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The Power to Please #4

The Submissive's Last Word

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The powerful conclusion to Nonnie Crawford’s remarkable journey

Despondent and adrift, Nonnie lingers in self-enforced exile on Gibson Reeve’s estate. The daunting task of rebuilding her life seems more than she can face.

I’d never been anywhere so magical, so perfectly easy, and maybe that was why I couldn’t make a plan, why I couldn’t move. Any plans I might make involved leaving. No one in their right mind would want to leave this place. Or these people.

Or one powerful man in particular, a man who visited me in my dreams and called me beautiful, who touched me in a way that made me believe no one had ever humiliated or degraded me. With him I felt whole again. Maybe only with him. Maybe only here.

How could I move if the only path I could travel led me away from what I needed most?


Nonnie has more allies than she realizes, chief among them Gibson Reeves. His knowledge can help her heal, if only she’ll trust him and listen to some hard truths.

Trust and truth. They’ll need both as they try to find their way back to one another, while they struggle to earn indestructible love ... and when at long last, they reach to claim the ultimate power to please.


*Warning: adult material. This book contains explicit language and scenes of a sexual nature, including exhibitionism, light bondage and consensual domination and submission, which some readers may find objectionable.*

The Submissive’s Last Word is book four of The Power to Please, a BDSM erotic romance series. It is approximately 94,000 words, 340 print pages.

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“The Power to Please,” is a four-part series of novels chronicling Nonnie Crawford’s journey into the alluring but sometimes dangerous realm of BDSM.

After ending her disastrous ten-year marriage, Nonnie finds herself irresistibly drawn by desire. She yearns to submit herself, sexually, to a powerful and dominant male.

Two Doms vie for Nonnie’s submission, the enigmatic Businessman and the charming Playboy. Both men want to guide her sensual journey and lead her to places she never imagined she might go.

Knowing who to trust is always a challenge, and the odds of Nonnie making a mistake are multiplied when she’s gripped by the thrill of new passion. Her choices prove the difference between perfect bliss and utter ruin.

In the end, she must answer a critical question -- in a relationship that’s all about the exchange of power, who holds the ultimate power to please?

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2013

7 people are currently reading
337 people want to read

About the author

Deena Ward

6 books133 followers
I think nothing could be finer than having a job which demands I spend my days in worlds of my own creation.

I recently finished a BDSM erotic romance series, "The Power to Please." All four books are available at the Amazon Kindle Store, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, AllRomance Ebooks and Smashwords. One complete volume of all four novels, "The Power to Please Collection," is also available.

Try the first book in the series, "The Businessman's Tie," for FREE at Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Smashwords, AllRomance, Google Play, Kobo, Sony, Oyster and others.

I live in the Midwest USA with my partner and a rowdy, plump beagle.

~~~~~

The Power to Please — a dark and sensual tale of shattering loss and redeeming love.

Who knows where one night of passion might lead?

Recently-divorced Nonnie Crawford craves a new beginning -- it arrives in the form of an enigmatic, dark-eyed stranger she dubs The Businessman. He seduces her with a sizzling introduction to the thrill of sexual submission. As the days pass, she can't forget him or how he made her feel. She seeks him out, her search leading to a BDSM club where she meets Michael Weston, a charming playboy who's keen to seize the reins left dangling by the absent Businessman.

Knowing who to trust is always a challenge, and the odds of making a mistake are multiplied when gripped by new, intoxicating desires. Nonnie's choices prove the difference between perfect bliss and devastating ruin. Truth and trust. She'll need both as she struggles to earn indestructible love, and to claim, with that love, the ultimate power to please.

~~~~~~

Warning: adult material. This series contains explicit language and scenes of a sexual nature, including exhibitionism, multi-partner scenes, S&M, bondage, consensual domination and submission, and other activities which some readers may find objectionable.

~~~~~

The Power to Please is a four-book, BDSM erotic romance. Titles in the series should be read in order:
1 - The Businessman’s Tie
2 - The Playboy’s Proposition
3 - His Name Is Sir
4 - The Submissive’s Last Word

All books are included in "The Power to Please Collection."

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5 stars
214 (49%)
4 stars
150 (34%)
3 stars
58 (13%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Christine B.
553 reviews102 followers
May 25, 2019
4 1/2 Stars This was an awesome series, worth the read. Gibson & Nonnie was the perfect couple. Gibson protected Nonnie like no sub he ever had. He Found Michael and gave Nonnie the closure she needed and finally he would pay for all the people he harmed.

So everything is going better than Nonnie has ever in life imagine she is happier than she ever been. However, as soon as you think things couldn't be better then the ball drops an everything fall from under you. Gibson & Nonnie will face their first real serious fight will they survive it because Gibson is a Dom and would never put up with any subs disobedient.
Profile Image for ⚜️Charlotte⚜️.
442 reviews264 followers
May 25, 2016
4.5 Seductive Stars!

The final book in this series, Nonnie's continuing to face some hard truths,
while in hiding on Gibson's estate and
Gibson is doing everything in his power
to undo what Michael has done to Nonnie!... Gibson is making sure that Michael is getting what he deserves too...
Yes, Yes, Yes....

The best is yet to come...finally!

Gibson is a man in love and Nonnie after
everything had learnt she is deserving...

Gibson & Nonnie ❤ so freakin Hot together!
A great series! ;)






Profile Image for Jessie Verona.
12 reviews14 followers
August 18, 2013
I'm not even sure what to say. I simply loved this book!

It's definitely the best book of the series. It tied all the elements of the first three books together and also revealed some surprises. Once again, you found out that some things you thought you knew were open to more than one interpretation.

Ron and Elaine were charming as usual and it was a pleasure seeing more of Xavier and Paulina on the estate. Xavier was a great friend to Nonnie and that Paulina was a danged hoot! I know she is meant to be the Lady Catherine de Bourgh character, but she was so much more likeable and funny. I laughed until my sides hurt at the picture of her ripping around the estate with her special cart.

But what we all really care about is, of course, Gibson and Nonnie. And oh my! Sparks flew! When the book starts you wonder if Nonnie can ever recover from what happened in book three. Gibson is determined to help her do just that. But it won't be easy. I won't give anything away, but I will say that's a great man to have in your corner!

There were just so many twists and turns that I can't really say much more without venturing into spoiler-land. But I will say that I thought the ending was spectacular... the picture she painted simply moved me to tears. And it was a vivid illustration of the message of the series as a whole.

Great writing. Great characters. Great book. Great series.
Profile Image for Karen Davis.
218 reviews6 followers
February 7, 2014
Ok this is the last installment of this series...sadly. I have fallen head over heels for these characters. To see Nonnie grow into a beautiful strong woman and Gibson...well...sigh. Flaws and all, is all that I'm gonna say! LOL Beautiful Deena Ward...just beautifully and tastefully written. I look forward to reading more from you. As for the rest of y'll....you have to get the series to know what I'm talking about. HAPPY READING EVERYONE!!
Profile Image for Michelle ♥ The Romance Vault ♥ .
1,166 reviews97 followers
August 19, 2013
I have really, really enjoyed this series. I'm going to miss Nonnie and Gibson and all their friends and indeed foes.

This book is a lot less intense than it's predecessors, it's more like Nonnie discovering herself and finding peace with what has happened, if there is such a thing as finding peace after what the hell happened to her.

I just really loved everything about these books, yes they are shocking but they are so well written, Deena Ward has a brilliant way with words and catapulting scenes into your head, so glad I read these and I will without a doubt read them again at some point.
Profile Image for Charlene Williams reiser.
291 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2013
I read the first book of this series "the businessmans tie". Loved the first book so of concede had to buy the rest. Such a great story. Hope maybe there will be another book would like to know what the future has for
nonnie and gibson, the wedding any children? Also what ended happening with michael the evil one.
Profile Image for Fab Fun & Tantalizing Reads.
566 reviews102 followers
August 28, 2013

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Nonnie and Gibson have come so far since we met them 4 books ago in The Businessmen's Tie. Nonnie is no longer naive and Gibson is more human than ever before.

"You're pissing me off." "I'm sorry to hear it, but it doesn't change anything."

I was so excited to be reacquainted with these old friends. I knew what awaited me was going to frustrate me, get me swooning, and would most likely cause me to require cold showers for the duration. These 3 things definitely did happen. Multiple times.

My mind was empty, I was replete. And the world was a far lovelier place than it had been in a long while.

There were times I wanted to shake Nonnie. She was no longer a doormat, but she was now impatient and demanding. Sometimes unreasonable. Did I love her any less? Hell no. If I had Gibson to myself, I would be the same! Her life had been picked up, shaken and put back upside down. She had alot to come to terms with after her betrayal and getting her mind around the events and changes that surrounded her almost undid her. There was so much more thinking going on with her this time round and I loved seeing it. I really enjoyed seeing her thought process that led to decision making and really adored the way she came full circle with her inquisitive nature and the understanding of her D/s relationship and in those final pages really worked out where the power to please lay.

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I was struck with the beauty of what this remarkable lover did for me, how he made me feel, and not just the pleasure of his touch, but how he made me feel good in so many different ways. With Gibson I felt more beautiful and sexy, yes, but also smarter, stronger, more capable. He made me feel like I could do anything.
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Gibson was ahhhhh-mazing. Stubborn, and a little slow on the up take, but still sex on a stick. He was still in control, but I always found him to be approachable and boy oh boy did I wanna approach him and drag him to the dungeon. He delighted me and had me wishing I could visit that sensual club and gyrate to the sounds of the quartet and saxophone. I wouldn't have minded attending a boring party if I got to draw him all day, and I certainly wouldn't deny him if he wanted me to move into his mansion and have glorious sex while I'm waited on hand and foot. Wowza, that reunion was hella hot and had me panting. Gosh. The things I would let that man do to me. *fanning*


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I am the power and the control. I have the last word. I am mightier than the beast and can stop the unstoppable. The knowledge inflates me, raises me up and lends me infinite courage. If I am a vessel, then I am made of steel.

Paulina was one of my favorite parts of Submissive's Last Word. I laughed at her, Toy, her antics and about how everyone else saw and felt about her. When she went to Nonnie's work, I was giggling and thoroughly enjoying every second of it ~ Numbscullery. Paulina was the bomb! It was also great to spend time and get some of Xavier's wisdom, see Elaine, Lilly and Isabel again and just fall deeper in love with Gibson. *sighhhhhhh*

Paulina? ;)
I loved him. Adored him. Anything. Everything. For him. Real love. At last.

I couldn't be happier with how Ward closed Michael's chapter. It was no less than he deserved. I only wished there was pictures capturing his suffering. I'll have to be content to think up my own scenarios for it ;) Those last few pages have me chills. The Power To Please series didn't glorify the BDSM scene. It showed us the highs, lows, possible scenarios and pushed the issue of the importance of trust. Not only of your partner, but also of yourself, your instincts and being aware. Although I'm a bit sad to be saying goodbye to Gibson & Nonnie, this book had the most perfectly perfect ending. Their final discussion about trust and control gave me tears. Hearing Gibsons point of view of moments throughout the series was wonderful. I hope they both get exactly what they need, but I'm confident if they don't they have the skills to talk it through and compromise...if not, I'll be waiting in the wings ;)

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The ultimate power to please is his.
The ultimate power is mine.
Profile Image for Victoria Paige.
Author 32 books1,033 followers
December 11, 2013
*4.5* Wow! What a great end to the series. The characters are very layered and I liked how Nonnie and Gibson remained true to their convictions yet were able to compromise in the end. This is about Nonnie going for what she wants and needs and that is for Gibson to give himself what he needs. It's a complicated relationship. Some things happened to Nonnie in the past that made Gibson wary of pushing her. In a Dom/sub relationship there is thing about trust and for some part of the book, trust was a problem. Gibson was a hard character to get in to because of his reserved nature, but what he did for Nonnie was very swoon worthy and they both deserved an HEA.
Profile Image for Santa Pala.
27 reviews
August 18, 2013
Loved it, perfect ending to Nonnie and Gibson's love story. love how noble Gibson is and how muc he did for her, to protect her.

Paulina and the guy with the ill fitting shoes, Freaking hysterical!!

Read this series
Profile Image for Sheena Woolley.
30 reviews5 followers
November 3, 2013
I have to say its been a while since I've read a series of books I have enjoyed as much as these. Once I started reading I could not put them down. I would highly recommend this series. Thanks for the great read!
Profile Image for Sylvia.
175 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2013
What a great end to a fantastic series. I wasn't sure how the author was going to pull it off, but pull it off she did. My suggestion is to be sure to read the series in order and push through the tough stuff. You will be glad you did.
Profile Image for Cindy Marchant.
74 reviews1 follower
August 19, 2013
Deena Ward has made me happy and sad at the same time! So happy with how everything turned out for Noonie and Gibson, but sad that the ride is over! I can't recommend this series enough! I'm hoping Deena has something just as fantastic coming out soon.
Profile Image for Christy.
737 reviews19 followers
February 4, 2014
I absolutely loved 3 out of the 4 books. It's not the second book is bad, just that the subject matter is darker. However, it fuels the storyline and in the end is totally worth it. Highly recommend!!!
Profile Image for DebM.
181 reviews
April 12, 2014
Didn't end quite like I thought it would, but I did like the ending!! Enjoyed the whole series. Gibson -- one sexy man -- I really loved his character.... even with all his money, he had wonderful morals and a deep, thoughtful love.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
789 reviews42 followers
November 17, 2013
I loved the ending. I was never able to really connect with Gibson. He is always so detached. I was thrilled it see Nonnie find her true submissive side.
Profile Image for Nene.
1,782 reviews25 followers
December 12, 2013
Loved it !!! hated that it had to end. loved Nonnie and Gibson hope in the future you may let us see what happens after marriage and children.
Profile Image for Rell.
180 reviews4 followers
February 9, 2015
I finally finished his book and to be honest it took me a very long time...longer than expected to read it. I think it should've been wrapped up after book 2, they should have finished the series but considering that didn't happen she did an okay job with the last book.

I'm honestly still trying to figure out why the author of these type of books along with 50 shades of gray make the lifestyle into something that it's not. When people read the series and become curious about BDSM then their view is skewed. It will be nice to have something that is a lot more realistic something where there's not a extremely rich man living on an estate that finds a submissive to take care of... fall in love and get married. What a dream.... But I guess somewhere this could come true. I found myself wanting this story to be over with in the middle of the story. I would probably recommend it but that's only because there are several books in the series and I don't like to start a series without reading it to the end.

Nonni finally got what she wanted.... It took her going through several changes within her life, primarily because of Michael but she apparently found herself. Gibson finally got Nonnie to understand him and they fell in love and lived happily ever after and their wealthy disfunction continues. Good entertainment but so far from the mark.
Profile Image for Elaine Calloway.
Author 18 books80 followers
January 14, 2015
Loved all the other books in this series and Deena's writing.

I liked parts of this final book. Thought it could have done better at novella length, rather than full length. There were too many scenes of Nonnie relaxing at the estate, hanging out with Toy/Paulina/Xavier/Elaine Hoyte for my taste and that slowed down the pace. Yes, we know Nonnie is recovering from things, but I just felt everything slow down which it never did in the previous books.

I liked how the conclusion happened with Michael Weston; I liked how the book ended with Gibson; I liked the conflict & more tension in the last 25% of the book the most. That's why I think a novella would've done better. Cut down on all the scenes where she relaxes with others at the estate and focus on that, and it would've felt like a tighter novel.

There were also a few typos and errors in this one, which there weren't in the others. Not sure if Deena was in a hurry or didn't get full editing on this one but after a while it became more noticeable.

I do love the story and loved loved loved the other books, so I will definitely read more by her. Just didn't like this one quite as much as the others :)
Profile Image for Trio.
3,592 reviews205 followers
June 15, 2015
Well... I won't be reading this author again. Everything was well written, I just didn't care for the way the whole story unfolded. I also was uncomfortable with the way the author broke this story up into four books. Some stories just shouldn't be serials - this one would have been better if it had been just one book. The conflicts are all drawn out, painfully so, and when the resolution comes at the end the whole thing is just weird. All the characters are two dimensional. I found the "love" scenes unpleasant for the most part (I was actually cringing and I usually really enjoy a messy encounter). Just didn't work for me but I'm glad I finished it, I was freaked through most of it for the main character - she was a gullible fool all the way through the story, put herself into a lot of dangerous positions and never seemed to learn her lesson. Meh. Gotta give it three stars though because (even though I didn't really like it) it was very well written, prose wise, and an interesting story.
Profile Image for Diane.
262 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2014
What a great ending to such a wonderful series! I want more!! I can't believe I am done. I loved the story of Nonnie and Gibson. I loved the power of both characters in their relationship...everything!!! Deena Ward is on my list of favorite authors. These books are not to short novelettes that have been making their way around lately, these are FULL length books and oh, so good! A must read!!! Most definitely, not for the faint of heart!!
Profile Image for Noel.
213 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2015
I absolutely loved this series and sad it's ended....sigh
From the moment Gibson entered into Nonni's world, I was intrigued by everything he is/isn't. To me, he is perfect / imperfection. His strength is also his biggest flaw, in regards to Nonni, which I came to understand in this final book. There is not one thing I would want changed in this series as the journey of Gibson & Nonni is so truly wonderful & heartwarming to me.
Looking forward to more from this AMAZEBALL author.
Profile Image for Susan Ferguson.
220 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2015
Absolutely loved this series! Thought provoking! I love the light fluffy stories to escape reality, but this one just made me laugh, cry, and get furiously mad. Lovely story, great writing. The descriptions of people and places just kept me captivated. This will be one I read over again. Can't wait to see more from this author.
Profile Image for Beatrice Drury.
498 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2016
This is the final book in the Power to Please series. I really felt like the books got better as they went. I'm glad I decided to read all four. I didn't expect the bad things that happened. I also wished for a stronger punishment for the "villains". All in all a satisfying read. I still want to know how a fivesome works. LOL
Profile Image for Angelina.
31 reviews3 followers
Read
August 17, 2016
I can't decide if the third book is my favorite or if it's this one. This final part made me cry near the end so maybe it is this one. Either way, I loved it. And I'm so happy with the way it ended. We got to learn more about the characters to understand them better so I was very pleased with that. I think everything was wrapped up nicely. Good for you, Nonnie Crawford.
Profile Image for Niki.
440 reviews23 followers
January 26, 2014
Thrilling end of an amazing series!!

This books answers all your questions even though it isn't filled with the steam we have learned to expect from this series. Solid a and bittersweet.
Profile Image for Michele.
904 reviews11 followers
September 12, 2016
Such a perfect ending to this series. It was the best boon to see when she becomes and how he reacts with her. A definite must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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