Jonathan Drazen. A beautiful bIllionaire with a taste for obedience. Too bad I'm not submissive. This girl will never surrender. But I can’t stay away from him. He’s got this bossy way about him in bed. The word “Sir,” falls from my lips, and when he tells me to get on my knees…well, my knees have a mind of their own. I got this. I can be his slave for a few nights and walk away unscathed. We get in. Get it on. Get the hell out. Done. He can find the line between love and lust. It’s right between my legs. Now, let’s see if that line blurs for me.
------ This bundle includes Submission / Domination / Connection
CD Reiss is a New York Times bestselling author. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets.
Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels.
She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping a single cord of wood.
If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.
Beg Burning the lab down chemical reaction leading to volcanic explosion! That's what Monica and Jonathan Drazen have experience in this first book of Complete Submission I'm like....I want to be Monica! I want to meet Jonathan's eyes, taste his lips, feel his voice wash over my body and see him being cheeky impish. But I want to be the kick Ass, strong, sexy AF Monica first. It's the first book so story has just begun, not formed any shape. Kinda like foreplay before vagg-sorenessing sex and Jonathan remains true to his word in making Monica beg and me pine.. Hallelujah for CD's horny imagination🥰 5 stars to Kill Jess
Tease As is with great series, this second book in Complete Submission goes inches further in... Jonathan and Monica are on body exploring stage of their relationship. Her music career in the background which is equally important. her friends play clashing havoc with her feelings for Jonathan. They've both come to the agreement of "just sex" relationship. He's still burnt from his marriage cause he loved his wife deep and those scars aren't healed yet. She's got to focus on her fledgling career, a persistent, embarrassing ex, babysitting her suicidal bandmate/friend and in between is the meddling Jess Ughhh get on with it! Needless to say..5 stars
Exciting series that is raw and intense. Untouchable rich man meets struggling waitress trying to make it big as a singer. Interfering ex-wife and ex-boyfriend. Crazy father and unstable friends. It’s crazy addictive!
I know this is supposed to be a series of books, but honestly they wouldn’t make sense if read one at a time. One book just continues into the next one. It’s not necessarily a cliffhanger (that would involve an element of excitement that makes you want to read the next book as soon as possible), more like one book ends with something mundane and the next book picks up the next moment. There’s not a whole lot of story in these books. It’s just long stretches of sex scene after sex scene. Although they are inventive and hot AF, it kind of got old after a while. I feel like these 9 books could have been boiled down to 3 at the very most. Towards the end I just got bored and wanted it to end.
I think it’s just me and preference but I tend to get truly annoyed with the emotional unbalance in a female character. You can’t pretend to be strong and be weak. Then there is the dominance factor of which should’ve only been in the bedroom according to both parties but dragged out through every line in the book; some of which could’ve been cut from the final draft. I genuinely enjoyed the read otherwise. Great characters, plots, scenes.
Sexy, me gusto que la protagonista no es la clásica sumisa / cenicienta, si no que tiene algo de carácter e independencia; también me gusto, la parte donde el vulnerable es él... aunque la parte de la enfermedad no se me hizo nada creíble.
This is such an emotional series and I was more than happy to be invested in it. I just love the relationship between Jonathan and Monica. They fell for each other, and they fell hard. And I just love that the last three books in the series shows how committed they both are in their relationship.
Not my cup of tea I don’t like either of the characters. Like I’m trying to picture this hot ginger and nope not doing it for me. Also the h is a doormat like he tells you he loves his ex wife and will never love you and you’re like surrrreee let’s give this a shot. Also I hated all of the bar scenes talking about her singing and her gigs it all felt super repetitive. Could get past book two so I’m out.
There were parts of this book I really enjoyed. I enjoyed the growth in their relationship but the beatings disguised as love making just dragged and became very repetitive. Monica and Jonathon were great characters but I didn’t understand their need to be so brutal. I like bondage and domination but the beatings were abusive so if that’s not your thing then I can’t recommend this book.
This book was like seeing someone after a few years and asking "how are you" and them telling you every single thing that happened to them in boring detail. There was no romance, it was not very erotic.
This book was like overdosing on a soap opera. It was so long that it tired me out, and I was asking myself what else could possibly happen to these people. Will not read the next one. If you’re into soap opera drama, then this is your book.
Periodically I reread parts of this series. It really is so long and so dramatic, and so intoxicating (the nighttime landscape of LA, glamorously drunk in love/lust vibe,)! I wonder which Drazen was the writer's first inspiration/motivation into developing this dynastic universe of theirs. Reading to see reincarnations of Reiss supporting cast characters within her version of LA is also really fun, even just a recycling of names for the really minor one-off characters offer an insight into her mind in crafting archetypes.
There are actually many red flags in her characters but I think the storytelling and characters do have this magnetism, star quality even lol. Redemption over flaws beats out having completely PC and sterile set ups.
Jonathan is so entitled but tortured all his life (haven't read many Hs with self harm issues like him), inheriting his demeanor and inability to be vulnerable from his upbringing. The sex scenes get a bit too frequent in the more plot heavy points, where you just want them to not have sex and maybe resolve the H/h conflict some other way. This genre being what it is (and this book is absolutely written in response to the 50shades phenom, like many books in this time were), I can overlook that.
Jonathan is also really a controlling asshole lol but again this book delves so much into his family that it forms a fuller picture than Reiss's other alpha heroes. Also I think many of these erotica/romance books just have characters who are inherently a bit turned on by selfish cunts, that's the politics of such books. Kind of a hot mess but very fascinating actually. Jonathan's also obsessed with being creative because he's not actually creative in writing or other forms of arts, so he latches onto what he created with Monica within their sex life but also with their drawn out love affair. I found this to be unapologetic and interesting too, I can see these types irl. For this reason I adore the other Drazen series where the sisters/main heroine are the messy selfish counterparts to their comparably simpler heroes (less assholeish, less controlling sometimes...), where they all have massive issues but the hero's issues are deprioritized.. honestly I support that hierarchy in heterosexual romance.
I haven't seen many romance books be this honest about characters' loneliness, Monica and Jonathan found their loneliness mirrored in each other, amongst many other things that form their connection. That part really gave a lasting impression into their bond and the nature of bonds between any couple.
The incessant drama is kind of CW channel tv show like, just seasons of drama (cliff hangers) and a nonstop hamster wheel running of bureaucratic drama between the love pair before they face off the ultimate match with death, it's kind of a cruel trial for any reader in 2023 but really I adore this about the series too.
In the Rachel episode of the series, Jonathan calls an adolescent Gabby's demeanor "melancholic confidence". That is so funny to say because I get how Reiss is a screenwriter and needs to show who Gabby is but simply can't make this into a live action thing with casting, so she had to put that important fact of a minor character (i'm not being sarcastic!) in there.
Within her books, the other thing is that it's clear Reiss loves her kids and having their own family is really important to like all of her couples, but it is bewildering how many couples she's written that all just long for kids so bad, it amuses me everytime I'm reminded of it. It's kind of extremely traditional of her, since it's soooo many white couples just longing for babies.
I love Monica, the quirky artist with a steel backbone. The perfect submissive. And I love Jonathan, the perfectly flawed billionaire dom.
Their story drew me in immediately. I felt like I intimately knew secret parts of Monica and completely understood her mind when no one else could. Jonathan’s behavior was a bit more puzzling and at time frustrating to me but, none the less, he was still so lovable and in the end it all came together for them.
There are a few interesting and some devastating twists and turns and one big moment that really changes everything. Their story is mostly complete but I’m still curious to see how it all plays out for them and still wondering about Kevin and the cameras. Hopefully there are some answers in the other Drazen family stories.
I love how this author writes. Her descriptions bring you right into the scene and her research is top notch. I’ll be moving on to the next series as soon as I am finished writing this.
I feel like I've read almost all of this series and every single book was excellent. The character development is so believable. The women just as strong as the men, on equal ground. CD Reiss is one of the best writers in this genre of books. She has her own style, she is robust and descriptive. Her stories are clearly on an elevated level beyond superficial good guy/bad guy good girl/bad girl drama and sex. I've read this whole series and not one whiner in all the series. Her writing keeps my interest and doesn't degrade the genre.
Jonathan & Monica have to fight to commit and stay true to who they are. Their honesty helps them survive. Reiss is so good at creating both female and male perspectives, it makes her stories stronger.
The only negative about reading CD Reiss is that her books set the bar so high, her writing is so good when I begin a less well written or developed book I very quickly lose interest and don't finish it. Thank goodness for Kindle Unlimited. And thanks to CD Reiss for being so prolific 🙂
1st reading: This publication is the entire series (and then some) in one volume. And it is amazing. The author's writing is superb, all the characters nuanced. The evolution of this relationship, from initial attraction to deep and abiding love after years of marriage, never gets boring. The dynamics between them, he as dominant, she as submissive - but only with him and initially reluctant to own it - are intricate and sympathetically drawn. Most fascinating is watching the change that happens between them as Jonathan and Monica navigate the repercussions of his near death and heart transplant. One special moment during the collection of shorts at the end comes during Jonathan's engagement party to his first wife, when we discover that he saw Monica from afar as she was performing as part of the musical entertainment - and he was instantly drawn to her beauty. I *highly* recommend this collection; one of the best BDSM stories I've ever read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
There aren’t enough adjectives to adequately describe this epic series. It took me through every single emotion possible. I laughed and cried and was heartbroken and enraged. Monica and Jonathan’s journeys, both together and apart, were fabulous... and crazy how they were intertwined. I loved everything about these books themselves and the bonus material that gave a slightly different perspective and filled in some details. And my goodness, Jo Raylan!! Absolute perfection! And that sultry voice. Gaah! She was absolutely perfect as Monica! Great casting by CD! Christian Fox can do no wrong with his narration. He was wonderful in making Jonathan dominant and vulnerable and angry and closed off. The narrators just took this series to another level!
The Drazen family series is the best!!! This story of Jonathan Drazen. If you have not read Margie's story yet, I would get on it. You can read one without the other but let me tell you, you will have such a wider understanding of what is happening if you do. I loved reading about Jonathan and Monica. There is also the ex-wife Jessica. What people will do for money. I loved reading about their journey of kink and Monica's music career journey. I did not want the story to end. It was that good. A must read. I highly recommend the whole series.
Reasons I enjoyed this book: Entertaining Page-turner Romantic Realistic Scary Steamy Tear-jerker Unpredictable Witty Wonderful characters
I have seen this series recommended over and over again and it’s been on my TBR for awhile. Now I’m kicking myself for not reading it sooner. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a story that kept me up all night but I was up until 5 am on Sunday night/Monday morning until I forced myself to put my ereader down and walk away so I could get a couple of hours sleep before work. This is one of those stories that will consume you and Jonathan and Monica are one of those couples that will stay with you long after the book is finished.
Sizzling and sexy, this book will wrench your heart out and piece it back together
10/10 would recommend However- material may be sensitive to some people (not just the NSFW stuff). If you're triggered easily, you may want to skip it. Lots of parts were hard to read. To be super cliche- yes. Love conquers it all. You love who you love, be who you are, and love the best life you can. This steamy romance breaks your heart in ways you don't think are possible, but keeps you turning pages to find out what's next. I couldn't put it down.
This was a remarkable book. I have not given five stars to a book in a very, very long time. Ms. Reiss did an exceptional job with this work. The characters were deeply emotionally flawed, deeply developed, loved deeply and were very, very passionate. The words that came through pages were powerful and left me feeling every emotion that one can experience. That’s what makes a good book, well, ...great and this one was one of the best I’ve ever read in this genre. The book left me filled with all kinds of emotions; one after another. I couldn’t put this book down. Jonathan, the main character delivers mind-blowing pleasure over and over again!
The last part of this book took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride to define all rollercoaster rides. I feel like that epilogue was amazing but also I need more. I still have questions. This story was crazy from beginning to end. So much happened that was pure emotional baggage and also things happened that made the emotions feel as light as a feather. Or who knows what I’m saying since it’s 2 am and I have no clue what my brain really wants to tell you. Just, read it. That’s all you really need to know.
I can't say enough about Monica and Jonathan. This trilogy is a long one and sometimes when you read three different novels back to back you can get tired of the characters. I never got tired of Jonathan or Monica and their developing love story. There were so many twists and turns and events that you never saw coming. The characters are individually complex and are developed in such a way that you really connect with each character.
The Dresden family novels have all to date been excellent and I look forward to reading more about this family. I don't often name favorite characters because I read allot of books but Monica and Jonathan are definitely two of my favorites to date.
My Library Notes: Complete Submission (Songs of Submission, #1-8) by CD Reiss Kindle Edition, 1244 pages Published June 19, 2018 by Flip City Media Inc. ASIN: B07DW21CYH [ 11/03/2022 - accidently updated to new cover ]
Jonathan Drazen is an attractive billionaire with a need for control and a history that haunts him. When Monica Faulkner, a struggling musician, meets Jonathan while working at one of his hotels' bars, her world is flipped upside down. Jonathan doesn't do anything ordinary in the bedroom, and Monica is far from being a compliant submissive. But she can't stay away; his dominant nature draws her in. Every time he demands that she get on her knees, she decides to comply. Even though deep down she knows it's dangerous, Monica tells herself it will only be temporary - like a game they play over the course of a few nights. With this idea in mind, Submission starts.
Oh, the chokehold this series at on me! Jonathan Drazen is the best BOOK boyfriend ever! I will review each book individually, but I have lived and breathed their story for the last week! I laughed at Monica's sassiness, gasped at Jonathan's dominant side, and cried! Oh my god, did I cry! The whole series felt like my heart was continually pulled out of my chest, ripped apart, and then pushed back into my chest to start again! I couldn't love a series more! I could read another ten books!
It goes on and on and on about the same thing get together and break up I was 30% done with the book and I wanted to quit but I gave it another shot and I just couldn’t do it anymore. I don’t hate the relationship between Monica Dan Johnathan but I’m not all for it. It just got tiring and boring couldn’t help my self to finish it. Gave it two stars because it made me laugh and the sex scenes were hot but the story line did not work.