To Serve Is Divine

The Divine Trilogy, Volume 1

By: R.E. Hargrave

Narrated by: Hollie Jackson

Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Catherine O'Chancey is a reserved, demure, and graceful submissive. All traits she trained hard to enhance when she discovered the world of dominance and submission in college. In an attempt to start fresh after the unexpected death of her last Dom, Catherine moves to Dallas, TX, to escape the shroud of darkness he left behind in her life. She has tried to fight the need that resides deep within her to submit, but finally has to admit she can't for it is not a choice, but part of who she truly is.

After months of mental preparation, she ventures back into the lifestyle by attending a coveted open-night event at Dungeons and Dreams, an exclusive BDSM club. Is it fate or coincidence that Catherine garners the attention of one of the club's board members who happens to be on the hunt for the perfect sub - a partner who enjoys receiving pain and pleasure as much as he enjoys doling it out?

Jayden Masterson is many things: a firm Dom, a shrewd businessman, and a gentleman. What he isn't, is someone who partakes in relationships outside of contractual ones with his multiple, uncollared, regular submissives. While he likes rough sex, he is not an animal, and can find pleasure only if it is consensual. What his harem is missing is a pain slut; could there be one in his future?

Upon meeting Catherine, Jayden feels an instantaneous spark inside him that has him wanting to know not just her body, but her mind. He wants to unravel her mysteries and discover her secrets. Through pain can they find the pleasure they seek? Can part-time pain lovers find full-time fulfillment when it's not in their contract?

©2013 R.E. Hargrave (P)2016 R.E. Hargrave

✫✫ 4 Stars ✫✫

My favorite part about this book....the characters enjoy the bdsm lifestyle just because they enjoy it, no one is turning the another person onto it and no one is doing it because they have a bad past! This is what I always see in these type of books and this was such a refreshing change! This story was hot, details were plenty and characters were well developed. The ending has a bit of a cliffhanger but it's not a terrible one. Very enjoyable and would definitely recommend it. This book has a little bit for everyone when it comes to erotica!

The narrator was great for the female roles but I don't love her male voices. She wasn't bad at them, I just didn't think they fit the characters. I would have loved it even more if it had been dual narrated.

Not your usual love story

Wow- For those of you that like to read BDSM, you know that we tend to see books that sugar coat it and pretty it up. More so couples exploring BDSM in the bedroom or in small doses.

This book gives a different view of BDSM. These people "live" BDSM. It is a much more raw telling of a BDSM lifestyle. I was very intrigued but felt myself trying to mold the story into what I felt should be happening based on what I had read before. This book does not fit any mold I have seen/read as of yet. I loved that it was so different. I found myself a intrigued, confused, turned on, upset for Erin, and hopeful. This book ran me through the gauntlet of emotions but that tells me that it is a well written story.

I may not live the lifestyle but I am completely fascinated but the picture that was painted. Thank you for that!

Narration was great- voice was clear, great editing. No complaints at all.

Can't wait to see where book 2 will lead me.

Inside look at a true BDSM relationship

This is the first book I have read that truly brings you into a BDSM relationship. I have read others that have touched base on the lifestyle but have never gone as in depth as this series. I was a little hesitant to start this series but I decided to jump in upon recommendations from other readers. I am so happy I decided to give it a try.

The relationship between Catherine and Jayden is a bit of a whirl wind. They start as simple play partners but throughout the course of a year, the relationship has changed. It was nice to see how a caring Dom can help repair the emotional scars of a want-to-be Dom who was truly abusive.

I am eager to see what happens next in book 2!

Be warned, the scenarios in this book are graphic and not to be taken lightly.

Fantastic all around

What did you love best about To Serve Is Divine?

I love the way we get to see inside the characters. The power dynamic between Jayden and Catherine is intense. She has so many demons to get past and he gently guides her past each one. Jayden is the quintessential Alpha Male while wanting control he also has is softer side and takes Catherine's needs into consideration

What was one of the most memorable moments of To Serve Is Divine?

The moment Catherine finally lets her guard down and opens completely to Jayden. Relaying to him, through her journal the most devastating moment of her past. Not only is this a catharsis for her but we get to see a bit of Jayden's inner self as well.

Which scene was your favorite?

I think the candling scene is my favorite.

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

Where submission meets freedom.

Any additional comments?

I absolutely adored the narration. These characters came alive with emotion through the narrators voice.

Truly Enjoyable

What made the experience of listening to To Serve Is Divine the most enjoyable?

When I was thinking of reviewing this book, I had to mentally prepare myself for it. Like I said, BDSM isn't my thing and it was right around the time when I was feeling particularly down on the romance genre because, let's face it, romance isn't romance anymore do I had just gone on a whole tangent to a friend of mine about how depressing that is to me.

BUT - surprisingly, I really enjoyed this story. Let me explain - While this books has HEAVY BDSM elements, because it is ROOTED into the BDSM world, there is also a romance that is true and strong that's weaved very well throughout the story - I really appreciated that. Another thing that is quite evident is that RE Hargrave knows her stuff. The story as thoroughly researched and that knowledge is peppered throughout the table in a way that is palatable to the reader. Some books you read and the author just throws things in to show how smart they are and that is quite annoying.

Lets talk the narrator - To be honest, I expected a man to read this story. I don't know why, but when I realize it was a woman, I was a little skeptical but holy smokes Holly Jackson! Her Irish and Texan accents were spot on and so amazing! The tone in her voice the way she read the love scenes - Lord have mercy! I kept looking around to make sure my volume wasn't too high and that no one around me couldn't hear. Holly is amazing.

The characters in To Serve is Divine are wholesome and true to theTo Serve Is Divine Audiobook way of life in the BDSM. But they also have an added little quirk that had me smiling sometimes or laughing out loud during other time.

Jayden is just sexy as hell. From the authority he uses throughout his life, to the way he treats Catherine inside and outside the play room or when they are in a scene. From the contract he designs for Catherine to the way he talks to her, the way he looks at her, I could tell this guy is a good one. He's all tough and DOM sexy but when it comes to his Jewel, he'd burn the world to the ground. I felt Jayden's concern for Catherine, his slow turmoil about if he can actually be good for her.


Catherine-oh lawd-what can I say about her? First her Irish accent is darling. She is one of those females who has have to learn her worth the hard way. Though she is a submissive, she is strangely independent but knows when she needs to draw strength from her DOM.

The secondary characters all had purpose. I am a HUGE fan of secondary characters because they lend some realness to the main characters. In this story, they all lend a brilliant air of authenticity to the tale.

Yes, there are a couple of things that made me cringe - because well, it's BDSM and there are toys and actions within these pages that aren't things I would actually participate in - But I understand why they were necessary for the story and the genre to make it real.

Bottom line is this (And I swear I never thought I'd say this about any BDSM story but here it is) RE Hargrave has a winner on her hands. To Serve is Divine is a love story about two people trying to find their place in a world that can often time turn ugly. It is lesson of being careful who you trust and knowing when to extend trust. It is a tale of crashing and burning then being strong enough to stand up and give the world two middle fingers way up. But most importantly, it is a well spun tale that is enjoyable to read or in this case, listen to.

What did you like best about this story?

That photoshoot - whew...I could barely breathe. And Holly Jackson's accent ability - Epic!

Have you listened to any of Hollie Jackson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. But I will check her out after this.

Kinky, Sexy, and Erotic

Would you consider the audio edition of To Serve Is Divine to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print edition of this book but I loved the story. The characters were very believable and I found myself invested in both Catherine and Jayden very early on. I thought I would love Jayden more than anyone else in this book but I found myself really caring for Catherine just as much. There were some scenes where I thought to myself that I would have loved more detail or wished that she would have delved into that scene a little more in depth. And likewise there were a few sex scenes where I though there was a bit too much detail. But none of it was too distracting or enough to change my opinion of the book. The BDSM aspect was very believable, well thought out and respectfully portrayed. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend who loves the genre.

What three words best describe Hollie Jackson’s performance?

I found the narrator's Irish accent believable, but I do have to say the voices she used for the male characters, especially Jayden, were distracting. I know it is difficult task for a person of the opposite sex, so I tried not to let it become too much of an issue for me, and I will say that it gets better in book 2.

Sexy!

BDSM romance is one of my favorite genres, and this author writes it beautifully! I definitely recommend it! Provocative and smart, it is a lovely story about opening up, learning to trust after years of abuse, and learning to love. Jackson did an amazing job with her versatile voice.

Trilogy - Book One

This is the first book I've read/listened to by R. E. Hargrave. My first thoughts were DNF this book/series. But I was given a code to two of the books and had already bought the third one as well as not wanting to go back on my word to listen. I took a deep breath, reset my attitude, and pressed play. I decided to review after listening to all three of the books.

It took some time for me to get use to how Catherine spoke of herself. "This girl is sorry, sir" etc. Knowing (from books) that there are many ways to live the BDSM lifestyle, I didn't want to judge, but it DROVE. ME. CRAZY.  As I kept listening though, I really became invested in the characters and how everything would play out. I was heartbroken for Catherine and Jayden had my respect. I now have another glimpse of how  the BDSM lifestyle is carried out. This was an okay HFN ending if you choose just the one book. But I'm actually looking forward to finishing the whole series.

Hollie Jackson did a great job narrating this book. She did both male and female voices well. She has a smooth voice.

#AudiobookObsessionReviewer

To fall in love...

This book is written very well. To see how the relationships change over time is great. When an experienced Dom takes an abuse survivor and helps them trust again is very rewarding to see.
#audiobookobsessionreviewer

🎧 Review for Audiobook Obsession

I was impressed with this story. Having read several books containing BDSM lifestyle, I don’t believe I have ever read one with so much depth and detail as this one. The author has definitely done her homework in preparation for this series.
Hollie did a phenomenal job narrating her Irish accent was brilliant.
🎧Reviewed for Audiobook Obsession 🎧