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Sub-Mission #1
Sub-Mission
How far would you go to save the one you love? Pierce Hollister is a down-to-earth businessman. Most of the time. His romantic side has him secretly dreaming of Mr Right, a family and happy ever after. Noah Conway is a single father who doesn't believe in happy families anymore. When his daughter's life is at stake, he would sell his soul to save her but as a sadistic Dom takes an interest in him, he sells his body instead. A shared session at a BDSM club leaves Pierce intrigued and soon he finds himself willing to do anything in his power to heal the wounds that life has left on Noah's soul. When he realises that the very thing Noah dreads the most might just be what he needs, Pierce sets out on a mission - but maybe it's just not in his power to save Noah. Will Noah be able to battle the demons that haunt him and find the happy ever after Pierce has dreamed up for them?
152 pages, ebook
First published May 14, 2012
10 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Sage Marlowe
430 books124 followersSage is a multi-published author of MM erotic romance novels and novellas and loves exploring the flavours of gay erotic fiction.
A willing slave to all the fascinating guys who keep queuing up and want their stories told, Sage can almost always be found cooking up the next hot story or daydreaming about new ways of rubbing sexy male bodies together to make the sparks fly.
A willing slave to all the fascinating guys who keep queuing up and want their stories told, Sage can almost always be found cooking up the next hot story or daydreaming about new ways of rubbing sexy male bodies together to make the sparks fly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 17, 2012
In which I have a rant
OK, as well as being poorly written, because it tells rather than shows, this hit a pet peeve for me: BDSM used to fix deep-seated psychological problems.
Total spoiler for most plot points follows:
Should you be happy to overlook my issues, the fact remains that Marlowe chooses to have most of the action in the book, especially the final 'breakthrough', take place off page. This does not lead to a gripping story.
OK, as well as being poorly written, because it tells rather than shows, this hit a pet peeve for me: BDSM used to fix deep-seated psychological problems.
Total spoiler for most plot points follows:
Should you be happy to overlook my issues, the fact remains that Marlowe chooses to have most of the action in the book, especially the final 'breakthrough', take place off page. This does not lead to a gripping story.
August 13, 2014
The question “How far would you go to save the one you love?” is an excellent summary of what this book is about. There is Noah who wants to save his daughter’s life and ends up more than traumatized. There is also Pierce, who falls for Noah and would do anything, or so he thinks, to make a relationship between them work. However, that is a two-way road and he cannot do it all by himself. The events that follow had me all tangled up in the emotions, obstacles, and trials these two have to go through when trying to deal with far more than their love for each other – they also have to deal with Noah’s past and Pierce’s preconceptions.
Noah has been through hell. Starting really young, his idea of what a family is was destroyed, and he holds on to his daughter and what he has built with her with an iron grip. On the whole, he seems to deal with everything really well, but only as long as he is in total control. And when that becomes an issue, because Pierce wants a say as well, Noah has no way of dealing with it, because it’s the only way he knows how to survive. So he pushes Pierce away.
Pierce isn’t quite as controlling as Noah, but he does like to have a say. When he first meets Noah in a BDSM club he is intrigued, even if he doesn’t understand some of the things Noah’s ‘master’ has him do. Pierce is more comfortable with an equal relationship, but he has one heck of a fight ahead of him to get what he needs from Noah. I admired him through all the ups and downs they go through, and even though he has his faults (who doesn’t), he struck me as a wonderful person and a very loyal partner.
This book deals with some pretty serious issues of abuse of all kinds; emotional, physical and sexual. It is not, as such, a BDSM book, instead it deals with the aftermath of a BDSM relationship gone wrong. It does so with respect and shows some of the real issues people can have as they work their way through overcoming their demons – both for the person who has been through it (Noah) and the person who loves them (Pierce). It is a road both can travel together, but, like in this story, they will need all the help they can get. I found the psychological aspects to unravelling Noah’s problems at least as interesting as the story of the developing relationship.
If you like books about real men who struggle with real issues, if you don’t mind reading about the raw emotions and issues that can result in, and how to deal with them, and if a love story where two men overcome a lot of obstacles is what you are looking for, you will probably like this short novel.
Noah has been through hell. Starting really young, his idea of what a family is was destroyed, and he holds on to his daughter and what he has built with her with an iron grip. On the whole, he seems to deal with everything really well, but only as long as he is in total control. And when that becomes an issue, because Pierce wants a say as well, Noah has no way of dealing with it, because it’s the only way he knows how to survive. So he pushes Pierce away.
Pierce isn’t quite as controlling as Noah, but he does like to have a say. When he first meets Noah in a BDSM club he is intrigued, even if he doesn’t understand some of the things Noah’s ‘master’ has him do. Pierce is more comfortable with an equal relationship, but he has one heck of a fight ahead of him to get what he needs from Noah. I admired him through all the ups and downs they go through, and even though he has his faults (who doesn’t), he struck me as a wonderful person and a very loyal partner.
This book deals with some pretty serious issues of abuse of all kinds; emotional, physical and sexual. It is not, as such, a BDSM book, instead it deals with the aftermath of a BDSM relationship gone wrong. It does so with respect and shows some of the real issues people can have as they work their way through overcoming their demons – both for the person who has been through it (Noah) and the person who loves them (Pierce). It is a road both can travel together, but, like in this story, they will need all the help they can get. I found the psychological aspects to unravelling Noah’s problems at least as interesting as the story of the developing relationship.
If you like books about real men who struggle with real issues, if you don’t mind reading about the raw emotions and issues that can result in, and how to deal with them, and if a love story where two men overcome a lot of obstacles is what you are looking for, you will probably like this short novel.
July 7, 2012
I will try and get my point across with this review. I don't think it is much of a spoiler but let me know if I need to mark it as such.
I enjoyed the first three quarters of this book. Noah has a lot of issues. He was physically abused and thrown out by his parents, he is raising his daughter on his own and it is hard for him to trust. Noah and Pierce had great chemistry and I enjoyed reading about them.
The last quarter of the book took me out of the story and I had to make myself finish. Noah had issues and it was obvious he needed help. The author alluded to the fact, via Pierce's brother, that Pierce may be able to help him by doing a "sub mission" and using dom/sub techniques to get him to open up.
Pierce tried it and it didn't work. Noah did some unsavory activities and the two broke up. Six months later, Pierce gets a phone call and we find out that Noah is "fixed". Not only is he fixed but it was done with the Dom/Sub techniques just by someone else other than Pierce.
I have no issues with Noah getting his self together and facing his demons with an outside person but the issue, for me, was that the author made it seem like Pierce would be the one to help him. I would have even taken the author allowing the reader to see how the techniques were used with Noah while it was happening but the story is told secondhand and after the sessions have been happening for months. It was disappointing and I think the author did a disservice to the story. She took a semi heavy and good book and reduced it to a simple and predictable story that did not deliver.
I will give this a 2.5 since the meat of the story, and what I thought would be most important, was not portrayed properly.
I enjoyed the first three quarters of this book. Noah has a lot of issues. He was physically abused and thrown out by his parents, he is raising his daughter on his own and it is hard for him to trust. Noah and Pierce had great chemistry and I enjoyed reading about them.
The last quarter of the book took me out of the story and I had to make myself finish. Noah had issues and it was obvious he needed help. The author alluded to the fact, via Pierce's brother, that Pierce may be able to help him by doing a "sub mission" and using dom/sub techniques to get him to open up.
Pierce tried it and it didn't work. Noah did some unsavory activities and the two broke up. Six months later, Pierce gets a phone call and we find out that Noah is "fixed". Not only is he fixed but it was done with the Dom/Sub techniques just by someone else other than Pierce.
I have no issues with Noah getting his self together and facing his demons with an outside person but the issue, for me, was that the author made it seem like Pierce would be the one to help him. I would have even taken the author allowing the reader to see how the techniques were used with Noah while it was happening but the story is told secondhand and after the sessions have been happening for months. It was disappointing and I think the author did a disservice to the story. She took a semi heavy and good book and reduced it to a simple and predictable story that did not deliver.
I will give this a 2.5 since the meat of the story, and what I thought would be most important, was not portrayed properly.
July 27, 2014
Sub-Mission is the first story of the same named three-part series. It’s about Noah, a single father who does everything in his power to save the life of his sick daughter, even if that means to sell body and soul to a sadistic Dom.
When Pierce, a business man, shares a session with Noah and said Dom at a BDSM club he can’t get Noah out of his mind, he wants to heal the broken and traumatized man and a roller coaster ride of emotions begin.
Sub-Mission is entertaining written and the characters well elaborated. OMG… how I sometimes longed to hug or smack both of the guys. Badly!
Overall, it was an enjoyable read with a perfect mix of inner struggles, angst, friendship and love, a great book packed full of emotional moments. Recommended.
January 31, 2014
3.5 stars
Overall I enjoyed the complexities of the relationship between Noah and Pierce and am intrigued to see how the relationship will progress. I did have trouble initially connecting with these two, likely due to the time jumps in the beginning of the story and the tendency to tell rather than show what was happening between the men. I also was left with a bad taste for Noah after his poor treatment of Pierce, but was happy with Pierce's response.
Pierce's brother is an interesting character, and I am still not 100 percent behind Noah, but I really liked Pierce. The book was not what I expected, but I do want to see how their story plays out in the next book.
Overall I enjoyed the complexities of the relationship between Noah and Pierce and am intrigued to see how the relationship will progress. I did have trouble initially connecting with these two, likely due to the time jumps in the beginning of the story and the tendency to tell rather than show what was happening between the men. I also was left with a bad taste for Noah after his poor treatment of Pierce, but was happy with Pierce's response.
Pierce's brother is an interesting character, and I am still not 100 percent behind Noah, but I really liked Pierce. The book was not what I expected, but I do want to see how their story plays out in the next book.
February 10, 2016
I'm not quite sure how to rate this book yet. It was good but some things were definitely missing.
Full review coming soon.
Full review coming soon.
May 22, 2013
2012 Review:
First, the initial paragraph of the teaser spoiled the big mystery that was meant to be dramatically revealed no sooner than the freaking middle of the book. Way to spoil a book, although I guess it made me pick the book up in the first place. But yeah, that was frustrating.
Equally annoying, although in a much more subtle way, was how the story kept skipping ahead without telling me. Suddenly they have been seeing each other a month when it had seemed still in the same week, and then it’s been four months and, well, the segues are missing. I like a good scene break, so there’s no need to always fill the gaps but this just felt kind of disorienting.
This was single perspective, surprisingly (considering that teaser), and British, although the latter aspect hardly factored in, as it were.
** The rest of this is somewhat spoilerish. **
It was not exactly bad.
Interestingly enough it sort of turned into a (more than questionable) treatise on how to handle someone who had been sexually traumatized in this specific way. Yeah, that was all suspiciously transparent what with Pierce’s convenient Dom/psychologist brother, who happened to be a whiz at that kind of stuff. Not to mention that this bit did not even last long in the great scheme of things, since it then turned out there were more, older underlying issues.
In the end, I felt that the story’s execution did not live up to its aspirations. There was just too much that seemed like deus ex machina or convenient solutions. Probably because the narrative skipped describing the actual process necessary to arrive at the next point. It just felt too idealized in the end, despite the realistic touch in terms of, you know, .
Maybe that was actually the main problem: the discrepancy between a serious and trying-to-be realistic look at a serious issue and, well, the magical healing to achieve a happy-happy ending.
Let me link you to Emma's review for a big but entirely justified rant.
First, the initial paragraph of the teaser spoiled the big mystery that was meant to be dramatically revealed no sooner than the freaking middle of the book. Way to spoil a book, although I guess it made me pick the book up in the first place. But yeah, that was frustrating.
Equally annoying, although in a much more subtle way, was how the story kept skipping ahead without telling me. Suddenly they have been seeing each other a month when it had seemed still in the same week, and then it’s been four months and, well, the segues are missing. I like a good scene break, so there’s no need to always fill the gaps but this just felt kind of disorienting.
This was single perspective, surprisingly (considering that teaser), and British, although the latter aspect hardly factored in, as it were.
** The rest of this is somewhat spoilerish. **
It was not exactly bad.
Interestingly enough it sort of turned into a (more than questionable) treatise on how to handle someone who had been sexually traumatized in this specific way. Yeah, that was all suspiciously transparent what with Pierce’s convenient Dom/psychologist brother, who happened to be a whiz at that kind of stuff. Not to mention that this bit did not even last long in the great scheme of things, since it then turned out there were more, older underlying issues.
In the end, I felt that the story’s execution did not live up to its aspirations. There was just too much that seemed like deus ex machina or convenient solutions. Probably because the narrative skipped describing the actual process necessary to arrive at the next point. It just felt too idealized in the end, despite the realistic touch in terms of, you know, .
Maybe that was actually the main problem: the discrepancy between a serious and trying-to-be realistic look at a serious issue and, well, the magical healing to achieve a happy-happy ending.
Let me link you to Emma's review for a big but entirely justified rant.
August 8, 2013
I found this book unexpected and refreshing in the way the relationship between Noah and Pierce was portrayed. But this was definitely not the story I was expecting. It had some elements that were fabulous but others had me confused.
My conundrum with this book were my feelings about both the main characters but mainly Noah. I felt quite conflicted. I had so much sympathy for his terrible situation, for the rejection by his family and the heartache of the problems with his little girl. I could understand his desire and need to do ANYTHING to save his child. I loved the way he opened up to Pierce and started to let him into his life but I absolutely HATED some of his actions Obviously the author was doing something right to elicit such feelings towards the character!
I was also slightly conflicted with Pierce. I found his behaviour during his first encounter with Noah to be questionable. He had a feeling something wasn't right and didn't trust his instincts. This didn't endear his character to me and I couldn't understand why Noah really wanted to see him again.
However, overall the story presents a very interesting view of how Noah and Pierce finally come to be together - the emotional complexities, the response to betrayal, the steps to healing.
There wasn't the BDSM I was expecting in the relationship between the two men and I admit I was quite surprised by Pierce's brother's involvement in Noah's recovery. Obviously Pierce and his brother have a very trusting relationship for jealously not to rear it's head!
I will definitely be continuing on to read the next book in the series.
3.5 stars
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
My conundrum with this book were my feelings about both the main characters but mainly Noah. I felt quite conflicted. I had so much sympathy for his terrible situation, for the rejection by his family and the heartache of the problems with his little girl. I could understand his desire and need to do ANYTHING to save his child. I loved the way he opened up to Pierce and started to let him into his life but I absolutely HATED some of his actions Obviously the author was doing something right to elicit such feelings towards the character!
I was also slightly conflicted with Pierce. I found his behaviour during his first encounter with Noah to be questionable. He had a feeling something wasn't right and didn't trust his instincts. This didn't endear his character to me and I couldn't understand why Noah really wanted to see him again.
However, overall the story presents a very interesting view of how Noah and Pierce finally come to be together - the emotional complexities, the response to betrayal, the steps to healing.
There wasn't the BDSM I was expecting in the relationship between the two men and I admit I was quite surprised by Pierce's brother's involvement in Noah's recovery. Obviously Pierce and his brother have a very trusting relationship for jealously not to rear it's head!
I will definitely be continuing on to read the next book in the series.
3.5 stars
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
May 15, 2015
Il est génial ce livre, vraiment très bien. Ce n'est pas un énième livre érotique sur fond de BDSM. Ça n'a rien à voir en fait. C'est l'histoire de deux hommes qui vont se rencontrer dans un club BDSM, et avoir une brève relation dominant/soumis, alors qu'aucun des deux ne fait véritablement parti de ce monde.
Pierce est un chef d'entreprise, il n'a aucune relations sérieuse et lorsqu'il veut assouvir ses besoins sexuels, va faire un tour dans le club que dirige son frère. Un jour dans un parc il croise le jeune homme avec lequel il a eu une relation dominante, mais dérangeante, plusieurs mois plus tôt. Ce jeune homme c'est Noah, un jeune papa qui ferait tout, quitte à se vendre, pour sauver sa fille. Ils vont apprendre à se connaître et nouer une relation. Mais tout ne va pas bien pour eux, Pierce sent que son amant garde ses distances et ne lui donne pas tout. De plus alors qu'il est plus actif dans un lit Noah lui interdit de le soumettre alors que c'est de cette façon qu'ils se sont rencontrer. Pierce connaissant les raisons de sa soumission au club accepte les conditions de son homme, juste pour le garder. Il faudra une trahison de Noah et un travail sur lui et ses démons intérieurs pour qu'ils trouvent enfin l'équilibre entre eux.
C'est très bien écrit et traduit, l'histoire est belle et forte. Noah est un homme tellement blessé par la vie, tout ce qu'il a pu supporter le pauvre. J'ai vraiment adoré, c'est sensuel mais assez pudique aussi, il n'y a pas de sessions bdsm ni rien de ce genre(à part la scène du début, très soft en plus). Alors pour les âmes fragiles lancez-vous c'est vraiment très beau. J'ai aimé le combat de Noah contre la maladie de sa fille, et ensuite pour récupérer son homme. Bien que j'aurais aimé qu'elle soit un peu plus présente cette petite de 6 ans.
Bref, je suis super contente de ma lecture !!
Pierce est un chef d'entreprise, il n'a aucune relations sérieuse et lorsqu'il veut assouvir ses besoins sexuels, va faire un tour dans le club que dirige son frère. Un jour dans un parc il croise le jeune homme avec lequel il a eu une relation dominante, mais dérangeante, plusieurs mois plus tôt. Ce jeune homme c'est Noah, un jeune papa qui ferait tout, quitte à se vendre, pour sauver sa fille. Ils vont apprendre à se connaître et nouer une relation. Mais tout ne va pas bien pour eux, Pierce sent que son amant garde ses distances et ne lui donne pas tout. De plus alors qu'il est plus actif dans un lit Noah lui interdit de le soumettre alors que c'est de cette façon qu'ils se sont rencontrer. Pierce connaissant les raisons de sa soumission au club accepte les conditions de son homme, juste pour le garder. Il faudra une trahison de Noah et un travail sur lui et ses démons intérieurs pour qu'ils trouvent enfin l'équilibre entre eux.
C'est très bien écrit et traduit, l'histoire est belle et forte. Noah est un homme tellement blessé par la vie, tout ce qu'il a pu supporter le pauvre. J'ai vraiment adoré, c'est sensuel mais assez pudique aussi, il n'y a pas de sessions bdsm ni rien de ce genre(à part la scène du début, très soft en plus). Alors pour les âmes fragiles lancez-vous c'est vraiment très beau. J'ai aimé le combat de Noah contre la maladie de sa fille, et ensuite pour récupérer son homme. Bien que j'aurais aimé qu'elle soit un peu plus présente cette petite de 6 ans.
Bref, je suis super contente de ma lecture !!
June 4, 2015
Belle histoire, j'ai vraiment apprécié. Pas de BDSM en réalité. Juste une rencontre dans un club, qui débouchera ensuite sur une relation entre deux hommes bien loin de ce mode de vie. Noah est un trop jeune papa, terrorisé à l'idée de perdre sa fille, et qui se débat dans les difficultés financières. C'est un obsédé du contrôle, au lit comme dans la vie, et avoir du se soumettre à un Dom à qui il a vendu son corps quelques temps lui a laissé de nouvelles cicatrices. Pierce est un homme bien dans sa peau, plutôt sérieux. Il tombe amoureux de Noah et il fait tout pour que leur couple puisse fonctionner. Mais le besoin forcené de contrôle de Noah comme son refus de laisser qui que ce soit toucher ses défenses risque de condamner leur avenir, malgré l'amour qu'ils éprouvent l'un pour l'autre. Il faudra qu'il parvienne à lâcher prise, et à faire confiance , pour soigner ses blessures anciennes et construire un futur avec Pierce. C'est bien écrit, fluide, psychologique comme j'aime, et les deux personnages sont justes et vrais. Pierce est généreux, attentionné, tendre et adorable, impossible de ne pas l'aimer. Quand à Noah, plus complexe, blessant et blessé, on voudrait à la fois le baffer et le serrer dans ses bras pour le réconforter. Bref, un beau roman.
4,3/5
4,3/5
February 17, 2015
I met Sage Marlowe on a Monday night. At least, I met his writing. I think I should have this day marked with a red cross on my calendar. To help me remember when my life changed and why.
The same day, I met Noah and his little girl, this sweet little thing named Phoebe. She had a hard start for her life. And I also met Pierce. Pierce and Noah were not meant to be together, to me. Two Alpha men with strong personalities, stubborn to death ! But they met. And they fell in love. And they split. And... no, I can't do you that. I can't reveal anything. I wouldn't like to read a review where the story would be spoiled. So, yes, you'll have to find out by yourself what happens to Noah and Pierce. And to little Phoebe too. Because you certainly don't want to waste any more time in your life missing this book and his author.
He changed my way of seeing life. Especially on how hard people can react to a man being gay. And how a Dom can be a good shrink too and help someone to sort his life out. And many other things.
Saying I loved it is a major understatement. I hope you'll enjoy it <3
The same day, I met Noah and his little girl, this sweet little thing named Phoebe. She had a hard start for her life. And I also met Pierce. Pierce and Noah were not meant to be together, to me. Two Alpha men with strong personalities, stubborn to death ! But they met. And they fell in love. And they split. And... no, I can't do you that. I can't reveal anything. I wouldn't like to read a review where the story would be spoiled. So, yes, you'll have to find out by yourself what happens to Noah and Pierce. And to little Phoebe too. Because you certainly don't want to waste any more time in your life missing this book and his author.
He changed my way of seeing life. Especially on how hard people can react to a man being gay. And how a Dom can be a good shrink too and help someone to sort his life out. And many other things.
Saying I loved it is a major understatement. I hope you'll enjoy it <3
April 2, 2013
I'm not particularly new to male romance novels with a BDSM flavour but I have to say I really enjoyed this one. I thought the story of Pierce and Noah was tender, realistic and dealt with some complex issues that I thought were tackled well. The themes of abuse, mistrust, and emotional and sexual trauma were also dealt with compassionately. This is the story of real mean with real issues and their struggle to come to terms with each other. It's about Noah, traumatised and tormented, who only wants to do right by his little girl and give her a childhood he never had. Then along comes Pierce, a man who has his own views about where he wants to be and who he wants in his life and he sees in Noah something he's been missing and wants. He has a struggle to make Noah trust him, to open him up emotionally. I found the dialogue engaging and I enjoyed the character development. I'd definitely recommend this and I intend reading more of Sage's books.
June 11, 2012
Definitely a heavier book than I anticipated, but in a good way. It was not what I expected, though I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed it and would certainly welcome more.
July 7, 2012
1.5 stars
It could have been a really good story, but I think it was mis-handled.
It could have been a really good story, but I think it was mis-handled.
May 21, 2016
Not good ,not bad. The story had a good potencial but it gets lost somewhere. Maybe if there were dual POV it would make story more intersting.
November 27, 2015
3.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
This turned out to be a really sweet story. It is mainly about Noah, a guy who has been through a lot. He was abused and then kicked out by his parents as a teen, became a single dad not much later and is now raising his daughter and doing okay. Unfortunately, his daughter has an illness that will require a very expensive surgery.
Pierce is the brother of Francis, the owner of the BDSM club. Pierce meets Noah at the club while Noah is subbing for one of the more sadistic Doms, Richard. Richard convinces Pierce to participate in a “scene” with them. Pierce is not completely comfortable at various times with the way things are going but he goes through with it anyway. It isn’t until the two meet by chance outside the club that Pierce finds out who the real Noah is which is far from the sub he was at the club. The two become friends and eventually more, though it takes some doing to convince Noah he can let someone else in.
The one thing that didn’t feel quite right here was that obviously Noah had some pretty deep issues. Pierce is convinced by his brother, Francis, that Pierce needs to help Noah by using dom/sub tactics, which doesn’t go very well at all. Francis ends up helping more in the end, but these two are never really dom/sub.
As I said earlier, this ended up being rather sweet. Pierce is there for Noah, even after things happen that separate them, and it was nice to see their little family come together. While this story was a bit choppy in parts, it moves along at a pretty good pace, leaving me eager to jump into the next one to see where things would go for them all. It’s a nice start to the series though, and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
This turned out to be a really sweet story. It is mainly about Noah, a guy who has been through a lot. He was abused and then kicked out by his parents as a teen, became a single dad not much later and is now raising his daughter and doing okay. Unfortunately, his daughter has an illness that will require a very expensive surgery.
Pierce is the brother of Francis, the owner of the BDSM club. Pierce meets Noah at the club while Noah is subbing for one of the more sadistic Doms, Richard. Richard convinces Pierce to participate in a “scene” with them. Pierce is not completely comfortable at various times with the way things are going but he goes through with it anyway. It isn’t until the two meet by chance outside the club that Pierce finds out who the real Noah is which is far from the sub he was at the club. The two become friends and eventually more, though it takes some doing to convince Noah he can let someone else in.
The one thing that didn’t feel quite right here was that obviously Noah had some pretty deep issues. Pierce is convinced by his brother, Francis, that Pierce needs to help Noah by using dom/sub tactics, which doesn’t go very well at all. Francis ends up helping more in the end, but these two are never really dom/sub.
As I said earlier, this ended up being rather sweet. Pierce is there for Noah, even after things happen that separate them, and it was nice to see their little family come together. While this story was a bit choppy in parts, it moves along at a pretty good pace, leaving me eager to jump into the next one to see where things would go for them all. It’s a nice start to the series though, and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
April 22, 2013
I've read this book twice now, and I loved it just as much the second time around. The story drew me in and I quickly found myself caring about the characters. Pierce is a nice guy, out for a hot encounter but finds something more. Noah is a single Dad, striving to make a good life for his daughter, but inside he's a mess. (I didn't always like Noah, in fact I wanted to smack him a few times for being such a s**t) Sexually they are combustible but not entirely in sync, relationship wise - they aren't on the same page. This is not a love at first sight and fast track to happily ever after kind of story. There is a BDSM element to this story, but it isn't overrun with hard core scenes - it's more the psychological variety. The intimate encounters are incredibly well written, erotic and just plain HOT. The emotional side - again, fantastically written. The reader isn't overwhelmed with non-stop sex scenes - there's an actual plot, plenty of real life issues and conflict. A great read... and now I'm off to read the next book in their story.
August 31, 2016
2.5 stars.
This is told solely from Pierce's POV. I couldn't feel connected with Noah because of that, while he is the character with the serious issues. I desperately wanted his POV as well.
Additionally, the dealing with his issues and his healing are told secondhandly, which didn't work for me at all. I would've wanted to see him go through it on page instead of being told about it after the facts occurred. Now I was left with the feeling that the most important parts of the story took place off page.
Btw I thought this was going to be a BDSM story after reading the blurb, but it wasn't. Not really. Neither of the two MCs are interested in BDSM, it's just an element in the story that is used as a reason (and solution) for Noah's trust issues.
This is told solely from Pierce's POV. I couldn't feel connected with Noah because of that, while he is the character with the serious issues. I desperately wanted his POV as well.
Additionally, the dealing with his issues and his healing are told secondhandly, which didn't work for me at all. I would've wanted to see him go through it on page instead of being told about it after the facts occurred. Now I was left with the feeling that the most important parts of the story took place off page.
Btw I thought this was going to be a BDSM story after reading the blurb, but it wasn't. Not really. Neither of the two MCs are interested in BDSM, it's just an element in the story that is used as a reason (and solution) for Noah's trust issues.
January 4, 2013
I liked this story. but i felt like their was something missing.... maybe people were right.... it would have been a lot better if it had some Noah P.O.V ~
Of to read the second part ~
Of to read the second part ~
November 27, 2022
Pierce Hollister, venu boire un verre dans le club BDSM tenu par son frère, a l’œil attiré par un jeune homme sexy... et se le voit "offrir" par son Dom, lors d'une scène qui lui laisse une sensation de malaise et une certaine amertume.
Quelques jours après, quand il recroise la route de Noah, il ne peut s'empêcher de tenter sa chance et entame une relation avec le jeune homme.
Mais ce qu'il découvre de Noah vient en contradiction totale avec sa première rencontre avec le jeune homme...
Un roman qui envoie du lourd dès le premier chapitre qui dérange et met mal à l'aise : la notion de consentement y est très fortement bafouée... et ce n'est qu'au fil des chapitres que nous comprenons l'origine de ce comportement.
L'histoire est plutôt originale, mais j'ai trouvé que les personnages n'étaient pas assez travaillés, manquaient un peu de profondeur : tout reste un peu trop en surface, j'ai trouvé ça un peu dommage, j'aurais aimé aussi en savoir plus sur le frère de Pierce, mais visiblement, il est le héros du tome suivant. J'ai passé un moment malgré tout intéressant, une fois passé cette première scène avec le fameux Robert, et la petite Phoebe est choupinette.
Quelques jours après, quand il recroise la route de Noah, il ne peut s'empêcher de tenter sa chance et entame une relation avec le jeune homme.
Mais ce qu'il découvre de Noah vient en contradiction totale avec sa première rencontre avec le jeune homme...
Un roman qui envoie du lourd dès le premier chapitre qui dérange et met mal à l'aise : la notion de consentement y est très fortement bafouée... et ce n'est qu'au fil des chapitres que nous comprenons l'origine de ce comportement.
L'histoire est plutôt originale, mais j'ai trouvé que les personnages n'étaient pas assez travaillés, manquaient un peu de profondeur : tout reste un peu trop en surface, j'ai trouvé ça un peu dommage, j'aurais aimé aussi en savoir plus sur le frère de Pierce, mais visiblement, il est le héros du tome suivant. J'ai passé un moment malgré tout intéressant, une fois passé cette première scène avec le fameux Robert, et la petite Phoebe est choupinette.
March 20, 2014
Ugh. What do I think? I'm not sure. I really enjoyed the first half of this story. I enjoyed the slow way the relationship was progressing between Pierce and Noah, it made sense with Noah's background. I liked little Phoebe and how Noah stood up and took care of her and how he was not afraid of hard work and sacrifice to give her the care she needed. Where it started to lose me was when Pierce sought out his brother Francis for advice when he was struggling with Noah's need to dominate and control.
I did love that
One final note: This book has one of my big no-no flags!!! This is something that always bothers me (outside of fantasy land and paranormal worlds) and so I had to mention it.
I did love that
One final note: This book has one of my big no-no flags!!! This is something that always bothers me (outside of fantasy land and paranormal worlds) and so I had to mention it.
September 19, 2015
I came to Sage’s writing through a recommendation from one of my friends, and I am so glad she shared this with me. Sub-mission has been on my ‘to read list’ for a while and I dived in and finished it in three sittings.
The characters made me feel for them, I wanted to fight with and for them, but at no time did I find myself taking sides between Noah and Pierce which is unusual as I pick a side, but they were both so endearing I really couldn’t choose between them. They both have their faults, and apart they just exist, but put them together and you get fireworks. Both want to be in charge and neither want to give up total control, but compromises have to be made.
So many things happen in this book, and I really don’t want to give away any spoilers, but you will fall in love with both these men, and root for them to work through the issues which threaten to tear them apart.
The way the relationship and bond between Noah and Pierce is written, is honest and believable. Emotions are sometimes raw and exchanges between them honest and almost brutal in that honesty, but just like everything else it comes across as real an it works perfectly.
Sensitive issues in regards to homophobic and highly religious parents are handled sensitively and with respect, as is the relationship between a young father and his daughter, someone who until he meets Pierce is his whole life. The struggle to balance the love between them feels so very real.
I also fell for Francis, who, although he doesn’t have a huge main role in this book I am desperate to hear more from. I suspect that he is one of those men you just fall more in love with.
I am now a fan, and looking forward to reading more in this series and more from Sage too. :-)
The characters made me feel for them, I wanted to fight with and for them, but at no time did I find myself taking sides between Noah and Pierce which is unusual as I pick a side, but they were both so endearing I really couldn’t choose between them. They both have their faults, and apart they just exist, but put them together and you get fireworks. Both want to be in charge and neither want to give up total control, but compromises have to be made.
So many things happen in this book, and I really don’t want to give away any spoilers, but you will fall in love with both these men, and root for them to work through the issues which threaten to tear them apart.
The way the relationship and bond between Noah and Pierce is written, is honest and believable. Emotions are sometimes raw and exchanges between them honest and almost brutal in that honesty, but just like everything else it comes across as real an it works perfectly.
Sensitive issues in regards to homophobic and highly religious parents are handled sensitively and with respect, as is the relationship between a young father and his daughter, someone who until he meets Pierce is his whole life. The struggle to balance the love between them feels so very real.
I also fell for Francis, who, although he doesn’t have a huge main role in this book I am desperate to hear more from. I suspect that he is one of those men you just fall more in love with.
I am now a fan, and looking forward to reading more in this series and more from Sage too. :-)
November 27, 2015
This turned out to be a really sweet story. It is mainly about Noah, a guy who has been through a lot. He was abused and then kicked out by his parents as a teen, became a single dad not much later and is now raising his daughter and doing okay. Unfortunately, his daughter has an illness that will require a very expensive surgery.
Pierce is the brother of Francis, the owner of the BDSM club. Pierce meets Noah at the club while Noah is subbing for one of the more sadistic Doms, Richard. Richard convinces Pierce to participate in a “scene” with them. Pierce is not completely comfortable at various times with the way things are going but he goes through with it anyway. It isn’t until the two meet by chance outside the club that Pierce finds out who the real Noah is which is far from the sub he was at the club. The two become friends and eventually more, though it takes some doing to convince Noah he can let someone else in.
The one thing that didn’t feel quite right here was that obviously Noah had some pretty deep issues. Pierce is convinced by his brother, Francis, that Pierce needs to help Noah by using dom/sub tactics, which doesn’t go very well at all. Francis ends up helping more in the end, but these two are never really dom/sub.
As I said earlier, this ended up being rather sweet. Pierce is there for Noah, even after things happen that separate them, and it was nice to see their little family come together. While this story was a bit choppy in parts, it moves along at a pretty good pace, leaving me eager to jump into the next one to see where things would go for them all. It’s a nice start to the series though, and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
Pierce is the brother of Francis, the owner of the BDSM club. Pierce meets Noah at the club while Noah is subbing for one of the more sadistic Doms, Richard. Richard convinces Pierce to participate in a “scene” with them. Pierce is not completely comfortable at various times with the way things are going but he goes through with it anyway. It isn’t until the two meet by chance outside the club that Pierce finds out who the real Noah is which is far from the sub he was at the club. The two become friends and eventually more, though it takes some doing to convince Noah he can let someone else in.
The one thing that didn’t feel quite right here was that obviously Noah had some pretty deep issues. Pierce is convinced by his brother, Francis, that Pierce needs to help Noah by using dom/sub tactics, which doesn’t go very well at all. Francis ends up helping more in the end, but these two are never really dom/sub.
As I said earlier, this ended up being rather sweet. Pierce is there for Noah, even after things happen that separate them, and it was nice to see their little family come together. While this story was a bit choppy in parts, it moves along at a pretty good pace, leaving me eager to jump into the next one to see where things would go for them all. It’s a nice start to the series though, and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
August 19, 2014
Wow, what can I say about this wonderful book!! I enjoyed it immensely and read the entire book in one sitting. I loved Sage's ability to capture my heart immediately in the first chapters. There is some real angst in this book at times. I found myself getting angry and my heart just breaking in this book. I loved having an emotional connection to the story.
I was so enthralled with Pierce right from the get go. I loved how he was trying to be so gentle with Noah even in that first disturbing scene. I loved his confidence. I loved the fact that Pierce had family support. He was relentless in his pursuit for Noah. Noah, awe, Noah..He just broke my heart. I felt so much compassion for him so quickly. I knew he was gonna be awesome but very vulnerable. I knew that he must of had a rough time somewhere down the line because he just doesn't trust anyone. The selflessness he has just made my heart flutter. I love love a character that puts family first and in this case Noah was the dang "Daddy of the Year." The chemistry these two men have is very raw and electric. Sage does and excellent job conveying this on the pages. OH and the sex-o-meter for these guys was SIZZLING!! I loved the ongoing battle of who was gonna take control in the bedroom.
The storyline was very sweet and romantic. Of course I had some Kleenex moments and got a little sniffly. (I am big sotftie too!!!)This book was a great read and I enjoyed every minute. I can't wait to catch up on all of Sage Marlowe's work. So if you are looking for a good read that will keep you engrossed be sure to give this one a try.
I was so enthralled with Pierce right from the get go. I loved how he was trying to be so gentle with Noah even in that first disturbing scene. I loved his confidence. I loved the fact that Pierce had family support. He was relentless in his pursuit for Noah. Noah, awe, Noah..He just broke my heart. I felt so much compassion for him so quickly. I knew he was gonna be awesome but very vulnerable. I knew that he must of had a rough time somewhere down the line because he just doesn't trust anyone. The selflessness he has just made my heart flutter. I love love a character that puts family first and in this case Noah was the dang "Daddy of the Year." The chemistry these two men have is very raw and electric. Sage does and excellent job conveying this on the pages. OH and the sex-o-meter for these guys was SIZZLING!! I loved the ongoing battle of who was gonna take control in the bedroom.
The storyline was very sweet and romantic. Of course I had some Kleenex moments and got a little sniffly. (I am big sotftie too!!!)This book was a great read and I enjoyed every minute. I can't wait to catch up on all of Sage Marlowe's work. So if you are looking for a good read that will keep you engrossed be sure to give this one a try.
May 23, 2016
3~3.5/5
Don't start a book with your expectation up on the roof. I'd learnt it the hard way through this book. While the book wasn't bad in anyway or form, it just wasn't up to my expectation. Despite the heavy topic and blurb, the book is fairly angst free. There wasn't a lot going in on, especially when most of the emotional progression of the characters happened off screen. It's not bad, but I'm just not a fan of it.
My biggest problem with the book is Noah. He's an emotional wreck, but even then it does not excuse him off his behavior nor the . Frankly speaking, I can't bring myself to like him. at. all.
Pierce, on the other hand, is a much more pleasant character but way too passive. I feel like he was just sailing along with the flow. Having him as the sole narrator is boring. The book would have been a lot more exciting if we get a look into Noah head too. Maybe then I would pick up more sympathy toward the guy.
Don't start a book with your expectation up on the roof. I'd learnt it the hard way through this book. While the book wasn't bad in anyway or form, it just wasn't up to my expectation. Despite the heavy topic and blurb, the book is fairly angst free. There wasn't a lot going in on, especially when most of the emotional progression of the characters happened off screen. It's not bad, but I'm just not a fan of it.
My biggest problem with the book is Noah. He's an emotional wreck, but even then it does not excuse him off his behavior nor the . Frankly speaking, I can't bring myself to like him. at. all.
Pierce, on the other hand, is a much more pleasant character but way too passive. I feel like he was just sailing along with the flow. Having him as the sole narrator is boring. The book would have been a lot more exciting if we get a look into Noah head too. Maybe then I would pick up more sympathy toward the guy.
November 21, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. Sage and I have become friends I have to say that up front. Nevertheless I hold to my opinion. It's a well written book. It captured my interest from the start and I have read little M/M erotic fiction. Noah made me cry as he struggled to come to terms with his past. It's a love story par excellence and I was moved as I read what one man would do for the two loves in his life. It's a sensitive portrayal of a gay relationship with the added complication of a small girl. The very different ways that two families treated their sons and the effect this has on their characters and their lives is central to the story. I am looking forward to reading Frances story in Re-Submission
May 21, 2013
Pierce meets Noah in an unexpected way and he is confused but has a good time. When he runs into Noah later he wants to know more about him. They seem to start a relationship but it is clear that Noah holds himself apart. It finally comes to a head and Pierce walks away. Months later he gets a call from his brother to come to the club. It seems France has been working with Noah and he wants another chance. Now Pierce has to deal with his own fears to move forward. I think some of the twists the story takes took me by surprise but the story was very rich and you found yourself cheering both me on to give each other a real chance. And having a friend who's daughter had heart issues it made Phoebe really very real to me as well.
March 3, 2014
What happens when Mr. Romantic meets Mr. Jaded? Well, a story is born that takes us on a journey of ups and downs. Just when things seem to be moving in the right direction for these guys, Noah’s deep seated issues get the better of him and he all but forces Pierce away. I wish we could have understood more of Noah’s perspective – it might have helped smooth things over a bit when I really wanted to wring his neck. At times he seemed so wonderful and loving – especially with his daughter – and at other times his actions were just completely maddening. Those who don’t have any tolerance for cheating – beware. I’m curious to see where things go with these guys in their sequel.
December 9, 2014
Why there was bdsm in this, I'll never understand. Don't get me wrong, I love a good bdsm book...and the beginning was interesting. But I don't get the psychiatry threw domination with another party....especially since it was all off page.
The story itself was good. At first I thought it was going to get rushed...the introduction to the daughter part, and the conversation there, made me think that. But then it reigned in, and slowed down. There was a lot of off page progression.
The off page bdsm is what knocked it off a star for me. But it was actually a pretty solid read otherwise.
The story itself was good. At first I thought it was going to get rushed...the introduction to the daughter part, and the conversation there, made me think that. But then it reigned in, and slowed down. There was a lot of off page progression.
The off page bdsm is what knocked it off a star for me. But it was actually a pretty solid read otherwise.
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