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Dominion #3
Relinquishing Control
The only deal she can’t close might just open her heart.
Natalia Flores rules her exclusive talent agency with an iron fist, brokering blockbuster deals while keeping everyone at arm’s length. But beneath the cold exterior lies a heart that yearns to be understood.
Enter Professor Samantha Reyes—brilliant, fierce, and unwilling to let Natalia manipulate her way into the film rights to her book. Their encounters spark with tension and undeniable chemistry.
For the first time, Natalia faces someone not swayed by her tactics. Yet she won't give up her pursuit of the lucrative rights, even as an irresistible attraction grows. Natalia is soon forced to make an impossible choice — between furthering her ambitions or embracing a once-in-a-lifetime love.
In a world where control is everything, can two powerful women let go of their fears to find a love that’s worth the risk?
Relinquishing Control is a steamy page-turner about ambition, authenticity, and defrosting the ultimate ice queen.
Relinquishing Control is the third book in the Dominion series. A steamy, sapphic series set in a Miami talent agency and centered on strong women and the ladies who can't resist them.
Natalia Flores rules her exclusive talent agency with an iron fist, brokering blockbuster deals while keeping everyone at arm’s length. But beneath the cold exterior lies a heart that yearns to be understood.
Enter Professor Samantha Reyes—brilliant, fierce, and unwilling to let Natalia manipulate her way into the film rights to her book. Their encounters spark with tension and undeniable chemistry.
For the first time, Natalia faces someone not swayed by her tactics. Yet she won't give up her pursuit of the lucrative rights, even as an irresistible attraction grows. Natalia is soon forced to make an impossible choice — between furthering her ambitions or embracing a once-in-a-lifetime love.
In a world where control is everything, can two powerful women let go of their fears to find a love that’s worth the risk?
Relinquishing Control is a steamy page-turner about ambition, authenticity, and defrosting the ultimate ice queen.
Relinquishing Control is the third book in the Dominion series. A steamy, sapphic series set in a Miami talent agency and centered on strong women and the ladies who can't resist them.
396 pages, ebook
First published April 20, 2024
119 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Arias
36 books1,231 followersHello! And thank you for finding me!
I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.
My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.
If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.
So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!
I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.
My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.
If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.
So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 98 reviews
April 20, 2024
Immediate 5 stars. Immediate new top favorite from the incredible JJ Arias. Review to come as soon as I can get off the ground. The Professor has me in a puddle of adoration.
Okay, okay, okay.. Now for the review:
The third installment of the Dominion series by JJ Arias is a captivating and steamy read that delves into the complexities of ambition, authenticity, and love. The story follows Natalia Flores, the powerful Dominion Talent Agency owner known for her icy demeanor and for always closing the deal, and Professor Samantha Reyes, a brilliant and fierce Professor, and author who refuses to be swayed by Natalia's tactics into selling her life's work to Hollywood.
Let's talk about Natalia's character development. JJ expertly portrays her as not just an ice queen, but a GLACIER ice queen, reserved, regal, and untouchable, yet beneath her cold exterior lies a depth of emotion and a yearning for love. Her passion, wit, drive, and determination are what keeps her at the top of her game, along with her love for her legacy, for her team, and for LGBTQIA youth.
Samantha, on the other hand, is a warm and gooey cinnamon roll, full of goodness, patience, charisma, and CHARM. Dr. Reyes stole my heart. I'm positively obsessed with her character. Arias description of her style and her appearance legit had me as giddy as a school girl. Sam has an energy and a vibe all her own and I'm HERE FOR IT!!!! Her encounters with Natalia are filled with tension and explosive chemistry, and her unexpected responses often catch Natalia off guard in the best possible way. The number of times Natalia had to school her features, battle a grin or a smirk, and keep her infallible mask in place had me giddy!!! The banter in this book - IS TOP FREAKING NOTCH!!!!!
Additionally, I LOVE (IN ALL CAPS) THAT THESE ARE MATURE WOMEN! Both women are in their late 40's / early 50's and I love reading about mature women finding love. I love love at any age but there's something so special about these mature characters that really just speaks to me.
The dynamic between Natalia and Samantha is electric, and their chemistry leaps off the page. The steamy scenes are well-written and add so much intensity to their relationship. We know that Arias can write the Steam, but this legit melted my Kindle. MELTED!!!!!!
One of my favorite things in Arias' novels is the portrayal of family. I adored Samantha's family and how they accepted Natalia, showing her what true family love looks like. The themes of letting go of control and embracing love are beautifully woven throughout the story, making it a compelling and utterly satisfying read.
This is a must-read series, my friends. Especially for fans of steamy sapphic romance. Arias is so great with writing well-developed, relatable characters, giving us an engaging storyline, and sizzling chemistry. Relinquishing control is going to leave you eager for more from this author. She just keeps raising the bar with her work.
Thank you to JJ Arias for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
Okay, okay, okay.. Now for the review:
The third installment of the Dominion series by JJ Arias is a captivating and steamy read that delves into the complexities of ambition, authenticity, and love. The story follows Natalia Flores, the powerful Dominion Talent Agency owner known for her icy demeanor and for always closing the deal, and Professor Samantha Reyes, a brilliant and fierce Professor, and author who refuses to be swayed by Natalia's tactics into selling her life's work to Hollywood.
Let's talk about Natalia's character development. JJ expertly portrays her as not just an ice queen, but a GLACIER ice queen, reserved, regal, and untouchable, yet beneath her cold exterior lies a depth of emotion and a yearning for love. Her passion, wit, drive, and determination are what keeps her at the top of her game, along with her love for her legacy, for her team, and for LGBTQIA youth.
Samantha, on the other hand, is a warm and gooey cinnamon roll, full of goodness, patience, charisma, and CHARM. Dr. Reyes stole my heart. I'm positively obsessed with her character. Arias description of her style and her appearance legit had me as giddy as a school girl. Sam has an energy and a vibe all her own and I'm HERE FOR IT!!!! Her encounters with Natalia are filled with tension and explosive chemistry, and her unexpected responses often catch Natalia off guard in the best possible way. The number of times Natalia had to school her features, battle a grin or a smirk, and keep her infallible mask in place had me giddy!!! The banter in this book - IS TOP FREAKING NOTCH!!!!!
Additionally, I LOVE (IN ALL CAPS) THAT THESE ARE MATURE WOMEN! Both women are in their late 40's / early 50's and I love reading about mature women finding love. I love love at any age but there's something so special about these mature characters that really just speaks to me.
The dynamic between Natalia and Samantha is electric, and their chemistry leaps off the page. The steamy scenes are well-written and add so much intensity to their relationship. We know that Arias can write the Steam, but this legit melted my Kindle. MELTED!!!!!!
One of my favorite things in Arias' novels is the portrayal of family. I adored Samantha's family and how they accepted Natalia, showing her what true family love looks like. The themes of letting go of control and embracing love are beautifully woven throughout the story, making it a compelling and utterly satisfying read.
This is a must-read series, my friends. Especially for fans of steamy sapphic romance. Arias is so great with writing well-developed, relatable characters, giving us an engaging storyline, and sizzling chemistry. Relinquishing control is going to leave you eager for more from this author. She just keeps raising the bar with her work.
Thank you to JJ Arias for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
April 19, 2025
I've said it before and I'll say it again: JJ Arias is truly an exceptional author. This is a beautiful, later-in-life, opposites-attract romance between two women, aged 49 and 50, who must navigate trauma and grief to give themselves a real shot at happiness.
It's a very slow burn—the story unfolds over several months—but it's absolutely worth it. Natalia is a brilliant ice queen, slowly melting under the charm and endless optimism of Sam. Both MCs are wonderfully written, with rich backstories, but it's Natalia's character development that really shines and feels especially rewarding.
Also, I have to say—I was living for the feminist commentary woven throughout the story. It made an already great read even better.
It's a very slow burn—the story unfolds over several months—but it's absolutely worth it. Natalia is a brilliant ice queen, slowly melting under the charm and endless optimism of Sam. Both MCs are wonderfully written, with rich backstories, but it's Natalia's character development that really shines and feels especially rewarding.
Also, I have to say—I was living for the feminist commentary woven throughout the story. It made an already great read even better.
August 5, 2024
I was so excited for Natalia's story but I think it was The Professor that really stole the show...
Relinquishing Control is the captivating third instalment in the Dominion series by J.J. Arias, featuring a tumultuous and steamy romance between Natalia Flores, the formidable owner of Dominion Talent Agency, and Samantha Reyes, a fiercely independent professor. Natalia, the quintessential ice queen, slowly reveals a softer side filled with passion and vulnerability, while Samantha's warm and engaging charm provides the perfect contrast. Their interactions are charged with electric chemistry, and I loved their witty banter throughout.
It's not often I get to read a romance set between two women close to 50. The romance set between two mature women brings a refreshing depth to the this novel, with conversations about passion and self-discovery that are not exclusive to the youth.
Natalia is a complicated character and I loved the way Arias depicted the dynamic of a relationship between one character who struggles to show vulnerability and another who is patience and kind. Sam stole the show for me in this novel. The depth to her character and humility was amazing, and it definitely contributed to why I enjoyed this book.
Relinquishing Control is a great way to end a fantastic series. I'm sad that the series has come to an end but I'm so excited to read what's next from J.J. Arias.
Many thanks to J.J. Arias for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Relinquishing Control is the captivating third instalment in the Dominion series by J.J. Arias, featuring a tumultuous and steamy romance between Natalia Flores, the formidable owner of Dominion Talent Agency, and Samantha Reyes, a fiercely independent professor. Natalia, the quintessential ice queen, slowly reveals a softer side filled with passion and vulnerability, while Samantha's warm and engaging charm provides the perfect contrast. Their interactions are charged with electric chemistry, and I loved their witty banter throughout.
It's not often I get to read a romance set between two women close to 50. The romance set between two mature women brings a refreshing depth to the this novel, with conversations about passion and self-discovery that are not exclusive to the youth.
Natalia is a complicated character and I loved the way Arias depicted the dynamic of a relationship between one character who struggles to show vulnerability and another who is patience and kind. Sam stole the show for me in this novel. The depth to her character and humility was amazing, and it definitely contributed to why I enjoyed this book.
Relinquishing Control is a great way to end a fantastic series. I'm sad that the series has come to an end but I'm so excited to read what's next from J.J. Arias.
Many thanks to J.J. Arias for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2024
What a great grumpy/sunshine romance! And not just grumpy, the iciest of ice queens. Natalia is as stiff as they come and what I especially loved was her well developed background and how true to herself she was able to stay as she started to thaw. Bravo JJ Arias. And Professor Sam. Such a wonderfully warm puppy dog to balance out Natalia. Steadfast and true. Yet so spicy. I loved that this was low angst while still having plenty of tension. The subplot about the vampire/Lilith theories lost me, and Sam’s backstory didn’t entirely convince me, but otherwise a fabulous end to this series. It was fun to see Adrianna and Lola, and I especially loved the epilogue.
Short summary: When one of Natalia’s clients calls on her to obtain movie rights from a professor, Natalia is sure she can achieve it. Except Sam isn’t as interested in selling as she is in dating Natalia. But Natalia is a lone wolf, as self-reliant as they come, with rules to protect her walls. There’s no way Sam will scale them…
Short summary: When one of Natalia’s clients calls on her to obtain movie rights from a professor, Natalia is sure she can achieve it. Except Sam isn’t as interested in selling as she is in dating Natalia. But Natalia is a lone wolf, as self-reliant as they come, with rules to protect her walls. There’s no way Sam will scale them…
May 2, 2024
I was so excited for Natalia's story but I think it was The Professor that really stole the show...
Relinquishing Control is the captivating third instalment in the Dominion series by J.J. Arias, featuring a tumultuous and steamy romance between Natalia Flores, the formidable owner of Dominion Talent Agency, and Samantha Reyes, a fiercely independent professor. Natalia, the quintessential ice queen, slowly reveals a softer side filled with passion and vulnerability, while Samantha's warm and engaging charm provides the perfect contrast. Their interactions are charged with electric chemistry, and I loved their witty banter throughout.
It's not often I get to read a romance set between two women close to 50. The romance set between two mature women brings a refreshing depth to the this novel, with conversations about passion and self-discovery that are not exclusive to the youth.
Natalia is a complicated character and I loved the way Arias depicted the dynamic of a relationship between one character who struggles to show vulnerability and another who is patience and kind. Sam stole the show for me in this novel. The depth to her character and humility was amazing, and it definitely contributed to why I enjoyed this book.
Relinquishing Control is a great way to end a fantastic series. I'm sad that the series has come to an end but I'm so excited to read what's next from J.J. Arias.
Many thanks to J.J. Arias for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Relinquishing Control is the captivating third instalment in the Dominion series by J.J. Arias, featuring a tumultuous and steamy romance between Natalia Flores, the formidable owner of Dominion Talent Agency, and Samantha Reyes, a fiercely independent professor. Natalia, the quintessential ice queen, slowly reveals a softer side filled with passion and vulnerability, while Samantha's warm and engaging charm provides the perfect contrast. Their interactions are charged with electric chemistry, and I loved their witty banter throughout.
It's not often I get to read a romance set between two women close to 50. The romance set between two mature women brings a refreshing depth to the this novel, with conversations about passion and self-discovery that are not exclusive to the youth.
Natalia is a complicated character and I loved the way Arias depicted the dynamic of a relationship between one character who struggles to show vulnerability and another who is patience and kind. Sam stole the show for me in this novel. The depth to her character and humility was amazing, and it definitely contributed to why I enjoyed this book.
Relinquishing Control is a great way to end a fantastic series. I'm sad that the series has come to an end but I'm so excited to read what's next from J.J. Arias.
Many thanks to J.J. Arias for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 27, 2024
I had so much genuine fun with this entire series.
This one felt a little dragged and rushed at the end for me, but I also didn't really want it to end.
This one felt a little dragged and rushed at the end for me, but I also didn't really want it to end.
September 20, 2024
I'm so in love with this series, but this book was chef's kiss 🥰
The tension and chemistry between Natalia and Sam are incredibly well written throughout the book.
The pacing is perfect, even after so much time spent pining for each other and resisting. When they finally accepted it, it didn't feel rushed at all, and I truly appreciate that so much in a book.
Sam's grief was portrayed with such rawness and authenticity that I could easily relate to her.
Natalia's transformation from a huge glacier queen to someone who melts slowly but surely was endearing to read.
The ending was beautiful. Watching all the characters evolve into the best versions of themselves was very satisfying, even though now I'm sad it's all over.
Honestly, I could go on for a while praising not just this book but the whole series. I'm really happy to have come across this author and enjoyed these sapphic masterpieces.
The tension and chemistry between Natalia and Sam are incredibly well written throughout the book.
The pacing is perfect, even after so much time spent pining for each other and resisting. When they finally accepted it, it didn't feel rushed at all, and I truly appreciate that so much in a book.
Sam's grief was portrayed with such rawness and authenticity that I could easily relate to her.
Natalia's transformation from a huge glacier queen to someone who melts slowly but surely was endearing to read.
The ending was beautiful. Watching all the characters evolve into the best versions of themselves was very satisfying, even though now I'm sad it's all over.
Honestly, I could go on for a while praising not just this book but the whole series. I'm really happy to have come across this author and enjoyed these sapphic masterpieces.
April 22, 2024
Thank you JJ for blessing us with Natalia and Sam’s story.
Currently reading
April 21, 2024i hate every one of you that has read it before me.
April 11, 2024
I want to start with thanking JJ Arias for sending me this ARC. I was not expecting it and she blew my fangirl mind for about 24 hours. Thank you JJ and you did wonderful writing this one.
i. Love. Jj. Arias. More than any other author. The fact she sent me this book when I was not expecting it and actively waiting since November made me almost cry.
I felt every emotion reading this book. I want to say my brothers name is sam and sam is one of the MC so that lead to some interesting feelings at times. If you are super close with your siblings then you understand the difficulty. But my Idiotic smile achieved. Reading this was the happiest ive been in a while.
Natalia is a very tough nut to crack so the way that sam responds to her is absolutely phenomenal, has me giggling and smiling. Their banter is some of my absolute favorite. Honestly they feel like a more adult version of Roxy and Adriana but on cranked up to 100.
I think JJ hit perfection with this one. Now I know thats a high compliment but the way sam was written was so beautiful. The way that she kept fighting for Natalia to opening up and doing it in a way that was so unexpected to Natalia really made me grasp for me. But also the way that Natalia reacted to it. It took a while for her walls to come down but it was realistic to her. That she wouldnt immediately swoon because she met her match. It was chefs kiss. And i could not stop laughing. I was so giggly.
Now Samantha isnt my usual type but I actually muttered how perfect she is. There are multiple times throughout this book where her subtle actions scream respect and honesty. It was truly so hot to read about a women like her who is so respectfully badass but also incredibly soft under all that exterior. She also provides Natalia with something she has never had. With the comfort its the perfect balance. I was thinking when I started i wouldnt like her but boy was I wrong. (Besides the name bc baby brother)
Seeing into Natalia’s life was not at all what I expected but it was amazing. To see her feelings, why she became that way and how much she adores Adriana and Lola. My heart poured out emotion for her.
Either way I think the way JJ approached this was opposite of what I thought and so completely perfect. She absolutely hit gold with this one.
Ending the dominion series makes me sad but at the same time its in my top three series.
Please everyone go and read it.
i. Love. Jj. Arias. More than any other author. The fact she sent me this book when I was not expecting it and actively waiting since November made me almost cry.
I felt every emotion reading this book. I want to say my brothers name is sam and sam is one of the MC so that lead to some interesting feelings at times. If you are super close with your siblings then you understand the difficulty. But my Idiotic smile achieved. Reading this was the happiest ive been in a while.
Natalia is a very tough nut to crack so the way that sam responds to her is absolutely phenomenal, has me giggling and smiling. Their banter is some of my absolute favorite. Honestly they feel like a more adult version of Roxy and Adriana but on cranked up to 100.
I think JJ hit perfection with this one. Now I know thats a high compliment but the way sam was written was so beautiful. The way that she kept fighting for Natalia to opening up and doing it in a way that was so unexpected to Natalia really made me grasp for me. But also the way that Natalia reacted to it. It took a while for her walls to come down but it was realistic to her. That she wouldnt immediately swoon because she met her match. It was chefs kiss. And i could not stop laughing. I was so giggly.
Now Samantha isnt my usual type but I actually muttered how perfect she is. There are multiple times throughout this book where her subtle actions scream respect and honesty. It was truly so hot to read about a women like her who is so respectfully badass but also incredibly soft under all that exterior. She also provides Natalia with something she has never had. With the comfort its the perfect balance. I was thinking when I started i wouldnt like her but boy was I wrong. (Besides the name bc baby brother)
Seeing into Natalia’s life was not at all what I expected but it was amazing. To see her feelings, why she became that way and how much she adores Adriana and Lola. My heart poured out emotion for her.
Either way I think the way JJ approached this was opposite of what I thought and so completely perfect. She absolutely hit gold with this one.
Ending the dominion series makes me sad but at the same time its in my top three series.
Please everyone go and read it.
April 25, 2024
After such a long wait we finally got Natalia’s story and it was hottt 🥵🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Natalia is a boss bitch that I was intrigued about since book one. She’s the definition of closed off. She meets Samantha to try and convince her to sign over rights to her book. Samantha is not budging and Natalia doesn’t understand the answer no. The bather between these two was so entertaining. I loved it. Samantha wears her heart on her sleeve and Natalia was mean as hell 😂 As Samantha got to know Natalia, she slowly saw beyond her icy exterior. Natalia’s character development was so refreshing and Sam was such a sweetheart. Their chemistry was off the charts, I couldn’t put this book down. I devoured it and was so sad once I finished since this is the last in the series. Definitely read all three books!
April 26, 2024
This was a nice conclusion to this loosely connected series and definitely my favorite of the 3 (and the spiciest 🌶️.) Bias time: I’m an old hag and I definitely resonate (and appreciate) with older characters. Both MCs are 50 and fully secured in their sexuality. I know the experienced vs inexperienced coupling is popular in sapphic stories but I prefer when everyone knows who they are and what they are doing in that aspect. Natalia is 1000% Ice Queen who meets her match in the very confident, (and arrogant) Samantha. This is definitely a trope I would love to see more of. No sunshine trying to melt ice but a rock that stands side by side with the glacier. The ending was a bit rushed compared to how slowly the actual romantic relationship was going but that’s a small knit that didn’t impede my enjoyment.
June 2, 2024
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Latinx Sapphic Romance
🇨🇺 FMCs. Ages: 49/50
Loved these characters! I definitely recommend reading book 1&2 before starting this to understand how stoic Natalia is and her reputation! But I loved seeing her get loved on and be able to put her walls down 🥹😭 PROUD OF HER! Sam had a hard time getting into a serious relationship after her last wife but I LOVE that she was so open about her feelings and willing to make this relationship work 🥹.
They were witty and their banter was funny 😂 but the SMUT??! Hello?! 😮💨🧎🏻♀️OBSESSED! Will definitely miss this world and all the characters 😭 definitely cried at seeing the updates on the past characters 🥹 miss them so muchhh
Latinx Sapphic Romance
🇨🇺 FMCs. Ages: 49/50
Loved these characters! I definitely recommend reading book 1&2 before starting this to understand how stoic Natalia is and her reputation! But I loved seeing her get loved on and be able to put her walls down 🥹😭 PROUD OF HER! Sam had a hard time getting into a serious relationship after her last wife but I LOVE that she was so open about her feelings and willing to make this relationship work 🥹.
They were witty and their banter was funny 😂 but the SMUT??! Hello?! 😮💨🧎🏻♀️OBSESSED! Will definitely miss this world and all the characters 😭 definitely cried at seeing the updates on the past characters 🥹 miss them so muchhh
June 1, 2024
I liked this one a little. Mainly becaue there was more to Natalie and Sam. But then again, I thought it was going to be Tangled Vows or The Executive Liaison - women like Natalie are important. The true Queens of the sapphic fiction world. - Though I think of Catherine, Vivian, Michelle, Magdalene, Elizabeth and Chiara of course. So she is in safe hands aka mind.
November 21, 2024
Damn J.J. Arias, about to have me going on a binging spree on her books, even though I think the second book was the best out of the series. I would consider this book 3.5 stars. Natalia, even though she was like an ice queen type through and through, she has some warm bits and pieces I enjoyed. Sam, though, that’s my dawg. Love her throughout the entire book.
April 21, 2024
natalia they could never make me hate you❗️❗️i knew i was going to adore her
May 14, 2024
3.5 Stars
April 3, 2024
What a fantastic ending of a series! I had been looking forward to getting to know Natalia better and this book did not disappoint! Natalia definitely met her match in Samantha.
April 21, 2024
4.5⭐️
Loved that our MCs here are older. I want to read more about late 40s/ 50s+ aged wlw.
I will miss this Dominion universe so much. JJ is delivering again. Fitting ending.
Loved that our MCs here are older. I want to read more about late 40s/ 50s+ aged wlw.
I will miss this Dominion universe so much. JJ is delivering again. Fitting ending.
January 3, 2025
I don’t think I could’ve picked a better first book of the year — the Dominion series far surpassed my expectations, with this one coming in first as my favorite! (Although, only by a little because I loved the others almost just as much)
This quote hit so hard:
“A stunning mixed bag of visibility and cliché. What choice did we have but to take it? It was better than the nothing we had before, right? Because what are we if not sexy and arousing? The same people who vote against our basic human rights are the first ones to tune in to get turned on.”
This quote hit so hard:
“A stunning mixed bag of visibility and cliché. What choice did we have but to take it? It was better than the nothing we had before, right? Because what are we if not sexy and arousing? The same people who vote against our basic human rights are the first ones to tune in to get turned on.”
April 20, 2024
What can I say that hasn’t been said before about Ms JJ Arias’ brilliance!!!
Relinquishing control, not only allowed me to have a bit of understanding about Natalia but closure to this epic series!
This “must-read” was well written and exciting from start to finish!
My only concern I have after completing this book is how long I have to wait for more of JJ’s work!
Relinquishing control, not only allowed me to have a bit of understanding about Natalia but closure to this epic series!
This “must-read” was well written and exciting from start to finish!
My only concern I have after completing this book is how long I have to wait for more of JJ’s work!
April 14, 2024
No spoilers BUT this is my favorite read of 2024, and I don't know how anything will top it. I can't stop grinning and I already wish I could reread it for the first time again. Once released I will do a more thorough review.
April 23, 2024
Love this series. I am sad to see the end of this series. After reading book 1 and 2, I could not wait to get my hands on this one. It did not disappoint. Arias does an awesome job of telling Natalia's story. I can't wait to see what is next for Arias.
May 27, 2025
Even the coldest ice queens can melt <3
May 15, 2024
too good to put down
Honestly Arias does it again. Natalia’s story was everything I expected and more. Seeing how she slowly opens up to the love that Sam offers her was amazing. Maybe the Miami girl in me is a bit biased, but I loved this whole series. Arias gets the whole Cuban American culture down to a t and it just makes me feel so seen. Anything from her is sure to be a favorite of mine!
Honestly Arias does it again. Natalia’s story was everything I expected and more. Seeing how she slowly opens up to the love that Sam offers her was amazing. Maybe the Miami girl in me is a bit biased, but I loved this whole series. Arias gets the whole Cuban American culture down to a t and it just makes me feel so seen. Anything from her is sure to be a favorite of mine!
December 13, 2024
*This review applies to both the book and the audiobook*
Read: 5+
Listen: 5+
OMG. Just finished reading AND listening to this! A RESOUNDING MUST-READ AND MUST-LISTEN!!! Ohhh....Natalia!! She's now one of my all-time fave characters, nevermind an ice queen, too! Yes!
I know, I know. You might ask, why read the 3rd installment of Arias' popular Dominion trilogy first? Well, mainly due to the Natalia character. I was reading all the reviews and commentary about her and that just piqued my ice-queen curiosity. Reading the synopsis made me wanna sink my teeth into this story even more, not only because of this particular ice-queen (of a certain age) but that the other MC (Sam) was a professor! Aw, c'mon! It's only one of my fave professions for a lesfic character after doctors, lawyers, judges, coppers! Needless to say, I dove right in, with bated breath, breezed through the pages in one sitting before coming up for air, truly and effectively sated, cerebrally, emotionally.
I absolutely love Arias' themes in all of her books - female empowerment, LGBTQ+ issues, blood vs. chosen family, the eternally complex mother/daughter relationship, socio-economic class, wrapped in the nuances of human psychology and behaviour that Arias so deftly crafts out in her characters and their stories that are always intriguing, always captivating, always fun and relatable to explore which always (thusfar!) leave me with further thoughts to ponder and wanting more. That's why, I can't thank her enough for almost always giving me an epilogue for each of her stories! YAS! To me, a prologue, a body, and an epilogue - perfect motif of an otherwise brilliantly written and told piece of human story that always have a cause, always have a point to make.
OMG. This book. From cover to cover. It's Natalia. It's Natalia. IT'S BLOODY BRILLIANT NATALIA!!!! Wow, what a story, indeed! Her back story is prolly one of my favourite stories I've ever read in lesfic and her character? Oh wow... it's beyond having the bog-standard ice queen persona. Natalia not only has her goddess-given air of regality, she commands absolute power beyond the shadow of a doubt. An unadulterated force to be reckoned with. And that envious pedigree just so happens to be unapologetically female. That. Is. All.
To have that sense in a fictional character is all thanks to Arias' incredible knack in writing her characters with such depth, emotional sensuality and heart, that you can't help but feel their realism, relate to their states of mind. And topping it off, we have Kingsley Rose's precision in interpreting Arias' characters with matching fervour, effectively bringing them to life.
I couldn't get enough of discovering Natalia's story, her trauma, her heartbreaking longing to be wanted, to be loved, unconditionally, with no agendas, her struggle to maintain her icy exterior as it'd protected her all her life from further pain and hurt as she was painstakingly thawed by the one person who was gonna break down all her walls of defences that had served her well throughout her life in isolating herself and keeping people at bay from her battered, vulnerable heart. The way Arias wrote and developed Natalia's character from the icy, aloof, in-control, Miranda Priestley-esque persona to the deeply vulnerable and aggrieved, nearly lost soul who'd been led to believe that she didn't deserve to be loved, to finally relinquishing control of her emotions, her fears, her heart, so she could experience what true, uninhibited, unconditional love was... was invigoratingly addictive, leaving me wanting more!
Natalia's journey, her love language, were captured flawlessly, especially all the non-verbal emotional upheavals that Arias presented as her inner thoughts. It's a perfect study in psychology of a broken soul who crawled back up from the abyss, amidst countless obstacles throughout her whole life and remade it in her own desired image, unfortunately at the expense of what was ultimately most important - Self-love. Self-worth. How to love. How to be loved. Arias hit the nail on the head in personifying the psychology of the human condition in the face of childhood/adult trauma and abuse through the incomparable Natalia Flores.
Arias' style of writing is very colloquial, making the characters' dialogue, inner thoughts, the story itself, flow ever-so seamlessly, grounded in personable realism. In Natalia's personal journey, Arias gave her one of her (presumably passionate) themes - childhood trauma from bigotry, rejection and abandonment, abuse, chosen family dynamic (vs. blood) - which she sculptured so well into Natalia's multi-dimensional character that her inevitable life-changing journey in the wake of Sam's existence in her life, resonated viscerally.
And when Arias' richly expressive words were brought to life by Kingsley Rose, who, thanks to this audiobook of this story, is now my newfound performer (this book is my 1st aural exposure to her vocal performance), embodied the role of Natalia with commanding aplomb. Her voice, the tone, the rhythm that she tuned into to personify the larger-than-life, Type A, powerful and in control authoritative figure hiding behind her most devastating vulnerability and insecurity, spoke volumes.
When I first listened to Rose portraying Natalia, I was intrigued because she sounded similar to what I had in mind when I read the book, only just a tad lower register, according to my mind's Natalia. But then as Natalia started to navigate different situations, especially with Sam, Rose's voice became synonymous with this very complicated, intoxicating character who begged to be understood and loved. The vulnerability mixed with innocence or confusion (like a child who doesn't understand a certain level of emotion or non-verbal expression) that Natalia was, at her core, was all carved into Rose's vocal intonation of how Natalia sounded, with such resonating depth that you couldn't help but FEEL what she was going through, in body, mind and soul.
Rose's portrayal of Sam was equally sensual, visceral and emotive. There were some memorable moments between Natalia and Sam, who oozed chemistry from the get-go, that I'd listen to repeatedly because the rhythm of these 2 electrifyingly tortured souls' vocal sound waves whilst uttering Arias' words through Rose's embodiment, for some reason, vibrate like music to my ears, totally in-sync with my aural frequency! The music that carries a harmony of emotions that hits you right in the gut, be it wit or drama, joy or pain, all encompassing Natalia and Sam's respective trauma and scars personified by their mutual connection with each other. The rhythm of lyrics so evident in Arias/Rose's collaboration. The back-and-forths between these 2 MCs are nothing short of ELECTRIFYING! 'Nuff said.
"It's not normal to be attracted to someone this irritating." (guess who said this...)
Relinquishing Control. What a title. How apt. How utterly haunting. For these two characters whose respective control that shaped their lives stirred their very souls before finally coming up for air, to relinquish it and embrace the terrifying unknown that is love, uninhibited, unconditional, full-on, unwavering, true love. What a title.
This story, again, is a MUST-READ, MUST-LISTEN. For those of us who simply love ice-queen tropes, this is it. What's more, Arias showcases 2 formidable powerhouse characters of a certain age (whilst I also love age-gap tropes, I'm so glad this wasn't an age-gap because of reasons) with their respective demons they needed to shed, all played out in glorious vocal performances by Rose. Once again, in Arias' stories, the psychology of the human condition with a path to reconciliation and healing, was palpable in this story, with the precision of the ever-complex human behaviour, in thought, word and deed. I love to dive into the psychology of the human mind, particularly relating to relationships between different individuals from all walks of life. It's such a gift for me when I observe that formula in lesfic, that some authors dare to delve into the ever-complex, grey area of the human mind - what makes a person tick, with absolute sensitivity and informed knowledge (thank you!).
Oh, how my heart bleeds listening to Rose's Natalia and Sam break down their defences, their fears, their joy, their love... How my heart fills up with Arias' beautiful language of storytelling. Bloody well done, both of you! I can't wait for your future collaborations. A new dynamic duo for me, yesiree Bob!
And now, I'm gonna go read the rest of the Dominion trilogy, #2 "Fighting for Control" and #1 "Losing Control." Yeh, I go backwards, that's me!
Note to Author: Thank you, Ms. Arias, for gifting us Natalia Flores in all her dynamic, powerful, insatiable, sexy, inimitable, beautiful soul. A true Divine Feminine. And let’s not forget her equally sensational partner-in-crime, the incomparable, insatiable academic, Samantha Reyes! And thank you for….. LESBIANS!!!!! YAAAAS!! You can’t imagine just how chuffed I am to exclaim this! **most ice-queens in lesfic, including the ones that I favour, are queer but not usually out and proud lesbians, which puts Natalia at the top of my fave ice-queen list!**
Note to Voice Actor: Thank you, Ms. Rose, for gracing us with your utterly captivating, superbly performed vocal artistry of Natalia and Sam, for embodying their very personas, in body, mind, and soul, verbally and non-verbally. Bringing them to life like the real people that they essentially are. Breathtakingly gorgeous performance!
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