I like what this does for the BDSM scene. Submission shows that even in a BDSM relationship, there is romance and affection. So many people are under the (false) impression that BDSM is about cruelty and slavery when that’s just not so. The book moved fast but not too fast. The characters were well developed, as well; I didn’t leave the book feeling as if I lacked an understanding of the characters. What’s more, I liked them and I was rooting for it to work. Submission focuses on the submissive, Noah and how he and his new Dom, Tobias, work through Noah’s trust issues to bring him to the ultimate state of slavery. It was very hot but also very emotional. Definitely a good read for anyone who likes gay erotica with an edge. This isn’t about light spanking and handcuffs, guys. ( )

I was hesitant about this book because I've read some bad gay fiction in my life. A few pages in, I was completely engaged. The scenes are hot and the relationship is dynamic. I like that this book is about more than playing and acting out scenes. It shows that behind the faces, behind the titles and roles, are real people. This book also proves that a Dom is more than a control freak who likes to control people with cruelty and a submissive is more than a person who likes to be abused, as people misinformed about the scene tend to believe. The only issue I have is with the sex scenes. While they are hot and wonderfully played out, I was a little put off by how unrealistic the actual intensity is. For some reason, the fact that every single orgasm is screaming good just rang untrue with me and I was taken out of the moment by that. It is a small detail and ultimately not enough to ruin how wonderful the book is. ( )

What made me buy this book were the follwoing comments I found about it: "it gives you an insight into the gay bdsm scene" and "it has a beautiful relationship between the two protagonists as well as damn hot sex". The plot? Geez, buy it and find out for youself, I'm not spoiling it for you. ( )

Attracted to each other, they start slipping into formalized roles. Noah calls Tobias "sir" and Tobias calls Noah "boy." They venture upstairs to have a session in one of the rooms furnished with a bed, a bathroom, and various bondage and punishment implements. Tobias directs ... http://www.obsidianbookshelf.com/devi... ( )

I really enjoy M/M erotica and romance. But, I wasn't so sure about gay BDSM. This book totally changed my mind! The characters are engaging, the story is realistic and the sex is hot. But, there is also a deeply felt relationship beginning between Tobias and Noah that makes the reader want more. The BDSM aspects can be a little uncomfortable to someone who isn't involved in that (like me), but no more uncomfortable than stories that have elements of rape, danger or abuse to propel a plot. I devoured this book, and the sequel "Deviations: Dominance" is a couple of days. If you are a fan of gay romance, do yourself a favor and try this. The third book, Deviations: Discipline is also available. ( )