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Declaration to Submit #2
Temptation to Submit
In the midst of a hostile takeover, Tori Rodgers's private life goes crazy and the skeletons from her closet are rattling. It doesn't help that she keeps trading insults with the CFO of the company that's raided hers. But Vegas brings out her insanity and she finds herself at Atticus Paulus's mercy. His offer of Dominance brings her to the brink of total surrender and she knows he'll never forgive her when he finds out she's been lying to him.
Whatever secrets Victoria has hidden Atticus has decided he's going to discover. She's a brat sub, the kind he avoids, and yet, he can't resist her. He admires her strength, her determination and the spankable parts drive him over the edge. The closer he gets to her, the more he desires her trust. But there are more secrets than the ones Victoria keeps, and uncovering them might cost more than either of them ever dreamed. Even with all that's at stake, Atticus knows he can't give up offering her the temptation to submit.
Whatever secrets Victoria has hidden Atticus has decided he's going to discover. She's a brat sub, the kind he avoids, and yet, he can't resist her. He admires her strength, her determination and the spankable parts drive him over the edge. The closer he gets to her, the more he desires her trust. But there are more secrets than the ones Victoria keeps, and uncovering them might cost more than either of them ever dreamed. Even with all that's at stake, Atticus knows he can't give up offering her the temptation to submit.
- GenresBDSM
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 15, 2014
One out-of-control sub and the man to bring her to heel.
Nothing like a workplace romance with all its inappropriateness to fuel fantasies. But, the glaringly unrealistic set up for Victoria and Atticus's romance made it nearly impossible for me to accept the premise and enjoy the story. When issues of coercion, especially those citing contracts or laws that are obviously not in compliance with present ones, are fundamental to the plot then I need the story to take place in an alternate reality. By placing it within a contemporary setting and trying to pass it off as plausible, it shoots up red flags with each instance.
Additionally, the highly unprofessional behavior demonstrated by Tori at a work conference makes it impossible to take her seriously as a competent employee that is attempted here. If the rude and insubordinate speech didn't cost Tori her job then the public disorderly and assault would. I had a couple of other issues, in no world does a corporate secretary negotiate during a takeover, and contrary to what is proposed here senior officers stick through until the takeover is complete so they can secure their financial package and then bail with their golden parachutes. There was a confusing info dump that was not tied to the paragraph preceding or following it. The clumsy introduction of BDSM elements when just telling Tori and Atticus's story would have sufficed made me feel like I was reading a primer at times. Basically, it's geared to emerging kinksters. Finally, brat does not equal stupid.
So ignoring all the set up, how does the sex stack up? Let's be honest, that's a crucial component of the story. Tori comes across as a prickly one. The spanking was straight forward, the masturbating afterwards a bit steamier. The second scene was much more erotic and then backpedalling--Ugh. The big fantasy role playing scene was gorgeous, but the set up to it was inopportune--to me. The sex was erotic and lovely and sweet. So it does end on a good note.
Overall, *headdesk* premise and sugarkink.
Favorite quote:
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
Nothing like a workplace romance with all its inappropriateness to fuel fantasies. But, the glaringly unrealistic set up for Victoria and Atticus's romance made it nearly impossible for me to accept the premise and enjoy the story. When issues of coercion, especially those citing contracts or laws that are obviously not in compliance with present ones, are fundamental to the plot then I need the story to take place in an alternate reality. By placing it within a contemporary setting and trying to pass it off as plausible, it shoots up red flags with each instance.
Additionally, the highly unprofessional behavior demonstrated by Tori at a work conference makes it impossible to take her seriously as a competent employee that is attempted here. If the rude and insubordinate speech didn't cost Tori her job then the public disorderly and assault would. I had a couple of other issues, in no world does a corporate secretary negotiate during a takeover, and contrary to what is proposed here senior officers stick through until the takeover is complete so they can secure their financial package and then bail with their golden parachutes. There was a confusing info dump that was not tied to the paragraph preceding or following it. The clumsy introduction of BDSM elements when just telling Tori and Atticus's story would have sufficed made me feel like I was reading a primer at times. Basically, it's geared to emerging kinksters. Finally, brat does not equal stupid.
So ignoring all the set up, how does the sex stack up? Let's be honest, that's a crucial component of the story. Tori comes across as a prickly one. The spanking was straight forward, the masturbating afterwards a bit steamier. The second scene was much more erotic and then backpedalling--Ugh. The big fantasy role playing scene was gorgeous, but the set up to it was inopportune--to me. The sex was erotic and lovely and sweet. So it does end on a good note.
Overall, *headdesk* premise and sugarkink.
Favorite quote:
Beneath her lips, he smiled. “Brat.”
“Asshole.”
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
December 9, 2014
TEMPTATION TO SUBMIT is an erotically charged follow up to Declaration to Submit. This book can be read as a standalone, although reading the first book will help with the secondary characters and situation.
Tori Rodgers is determined to resist Atticus Paulus. The new CFO who took over the company she works for is not only smart, he's a dominant. He's the kind of man who makes Tori weak in the knees. Not willing to lose her head over Atticus, she is willfully confrontational. Atticus is just as attracted to Tori. He isn't into bratty subs and yet Tori arouses his dominant side like no other.
One point to note from a character building perspective: Atticus is supposed to be East Indian. For those who search for interracial erotica, this may not be enough. Atticus didn't really embody East Indian for me. He is described to have an accent and a few other stereotypical traits of this ethnicity. His behaviour and actions came across as more rich white male, so I couldn't visualize a sexy East Indian man. Then again, it could just be because I don't know many East Indian males I'd find sexually attractive so it was hard to picture Atticus as other than a sexy white male.
This is a fun BDSM-lite story. The power struggle between Tori and Atticus is at times humourous and sad. Tori's constant denial of being a submissive for Atticus is the funny part. The sad part is the chip on her shoulder regarding the requirements for a "real" submissive. This hurts to read because it is all too familiar to see when a submissive lacks self-esteem. Ms. Leland gently shows how there is no ideal model of submission. Submission is decided between the two involved in a power exchange. This is why the story worked for me. I enjoyed seeing how Tori's desire to submit and her bratty behaviour are not mutually exclusive. With the right match for a dominant, this combination of bratty and dominance can be good.
I must confess I'm also partial to boss themes when it comes to office sexual shenanigans. For a work contract to include an option for sexual submission is all kinds of wrong in real life. In a romantic fantasy, it hits all the right buttons and is all kinds of right. Atticus is a loving dominant from a nicely fanciful perspective. Tori is a strong female at work and sexily submissive in private.
Lastly, this story shows a piece of the world from Tori's perspective. With Nell's story already told, it should be interesting to see how the other two women's story will be presented. When an author shows the same event from different characters' eyes, it makes it better for me because I feel as if I'm seeing a holistic picture. This kinky romance is recommended for those who enjoy dominant boss themes.
September 10, 2014
Truly an emotional read for me strangely. I loved the emotional struggle in Tori. To fully want to let yourself go but the fear on how you will be perceived. It touches me on a level that I'm sure a few of us ladies will not care to admit to, but if we could only have more Master's like Atticus!
February 15, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
3.5 stars
When Tori, Gina and Nell’s company, Sunsoon, was raided by investment giant ConFed, the women were forced to protect themselves and the other employees when most of the Sunsoon executives abandoned ship when news of the takeover became public. Unaddressed financial malfeasance had caused Sunsoon’s vulnerability; but once it became apparent the best solution was ConFed, the three women worked with the ConFed executives to get the best deal for everyone.
The fraternization section in their new employment agreement has the three women gossiping one night at the leather bar Tori had picked for an after hours get together. In Las Vegas for policy meetings and to get to know the new owners, Tori Rodgers has come to try out her not-so-secret desire for a little kink, and the fraternization clause may give her what she wants. As all three women overindulge and wander off to their own pursuits, Tori ends up leaving with Atticus Paulus, the quietly dominant CFO of ConFed. Her attraction to him comes out as fiery defiance with an almost hostile attitude. However, he can see underneath to the lonely woman beneath who needs someone to be on her side. By the time they return to LA on Monday, she has agreed to join him in a D/s relationship within the guidelines of the fraternization section of the employment agreement. The sex scenes start out slow but build nicely along with their budding relationship.
Tori has a huge secret in her personal life that she cannot share with anyone. She’s been lying about it for so long that to admit to it now would not only hurt everyone she cares for but would also betray someone that helped her long ago. This and other damage from her childhood have kept her from having any meaningful relationships with men throughout her life.
Atticus comes from a strong family background and is very stable with lots of confidence. In Tori he senses someone who really needs to be comforted and taken care of. His patience and calmness are the antithesis to her fiery independence, and while making him lose control delights her, she enjoys most when he is the strong one that she can depend on–can lean on. Feel safe with.
The financial malfeasance still hasn’t been traced at the company, and the investigation continues with Tori and Atticus combing through the numbers trying to find the discrepancies and the person responsible for them. Suddenly, deliberately planted bad publicity throws everyone off track, and while they’re reeling from the outcry, the bad guy is plotting to get away. Will they escape? And will they hurt anyone who gets in their way?
There was a lot to like about this book. Jennifer Leland’s writing style is great. The sex scenes were well thought out and exciting. The banter back and forth between Tori and Atticus was very funny and helped with the sense of connection between them. I really felt for Tori and her secret; it would have been hard for anyone, and I’m happy that Atticus responded the way that he did.
Unfortunately, I felt so much of the story was missing. And it was. I found Nell’s story, and after reading that, it did clear up a lot of my questions. But that’s the problem. I had to go to another book to help me understand this one. This wasn’t a complete story; so much was done behind the scenes and not explained in a satisfactory way. And I haven’t found the story for Gwen, so I still feel that a third of the story is still a mystery for me. It feels unfinished.
Advice? Read Nell’s story Declaration to Submit either before or after. It will help.
3.5 stars
When Tori, Gina and Nell’s company, Sunsoon, was raided by investment giant ConFed, the women were forced to protect themselves and the other employees when most of the Sunsoon executives abandoned ship when news of the takeover became public. Unaddressed financial malfeasance had caused Sunsoon’s vulnerability; but once it became apparent the best solution was ConFed, the three women worked with the ConFed executives to get the best deal for everyone.
The fraternization section in their new employment agreement has the three women gossiping one night at the leather bar Tori had picked for an after hours get together. In Las Vegas for policy meetings and to get to know the new owners, Tori Rodgers has come to try out her not-so-secret desire for a little kink, and the fraternization clause may give her what she wants. As all three women overindulge and wander off to their own pursuits, Tori ends up leaving with Atticus Paulus, the quietly dominant CFO of ConFed. Her attraction to him comes out as fiery defiance with an almost hostile attitude. However, he can see underneath to the lonely woman beneath who needs someone to be on her side. By the time they return to LA on Monday, she has agreed to join him in a D/s relationship within the guidelines of the fraternization section of the employment agreement. The sex scenes start out slow but build nicely along with their budding relationship.
Tori has a huge secret in her personal life that she cannot share with anyone. She’s been lying about it for so long that to admit to it now would not only hurt everyone she cares for but would also betray someone that helped her long ago. This and other damage from her childhood have kept her from having any meaningful relationships with men throughout her life.
Atticus comes from a strong family background and is very stable with lots of confidence. In Tori he senses someone who really needs to be comforted and taken care of. His patience and calmness are the antithesis to her fiery independence, and while making him lose control delights her, she enjoys most when he is the strong one that she can depend on–can lean on. Feel safe with.
The financial malfeasance still hasn’t been traced at the company, and the investigation continues with Tori and Atticus combing through the numbers trying to find the discrepancies and the person responsible for them. Suddenly, deliberately planted bad publicity throws everyone off track, and while they’re reeling from the outcry, the bad guy is plotting to get away. Will they escape? And will they hurt anyone who gets in their way?
There was a lot to like about this book. Jennifer Leland’s writing style is great. The sex scenes were well thought out and exciting. The banter back and forth between Tori and Atticus was very funny and helped with the sense of connection between them. I really felt for Tori and her secret; it would have been hard for anyone, and I’m happy that Atticus responded the way that he did.
Unfortunately, I felt so much of the story was missing. And it was. I found Nell’s story, and after reading that, it did clear up a lot of my questions. But that’s the problem. I had to go to another book to help me understand this one. This wasn’t a complete story; so much was done behind the scenes and not explained in a satisfactory way. And I haven’t found the story for Gwen, so I still feel that a third of the story is still a mystery for me. It feels unfinished.
Advice? Read Nell’s story Declaration to Submit either before or after. It will help.
October 30, 2014
Let’s face it, sometimes authors attempt to give us a novel in the form of a novella and that is the feeling I received from this book. The cross between business and submission was not given plenty of time to develop and make sense in my honest opinion. It was made somewhat clear that due to the takeover in the business this is how the two main characters were introduced but I still felt I had a lot of missing information that would have made this story complete. Some of the characters stories and personalities felt like it were sacrificed due to the shortness of the book and the battle between Victoria and Atticus was so strong, I almost feel cheated that they didn’t get to progress their story farther into a full length novel.
With all that said, there is no way to mistake this as all negative. Clearly I felt I needed more of this story and was upset it was not a full length novel which leads me to what I did love about this book. I enjoyed, Victoria and Atticus as a couple. She was internally needing to be a submissive but her tough exterior wouldn’t’ allow her to admit it. Putting on the witch mask and going through this story “forcing” Atticus to take control not only fed his personality but it did lead for some funny and HOT situations. Being one of the three women left to deal with the clause in the new contract at work, she was going to make sure she pushed enough for him to take control but still keep her pride. Victoria also harbored a few major secrets in life that I feel was one of the main reasons she acted like she did. It would be difficult for any man to look past her behavior to see the woman she really was.
Atticus, also known as Finch for you Mockingbird lovers, has to be one of the most controlling yet patient men I have read about so far. So many times I wanted him to spank that attitude out of her but he played along with her games and continues to give her the space to fight against the submission she so longed to give. I think it was clear he could see the real woman and that not only intrigued his intelligent mind, it captured his lustful heart. I loved the push and pull between them and when he had enough he stood up and let her know she had crossed the line. The author did do a great job at allowing the readers to see past the façade of each character and get a general sense that they were a match made in some sick twisted version of Heaven.
I won’t even get into the business part of the story for this review. It was distracting and felt like it demoralized the relationship with the contracts and power of the takeover. I would have been perfectly happy if that has been excluded from the story because at the beginning it gave the feel that whatever happened later on was not going to be consensual and we learn that isn’t true. I would recommend this book but advise the reader to go in with an open mind and not give up after the first few pages. This isn’t going to be a woman taken against her will, it is more of a man who can see past the game she is playing and be willing to fulfill the desires she is too afraid to express out loud.
*Copy provided for review*
Reviewed by Tbird for Crystal's Many Reviewers
With all that said, there is no way to mistake this as all negative. Clearly I felt I needed more of this story and was upset it was not a full length novel which leads me to what I did love about this book. I enjoyed, Victoria and Atticus as a couple. She was internally needing to be a submissive but her tough exterior wouldn’t’ allow her to admit it. Putting on the witch mask and going through this story “forcing” Atticus to take control not only fed his personality but it did lead for some funny and HOT situations. Being one of the three women left to deal with the clause in the new contract at work, she was going to make sure she pushed enough for him to take control but still keep her pride. Victoria also harbored a few major secrets in life that I feel was one of the main reasons she acted like she did. It would be difficult for any man to look past her behavior to see the woman she really was.
Atticus, also known as Finch for you Mockingbird lovers, has to be one of the most controlling yet patient men I have read about so far. So many times I wanted him to spank that attitude out of her but he played along with her games and continues to give her the space to fight against the submission she so longed to give. I think it was clear he could see the real woman and that not only intrigued his intelligent mind, it captured his lustful heart. I loved the push and pull between them and when he had enough he stood up and let her know she had crossed the line. The author did do a great job at allowing the readers to see past the façade of each character and get a general sense that they were a match made in some sick twisted version of Heaven.
I won’t even get into the business part of the story for this review. It was distracting and felt like it demoralized the relationship with the contracts and power of the takeover. I would have been perfectly happy if that has been excluded from the story because at the beginning it gave the feel that whatever happened later on was not going to be consensual and we learn that isn’t true. I would recommend this book but advise the reader to go in with an open mind and not give up after the first few pages. This isn’t going to be a woman taken against her will, it is more of a man who can see past the game she is playing and be willing to fulfill the desires she is too afraid to express out loud.
*Copy provided for review*
Reviewed by Tbird for Crystal's Many Reviewers
October 18, 2014
Temptation to Submit proved to be a fast-paced read that lived up to the secrets and intrigue that the blurb promised, which I found quite impressive considering that it is a novella. I’ve read full-length romantic suspense novels that didn’t pack the punch this did. And it quite literally packed a punch from the very beginning as the introduction to Tori is her arguing with and taking a swing at her new supervisor. Her male supervisor. Her male supervisor who is a Dominant. Yeah, not a good way to impress your new boss. So it was not the least bit surprising when Atticus deems her a brat sub – what was surprising was her reaction to it. It gives us a glimpse into Tori’s psyche and helps the reader understand her better. With the sh*t storm that was her life, it was surprising to me exactly how well she kept it together.
While it is not the main element of the story, there is an underlying romantic suspense element and an entire plotline I cannot discuss without risk of spoilers. I will say that when the criminal activities were discovered I liked that Atticus did not fall for the obvious trail of breadcrumbs that pointed to Tori as the guilty party. He trusted his instincts and all that he had learned about her and asked for her help. Granted he set the situation up to confirm what he knew about her, but that merely showed his skill as a business man and a Dom. It is his skill as a Dom that puts him in the position to help Tori emotionally via punishment when she is unable to ask for help. As Tori’s personal life encroaches upon her job, she finds herself submitting to Atticus’s punishment in order to keep her job but quickly finds that it does so much more for her. It also ratchets up the sexual tension between the two so much that I was amazed with how far into the book we were before they finally had sex, but boy was it worth the wait.
Although not marked as a series, this is actually the second book about the employees of ConFed and Sunsoon. Temptation to Submit easily stands on its own but definitely made me want to go back and read Declaration to Submit so that I can get Nell and Mark’s story. It also means that Gina’s story is most likely up next and I will admit that I am quite intrigued about what may be going on between her and her boss Reena. Or maybe Dimitri’s story will be the next to be revealed. Either way, I’m looking forward to reading more of Ms. Leeland’s work.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
While it is not the main element of the story, there is an underlying romantic suspense element and an entire plotline I cannot discuss without risk of spoilers. I will say that when the criminal activities were discovered I liked that Atticus did not fall for the obvious trail of breadcrumbs that pointed to Tori as the guilty party. He trusted his instincts and all that he had learned about her and asked for her help. Granted he set the situation up to confirm what he knew about her, but that merely showed his skill as a business man and a Dom. It is his skill as a Dom that puts him in the position to help Tori emotionally via punishment when she is unable to ask for help. As Tori’s personal life encroaches upon her job, she finds herself submitting to Atticus’s punishment in order to keep her job but quickly finds that it does so much more for her. It also ratchets up the sexual tension between the two so much that I was amazed with how far into the book we were before they finally had sex, but boy was it worth the wait.
Although not marked as a series, this is actually the second book about the employees of ConFed and Sunsoon. Temptation to Submit easily stands on its own but definitely made me want to go back and read Declaration to Submit so that I can get Nell and Mark’s story. It also means that Gina’s story is most likely up next and I will admit that I am quite intrigued about what may be going on between her and her boss Reena. Or maybe Dimitri’s story will be the next to be revealed. Either way, I’m looking forward to reading more of Ms. Leeland’s work.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
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