Submission

Submission #1

by C.D. Reiss

THE HIT USA TODAY BESTSELLER
Jonathan Drazen’s my billionaire boss.
Or he was, until he fired me.
Now he wants to make a bet.
If I win, he’ll give me enough money to not care about this waitressing job.
If he wins, I’m completely and utterly his for the night.

I’m sworn off men, but I’ll take this wager. He’s hot enough to break some rules over.
Besides, he’s still hung up on his ex-wife. There’s no chance he’ll want more after the sun comes up.
Just one night, and I walk away from his dark past and his hot demands.
I shouldn’t walk away.
I should run.
Turns out, when Jonathan Drazen wants something, he gets it, and after our one night, he wants me.

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Erotica, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Dark, Dark Romance

370 pages, Paperback

First published November 23, 2013

About the author

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.

***NONE OF MY BOOKS ARE SAFE***

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

FREE! (limited time) | AMZ US |


★★★★★! SUBMISSION (BEG-TEASE-SUBMIT, part 1-3) book 1 of 3. Playboy & mogul Jonathan Drazen’s seduction of aspiring singer Monica Faulkner!

“Where did you learn to do that?”
“Los Angeles High School of Performing Arts,” I said. “They taught me how to open my throat to sing. Then Kevin Wainwright taught me how to put his dick down it.”
He laughed. “I’d like to thank LA Unified and Kevin Whatever for this moment.”

Songs of Submission is the whirlwind saga of aspiring singer Monica Faulkner and hotelier and real estate magnate Jonathan Drazen. Books/novellas should be read in order:
Book 1: Beg
Book 2: Tease
Book 3: Submit
Book 3.5: Jessica & Sharon
Book 4: Control
Book 5: Burn
Book 5.5: Rachel
Book 6: Resist
Book 7: Sing
Book 7.5: Monica
Book 8: Dominance
Book 9: Coda
Book 10: Breathe

In Beg, part 1 waitress and aspiring singer Monica Faulkner meets hotelier Jonathan Drazen and they have an instant attraction, but both have demons in their pasts. Whereas Jonathan is open for no-strings-attached sex, Monica is more looking to focus on her career. So Jonathan turns to seduction…

In Tease, part 2 Jonathan and Monica have hooked up for some off-the-charts sex and have come to an agreement that since neither is available they will just enjoy each other casually….

Jonathan has taken charge of Monica’s orgasms and is playing her like a violin. While Jonathan and Monica are both embracing and fighting their sexual attraction, exes are stepping in stirring up some drama….

Submit, part 3 is very much a journey for both Jonathan and Monica! Their relationship is evolving and sex is not enough, yet….

…they find themselves both fighting for and against taking it to another level. Circumstances and vindictive execs are not helping matters. Jonathan is convinced that Monica is a submissive which sets her into a tailspin. Then tragedy strikes that will test their bond... I will say no more as their story is best experienced.



Seven words to describe Jonathan Drazen: Captivating, enigmatic, private, relentless, in-control, caring and memorable.



Seven words to describe Monica Faulkner: Focused, talented, loyal, interesting, endearing, witty and strong.

I love everything about this series; Jonathan and Monica and the progression of their relationship! Part 3 ends abruptly, but no worries as part 4 is available. But before reading I recommend part 3.5, Jessica & Sharon , a short novella that ties into their story.

Spellbinding storytelling! Compelling characters! Scorching sex scenes! I highly recommend!

“I’ll call him for you.”
“I’m not about to suck your dick so you’ll make a call for me.”
“And I’m not making the call so you’ll suck my dick. So, now that we’ve cleared that up, can you get on with it?”

***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Heroine rating: 5+ stars
Sex scenes rating: 5+ stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 5+ stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5+ stars
Story ending rating: N/A
*********************************************
Overall rating: 5+ stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.



ARC provided to me by author in exchange for an honest review.

FREE! (limited time) | AMZ US |

[Shurrn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some series begin to drift off within the first three books... Other series will maintain your interest a little bit longer... But there are a select few series which blow you away with every single book... That's what we have with the Songs of Submission Series. The story is so entertaining, it will make you sit back and shake your head, wondering what the hell took you so long to pick them up...

“Kinky billionaire meets hot waitress. It’s a cliché of a cliché. I love it..."

My sentiments exactly, Darren!! C.D. Reiss has added an amazing spin to the played out Dominant Billionaire sub-genre of Modern Romance, and I am in love!

MONICA FAULKNER

“I want you all to myself. I want to know what they didn't do so I can do it. So I can keep you longer.”

Monica is one of the most level headed heroines I've read in ages. Her point of view is a joy to read, and completely refreshing in the current climate of simpering virgin pushover girls in modern romance... She's strong, she has goals, and she goes in to her fling with Drazen with her eyes wide open.

JONATHAN DRAZEN

"The minute I told you to spread your legs and you did it, you were mine..."

Jonathan is infinitely intriguing. He has a mix of vulnerability and raw sexuality which make him an intriguing male lead, but keep him from becoming the hackneyed untouchable billionaire... He has a secret past, and a wealth of baggage.

THIS SEQUENCE CONTAINS THE FIRST THREE BOOKS IN THE SERIES:


BOOK ONE - BEG
Monica is an aspiring singer who has sworn off men because heartache stifles her creativity. Jonathan is a notorious hotel mogul with a taste for casual sex and a heart that hasn't recovered from his ex-wife's betrayal... Beg tells the story of how these two souls come together...


BOOK TWO - TEASE
Jonathan has been away for business for a few weeks, leaving Monica mentally reliving their brief time together. Upon his return, the two rekindle their whirlwind romance affair... Tease also introduces us to new opportunities for Monica's career, we meet the people who have shaped the main characters so drastically, and a huge surprise awaits Monica...


BOOK THREE - SUBMIT
The third book sees both characters struggle with personal demons. They're facing their pasts head on and drawing together in the face of new challenges. The first two books will capture your attention, but the third book will keep you turning pages like a madwoman.

P.S.
I've been listening to The Detroit Cobras while reading these books, and their song "Cry On" has the sound I imagine in Monica's voice when she performs covers at Frontage... You can see a YouTube Video of them performing it at a club in NYC... Sorry I couldn't locate a better quality video, you'll just have to mentally replace the electric guitar with Gabby's piano.



My Full Reviews in the Songs of Submission Series:
(I will update links as more reviews become available)
1 --- Beg - Read my review here
2 --- Tease - Read my review here
3 --- Submit - Read my review here
3.5 - Jessica & Sharon - Read my review here
4 --- Control - Read my review here
5 --- Burn - Read my review here
5.5 - Rachel - Read my review here
6 --- Resist - Read my review here
7 --- Sing - Read my review here
7.5 - Monica - Read my review here

My Reviews of the Songs of Submission Sequences:
Songs of Submission: Sequence One - YOU'RE READING IT
Songs of Submission: Sequence Two - Read my review here

My Reviews of the Songs of Dominance Duo:
1 - Jessica - Read my review here
2 - Sharon - Read my review here

[Angie - Angie's Dreamy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best, most erotic story, I've read since Fifty Shades. Jonathan STOLE Christian Grey's thunder and gave him a run for his fucking money. He easily swooped in and stole TOP BOOK BOYFRIEND. He's a notch under Remy and if you know me and my Remy Tate obsession you know it's MAJOR! I'd stop to write a review but I can't! I simply flipping can't! This OWNED EVERY BREATH I TOOK, IT CONSUMED EVERY HEART BEAT AND STOLE EVERY FREAKING THOUGHT. I'm in LOVE! THE KIND OF BOOK LOVE THAT BREAKS YOU WHEN IT ENDS! God, I must read the second half NOW! Then I'll review.

[TeriLyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 million + "Hurt Me, Jonathan" Stars

Songs of Submission Series by CD Reiss stands as one of my most favorite stories EVER. Jonathan Drazen tops my list of favorite book boyfriends, favorite sadists, and all-time favorite men. I want him all to myself. Rich, witty, brilliant, gorgeous, and a demon in the bedroom - oh yes, Jonathan Drazen is the ultimate hero. Monica Faulkner could not be any more kick ass if she tried. Her attraction to Drazen, her voice, her honesty, her looks, her morals, her self-preservation all contribute to a neatly yet chaotic wrapped package of beauty in a heroine. Add to these brilliant characters the non-stop, intriguing plots of the story, secondary characters who make their tale even better, and scorching, sizzling, smoking sex scenes made unable to put these books down. The writing of CD Reiss pulls you in from the very first sentence and she continually gives more and more to the reader as the story moves forward. Her books are addicting, smart, brilliantly written, and a gift to readers. I'm so happy I've discovered this author, this series, and this unforgettable couple.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 1 of 3: Beg is only part one of a nine part series. It's a short novella that shows how Monica and Jonathon meet for the first time. You learn just enough about these two that you can't help but be incredibly intrigued. The attraction is immediate and you feel it on the pages. There seems to be a lot of baggage for these two. She's a struggling artist who's has a suicidal friend. He's in love with his ex wife. I can foresee a lot of drama about to unfold. There is just something about the way CD Reiss writes about these two that hooked me in just the first few chapters. I'm strapping in for the ride!

Part 2 of 3: And the drama has begun. In the first book, it ends with the morning after Jonathan and Monica's first night together. He was just initiated another round when he stops to take a call from his ex-wife. Monica slips out the door and leaves.

This leads you to believe that that one night was going to be it for them. But of course, that is not what happens. That same day Jonathan travels to Korea on business and is away for 2 weeks. He contacts her when he gets back.

This is where Jonathan states he is in love with his ex-wife and will never love anyone else. If he and Monica are to continue it will be a casual fling. Now normally this would really bother me. I do not ever want to read heroes in love with anyone but the heroine. For some reason, this one isn't bothering me so much.

We do get to see Jonathan converse with his ex-wife while in Monica's presence and he handled it very well. He didn't leave Monica's side and he didn't linger talking to the ex-wife. I think that's why I'm not bothered...yet. His attention to Monica is very much present.

We also have some drama with Monica's ex. He's more annoying than anything. I actually can't see what held her to him at all. This ends on a big drama cliffy.

Part 3 of 3: I've got a little whiplash with how fast Jonathan has went from only ever loving Jessica to falling in love with Monica but that isn't a bad thing for me. I like that he realizes there is someone better out there. Too bad Monica freaks out easily. The last thing Jonathan needs is a skittish woman after having an ex wife leaving him for another man.

Things are definitely spicing up. The ex wife is not liking that she no longer has Jonathan's attention and it sounds like she is going to threaten their relationship. We also will probably see more drama from Monica's ex since she agreed to work with him professionally. I like Monica but some of her decisions seem like she is self-sabotaging.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've reviewed this series during my original reading but as I am making my way back through the series with the lovely Canaries I thought it was time dress it up a bit.

Sequence One brings the first three novellas of the Songs of Submission Series together: Beg, Tease & Submit. From their first meeting to the moment where they both realize that there was nothing casual about their relationship.



Monica is the struggling musician, working as a waitress as she waits to be discovered. That discovery comes, but not in the way she imagined. She captures the attention of Jonathan, who happens to own the establishment she just got fired from. One look and he knew he had to have her. Her music has been her passion and in order to allow that talent to breathe she had sworn off all men until Jonathan infiltrates her thoughts, imagining what his touch could do since just the way he looked at set her on fire.

Jonathan is not in a position to lend more than just his body. His heart is still tethered to his past and although Monica can sense that he could destroy her, she can't seem to say no.



Jonathan had suppressed his desire to control and dominate for years. That hunger within him is awakened when Monica easily submits her body to him. The way she obeys is perfection. It is something that his ex-wife didn't understand but as he begins to command Monica; her reaction is as natural as taking a breath. Their relationship for the first time leaves the bedroom where both are exposed to the past and their former lovers. Just as a new understanding is reached that past forces itself into their present and has the power to change everything.



Monica is trying to push Jonathan out of her thoughts after her encounter with Jessica, but now Jonathan's returned from his trip and needs to set the record straight. A new revelation ensures that Monica will be in his life, for how long remains unknown. But for the first time in what feels like forever, he wants to explore something beyond a few encounters. But when Jonathan uses the word 'submissive' a thousand images flood Monica's mind that make her question everything.

But before Monica can make up her mind her world shifts and the only person who can keep it from sliding of its axis is the same man that she thinks will destroy her.


I've read hundreds of romance/erotica reads in the last few years and not once has an author completely captivated me with their words the way that CDR has. Every single sentence in this series matters. There is no denying how hot the scenes are, but the beauty lies within every corner of this story. The way words are used to paint such vivid images. Monica has remained as one of my favorite heroines, she is fierce and never loses sight of who she is and what she wants. Jonathan intrigued me then won me over in my original reading of the series, but I have to say that knowing how this series plays out, seeing him during moments in this sequence moved me beyond words at times.

If you have not yet discovered this series or if it has been collecting dust on your to be read list for the last year; you need to change that. Immediately. I was fresh off my high from discovering a whole new world of books after Fifty Shades of Grey when I stumbled across this series. And although FSOG will always be the book that opened my eyes to this world; SOS was the series that took me to new heights.

[DKristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this was not my first experience with Queen Reiss, this was my first audiobook in quite some time. I admit that usually when I have listened to some samples of audiobooks I did not like that the narrator sounded robotic and forceful with their rendition. I was so very delightfully surprised by the way that Jo Raylan took C.D. Reiss's, divine way of storytelling and delivered an erotic and highly sensual experience that I will not forget anytime soon...

Full review on Tuesday, February 10th 2015 on Kris & Vik Book Therapy Cafe...

[SusanAhh · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I could write songs about that face, those cheekbones, those eyes, that dry scent."- Monica

In the quote I use for the title of my review, Monica who is a singer/songwriter thinks about "the songs" she could write in praise of the beauty of Jonathan Drazen very early on in "Beg" of "Sequence One" in the "Songs of Submission". These songs that begin at that moment as an idea in Monica's mind are part of all the songs enveloped in the prose of CD Reiss. The literary work itself reads like music and in certain passages, even sounds like music. One example that comes to my mind is the rhythmic percussion of the " plink" sound punctuating the prose in a series of passages.
Masterful is not adequate to describe the skill and talent of CD Reiss. Mastery is attributed to craftsman able to craft a work of art with great skill. Beyond mastery is artistic inspiration and creativity which allows a work of art to soar above that which is earthbound beauty to the plane of heavenly beauty. There that beauty is recognized as "truth". It is there all great works of art speaking truth meet to elevate mankind's gaze and attention. It is there genius is found. And so this is the rightful place of this work of Ms. Reiss.
I am in a serious fangirl mental spin here...allow me to come down to earth and deliver some of the delicious details.
This is a love story, a great modern literary love story written in the guise of a heart-pounding erotic romance. Our hero, Jonathan Drazen is a stunningly beautiful bronze tinted hair and smooth ever so lightly freckled skin man with all the physical attributes that make you want to go mm Mumm. His Dominance and swagger and "tourmaline" colored eyes place him up there as one of my all time favorite fantasy book- boyfriends, nay lovers. In all his beautiful maleness, there is a mysterious hurt and guarding of his heart. He makes plain to Monica in the beginning that his heart belongs to his ex wife who hurt him and what he can offer her emotionally is limited by this condition...despite this Monica still sings her siren song with her beauty, natural self and her response to him and his touch.
Monica, dubbed "the canary" by a former beau, is serious about her music. It gives her life meaning and she guards and preserves her opportunities jealously. She is wary of over-involvement with anyone who would take her focus away from her songs, her singing and composing. It's the music that gives this canary her wings to fly and her voice to sing.
Initially, Jonathan enjoys a quasi-Dominant relationship with Monica, controlling certain aspects of their erotic encounters...more precisely, he controls Monica's responses. Despite her need to fly free she allows this measure of control. She senses in Jonathan his appreciation for her gifts and support for her music, her "songs".
In the last book, "Submit" the reader will discover whether Monica can reconcile her "submissiveness" despite her loathing of the label? And, will Jonathan find his heart free again to give Monica what she deserves? Will he help her sing? What will their song sound like as it is created?
Again reading the words that express themes and emotions feels smooth like silk is smooth. I never read or hear in my mind an awkward or misplaced phrase. The dialogue and banter are natural, appropriate to the character speaking and often witty.
This author could give a master class on writing erotica. Her moment by moment beautiful description...sometimes down, dirty and raw and sometimes unique, beautiful and swoon worthy tender...that the reader finds themselves barely able to breathe for the pleasure of the read.
These books in "Sequence One" are more than the label they bear as "Erotic Romance" or "Romantic Fiction". When you read with your heart, mind and body you find a feast of love in many shades, food for thought and an elevation of your being that is found in recognizing truths or " truth" as a
whole. Such a small price for books that will live in your memory a lifetime.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at The Book Nympho

            

Where has C.D. Reiss been?! Wow she brings a new level of writing to the Erotic Romance genre! Really, I can't think of another book in the genre that I gave a 5 stars rating. Sure there are others that I really like but it's been a little while.

SONGS OF SUBMISSION: SEQUENCE ONE is books 1 -3 (BEG, TEASE & SUBMIT) in the Songs of Submission series by C.D. Reiss. They were originally released as a serial series and the books in the whole series are being produced in audio book format.  I'm so glad that I got to listen to them all together. If I had to wait for TEASE after listening to BEG I would have gone nuts. LOL

We follow the relationship between Monica and Jonathan through them meeting and working through their sexual relationship where neither wants more. But of course after spending sometime together Monica starts to hope for more even though she knows that Jonathan is not capable of more.

But Jonathan keeps Monica coming back for more because of the mind blowing sex between them. But have no fear Reiss doesn't write just great sex scenes. No Monica and Jonathan are deep characters with a deeper connection. And there are a few interesting side characters that bring something to the party.

While listening to SEQUENCE ONE I laughed, was turned on, on the edge of my seat and heart broken. The writing and narration had me feeling like I was in the story with Monica and Jonathan. SEQUENCE ONE was a total emotional ride and I want to ride it again and again.

Jo Raylan brought C.D. Reiss's words and characters to life perfectly! Jo's voice and Reiss's writing totally sucked me in within the first 20 minutes of the audio. Jo Raylan is a new name but she's not new to the narration game. She narrates under another name (don't ask because if I told you, I'd have to kill you. LOL) but even though she's a pro under another name I've got to tell ya it was like listening to another person.

If I had not known Jo used a pseudonym I would have thought, hey she kind of sounds like someone I know but it can't be the same person because Jo's pitch and delivery really is something new. Her voice is smooth, seductive and she nails the male voice almost better than the female voices. It's hard (at least for me) to find a female narrator that can be spot on with the males as well as the females. And the part where Jo sings Monica's song. WOW

The team of Reiss and Raylan on my must listen list. If they are part of it I want more of it!

 

I cannot wait for SONGS OF SUBMISSION: SEQUENCE TWO books 4-6 (CONTROL, BURN & RESIST) to be released on audio. We get some Jonathan's POV and I can't wait to hear what's going on in his head.

[Nikki Sex · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in an author that writes in the first person, and writes hot Dominance and submission - don't go past this gem. Our heroine is a professional struggling artist - a singer trying to break into the industry. It is obvious that the author has some knowledge of the subject and probably sings herself. Monica's problems are plausible. Jonathan is a Dom with a truck load of secrets - which are an ongoing mystery. What I liked was the sex! There was enough of a story to create a connection between the two, and the D/s sex was realistic and steamy. Yum!

[Eva LeNoir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievably well written. I devoured this series and cannot wait for the next one to come out. The plot, the character development and yes even the damn cliffhangers were all amazing. But let's be fair, CD Reiss warns us about them up front so no bitching allowed!

Monica is different. She's strong, independent and driven. I have seen the FSOG comparisons and besides the fact that Jonathan is a rich dominant male and she's a financially struggling and unaware submissive the comparison ends right there. The writing style blows FSOG out of the water. Monica is curious and willing and sexually open to her desires making her a strong female character in my eyes.

If you are looking for great quality writing, hot ...and I mean freaking scorching...scenes with twists and turns and WTFs? You will find it all right here!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Ruined for Any Other Erotica Stars

Ummmm ...

BRB *splashes cold water on face*

Ok. Look, I’m right in the middle of cooking dinner for an entire troupe of teenagers, but my audiobook just ended, and I have shit to say. So, I’ll be brief.

Good goddamn, guys. C. D. Reiss can write the mess out of erotica. Why haven’t I heard of her? Her writing is intelligent and addictive. She discusses art, music, and the human psyche in a way that makes me want to sit down and chat with her all afternoon over coffee and chocolate croissants. Just listen to the way she describes the female lead playing the theremin:

“As I stood in front of it, listening to my voice and the piano together in my headphones, I reached for the instrument. My hand crossed the electromagnetic field and made a note. I moved the other hand between the metal poles, stroking the music, not touching a thing, the vibrations caused by the *lack* of physicality. The hand dance became a sensual thing, as if I touched an imaginary man who had come too close to me when I felt vulnerable, who had touched me when I hurt, and who had made the mistake of caring about me when I asked him to. For those sins and the mistake of letting his skin touch mine in a dangerous way, I’d shut him out.
“‘Can I start over?’ I asked Jerry, who was flipping dials in the control room.
“‘Yep.’
“Then I played the thing with all my anger and sorrow, flicking my fingers into the air to create notes of apology in measures of longing.”


*shivers*

And the sex scenes? I don’t have words.

(Damn. I really have to get back to cooking, but DAMN. This book was too good not to share.)

OK, ok. What do I say in 5 minutes or less? First, she writes kink for three dimensional human beings, with a full range of emotions and boundaries and strengths and fears. Her sex scenes are explicit and intense, and they’re so well written, every beat of dialogue intelligent and natural, they never cross into cheesy territory. Secondly, she brooches heavy topics without breaking the rhythm or mood of a scene. The importance placed on consent (in ways that go well beyond giving someone else permission to touch) was refreshing, the topic handled with ease and maturity.

And lastly, because I listened to an audiobook, I have to mention the narrator, Jo Rayland. I’ma stalk the shit out of her audiobooks, dude. Like for real. Her voice is sultry, scratchy perfection. I think she may do male voices better than any female narrator in the business right now. Truly. I want to fill a tub with her warm voice, sink down into it, and soak for hours.

*sighs*

But the best I can do right now is download the next book in this series and let her soothe me back into this sexy-ass story. While I finish dinner. These quesadillas aren’t going to toast themselves.

[D.G.]

DNFed at 35%

I thought the world was over Fifty Shades knockoffs.


Beg/Tease/Submit is not terrible but there's not just depth to the characters even though they are trying hard. Like in FSoG, we have the dark, young gazillionaire cavorting with the nubile young woman. There have been allusions to BDSM tendencies although these have been so subtle as to almost be non-existent. There have been visits to expensive clubs, ritzy neighborhoods, etc. etc.


I just can't take it.

[C. Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. There were thing I didn't like - mostly how Monica reacted at times especially in the third part/volume (she was to hot then cold - went from one thing to the opposite in one second) but all in all it was a really good read and I will continue with the series.

I'm actually quite curious to see what will happen next - more drama, angst, love and steamy sex scenes.

[❤️ Diana ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved this series. Hot!!! Steamy!! But also very well written!!! You can check out my individual reviews for each novella....Beg, Tease and Submit!! Overall 5 stars for the series!!

[Shannie's ⭐️Lookin' 4 My Next BBF⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddy Read with Denisse

This was a fabulous read and there have been so many fabulous reviews already done that I have nothing new to add!

[felicia ☽ · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf @ 30% read it for the smut and the smut wasn’t that great :)

[Dawn]

Well I should really read the blurb before I buy.... as I have read all these as individual books ... then I went on to buy the trilogy box set !!!!

its only after I got to the second chapter, I thought to myself; this is like a book I have already read !!

oh dear ... that's the old age kicking in now :( xx

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been putting off meeting Jonathan Drazen for quite some time now. I knew once I did, I'd be under his spell. His immense power and steely control would sweep me away, and where would I be after that. He'd take my heart but refuse to give me his, as he does to Monica Faulkner !!
Now we're both ruined !
Like A needle pulling thread !
He leads , we follow.
He opens the door, we take off our clothes.
He utters the command, and we kneel at his feet.
It works yanno.... because He's the ultimate Dominant to our Natural Born Submissives!
But unlike me, Monica is a singer. A beautiful canary who finds release in the high octaves, taking her frustrations and heartaches and climbing the high notes and setting them kiting away till she finds emptiness back in her soul dragging her through endless days. She meets Jonathan Drazen and her heart starts beating again . But he refuses to give her His.. because He had already Crashed nad Burnt once .

Whatever indefinable thing that was, short-term monogamous relationship, friendly fuckery, exclusive fling, it was not what he had had with Jessica. Our connection didn’t have the bandwidth to sustain the pain buried far enough in our past to cause the grind of our present. His past belonged to her, even though she’d cut the line, taking it with her, tugging at him, leaving no one else for him to give it to.

But he is clear in his demands...a proverbial exchange of power ! Does that appeal to Monica, who has been trying to escape those triggers that threaten to dehumanise or humiliate her ?

I had to stop. I had to sing. But every time I heard the plink of rain on my hood, it was a pistachio shell, and I was drooling Jonathan’s load into a metal bowl.

I need to mention something here. Her embarrassment is all in her own eyes. She goes through the " naked girl in school" syndrome and her Shame is what embarrasses her. The world goes by but she stands rooted in the bogs of her own casual submissiveness , so she takes the "Stab and Flight" route than giving herself a chance
A brilliant line by Christine sums it up so neatly -

I kept talking to Holden and Deshaun about dynamics and harmonies while thinking they somehow knew I was submissive. They were going to walk all over me and tell me how to sing the notes, how to breathe, how to open my mouth wide enough to take a cock.I knew they weren’t laughing at me and my pretensions of vocal control, but I also knew they were.

Her vulnerability is so acute, it brought tears to my eyes , so she steals her self with her inner chants .

My name is Monica, and I am not submissive. I stand six feet tall in heels. I am descended from one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century. I can sing like an angel, and growl like a lion. I am not owned. I am music.
I am not submissive.
I am not submissive
I am not submissive

What progresses is a rocky relationship there's misunderstanding , both accidental and manufactured but herein lies the maturity in handling it. Christine shows what a developed characters they are. They don't take the cookie cutter route by unnneccesary throwing speed breakers in their journey but they rather face each other, trying to cut through the flak thrown their way.
I am in love with her brain even more....if that's possible !!!
I generally skip over worded passages , unnecessary descriptions of locales, over the top sugary spewage from alpha mouths (ughh) and hunt for sexy scenes to feel something, if bored in normal books.
Here I'm about-turning, as much as I LOVED Jonathan and Monica in the most intimate of situation, I wanted to hurry up and proceed to the story . The words that flow from her pen are my comfort zone. I take time to taste each word slowly, hear them twice sometimes in my mind.....Then I highlight...
Then shut the book and just stare at the wall. Cause I am so deeply moved by them. Needless to say I'm continuing my journey with them ..
But If I ever had Jonathan in my life ...I'd never say Tangerine !!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, so I read this series as individual books a few years ago.... but I was in the mood for revisiting Monica and Jonathan so I've decided to re-read the entire series in a bundle! So many things I forgot about!!! others I remembered very well. I am really enjoying spending time with them again! Moving on to sequence two!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/26/2020)! 🎁

[trestitia ⵊⵊⵊ deamorski · Rating 3 out of 5]

actually i'm reading bundle. but i cant vote the whole series u know. thank god the novellas all in bundle, but i have to add and vote them and i hate this separated shelves.

watever lets get start.

h-25, Monica is annoying. like a teenage who just discovered her libido and telling i dont want relationships but acting like an about-to-be-his-girlfriend. c'mon. she is so selfish, I'm not talking about a girl who try to stand on her own feet with a cold heart and hard face. she is to blame. and im blaming her for Gabby's (her depressive best friend) death. or look Kevin's art.

H-32, Jonathan is ok. he still can't get over his ex-wife but honest at least, even after he realize that he dont want her ex- Jessica the bitch back, he was still honest. he is the one who always try to solve what's happening between Mon and him with talking and that's everything. he know what he wants and if he change his mind, he puts in words right away.

like, when she wants answer, she went down for him, he didn't want something like this, and he tried to have a real talk (but didn't want to tell lol) aaand guess wat, she refused.
it's so hard to deal people like her. bitch around to make him talk or just leave like you always do.

and bc of Monica I cant get in the book. I know they didn't share much cuz there was always sex but please stop talking about sex. if you talking that much why did you freak out when he said submissive to you? you are very familiar how can be rough and dominant and ordering around. nothing's new for the fuck sake. and if you'll freak out this much, why the fucking fuck you put in a song the things you scared (like hurting, calling as whore, licking floor, turning an animal etc) in a "beautiful" way.
she said "possessive and jealous are real turn-offs", i think she have a brain damage, from the start he was possessive.



Kevin, one of Mon ex, the only one I loved, even the most. dont know wat would happen in following books, but I loved him. the art he made after Mon's leaving... Reiss is amazing doing that kind of stuff.

i dont like to read hero still loving his ex, divorced or death or watever, and you know the only way to understand he dont want her back, n must see the ex wanting him back; actually he wants to feel that victory, the revenge, which is "see, at the end you crawl back to me". i dont like that but im a romantic so being realistic wont break my heart that much. but the thing i hate is sometimes author can be senseless with connecting dots with sex. c'mon. you are Reiss, you dont have to do that. Shorty "Jessica was vanilla". CMON.

Until I saw the Rachel I didn't want to continue, but fuck me i'm in.
and there is a mental situation with Jonathan, i have a guess once Jess saying "he beat me" to her friends, maybe after this he dealt with this shit i dont know

If you have never seen beauty in a moment of suffering, you have never seen beauty at all. If you have never seen joy in a beautiful face, you have never seen joy at all. (Schiller)

the drama Darren (Gabby's brother, Mon's ex now calling him brother) made, the vainness she showed...

i'm not giving three bc of Monica, it felt a bit messy to me. I love her pen, I think she is a master turning word into flows and balancing emotions and conditions.

isn't it interesting i couldn't find a quote with a kink
xoxoxo
iko

[Mel | Hot Plots and One Shots · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️3.5/5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

One Night With Him is a powerhouse of erotic romance with a deeply seeded (no pun-intended) plot. CD Reiss created a modern story that explores the complexities of being human in today's complicated world. As you read, you get to know the FMC and connect with her growth as she goes through her traumas, hopes, and dreams. The characters have top tier banter and the audiobook narrator did a *chef's kiss* job bringing these characters to life.

I appreciated the sensitivity and honesty that Reiss used to express the fmc's exploration into the world of BDSM and what a sub/dom relationship looks like. The FMC becomes OBSESSED (in my opinion) and I love being in her head for it.

All in all, this was a great read, a little slow paced, but I was along for the ride.


Thank you CD Reiss and Dreamscape Select | Flip City Media for the arc audiobook on NetGalley.

[Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have been infuriated had I not purchased this entire sequence. Alone, these are not "books" but are actually just a few chapters that the author has decided to sell separately, presumably to increase her profits.

As I mentioned in the individual reviews I posted for the three separate books in this sequence, I was consistently impressed with how well Reiss developed the characters and their chemistry. Although the premise is nothing special or unique, Ms. Reiss' writing style brings out palpable emotions
and the sex scenes are smoking hot! I contemplated not continuing on in the series but I already own the other sequences and the next sequence contains both a female and male narrator so I will continue (for now).

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really gripping and hot read. This whole story is written as a series of short stories, each with a cliffhanger so it makes sense to cut your losses and buy the bundled set because you won't be able to stop thinking about this.
The end of this has unfinished business rather than a cliffhanger so while I could leave it there, I'm enjoying this so much, I'm reading on.
The writing is higher than the usual quality for this type of book.
Recommended for anyone who likes a slightly dark, hot tale

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

FULL RECOMMENDATION AND FAVORITE QUOTES ON SMUTBOOKCLUB.COM

Bear with me. I'm going to do my best to write this recommendation in a way that honors the brilliance contained in the mix of words compiled by CD Reiss to create the entire Songs of Submission series. But I'm no magician; simply a smut peddler with an instant, deep, and abiding love.

[Rat]

Guilty pleasure might not be enough to express how embarrassed i am that this is on my read list

[ReadingInPyjamas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, Monica and Jonathan are my new favourite couple. They're story is refreshing and brings out so many emotions. I thought it would be the cliché type of romance, were the sexy billionaire gets infatuated with the poor but talented waitress, but it was the opposite. Yes, Jonathan is obscenely rich and Monica is trying to make it in LA as a singer. But they both pleasantly suprised me with their playfulness and their witty and effervescent personalities. The dominant-submissive relationship that develops between them was beautifully presented but what i loved most was that the story wasn't wholly centered on their bdsm relationship, but also on character growth. There are also some sensitive issue addressed, like mental health, depression and self harm. Overall a great first book in the series. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment.

[Red Cheeks Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, OMG, OMG, I literally must have the worst book friends in the world because they let me go this long without forcing me to read this. AMAZING! C.D. Reiss you have a lifetime fan in me! I devoured these 3 novellas in one day and was left aching for more. I am not always a huge fan of novellas which is probably why I hadn’t read these yet but WOW, I do not remember the last time I was in so much lust over a man ! These novellas are refreshingly well written and so easy to get lost into.

Monica Faulkner is just what I like in a heroine; strong when you need her to be yet still vulnerable. I feel like I saw her come into herself in these stories and felt a true connection to her. Watching her fight her inner desire to be submissive to Johnathan was great because I think that is how many of us would be if faced with that situation. Just because your heart and body want something does not mean that your brain always understands.

Johnathan Drazen has what us romantic dirty girls want; a good heart and a filthy mouth. I loved ever second I spent with him and I am dying for more. The man oozes sex appeal and knows just how to talk to a woman to get her panties wet. The rich hotelier is a role that has been done a million times but for some reason Johnathan felt fresh and new to me. I loved the way he commanded Monica without demeaning her. They just fit and I was rooting for them even when they were at their worst!

I honestly have absolutely nothing bad to say about this box set! Amazingly well written and literally pulls you in from the very first moment. You will not regret this purchase!

[Crystal Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this Box Set has only the first 3 books in the series, I think it is completely worth it to purchase the books. During the course of these books, you get to meet Jonathan and Monica, and you get to join them from the start of their relationship. Being able to watch the natural submission that Monica displays and the domination that Jonathan has, adds to the story in the sense that it doesn’t over take the whole story.

By watching their relationship, seeing them go through good times and bad, yet they manage to pull through, that is until the end is reached. The best part of this series, in my opinion, is that the writer has a way that keeps you interested in the story, and leaves you wanting for more.

Yes there is sex in this book, and let me tell you it is crazy hot!! But the sex doesn’t over take the book either. There is plenty of time where you are able to get to know the characters and are able to develop your own feelings towards them.

I would recommend this series to many of my friends!