What do you think?
Rate this book
Deviations #5
Safe Words
In Safe Words, which picks up where the Deviations series left off, Tobias, Noah and Phan are all working on finding their place, both at Bradford's club and in their personal lives. They're all living together, and Tobias has taken on the roll of full-time Dom, which he loves, but finds incredibly challenging.While Noah finds comfort in the new state of things and is looking forward to deeper submission, Phan is finding it harder to strike a balance. Too many changes happening too fast are making Phan act out, and neither Tobias nor Noah are sure how to deal with it. Life is not perfect for Bradford, either, as he discovers new feelings for his sub Nikki. Can Tobias help his friend, manage his job teaching the other Doms, and his relationships with Noah and Phan, or will the house that he's built for himself fall down around their ears?The Deviations series Deviations Submission, Deviations Domination, Deviations Discipline and Deviations Bondage.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2010
27 people are currently reading
711 people want to read
About the author
Chris Owen
101 books907 followersI live and write in eastern Canada. I went to a bunch of schools, learned a lot of things, and now make stuff up because not to do so is unthinkable. I'm fond of fountain pens, Levenger's Circa system, and Steampunk fashions.
I'm inspired by the day to day minutia of life, and find beauty in the way words go together. I like texture and richness of experience. I'm not shy. I'm happy, I'm learning, I'm living.
I'm inspired by the day to day minutia of life, and find beauty in the way words go together. I like texture and richness of experience. I'm not shy. I'm happy, I'm learning, I'm living.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
April 13, 2011
The Deviation series has grabbed me & not let go......but the first three are by far my favorite simply b/c I can't get into Phan being in the Noah/Tobias relationship. It wrecked it for me, I feel like I wanted to shout - go get your own Dom and shake Tobias senseless for always giving into Phan's tantrums. I was FURIOUS when Tobias & Noah had to deal with the whinning after their night together......it almost made me want to throw my Kindle across the room.
I would have rather spent time reading more N/T. I really found Phan to be even more annoying in #5 than #4. I truly adore when Noah and Tobias are in their husbands/partners moments of intimacy. Those moments gave the books heart & soul to me.
But I do love the interaction between Tobias and Bradford...their verbal sparring (and the wee bit of fear Tobias has of Bradford) is priceless. Reading about their bond and all the years they have spent together is wonderful. I enjoyed seeing them go into business together and expand the club.
So is this the last we get to see of the boys? I would be heartbroken to think so.... BUT then a side question, will we always have to have Phan in the mix?
I would have rather spent time reading more N/T. I really found Phan to be even more annoying in #5 than #4. I truly adore when Noah and Tobias are in their husbands/partners moments of intimacy. Those moments gave the books heart & soul to me.
But I do love the interaction between Tobias and Bradford...their verbal sparring (and the wee bit of fear Tobias has of Bradford) is priceless. Reading about their bond and all the years they have spent together is wonderful. I enjoyed seeing them go into business together and expand the club.
So is this the last we get to see of the boys? I would be heartbroken to think so.... BUT then a side question, will we always have to have Phan in the mix?
September 11, 2016
4 stars for this satisfying ending to a great series!
Safe Words is the last installment in the Deviations series focusing on Tobias and his two subs Noah and Phan. Compared to many others, I was very happy to see Phan becoming a part of Tobias’ and Noah’s relationship. I love the sometimes complicated dynamics and the way they all have to give the very best of themselves in order to overcome certain problems. Noah is my favorite character and I loved reading about him – the character development we got was very interesting.
But while I would certainly have read more installments in this series, I still feel that Safe Words is a perfect ending. Tobias, Noah and Phan have developed a strong relationship and I’m confident that they will be able to make each other very happy. Also individually, all three main characters progressed in their life – Phan with his therapy, both Noah and Tobias by giving up jobs that didn’t make them happy anymore.
The club is equally going very well and everything seems to be settled. It’s easy to leave these great characters behind, because everything looks so perfect after everything they had to overcome in order to reach their goals. I’m surely going to miss all those smexy scenes and I have to admit that the balance between plot and smexy times was perfect in this part of the story.
Safe Words is the last installment in the Deviations series focusing on Tobias and his two subs Noah and Phan. Compared to many others, I was very happy to see Phan becoming a part of Tobias’ and Noah’s relationship. I love the sometimes complicated dynamics and the way they all have to give the very best of themselves in order to overcome certain problems. Noah is my favorite character and I loved reading about him – the character development we got was very interesting.
But while I would certainly have read more installments in this series, I still feel that Safe Words is a perfect ending. Tobias, Noah and Phan have developed a strong relationship and I’m confident that they will be able to make each other very happy. Also individually, all three main characters progressed in their life – Phan with his therapy, both Noah and Tobias by giving up jobs that didn’t make them happy anymore.
The club is equally going very well and everything seems to be settled. It’s easy to leave these great characters behind, because everything looks so perfect after everything they had to overcome in order to reach their goals. I’m surely going to miss all those smexy scenes and I have to admit that the balance between plot and smexy times was perfect in this part of the story.
March 7, 2023
I didn't want Phan to have this much of a place in Tobias and Noah's life at first. He is a little drama queen, but eventually became very likable...and Noah and Tobias love him...so he'll find his place in their lives. Actually, the inclusion of Phan into the relationship was just meant to be, as there just wasn't another answer for Phan. This series has been wonderful allowing us to watch the character’s growth. Noah is the outstanding character of this series. His transformation from the broken, unsure man who wanted desperately to submit to the confident and settled sub in tis the final book was fantastic to read. Before reading this series, I would have pictured Tobias, as the key to keeping the threesome together, but it was Noah’s ability to communicate clearly and naturally and to be able to give each member of the relationship what they needed, was what kept them working. I did so enjoy this series and will visit Tobias, Noah and Phan by re-read these books again and again.
September 4, 2013
I suppose how much you enjoy this book is dependent on how much you enjoyed book4.
In this installment we see the business at the club growing and Bradford and Tobias taking care of things the best they can all the while dealing with the pressures of being not only full time deviants as they call themselves, but of being full time Doms to the subs.
Some background as to where my review is coming from, I disliked the addition of Phan to the relationship in book 4 for many reasons that you can read in my previous review. I also missed all the things that made Tobias and Noah's relationship so wonderful, them learning and exploring their limits and building their trust. This book finds Noah & Tobias once more adjusting their relationship to accomodate Phan to the point that it seems that there will no longer be a separate relationship between Noah & Tobias. Which I guess I would like if I were all about the group relationship. But I think it puts unfair strain on Noah. What Tobias and Noah had worked and was special and different and with Phan they are just becoming more of the same. Sigh... I don't know the answer. I want Phan as a friend for Noah, but not part of their relationship. He sucks a lot of energy and attention. I want him to have someone of his own, that can shower him with his undivided constant attention. someone that isn't Tobias.
Also I missed Noah's POV in this book. It was almost completely from Tobias' POV, with the exception of maybe 3 chapters. Plus there was very little actual exploration of their relationship. There was one thing that was sort of a boundary push, quickly discussed before and after, and never revisited. Really it just seemed like Phan has been thrown in to cause conflict constantly and for Tobias and Noah to deal with it.
Just putting it out there, I would welcome more Bradford and Nikki as a balance to the now monotonous Tobias/Noah/ Phan storyline.
Meh. I don't know if I need more of these if they don't progress.
In this installment we see the business at the club growing and Bradford and Tobias taking care of things the best they can all the while dealing with the pressures of being not only full time deviants as they call themselves, but of being full time Doms to the subs.
Some background as to where my review is coming from, I disliked the addition of Phan to the relationship in book 4 for many reasons that you can read in my previous review. I also missed all the things that made Tobias and Noah's relationship so wonderful, them learning and exploring their limits and building their trust. This book finds Noah & Tobias once more adjusting their relationship to accomodate Phan to the point that it seems that there will no longer be a separate relationship between Noah & Tobias. Which I guess I would like if I were all about the group relationship. But I think it puts unfair strain on Noah. What Tobias and Noah had worked and was special and different and with Phan they are just becoming more of the same. Sigh... I don't know the answer. I want Phan as a friend for Noah, but not part of their relationship. He sucks a lot of energy and attention. I want him to have someone of his own, that can shower him with his undivided constant attention. someone that isn't Tobias.
Also I missed Noah's POV in this book. It was almost completely from Tobias' POV, with the exception of maybe 3 chapters. Plus there was very little actual exploration of their relationship. There was one thing that was sort of a boundary push, quickly discussed before and after, and never revisited. Really it just seemed like Phan has been thrown in to cause conflict constantly and for Tobias and Noah to deal with it.
Just putting it out there, I would welcome more Bradford and Nikki as a balance to the now monotonous Tobias/Noah/ Phan storyline.
Meh. I don't know if I need more of these if they don't progress.
February 25, 2014
So someone said that depending on whether you liked book 4, you will or won't like this one and I could not agree more. Since I hated the previous book, I'll admit
I almost didn't finish this book which isn't saying I read 100% percent of it.... I usually don't rate under 3 stars but for a series that started off so great finishing so poorly is just a shame.... And just infuriating. So 2 stars for 2 reasons, the one chapter with T and N alone and the chapters about B and Nikki and the friendship with T. The rest I pretty just skipped or read half-heartedly. At some point I just kept wondering if we were supposed to even like Phantom. All that immature, self centered, selfish and annoying and whiny behavior just got on my nerves in a bad way. Even when Tobias and Noah talked together, they were talking about him....and even during threesomes you could still feel the chemistry between T and N which was pretty much why I kept reading until you read the interactions T and P have and I'm sorry but there's nothing there. It feels forced and it doesn't make much sense the same way the relationship between N and P doesn't. It feels like they both woke up one day and decided they loved P. I will say it again during three books we were told that T wouldn't take a second sub yet he did, that he wasn't in love with phan, yet suddenly he is, that Noah wouldn't accept P to become a part of his relationship with Tobias yet he did, that he was an independent sub who liked being a cop yet he quit ( and may I say for the worst reason possible, I mean you're a cop but you don't want to go after bad guys and use your gun???? I don't think Noah would be this naive or stupid for that matter) and finally P himself said he didn't want to intrude and get back together with Tobias because they simply didn't work yet he so majorly did and in the most sneaky and annoying way. Tobias and Noah had much more chemistry together and the books were a lot deeper and we learnt a lot more during the first three books. Besides I have to say at one point they manage to make me mad at Tobias for calling Nikki's behavior "tantrums"........seriously he spent one night with Noah and the very next morning, P manages to make it about him being neglected!!!! And of course neither Noah or Tobias shuts him up saying something like " it's been about you since you pretty much inserted yourself into our relationship because you're an unstable, horny and irritating teenager" or something along the way. I'll probably go back to the first books some weeks from now just to remember the way it used to be before someone decided to shred the whole thing. I don't know who came up with that idea and who said it was a great one but it was a bad day for them both. They should write an alternative ending where phan meets a new dom during interview and leave them alone! I think I'm done, I just have to digest the biggest disappointment even felt while reading!!!
I almost didn't finish this book which isn't saying I read 100% percent of it.... I usually don't rate under 3 stars but for a series that started off so great finishing so poorly is just a shame.... And just infuriating. So 2 stars for 2 reasons, the one chapter with T and N alone and the chapters about B and Nikki and the friendship with T. The rest I pretty just skipped or read half-heartedly. At some point I just kept wondering if we were supposed to even like Phantom. All that immature, self centered, selfish and annoying and whiny behavior just got on my nerves in a bad way. Even when Tobias and Noah talked together, they were talking about him....and even during threesomes you could still feel the chemistry between T and N which was pretty much why I kept reading until you read the interactions T and P have and I'm sorry but there's nothing there. It feels forced and it doesn't make much sense the same way the relationship between N and P doesn't. It feels like they both woke up one day and decided they loved P. I will say it again during three books we were told that T wouldn't take a second sub yet he did, that he wasn't in love with phan, yet suddenly he is, that Noah wouldn't accept P to become a part of his relationship with Tobias yet he did, that he was an independent sub who liked being a cop yet he quit ( and may I say for the worst reason possible, I mean you're a cop but you don't want to go after bad guys and use your gun???? I don't think Noah would be this naive or stupid for that matter) and finally P himself said he didn't want to intrude and get back together with Tobias because they simply didn't work yet he so majorly did and in the most sneaky and annoying way. Tobias and Noah had much more chemistry together and the books were a lot deeper and we learnt a lot more during the first three books. Besides I have to say at one point they manage to make me mad at Tobias for calling Nikki's behavior "tantrums"........seriously he spent one night with Noah and the very next morning, P manages to make it about him being neglected!!!! And of course neither Noah or Tobias shuts him up saying something like " it's been about you since you pretty much inserted yourself into our relationship because you're an unstable, horny and irritating teenager" or something along the way. I'll probably go back to the first books some weeks from now just to remember the way it used to be before someone decided to shred the whole thing. I don't know who came up with that idea and who said it was a great one but it was a bad day for them both. They should write an alternative ending where phan meets a new dom during interview and leave them alone! I think I'm done, I just have to digest the biggest disappointment even felt while reading!!!
July 15, 2012
Having read some reviews that this book was basically a giant epilogue, and that it really just followed Tobias, Noah, and Phantom through a few of their days together, I wanted to save it for a time I needed a good comfort read. After the worst Friday the 13th in my personal history, a comfort read is EXACTLY what I needed, and getting to spend time with these three fit the bill beautifully.
I still can't understand all the animosity toward Phan. He's adorable and hilarious and imo has given both Tobias and Noah something that they wouldn't have found just with the two of them. I found myself in the unfortunate circumstance of trying to eat breakfast just when I got to the pirate scene, and totally ended up choking a few times from laughing so hard.
I really enjoyed getting to see more of what life is like for the three of them now that they're all working at the club. It made me happy to see how much more relaxed Tobias is now that he doesn't feel like he has so many things competing for his attention.
I also loved getting to see how Bradford and Nikki are getting on.
This book couldn't have been more perfect for what I needed. I got to see characters I already loved working and playing and sometimes arguing together--but mostly loving. It was beautiful and fun and a perfect way to continue (conclude?) the series.
I still can't understand all the animosity toward Phan. He's adorable and hilarious and imo has given both Tobias and Noah something that they wouldn't have found just with the two of them. I found myself in the unfortunate circumstance of trying to eat breakfast just when I got to the pirate scene, and totally ended up choking a few times from laughing so hard.
I really enjoyed getting to see more of what life is like for the three of them now that they're all working at the club. It made me happy to see how much more relaxed Tobias is now that he doesn't feel like he has so many things competing for his attention.
I also loved getting to see how Bradford and Nikki are getting on.
This book couldn't have been more perfect for what I needed. I got to see characters I already loved working and playing and sometimes arguing together--but mostly loving. It was beautiful and fun and a perfect way to continue (conclude?) the series.
February 5, 2017
I can't believe I finally finished it... ha, it actually took me three months to read! Whilst it was a very good book in every sense of the word, this one just didn't hold my attention like the first few did. I'm not a huge Phan fan to begin with, and I never really bought the relationship between him and Noah - though the authors did a fine job elaborating on this and making it more believable.
Just little things, like Nikki and Bradford (huh, why did we need this?). The whole Mrs. Miller thing at the end was nice, but again, why? There were some really fantastic scenes though,
Definitely one of the best series of its kind and a must read if you're into MM BDSM. Really well written and thoughtful, not to mention a very creative storyline.
Just little things, like Nikki and Bradford (huh, why did we need this?). The whole Mrs. Miller thing at the end was nice, but again, why? There were some really fantastic scenes though,
Definitely one of the best series of its kind and a must read if you're into MM BDSM. Really well written and thoughtful, not to mention a very creative storyline.
June 17, 2023
Depuis le temps que ce tome était annoncé, autant dire que j’ai pleinement profité de ma lecture.
Retrouver Noah, Phantom et Tobias a été un vrai bonheur.
L’alchimie qui les unit est présente dès la première page et ce, jusqu’à la dernière. Les relations entre sont complexes mais fortes et sensuelles.
Dans cette opus, le trio est installé et chacun joue pleinement son rôle. J’ai aimé les interactions entre Noah et Phantom tout en jeu de séduction et sensualité. Celles entre Noah et Tobias révèlent toute la confiance que chacun éprouve envers l’autre.
J’aime la dynamique qui existe entre ces trois hommes.
Si leur relation est bien installée, leurs responsabilités au sein de la communauté BDSM prend une toute autre ampleur. J’ai apprécié de découvrir cette évolution là de chacun des personnages.
Mon seul bémol porte sur la fin de ce tome et de facto, de la série. Cette dernière tombe comme un cheveu sur la soupe, chose que je n’ai pas compris.
J’ai tout de même passé un très bon moment avec ce trio hors norme.
Retrouver Noah, Phantom et Tobias a été un vrai bonheur.
L’alchimie qui les unit est présente dès la première page et ce, jusqu’à la dernière. Les relations entre sont complexes mais fortes et sensuelles.
Dans cette opus, le trio est installé et chacun joue pleinement son rôle. J’ai aimé les interactions entre Noah et Phantom tout en jeu de séduction et sensualité. Celles entre Noah et Tobias révèlent toute la confiance que chacun éprouve envers l’autre.
J’aime la dynamique qui existe entre ces trois hommes.
Si leur relation est bien installée, leurs responsabilités au sein de la communauté BDSM prend une toute autre ampleur. J’ai apprécié de découvrir cette évolution là de chacun des personnages.
Mon seul bémol porte sur la fin de ce tome et de facto, de la série. Cette dernière tombe comme un cheveu sur la soupe, chose que je n’ai pas compris.
J’ai tout de même passé un très bon moment avec ce trio hors norme.
August 15, 2020
Wow, I must say I was afraid Phantom might have pulled the plug. I love the growth and understanding that Noah and Tobias has under taken throughout this series. It only made them stronger in their relationship and able to be their to meet Phantom’s needs. I also, love that Tobias has Bradford as a confidant that’s he can rely on at anytime and vise versa. Most of all I love this series because it open your eyes on the types of male/ male relationships in the BDSM lifestyle.
January 17, 2012
It was good to visit again with Tobias, Noah and Phan. The scenes were great as always and the ending was particularly sweet. The only thing I missed was having more character growth this time. Phan will always have problems and Noah is always so dependable and Tobias ever diligent. But at times it seemed like we were just visiting to watch their daily lives go by. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the visit.
Read
January 24, 2023This is a 3.5 star read. I really wanted to love this book as I have done with the earlier books in the series. However, although a nice read, I was waiting for something monumental to happen. The story was a bit flat, lots of scenes and sex, but no huge changes in the relationships that had already been established. I guess I was looking for a bit more excitement, suspense or angst to increase the rating. In summary, a nice conclusion to the series.
October 8, 2021
"Safe Words" is a perfect conclusion to the story of Tobias, Noah, and Pham. It's a must to read the prior books in the series to understand the full arc of the relationships, the tremendous growth of the three men, the strengthening of their bonds, and the deep love they have for each other. As alluded to in previous books, Pham had a horrible and abusive childhood that have left deep scars that require patience, therapy, and healing. Noah finds abiding satisfaction in his true nature as a submissive. Tobias matures in his role as a dominant and relishes his "top space". This book does not have all of the crises of previous books, as the trio are becoming very bonded and they know each other well. Instead, the book takes to last mile to resolve some lingering issues. Beautiful story of a true love between these three men.
February 10, 2021
Some time had passed and I was ready for the last leg of this journey. I enjoyed the previous books but they all blended together too much after a while, so I paused for a bit, and now this felt fresh and fun to me.
I love the dynamic of the characters and the communication happening, both direct and through body language and all the half thought out issues that have to be dredged up from deep within. And that pirate role play was so much fun!
It's a good addition to the series, but like the previous books I would have preferred a clearer, tighter plot arc.
I love the dynamic of the characters and the communication happening, both direct and through body language and all the half thought out issues that have to be dredged up from deep within. And that pirate role play was so much fun!
It's a good addition to the series, but like the previous books I would have preferred a clearer, tighter plot arc.
November 12, 2010
From the first novel in the DEVIATIONS series the author duo Chris Owen and Jodi Payne captivated me with a triangular developing relationship. Not only did they give me some high quality BDSM that rocked the eroticism, but also intricate characters who got under my skin very quickly. I thought it all ended with book four; BONDAGE, so color me surprised to find out my favorite BDSM series got a fifth novel release. Of course I immediately bought it and fired up my e-reader, eager to become a part again in the emotional journey of Dominant, Tobias and his two subs, Noah and Phantom. All I discovered while reading however was that the continuance of this series with SAFE WORDS wasn’t up to par with its previous releases.
It isn’t that Tobias, Noah or Phantom are suddenly different, or that the eroticism fails to heat up the pages. Neither is it the love, for it is evident from start to finish this threesome has something unique going on. I think a part of what diminished the magic in SAFE WORDS is that at the end of book four; BONDAGE I knew Tobias, Noah and Phantom could concur any minor difficulties left to deal with in this ménage. By then they were so deeply in love, their communications skills good and the major problems were solved. That left very little within SAFE WORDS to deal with which showed in the first hundred pages. The day to day activities were at the forefront. It was getting up, making breakfast, having a morning discipline for Noah and Phantom, getting to work together, discuss work related problems, go home, have some sexing, cuddling and go to sleep. It was monotonous and the storyline became tedious for me, lacking the depth in which previous struggles were solved.
Tobias, Noah and Phantom still have that intricate connection though but save one issue for Phantom and a short clash between the three of them, that connection wasn’t challenged much. For lovers of this series it still gives a nice return to the three men with their vibrant personalities. Men who I’ve become very attached to over the course of this series. Tobias is ever the even tempered, giving man who loves to be a Dom. He has his hands full with his two subs, Noah and Phantom. Noah is a man who enjoys the challenge and he is a steady influence on Phantom. Phantom on the other hand is a live wire of emotions and body movement. Each of these three men has his strengths and weaknesses but together they are a unit and their interpersonal connection is translated in the dialogues which is full of humor, passion and everything else they feel.
Every ingredient in the DEVIATIONS series was present but subdued. I can’t say there was bad writing or that that characters had a completely turn around in their behavior. Even the sex play was spine-tingling and there was also some character growth in the latter part of the story. Still, I can’t deny I missed something. Whether it was an intense romantic development, more struggles within the ménage or a higher level of engaging storytelling, I can’t pin point my fingers to the exact thing that made this entry feel so off for me. Perhaps it comes down to the fact that by the end of SAFE WORDS I felt I could’ve done without it and still feel absolutely fantastic about this series. Now I feel let down while the characters are still so very dear to me.
Whatever magic Chris Owen and Jodi Payne possess it isn’t really happening in SAFE WORDS creating a story I could’ve done without in this series.
2.5 stars
It isn’t that Tobias, Noah or Phantom are suddenly different, or that the eroticism fails to heat up the pages. Neither is it the love, for it is evident from start to finish this threesome has something unique going on. I think a part of what diminished the magic in SAFE WORDS is that at the end of book four; BONDAGE I knew Tobias, Noah and Phantom could concur any minor difficulties left to deal with in this ménage. By then they were so deeply in love, their communications skills good and the major problems were solved. That left very little within SAFE WORDS to deal with which showed in the first hundred pages. The day to day activities were at the forefront. It was getting up, making breakfast, having a morning discipline for Noah and Phantom, getting to work together, discuss work related problems, go home, have some sexing, cuddling and go to sleep. It was monotonous and the storyline became tedious for me, lacking the depth in which previous struggles were solved.
Tobias, Noah and Phantom still have that intricate connection though but save one issue for Phantom and a short clash between the three of them, that connection wasn’t challenged much. For lovers of this series it still gives a nice return to the three men with their vibrant personalities. Men who I’ve become very attached to over the course of this series. Tobias is ever the even tempered, giving man who loves to be a Dom. He has his hands full with his two subs, Noah and Phantom. Noah is a man who enjoys the challenge and he is a steady influence on Phantom. Phantom on the other hand is a live wire of emotions and body movement. Each of these three men has his strengths and weaknesses but together they are a unit and their interpersonal connection is translated in the dialogues which is full of humor, passion and everything else they feel.
Every ingredient in the DEVIATIONS series was present but subdued. I can’t say there was bad writing or that that characters had a completely turn around in their behavior. Even the sex play was spine-tingling and there was also some character growth in the latter part of the story. Still, I can’t deny I missed something. Whether it was an intense romantic development, more struggles within the ménage or a higher level of engaging storytelling, I can’t pin point my fingers to the exact thing that made this entry feel so off for me. Perhaps it comes down to the fact that by the end of SAFE WORDS I felt I could’ve done without it and still feel absolutely fantastic about this series. Now I feel let down while the characters are still so very dear to me.
Whatever magic Chris Owen and Jodi Payne possess it isn’t really happening in SAFE WORDS creating a story I could’ve done without in this series.
2.5 stars
November 1, 2012
A lovely book, even though it falls the slightest bit short of the original series
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 9/10
PROS:
- I adore these characters, especially the two subs. This book solidified my affection for Noah; there’s a switch scene in this story that felt more convincing to me than any in the earlier books. I thought it was less “scenelike” and more genuine--less like Noah was acting a part and more like he was really taking on the role of Dom for a while. And oh my goodness, I love Phan. Like, almost more than life itself. He’s wounded yet fierce, a mental basketcase at times but always loving and sweet. He’s one of my favorite fictional characters ever. He makes me smile and giggle and sigh.
- I loved seeing characters I’m already familiar with reacting to situations in which they’re an established threesome. Phan gets collared right at the end of the fourth book, and I liked seeing them now that they’ve all been together for a while and are making the relationship work, rather than simply coasting on the newness of their feelings for one another. Phan and Noah come much closer to being 24/7 subs in this story than they have before--after all, they’re not only living with Tobias but also working with him--and although it took me a while to get used to their all being together SO much, I did enjoy seeing that new aspect of their relationship.
- The authors once again tackle real issues with this book rather than focusing entirely on the warm fuzzies of how wonderful and perfect the men’s lives are. For me, one of the most interesting things about the Deviations books is how deeply Owen and Payne examine the characters’ psyches, and that very much continues here, especially as pertains to the difficulties of a threesome relationship.
- Percentage-wise, we don’t really see any more of Bradford than in the earlier books, but what we do see of him made me like him even more. Several new secondary characters are introduced also, and although we don’t get to see too much from them, I liked a couple of them very much.
CON:
- The tone of this book seems to me just a little different than the tone of the earlier books. It struck me as less bare and frank; there’s more explanation, more cushioning in the exposition.
Overall comments: I definitely recommend this for fans of BDSM and/or threesomes, regardless of whether or not you’ve read the earlier, 4-book series. There are sections of text, especially toward the beginning of this book, that are quite obviously aimed at catching up those readers who are unfamiliar with the characters’ backgrounds. This isn’t QUITE as perfect as I wanted it be, though. Don’t get me wrong--it’s a great book, and I loved reading it because I adore the characters. But try as I might, I couldn’t read it objectively and prevent myself from comparing it to the original series’ seamlessness. It’s a lovely afterthought, but an afterthought nonetheless.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 9/10
PROS:
- I adore these characters, especially the two subs. This book solidified my affection for Noah; there’s a switch scene in this story that felt more convincing to me than any in the earlier books. I thought it was less “scenelike” and more genuine--less like Noah was acting a part and more like he was really taking on the role of Dom for a while. And oh my goodness, I love Phan. Like, almost more than life itself. He’s wounded yet fierce, a mental basketcase at times but always loving and sweet. He’s one of my favorite fictional characters ever. He makes me smile and giggle and sigh.
- I loved seeing characters I’m already familiar with reacting to situations in which they’re an established threesome. Phan gets collared right at the end of the fourth book, and I liked seeing them now that they’ve all been together for a while and are making the relationship work, rather than simply coasting on the newness of their feelings for one another. Phan and Noah come much closer to being 24/7 subs in this story than they have before--after all, they’re not only living with Tobias but also working with him--and although it took me a while to get used to their all being together SO much, I did enjoy seeing that new aspect of their relationship.
- The authors once again tackle real issues with this book rather than focusing entirely on the warm fuzzies of how wonderful and perfect the men’s lives are. For me, one of the most interesting things about the Deviations books is how deeply Owen and Payne examine the characters’ psyches, and that very much continues here, especially as pertains to the difficulties of a threesome relationship.
- Percentage-wise, we don’t really see any more of Bradford than in the earlier books, but what we do see of him made me like him even more. Several new secondary characters are introduced also, and although we don’t get to see too much from them, I liked a couple of them very much.
CON:
- The tone of this book seems to me just a little different than the tone of the earlier books. It struck me as less bare and frank; there’s more explanation, more cushioning in the exposition.
Overall comments: I definitely recommend this for fans of BDSM and/or threesomes, regardless of whether or not you’ve read the earlier, 4-book series. There are sections of text, especially toward the beginning of this book, that are quite obviously aimed at catching up those readers who are unfamiliar with the characters’ backgrounds. This isn’t QUITE as perfect as I wanted it be, though. Don’t get me wrong--it’s a great book, and I loved reading it because I adore the characters. But try as I might, I couldn’t read it objectively and prevent myself from comparing it to the original series’ seamlessness. It’s a lovely afterthought, but an afterthought nonetheless.
August 14, 2016
Will maybe have to try to do a review after a re-read because I waited too long.
ETA: Re-Read 3/1/14
Book 5 in the Deviations series & at this point the last one.
Tobias has retired from his vet practice now and is a full partner in the BDSM club with Bradford. This seems to be working out really well for him. Noah ends up quitting the police force when he almost has to pull his weapon. He decides that what he really wanted from the force was to help people, not chase criminals. So he ends up working part time at the Y & then taking a security position at the club. Phan also does some work at the club. *waves hand airily* Something about assisting Tobias with screening future Doms.
Noah is settling into the new arrangement rather well, very little hiccups, no real challenges. Phan is his usual bratty self. ME, ME, ME. Everything has to be about ME. He doesn't like having couples come through the house at the farm during training weekends. So they all happily give in to his wishes (demands) and re-do the bunkhouse so that the trainees will spend the bulk of their time there instead of in the main house.
Now. Deep breath. Here comes my BIG rant.
Now that the rant is over, there was at least one more BDSM element explored that was new to me. Knife play. And some interesting interaction between Nikki and Bradford that I would really love to see expanded at some point.
ETA: Re-Read 3/1/14
Book 5 in the Deviations series & at this point the last one.
Tobias has retired from his vet practice now and is a full partner in the BDSM club with Bradford. This seems to be working out really well for him. Noah ends up quitting the police force when he almost has to pull his weapon. He decides that what he really wanted from the force was to help people, not chase criminals. So he ends up working part time at the Y & then taking a security position at the club. Phan also does some work at the club. *waves hand airily* Something about assisting Tobias with screening future Doms.
Noah is settling into the new arrangement rather well, very little hiccups, no real challenges. Phan is his usual bratty self. ME, ME, ME. Everything has to be about ME. He doesn't like having couples come through the house at the farm during training weekends. So they all happily give in to his wishes (demands) and re-do the bunkhouse so that the trainees will spend the bulk of their time there instead of in the main house.
Now. Deep breath. Here comes my BIG rant.
Now that the rant is over, there was at least one more BDSM element explored that was new to me. Knife play. And some interesting interaction between Nikki and Bradford that I would really love to see expanded at some point.
December 18, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
The final book in the Deviations series and it wraps up the lives of Tobias, Noah and Phan well even if things don’t always run smoothly.
This book is all about balance as the three men have made drastic changes to their lives in the past few months. Managing three people in a relationship was never going to be easy and they find themselves challenged often.
Phan is deeply unsettled at letting other Doms and subs into their home at the farm for the training weekends but in true Phan form finds his worries difficult to articulate. As always Noah is the buffer that helps drag out his worries and concerns and then persuades him to talk to Tobias. The solution in the end is quite simple but does make their work load even heaver.
Tobias is far more relaxed having sold his veterinary business and now working full time with Bradford. He is the first to acknowledge that being ‘sir’ to two subs is time consuming and not always easy. Add to this the rapid expansion of their business and sometimes there are not enough hours in the day. When he is feeling frazzled and needs an outlet he is very lucky that Noah is prepared to switch roles and calm him down. Tobias really does make a very good sub for someone who is so used to being the one in charge. I really like this aspect of their relationship but it is not as easy as it was before Phan joined them and when they leave Phan feeling left out they have their first major falling out.
We see more of Bradford in this book. When his newly collared sub Nikki is left unsettled after an event at the club it looks as though he may end up heartbroken yet again. Yet another ‘closed meeting’ takes place between Bradford and Tobias where they try to iron out their relationship issues with each other. It’s a nice reminder that Doms are not invincible, they are only human after all and don’t always have the answers. I think their chats are nice reminders of these facts.
In Safe Words we are given the confirmation that Tobias, Noah and Phan made the right decision with their relationship even if sometimes it is still a struggle. For the most part their issues have already been resolved and now they just have to work to keep that stability. Their love for each other is always clear even when the circumstances are sometimes not easy. If there was ever a series I would like more of it is Deviations and I am sure it will not be too long before I re-read them all again just to have time with three of my favourites.
The final book in the Deviations series and it wraps up the lives of Tobias, Noah and Phan well even if things don’t always run smoothly.
This book is all about balance as the three men have made drastic changes to their lives in the past few months. Managing three people in a relationship was never going to be easy and they find themselves challenged often.
Phan is deeply unsettled at letting other Doms and subs into their home at the farm for the training weekends but in true Phan form finds his worries difficult to articulate. As always Noah is the buffer that helps drag out his worries and concerns and then persuades him to talk to Tobias. The solution in the end is quite simple but does make their work load even heaver.
Tobias is far more relaxed having sold his veterinary business and now working full time with Bradford. He is the first to acknowledge that being ‘sir’ to two subs is time consuming and not always easy. Add to this the rapid expansion of their business and sometimes there are not enough hours in the day. When he is feeling frazzled and needs an outlet he is very lucky that Noah is prepared to switch roles and calm him down. Tobias really does make a very good sub for someone who is so used to being the one in charge. I really like this aspect of their relationship but it is not as easy as it was before Phan joined them and when they leave Phan feeling left out they have their first major falling out.
We see more of Bradford in this book. When his newly collared sub Nikki is left unsettled after an event at the club it looks as though he may end up heartbroken yet again. Yet another ‘closed meeting’ takes place between Bradford and Tobias where they try to iron out their relationship issues with each other. It’s a nice reminder that Doms are not invincible, they are only human after all and don’t always have the answers. I think their chats are nice reminders of these facts.
In Safe Words we are given the confirmation that Tobias, Noah and Phan made the right decision with their relationship even if sometimes it is still a struggle. For the most part their issues have already been resolved and now they just have to work to keep that stability. Their love for each other is always clear even when the circumstances are sometimes not easy. If there was ever a series I would like more of it is Deviations and I am sure it will not be too long before I re-read them all again just to have time with three of my favourites.
January 8, 2011
My Blackraven's Review of this title:
What a great continuation of one of the most outstanding series that I’ve had the pleasure to read. I fell in love with Tobias, Noah, Phan and all the gang when the Deviations series first came out a few years ago. It’s one of those things where you hope and hope that the authors will write more about the characters you’ve found so unforgettable. We all know that these follow-up stories usually fall flat…not that we don’t want them anyway. But that is NOT the case here. Safe Words lives up to its predecessors. It’s emotional, gritty and yet still fun. It will make you laugh and cry.
The entire story flows well from beginning to end making it hard to put the book down at any given point. I find it interesting that as far as books go there wasn’t any real overt dramatic plot line within the pages of Safe Words. But it was no less interesting for that fact. We start with a committed partnership and know we’re going to end with the same, but watching their journey to become closer and more in tune with one another was lovely indeed.
It’s silly of me I know, but I can’t help but hope that there is a spin-off story to be had within this world so that we’ll run into these wonderful characters again in the future.
If the Deviations Series is any indication of what can happen when two writers collaborate, then I think Chris Owen and Jodi Payne have a hit on their hands if they are so inclined to write together again.
If you haven’t read the Deviations series yet, don’t delay. I can’t imagine a scenario in which you wouldn’t enjoy it immensely. The journey the characters are on throughout the story is compelling and deeply moving.
Rated 5 Ravens by MacKenzie!
http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=...
What a great continuation of one of the most outstanding series that I’ve had the pleasure to read. I fell in love with Tobias, Noah, Phan and all the gang when the Deviations series first came out a few years ago. It’s one of those things where you hope and hope that the authors will write more about the characters you’ve found so unforgettable. We all know that these follow-up stories usually fall flat…not that we don’t want them anyway. But that is NOT the case here. Safe Words lives up to its predecessors. It’s emotional, gritty and yet still fun. It will make you laugh and cry.
The entire story flows well from beginning to end making it hard to put the book down at any given point. I find it interesting that as far as books go there wasn’t any real overt dramatic plot line within the pages of Safe Words. But it was no less interesting for that fact. We start with a committed partnership and know we’re going to end with the same, but watching their journey to become closer and more in tune with one another was lovely indeed.
It’s silly of me I know, but I can’t help but hope that there is a spin-off story to be had within this world so that we’ll run into these wonderful characters again in the future.
If the Deviations Series is any indication of what can happen when two writers collaborate, then I think Chris Owen and Jodi Payne have a hit on their hands if they are so inclined to write together again.
If you haven’t read the Deviations series yet, don’t delay. I can’t imagine a scenario in which you wouldn’t enjoy it immensely. The journey the characters are on throughout the story is compelling and deeply moving.
Rated 5 Ravens by MacKenzie!
http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=...
June 30, 2012
I really really wanted to love this book but in the end I found myself skipping through it while reading. After reading Fifty Shades series, I was glad that I finally found some decent BDSM books. I enjoyed the first three books and I was happy to see there were others but when Phan came into the equation these books started leaving a bad taste in my mouth. I like Phan as an individual character but especially in these book I just wanted to strangle him to dead. I was especially angry when he decided to pull sullen teenager crap after Tobias/Noah special night. Also another thing left me thinking was Noah's participation as sub for 6 days. I thought he wanted to be a little bit independent? I remember him saying he'd need his own space some days in a week. To me he's technically in a position where he can't have his own space while working in the club as security. And final point I thought these books was about Noah's and Tobias' relationship not the teenager Phan and his problems. This whole books was about him. Can please someone take him out of these equation if there's a 6th book?
May 11, 2014
I didn't like this book as much as the other four, the author's writing style seemed different, probably because there was a greater stretch of time between this book and the last. But it took me a while to get into it. In book 4, I liked the Noah/Tobias/Phan aspect more than I did in this book. But I think that I was hoping for Phan to leave. I like him as a character, but I think Noah and Tobias are much more compatible. I just don't really understand why the authors chose to make such a huge deal about how Noah is perfect for Tobias, he fills every need Tobias has, and then comes Phan. Perhaps, it's because I, myself, could never have a polyamorous relationship and some of it is because I can't completely understand it. I may have liked it better had the relationship between the three in this book been better and had there been a bit more of a plot. I miss seeing Tobias pushing their limits, granted there was the one scene, but other than that, it was spanking/flogging/cropping, etc. Not to say that it wasn't hot, but this book just wasn't nearly as good.
August 29, 2014
Series/Standalone: book five
Genre/sub-genre: BDSM
Book Format: print
HEA/HFN: yes
Relatable characters: less so than originally
Abuse/Rape: no
Violence: no
Ratio of sex/plot:even
Well written/editor needed: editor needed (see thoughts below)
Would I re-read?: No.
Personal thoughts:
There were two very good scenes in this book. One was a knife play scene in the middle and the other was a hilarious pirate role play toward the end. I think this book would have been better off if the authors had taken those two scenes and expanded them to create two short stories. I do like these characters, but this book was a huge disappointment for me. There was no real plot, the characters' problems were minor and were all basically solved by throwing money around. The rest was just filler.
I also think Bradford and Nikki should have gotten their own book. They've earned it, being the second main couple to this story.
Genre/sub-genre: BDSM
Book Format: print
HEA/HFN: yes
Relatable characters: less so than originally
Abuse/Rape: no
Violence: no
Ratio of sex/plot:even
Well written/editor needed: editor needed (see thoughts below)
Would I re-read?: No.
Personal thoughts:
There were two very good scenes in this book. One was a knife play scene in the middle and the other was a hilarious pirate role play toward the end. I think this book would have been better off if the authors had taken those two scenes and expanded them to create two short stories. I do like these characters, but this book was a huge disappointment for me. There was no real plot, the characters' problems were minor and were all basically solved by throwing money around. The rest was just filler.
I also think Bradford and Nikki should have gotten their own book. They've earned it, being the second main couple to this story.
September 3, 2012
I love this series and I love these three guys. This was a comfort read for me. It was so nice to get back into the world of Tobias, Noah and Phan. This book continues right where the last one left off. I'm glad that Noah and Tobias have retired and now the three of them can live full-time as Dom and his two subs. I think this threesome works perfectly together.
This book wasn't as intense as some of the others in the series, but all of them are still 5 star reads for me. This book had an incredibly hot scene which I loved. I heard that this was the end of the series, but I hope that's not true. I think there is still so much that can be explored with these three characters and the expansion of the club. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
This book wasn't as intense as some of the others in the series, but all of them are still 5 star reads for me. This book had an incredibly hot scene which I loved. I heard that this was the end of the series, but I hope that's not true. I think there is still so much that can be explored with these three characters and the expansion of the club. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
March 31, 2012
I've been saving this book for a while since I enjoyed the others so much. However, I'm sad to admit I'm disappointed by this one. It really didn't add anything revelant to the series, in my opinion. Of course, the characters are still great (although I'm not a big Phantom fan. Is Phantom necessary? I still don't get what he brings into the relationship), the BDSM scenes amazing and the writing superb. I especially enjoyed Tobias' "submission" to Noah and the way they anticipate each other's needs.
My problem with the book in general is that I don't think the conflict dealt in the story was worth a book. I just found it lacking somehow. It just left me feeling like Phantom is a spoiled brat and that Tobias and Noah would be better of without him. I'm very disappointed.
My problem with the book in general is that I don't think the conflict dealt in the story was worth a book. I just found it lacking somehow. It just left me feeling like Phantom is a spoiled brat and that Tobias and Noah would be better of without him. I'm very disappointed.
January 12, 2013
This one was a bit of a let down BUT Tobias did redeem himself in his lack of whininess so there is that. I also enjoyed learning more about Bradford & Nikki. The role play scene alone is worth the read-a brilliant combination of hilarious & scorching hot. The trio is still working out some issues in their relationship but I still can't shake the feeling that Phan is a third wheel & the real "relationship" is between Tobias & Noah or perhaps Noah & Phan but... what do I know? In general, I still feel the same about the series being one of my faves overall, I just preferred the first three over the last two.
January 10, 2017
I've read this twice, and out of loyalty to the series, and my first impression I will keep my rating at 4 stars.
What I've loved about this series as a whole is that it's not only about the kink. It's about people, and relationships, and overcoming challenges through communication, and kinky sex. As the books have progressed, the focus has (in my opinion) definitely been on the relationships first and foremost. This isn't a bad thing, and in the realm of kinky books, it's actually quite rare. Unfortunately, this time around, it wasn’t what I was looking for, and I found myself skimming a large portion of this book, looking for my favorite parts.
What I've loved about this series as a whole is that it's not only about the kink. It's about people, and relationships, and overcoming challenges through communication, and kinky sex. As the books have progressed, the focus has (in my opinion) definitely been on the relationships first and foremost. This isn't a bad thing, and in the realm of kinky books, it's actually quite rare. Unfortunately, this time around, it wasn’t what I was looking for, and I found myself skimming a large portion of this book, looking for my favorite parts.
September 8, 2010
This book was a little off for me. I still enjoyed the read but some parts made me go this doesn't feel like the series I feel in love with.
I loved the growth that Phan went through here. But it doesn't feel that Noah did as much.
I also enjoyed the glimpse into Bradford and Niki relationship.
The one thing I did miss was the Noah and Tobias moments, they were still there but I always enjoyed those moments more than the stuff with Phan with them.
Thinking it over it might have been the editing in it. B.c in some parts I am going wasn't Phan gaged but he is talking. o_O
I loved the growth that Phan went through here. But it doesn't feel that Noah did as much.
I also enjoyed the glimpse into Bradford and Niki relationship.
The one thing I did miss was the Noah and Tobias moments, they were still there but I always enjoyed those moments more than the stuff with Phan with them.
Thinking it over it might have been the editing in it. B.c in some parts I am going wasn't Phan gaged but he is talking. o_O
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2012
This book was a nice finish to the series. I've never disliked Phan, but I didn't like him being included in the relationship with Noah and Tobias. I always felt he needed to let Tobias go and find his own Dom. But by the end of this book my feelings towards him had changed a bit. The relationship with the 3 men was getting stronger. They've worked thru a lot of their issues. This book sort of left me with a happy feeling to know the three of them were going to be ok.
February 22, 2013
I was not bored by this fifth book of the Deviations series, but I was not very interested either. I felt about the same for this whole series. This is neat. It’s like a tamed animal, unable to bite, and I like when the beasts can bite and when they do it sometimes.
There is nothing wrong with the writing itself, though. As usual, it is very correct.
For these reasons, I give three stars to this story.
Longer review:
http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=18381
There is nothing wrong with the writing itself, though. As usual, it is very correct.
For these reasons, I give three stars to this story.
Longer review:
http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=18381
September 9, 2010
It's no secret that this is one of my favorite series. I adore the first four books in the series and re-read them often. Book five, Safe Words was an enjoyable read (and I loved revisiting the characters) but I don't think it quite stood up to the previous stories. Even so, I would still recommend the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews