The Art of Submission

The Art of D/s #1

by Ella Dominguez

Revised Edition

Written in 1st person from both his and her perspective.

Warning: Written for mature audiences and includes profanity, graphic sexual encounters and mild BDSM themes.

Romantic, erotic, deeply emotional and humorous.

Isabel is a shy artist with an abusive past who has a very vivid fantasy life and unexplored unusual sexual tastes. When her very private and naughty-natured artwork is sold without her permission, she sets out to try and retrieve her precious paintings, unaware that the buyer has dark sexual tendencies.

Dylan Young is an eccentric businessman and art collector with very specific tastes in women and sex, and serious trust issues. When he comes upon a very erotic set of paintings, he purchases them and they ignite a want and need for the alternative lifestyle he was forced to give up.

When the two meet, Dylan immediately picks up on Isabel's submissive nature and hatches a wicked plan to teach Isabel about his alternative lifestyle. He wants nothing more than to get his hands on more of her paintings and to dominate the submissive beauty.

Their affair is intensely physical and despite Dylan's wanting only a sexual relationship with distinct boundaries, he can't resist her spirited nature, her eagerness and lack of fear to learn BDSM, and most of all - her immense talent. But Isabel has a hidden dominant streak of her own that only Dylan brings out and as they're drawn closer together, their unconventional relationship is threatened as they each struggle with their pasts and for control.

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Contemporary Romance, Adult

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2012

About the author

Ella is a self-proclaimed lover, dreamer, and wanderer who is unequivocally obsessed with ukuleles and unicorns. She is a respiratory therapist by day and a writer by night. While she refuses to be confined by genre labels, she believes her talent best lies in writing passion-filled, ethnically diverse, suspenseful novels. More of an avid reader than an author, she is committed to writing the stories that the characters in her head tell her to.

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh. Wow.

This book completely took me by surprise. I did NOT expect to love it so much. I did NOT expect to get so caught up in Isabel and Dylan's fascinating journey but I DID. My God, I did...

❥ I loved Ella Dominguez's writing style. I don't know why I waited so long to finally read some of her books. I know this story might not be for everyone and that there are a lot of mixed reviews about it, but all I can say is that I really enjoyed it.

❥ I loved the fact that this book had such a different take on the BDSM lifestyle. It was nothing like the typical Fifty Shades like books out there, really. this story provided an entirely different intake on the subject. Plus, it was written in a dual POV and there aren't that many BDSM books that have a dual point of view so it was interesting to get the guy's perspective for once.

❥ I loved the art in the story. I loved the fact that Isabel was an artist and her paintings played such a huge part in the story and in the way Dylan and Isabel were brought together.

❥ I loved Isabel. She was not an annoying heroine. She was strong, fierce and determined about what she wanted. I loved her sense of humor and her sarcastic remarks and the banter between her and Dylan was hilarious at times. Again, there aren't that many erotic novels out there that manage to both make me laugh and then leave me all hot and bothered at the same time.

❥ I loved Dylan. He was kind of an asshole at first, but as the story progressed I started to like him more and more and I understood why he acted so distant at first. He's bossy, a true dominant and has a messed up past that we get to know about more as the story progresses. But I have a feeling both him and Isabelle have many more dark secrets that are yet to be revealed...

All in all, this was a PERFECT start to the series. It got me hooked and now I'm already looking forward to the rest of Dylan and Isabel's story! ;-)


♦ 4 STARS. ♦

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★! The Art of D/s, book 1 of 3. An unforgettable larger-than-life Dom hero, Dylan who sets out to seduce an innocent artist. Isa into the world of BDSM, but instead is swept off his feet.

“I hardly know her. It all comes back to the paintings. Her amazing and beautiful talent. Her sincerity. Her kindness. Her feistiness. Her ability to be in my head at all times.”

At first glance The Art of D/s trilogy (plus upcoming Prelude) is the whirlwind romance of Dylan and Isa, two flawed, lonely and broken souls who embark on a co-dependent journey of sexual exploration* (see bottom of review for details) while fighting demons and villains from their pasts. As the story unfolds it becomes clear that it’s every bit an epic saga of self-discovery, pushing all limits and an all-consuming love.

This Art of D/s series should be read in order:
Book 1: The Art of Submission
Book 2: The Art of Domination
Book 3: The Art of Control

The Art of Submission opens up with Dylan, a skilled and experienced Dom forced into retirement after his last sub blackmailed him, attending an art exhibition for charity. Hidden in a backroom he spots a set of erotic paintings and purchases them on the spot. He is fascinated and intrigued and when he discovers the artist to be Isa, the art gallery’s employee, he is determined to have her. At first he wants to see more of her art, but he soon wants to seduce her into his bed, expose her to BDSM and ultimately become her Master.



Before I delve into the complexity and wonderfulness that is Dylan Young let me touch on the clever writing of the series, in particular Dylan’s POVs. They give such wonderful glimpses into the sarcastic, witty and to the point Dylan. It truly feels like his thoughts as opposed an (female) author penning his story. Dylan will stay with me for a long time to come.

Four words to describe Dylan would be: Intense, in-control, sarcastic and unforgettable.

Orphaned at age fourteen Dylan is tormented by secrets and a painful past. His story will unfold throughout the series and I am not going to spoil it, but it is clear from page 1 that underneath this in control alpha Dom, there is a flawed and broken boy:

“I wrap my arms around her, one hand in her hair, one around her waist and I hug her more tightly than I’ve hugged anyone since… my parents.”

Isa Ibanez is also damaged; Deserted by her mother and raised by an abusive father her defense mechanism has been to escape into her art. When pressured Isa regresses into a little girl causing people to constantly take advantage of her, but her inner dialogue, revealed in her POVs, show her to be both observant and smart while frustrated with her own insecurities. This series will prove to be her journey of self-discovery and fulfillment:

“I wrap my arms around her, one hand in her hair, one around her waist and I hug her more tightly than I’ve hugged anyone since… my parents.”

Four words to describe Isa would be: Innocent, smart, endearing and survivor.

As soon as Dylan meets Isa he is smitten and intrigued by her talent, innocence, beauty and submissiveness... He soon finds himself obsessing about her and even stalks her as he sets out to woo her into becoming his Sub. Dylan’s life is thrown into a tailspin and I can assure he will never, ever be the same:

“Isabel is proving to be a very fascinating woman. I’ve been doing vanilla for so long now, I wonder if I still have it in me to be a Dom. I like to think it’s like riding a bike… I guess we’ll find out.”

This series will prove to be Dylan’s journey of self-discovery as well. For the first time in his life the in control Dylan is losing control:

“I come stumbling back into the apartment, dropping a few boxes on the way in and looking like a complete pussy-whipped bellboy. Seriously, what the f~ck? This is such bullshit. My alter ego is irritated at me for even going this far with this woman. I ignore him and pick up the boxes and lay them out in the bedroom.”

As Dylan sets out to explore the Submissive side of Isa another side of her is revealed. Isa can also be dominant. BDSM sex with Isa will start to get blurry:

“What the hell? Is she topping from the bottom? I’ll let it slide this time because she doesn’t know what that means and because she asked so nicely.”

And while Dylan and Isa are getting to know each other dark forces from their pasts set out to break them apart and even hurt them. Book 1 does not end with a cliff-hanger, but the epilogue leads right to book 2. Strap on your seatbelts because this intense saga will sweep you off your feet and span all three books.

“Three erotic paintings by Isa - $ 20K; chasing said artist in Benz SLS Coupe - $ 195K; the look on her face right at this moment - PRICELESS.”

***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4.5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.

*I would describe the BDSM sex scenes in this series as medium. I felt the sex was always consensual and while it was, at times, violent including oral, anal, bondage, flogging, whipping, biting, cutting, with-holding and some intimidation, there was NO choking, fisting, caning, rapes nor multiple sex partners.

[Shurrn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Erotic BDSM Romance with a focus on CONTROL...

I need it, too, and for the same reasons she does; because we both never had any when we needed it the most; because vanilla isn't enough; because we’re the same kind of freaks.

This is the first book in a series, establishing the relationship between a former Dom and a young woman with kinky fantasies but no experience with the Dominant/submissive lifestyle... As they discover more about each other, they're also discovering the extent of their desire...

The lines become blurred.
The line between pleasure and pain...
between sex and love...
between life and art...
& between Dominant and submissive...

DYLAN YOUNG
Sucessful Business Man, Art Collector, & Former Dom...

"He looks like a sexy-as-hell dark angel, though in reality, I suspect this naughty boy is more like a wolf in sheep’s clothing; the clothing being an Armani suit, no less."

The charismatic and wealthy Dylan is stagnating after giving up his BDSM lifestyle... With one wrong turn at an art gallery he finds himself face to face with three paintings which serve to remind him of all the erotic memories he thought he'd left behind...

ISABEL IBANEZ
Artist, introvert, & closet submissive...

"...how can someone who looks so angelic create such erotic images? Perhaps she’s not as saintly as she looks… an angel with a dark side… mmm... That’s a filthy little thought."

Little Isa has a hidden naughty side which is only expressed through her erotic paintings... She never intended for them to be sold to anyone, and resolves to track down the buyer...

What do I adore in my Erotica?
Dual Points of View,
A good amount of kink,
A bit of humor,
Overcoming mental obstacles,
& Some seriously steamy sexytimes...

Seriously Ella Dominguez,
Did you know I'm an artist?
That I have a gallery?
That we all secretly dream of being swept off our feet by a charming Dom?!?! Of course you didn't! But bonus points to you anyway!

Now lets talk about things I loathe in my Erotica:
Female characters who constantly put themselves down,
Characters who are convinced they are unlovable and unworthy,
When the plot is carried by two characters who don't talk to each other,
Reading the same book over & over,
& Characters who neglect to consider the following: in the scheme of Safe, Sane, Consensual, one must disclose potential triggers... like abuse...

So what's the problem?
This book contained everything on BOTH lists...



Another Issue (which has been mentioned by other reviewers) that I would like to expand upon: For a while there it felt like I was reading like fan-fiction...
I was noticing some serious similarities between this text and a very popular best selling piece of soft-core fiction which shall remain nameless... But here's the thing, for every action or piece of dialogue which mimicked and mirrored something else, it was improved upon. This is my personal opinion (obviously) and I've read a few reviews where I am vehemently disagreed with. Every time I read a line that was suspiciously similar to something else, I would have to concede that Ella Dominguez wrote it better, and with more personality...

All that being said,
I am not in the habit of reading book only to play a literary version of "who wore it best" so my enjoyment was certainly diminished.



I will happily continue the series, as it really started to come into its stride in the last quarter of the book. Some of the issues which were dragging the book down were greatly improved upon:
Isabella was growing more confident,
Secrets were starting to be shared,
Dylan's heart was growing softer...

And I was not expecting the little saucy twist in Isa's personality...


Moving on to Book Two!

Some of My Favorite Moments:

Why is it so hard to give all this up? It’s strange how there’s a 12-step program for just about everything except this.

how can someone who looks so angelic create such erotic images? Perhaps she’s not as saintly as she looks… an angel with a dark side… mmm... That’s a filthy little thought.

I should’ve just told the uppity Mr. Young to keep his money and shove it up his manhole. Better yet - I’ll buy him a dildo with his own money, send it to him, and tell him to go fuck himself.

Did she really just turn her back to me? What the fuck? Just then I get a look at her fine ass. How did I miss that before? And now I wonder how she would look bent over my knee, her perfectly round ass pinking up under a paddle. She’d look contrite then, wouldn’t she?
Well, this plan backfired, didn’t it jackass? Fucking stubborn woman. I am not going to chase her. I am NOT going to chase her. Damn it. No. I am. NOT. Going. To. Chase. Her. So what do I do? I get in my overly-flashy-for-this-neighborhood car and fucking chase her. Where did my balls go? I used to have a pair.

Three erotic paintings by Isa - $ 20K; chasing said artist in Benz SLS Coupe - $ 195K; the look on her face right at this moment - PRICELESS.

Holy hard on. What does he think I’m going to do with that? I mean… I’m game, but … it’s just so... big. Like hard on in 3D.

What’s with men lately? I never get this much attention. Am I putting off some kind of fuck-me pheromone? Is it the dress? I look down quickly at myself to make sure everything is tucked in and where it’s supposed to be.

I’m happy to see that we’re stopping to eat some dinner, since we didn’t actually eat lunch today. Instead we just argued, I pouted, slapped him, bojo’d him, and then I came like a freight train. I’ve had a very busy day. I didn’t eat breakfast either and I’m feeling a bit lightheaded.

I can tell she’s hungry for affection. So am I, but in a different way. I’m asking a lot of her, more than I probably should.

I guess a good education can’t replace shitty judgment or a wretched personality.

“Now apologize to me you arrogant bastard!” she says while holding onto my lapels. Her voice is loud and commanding.
Now it’s my turn to be dumbstruck. I just sit there staring at her, fearing her next move, but my cock is now standing at full attention. What the fuck is going on here?

I follow behind her like a lost puppy. Fuck, Dylan, show some dignity man! I hear my alter ego screaming at me. And where the fuck was he earlier anyway? Fuck that. I want her.

If I lived here, I’d never want to leave.
“Wow. It’s so… big.” I say, unable to hide my awe at the enormity of his home.
“That’s what she said,” he replies wryly.
No he didn’t. Seriously? What are we in junior high? He’s so cute. “So you’re good looking, well off and funny, too?” I ask him sarcastically.

How do I put this politely… “That’s a terrible fucking idea.”

...She picks up a blindfold and the wrist cuffs that she tried on only moments ago and holds them out to me. What is she doing?
“Can you use these on me? Right now, please…”
Fuck yes. I’m always amazed at how quickly my cock can jump to attention at the hint of any sexual impropriety. Oh, sweet, polite little Isabel is begging to be bound and fucked? Yes, I think I can accommodate her.

He looks like a sexy-as-hell dark angel, though in reality, I suspect this naughty boy is more like a wolf in sheep’s clothing; the clothing being an Armani suit, no less.

I might seriously consider committing heinous crimes to keep this dirty little mouth all for myself.

“Do you still want to be with me?” I ask, but dreading his answer.
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?” he says sounding appalled at my question.
“Because I have issues.” Why else?
“Shit, Isa. We all have issues. It’s our flaws that make us unique,” he says sincerely.

Perhaps I’ll just have to take a vow of celibacy. Oh brother. Who am I kidding? I guess I’ll just have to invest in some dildos. At least I won’t have to worry about getting emotionally attached to that kind of dick.

[control]... I need it, too, and for the same reasons she does; because we both never had any when we needed it the most; because vanilla isn't enough; because we’re the same kind of freaks.


My Other Reviews for Books in the D/s Series:
(I will update links as reviews become available)
0.5 - The Art of Redemption - Awaiting Publication
1 - The Art of Submission - YOU'RE READING IT
2 - The Art of Domination - My review can be read here
3 - The Art of Control - My review can be read here
4 - Becoming Sir - My review can be read here

[Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. What a twist to the typical Dom/sub storyline. I REALLY enjoyed this one. It had a great combination of a little angst, drama, sexual chemistry and hot (albeit mild) BDSM scenes.

Uber hot security specialist Dylan sets his eyes on some erotic paintings hidden in the back of a Denver art gallery. They say that they're not for sale, but everyone has a price. He buys the three paintings that bring him spiralling back to his old Dom days...days he's long since left behind, thanks to his ex-sub Erika. She blackmailed him years ago, threatening to leak his sexually deviant ways. Boy, does he miss it though.

The artist, Isabel (aka Isa) just wants her damn paintings back. Her boss wasn't supposed to sell them. They're just too personal. She's got to find out who bought them and do WHATEVER it takes to get them back. When she finds out the uber hot Dylan Tyler bought them, she's really at a loss as to what to do. Dylan has been the source of her dreams for years.....

When Dylan meets up with the artist who's re-energized all his Dom desires, he's got just the deal for her.... She can have her pictures back for a price, a price that doesn't include money. He wants her to be his sub, to sign a contract. But can Isa give up all control to this man and tap into sexual experiences she's only experienced in her erotic dreams?

What a great spin on a storyline I thought was going to mimic everything post-FSoG era. The banter between these two made me laugh out loud at times. I won't give it away- it needs to be experienced as it comes. It does have a cliffy ending but luckily the next book is out.

On to the next installment- The Art of Domination.

[La-Lionne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got fooled by a beautiful cover. Just look at it, it's pretty, everything this book isn't.
The book description is pretty vague, but I thought that the story couldn't be that bad when the author had such a great taste for the cover art. The words "deeply emotional and funny" got me raising my eyebrows. It's a hard combination to pull of, I thought, but I brushed it of, because... The cover is so pretty :).

I know I read only 38% of the book, and one might say it's too early to be expecting "deep emotions" from the story. But author did make her heroine to suck the hero off twise and hero finger-bang the heroine once, author should have been able to make a reader to feel something for the characters. It evoked nothing in me, aside from an eye roll after an eye roll.

The heroine:

Brainless twat. Seriously, she is as dumb as they come, in this post FSoG world. She's ugly, fat (she weighs 115 fucking pounds!) , stupid, talentless, has no sense of style and her hair is a raccoon's nest (according to her). No one wants to touch her with a ten foot pole. Yet, every man she encounters, men at work, a taxi driver, a pilot, a customer, wants her to put out. While all the women she meets, either she knows them or never met them before, hates her for no goddamn reason. Seriously, if looks could kill. All of them stare daggers at her. Maybe it's because of:

"It must be the golden hair that sits on her head like an unruly halo."
Jealousy? :)

You see, she's an artist, who's paintings captured the attention of a very wealthy man and his cock. She paints these erotic pictures with a BDSM theme. She uses the canvas to express her deepest and darkest desires. At night she dreams of her Ms. Kitty (yep, her vagina has a nickname) being dominated. She dreams of being tied up, or cuffed, and being used by a man. Every morning she wakes up wet and panting. But wait, there is a twist: she doesn't know what BDSM is, means or that it exist at all. Maybe author didn't intended for it to be a twist, but it shocked the hell out of me, when the hero kept trying to explain to her what it was and she kept calling it BSMD, SBDM or DBSM, with an expression of shock on her face. She had no problems using Internet to google the hell out of the rich guy, yet she didn't know anything about BDSM. Fine! I'll let this one sly.

Then there was her uncontrollable urge to suck his cock 20 minutes into their first meeting. And then her spilling her guts to him about sleeping with her boss, short after. Then there was some more sucking. But he, the hero, crossed the line when he asked what inspired her art. The bitch got all up in his grill! Because how dare he ask her that and expect her to share her private thought and secrets. Then there was some finger-banging that made it all better. There, there.

The hero

What a precious jewel he was. He saw her paintings at the charity event and it awoke the Dom in him, that was asleep for two years, or maybe it was dead, killed by his bitch ex from two years ago, who he couldn't shut up about. Anyway, the Dom in him was alive and kicking again.
He buys the paintings, after trying hard not to seem like a dick, because the gallery manager (?) refuses to sell them at first, saying they are shit. Talk about the level of the professionalism.
He is a big deal you see. He is very famous person and has to keep his appearances. Because he owns a SECURITY COMPANY. And anyone who owns one are very famous! Because it's a SECURITY COMPANY. Who would want to get the security shit installed by a company who's owner is a raging lunatic, amiright?? Dude needs to keep the appearances! God forbid the tabloids gets ahold of the story about him raging at some unknown gallery, his career in... securing stuff, will be as good as over.

After some empty back and forward drama, some threats to her boss, he gets ahold of her full name and the googling, background checks and stalking begins. Sure, she's not a brunet, her sence of style is shit and she's not a girl he usually goes for, but that cock of his is twitching like nobodies business. Maybe he got turned on by that blond raccoon with a halo, sitting on her head? I don't know.
Anywho, he showed up at her door unannounced and the romance began. He was set on teaching her his ways of which she knew nothing about. After a blowjob, he told her to dress, they were going to a club. She put some sweater on, which he didn't approve of, told her her sense of style was crap and went through her closet to find her clothes, fixed her raccoon, applied lipstick on her and they were off. In the car, on the way to where his private plain was, he demanded her to tell him if she had sucked her boss's cock. My god, he was very complicated, she thought. But damn her if her Ms. Kitty didn't get wet. Who's wouldn't?!
I think there were some more cock sucking on the plain, the pilot made a pass at her. But they managed to arrive safely.

Of course she was shocked when they entered the BDSM club, even though her Ms. Kitty was about to rip trough her pants and attack his cock, she was horrified!

When they left the club and he mentioned the contract, that he was going to draw up for her to look over, I felt I had enough of kitties and raccoons for one lifetime.

The story had absolutely no sence of time. I DNF the book at 38% and I had no clue how long they knew each other. Since a night wasn't mentioned, I assumed not even one day, but then again, a lot of private parts got stimulated, it could've been a week at the most. I'll never know.

The descriptions of surroundings were none existent. The were buildings, cars, plains, clubs and work places, I never knew how they looked like. Things were either nice or ugly, places furnishes, tits are huge. The end!
The writing was absolutely horrible. Deeply emotional and funny? Not even a little bit! But the cover art is stil pretty :).

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

"an angel with a dark side…"

Isa never imagined her paintings would sell, they were never even supposed to be shared, to her shock the man who paid for them refuses to give them back, at least not without a price. One look at Dylan and she knows that he is everything she has ever wanted and he is the only one who can bring her fantasies to life.

"Your paintings… they spoke to me. They awakened my inner Dom and made me yearn for the lifestyle that I once lived."

Isa’s paintings are her most deepest darkest fantasies. Isa is submissive by nature; she doesn’t think to highly of herself thanks to her father, allowing others to underestimate her and lets them walk all over her. Isa has a hard time trying to figure out what a man like Dylan wants with someone like her, she is nothing like the females he is seen with, and comes to the conclusion that all he wants her for is sex and her paintings.

"My journal is my artwork. That’s why my paintings are so personal to me."

Isa and her paintings have managed to shatter the tight control Dylan has, he doesn’t do vanilla or any sort of relationship outside D/s. Isa is a BDSM virgin and he is enjoying all the ways he can teach her. This is all new to him as it is to her, and it calls for a special kind of contract. I have to say the contract that these two draft up and “negotiate” over is the most entertaining one I have read

"Yellow and red are uninspiring safe words? Okay. What the hell kinds of words are ‘inspiring’ exactly? And no, I will not accept ‘fuck you master’ as red, either."

Dylan seems to bring out a side of Isa that she never knew she had, it was like he awakened her alter ego who takes charge, he frustrates her like no one else and she becomes more and more aggressive. Dylan has no idea what’s happening, how could he be enjoying everything that she is doing to him

"What the fuck just happened? Who’s the submissive here? I’m pissed and aroused beyond anything I’ve ever felt before. And where the hell did my chicken shit alter ego go? I thought he was one tough motherfucker and at the first sign of an ass-whooping from Isabel, he tucks tail and hides."

Their back and for banter was hilarious

"Wow. It’s so… big.” I say, unable to hide my awe at the enormity of his home.

“That’s what she said,” he replies wryly.

No he didn’t. Seriously? What are we in junior high? He’s so cute. “So you’re good looking, well off and funny, too?” I ask him sarcastically.”

On top of their new relationship, they have to deal with jealousy, crazy bosses, their pasts and the secrets they keep from each other. These two were explosively hot when they're together and I'm super happy that their story continues onto the next book. This is the first switch book I've read, it was fun to see them submit when they're so used to being in control.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really took me by surprise... Thought this would be the typcial Dom/sub type of realationship with just a different road to how they got there but this was a nice surprise.


Dylan is a Dom that's been out of the scene for 2 years after his last D/s relationship took a nose dive when she decided to start blackmailing him. Dylan still has his dungeon of toys but the door has been closed and he's left this part of his life behind.

Until one day he's at an art showing and some highly sensual erotic paintings take his breath away. He feels like the artist must be into the D/s world because the painting are obviously a submissive waiting for her Dom. He has to have them and find out who the artist is.

Turns out the artist is Isabel, a shy beautiful woman that although she has very erotic dreams and fantasies she's never done anything like her pictures. She's an odd mixture of feisty and shy... When Dylan finally finds the secret artist he is blown away.. she's beautiful and blonde and petite , nothing like the sky high brunettes he usually prefers. Isa's pictures have brought his Dom back to the surface and he wants Isa to be his sub.

Isa has a past that haunts her and she's not very secure in herself. She doesnt understand what Dylan sees in her but she wants to explore it....

Dylan and Isa are funny at times, they banter back and forth and they've got plenty of chemistry. Dylan is making Isa's body feel things she never though possible. She enjoys taking instruction from him but at the same time she feels a need for control herself. THIS is where the really fun stuff starts. Turns out, Isa has a controlling streak in her too and when the two of them clash----wow! Isa turns the tables on Dylan and needless to say this totally freaks him out. He's the Dom. What he says goes no matter what.. Well, WHAT happens and Isa turns his world upside down.. it was awesome ...

This one ends with Dylan's past coming back to bite him.. looking foward to book 2 to see how Isa and Dylan handle this problem and how their D/s relationship continues to develop.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have conflicted feelings about this book. The story was excellent, and based on that alone I would have given the book 5 stars. It was fun, playful, kinky, and definitely sexy. So why the mixed feelings…??

Here is what I loved:
1) Dylan – Dylan is your typical rich, sexy, smart alpha male. He was great. I love how his character was written. He liked control of everything, but at times his alter ego got the better of him, making him say and do things he regretted. I do wish we could have gotten a little more into his past. It's hinted on, but there were no details. However, the way this book ended (don't worry, no cliffhangers) made me highly suspicious there is going to be a second book possibly dealing more with Dylan's past. Yay!

2) Dylan's POV – The book was broken up into Dylan's POV and Isa's POV, switching every other chapter. Dylan's parts were pretty much awesome. I loved being in his head and I thought the author did a great job writing him.

3) The story – I really enjoyed the story. When I first started reading I was worried this was going to be a FSoG re-write, but it most definitely wasn't. The story was wealthy alpha male meets shy, somewhat inexperienced female (though not the way too overused I'm a Virgin and Don't Know What a Dick Is type of female, thank God) thrown together with some kinky sex, but that's where the comparisons ended. The story line was original and very well thought out.

Here is what I did not love:
1) Isa - Isabel's self-depreciation got old very quickly. I did like the few times she stood up for herself and took control of herself (and Dylan), but the whole I'm not good enough, I'm not pretty enough character is…I don't have a word at the moment, but I hated it. She was also very immature at times.

2) Isa's POV – First, I did not like having to go back and re-read the same scene as the point of view changed. The actual change was not the problem, as it was done well and it was made clear who was speaking each time. It was more of having to read the same thing from two different perspectives. When switching views, it would have been better to pick up where the last one left off rather than going back through and re-doing the same scene all over again. It was redundant and ultimately did not add anything new or useful to the story. Additionally, rather than stick to the 1st person POV, Isa's portions of the book were more of a stream of consciousness, which was not very fun to read and it did not flow well. Ultimately, I would have loved the book better if Isa's parts would have just been left out completely and we would have only had Dylan's story. About 70% into the book Isa's story finally became different from Dylan's and it was not quite as tedious after that.

3) The dialogue – There were many times in the book where Dylan and Isa would be having a conversation and only part of it would be dialogued out for us. Meaning the dialogues seemed incomplete, as part of it was written as thoughts and we were just supposed to assume it was spoken out loud, so really it looked to us as the reader like Isa/Dylan was reading the other one's mind and it got very confusing. Make any sense? That's hard to explain. This could be easily fixed with a few strategically placed quotation marks to denote conversation.

Ultimately, if Isa's parts of the book weren't in there I probably would have rated it 5 stars. As such, I have been going between 3 and 4 just for these things mentioned above. I ultimately decided on 4 because I loved Dylan so much and the story itself was great. Holy long reviews. (You'd get that little joke if you've read the book.)

[~ Becs ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Art of Submission is a début novel exploring the fledgling relationship of two mistrusting souls who share a very tortured path in order to be together.


Dylan Young, security expert and former Dom, is mesmerised by some paintings of BDSM scenes in a gallery so much so that he will pay over the odds for them. Isabel Ibanez is the starving artist in an attic who didn’t really intend for her paintings to be sold because they are deeply personal to her and she wants them back. This is how they meet and Dylan instantly recognises the natural submissive in Isabel that she doesn’t realise herself that she is and he pursues her and attempts to get her to sign a BDSM contract.

They’re both reluctant to trust – Dylan has a difficult experience in the BDSM scene and Isabel has an abusive past. I did enjoy the story and I appreciate what the author was trying to do, alternating the POV from Dylan’s to Isabel’s. The problem with this is that it was so literal – we’d hear a scene told from Dylan’s side and then immediately the whole scene was repeated exactly but from Isabel’s POV. While it did give us the opportunity to understand what is going on in each of their heads and see the situation from each of their perspective’s, it was extremely repetitive and it was easy to skim Isabel’s chapters just to get to the point where you want to see why she reacted the way she did to something Dylan said or did.

I did wonder how Isabel was able to create such vividly sensual BDSM paintings and yet had never had the curiosity to look into it further or even google it. She was completely ignorant of the scene, the names and the terminology – even referring to it as SBDM. I did find it hard to believe that her basest desires would consume her awake and dreaming and yet she’d never thought to slake her curioisity.

Also, as they’re both reluctant to open up and trust one another, misunderstandings fire off left, right and centre and I’d get a little frustrated at how seemingly innocuous statements from one of them could absolutely enrage the other and they often seemed like a pair of snarling cats hissing at one another. This, of course, is where the alternating POV’s really come into their own as we’d repeat the scene immediately and find out what was going on in their minds to cause the outpouring of rage or grief.

I did find the author’s voice a little unsettling in my head. It’s quite harsh and it took a while to get used to the narrative but I did eventually settle into it and actually quite enjoy it. There are some little gems of humour in here and I liked the fact that Isabel didn’t just roll over doormat style and completely submit to Dylan – she’s a little hellion at heart and is only prepared to receive punishment from her dom if he would be prepared to reciprocate. It’s a strong battle of wills – both of them fighting for control.

I am being overly critical perhaps as it’s a good story, emotionally exhausting in its execution with great potential to carry on into a series. Dylan is a wealthy dom and, as such, has a well-equipped dungeon and they do share some pretty intense BDSM scenes which are incredibly hot and not overly extreme.

I loved the artwork both on the cover and within the pages.

3 stars BDSM romance

For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews

[RomanceBookVixen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5++++ HOLY-FUCKING-INTENSE-STARS

I LOVED IT!!!! Oh my god!!' What a dysfunctional couple. I am so high right now from Dylan and Isa that I need to jump right into the next book. Sweet Baby Jesus!!! I hope I survive the sex and the drama. Because I know hell is going to break loss and I don't think is going to be pretty. I am exhausted just typing these few words. LOL.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but I was also expecting it to be more exciting. In the end, I guess it's worth to say that it wasn't a typical BDSM lifestyle representing story. It was more likely a 'spicy vanilla'
kinda thing, as I'll call it for the sake of argument.
Is has potential but some features are missing...
I'd like more...you know...





What was questionable in my opinion were: the POVs- I'm used to less overlapping descriptions, more like the insight into other people's heads and the present tense also didn't do it for me.
There was a lot of humor and banter, some bickering and the most important- the role reversal (Dom/Sub-->Sub/Dom) which was a fresh outlook and I liked it much better.





My favourite quotes:

"Where did my balls go? I used to have a pair."

"Holy hard on. What does he think I’m going to do with that? I mean… I’m game, but … it’s just so... big. Like hard on in 3D."

"It’s not going to happen. No. It’s not. Going. To. Happen."



Yes, Dylan and Isa made quite a pair










The funniest thing is that it starts with:



and then it's suddenly like...

[Amber Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

5++++ Amazing, fantastic, dripping balls, AWESOME!!!

Where has The Art of Submission been my whole life? The cover and name alone had me from "Hello.. "Look at me, read me now". I should be slapped right now for taking this long to read this book.

Ella, sweet, sweet, Ella. Please whatever you do. Just keep putting these two characters in a book. Even if it's just short stories forever that comes personally to me. Hey, I am cool with that.

What to say about this book.... Besides the fact that I love it....

First let me say, these characters are so totally fucked up in their, own beautiful ways, that I can not get them out of my head. They were written perfectly to the T. I want to hug them, and then lock them up in a room for my own entertainment. Getting creeping aren't I? I just loved them that much.

These erotic paintings by Isa - $20K; chasing said artist in Benz SLS Coupe - $195K; the look on her face right at this moment - PRICELESS.

The sex scenes were fucking HOT... I am surprised there isn't a label before you read this that say, " WARNING Have an extra pair of panties when reading this"

Can you see that we're both damaged and flawed, but not to much so that it's beyond repair.

I felt every connection, argument, jealousy, happiness from these two. I am so emotionally involved with these two I can't wait to see what happens and where the next book takes me.

I love a good switch and this book gave me that.

Looking forward to more, Ella. I hope you get my message from the above and keep me in mind. :)

Bravo!!!!

[Alex · Rating 1 out of 5]

12% in and after only 3 face to face encounters (Dylan's POV):

"So how was that for you?"

"What do you mean?" she looks up at me outraged and shocked at my question.

"I mean, was it good for you? Did you enjoy it?" Why do I keep asking questions that I really don't want the answer to? Because you're a sadist my subconscious screams at me.

More like a stalker/psycho, buddy.

"I don't know what you're playing at Mr. Young, but I thought we were here to discuss a deal about my paintings, not my pathetic personal life," she snaps.

"Whoa...little miss submissive has left the building. This is someone completely different now. Very interesting. I wonder what's so pathetic about her personal life.

Little miss submissive?


Could you be more condescending?

"So you're no longer sleeping with him?" I continue probing, despite her outburst.

She lets out a loud sigh and rolls her eyes at me. "No. I'm not sleeping with him. I told you it happened only once." She sounds irritated and exasperated.

"Then why did I see him coming out of your building this afternoon?" I ask.

Her frustration with my line of questioning turns to fear. "Did he see you"? her voice is barely audible again.

That's right! Don't ask him how he knows that and why he's been following you. That would be stupid...

This smells like 50 Shades fan-fiction to me. We have Dylan's and Isa's points of view for the exact same moments, which is boring as heck. Dylan's mind is a series of chaotic girly thoughts. I wouldn't go as far as believing he's a Dom. Isa is boring/average/mediocre. Did I mention boring?

The Art of Submission?


The author should have started with The Art of Writing a (BDSM) Novel.

[Kelly 'Perusing Princesses blog' · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW: The Art of Submission by Ella Dominguez

Isabel: “I’m happy to see that we’re stopping to eat some dinner, since we didn’t actually eat lunch today. Instead we just argued, I pouted, slapped him, bojo’d him, and then I came like a freight train. I’ve had a very busy day.”

Holy Hot Sugar Goodness, this book contains one very innocent, humorous, yet feisty female lead, a crass and very naughty alpha-male and BDSM 101 that will leave you hyperventilating and squirming in your seat. Okay, did I use the word squirming? Well what the hell, I can’t wrap this up in a box with a pretty bow, it is what it is, a damn good erotic love story with an alpha that can give Christian Grey a little run for his money.

Fans of Fifty Shades will like this book as the content is similar, but different enough to earn it’s own credit as a good story with likeable strong characters.

Isabel is a recluse who is paid minimum wage at the local art galley and hides behind baggy clothes and long shaggy blond hair, and yet inside her there are undiscovered depths and untouched desires just waiting to be fulfilled. Her only way to express her hidden secret is through her art in the form of Erotic oil paintings.

Her Boss is opening an art show to all the rich and elite clientele in Denver and uses a couple of Isabel’s pieces as a last minute resort to cover a bare wall, knowing they will not be incorporated within the show itself and are not for sale.

In walks Dylan Young, a highly successful and wealthy businessman who has a passion for art. Good-looking and arrogant he begins to realise that the shallow and samey clientele is far from his ideals and lurks in the darker shadows of the gallery, stealing himself away from the unwanted buzz. As he embarks on a little detour he comes across two pieces that captivate him and kick-start his memories of a past that he longed to forget.

Spellbound by the incredible erotic paintings, he buys them from Greer, the manager of the Gallery, who seems reluctant to let them go and asks a hefty price. Young obliges and takes the paintings away with him immediately.

The next day, Isabel is furious that her boss allowed the sale of her much-loved and very personal pieces of art and makes a point of trying to salvage them back from the buyer, that is until she realises they were bought by the most eligible bachelor in town.

Swallowing her nerves and a little pride, she timidly visits the businessman at his place of work only to be blindsided and dismissed by his snotty receptionist. Dylan immediately wants to meet the woman who created such wonderful pieces of art and decides he wants to buy more of her work.

Soon, Dylan pursues Isabel relentlessly, hoping to get a glimpse of this amazing artist, but he wasn’t quite expecting to feel attracted to her. As a mutual attraction grows between the unlikely pair, and his passion for her art starts to consume him, Dylan makes Isabel an offer that she can’t refuse.

Playing out her ultimate fantasy as a submissive has its perks, until the idea of wanting to express some control of her own becomes an issue with her Dom. Throw into the mix, an incorrigible boss, and an abusive past and these issues become paramount and the need to learn to trust becomes the forefront of this amazing story.

I would have given this book 5 stars, however I did notice quite a few mistakes in the form of missing words in sentences and a few spelling errors. Also, the double viewpoints were great but only when the main characters were separated. I found that I scanned Isabel’s viewpoint regularly in the middle of the novel as I had already read these scenes in Dylan’s, so therefore it’s probably just a personal preference thing on my part.

However, regardless of this I have to say I am very impressed with Ella Dominguez and her gift of storytelling. This book is HOT! Definitely not for the faint-hearted, but it’s believable and many parts are incredibly humorous, which actually had me laughing out loud. We have a hot new author in town ladies, well done Ella! :)

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick review:

Cover: Love it
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess: Scorching
Thumbs Up: 3.5
Overall: For those fifty lovers, you are sure to like this one.
Characters: Solid
Plot: Take a walk down the real submissive road
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Dylan

SUMMARY (50 words or less)

There were so many great things about this book. If you are a fan of Fifty and the Crossfire series, you are sure to like this one. Like Crossfire, this book builds from the model created by Fifty. One thing about this one is that it feels a lot different.

For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:

http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...

[Aimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Holy orgasmic overload!!!!"

Amazing characters, filthy kitty tingling sex, witty, romantic and an intense story of discovery and unavoidable chemistry that had me turning the pages at a rate of knots.....

Best quote in the book for me:
"What's unacceptable is that you'll accept my cock in practically every orifice of your body, my tongue in your ass and you'll swallow my semen, but you won't accept clothing from me."

Ended on an almighty cliff hanger, so it's straight onto the next book for me - "I fucking hate waiting!"

**Thanks for the recommendation, Amber - you sure know how to pic em, Hun.**

[.Lili. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Submission Revised

This is my second time reading TAoS. The first time around though I loved the story- I found the dual POV a bit frustrating as it would just repeat the same scene from the other MC POV. This time the author has COMPLETELY scrapped that has written it in an alternating POV. That turned this book from a 4 to an automatic 5 star read. I devoured this book the second time around.

Their banter and inner musings had me chuckling to myself...

all the time. I love when a book can do that :)

The sex scenes made me...


But this book is not all fun and sex. There's also turmoil.


Some people have compared this book to FSoG but I don't really see it. I'll also go as far to say I enjoy this story more **gasp** Yup, I said it.

If the only reason you haven't picked up this book because of is how the dual POV was written. Well that is no more. Do yourself a favor and pick up this little gem right here :))

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy revelation



“Who the fuck is the submissive here?”

What an amazing concept. I just loved the whole thought processes between these two characters. I was initially skeptical about the dual POV's but it worked, boy did it work!

4 1/2 stars.

[I ♥ Bookie Nookie (bookienookiereviews.blogspot.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE ART OF SUBMISSION is a full-length, erotic novel chronicling the sexual exploration of two dynamic characters with tortured pasts struggling to come to terms with their dominant and submissive natures.

Isabel is a young, starving artist who is intensely private and extremely reluctant to share her art with the world. Though she is somewhat innocent in reality, her imagination and vivid dreams transport her to the unfamiliar world of BDSM giving her the inspiration to create beautifully erotic masterpieces. Using art as her wordless diary, she chronicles her every fantasy on canvas. Isabel’s life is forever changed when her private collection falls into the hands of a handsome gallery guest.

Dylan, a wealthy securities specialist, is no stranger to betrayal - leaving him a mistrustful mess. He is a smart businessman, but hasn’t always made the best decisions in his private life, which has led him to where he is today – bored and sexually frustrated. As a connoisseur of fine art and fine women with very specific sexual inclinations, he feels like a kid in an erotic candy store when he stumbles upon the sensual creations of an unknown artist in a local gallery. The images on the canvas speak to him, awakening the dormant desires from within leaving him longing to fulfill the urge to once again dominate a submissive beauty in the bedroom. Driven by his need, Dylan purchases the entire collection inadvertently opening the door to the life he left behind in the BDSM lifestyle, a life he vowed to never to revisit.

A series of events thrust the pair together in a sensual journey into the fascinating world of Domination and submission. THE ART OF SUBMISSION is not your average tale. If you are looking for a predictable story with a demure submissive prepared to bow down and serve a Master, then this will not be the story for you. If you think you might enjoy a little tug-of-war in the struggle for power and dominance as well as a feisty heroine who gives the hero a run for his money, then you definitely need to pick up THE ART OF SUBMISSION.


NOTE: Self-Published indicates no “professional editing” has occurred. With the exception of some grammatical and spelling errors, Ella Dominguez has done a wonderful job of giving the reader a lovely finished product. I know some of you take off stars for editing errors, so I thought this was worth mentioning - if the story is appealing to you, please don’t let this deter you from snatching it up. I can almost guarantee you will not be disappointed.

✳✳ Advanced Reader Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews


___________________________________________________
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Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group

[★★Sara Lizzy★★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!

Dylan is at an art gallery when he sees some erotic paintings he must have. He's a Dom who has not been a part of the D/s lifestyle for 2 years after an ex-sub blackmailed him. When he sees the paintings by "Isa" he knows he must find the artist (whom he assumes is a man) to see if there are more.

Isabel paints highly erotic art that relate to the D/s lifestyle, which she has never been apart of. She gets a lot of her inspiration from dreams/fantasies she has. Her mother died when she was young and her father was abusive. Early in the book she is a shy, quiet girl. She had agreed to let her boss use several of her paintings to hang but never thought they would be sold. When she finds out they were sold she wants them back.

When Dylan finds out who the artist is, he's shocked to find out it is a beautiful petite blonde woman, who is nothing like his usual tall brunettes he is usually with - but he knows he wants her. He can sense she has a submissive nature and he's willing do do anything to have her. Dylan is also shocked to discover this shy woman has a fiesty side and even more shocked to find out that he likes it!

Damn I still can't fucking believe she hit me. What's more, I can't believe that....I liked it.

As their relationship progresses Isabel gets bolder and bolder. She uses his belt at one point to tie his hands behind his back. She smacks him after he spanks her. She ties him to his bed at one point and uses a paddle on him. She even gets mouthy with him.

"I think you're the one who's defiant and needs to be spanked. What do you think about that Mr. Dominant?" I snort, my voice laden with sarcasm and disdain.

Throughout the book Isabel has to deal with her creepy boss who is continually harassing her after getting her drunk and taking advantage of her one night awhile back. She also is having to deal with Dylan's receptionist who will do just about anything to have Dylan, even try to cause problems between Isabel and Dylan on several occassions.

Isabel opened up to Dylan about her history of abuse with her father after she went to see her father and he beat her with a belt. But Dylan has secrets too that he hasn't shared. At the end of the book there is a cliffhanger where Dylan's history is coming back to bite him!

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a book with BDSM theme but not traditional D/s roles that you'd see in most BDSM books- since Isabel is usually submissive but has times when she fights for dominance over Dylan.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

OMG. So I sort of went into this series with my mind set that this was going to be very different style of read. I was expecting this very classical feel and that is not what this was, but that’s not a bad thing. I think I let the cover and the title just create the image of how this story was going to play out. So I was a little surprised by the actual story, given I had been thinking this story would feel totally different.

When Dylan spots Isabel’s painting hanging the dark corner of the gallery, he is immediately drawn to them. They reignite the flame of his former lifestyle of kink and creates a storm of obsession as he attempts to uncover who the artist is and his need to claim her once he does.

Isabel is a shy and a bit of a pushover and you can’t help but notice signs of past abuse that has left her this way. Her secret desires bleed onto the canvas and although she thought no one would ever see them, she can’t help but want to explore this more with Dylan.

But these two constantly push and pull one another as Dylan tries to gain her submission. For Isabel, this is all new and as much as she is craving him and what he is offering, she is still very fearful of what he wants to do to her.

As they begin to navigate the terms of their relationship a sudden dominate streak begins to show in Isabel, a side that Dylan can’t help but be turned on by. Now with a slight taste of control, Isabel wants more. A balance, a little give and take. Her willingness to submit in exchange for her ability to dominate.

As I completed the first book in this trilogy, I couldn’t help but draw a few similarities to FSOG. Although not too many, there were still a few moments. I did enjoy this one, but felt like it was lacking a little bit of maturity when it came to the heroine and I’m not sure if her gaining control as the story progresses will give her that needed strength to make her less annoying. Dylan was okay as far as heroes go. There were aspects that I loved about him and a few times when I was a bit frustrated with his behavior.

I’ll be continuing on with this trilogy to see what happens next though. Maybe these two will develop a bit more and the story will really start to take off...

[DKristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this one 3.5 Stars but I bumped it up since we don't get the half star privilege. I really enjoyed Dylan and Isa's story. Every time she flipped the script on him his reaction was absolutely hilarious. They were very hot and passionate so when things were going right they were going really right and when they weren't it was a definite hot ass mess. I thought the writing style was a bit distracting at times and some phrases were over used so that's why I can't give it more stars than I did. I'm definitely going to continue on with the story and see what craziness lies ahead for these two. With the way the epilogue concluded I am sure it's going to be uber-dramatic!

[Jx PinkLady Reviews ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

***This review may contain small spoilers***

“Holy orgasmic overload.”

I absofreakinglutely love this book!! Amazeballs!!!!

I love the feeling and tone of the story, it’s sexy, scrummy, delicious and naughty!

It is about the divine Dylan Young……………. ♥

“He’s visually stunning in a nontraditional way. He’s tallish and his physique is just slightly built……..Damn, he looks delicious. I wonder what he tastes like.”

…………………and the beautiful and talented Isabel

“Isabel is proving to be a very fascinating woman.”

Isabel expresses herself and her sexual fantasies through her wonderful paintings and it is her art work that draws our fabulous characters together.

The paintings and Isa awaken something in Dylan; he is a sophisticated, charismatic man (swoon!) He knows what he wants and has specific sexual tastes but he also realises he wants to give Isa want she desires too! He is too lovely!!!

Their first kiss…….wow!!!!!!

"Holy wetness - my pu$$y and panties are soaking wet and I'm aroused as hell. I can't take anymore and lunge myself at him…......mirrors my response. He's kissing me viciously.........No one has ever kissed me like this before." Love it!

I love the way it is written and alternates between Dylan and Isa’s POV; I think this really helps to understand their relationship. They are constantly in each other’s heads, thinking each other’s thoughts. They have an amazing connection almost from the start but it is natural; not forced or contrived.

Their personalities shine through especially Isa. She is emotionally and physically damaged, she does not see her worth, has a non-existent self-esteem and believes things could not possibly work out for her, “I know this will end in miserable heartbreak for me, I just know it.”

She also has a fab sense of humour………….
“Little Miss Sassy Pants is back and I laugh out loud at her. I know she doesn’t like it but damn she’s comical when she’s feisty.” You just know he loves that she is comical!!! It is a very attractive quality!

She is strong, feisty and formidable…….
“If he’s not willing to concede anything to me, I decide, here and now, he’ll get what he wants. Sex and sex only. He wants me to be his submissive? Fine, but he’s going to do his fair share of submitting as well.” I love the way the tables turn on Dylan!

And I love the way he thinks about her......

“You taste so good Isabel; like a little slice of heaven,” I tell her between licks.

“I want her all of her.”

“Every inch of her was made for me and only me and I’m not letting this one go. She’s mine.”

Control is an issue……..who has it?
“……he gave me what I really needed….….a way out of myself. I felt in control for once. Even when he was dominating me, it’s because I allowed it, and I had the control to say yes or no……”

All I have left to say is……
“Dylan…..you were delicious.”

[Dusti Hanrahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Bondage Among Other Things" by Lesa Kendrick

I lie upon your bed Wearing not a stitch of clothing Waiting...anticipating... Alone And waiting... wondering... I moan.

You dance into the room Your clothing drops to your feet My heart skips a beat As you walk closer Licking your lips As though I am the treat You wish to eat.

'Please, ' I beg, 'Kiss me... Touch me.' You take your feather- whip Teasing... tantalizing... My flesh. I'm going up in flames Wanting... waiting... Wishing.

Your mouth leaves a fiery path Upon my rosebud skin. Sweeping down, kissing everywhere Until I drag you in. 'Don't stop !!! ' 'Please NEVER stop! ' I surrender, giving in.... I am left there trembling when You begin again.

Now that's how to start a book!!

[Carla ☺Did I Say That☺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a Gem!!!! I loved it!!! Anxious to get started on the next book! Will review this one tomorrow..

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 million panty-melting stars!! Holy hotness, I absolutely loved this book!

I’ll be the first to admit that I like a good smutty read, but I also like substance…. good character development, a strong storyline, etc. The Art of Submission was the perfect mix! Ahh-may-zing sex, likeable characters and a great story!!!



I love love love Dylan and Isa!

Dylan Young is a 30 year old successful entrepreneur. He’s handsome, charming, and rich. He’s also a former Dom. He no longer lives the lifestyle because of a relationship with a former sub that went bad. At an art gallery showing, he stumbles upon some erotic art and it re-awakens his dominant tendencies.

“The snap of a whip… the smell of sweat and sex… the squeak of leather underneath flesh. The sound of a woman’s voice squealing from sweet torture…”

Isabel Ibanez is the artist of these pictures. She’s relatively shy with an abusive past and major self esteem issues. When Dylan finds out she’s the one behind his newly acquired artwork, he is determined to find out more about her.

She’s short, blonde, curvy and completely lacking in fashion sense. Definitely not his type, but he finds her fascinating. And he can tell she’s submissive by nature, which intrigues him even more.

“I want her to be my submissive; and even more, I want to be her Dom. All I can do is propose my idea and hopefully, she will agree.”

Both Dylan and Isa are haunted by their pasts, which makes embarking on a D/s relationship that much more complicated. Dylan likes to be in control. It’s who he is. He’s a Dom. But he discovers that Isa has control issues of her own.

Hands down, the best erotic book I’ve read this year!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Smoking Hot STARS!

I loved how different this book was. There are similar books out there to 50 Shades, and this one can definitely be compared BUT there were unexpected twists that made this book unique to other books in the 50 Shades genre.

I loved the art in the book.

I loved that we got to know Dylan from his point of view. Many 50 Shades type of books don't give us the guy's point of view.

I loved Isabel's strong character and her sassy mouth. She was reasonable and I understood her.

I can't wait to keep going with this story.

[Amy (caligurlreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hot lil number, however, it did tend to be confusing at times. The author wrote in 1st person from two different perspectives, Dylan's and Isa's. You go through the story from Dylan's POV for a spell, then the story suddenly stops and you revisit the story from Isa's POV. The story reconvenes from Dylan's POV, then back to Isa's...all the way throughout the story. I've read comments and reviews throughout Goodreads where readers have stated that they've read all of Dylan's POV and then gone back and read Isa's POV. I don't think that would've worked.

Honestly, I think what the author did here, while being repetitive, works. You are able to know exactly what each character is thinking. It did take some getting used to, but you do get used to it.

Isa works in an art gallery and secretly paints erotic paintings. Dylan is a wealthy businessman. Her paintings end up in the gallery where she works as filler as a favor to her boss. Dylan stumbles upon them and wants them instantly. He buys them and wants to know who has created such beautiful works of art. When he finally learns it is her, he wants her. All she has ever dreamed about is being wanted by someone like Dylan...but this whole situation is all to surreal. The erotic tale that unfolds is HOT! And the thoughts that goes through both Dylan's and Isa's minds are all the more reason for the author to write from both POVs.

[Kate Kinsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. As an artist myself, I loved the way the book began.

I'm a hard audience, because I don't really read a lot of erotica, and NO romance. I'm just too cynical.

Good points: TAOS is at least as well written as FSOG. (I know that's not saying much, but hey.... ) But like FSOG, a couple of things really annoyed me. Repetitive writing drives bamboo under my fingernails, and if I had had to read one more exchange of:

"Isa twirled her hair.
'Stop that, he said. 'You know that drives me crazy."

I seriously was gonna blow my brains out.

The scene where Isa gives him an incredible blow job and he's thinking, "she's a natural at it".....
Oh, come on! NO ONE iS A NATURAL AT ORAL SEX! This annoyed me so much I wrote a blog about it.

More seriously, I am bothered by the suspension scene. Suspension is a dangerous and very tricky thing. People have to study and train to do this safely. You cannot simply string up a willing novice and have her hang there for god-knows-how-long while you fuck her! In the real world, Isa would have ended up with nerve damage or a torn rotator cuff, if not worse.

Put if you liked FSOG, you'll probably love this. I just didn't.

[Steelwhisper · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5*

It *is* better written than FSoG on the prose level, so that's why it earned itself 1 star on top of FSoG.

Else this is just another plagiarism of The Book Which Shall Not Be Named. In fact down to little idiosyncrasies, the state of utter immaturity of the MCs, the tics and spleens. Everything and everyone is the stereotype of the trope of what they might be.

Just saying, but why can't there be--just once--a friendly secretary of a CEO? Why do they all get painted bitches?

Why do people behave on first meetings as if sex was a throw-away article? Not just that this isn't very erotic, but I wouldn't want to be with someone treating sex like eating a hamburger (or rather less so, I guess these characters would take greater care choosing a clean restaurant).

I'll not even go into much further detail, I was quite simply bored. And annoyed. Irritated even.