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Songs of Submission #5.5
Rachel
A short song about Rachel.
Do people like you ever have wishes, Jonathan?
What does that mean? People like me?
People who have everything. Was there ever something you wanted, but could only wish for?
It's not necessary to read this story if you're reading Songs of Submission, but it'll get you through the long wait to Book Six.
Do people like you ever have wishes, Jonathan?
What does that mean? People like me?
People who have everything. Was there ever something you wanted, but could only wish for?
It's not necessary to read this story if you're reading Songs of Submission, but it'll get you through the long wait to Book Six.
23 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
About the author
C.D. Reiss
112 books9,672 followersCD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
May 14, 2018
“Free, Jonathan. I wish to be free.”
I unpinned one of her shoulders to pluck a seeded dandelion out of the grass.
“Blow,” I said, holding the white puffball in front of her.
She blew hard, and the seeds went into my face. We laughed, and blew the rest of the seeds off together, wishing her free from the constraints of her family and her scarcity. They floated away on their sinuous parachutes, like little messengers to God, saying take me, take me, take me. Set me free.
Who is the girl with the viola?
What happened to Rachel?
A short story from Jonathan's point of view with two flashbacks:
-From the engagement party of Jonathan and Jessica
-From the night Rachel had the accident
Rachel, Rachel, I am sorry.
Okay, I had more questions than answers when I finished this story. I am starting next book straight away.
I unpinned one of her shoulders to pluck a seeded dandelion out of the grass.
“Blow,” I said, holding the white puffball in front of her.
She blew hard, and the seeds went into my face. We laughed, and blew the rest of the seeds off together, wishing her free from the constraints of her family and her scarcity. They floated away on their sinuous parachutes, like little messengers to God, saying take me, take me, take me. Set me free.
Who is the girl with the viola?
What happened to Rachel?
A short story from Jonathan's point of view with two flashbacks:
-From the engagement party of Jonathan and Jessica
-From the night Rachel had the accident
Rachel, Rachel, I am sorry.
Okay, I had more questions than answers when I finished this story. I am starting next book straight away.
August 15, 2017
★★★★★! RACHEL, part 5.5 of 7. Another priceless glimpse into the enigma that is playboy & mogul Jonathan Drazen!
Songs of Submission is the whirlwind saga of aspiring singer Monica Faulkner and hotelier and real estate magnate Jonathan Drazen. Books/novellas should be read in order:
Book 1: Beg
Book 2: Tease
Book 3: Submit
Book 3.5: Jessica & Sharon
Book 4: Control
Book 5: Burn
Book 5.5: Rachel
Book 6: Resist
Book 7: Sing
Book 7.5: Monica
Book 8: Dominance
Book 9: Coda
Book 10: Breathe
Rachel, part 5.5 is two brief novellas that should be read after Burn. Told from Jonathan’s POV it provides a rare glimpse into important and painful events in his past. We meet his first love, his wife and a mysterious brunette . It also provides some shocking revelations that likely will play out in the next-coming books. In my opinion, a must read to get the full experience of the series!
Seven words to describe Jonathan Drazen: Captivating, non-committal, broken, enigmatic, private, relentless and protective.
***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 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.
ARC provided to me by author in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2016
Holy Flashback Batman!
This story is told from Jonathan's perspective and primarily takes place at his and Jessica's Engagement Party... We get an in-depth look at the Drezen family dynamics: Creepy father, drunken mother, and seven overbearing sisters...
But the real intrigue in this story comes from the copious flashbacks which Jonathan has of his relationship with the mysterious Rachel.
JONATHAN DREZEN:
Some of My Favorite Moments:
My Full Reviews in the Songs of Submission Series:
(I will update links as more reviews become available)
1 --- Beg - Read my review here
2 --- Tease - Read my review here
3 --- Submit - Read my review here
3.5 - Jessica & Sharon - Read my review here
4 --- Control - Read my review here
5 --- Burn - Read my review here
5.5 - Rachel - YOU'RE READING IT
6 --- Resist - Read my review here
7 --- Sing - Read my review here
7.5 - Monica - Read my review here
My Reviews of the Songs of Submission Sequences:
Songs of Submission: Sequence One - Read my review here
Songs of Submission: Sequence Two - Read my review here
My Reviews of the Songs of Dominance Duo:
1 - Jessica - Read my review here
2 - Sharon - Read my review here
This story is told from Jonathan's perspective and primarily takes place at his and Jessica's Engagement Party... We get an in-depth look at the Drezen family dynamics: Creepy father, drunken mother, and seven overbearing sisters...
But the real intrigue in this story comes from the copious flashbacks which Jonathan has of his relationship with the mysterious Rachel.
JONATHAN DREZEN:
I did what I wanted, like all my friends. Nothing could happen to us that money couldn’t fix, so no one paid attention.In addition to the deluge of backstory (which gives the reader better perspective on the entire Drezen family & Jonathan's tenuous relationship with the lot) C.D. Reiss threw out a shocker that I was not expecting...
Some of My Favorite Moments:
My Full Reviews in the Songs of Submission Series:
(I will update links as more reviews become available)
1 --- Beg - Read my review here
2 --- Tease - Read my review here
3 --- Submit - Read my review here
3.5 - Jessica & Sharon - Read my review here
4 --- Control - Read my review here
5 --- Burn - Read my review here
5.5 - Rachel - YOU'RE READING IT
6 --- Resist - Read my review here
7 --- Sing - Read my review here
7.5 - Monica - Read my review here
My Reviews of the Songs of Submission Sequences:
Songs of Submission: Sequence One - Read my review here
Songs of Submission: Sequence Two - Read my review here
My Reviews of the Songs of Dominance Duo:
1 - Jessica - Read my review here
2 - Sharon - Read my review here
July 15, 2013
Simply put; this was THE best so far in the 'Songs of Dominance' series. It may only be a short read but BOY did it pack a punch
Short yet seriously, seriously sweet. It answered so many of my questions, brought out a whole range of emotions and gave me plenty more questions to ask and suspicions to make.
A beautifully and so eloquently written novella that you don't have to read in order to fully understand the 'Songs of Submission' series, but you would clearly be mad not to.
Yet again this author has proven why she is unquestionable a MUST READ author and one of my favourites by far.
October 29, 2013
WOWZER, where is this going?
Getting to the end .....
Do people like you ever have wishes, Jonathan?
What does that mean? People like me?
People who have everything. Was there ever something you wanted, but could only wish for?
They were beautiful, each one of my older sisters. A huge pain in my ass,, each in a different way, but all precious. And annoying.
”Free, Jonathan, I wish to be free.”
Getting to the end .....
March 30, 2015
This novella is included in the eighth book, Dominance. In order to avoid spoilers and not miss anything, it's best to read it in the order GRs has set up.
Obviously with this novella being called Rachel, we get a more indepth explanation on what happened. However, the story is told in two parts. One being a party where Rachel was at and then later, Jonathan and Jessica's engagement party.
It's a little confusing at first but there's definitely some interesting scenes...and a little cameo from a certain someone that I just loved!
And the ending was shocking...again, didn't see that one coming!
Favorite quote:
♥ "Was there ever something you wanted, but could only wish for?"
Obviously with this novella being called Rachel, we get a more indepth explanation on what happened. However, the story is told in two parts. One being a party where Rachel was at and then later, Jonathan and Jessica's engagement party.
It's a little confusing at first but there's definitely some interesting scenes...and a little cameo from a certain someone that I just loved!
And the ending was shocking...again, didn't see that one coming!
Favorite quote:
♥ "Was there ever something you wanted, but could only wish for?"
December 30, 2013
In this story, we get to learn more about Jonathan and Rachel, more about Jonathan and Jessica and also his sleeze bag of a father. It leaves us with a bit of a mystery that I am sure we will find out about in the next couple of books.
October 31, 2013
4 Stars
(BR with Melissa)
Rachel is a very short read.
I thought it would explain how Jonathan got into BDSM but this is not what we got here.
This takes place at Jonathan and Jessica's engagement party at his parents house.
Funny coincidence is that Monica is there with the musical entertainment playing her viola.
Both Jonathan and his father find her attractive.
Jonathan is thinking a lot about his relationship with Rachel when he was 16.
This girl had an inappropriate relationship with his dad.
She's had a life filled with abuse by the men in her life.
At his engagement party, a hypnotist is hired and hypnotizes Jonathan.
It helps to bring the memories back from the night Rachel died when she was only 17,
There's a big revelation and I'm hoping that this continues in Resist because I'm left with so many unanswered questions now!!!
(BR with Melissa)
Rachel is a very short read.
I thought it would explain how Jonathan got into BDSM but this is not what we got here.
This takes place at Jonathan and Jessica's engagement party at his parents house.
Funny coincidence is that Monica is there with the musical entertainment playing her viola.
Both Jonathan and his father find her attractive.
Jonathan is thinking a lot about his relationship with Rachel when he was 16.
This girl had an inappropriate relationship with his dad.
She's had a life filled with abuse by the men in her life.
At his engagement party, a hypnotist is hired and hypnotizes Jonathan.
It helps to bring the memories back from the night Rachel died when she was only 17,
There's a big revelation and I'm hoping that this continues in Resist because I'm left with so many unanswered questions now!!!
November 4, 2013
A short song about Rachel
Young love...….. It's a glimpse into Jonathan's past…. His family….. His thoughts…... Who can resist a glimpse into Jonathan’s beautiful mind? Not me that’s for sure…..
This story is short but extremely poignant.... It answers questions and raises others.... It makes you think about fate and the forces working around us for the greater good.
Life works in never ending circles.
This is an optional read, but I beg you don’t miss out…. Make the series last and savor every last drop….. This drop is pure Rachel gold.
♥ BR with the Pretty Pinks
Arc kindly provided for an honest review, thank you. ♥
Young love...….. It's a glimpse into Jonathan's past…. His family….. His thoughts…... Who can resist a glimpse into Jonathan’s beautiful mind? Not me that’s for sure…..
This story is short but extremely poignant.... It answers questions and raises others.... It makes you think about fate and the forces working around us for the greater good.
Life works in never ending circles.
This is an optional read, but I beg you don’t miss out…. Make the series last and savor every last drop….. This drop is pure Rachel gold.
♥ BR with the Pretty Pinks
Arc kindly provided for an honest review, thank you. ♥
Read
July 14, 2013This will be out at 3pm today.
After that, you can get it on Amazon for 99c. RIGHT HERE :)
http://amzn.to/12FmmFP
If you don't want to pay 99c for 6K words, it'll be available as part of an awesome anthology with the Eclective called The Time Collection.
(I'll paste that when I have it as well)
After that, you can get it on Amazon for 99c. RIGHT HERE :)
http://amzn.to/12FmmFP
If you don't want to pay 99c for 6K words, it'll be available as part of an awesome anthology with the Eclective called The Time Collection.
(I'll paste that when I have it as well)
October 15, 2013
This extra short novella is a nice addition to the Songs of Submission series; but in no way is it absolutely necessary to read it to continue on to Book 6. It gives you some more insight into Jonathon's relationship with his father, and even some interaction with his mom. It for sure opened my eyes to what kind of upbringing Jonathon had growing up. Some of his sisters are in this novellas too, as it takes place at his and Jessica's engagement party many years ago.
The main part in the story is to find out what happened with the mysterious girl named Rachel. I found it was an interesting way that the author told the story through Jonathon's eyes. He was hypnotized by a fellow that was the entertainment at the party. His sister's pretty much forced him to be put under, and that is where his brain takes him; right back to the night when something tragic happens to Rachel. The ending leaves us with quite a revelation, and of course; I am now officially intrigued to find out the answers to what was revealed by Jonathon.
Great read, and I can't wait to continue on to Jonathon's and Monica's story. I am caught in its clutches, and am enjoying every minute of it immensely! Time to go and see what new adventures my favorite couple will be participating in now~!!!
The main part in the story is to find out what happened with the mysterious girl named Rachel. I found it was an interesting way that the author told the story through Jonathon's eyes. He was hypnotized by a fellow that was the entertainment at the party. His sister's pretty much forced him to be put under, and that is where his brain takes him; right back to the night when something tragic happens to Rachel. The ending leaves us with quite a revelation, and of course; I am now officially intrigued to find out the answers to what was revealed by Jonathon.
Great read, and I can't wait to continue on to Jonathon's and Monica's story. I am caught in its clutches, and am enjoying every minute of it immensely! Time to go and see what new adventures my favorite couple will be participating in now~!!!
July 27, 2014
And so it continues...
In Rachel, the third in the Songs of Dominance that connect to the overall Songs of Submission Series. If you have not started this... What. Are. You. Waiting. For? C.D. Reiss has created such a brilliantly written series that will completely hook you with just the first few pages of the first book Beg.
We heard whispers of a woman named Rachel...we finally learned a little more about her - but the truth appears to be buried so much further than we ever could imagine. This takes us back in time to a place where a very young Jonathan is involved with Rachel, a young girl who also happened to be the mistress to his own father...
But as we travel back into time we not only see a glimpse into the messed up world that Jonathan and Rachel shared - we get to witness Jonathan celebrating his engagement to Jessica - a party that might just hold more of a clue to this story than we could have ever imagined. And we get to read along as Jonathan discovers a truth that was hidden somewhere in the dark recesses of his mind. Rachel...
Great books are not based on word counts... Great stories are not told through a serious of hundreds and hundreds of pages. These things come from brilliant authors who have the ability to create an image in your mind with few or with many words. This series is made up of several short installments that although may be packed nicely into tiny packages - are so much bigger than they appear. C.D. Reiss not only gives us these outstanding stories but she is one of those authors who are always willing to reach out to us readers - and this completely enhances our experience as a reader.
I wished I could tell you that you get some answers to some of those questions that you are dying to figure out... you won't. Get get enough to start piecing together your own conspiracy theories and just enough to make you wonder just how all of this will be brought together. I have to say that with all the possibilities that I can come up with - I have a feeling that whatever will happen will just be such a phenomenal twist that no one will be able to figure out the entire mess.
Don't miss out on this series!
In Rachel, the third in the Songs of Dominance that connect to the overall Songs of Submission Series. If you have not started this... What. Are. You. Waiting. For? C.D. Reiss has created such a brilliantly written series that will completely hook you with just the first few pages of the first book Beg.
We heard whispers of a woman named Rachel...we finally learned a little more about her - but the truth appears to be buried so much further than we ever could imagine. This takes us back in time to a place where a very young Jonathan is involved with Rachel, a young girl who also happened to be the mistress to his own father...
But as we travel back into time we not only see a glimpse into the messed up world that Jonathan and Rachel shared - we get to witness Jonathan celebrating his engagement to Jessica - a party that might just hold more of a clue to this story than we could have ever imagined. And we get to read along as Jonathan discovers a truth that was hidden somewhere in the dark recesses of his mind. Rachel...
Great books are not based on word counts... Great stories are not told through a serious of hundreds and hundreds of pages. These things come from brilliant authors who have the ability to create an image in your mind with few or with many words. This series is made up of several short installments that although may be packed nicely into tiny packages - are so much bigger than they appear. C.D. Reiss not only gives us these outstanding stories but she is one of those authors who are always willing to reach out to us readers - and this completely enhances our experience as a reader.
I wished I could tell you that you get some answers to some of those questions that you are dying to figure out... you won't. Get get enough to start piecing together your own conspiracy theories and just enough to make you wonder just how all of this will be brought together. I have to say that with all the possibilities that I can come up with - I have a feeling that whatever will happen will just be such a phenomenal twist that no one will be able to figure out the entire mess.
Don't miss out on this series!
October 5, 2013
A look back to the events revolving around Rachel. Her history with Mr Drazen, Jonathan, her father and upbringing.
I was a little confused at parts during this tiny nouvella. It jumps back and forth from when Jonathan was 16 to his engagement party to Jessica several years later. Being hypnotized at his party, things come forth that he'd suppressed in his subconscious.
Reiss never fails to deliver a new spin on things.... She keeps us coming back for more!
Moving on......
Copy graciously received by author in exchange for my honest review.
I was a little confused at parts during this tiny nouvella. It jumps back and forth from when Jonathan was 16 to his engagement party to Jessica several years later. Being hypnotized at his party, things come forth that he'd suppressed in his subconscious.
Reiss never fails to deliver a new spin on things.... She keeps us coming back for more!
Moving on......
Copy graciously received by author in exchange for my honest review.
November 2, 2013
(BR with Patty)
This short story revealed quite a bit I didn't know. A few things shocked me, and others left me wondering. This was a book that goes back and forth between Jonathan's engagement party with Jessica to spending time with Rachel. We also get bits and pieces of Jonathan with his mom, dad, and sisters. It was an excellent short story!
This short story revealed quite a bit I didn't know. A few things shocked me, and others left me wondering. This was a book that goes back and forth between Jonathan's engagement party with Jessica to spending time with Rachel. We also get bits and pieces of Jonathan with his mom, dad, and sisters. It was an excellent short story!
March 21, 2014
This author is my own personal writing Goddess! Fu*king brilliant! THAT IS ALL! If you haven't read this series, I don't know what you're waiting for! Honestly, YOU ARE MISSING OUT! TOTALLY MISSING OUT!
March 14, 2014
****4 Secret Stars****
I'm glad I read this one, and I almost didn't since I wasn't a fan of the 3.5 book of the series. But this story shed light into some questions I had about the story but also left me wondering about other events that happened in Jonathan's past... I desperately need to get to the next book...
I'm glad I read this one, and I almost didn't since I wasn't a fan of the 3.5 book of the series. But this story shed light into some questions I had about the story but also left me wondering about other events that happened in Jonathan's past... I desperately need to get to the next book...
May 10, 2014
review to follow after all of serial/series is read
necessary to read this between Burn and Resist.
Great flash backs for Jonathan to two different time periods. A little surprise connection with the present events and significant person/people. Can't say anymore details-I have to be vague.
I'm liking Jonathan more and more-maybe I should say that I'm understanding more and more why he does what he does.
Jonathan's dad-grrr (such a #$**#).
necessary to read this between Burn and Resist.
Great flash backs for Jonathan to two different time periods. A little surprise connection with the present events and significant person/people. Can't say anymore details-I have to be vague.
I'm liking Jonathan more and more-maybe I should say that I'm understanding more and more why he does what he does.
Jonathan's dad-grrr (such a #$**#).
July 24, 2014
A short one for us to get some understanding to Jonathan and Rachel's relationship during their teenage years.
I'm surprised to find out Monica's cameo here. I wonder does it serve a higher purpose later on.
Was there ever something you wanted, but could only wish for?
I'm surprised to find out Monica's cameo here. I wonder does it serve a higher purpose later on.
Was there ever something you wanted, but could only wish for?
March 29, 2015
Yawn...
June 17, 2019
Interesting that he met Monica at his engagement party with Jessica and neither he or Monica remembers that years later.
January 22, 2014
This short by C.d. Reiss about Rachel fills in a lot of Jonathans past & his family..... many questions are answered and you'll be blown away with little tid bits of information. I think this book shows how one's soul is meant for another without them even knowing each other yet
October 20, 2014
Another great short! Review to come.
August 10, 2013
Oh, Ms. C.D. Reiss... love that you tease and give little bits to tie into up coming segments.
July 29, 2013
I love this series and these are such a great add on. Every one should be reading this series.
October 30, 2013
This is me after this book:
Hmmmmm!!!!!
Hmmmmm!!!!!
October 31, 2013
Damn that was intense.
What the fuck is going on???
I'm so confused.
My head.
It hurts.
Jonathan.
Rachel.
Jessica.
Monica.
What the fuck?????
What the fuck is going on???
I'm so confused.
My head.
It hurts.
Jonathan.
Rachel.
Jessica.
Monica.
What the fuck?????
February 22, 2015
Good lord, I knew the girl playing the Viola was Monica!!! These books are killing me.
August 6, 2013
Interestingly enough, I didn't want to read this one. I just wanted to jump right into
Resist
and I considered just skipping it.
Boy am I glad I did read it. So many questions answered, yet I also have more.
Poor Jonathan, hasn't had it easy with anyone. It seems Monica is the only one who's taken him just as he is and accepted him and treated him with any normalcy.
I have to say, that even thought that each book in this series so far has technically been a novella, each book has moved quickly, but never missing out on a moment to tell the reader something and also cause you to ask more questions.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Boy am I glad I did read it. So many questions answered, yet I also have more.
Poor Jonathan, hasn't had it easy with anyone. It seems Monica is the only one who's taken him just as he is and accepted him and treated him with any normalcy.
I have to say, that even thought that each book in this series so far has technically been a novella, each book has moved quickly, but never missing out on a moment to tell the reader something and also cause you to ask more questions.
Looking forward to the next installment.
October 1, 2013
So getting into Jonathon's head was a treat. I pride myself in holding off, even though this was a side story... and technically... I might have to wait still?
Or... who cares...I GOT TO GO IN JONATHON'S HEAD!!!
I really enjoyed this piece, and finding out how sick.. sick sick sick... and fucking sick his father is *spits on him*... Seriously.
And for some reason, I feel like the girl playing the viola is Monica...and her friend was the suicidal one who Jonathon spoke to, to warn her.
Maybe I'm reading too much into this but... I don't know that lil scene and his focus on the girl playing the viola just stood out.
I want more ;)
Or... who cares...I GOT TO GO IN JONATHON'S HEAD!!!
I really enjoyed this piece, and finding out how sick.. sick sick sick... and fucking sick his father is *spits on him*... Seriously.
And for some reason, I feel like the girl playing the viola is Monica...and her friend was the suicidal one who Jonathon spoke to, to warn her.
Maybe I'm reading too much into this but... I don't know that lil scene and his focus on the girl playing the viola just stood out.
I want more ;)
September 28, 2016
A very interesting, very brief novella adding more pieces to the complex puzzle that is Jonathan Drazen. It sheds some light into the events that happened on the fateful night of the party that Jonathan attended at age 16. Things about that night that he even did not remember are brought to light when he is hypnotised at another party at age 23 to celebrate his engagement.
This is for fans of keeping all the facts in check and the sequence of the story perfectly aligned. To be read after Burn but before Resist.
This is for fans of keeping all the facts in check and the sequence of the story perfectly aligned. To be read after Burn but before Resist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews