Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Submissive

Rate this book
"I'm never alone. She haunts my dreams. My consciousness. The woman took ten years of my life, and now I'm expected to pick up the trust she stole when she shattered my heart. And Ms. Warner dares to think she can make that all go away?"

When Monique ran away from the Mistress who mistreated her, she thought she would never be in a relationship again. Heartbroken and wounded, she now devotes her life to a business catering to the depraved elite.

Then Ms. Helen Warner walks into her world, offering Monique an escape from the pain that haunts the scars on her body.

What Helen doesn't understand is that a woman like Monique knows what pain is all too well - and no longer knows the difference between a Domme who will take care of her... and one who will destroy her.

But she's falling for Helen’s pursuits. Her charms. Her sophisticated manners. Her promises of kindness... with more than a hint of what’s truly desired..

The only way Monique can heal is by submitting once again.

Helen’s domination is the cure.

401 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2024

389 people are currently reading
466 people want to read

About the author

Cynthia Dane

128 books518 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
231 (44%)
4 stars
162 (30%)
3 stars
97 (18%)
2 stars
21 (4%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for LEAH.
119 reviews26 followers
December 12, 2024
4 ★ My first Dane/Billings and it won’t be my last. Written beautifully, albeit lengthy. That being said my attention never faltered. Captivating. Emotions across all characters. Plenty of BDSM. Obviously ;) Wish we got more angst. I’m a sucker for angst. Like let’s see how much of a baddie Jacqueline really is, you know?
Profile Image for Heather.
736 reviews11 followers
February 16, 2024
Can a new Domme give her submissive what she needs?

4 1/2 ⭐️. Another rewrite and I must say this one was done very well. I am a huge fan of this author…but and don’t get me wrong this was a great read, but the stories that are originally written as sapphic just hit differently then this one did? Highly highly recommend any of those if bdsm and sapphic romance is what you like. Especially those coauthored with Anna Stone.

Anyway, this book was intriguing and had so many feels. In The Contract I didn’t enjoy Monique so much until the end naturally. I wasn’t sure if I’d like this book as she is one of the MCs. Well this poor woman. What she has been through and how strong she really is, is just amazing and beautiful and heart wrenching. I am so glad to have read her story and seen her shine.
Profile Image for Holly Violet.
134 reviews4 followers
February 26, 2024
Good

This book was good and a thrill to read but as it's an adaptation of a straight couple there are places and terms used that steer the reader towards seeing Helen as a man. I found this a little difficult as it made it a struggle so picture her in my head.
Profile Image for Jessica.
17 reviews28 followers
April 27, 2025
Romantic and erotic 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Monique Grant works as the head of the Manoir and is recovering from a 10 year abusive relationship with a Domme, Jaqueline. A business woman, Helen Warner, comes in one day as a guest of a friend and Monique recognizes her as a dominant and it sets off her need to serve in a way she hasn’t experienced since Jaqueline.

What I loved
- The writing was descriptive and intriguing.
- I love how their dom/sub dynamic was characterized.
They became more like friends first and took it slow in getting to know each other. Helen was a realistic person who was humble and learning. She didn’t assume she knew anything or feel entitled over Monique because she was a domme. Helen and Monique are partners first with a dom/sub dynamic. Helen constantly works to prove herself as deserving of her sub. She put Monique’s wants first including if she even wanted to be dommed at a moment in time. They were two equally dynamic women in love and treated each other as such. I could understand their characters as people first outside of their d/s desires.
- the scenes were creative and hot. They explored more with each other and communicated their desires with each other. (A higher intensity level, not just a blindfold and fun spanking.)
- there was no relationship drama, once they were together they were committed to each other. There was no third act breakup.

My issues came with the plotting and a few sentiments from the writing.
- Helen’s secret I wish had been more angsty. When I first read it, I was looking forward to the reveal, but when she said it, it was like the two characters didn’t even have that strong of a reaction to it, which was a let down.
- the drama with Jaqueline I thought would be more angsty based on the opening chapters. We kept hearing about Jaqueline and there was an unexpected seeing each other at the kink club, and revenge scene but it all fell flat. It wasn’t enough for how much trauma and build up there was in Monique’s narrative.
- the constant focus on wealth. At one point Monique is talking about the difference between old money and new money and how she doesn’t know how she will ever be able to trust a domme from either situation. Like do non-ultra wealthy people exist in this book?
- also the use of “alpha” unironically to describe certain people in a contemporary setting. The use of alpha and beta to describe people in romance books needs to go!! It’s not reality, even the biologist who originally published the study on “alpha” dynamics has retracted everything he published about the subject. Further, alpha is always used to describe people like it makes them better or stronger. It gives “not like the other girls.” Don’t even get me started when it’s used to describe dommes or male subs. I don’t think authors even realize they are showing their own prejudice when they do that.
- I think Monique’s past needed to be addressed more. She told Helen what happened but as far as how she lives with it and how to keep in mind her triggers in a BDSM relationship, it wasn’t really discussed at all. Just at the end Monique mentioned that some days things may come up for her, but it doesn’t define her anymore. It was a too simple resolution for her trauma being a main plot point in the story. It’s kind of that trap that authors fall into they want the characters to have trauma to write about but don’t want to get into growth or how it’s dealt with in their relationship and d/s dynamic.
- there was also some weird switches between third and first person writing
-I wish there had been more conversations between Helen and Monique about other things besides BDSM and what was going on in the plot.

Saying that, this book didn’t have a lot of the grievances I tend to have with BDSM romance books. (Rant)
The sub character wasn’t constantly scolded for not giving up enough control in all situations by the dom character. So many times in BDSM romances, authors make the whole character arc of a sub character needing to give up control to their dom in their life to heal and grow. It simplifies the character’s journey so much and it’s just unrealistic that the answer to everything is give up control in a d/s dynamic, or that it’s even necessary. It kind of defangs the sub character’s self actualization/self determination in the story for their character development. As well as the uniqueness of their own personal submissive desires.
Further, in this story, the dom character wasn’t characterized as some mind reading, superior person because she was a domme. That tends to happen in other books too. Dom/mes in books tend to act like they are masters of the universe and every decision, or development has to go through them. A lot of “I know what’s best” and hyprocrisy “do as I say, not what I do” and “it’s ok for me to do this because I’m a domme.” Just double standards and entitlement over the sub character across the board. Or there are a lot of quips or “jokes” about subs from dom characters that you know wouldn’t be taken as jokes by the doms if the situation was reversed. It all undermines the respect that is the basis of all relationships, but especially d/s power dynamics. Because the premise is that it’s equal people choosing to have power exchanges, if dom/mes are showing entitlement over people that happen to be subs, or showing they think less of submission through their remarks and actions and choice in friendships, that undermines the safety and legitimacy of any power dynamic they engage in. In a lot of BDSM romance books there tends to be a point made, the divide being that doms are friends with doms and subs are friends with subs. Which is mind boggling to me. Who gives af?
Anyway I digress…

None of that was in this book which was so refreshing. I would have given a higher rating just for that, but the plot and angst was kind of a let down. So three and half stars seems fair.

I would recommend if you are looking for an erotic sapphic romance!
Profile Image for Bárbara Sousa.
376 reviews48 followers
Read
February 26, 2024
DNF @ 26%. I usually like the books from these two authors, but this one just didn’t hold my interest :/
Profile Image for Spinster.
15 reviews
April 8, 2025
DNF 50%

Old-money women were snobbish and out of touch. New money women were reckless and prone to bad decisions. Monique would never find a good balance.


… What about no money? Or an average amount of income? Why is it that most BDSM themed books are told around wealthy people? Are there no working class dommes? Am I weird to think money is not inherent sexy? Nvm.

I have a huge problem with the language, the descriptions, the dialogues...it's tiring. I don't get why people should communicate like they do it here. E.g. there is this mail exchange. I mean, the idea is cute, but I can't imagine people really writing mail like this and being serious about it. It's like watching people playing high society by imagining how people could have talked in 19th century but doing it all wrong. It's a reason I can't empathize with the characters, when they talk they feel distant and hollow and clumsyly unreal and that's not good for a romance:

Is that a strange thing to say? I’m sure it came out the wrong way. I’m sorry, Monique, but when it comes to talking to you, I discover that I suddenly lose my vocabulary and write the arguments of a university freshman who has yet to learn what a thesis statement is. Did I ever tell you that I have an uncle who is a professor at Harvard?


I mean, what? Why? And how out of context is this? Is her uncle being an academic increasing the worth of Helen for love? (And of cource you didn't tell her. When should you have done that? Do you need help with your memory?) Buuut nvm.

My second big issue about the writing is the mix of third person description in simple past and first person inner monologue in presens. I know it's nothing new, but please don't do that, dear authors. Please don't mix! There is simply no need for it. Don't know if that is a me-problem, but... It was just that, a problem for me:

Whatever these people thought of her business, they never let on. As long as I make a lot of money, they don’t care.


So, there is the wanna be sophisticated language, and there is the plot (and my last issue): a new love story emerging around Monique who struggles with her past. And that should be an important topic in a new relationship. But here we are in an erotic romance without any deeper communication about boundaries. That's generally okaay but why talk about past abuse if you don't really want to talk about living with it? Communication about boundaries is important especially when coming from a long term abusive relationship... especially when you get into BDSM… especially especially when it's both. Communication doesn't need to be less sexy. There are a lot of (kinky) novels showing just that.

Cat, mouse… who was who, and which was which? Furthermore, how much longer would Monique resist?
Profile Image for JP Munroe .
75 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2024
The Submissive is compelling and very hot! It follows on from events in The Contract, but can be read as a standalone. It tells the story of Monique Grant after her dramatic escape from her sadistic Domme Jaqueline Love. The Submissive goes more deeply into what it means to be a sub than most of Billings/Dane books and contains one of the best descriptions of subspace I read. The relationship between Monique and Helen develops organically and the BDSM scenes feel like an integral part of this. The plot is engaging and adds to Monique’s character arc and development. The final BDSM scene is explosive and spell-binding and reaches a truly satisfying climax.
Profile Image for Lindsay Ottens.
415 reviews8 followers
February 10, 2024
There wasn’t enough angst in this like I thought there would be based off the opening few chapters.
Profile Image for Xo.
58 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2024
Beautifully written, but very lengthy with lots to take in. Still, it held my attention throughout. this book was absolutely captivating with deep emotions across all characters and plenty of BDSM. I wish there was more angst, I personally don't think Jacqueline did anything much. BUT The revenge scene was AMAZING—just wow. It's adapted from a straight couple, so some terms made it hard to picture Helen as a woman, especially during certain scenes. Overall, a very well-done story. I definitely enjoyed the journey from heartbreak and pain to love and healing, with lots of steamy moments and romance.

One thing that made me cringe so bad tho is that these people were referencing themselves as alphas and whatnot, I'm sorry but in a book that's not paranormal? Hell no. Otherwise love this book tho!
88 reviews
March 28, 2024
Damn. If only.

It's too bad there aren't more stories out there like this (there's some but not enough)---a combination of romance, kink, true love, the good and bad of BDSM, all wrapped up with wonderful women loving other women. The best of all worlds.
Profile Image for Joanna.
758 reviews23 followers
February 17, 2024
Eh, I was keen for this even tho I didn’t love the other one bc I wanted Monique to get a happy ending - which she did but also kinda boring, no real chemistry and Jacquline kept getting brought up but it resulted in nothing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for sadie | catsgoturwaffles.
235 reviews6 followers
June 16, 2025
rate it as: 4.0/5.0 i have such an strong liking towards this book, the emotions behind the D/s relationship is so good and the letters chapters is just brilliant
-
read it as: online copy
-
favorite chapters: 3/4/7/8/9/14/16/18/19/20/23/24/25/26/27/28/29/34
-
quotes:

1> “From the moment I laid eyes on you, Monique, I've thought of nothing but making love to you. Although we need space, I don't want to give it to you anymore. You're beautiful, yes, but you are also so much more. Since getting to know you better, I see a brilliant woman with a shrewd mind and a great sense for business. Not everyone could be in your position and do as well as you. Never before had I seen and spoken with someone as elegant and intelligent as you.”

2> “I will prove myself to you over and over until you know to trust me wholeheartedly. Even if it takes me years, I will do this.” (helen)

3> “I disgust myself with how much I think of you. All Monique wanted to think about was her Helen. The moment I told you that I was ready for you was the moment I could no longer live without knowing your touch."

4> “A sub who couldn't trust her Mistress was one of the lowest things on Earth. Monique swore she would never go back to something like that.”

5> “When I do come back, you better be ready for me. I expect my darling to always be ready for me.” (helen)

6> “Sometimes, it feels too good to be true. That this woman happened to find me and decided to dominate me while being the sweetest woman in the universe.” (monique)

7> “Of course not. You’ve been an absolute angel.” “Minus the part where I spank your ass raw and fuck you against public walls. Monique smiled. “Who said an angel doesn’t do that?” (monique to helen)

8> “You want what I do to you, Monique.” “Yes. I want your domination.” Her mouth was dry. “Because I’m a sub, Helen. I want to serve you. And I want to know that I can trust you with my life and world.”

9> “Marry me.” “Helen…” “I’m the happiest woman alive. If you married me, I would never know sadness again.”

10> “How many times do I need to propose to you?” Monique glanced at her, smirking “Until I say yes.” “Who the hell is the Domme in this relationship again?”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
40 reviews
November 25, 2024
I thought I've read some BDSM and spicy stuff before, but this book was hot. Even though the sex scenes often got confusing, the tension and dynamics were there keeping my interest and more at attention.

The MC is the submissive. This book is about her. But she's not exactly easy to love. I find the second MC - her domme / romantic interest, much more intriguing and easy to fall for. I only wish the author had written her as a butch character. I couldn't reconcile the character as it was written with blouses, dresses, and god-forbid ... sundresses. I had to rewrite some stuff in my brain as I read - crisp white shirt with buttons undone to there, bespoke suits and pants showing off her long lithe body, and some sensible shoes please, she's over 6' tall FFS.

With that imagery in mind, I thought the love that bloomed alongside their dom-sub relationship felt genuine, and the ending sweet although the means to that felt a bit over the top.

I realized halfway through this book that I had read one of the authors' books in this same universe a couple of years ago, starring one of the MC's ex-GF. I had rated it 3 stars. With no review, I don't remember what I liked and not about it. But I'm impressed enough by this one to want to try a couple more by the authors.
Profile Image for Jamie (TheRebelliousReader).
6,878 reviews30 followers
May 2, 2024
5 stars. Sensual and deeply romantic. I loved this. Monique and Helen were perfect for each other. I loved the little dance around each other they did in the beginning because it made for some great build up and sexual tension.

I loved the way that Helen was willing to take things slow so that Monique was ready and comfortable to start a relationship. Monica is hesitant to sub for another Domme because her last relationship was extremely abusive. I thought all of that was handled with a lot of care and I admired Monique’s strength. Once Monique and Helen get together they stay together. There’s no big relationship drama and there’s no third act breakup which was great to see. The romance was wonderfully done and so swoon worthy. Great and intense chemistry between them, very intimate and really hot. Being able to service and submit to Helen really helped Monique and I loved it. I love healing with BDSM type of stories and that’s exactly what this was. I adored this book to bits and pieces.
112 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2024
This sapphic retelling of a CD classic story is terrific. I absolutely love both Monique and Helen. Both Monique and Helen are well written and developed characters. Monique is understandably guarded after what she's been through and learning to trust someone with her deepest desires is a struggle. She is strong and confident in who she is and hasn't let her past define her or break her down. Helen is focused on earning Monique's trust and her heart and showing Monique she truly is her princess. Both have something they are keeping from the other but there is one secret that threatens to ruin it all and secrets always come to light when you least expect them. The story is well paced with a great balance and, of course, spice. Even with the secrets, the two take the time they need to work through what they feel and want and communicate pretty well (all things considered) to avoid the pitfalls of many sapphic stories.
Profile Image for Nia.
414 reviews16 followers
February 11, 2024
A cautious approach leads to absolute devotion.
Like a frightened and deeply wounded animal, Monique Grant licks her wounds inflicted by Jacqueline Love.
As mistress of the Manoir, she hides this behind a façade of reserve.
She is now a businesswoman and works with her talents at the limits of legality.
Everything to the satisfaction of her “patron’s“ and of course for the well-being of the Manoir.
Until one day she meets Helen Warner and the facade of the aloof Mistress of the house threatens to collapse.
This woman's presence is clearly dominant and Monique's nature demands to serve her.
Give herself to her.
But Monique doesn't want to give in to a Domme that easily again.
She needs protection and security and who says Ms. Warner can even be trusted?

Helen Waren is fascinated.
She is a dominant woman looking for her perfect sub. The one that completes her being and hopefully vice versa.
Monique Grant could be that woman, Helen is absolutely sure of it.
All she has to do is win her trust, her heart and her love. How hard can that be?
But Helen is also fully aware that her past could destroy everything she wants with Monique…
It's captivating and exciting and so, so hot! Phew, that really made my little heart beat faster! Great book by Hildred Billings and a reunion with some characters you may already know...
1,177 reviews
April 23, 2024
Absolutely A Big Hit!

Billings and Dane have been thrilling us with their storytelling. I have to say that I think “The Submissive” is better than any books I read this year so far. It is not for the subject, which is the star in a lot of Billings and Dane books, it was the actual story of Monique and Helen. A story that puts Monique’s past life controlling her current and future life. The supporting characters in this story were equally as important to the story as it all comes to a head. All Monique wanted was someone who would not hurt her, physically and mentally. When Helen comes along, there is something about her that intrigues Monique. This women is sweet, attentive but strong and matter of fact. But is she someone who can be trusted. I loved the pairing of these two. The ending made me smile. A Must Read!
Profile Image for Sha.
206 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2024
An experienced sub with a broken spirit is healed with her new mistress. This is an erotic romance with many (many!) graphically detailed sex scenes that are sometimes longer than they should be. However, for readers who like kinky erotica - this is a delicious treat.
For me, this was too much erotica and not enough flesh in the story itself. I found the characters lovely and interesting, but I needed a bit more than just sub/domme relationship and desires and more everyday feelings and personal development.

T&T:
Tropes: hurt/comfort, overcoming trauma, BDSM relationship
Triggers: open-door sex scenes, BDSM, mentions of violence and non-consensual acts (all off-page)
Rating: 3.5 stars
471 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2024
A wonderful book

Monique is trying to forget her past with a domme that was not good to her. She has build a successful business that she is the Madame of the house but never leaves. Helen comes to the mason and is in love with her but will have to gain her trust. The present and the letters with great communication that lead to a date. But each are still hiding from their past. Love have the life style of BDSM is shown throughout the book and the type of life Monique is still willing to try. A wonderful book to read.
573 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2024
This has had me tied in knots until I finished it a few moments ago.

Yikes, Dark, Hot and fascinating! I don’t think I have even been taken so deeply by a book. This story, the writing, the settings and the vibrancy of the characters just would not let me go. I think I had to take three cold showers, use my vibrator at least twice just to get through to the final page. Thanks for the HEA!
I loved the characters, their interactions and their realism just worked for me.
Profile Image for Steph H.
140 reviews
September 4, 2024
50/50

Wouldn’t say it’s awful, but i just didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought.
Theres no real story tbh, there’s no deep dive into the abusive ex, there’s no real context on Helen and I’d of liked Monique to have abit more of a backbone however it is a real easy read, with a decent amount of spice, especially the final scenes but I wouldn’t say it was immersive and impressive.
2 reviews
April 19, 2025
Wow! Wow! Wow!
This is by far the best books I’ve EVER read in regards to a WLW D/S relationship. I couldn’t put it down.
Shared this book with the woman I am seeing (potential D/S dynamic) and told her this is exactly what I’d want.. I’m always struggling to find words as to what I want, but now I have this book and it explains it all so perfectly.
So beautifully written and the play scenes are just spectacular.. 10/10 read. Cant wait to read even more!
135 reviews
February 6, 2024
wow

Another great book to read from the amazing couple.
They definitely know how to put lots of spice in a book.
It highlights the bad situations that can arise in this lifestyle. But also the great side as well.
I was hooked all the way through.
I definitely recommend this book.
Thank you.
42 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2024
A tour de force.

Left speechless at this. Monique the She Wolf Queen is amazing and Helen Warner, her Domme, is so caring and loving. The steam is off the scale and the defusing of the Love bomb is so satisfying. An exhausting and exhilarating ride into the world of billionaire bdsm as the heroine finally gets her much deserved revenge though her scars run so deep.
410 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2024
Helen patience paid off as far as winning Monique over. The story should have been titled the BDSM 101. New for Hildred to write this wsy. I like her books but this one wss all sex with no substance, in my opinion. The storyline was weak. Do I recommend this book, sure if you like more sex than story in a book, this book is for you. I guess I didn't get it.
1 review
April 12, 2024
Undeniable... without uncertainty.

Undeniable is the love and lust between the Warners. Undeniable is the Madam's business savvy. Undeniable is the pain before Hellen. It is these things we do not deny as a good sub doesn't deny their dom. The chords of love, binds, and desperation in the two lovebirds is potentially unmatched. One of my favorite reads so far. ♡
93 reviews
July 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ughhh I feel like i I don’t even remember there being a plot to this book at all. If you want a spicy book with no story behind it this is for you. Scenes were written nicely but I feel like Helens “secret” was built up and a huge let down. These two have produced better books. Highly recommend trying those.
Profile Image for Sarah Kidd.
17 reviews
September 10, 2025
I really struggled with this book and very nearly didn’t finish it but I pushed on to the end mainly by skim reading the last 80 or so pages.

It was one of those books where despite its length, nearly 400 pages really not much happened. There was very little to keep the reader engaged and it was hard going.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.