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Submissive Beauty
Eager to understand her secret desires, Gabrielle enters "The Sanctuary." Inside she's immediately torn between fear of the unknown and a craving to learn more, until the lights dim. From the first sound of Thomas' calm and controlled voice, she is mesmerized. With an underlying need in her emotional spirit that requires more control, she is easily seduced into a world of dominance and submission.
For Thomas, an experienced Master, Gabrielle is an interesting mix of defiant, naive and submissive. Her sharp mind and wit appeal to him as much as the curves of her lush figure. He accepts the challenge to help train her despite the danger she represents. Long term anything for him is out of the question. If he does his job right, his protégé David will end up the perfect Dom for her and Thomas will move on with his armor intact.
Their journey puts Gabrielle at the mercy of two men who teach her how to embrace her darkest needs within a tight bond of trust. Unfortunately, betrayal lurks on the path to total surrender.
For Thomas, an experienced Master, Gabrielle is an interesting mix of defiant, naive and submissive. Her sharp mind and wit appeal to him as much as the curves of her lush figure. He accepts the challenge to help train her despite the danger she represents. Long term anything for him is out of the question. If he does his job right, his protégé David will end up the perfect Dom for her and Thomas will move on with his armor intact.
Their journey puts Gabrielle at the mercy of two men who teach her how to embrace her darkest needs within a tight bond of trust. Unfortunately, betrayal lurks on the path to total surrender.
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 15, 2011
56 people are currently reading
2127 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Gayle
133 books1,335 followersGRAB the first book in my USA Today bestselling Southern Shifters series in Kindle Unlimited. Click
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Eliza Gayle writes dragon romance and fantasy romance with unforgettable characters, fiery passion, and magical twists. A New York Times bestselling author, she’s created series like Dragon Lords and Southern Shifters that keep readers hooked from page one. (She also writes dark contemporary romance under E.M. Gayle) She currently lives on a small island in the Pacific Northwest (but was born and raised in Florida and then spent 10+ years in NC) and spends her days writing romance, wandering the beach, kayaking or defending her keyboard from her cat Salem.
Before her writing career began, she served in the Marine Corps and lived a crazy life of adventure. Then she read her first spicy romance novel and everything changed. So after years of thinking about writing she finally grabbed her laptop and wrote.
Latest Release: THE HEART OF THE DRAGON
Coming next: THE FATE OF THE DRAGON
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
March 10, 2012
Gabby has been interested in BDSM for a long time, finally realizing that she needed more than her husband was willing to give her, so she divorced him. She meets Thomas at a demonstration for the local BDSM club and is immediately drawn to his sexy voice and Dominant nature. Thomas finds the sexy little sub irresistable, but he wants to train her with another Dom, David, who he'll also be training. The three of them work through training and trust in one of the hottest, sweetest stories I've read in, well, ever.
David and Thomas are genuinely likeable men who want what's best for Gabby. There's none of the macho posturing so prevalent in some other BDSM Doms, and they're not afraid to be gentle and get to know her outside the bedroom. Gabby is a real woman who was told over and over by her ex that her submmissive desires were bad, so she struggles to get over her embarrassment and shame. She wants to serve someone who will accept and encourage her to be who she is, someone who will love her even when she makes mistakes.
This is primarily D/s but does have some S/M, as well. The story is sweet, romantic, and hot enough to make me have to change my panties. I fell in love, had my heart broken, felt the sting of betrayal, and experienced the overwhelming rush of happiness while reading this book; it's definitely my new favorite and I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.
David and Thomas are genuinely likeable men who want what's best for Gabby. There's none of the macho posturing so prevalent in some other BDSM Doms, and they're not afraid to be gentle and get to know her outside the bedroom. Gabby is a real woman who was told over and over by her ex that her submmissive desires were bad, so she struggles to get over her embarrassment and shame. She wants to serve someone who will accept and encourage her to be who she is, someone who will love her even when she makes mistakes.
This is primarily D/s but does have some S/M, as well. The story is sweet, romantic, and hot enough to make me have to change my panties. I fell in love, had my heart broken, felt the sting of betrayal, and experienced the overwhelming rush of happiness while reading this book; it's definitely my new favorite and I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.
June 6, 2012
UPDATE!!!
This was my first read by Eliza Gayle and Holy Tamales, what a book to start with! Submissive Beauty was not at all what I expected it to be. I am fairly new to the whole BDSM scene, and after reading this I absolutely want more! I was so enthralled by this book, I literally had to be dragged away from it! =) It had great romance, very strong characters, scorching hot sex and a realistic depiction of the D/s aspects of BDSM. I very much enjoyed this! :)
What I loved most about this book was the fact that the reader learns so much about how the BDSM culture works. It’s not just hot, kinky sex on every page...instead every scene that takes place has a deeper meaning. All the kink had depth, I know it sounds odd, but honestly each and every sex scene wasn’t just about the sex, there was a point behind it, which the characters learn from. Also, there were no harsh elements to make the reader cringe, it eases you into BDSM, and for someone new to the genre, I thought that was incredible!
My Official Summary:
Gabrielle is a woman eager to explore her inner dark desires. Her eagerness leads Gabby to “The Sanctuary” and to Thomas. Watching Thomas perform a scene, Gabby is mesmerized from the first moment. Thomas is an experienced Master, and a matchmaker. He trains new Doms and subs in order to build a strong relationship between them, then sends them on their way. But, for some reason he is enraptured by Gabrielle’s naive, submissive and defiant personality. The problem is Thomas doesn’t do long-term. With that in mind, Thomas’ only job is to train Gabby, hand her over to his protégé David and move on with his life. But what happens when desire and temptation are too hard to resist? Gabby is thrust into a world full of desire, betrayal, seduction, trust and complete surrender. Will Gabby learn to embrace her secret desires or will she loose what she holds dear?
Review Continued:
Gabby...WOW...what a character!!! While reading about Gabby, you get this feeling that she is an actual person, (who knows..maybe she is?)...the point is..her character was very powerful. At first, she had some trouble accepting the BDSM lifestyle and was vulnerable, but that was only due to her SOB ex-husband, who made her feel like trash and a slut. But when she does start to believe in herself, WOW...you totally see a different person! And that person puts faith in herself and completely gives her heart and soul to her two masters! I loved that about her! Trust was a very powerful..I guess you could say...tool in this story and everyone knows its not easy to trust ANYONE if you’ve had your trust broken before. Gabby takes a leap of faith and finally gives herself to Thomas and David! It is at this point in the story where your breath just rushes out of you...cause you’ve just been dying to finally see Gabby happy! She stops being afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing but instead accepts all her inner desires and finally gets her freedom to be who she wants to be! She was simply a delight! I loved her, hands down! =)
Then we have Thomas....HE CAN GIVE ME A SPANKING ANY TIME!!! *fans self* Gosh, Thomas was just plain hot! I loved his dominant personality but what I loved most was his caring and sweet gestures he shows throughout the story towards Gabby. You definitely see that Thomas has trouble with commitment and when Gabby walks into his life, you begin to see the armor around his heart start to chip away. Thomas’ character goes through so much learning and understanding in this story. As a sub, its Gabby’s job to give all her trust to her Doms but with Thomas as a Dom that’s not a requirement, but you see that in order for him to move on from his fears, he also has to put his trust in Gabby’s hands. I loved watching Gabby and Thomas’ relationship develop from something uncomfortable to something full of trust and understanding!
Wait..not done yet....we also have David!!! Yeah, a hot ménage, is just another part of this amazing book! LOL ;p I thought, David was so pure, so sweet and just an overall squeeze-bear! I loved him! Just like Thomas, David had genuine feelings for Gabby and everything he did for her, just melted my heart into a big puddle! *sigh* Also, with David in the picture, Gabby had a shoulder to cry on through all her turmoil with Thomas and her ex. He was like her best friend, which I just simply love love looovvved! :p Gabby had the best of both worlds, with Thomas as the tough guy and David as the calm, collected one! Gosh, the things I would do to be in her place! *shakes head*
There were so many thoughts going through my head when I was reading this. The intense emotions and feelings that Gabby, Thomas and David sprouted out of me were very unexpected. I had no idea if I was going to like BDSM culture, but gosh, I think I might just turn into a kink-obsessed freak! LOL ;p I was easily able to connect with the characters and the way Ms. Gayle delves into the characters inner thoughts and feelings was incredible. Everything they felt and experienced was very vivid making me feel as if I was actually there! And the ending....OHHHHH...the betrayal that happens...I was screaming like a banshee! I couldn’t believe that happened. I went from being shocked to pissed off! Gabby didn’t deserve what happened to her and I just wanted to jump in the book and give her a big hug! :( Very intense emotions and feelings!
However, I was very pleased with the way Ms. Gayle handled the situation and conclusion. The story wasn’t cliché and instead of the usual HEA, the ending makes your imagination run wild with a happy for now ending. What really captivated me was the strong bond that is created between the three main characters. In their relationship, one way or another, they helped each other over come their obstacles. Thomas and David helped Gabby to become comfortable with who she is and not care about what others think of her and in return she taught them what it really means to care for someone you love! SO FREAKIN SWEET! =)
Overall, Eliza Gayle created one heck of a story, worthy of awards! I absolutely loved it from the get-go. There wasn’t one part that I disliked! The book had great romance, a strong story, powerful, compelling, well balanced characters and of course panty melting sex scenes with your everyday kink included! *wink* It was very explosive, sensual, erotic with deep emotions. This is definitely one story I will not be forgetting any time soon. A must recommend to all newbies into the BDSM world, it will get your attention and keep it! An absolute pleasure to read! :)
January 3, 2014
I truly love this authors books! This one is based around Gabrielle a woman just discovering the world of bdsm who falls under the spell of Master Thomas while attending a demonstration. He offers to teach her along with David a dom who he plans to give Gabrielle to once they are trained. But things become complicated and Gabrielle finds that she needs the balance of both men in her life. David is calm and nurturing to Thomas's demanding nature. This M/F/M bdsm relationship will have you needy and wanting more. The authors knows how to lure you into the story ....keep your attention and leaves you wanting more.
March 9, 2012
This started off so well and I was really into it. Then what you think will become more of the plot kind of just fizzles out completely.
I loved the characters, the sex scenes where awesome but I kind of felt that halfway through the author just rushed it and wanted it finished. It just ends in the middle of an erotic scene that leaves you feeling ...uh hem ...frustrated.
I still enjoyed it but it had the potential to be sooo much more..plot wise at least.
I loved the characters, the sex scenes where awesome but I kind of felt that halfway through the author just rushed it and wanted it finished. It just ends in the middle of an erotic scene that leaves you feeling ...uh hem ...frustrated.
I still enjoyed it but it had the potential to be sooo much more..plot wise at least.
July 6, 2011
Reviewed at The Forbidden Bookshelf
Submissive Beauty begins with a sex demonstration at a BDSM club called Sanctuary. Gabrielle is so turned on by Master Thomas’ voice and his expert handling of the submissive on stage with him that she gets herself off right in the middle of the audience of the club. I was hooked within the first ten pages!
Gabrielle has just gotten out of a bad relationship and is ready to try out a lifestyle she has dreamed about for years. Throughout her 10 year marriage she tried in vain to get her husband to try out kinky new things. But Scott was disinterested and always made her feel like a dirty slut.
Thomas tracks her down after their meeting at the club. Even through their first phone conversation he gets under her skin. He is completely captivated with Gabrielle and wants to train her but he wants to do it with the help of his friend David. At first Gabrielle is unsure about this new arrangement but she is curious and open enough to give it a try.
Gabby was a little lost and in need of guidance. David and Thomas were opposites who each brought a different element of dominance into Gabrielle’s life. Thomas was a lot tougher and more of the disciplinarian. David was more of the soothing, calming force that she needed. Their relationship worked because the two guys helped to bring out Gabrielle’s inner vixen. With their guidance, Gabby fully awakened into the submissive woman she had always dreamed of.
Thomas and David helped her to become comfortable in her own skin and learn to trust. But she also remained an independent woman who did not lose herself and let her dominants take over her life. There was a shocking betrayal and twist that came out of nowhere during the latter part of the book that made the story even more interesting.
Eliza Gayle did a wonderful job conveying the varied emotions and feelings that Gabrielle, Thomas and David went through during their journey. The characters were all likable and I enjoyed watching this relationship from beginning to end. The sex scenes were steamy and the training was deliciously arousing and fun to watch. Both men really put Gabby through some really satisfying and kinky situations. Thomas and David were both gorgeous virile dominants who truly loved their beautiful Gabrielle unconditionally. My favorite was Thomas but I have a soft spot for sadists. *wink*
Submissive Beauty gets 5 out of 5 stars.
Heat Level 4 out of 5 flames
(After recommending this to a friend and then re-reading it myself, I decided to increase my original rating to 5 stars. It's that good!)
Submissive Beauty begins with a sex demonstration at a BDSM club called Sanctuary. Gabrielle is so turned on by Master Thomas’ voice and his expert handling of the submissive on stage with him that she gets herself off right in the middle of the audience of the club. I was hooked within the first ten pages!
Gabrielle has just gotten out of a bad relationship and is ready to try out a lifestyle she has dreamed about for years. Throughout her 10 year marriage she tried in vain to get her husband to try out kinky new things. But Scott was disinterested and always made her feel like a dirty slut.
Thomas tracks her down after their meeting at the club. Even through their first phone conversation he gets under her skin. He is completely captivated with Gabrielle and wants to train her but he wants to do it with the help of his friend David. At first Gabrielle is unsure about this new arrangement but she is curious and open enough to give it a try.
Gabby was a little lost and in need of guidance. David and Thomas were opposites who each brought a different element of dominance into Gabrielle’s life. Thomas was a lot tougher and more of the disciplinarian. David was more of the soothing, calming force that she needed. Their relationship worked because the two guys helped to bring out Gabrielle’s inner vixen. With their guidance, Gabby fully awakened into the submissive woman she had always dreamed of.
Thomas and David helped her to become comfortable in her own skin and learn to trust. But she also remained an independent woman who did not lose herself and let her dominants take over her life. There was a shocking betrayal and twist that came out of nowhere during the latter part of the book that made the story even more interesting.
Eliza Gayle did a wonderful job conveying the varied emotions and feelings that Gabrielle, Thomas and David went through during their journey. The characters were all likable and I enjoyed watching this relationship from beginning to end. The sex scenes were steamy and the training was deliciously arousing and fun to watch. Both men really put Gabby through some really satisfying and kinky situations. Thomas and David were both gorgeous virile dominants who truly loved their beautiful Gabrielle unconditionally. My favorite was Thomas but I have a soft spot for sadists. *wink*
Submissive Beauty gets 5 out of 5 stars.
Heat Level 4 out of 5 flames
(After recommending this to a friend and then re-reading it myself, I decided to increase my original rating to 5 stars. It's that good!)
September 9, 2011
Read this for the BDSM Gangbang Challenge.
I was not really a fan of this book. The premise was interesting, and there were a few hot scenes, but I found the heroine just a bit too naive for my tastes and the plot, such as it was, was pretty dull.
I was not really a fan of this book. The premise was interesting, and there were a few hot scenes, but I found the heroine just a bit too naive for my tastes and the plot, such as it was, was pretty dull.
August 19, 2011
I have not read much by Eliza Gayle. I picked up this beauty because she was in the Author's After Dark convention I attended. I recognized her name from various club discussions and was excited to give this book a try. Debbie sent me high recommendations.
The book did not disappoint! I really enjoyed it. The theme I got here was sweet BDSM. Seems like a contradiction I know. But basically anything really heavy took place off scene. So if you are curious about the BDSM-themed books this would be a FABULOUS book to start with. You get some info on scenes, but you don't get anything really harsh in the forefront of the story.
Gabby is a woman just starting her journey into the D/s lifestyle. Her friend, (I growl as I say this), helps her get aquainted with Thomas. Thomas is the big scary Dom that every woman wants, but not many feel they can handle. Thomas usually plays BDSM matchmaker. He trains new Doms and subs and sends them on their happy way.
Suddenly he is entranced with Gabrielle (he refuses to call her Gabby) and can't seem to let her go. We get the usual "he can't want me" "I love him!" "I'm not good enough for her" "This lifestyle is crazy" that we get with this type of novel, but Eliza Gayle does a fabulous job of letting us inside the characters' heads without dragging down the story line.
When we meet David, my first thought was..."Ohhh, unexpected." Which was quickly followed by "HOT DAMN! Menage!"
And these three definitely fogged up the glass on my Kindle. I was out of commission with an eye injury and suffered through the TTS voice just so I could keep reading this.
We end with a HFN ending, with an implied HEA. The imagery that Gayle put in this book was fabulous. I connected with Gabby immediately and everything she felt and experienced was beyond vivid for me. I have to admit after reading some harder play BDSM books, I was a little disappointed that some of the action was off-scene, but that's a personal preference. I was also a little taken aback by Thomas's big secret. Don't know if I was icked out, felt sorry for him, pissed at him, or didn't believe the tale, but that part of the book took me out of the story just a bit. As a whole, however, I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to read more from this author. 4 solid stars.
The book did not disappoint! I really enjoyed it. The theme I got here was sweet BDSM. Seems like a contradiction I know. But basically anything really heavy took place off scene. So if you are curious about the BDSM-themed books this would be a FABULOUS book to start with. You get some info on scenes, but you don't get anything really harsh in the forefront of the story.
Gabby is a woman just starting her journey into the D/s lifestyle. Her friend, (I growl as I say this), helps her get aquainted with Thomas. Thomas is the big scary Dom that every woman wants, but not many feel they can handle. Thomas usually plays BDSM matchmaker. He trains new Doms and subs and sends them on their happy way.
Suddenly he is entranced with Gabrielle (he refuses to call her Gabby) and can't seem to let her go. We get the usual "he can't want me" "I love him!" "I'm not good enough for her" "This lifestyle is crazy" that we get with this type of novel, but Eliza Gayle does a fabulous job of letting us inside the characters' heads without dragging down the story line.
When we meet David, my first thought was..."Ohhh, unexpected." Which was quickly followed by "HOT DAMN! Menage!"
And these three definitely fogged up the glass on my Kindle. I was out of commission with an eye injury and suffered through the TTS voice just so I could keep reading this.
We end with a HFN ending, with an implied HEA. The imagery that Gayle put in this book was fabulous. I connected with Gabby immediately and everything she felt and experienced was beyond vivid for me. I have to admit after reading some harder play BDSM books, I was a little disappointed that some of the action was off-scene, but that's a personal preference. I was also a little taken aback by Thomas's big secret. Don't know if I was icked out, felt sorry for him, pissed at him, or didn't believe the tale, but that part of the book took me out of the story just a bit. As a whole, however, I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to read more from this author. 4 solid stars.
April 5, 2014
The end rushed up on me and it was perfect! A beautiful young woman arranges to attend a demonstration at a local club with her friend, who is in the lifestyle. Her friend ends up in trouble with her Dom and can't attend. She is about to leave when the demonstration starts and she is captivated by the Dom giving the demonstration and they connect afterwards
The story starts from there, she is tested and pushed and her horizons expanded on her interactions with Thomas. Part of the story is tad bit predictable, so I got a little bored at one point and stepped away.
It did pick up though, and then I couldn't put the story down. All sorts of different things took place and how it all wrapped up, while giving a HEA, was not quite the expectation and was exciting overall
First half setting the stage was ho-hum but the last half was an amazing story!
The story starts from there, she is tested and pushed and her horizons expanded on her interactions with Thomas. Part of the story is tad bit predictable, so I got a little bored at one point and stepped away.
It did pick up though, and then I couldn't put the story down. All sorts of different things took place and how it all wrapped up, while giving a HEA, was not quite the expectation and was exciting overall
First half setting the stage was ho-hum but the last half was an amazing story!
September 14, 2011
3.5 stars
Sweet trainer tale for an older, novice sub involving a menage. Hot with a little twist of drama to keep things spicy. The unexpected suspense element was a good component that worked well in the story.
Sweet trainer tale for an older, novice sub involving a menage. Hot with a little twist of drama to keep things spicy. The unexpected suspense element was a good component that worked well in the story.
July 30, 2020
Master Thomas, an experienced Dom, trains both new submissives and new Dominants, but never keeps anyone for himself -- a fact that he neglects to make clear to sub-in-training Gabrielle, who falls for both Thomas and her training Dom David. This leads to some serious conflicts in the later part of the book.
Gabrielle is also an expert accountant, and the part where she's also working for Thomas's club to uncover embezzlement is an interesting side plot, but way underdeveloped. She finds the problem in a day and there's very little left to it. I would have liked to have seen more of Gabi in her professional environment to balance out the relationship stuff, especially since we see the guys doing business at different times in the book.
Still, as a BDSM romance novel, it works, even if it's not perfect.
Gabrielle is also an expert accountant, and the part where she's also working for Thomas's club to uncover embezzlement is an interesting side plot, but way underdeveloped. She finds the problem in a day and there's very little left to it. I would have liked to have seen more of Gabi in her professional environment to balance out the relationship stuff, especially since we see the guys doing business at different times in the book.
Still, as a BDSM romance novel, it works, even if it's not perfect.
January 24, 2016
Spoiler Ahead
This was a good book that has been on my TBR list for awhile. Gabrielle has just gotten out of a bad relationship and is ready to try out a lifestyle she has dreamed about for years. Throughout her 10 year marriage she tried in vain to get her husband to try out kinky new things. But Scott was disinterested and always made her feel like a dirty slut. Gabrielle goes to a BDSM club called “The Sanctuary.” Inside she’s immediately torn between fear of the unknown and a craving to learn more, until the lights dim. From the first sound of Thomas’ calm and controlled voice, she is mesmerized. Thomas, an experienced Master, Gabrielle is an interesting mix of defiant, naive and submissive. Her sharp mind and wit appeal to him as much as the curves of her lush figure. He accepts the challenge to help train her despite the danger she represents. Long term anything for him is out of the question. If he does his job right, his protégé David will end up the perfect Dom for their submissive beauty and Thomas will move on with his armor intact. David and Thomas were opposites who each brought a different element of dominance into Gabrielle's life. Thomas was a lot tougher and more of the disciplinarian. David was more of the soothing, calming force that she needed. Their relationship worked because the two guys helped to bring out Gabrielle's inner vixen. With their guidance, Gabby fully awakened into the submissive woman she had always dreamed of. This was a really good book and I loved the scenes between the character's in this book. There was a few twist in this book that I didn't see coming. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. If you like reading BDSM with hot Dom's M/F/M than I recommend that you read this book.
This was a good book that has been on my TBR list for awhile. Gabrielle has just gotten out of a bad relationship and is ready to try out a lifestyle she has dreamed about for years. Throughout her 10 year marriage she tried in vain to get her husband to try out kinky new things. But Scott was disinterested and always made her feel like a dirty slut. Gabrielle goes to a BDSM club called “The Sanctuary.” Inside she’s immediately torn between fear of the unknown and a craving to learn more, until the lights dim. From the first sound of Thomas’ calm and controlled voice, she is mesmerized. Thomas, an experienced Master, Gabrielle is an interesting mix of defiant, naive and submissive. Her sharp mind and wit appeal to him as much as the curves of her lush figure. He accepts the challenge to help train her despite the danger she represents. Long term anything for him is out of the question. If he does his job right, his protégé David will end up the perfect Dom for their submissive beauty and Thomas will move on with his armor intact. David and Thomas were opposites who each brought a different element of dominance into Gabrielle's life. Thomas was a lot tougher and more of the disciplinarian. David was more of the soothing, calming force that she needed. Their relationship worked because the two guys helped to bring out Gabrielle's inner vixen. With their guidance, Gabby fully awakened into the submissive woman she had always dreamed of. This was a really good book and I loved the scenes between the character's in this book. There was a few twist in this book that I didn't see coming. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. If you like reading BDSM with hot Dom's M/F/M than I recommend that you read this book.
July 18, 2011
Hot, hot, hot! This was a scorcher! I've only recently started reading Eliza Gayle and I have to say I'm liking what I read. This was felt like a much longer book than the ones I've previously read and I have to admit, I was liking that. I thought the relationship had just the right amount of time to really develop and trust to be built between all parties.
Gabriel (who prefers Gabby) was such an interesting character. She wasn't a wilting flower and I appreciate that kind of character. I like the stronger characters, not only in romance, but with wanting to submit. It enhances the story for me. But she's no warrior princess either. I love being able to see the vulnerable side. Let's face it, all women hit that point in a relationship and it makes the character relatable. Plus, what woman wouldn't be swept away by two incredibly handsome doms who want nothing more than to take care of their woman?
I liked the story (is that a shocker?). I like how it didn't fall into stereotypical when it came to some of the troubles that Gabby finds herself in. I was expecting something completely different and was pleasantly surprised by how Eliza Gayle handled it. I didn't roll my eyes or feel like it was too cliche.
Strong romance, strong story, strong characters. Absolute pleasure to read!
Gabriel (who prefers Gabby) was such an interesting character. She wasn't a wilting flower and I appreciate that kind of character. I like the stronger characters, not only in romance, but with wanting to submit. It enhances the story for me. But she's no warrior princess either. I love being able to see the vulnerable side. Let's face it, all women hit that point in a relationship and it makes the character relatable. Plus, what woman wouldn't be swept away by two incredibly handsome doms who want nothing more than to take care of their woman?
I liked the story (is that a shocker?). I like how it didn't fall into stereotypical when it came to some of the troubles that Gabby finds herself in. I was expecting something completely different and was pleasantly surprised by how Eliza Gayle handled it. I didn't roll my eyes or feel like it was too cliche.
Strong romance, strong story, strong characters. Absolute pleasure to read!
May 21, 2013
I had no idea which way Eliza Gayle was going to take this story. It's m/f/m but not in the typical style. Both men are Dominant. From the first violet wand scene the author transports you into Gabby's life. Emotions are not simple in this story. I found myself flat on my pillow sobbing right along with her in understanding. Leaving out the "typical" scenes found in most BDSM stories, Daniel & Thomas take the ride, right along with Gabby, in the emotional attachments formed between Dominants and their chosen submissives. Take the time to fall in love with these three... this will be a story I return to again and again to re-focus.
July 8, 2012
I enjoyed this book. It was a decent length. The character's were easy to like. The sex was well written & hot to boot. The storyline was nice BUT there needed to be more from Thomas's POV. His conflict at the end of the book was too 'out-there' & made the whole 'Trust is everything' that he insisted on almost farcical. I did find the speed of resolution at the ending a bit disappointing & would have given the book 5 stars had the ending given me a better story resolution.
Originally posted on Amazon.com
Originally posted on Amazon.com
June 16, 2012
Okay, I'm giving this book a 3.5. When I first began to delve into this story I was immediately hooked. This book has some similarities to my personal fav series Masters of the Shadowlands. However, it just fell flat somewhere in the middle and left me wanting something more. I appreciate the steamy hot D/s scenes, but felt as though the author could've taken it a bit further. That being said, this was a fun quick read and I enjoyed the m/f/m relationship
January 30, 2016
This is a re-read for me. I read this for the first a few years ago. Loved it than and love it still. I especially enjoy the more mature woman rebuilding her life and going after what she wants it to be. Inspiring in a way. Not to mention that finding two Doms to fulfill all of those wants . . . *sigh* How lucky can one woman be? Good story. It was a good start when I first started reading this genre but still holds my more jaded interest now. Well done!
January 17, 2014
I picked this book up via a bookbub special, and I have to say it was a nice surprise. I always love it when I find new authors and I think this one delivers well. I did find a few errors in the book, but otherwise it was well done. It had one surprise I didn't see coming, and the intimate scenes were pretty damned good. If you're an erotic romance reader, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
July 4, 2011
Was expecting more of a D/s story and it was almost nonexistent. The subplots were contrived and seemed to take away from the story between the 3 main characters instead of adding to it. If you're looking for lots of sex and menage, this may be good for you. It just didn't work for me.
July 30, 2011
It's a very nice read. The plot does sometimes get away from the story but the central core is still there and the character's interactions and relationship developments were good. I quite enjoyed it.
August 26, 2011
This book was absolutely wonderful. I loved how Thomas and David were with Gabrielle. I was so sad when the book ended. I wanted more. I wanted to know how their relationship grew. I sincerely hope there is a sequel.
August 20, 2011
I loved this book. I wished there was a bit more focus on the actual BDSM scenes and her feelings about it. But, I would still read this book again and again. I would term this more a romance with a D/s thread versus an actual BDSM romance.
November 29, 2012
This is a really good book. i love that they don't tell you Thomas issues until the end. I love the combination of the both males. hot a cold, fire and ice, smooth and firm, great combo for gabby. a must read!
August 21, 2011
This book was awesome. I want a sequel. I couldnt put this one down, I had to finish it once i started it. The first chapter wow.
September 11, 2016
You Will Want More Just Like This!
Steamy and fun. Well written and definitely left me looking for more from this author. Definitely worth your time. Luscious.
Steamy and fun. Well written and definitely left me looking for more from this author. Definitely worth your time. Luscious.
September 22, 2012
I really liked this book.In fact I had a hard time putting it down once I got half way through it. It is the first book I have read from this author. The characters were smart and the plot development was excellent without being very predictable. The Submissive Beauty is Gabrielle, and unlike the previous BDSM books I have read since Fifty Shades of Gray, she is not the young totally innocent and naïve girl being pulled into a submissive world. Instead, she has come out of a bad marriage looking for a Dominate to awaken her sexuality that she has always believed to be a submissive role.
Enter Thomas, who she meets due to a friend. However, what she does not know is that Thomas only takes on a submissive for training then hands them off to another Dom for keeps. While he is training Gabrielle, he is helping David train to be a Dom, in hopes that when training is complete David will claim Gabrielle and Thomas will leave. Thomas is tough on Gabrielle trying to make her understand that the most important thing to understand in the D/s relationship is Trust. That only with complete trust can the relationship be Safe, Consensual, and grow into something more for both parties. If he cannot trust her and she does not trust him, then he does not know if she is being honest with him about her needs. In addition, he could push her too far and cause her real pain or worse scare her off from her true desires and lose her to her fears. Nevertheless, when Gabrielle opens up and puts her trust in both of her Doms she falls helplessly in love with them.
“Where one began, the other continued until the three of them had become a cohesive unit that worked”
When Thomas learns that Gabrielle has been dealing with harassment from her ex-husband and she did not tell him he accuses her of not trusting him and David and punishes Gabrielle for the distrust. This was emotionally difficult to read because my heart hurt for Gabrielle. Only later to have my heart break for her when she learns that Thomas is planning to leave and hand her off to David after she has fallen in love with both of them and knows that she cannot be with one without feeling the pain and loss of the other.
I do not want to spoil the ending but there is another twist to the betrayal that I did not see coming and the author did a great job of sneaking up on the reader with the painful truth. When finished with this book I went back and re-read the last few chapters because I could not stop thinking about Gabrielle’s story.
You are going to have to read for yourself to find out if Thomas lets Gabrielle go or if he decides to put his trust in a woman that loves him.
I enjoyed this book and the emotional journey Gabrielle takes to find her true self.
Enter Thomas, who she meets due to a friend. However, what she does not know is that Thomas only takes on a submissive for training then hands them off to another Dom for keeps. While he is training Gabrielle, he is helping David train to be a Dom, in hopes that when training is complete David will claim Gabrielle and Thomas will leave. Thomas is tough on Gabrielle trying to make her understand that the most important thing to understand in the D/s relationship is Trust. That only with complete trust can the relationship be Safe, Consensual, and grow into something more for both parties. If he cannot trust her and she does not trust him, then he does not know if she is being honest with him about her needs. In addition, he could push her too far and cause her real pain or worse scare her off from her true desires and lose her to her fears. Nevertheless, when Gabrielle opens up and puts her trust in both of her Doms she falls helplessly in love with them.
“Where one began, the other continued until the three of them had become a cohesive unit that worked”
When Thomas learns that Gabrielle has been dealing with harassment from her ex-husband and she did not tell him he accuses her of not trusting him and David and punishes Gabrielle for the distrust. This was emotionally difficult to read because my heart hurt for Gabrielle. Only later to have my heart break for her when she learns that Thomas is planning to leave and hand her off to David after she has fallen in love with both of them and knows that she cannot be with one without feeling the pain and loss of the other.
I do not want to spoil the ending but there is another twist to the betrayal that I did not see coming and the author did a great job of sneaking up on the reader with the painful truth. When finished with this book I went back and re-read the last few chapters because I could not stop thinking about Gabrielle’s story.
You are going to have to read for yourself to find out if Thomas lets Gabrielle go or if he decides to put his trust in a woman that loves him.
I enjoyed this book and the emotional journey Gabrielle takes to find her true self.
November 5, 2014
If not for a challenge, this book would have probably gone in my DNF stack.
We meet Gabby at Sanctuary, where she's attending a demonstration given by Master Thomas. She wants to explore her kinky side, and is mesmerized by him and by her response to him. But she's uncertain about proceeding until her friend Angel encourages her to become Thomas's trainee. But Thomas is intrigued by Gabby and her potential as a submissive, and she agrees to let him guide her as she discovers her sexual self....Which is good, right???
But let's see...for their first 'date' she agrees to meet him alone at his house without any discussion about limits or negotiation, or...hey...even a safeword: "..She barely knew this man, and he expected her to walk into a strange house that might or night not be his and bare her bottom for God knew what?" Hello??? What about 'safe, sane, and consensual'? Well -- I guess one out of three will have to do. Then the next night, Gabby's back at Thomas's house, where she meets David, Thomas's 'Dom-in-training.' When she learns that Thomas wants to train them together, she's horrified and humiliated, and decides to leave, but then folds like wet tissue paper when Thomas tells her,"....I want to feel the heat and wetness...I want to fuck you mindless." Hey..he's just that smooth...!
Gabby seems immature and silly, and is one of those annoying heroines who can't decide what she wants. Says no (a lot), but means Yes. She's supposed to be overcoming her low self-esteem, but it doesn't seem to be slowing down her quest for self-actualization at all....
There's a weird little twist in the end, when Gabby leaves the guys after learning more about Thomas's past. She feels deeply betrayed, and uncertain about their future together, but decides to reconcile with them after witnessing a public flogging at a Sanctuary collaring ceremony, "Gabby crossed her legs and rubbed her thighs against her slightly swelled clit...that had begun when Diane had first been restrained." Awww....how romantic is that!
The writing style is a little florid and overdone. There's lots of throbbing, erupting, and shattering...as well as jolting, clenching, and clawing..and it's just distracting. There's lots of narrative, which is monotonous to read, and even the sex got repetitive.
So...yes..it was OK, so 2 stars.
We meet Gabby at Sanctuary, where she's attending a demonstration given by Master Thomas. She wants to explore her kinky side, and is mesmerized by him and by her response to him. But she's uncertain about proceeding until her friend Angel encourages her to become Thomas's trainee. But Thomas is intrigued by Gabby and her potential as a submissive, and she agrees to let him guide her as she discovers her sexual self....Which is good, right???
But let's see...for their first 'date' she agrees to meet him alone at his house without any discussion about limits or negotiation, or...hey...even a safeword: "..She barely knew this man, and he expected her to walk into a strange house that might or night not be his and bare her bottom for God knew what?" Hello??? What about 'safe, sane, and consensual'? Well -- I guess one out of three will have to do. Then the next night, Gabby's back at Thomas's house, where she meets David, Thomas's 'Dom-in-training.' When she learns that Thomas wants to train them together, she's horrified and humiliated, and decides to leave, but then folds like wet tissue paper when Thomas tells her,"....I want to feel the heat and wetness...I want to fuck you mindless." Hey..he's just that smooth...!
Gabby seems immature and silly, and is one of those annoying heroines who can't decide what she wants. Says no (a lot), but means Yes. She's supposed to be overcoming her low self-esteem, but it doesn't seem to be slowing down her quest for self-actualization at all....
There's a weird little twist in the end, when Gabby leaves the guys after learning more about Thomas's past. She feels deeply betrayed, and uncertain about their future together, but decides to reconcile with them after witnessing a public flogging at a Sanctuary collaring ceremony, "Gabby crossed her legs and rubbed her thighs against her slightly swelled clit...that had begun when Diane had first been restrained." Awww....how romantic is that!
The writing style is a little florid and overdone. There's lots of throbbing, erupting, and shattering...as well as jolting, clenching, and clawing..and it's just distracting. There's lots of narrative, which is monotonous to read, and even the sex got repetitive.
So...yes..it was OK, so 2 stars.
April 3, 2012
One of the hottest books I've ever read! Plenty of steamy sex scenes throughout, almost to the point where you envy the main characters! Ms. Gayle does an excellent job portraying the thoughts of the three leads, especially with Gabby, who is very new to this scene and unsure of herself throughout.
I saw some other reviews refer to this book as "BDSM-lite". To be honest, I was sort of expecting "heavier" BDSM. Punishment is mentioned a couple times throughout, but never really delivered. There were a few other stronger acts alluded to, but not always described in too much detail. Even so, what is shown is well-written and kept me turning the pages for more. The men were described as attractive, charismatic, and skilled in the bedroom, but not unrealistically so. Positions and locations were varied throughout, but always came across as natural.
There were a couple of issues that prevented me from giving this book the full five stars. First off, though I know that no publication is ever free from errors and I don't want to come across as being overly nitpicky and critical, I really thought a better editing job could have been done. I feel bad when an otherwise excellent story suffers from a number of "your/you're" confusions, what sometimes seems like a total disregard for punctuation, and in at least one case, where a new phrase was inserted and the original clearly wasn't removed.
Sort of along those lines, there were a few phrases that seemed to be repeated a LOT (both within scenes and throughout the whole book). I know Gabby was very anxious and afraid of doing the wrong thing, but "tears welled in her eyes" at least once per chapter, it seemed. It did take me out of the story a little bit here and there, unfortunately.
Overall, it was a fun read I couldn't put down!
I saw some other reviews refer to this book as "BDSM-lite". To be honest, I was sort of expecting "heavier" BDSM. Punishment is mentioned a couple times throughout, but never really delivered. There were a few other stronger acts alluded to, but not always described in too much detail. Even so, what is shown is well-written and kept me turning the pages for more. The men were described as attractive, charismatic, and skilled in the bedroom, but not unrealistically so. Positions and locations were varied throughout, but always came across as natural.
There were a couple of issues that prevented me from giving this book the full five stars. First off, though I know that no publication is ever free from errors and I don't want to come across as being overly nitpicky and critical, I really thought a better editing job could have been done. I feel bad when an otherwise excellent story suffers from a number of "your/you're" confusions, what sometimes seems like a total disregard for punctuation, and in at least one case, where a new phrase was inserted and the original clearly wasn't removed.
Sort of along those lines, there were a few phrases that seemed to be repeated a LOT (both within scenes and throughout the whole book). I know Gabby was very anxious and afraid of doing the wrong thing, but "tears welled in her eyes" at least once per chapter, it seemed. It did take me out of the story a little bit here and there, unfortunately.
Overall, it was a fun read I couldn't put down!
February 26, 2016
~2.5/5
I went into this really thinking I’d love it. I really wanted to.
Gabby goes into BDSM training with two men, not knowing that they intend for her to be just one of theirs. But then all of their hearts get intertwined during the mix, and they can’t help it.
I enjoyed a lot of the thoughts presented on BDSM and the lifestyle. I liked the attraction, and the way they slowly fell for each other. The sex scenes were nice.
I had a couple problems with it, though.
There were a lot of time skips. We’d be in one scene in one chapter, but then it felt like it stopped halfway through and skipped to a couple days later for the next chapter. Each scene ended okay, but it felt like they were incomplete, and they could have led to a lot more character development. I could have really seen them falling in love, or getting to know each other. Along with that, none of the sex scenes really felt intense to me. But a lot of the kinkier stuff, and the spankings, were only talked about later, very few were actually shown. Even the scene where Gabby confessed her love to the men was only briefly mentioned in a scene the day after.
There were also all these plot threads—Gabby’s ex-husband threatening her, the financial scandal with a co-worker, her friend having a mental break down—that were made to be a big deal throughout the book, one after another, only to be left for an anticlimactic explanation later.
I liked the conclusion, and the ending ceremony where Gabby and the men made up. I liked the BDSM aspects. But a lot of it fell flat for me, and left me wanting more.
[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]
I went into this really thinking I’d love it. I really wanted to.
Gabby goes into BDSM training with two men, not knowing that they intend for her to be just one of theirs. But then all of their hearts get intertwined during the mix, and they can’t help it.
I enjoyed a lot of the thoughts presented on BDSM and the lifestyle. I liked the attraction, and the way they slowly fell for each other. The sex scenes were nice.
I had a couple problems with it, though.
There were a lot of time skips. We’d be in one scene in one chapter, but then it felt like it stopped halfway through and skipped to a couple days later for the next chapter. Each scene ended okay, but it felt like they were incomplete, and they could have led to a lot more character development. I could have really seen them falling in love, or getting to know each other. Along with that, none of the sex scenes really felt intense to me. But a lot of the kinkier stuff, and the spankings, were only talked about later, very few were actually shown. Even the scene where Gabby confessed her love to the men was only briefly mentioned in a scene the day after.
There were also all these plot threads—Gabby’s ex-husband threatening her, the financial scandal with a co-worker, her friend having a mental break down—that were made to be a big deal throughout the book, one after another, only to be left for an anticlimactic explanation later.
I liked the conclusion, and the ending ceremony where Gabby and the men made up. I liked the BDSM aspects. But a lot of it fell flat for me, and left me wanting more.
[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]
August 2, 2011
Submissive Beauty is a story of trust, surrender and betrayal. The heroine Gabrielle finds herself on a journey of self-discovery that places her at the mercy of two men, Thomas and David. While they teach her to embrace her darkest desires, they also lead her along a path of betrayal. It was a treat to watch her evolve throughout the book from the shy woman to the confident sub.
Needing to understand her hidden desires, Gabrielle goes to The Sanctuary, a local BDSM club, for a seminar/ demonstration. Stood up by a friend who was to accompany her, Gabrielle chooses to stay in the back of the dimmed room and observe the demonstration. But even from where she hides in the back, Thomas’ sexy and masterful voice captivates her. Recognizing her true need for submission, she’s enthralled by the demonstration and finds herself embracing a training relationship almost immediately.
Its Thomas’s betrayal and the plot twist that comes out of nowhere at the end of the book that set this book apart from others in this genre. The story isn’t a cliché but rather boasts an original storyline that will have readers wondering what Gabrielle’s HEA will actually be. Usually inclined to guess the ending, even I was surprised at how Gayle handled the conflict and the final conclusion. I very much enjoyed the story. Submissive Beauty is a strong romance between three compelling characters and an absolute indulgence to read.
For my full review, go to http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs....
Needing to understand her hidden desires, Gabrielle goes to The Sanctuary, a local BDSM club, for a seminar/ demonstration. Stood up by a friend who was to accompany her, Gabrielle chooses to stay in the back of the dimmed room and observe the demonstration. But even from where she hides in the back, Thomas’ sexy and masterful voice captivates her. Recognizing her true need for submission, she’s enthralled by the demonstration and finds herself embracing a training relationship almost immediately.
Its Thomas’s betrayal and the plot twist that comes out of nowhere at the end of the book that set this book apart from others in this genre. The story isn’t a cliché but rather boasts an original storyline that will have readers wondering what Gabrielle’s HEA will actually be. Usually inclined to guess the ending, even I was surprised at how Gayle handled the conflict and the final conclusion. I very much enjoyed the story. Submissive Beauty is a strong romance between three compelling characters and an absolute indulgence to read.
For my full review, go to http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs....
March 20, 2012
Submissive Beauty is a story of trust, surrender and betrayal. The heroine Gabrielle finds herself on a journey of self-discovery that places her at the mercy of two men, Thomas and David. While they teach her to embrace her darkest desires, they also lead her along a path of betrayal. It was a treat to watch her evolve throughout the book from the shy woman to the confident sub.
Needing to understand her hidden desires, Gabrielle goes to The Sanctuary, a local BDSM club, for a seminar/ demonstration. Stood up by a friend who was to accompany her, Gabrielle chooses to stay in the back of the dimmed room and observe the demonstration. But even from where she hides in the back, Thomas’ sexy and masterful voice captivates her. Recognizing her true need for submission, she’s enthralled by the demonstration and finds herself embracing a training relationship almost immediately.
Its Thomas’s betrayal and the plot twist that comes out of nowhere at the end of the book that set this book apart from others in this genre. The story isn’t a cliché but rather boasts an original storyline that will have readers wondering what Gabrielle’s HEA will actually be. Usually inclined to guess the ending, even I was surprised at how Gayle handled the conflict and the final conclusion. I very much enjoyed the story. Submissive Beauty is a strong romance between three compelling characters and an absolute indulgence to read.
For my full review, go to http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs....
Needing to understand her hidden desires, Gabrielle goes to The Sanctuary, a local BDSM club, for a seminar/ demonstration. Stood up by a friend who was to accompany her, Gabrielle chooses to stay in the back of the dimmed room and observe the demonstration. But even from where she hides in the back, Thomas’ sexy and masterful voice captivates her. Recognizing her true need for submission, she’s enthralled by the demonstration and finds herself embracing a training relationship almost immediately.
Its Thomas’s betrayal and the plot twist that comes out of nowhere at the end of the book that set this book apart from others in this genre. The story isn’t a cliché but rather boasts an original storyline that will have readers wondering what Gabrielle’s HEA will actually be. Usually inclined to guess the ending, even I was surprised at how Gayle handled the conflict and the final conclusion. I very much enjoyed the story. Submissive Beauty is a strong romance between three compelling characters and an absolute indulgence to read.
For my full review, go to http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs....
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