Author Emma Sparks struggles with a decision that could change her life forever. Does she stay with Daniel, the only man she's known and loved, the man that has given her everything except what her mind and body craves? Or should she set out on a journey of self-discovery with Markus, a Dominant that promises to teach her about who she really is and who makes her body come alive with excitement. Torn between a life of discontent and a life that promises excitement and passion, Emma's heart is at war with her mind and body, she must come to terms with what she truly desires and what is best for her. Daniel and Markus each give her something she needs, but those needs are completely different from the other. It's now up to Emma to decide which one will make her life complete.
Emma is the typical housewife and mother. She married young and had children and like most housewives, she puts herself on hold and does everything for her children. Including losing herself in the process. Emma discovers that she wants to become an author and starts researching into the BDSM lifestyle for the book. Feeling disconnected from her husband, what started out as research for the book became so much more for her. Emma must decide what she really wants however she is torn between what she wants and tearing her family apart. Emma wants to please Markus and is happy when she doesn’t disappoint.
Markus meets Emma through Fetlife, an online BDSM social networking site. After seeing Emma’s profile, Markus messages her and strikes up a friendship with her. Markus and Emma meet and the chemistry between them sparks. Markus tries to convince Emma that he is the man for her and can give her what she really needs.
Daniel, Emma’s husband, worries about her as she is changing and not acting like her usual self. He tries to show her affection but Emma pushes him away. One night Daniel sees the texts between Emma and Markus and knows that his gut intuition was right – Emma has been cheating on him. Daniel is angry and wants Emma back and doesn’t understand why she would choose to be with someone that hits her instead of with him, the man that has loved her for years.
The premise of the story is unique and the writing is good. Of the three books this one I liked the least. Markus starts treating Emma badly, very dominant and power driven. Emma goes back to her husband and pretends that everything okay. She is drawn into their sexual encounters and it appears everything is great – she is feeling the connection that every woman needs and wants. However, the ending, blew my mind. I had a WTH moment. I had to reread it to see if what I read was not a fluke. I don’t always read between the lines well but it hinted at one thing when Emma went back to her husband yet then you start second guessing what you thought to be true. I did not like the ending at all and wonder if there will be a 4th book that will have a conclusion or was that the conclusion that keeps you guessing. Overall, my least liked book of the three.
Ava Bell has yet to disappoint with her third installment of The Tabu Series. Her ability to wind you up after feeling the security of the flow of the story is unmatched. I went into this book confident that I knew the outcome. Despite a few bumps my pictured outcome was happening with bliss. That is until Miss Ava dropped bombs on it all and twisted me around until I was left with a blank canvas and my feelings had started anew. But that still wasn’t the end. At the end, when the words of Emma stopped…I was left CURIOUS.
Emma- I loved seeing her develop into the submissive she was meant to be and enjoyed seeing her feel good and natural in her own skin. It was empowering to read a woman feeling happy and sure of herself despite it not be the “norm” to submit and be controlled by a male counterpart.
Daniel- He broke me in ways only a mother and one part of a seasoned relationship can. He didn’t throw it in the towel and I can respect that more than I thought I would with him coming into this book.
Markus- He also surprised me. Sometimes the most deceit comes in the form of loving, touching, and squeezing. He seemed to be the most complex and complicated character in this and I was surprised of his character development.
This series has sparked an interest into this genre like no other book has. That is counting FSOG. This book and series is much more than a D/s relationship. It is a journey of a mother who has lost herself and will stop at nothing to find herself. It a love story. It is amazing and refreshing. Worth the read for sure.
I read all of the books in this series and one word comes to mind WOW. Excellent written books with glimpse into an alternate life style that few can understand and less dare to talk about. Filled with the struggles of everyday life a dedicated mom and wife tries to find herself, she feels she has a purpose once again as she begins on a journey of becoming an author. Her research leads her to an unknown world. While trying to balance the two she finds who she really is. Each book can be read with out needing to read the other two but to get the big picture take my advice and read all three. You will not be sorry, as the ending of the third book is a surprise.
Ava Bell had me hooked on this series. In book 3, you saw love, hate, happiness, sadness, hurt, pain and so many more feelings. You didn't know what was gonna happen next. I have to admit, I started to not like Emma for what she did and I may not understand why she did it, but as I kept on reading, it became more clear to me of what she wanted and why she had to do it. I felt as the ending has you using your imagination to as what happens next. It was the perfect ending to a great series. Ava Bell has definitely outdone herself again and she has gained a reader for life!
The third and final book of this series seemed a bit short to me, but there was nothing lacking in this story. This was the most intense book of the series. It showed more of the Dominate/Sub lifestyle including how far some of the rules can be taken. I felt the ending gave a bit of closure, but still left an opening to continue the series if the author chose. I loved each book of this series and think anyone who enjoys erotic books to pick up these books to read.
Emma is still torn between the two men she loves. This has been a hard series for me as it brought up many questions about decisions I have had to make. I had a love/ hate relationship with these characters. I have been all over the place about how I felt about them and their choices. This book contains some violence, explicit sex scenes and a lot of emotional turmoil.
Couldn't wait to read this last book in this series and the author did not disappoint. I couldn't put it down. I don't want to spoil the ending but after I finished reading it I had to ask the author to please continue and wanted more. I felt sorry for Daniel. I really liked Marcus till the end and then I was like oh no he didn't. I want Marcus to redeem himself. A must read series.
Submit was good, it jumped around a little, but I was able to understand what Emma was going through. If you do not like BDSM books, lifestyles, then I wouldn't say this book is for you, but if you haven an open mind, then I say read it.
This story was amazing! I loved it! I identified with Emma as you will to if you read lots of erotica and fantasize what would it be like.....or what if.... I would have preferred a different ending though.
Gah ... Stayed up late, woke up early to finish, and there were more tears. The series gave me way more "feels" than expected, and the ending made my blood run cold. Choices & consequences... I still feel unsettled.