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Synopsis

Domination is the second book in the Submission Series, following Monica and Jonathan. Submission left us in limbo, with Jonathan Drazen’s ex-wife causing more drama for the couple. Monica starts questioning her intentions and feelings for him as she realises she loves him but wasn’t expecting it when they first started seeing each other. Then, her loyalty to her friend Gabby is tested when she gets denied a part in a music demo. Gabby takes it badly, costing Monica, her best friend and her singing voice the same day. Nonetheless, Jonathan is determined not to let her go.

Domination begins with Monica and Jonathan enjoying each other. Monica believes that Submission is not abdication. Submission is not resignation. It’s not weak. It won’t break her; she can handle it! Domination delves more into Jonathan’s past with his ex-wife Jessica, his father and Rachel. We begin to see Jonathan’s life unravel as Jessica sets out to hurt him more than ever. Told in joint POV between Monica and Jonathan.

Genre 

• BDSM
• Romance
• Erotica

Book Setting – time and place 

Los Angeles and Vancouver.

The storyline, in general terms 

Taking the part of three novellas. Control, Burn and Resist. The story follows Monica and Jonathan and how their relationship develops from casual to dating. This book discusses abuse, the line BDSM follows, and how the outside world views it. It’s the first time we see Jonathan try to protect Monica, hiding Kevin’s art piece by buying it while Monica still adjusts to life without Gabby. Her career is everything she has for herself outside of her relationship with Jonathan (something he controls), so her music belongs to her.

Kevin and Monica’s relationship is a subplot in this book, as well as Jonathan and Jessica’s, with a suspected stalker making it harder for Monica and Jonathan to trust anyone, especially with all the evidence pointing to Kevin. There are a few twists and turns throughout the book, which kept me coming back for more.

What did I like about the book? 

CD Reiss used her characters wisely to help build the relationship between Monica and Jonathan—something many books fail at regarding a trilogy. I absolutely adored the subplots of Monica’s singing career, which were woven together with her BDSM connection to Jonathan without her truly knowing he was her muse.

“There’s only you. You think I’m stupid? You think I can create what we have with another woman? I know the world. I know the people in it. Us? What we have isn’t something we made. It’s something that existed before we even met.”

CD. Reiss – Domination Book 2

This novel sticks precisely to what is written across the genre. The story follows the actions of the characters rather than them being driven by the plot. I found the short chapters gave the book extra momentum as it quickly shifted from one perspective to another. Surely deserving of five stars!

What would have made it better? 

There wasn’t much I could fault with this book; however, I was slightly disappointed with Jonthan’s declaration of love was a bit poor by book standards! He made it about her body, not how she makes him feel, and that isn’t what a girl wants to hear, and then he thanks her. But I also understand that it is very part of his character trait to say it like that.

“What I meant was, I love your filthy mouth. And I love your mouth when it sings and jokes. I love your body, and everything it does to me. I love when you come, when you squirm under me, begging for it. I love your hands, and your eyes. I love your honor and integrity. I love your loyalty, your intelligence. I love your honesty, even when it hurts me. I’ve fallen in love with you, Monica. I didn’t think it would happen to me again, but it did. Thank you.”

CD. Reiss – Domination Book 2

What didn’t I enjoy in the book? 

Domination was a book that I actually felt was actually better than the first. Usually for me, I typically prefer the debut, but this book really impressed me; however, I struggled with the scene between Jessica and Jonathan. I get the power play, but that wasn’t dominance; it was anger and resentment, and he hurt her. He never paid for his crime either; it disappeared under the heaviness of book three.

The cliffhanger! Ahhhh! My heart was in my throat.

Will I read another book by this author? 

I want to read all her books, but I’m unsure if I will ever get over this trilogy enough! I liked the collection in paperback so that I can reread it in two years! Honestly, I wish I could read it for the first time again! I’ve been walking around in a fog all week! I could talk about this book all day!

If you would like to know more about CD. Reiss or check out her books, please go to her website https://cdreiss.com/.

Star rating: 5 stars

Have you read this book yet, or do you plan on adding it to your TBR? Let me know by commenting below.

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