the club for months, and although he has scened with numerous Doms, there hasn’t been a good match. Tobias decides to take a chance on Noah, and they go to a private room to scene. When Noah tells Tobias that he doesn’t need a safeword, Tobias is instantly wary. Despite this, he scenes with Noah.

Although it goes well, there is a disconnect between the two men. Tobias gives Noah his number, but he doesn’t expect to hear from the man. Surprisingly, he does, and they do another scene. This one goes better, and it becomes clear they both want more.

Just to add to the drama, Tobias’ former slave, Phan, shows up. His true motives are eventually revealed, but at this moment, his presence is not welcome.

Tobias and Noah make plans for the following weekend, They will meet at Tobias’ farm with the intention of figuring out if this could turn into a relationship, and if it does, what the parameters might be.

This book involves strict protocols – even ‘high’ protocol at times. In this instance, this is what Tobias is accustomed to and what Noah needs. Through a traditional contract, Noah is able to get the boundaries and rules he needs. He is able to adapt quickly, calling Tobias, “Sir” or “Master”.

When they do their first scene in Tobias’ unique BDSM space, the disconnect becomes clear. Noah has issues. Deep issues stemming from a bad relationship with another Dom. He hasn’t shared this with Tobias and things go sideways. Noah’s stoicism almost ends in disaster.

Many subs are stoic. Instead of screaming and crying out, they internalize the pain. They believe they’ll be a better bottom if they can just ‘take’ the pain and, above all else, they view using a safeword as a failure on their part.

Tobias, wisely, seeks the help of someone he is close to and is given another perspective. There are a lot of discussions after this which may feel boring, but are critical for the men. They both have something to give and something to get out of it. Something worth fighting for.

They continue in their relationship with care while feeling each other out. This is how D/s relationships work. Discussions, negotiations and doubts. Tobias fears he’s afraid to push hard enough to help Noah. Afraid if he pushes too hard, he’ll lose Noah.

The vast majority of this book is from Tobias’ point of view. His struggles are real and easy to related to because even vanilla relationships have ups and downs, moments of doubt, great successes, and minor setbacks. I love Tobias’ determination to prove his worth as a Dom and friend to Noah.

Noah’s point of view is given during a scene with another submissive. This is a great scene because it allowed me to see Noah in his own skin. He’s in a high-stress job which requires him to take charge, so giving up control with Tobias can be tough. He also has doubts, the scene in his POV allows us to see more of his character.

I won’t say much more because the story continues, and (yay) the second book is out on audio. That review will be posted tomorrow. Needless to say, Tobias and Noah have a long road ahead of them, and I can’t wait to join them on the journey.

Almost great

Pretty accurate bdsm for a romance novel, although I’ve never heard so many men use the word “lovely” so many times. Tobias’ personal playroom is definitely the stuff of fantasy and I’m envious! It’s a good story and there’s a lot of heat.

I’ve heard this narrator and liked his stuff before, but this one just misses the mark a bit. He has a wonderful voice, but the dialogue from the two MC’s sounds pretty robotic.

The sound quality really put me off. It sounds like it was recorded with an old-time radio microphone.

Having said that, though, none of it put me off so much that I won’t listen to the next one. I liked it.

Keep going even if the narrator is annoying in the beginning

The narration turned me off in the beginning, and the 5 min mark I thought about returning the book, but I’m SO glad that I kept going. I got used to the narration and the story wonderful. There is no real ending, though, and I expect the whole series in one continuous story.

Submission

I’m not sure what to say, listening to this book was amazing. I have some questions that I’m hoping will be answered as this series progress. I’m definitely looking foreword to see how Tobias and Noah’s relationship develops. I must say when you have 2 broken souls looking for something real and challenging. It’s better when found with communication and honesty. I love how Max created a visual for me just by narrating and voices he used for the characters .

Life is not a straight line of first time successe

4 Blue Roses
5 Blue Flames
Second time I listened to this audiobook.

Narrator Maxx Power delivered a sexy well designed BDSM romance successfully.

I'm hooked and completely enamored by these two MC's. The cadence of his voice and pace of his reading is almost too slow for me. I find listening at 1.25 speed was sufficient. The lack of emotional submersion, did bother me the first time around, but as I heard this audiobook a year ago and since I heard some of his newer work for author Nicholas Bella, it aroused my curiosity and I just had to go back and re-listen.

I kept an open mind and let the audio just wash over me. The plot was well planned and it sucked me in deeper than before.

I think the reason is that I enjoyed listening to this audiobook now, is previously I lacked experience with BDSM audiobooks. Don't judge me until you've walked a mile in my shoes, and all that bullshit.

I do recommend this audiobook, it is part of a series and I plan to listen to them all.
The scenes are very original and truly harcore.

I need to find me a sexy veterinarian dom with a barn full of toys.
Happy Listening.

A realistic portrayal

I'm really happy I was able to read this book. I'm so tired of reading these BDSM books written by people that have never truly experienced professional or experienced play. Yes, this book is a bit clinical and focuses a lot on the relationship and the characters' feelings, but that's how these dynamics are. It felt authentic to me and I'm glad the focus wasn't just the sex part.

Maxx Power does a pretty good job narrating. I think he has a great voice for narrating but his characters need some more distinction.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

Great BDSM Story

This is great story with lots of BDSM elements, the MCs' relationship is totally based in the BDSM lifestyle. Tobias and Noah both have a lot of issues and they are both insecure in their own way. As their relationship grows, I like that I can see them trying to work these issues, although in this book I see more from Noah's side than from Tobias'. Hopefully we'll see more of Tobias working through his issues in the other books. The narrator did a good job with the characters and the presentation of the story as a whole. I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this audiobook.

Crazy to think I wouldn't like it!

When I started this I didn't think I would like it. by the end, I was glad I gave it a fair shot!

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

Not for me.

BDSM as pychological therapy...while purely fiction, seems to be highly desired among authors and readers alike. Unfortunately, it's something that doesn't sit well with me. I did a lot of skipping as the sex scenes were repetitive and there were a lot of them.

Amid Noah's sycophantic pseudo idolisation, there was a spark of personality that interested me. However, there wasn't enough to encourage me to dive into the next book of the series.

Much better for me

Since I started listening to the series out order I did make a correction on my original review with this book things start to fall in place and make since just wish Amazon Audible would give the listener to know what order to listen to the books.
Again the storylines are very well laid out and brings the story to who, why the characters are. Also it brings you a bit to know about characters like Phantom is a bit a of a major character and why he plays such a vital part in the story.
It was nice to meet both Tobias and Noah and learn a bit about their background and how they met and also what draws them together both in like and the BDSM world. You get to watch and learn them through their personal life stories together and how they grow with each other in the BDSM life. I did have a bit of issue with role playing due to never was into or around that scene but I did know if those who did.
For me I do recommend the series it a non stop trip of all the characters and you soon get to see their flaws and how they deal to improve these flaws.

Wonderful Story Superbly Narrated.

I read this book years ago and loved it. I loved the narration, Max Power gave both Tobias and Noah distinct voices and it was a joy to listen to. Highly Recommended.

BDSM brilliance

What can I say, I love this book and the series. The building of Tobias and Noah’s relationship, rules and dynamics are so captivating. Maxx Power has given Tobias a wonderful voice that in my opinion fits him so well and a distinct voice for Noah. I am looking forward to the next book coming out.