Deviations: Submission

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

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Kind of boring

I know a book isn't for me when I find myself daydreaming as I drive to work. This book didn't keep me interested and I didn't even finish it. The performance of the narrator was kind of flat and blah.

One of my all-time series

What did you love best about Deviations: Submission?

I love the characters, the connection they develop

What did you like best about this story?

I like how open & honest Tobias & Noah are with each other. How they communicate their needs to each other. How well they work as a couple

What about Maxx Power’s performance did you like?

Maxx Power is a new-to-me narrator. I think he did a good job bringing the characters to life

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

50 Shades could learn a lot from this story

one of the best!!!!

okay how should I start?!
this book is prospectively one of the best in this specific genre.
I know it's a long series of five books and this book was perfect... .
it provided us the readers or the listeners in this case with a tiny bit of taste from the BDSM lifestyle it gave us a little bit of knowledge about the Dom Tobias we know in this specific book that Tobias hold a secret we learned about Noah in this book about his it issues insecurities and needs.... Noah is a cup but he's very sensitive and he has a lot of issues.
now I'm going to listen to the second book in this series although this book provided us only with 5 weeks from the character life I know that it was enough for this book the book was hot it had kink it had a lot of emotions and the narrator was perfect he provided us with feelings through his voice with moans when required and the book was absolutely one of the best BDSM M&M books I heard in the past two years and I'm listening to a lot of M&M books.

Loved it

Was so happy that this one came out on audio & can't wait for the rest of the books to as well. The narrator was okay & I didn't immediately like him but he did kind of grow on me. Tobias & Noah meet in the club on the night of Tobias's birthday when Tobias goes for dinner. After several scenes together that worked out well, they discuss & come to an agreement on a contract. I love the farm & the role playing that they did. Loved watching Tobias bring out Noah's true submission. I have read these book several times & I still don't like Phantom. Yes I feel very sorry for him but I just don't like his character.

Best BDSM series EVER Written

Over and out the best. Please please please Audible bring on the rest of the series. Bareback by this author is another AWSOME book as well.

It sounds like someone reading a text book 😐😕😴

OMG...I could not finish this book. It was like my psychology class in college. The subject was interesting but the endless droning on was to much to handle. There was a lot of smexy time but the narrator read it like he was reading an instruction manual. It may have gotten better but I just couldn't continue to listen. I think I will read the book.
My final word: If you want to hear a GOOD story with a mature storyline and BDSM try Axel's Pup.

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

A favorite BDSM romance

First review, July 29, 2011:
This book is as much a psychological study as it is an erotic novel. Gentlemanly Master Tobias has as many insecurities and worries about his role as a Dom as does sweet Noah about his continuing role as a sub. Tobias is a highly skilled Dom but has been without a sub for a while. The breakup with his previous slave Phantom, while affectionate, was very painful for both Tobias and Phantom. Noah has suffered at the hands of a Dom who failed to protect him and another Dom who abused him. They are brought together by a mutual friend and see something in each other worth tentatively pursuing.
This is an excellent book. I highly recommend it!

Second review, February 12, 2017 after rereading the book:
On his 41st birthday. Dr. Tobias Vincent, a wealthy large animal vet, makes an appointment for dinner at the BDSM club he used to visit regularly. His best friend Bradford owns the club and is happy to see Tobias. The rest of the club is full of gossip about why Tobias is there and where he has been for the past year or so.
Tobias is a very toppy Dom, confident, well trained, and demanding. He has played with many subs over the years but had a long-term D/s relationship with a sub named Phantom. In fact, at one point Phan was Tobias’ slave, a bond that suited both men very well until…well, until it didn’t. The breaking of their contract, while mutually agreed upon was painful for both men and Tobias has been without a regular sub since then.
Noah is a police officer and a sub. His friends and coworkers know he is gay but do not know about his submissive nature, and he prefers to keep it that way. He is a cop, after all. Noah is lost in his quest for true submission, which to Noah means a peaceful stillness in his mind and body, caused by giving someone he trusts complete control of everything outside of his career. He has been abandoned by one Dom and abused by another, making trust a difficult goal. Noah has begun to doubt that he will ever find the right Dom. Bradford thinks the two men would make a good pairing and introduces them. When Tobias finds out Noah refuses to use safewords he realizes Noah has a huge problem that will make submission impossible and will cause Noah to “break” before he finds his headspace in submission. Tobias believes he is the right Dom to take Noah on this journey, but is he? Will Tobias have to change, too?
Together, at first very tentatively, Tobias and Noah embark on a journey that will take Noah to his submissive boundaries and beyond, and will take Tobias back in time to see if he needed to take a different path to Domination, especially with Phantom, and now with Noah. As we watch both men grow and change, their reasons for actions and reactions are usually well thought out and at least explained to the reader. Then things go wrong, painful truths are revealed and solutions tested.
This review is written after my second read of the book, six years after the first. An amazing book, beautifully written and read with great pleasure. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to explore a mm romance based on a BDSM lifestyle.

Additional review after listening to the audiobook: The narrator did a great job. I have to admit the voices he used for the characters did not match how I imagined them, but that's common when listening to a book you've already read. Still a favorite BDSM romance.

Intriguing Story

This was an interesting dive into the world of doms/masters and subs. I have read other books involving the subject, but this was an interesting introduction to more of the philosophy and purpose behind the lifestyle. I was intrigued that someone in an occupation like law enforcement that usually issues commands and takes control of situations would seek to play a submissive role. I enjoyed a story that was more about disciplining one's life and pain for a purpose, than pain for enjoyment or pain for pain's sake. I liked Noah and Tobias, and I am looking forward to continuing their journey together.

The narration was good, and the narrator gave distinctive voices to the various characters.

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

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.