Obey without Question

by Sofia Hard

Rules exist for a reason. I’ve built my empire on them, refined my arrangements around them, and never once wavered.
My submissives are vetted. Experienced. Predictable in the way they provide me pleasure.
But then I saw his application. Jayden Patel. Nineteen and lying about it. A foster system casualty with authority issues and nothing but trouble in his file. Everything about him screams liability, and I know I should delete his profile without a second thought.
Instead, I invited him for a screening.
There was no harm in looking. No harm in putting him on his knees as a test.
Besides, I know exactly what I’m getting. A boy who needs to be shaped and controlled. Taught the pleasure of absolute obedience.
What I don’t expect is the hunger whenever I picture breaking him.


I’ve never belonged to anyone. Not to the twelve foster homes that spit me out. Not to the shit jobs I couldn’t keep. Not even to myself.
So with a three-week countdown to eviction and homelessness staring me in the face, I do the unthinkable. I sign up on some fancy-ass sugar daddy site thinking I could bag an old man with too much money and not enough Viagra.
I didn’t expect Silas fucking Burch.
The man wears wealth like I wear desperation, and he comes paired with a contract full of rules outlining how I’m supposed to behave. All while he does whatever the hell he wants with me and my body, of course.
But for the money he’s offering? I figured I’d fake it, you know? Yes Sir, No Sir, Whatever-you-want Sir. Cash the checks, keep my soul intact.
What kind of sick joke is it that my body betrays me every time he looks at me?
But fuck him. And fuck me for wanting his approval so goddamn badly.

Obey without Question is a dark, explicit MM romance featuring intense power exchange between a controlling billionaire Dom and a defiant submissive with nothing left to lose. First in the Seven Rules to Ruin a Man series, this story explores themes of consensual BDSM, humiliation, and strict discipline. Expect an age gap, wealth disparity, explicit sexual content, and a complex power dynamic that pushes boundaries. Contains depictions of degradation, objectification, and intense psychological control. For mature readers only, OBVIOUSLY!

Genres: BDSM

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

Reviews

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice...real nice...I went in knowing its a series but didn't realize how it was going to play out. So to say I was a little disappointed at the end of book 1 is an understatement. Now don't get me wrong...this was riveting as all get out. For most of the dom/sub books I have read, Silas play his role to the 10th power and I absolutely love his dominance. Jaylen the newbie sub that's down on his luck and just need some type of security, guidance and assurances that life will be better, I believe Silas is the man that will be the man he needs. No lovey dovey romance yet...but there is intense chemistry between the two. From start to end this was a page turner and I was soooooooooo wanting to continue. This minor cliffhanger gonna have me waiting impatiently til the next book comes out. Can't wait.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This def a good start to a novella series - clearly lays out terms, we get a sense of both characters, and boy, are edged!!!! Very intrigued to read the next episode!!

Quick note: it’s easy to tell that the spice level will go
up in the next one, but this one isn’t super spicy - the chemistry is off the charts though.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so... wow! I am very pleasantly surprised and love so much about this dynamic.
Jayden's emotions are palpable and raw in a very subtle way that really broke my heart at times. It's not often that an author can strike me so deeply, hitting me right in the heart.
Silas—don't get me started. ... okay, yes, I'll start: What the f.... Doesn't he feel it? Of course he feels it, but you need control and have to build it up with logic at all costs, as if it were a protective shield. Baby, I love you, but I can't wait for it all to break and the dam to flush everything you've had to hold back for so long through your veins.
That's not enough praise, but now comes... yes, that. But. I'm way too emotionally invested in this to be able to live with the ending “to be continued.” So I'll have to wait until all the parts are available and then lock myself in my room for a few days.
Very readable and very well done.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hated Jimmy, even though he’s only there as a memory, I hated him, I’m not saying Silas is a saint and he does everything right, but seeing what Jimmy did explains Silas’ behavior quite a bit. Lucas was a brat, and I’m glad he got booted soon, because seriously… petty complaints galore in the few lines that he had, it reminded me of a whining kid, or nails on chalkboard. I loved how Jayden and Silas are not perfect for each other, but they grow to be good for each other. It was fascinating seeing that Jayden gets what he’s always craved, by giving up what he thought he needed. I hope he and Kenzie continue their friendship in the next book, because I liked them very much. I enjoyed how not perfect Silas is. He’s ruthless, emotionally unavailable, strict, but somehow, the author makes all of that endearing, maybe because he’s giving Jayden what he needs, or maybe because he lets Jayden soften his harshness a bit. I don’t know. All I know is that this book was too short, and I can’t wait to read the next one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just perfect! The only probleme i had with IT îs that IT was too short. Van t wait to read more about Jayden s training . Hope to are a more living side of Silaș but this fost book was a wonderful introduction to the series! Can t wait for more

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Short & to the point. Silas is a Dom with rules that would make anyone think twice about accepting. Jayden, not quite an adult but legal at 19 is pretty much down on his luck, decides to accept them. This portion of the story is Jayden's 90 day probationary period on getting to know & learn the rules. After night one, we're wondering will he or won't he go for night 2. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandy Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

😳

My face reading this entire novella! In a good way. Intense train wreck waiting to happen way.

Sheesh, I really enjoyed this BDSM, TPE-style setup. It’s part one of what I assume will be seven novellas—series title Seven Rules to Ruin a Man—so really is just the “ordinary world...crossing the threshold/point of no return” part of the story, but, it packed a punch. It starts with a contract, focuses in on a young man with few to no options, pans to a very wealthy older man whose sub has displeased him to the point of canceling their contract, then dissolves to an upscale website that connects potential sugar babies with people with certain proclivities...and their first few interactions...OMG. 🔥😳😮

That sounds kinda simple, but this had me riveted from the moment Jayden signed up to the moment he screwed up...and...well, I don’t want to spoil anything. Let’s just say I think they’re both going to learn a LOT from this intense and rocky start.

Wealthy extremely particular Silas has his Rules in the form of his non-negotiable contract. And he learned the very hardest way that he HAD to create them and stick to them.

Struggling, directionless Jayden has been fired for attitude yet again and must soon move on from the apartment he’s been crashing in. His options are limited. When his temporary roomie and friend suggests a sugar baby setup, he’s initial gut-reaction No soon turns to maybe...

I loved the consistent tension as soon as Jayden steps into Silas’s room/lair...it never lets up. The uncertainty. The determination to try. Facing having to submit and subsume himself...finding that maybe it turns him on...

Silas choosing a complete newbie who knows NOTHING of the lifestyle to sub for him out of a pack of trained prospects, for good Reasons...

It was fascinating. There are the barest hints of seeding a more emotional connection, but I can already see how and why these two are going to surprise the hell out of each other and find themselves invested a lot more than either plans, expects, thinks he wants... this is gonna be GOOD.

I liked both characters too. Jayden’s very young but street smart/hardened from years of struggling as he grew up in foster care. Silas is jaded from attempts to use and trick him (though I think his perspective has been hopelessly skewed). While we are introduced to them, I got a good sense of their personalities and even started seeing why these two could actually work.

Don’t disappoint me, Sofia Hard. I’m ready for the next installment NOW.

Not a HFN, because they’ve barely started and both are (trying to be) closed off to any emotional connection. But the bargain is struck...and I have a vision for the potential. NO others/cheating/sharing, this is at first a business arrangement. We meet one and hear about another of Silas’s most important/impactful past subs, and there was a little too much knowledge that the tools/things he was setting out to use on Jayden had been used on many others in the past, but most won’t notice/care about that. This was still entirely Safe for me. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a TPE style relationship that’s likely to get burned to the ground as things heat up.

My thanks to the author and BookSirens for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.

[Ashley Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author but when I read the blurb I had to read it and I'm so glad I did! I didn't know that this book would lead to a series of other books following this couple but after reading their first book I'm hooked! This is a darker MM romnace. No romance actually happens in this book but the author sets a heck of a stage and definitely plans to edge you as much as Silas will be edging Jayden. This book doesn't start as love but is born from Jayden, a 19 year old foster kid, who has fallen on tough times (not that he isn't used to it) and is jobless and about to be homeless and needs to make some cash fast. When he isn't having any luck finding a job or even getting an interview his roomate Kenzie points him in the direction of a website looking for men of all types, except this is a site of men with money looking to drop stacks on men willing to bend to their will and provide whatever service they need. Jayden is young and doesn't have BDSM experience or is the best about authority but he figures it shouldn't be too hard. He just has to follow some orders and fake it til he gets enough cash. That is until Silas comes into the picture and accepts Jayden's vague profile and shows him that obedience isn't just a game and a sub isn't just a "wh0r€." Silas has been on the scene for decades but has had plenty of problems from past subs and even more recently the sub he currently had under contract until he broke Silas's rules and their contract was terminated. Now he needs a new sub yet the polished subs who know the rules and have experience turn out to disappoint him the most so when he comes along Jayden's profile he can tell he lied about his age but he's still of legal consent and the lost look in his eyes and the defiant jut of his chin stirs something in Silas. He knows he should ignore it but he hasn't been this intrigued in a long time. Maybe he needs a challenge and if he can mold Jayden with all his potential and make him submit even with his defiance it will make it that much sweeter for Silas. So many nuances in this book brought out some unexpected emotions in me and I'm excited to continue on this journey with Silas and Jayden and see this lust, attraction and intrigue slowly turn to love and obsession.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb sets this book up very well for the basics of what happens. Jayden is 19, spit out by the foster care system at 18, angry, jobless, and living with a friend with an expiration date. Desperate for a way not to end up on the streets, he applies to a website for sugar daddies and Doms looking for boys to fulfill certain positions. After much consideration and mental debates, he decides to apply to a man looking for a submissive to give up all control and live under a contract. Surprised when he gets a response for an interview, he presents himself to Silas Burch, Dom and master of control. Even though he is obviously untrained in the lifestyle he seeks to join, Jayden pulls at something in Silas, and Silas accepts Jayden on a trial basis to assess whether the potential seems to be there to become a good submissive. As Silas presents Jayden with some challenges to see if he can follow directions and cede control, both feel something unusual in the interactions, causing both to question the arrangement and the advisability of moving forward.

This is the first book in a projected series dealing with Jayden and Silas and their journey through Silas’s power dynamic and control over Jayden, and whether Jayden can submit to the rules and whatever Silas commands or will he give in to his own desires to fight against the submission and loss of control.

The book really flowed for me, it kept my interest, and had me reading it in one sitting. The depiction of Jayden and the thoughts going through his head at some of Sir’s commands, and his physical and mental reactions, all rang true for a newbie to the situation. Jayden wants to rebel, but he also doesn’t want to lose this chance. How he works through it in his head is an interesting process as he mentally sifts pros and cons, and talks to himself to get through the situations he encounters. Will Jayden be able to submit to Silas’s desires, and will Silas be able to remain detached from this submissive that he cannot ignore. Unfortunately, book 2 isn’t completed yet, so I will need to wait for answers to that question and any others that may arise, but I definitely want to see where this will go.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Laurie Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book voluntarily and am leaving a review.

Obey Without Question, by Sofia Hard, is a dark romance story about two men who are clearly in over their heads as they begin to navigate a situation where it’s all too easy to blur the boundaries.

Jayden is a nineteen-year-old former foster kid who understands struggle. Shifting from job to job with little to no prospects, he decides to get involved with an escort/prostitution agency that promises financial security. Silas is an emotionally constipated CEO who has already been burned once by an emotionally charged relationship. Stumbling across Jayden’s profile should raise a number of red flags, but rather than dismiss him completely, Silas finds himself strangely drawn to Jayden’s chaos. It’s all the two can do as they struggle to control themselves and each other in a contract that demands the impossible: a sexual relationship without intimacy.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the characters and their backstories. While I do wish it were longer, Hard definitely knows how to leave readers hanging. Already, these two are having issues, and they’ve just met. Without sugar coating anything, Silas is a dick. Although there were definite emotional breaches with other subs, he could’ve been more professional with them; in fact, the way he handled the situations screams HR forcing him to do some type of emotional intelligence training. A lot of training. That being said, his demeanor definitely balances Jayden out. This kid is impulsive and lets his emotions get the best of him. They’re both used to doing whatever they want, even if they don’t necessarily get the results they want, so this will be an interesting dynamic.

Currently, Hard is stressing the demands of a transaction that’s supposedly centered around BDSM. Silas is giving Christian Grey vibes, but he doesn’t waste time pretending. He’s more than happy to “ease” Jayden into the ropes (hah), and to be honest, I feel that this is a more digestible version of 50 Shades of Grey, and I can’t wait to read more.

So for now, I’m giving this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sofia Hard is a writer name for someone who writes other books and while I understand using another name to write this type of book, I can’t help wanting to know who it is because this is a great book.
Ms Hard starts this book by taking a typical type of situation where a young person is in need of money and the older person is rich and wants to pay for what they want and then she puts her own spin on it. She makes Silas, our rich guy a control freak and Jayden a bit too young and desperate character. Silas does not normally comprise and yet he does right from the beginning with Jayden because of a “feeling” he has about him.
The story is very well written, using the aspects of BDSM to slowly move the story forward and this leads to the only concern that I had while reading this book. It’s only book one of two that are written at the time I am writing this review and as the series is called “Seven Rules to Ruin a Man” I assume that there will eventually be seven books. I NEED MORE! It’s so good and such a marvelous read that I didn’t want it to end. BUT! I am very glad that Ms Hard didn’t decide to cram the whole story into one volume and that it means that there will be tons more of the story of Jayden and Silas. Please read these books if you like MM BDSM stories so that Ms Hard will be encouraged to write the rest of the books as fast as she possibly can!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Let there be no ambiguity. The signing of this document constitutes the willing and total forfeiture of personal autonomy within the parameters defined herein. You will no longer determine when you speak, what you feel, where you go, or who you are in my presence. Your will is subordinate to mine. Your purpose is to serve my needs. This is not a role you are playing; it is the state of your existence for the duration of this contract. If you cannot accept this fundamental truth, do not sign.'

I loved this book. Great world building and in-depth characters. I was fascinated by the premise of the story from the start as Jayden and Kenzie made him a profile and began looking through profiles (they were too funny "interpreting" some of them!) I actually loved Kenzie and their scenes with Jay always made me laugh! They are a great sense of humor and I liked their energy. I hope they either get their own book, or feature in all of Jayden's.

I loved the dynamic between Silas and Jayden and the way their "relationship" developed. He was cold and strict and Jayden was desperate, but deep down something else called to him. I can't wait to read more of their story!

'The reality of what I’d done crashed over me. I’d sold myself to a man who looked at me like I was both nothing and everything. A man who had dropped me to my knees with just a word...
When I woke up tomorrow, I’d officially be his.'

5 stars

[Arcturus170 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy through BookSirens and this is my honest review.
4.5*
Loved it. Riveted to the pages. The story is both sexy and psychological. The two POVs are crackling in opposition, but drawn together by curiosity. Jayden’s kink awakening is so interesting to watch. At the same time, Silas is molding and shaping Jayden's defiance and confusion. It's intensely hot. Silas observes the warring impulses and plays them like an instrument. Silas really sees into Jayden and finds him erotic. Their final scene together ends with an unexpected twist. Can’t wait for more. Was legit gleeful when approved for book 2. 😂

Random thoughts:
-The requirement of silence is wild. I like it for the story, but I don’t love it as a universal rule for sex. I really want to understand why that’s so important to Silas.
-I could do without the OTT billionaire stuff. It’s clear enough that Silas is wealthy and controlling. That feels like enough. YMMV.
-I like all the contract questions and frank discussion. Jayden’s final rationale hits hard.
-No romance yet. Just whispers of confusing attraction and nascent obsession.

[Jandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Hotness

I haven't read a lot of BDSM books. I was drawn in by the blurb. This story is kind of intense. I love it so much. I couldn't put it down. I love Jayden. He's been through a lot of shiz in his life but he's still brave and willing to do what he has to do to make a difference in his circumstances. I could feel his struggle right along with him. Silas is so hot. He's intimidating. I could feel how powerful he is. This author is good at making you feel what the characters are feeling. It's immersive. Silas and Jayden are hot af together. 🥵
I received an advance review copy of Obey Without Question by Sofia Hard for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I sooo wasn't ready for this book to end. That was sneaky on the author's part. 😂 Now I'm feral for the next book to come out. This story is so good!

[Emi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast read. Jayden 19 has gotten a bad hand by life but is resilient and resourceful in away. He's eager to find solution for his near future so he wouldn't end up homeless and on street again. Silas is successful man in his forties and he's living his life in vert strict and compartmentalized in his professional and private life. He has a need for a new sub and finds Jayden on site that he uses.
I like our main characters and I don't mind the content of bdsm or even contracts etc. But to me this wasn't really a book - it was a beginning of one. Also I'm not sure how I'd label this story, but a romance it is not. At least not on as it is here. It was well written and could turn interesting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure I was going to feel about Silas at first. He is exactly what I imagine when I think of an all powerful Dom. But there is something about how he is with Jayden that takes all that and makes you melt toward Silas. This book had me intrigued from start to finish. The character evoke emotions, they are so well written. I am looking forward to see what happens in book two. This book is everything I assumed it would be and a lot more. If you enjoy these types of books, this one will quickly rise to the top of your favorite list.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[LittleDucky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of the tension between a strict Dom and a rebellious sub. But what really drew me in was the internal struggle of a new sub fighting the desire to submit, pushing past his initial reaction to rebel, wanting the structure and discipline his Dom could provide.

The author does a great job shows both MCs internal struggles and desires.

Forewarning, this book does end of a cliff hanger, but thankfully the next one will be available soon! Looking forward to continuing their story. I really want to see how their dynamic progresses.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Moon Side Sun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why so short?

After reading this book, I like Jayden, but I kind of hate Silas. Silas is cold, detached and an ugly human being. Jayled is craving structure and a sense of belonging. While Silas promises to give those things to Jayden, after this book, I feel like all Jayden got was more confusion. What I love to see in BDSM books is discussing rules and why they exist, this one did not have that. They both entered this relationship with wrong intentions and it felt a bit rushed. I did love to see Jayden's inner turmoil and how hard it was for him to follow instructions, but he did so because he craves validation

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obey without question is a page turning read from start to finish. I could not put it down. It’s so well written and the characters are great. Silas - the dom is very cold and doesn’t show emotion. He’s been burned in the past so keeps himself distant from his subs. His new sub Jsyden is a novice in the BDSM scene so had a lot to learn. I’m looking forward to reading the next part to their story as this ends on a little cliffhanger. Obey without Question is a must and should be added to your TBR ASAP . Five stars!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Zarlina · Rating 4 out of 5]

So uhm... wow. This is still a pretty new genre for me, but damn was this a thrilling read. Something about Silas had me instantly intrigued, and just like Jayden I can't wait to learn more about this new life.

This novella is more of an introduction to their story, but it's the kind that got me hooked instantly. It didn't feel like a dragged out prologue like these kinds of stories can sometimes do, but more of a welcome to my universe, let's introduce you to the rules and see where it takes us. And that, I think, is the perfect way to start a series like this.

Already looking forward to reading the next one.

[Andrea Smedley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first in a serial, with each episode being relatively short. In this episode Jayden and Silas meet, agree their contract and have their first scene. I felt things were just starting to get going by the end so I wasn't really able to form an opinion on how much I liked it! It's too soon to tell if Silas is just a pretty horrible person or has some redeeming features. I get that he has issues and is impacted by his trust being betrayed in the past, but it doesn't look like aftercare features in his world, which is disturbing.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silas employs men who follow his exact contract: forms of address, total power exchanges, Dom/Sub, no emotion, no affection, etc. Jayden is desperate, has no where to live and needs money so he signs the contract. With an age gap and in socioeconomic differences means this disaster turns into something more neither man can forsee. It's compelling, degrading, full of kinks, intense and enthralling with an unfinished ending continued in the next book. I received a copy of this through BookSprout and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Joy Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is well-written and intriguing, but it is difficult to identify with any one of the characters. Silas is so aloof, it is hard to believe he is human at all. Jayden is so lost and so desperate, it makes you wonder how he has managed to stay alive so long. Or maybe we are just wondering how he hangs on day after day. Is Jayden so hungry for love, he will imagine any notice from Silas is affection? The book is a teaser for the series and I hate that, but I was warned.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immediately drawn to both characters, well written and an interesting backstory and dynamic established early on.

Refreshing to see a story with a Dom who doesn't shop for supplies in a hardware store.

A little short, which is disappointing but hopefully the next instalments will be released soon.

An extensive content & trigger warnings section at the beginning, which is super helpful for many people and often overlooked in BDSM content.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young boy down on his luck decides to apply to be a sugar baby. The DOM that decides to take him on strictly abids by rules, his rules. Short read but definitely kept me interested, was excited to see what happens next but have to wait for the next book. If you like sugar baby, with his daddy Dom then should check it out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing start to what will, hopefully, be a marvelous series.
I was wanting more by the time I finished. A quick read that I felt could have ended with a bit more, but looking forward to the next one to continue their exploration.
Silas and Jayden have captured my attention and will I will be thinking about what's to come for this Dom/sub dynamic they have started.

I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was kind of hard to rate as it’s not a complete story, almost like a first few chapters. Good, but not completely satisfying. I will probably wait until it’s finished completely before reading the next book. I do think Mr Burch is going to be in over his head with Jayden. Someone is going to break his own rules, guaranteed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book

This is my first book by this author. It had great character building and is setting the environment for the rest of the books. I love a good strong BDSM story. It was short, got all the important information out and was hot without having a lot of physical interaction between our two MC's. Very glad the second book is already out. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy.

[Melony Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good enough to get you to want to read the next in the series. Very good character building, which is not always what I am paying attention to in this genre so I consider it a very big plus.

Definitely worth the read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Me Mine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayden is desperate, beaten down and left with no options for stability. Silas offers Jayden stability at a steep price - absolute submission.

In this first book the characters are developed well by the author, roping the reader into their web and story …. The book is a cliffhanger - and I’m antsy to read, “what’s next” for Jayden and Silas.