Customer Reviews

Deviations: Discipline

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I agree that this series makes for exceptionally good reading, and this latest book does not disappoint. The authors continue the story of Tobias and Noah, now that their relationship is firmly established. This made the book more enjoyable for me, since they are truly a couple here. The sex continues to be hot and heavy, with some surprises thrown in for the reader and the couple. The dialog is again very well written, and the story is fun. The trip to Paris was quite juicy!

I felt that most of Phantom's participation in the story was a set-up for a future book. The conclusion of "Discipline," while satisfying, cliffhangs a little on Phantom - implying that he will take a more active role in the next installment, and perhaps have his own novel. Though I think this is a logical progression, and I want to know Phantom's full story, I would be disappointed if Tobias and Noah didn't find closure to their tale. Their lives are certainly intertwined with Phan's. I want to see the consequences of their decision whether or not to live together, and their new contract.

This series is a wonderful look at the world of BDSM (though I have no idea if it is accurate), especially for those of us that may have been reticent about reading such material. I cannot recommend this series enough! I can hardly wait until the fall for Volume 4!!

Third book in Deviations explores Noah limits, a trip to Paris and a very erotic 'scene' in a sex club! I love all of the characters, since they are fully developed and add to the story of Tobias and Noah. I appreciated that Noah wanted Tobias to be a little tougher, since I too have felt that he was losing his Dominant edge since falling in love with Noah. I felt he was getting too soft from the initial book! This looks like it will be dealt with in the upcoming novel along with our dear, adorable,hot,sexy Phantom and his dom. Bradford. It is touching that everyone is reaching out to Phan. in dealing with his emotional problems. This series is so rich in descriptive narrative, plot development and wonderful characters; IMO, it reaches out and pulls you into the lives of Tobias,Noah,Phantom,and Bradford. Love the eroticsm of 'play' at the club in Paris! Hot!HOt!Hot!

The third in the sublime 'Deviations series' and as thoughtful and well written as ever. The characters are fleshed out well and explored on a far deeper level than a lot of erotic fiction currently on the market.

This book explores the emotional side of Tobias and Noah's relationship and their friendship with Phantom even deeper than the previous: 'Domination'. While this is a welcome thing, the core theme of the series suffers a little - the development of the emotional/love side of the story, as wonderful as it is,takes the stage more at expense of the BDSM elements that gave the first book (Submission)it's edge and thrill. Although this changes towards the end, and we get more of what we expect from 'Discipline',it seems a long (or perhaps just impatient!)wait to get there.

I agree with another reviewer here, Jane, in that the character of Noah seems to need a little bit more toughness or control, lacking in this title, and as the reader, I also felt this. I hope this gets remedied a little in the next book as Tobias seems to have lost something of his hard Dom edge (as satisfying as it is to see his emotional side though). However, I loved that a 'flip flop element was introduced in Noah topping occasionally - as a side note - I would love to read a prequel spin off about the training of Tobias and Bradford as we know (though only with scant details) that they were trained together and I think this would be a delicious and sexy story to read.

Despite some truly sizzling and gorgeously passionate sex and love scenes, there are surprisingly not as many 'scenes' or explorations of the BDSM parts of their lives as one would expect, which is a little disappointing. Perhaps a better balance needs to be struck between the love story and the D/S elements which were more lacking here than the previous titles. Still, the book is very enjoyable and has far greater character development than most other books in this genre and I, like others, eagerly await the next title.

I also hope that Bradford and Phan have their own spin-off series at some point, or Phan with a slightly more compassionate Dom - Bradford is a less emotional person than Tobias (as far as we know thus far). Personally, I find most of the characters interesting - Bradford, Brian, Nikki, Luca for example and would relish the chance to read more about them - perhaps a good thick book of shorter stories or a series focussing on them? Perhaps I'm just greedy though ;)

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 9/10

PROS:
- Hot sex scenes, as usual, but in more unusual settings in this volume.
- Continued development of not just the D/s relationship but also the characters' emotional connection.
- A lot of progress regarding some of Noah's trust issues and fear of physical restraint.
- Tobias and Noah finally have an argument! (I was starting to think they were a little too perfect.) And as they do with all issues, big or small, they talk it out and come to a resolution quickly enough to keep anyone from losing sleep over it.
- Not quite a "happily ever after" at the end (there's a fourth volume, after all, and there's Phan--see cons below), but the promise of one. I liked the conclusion very much and highly anticipate my reading of the final volume.

CONS:
- Phantom. He's one of the most tragic characters I've encountered in this genre. He's hopelessly in love, not just with Tobias, but I think probably with Noah as well. But they're moving on quite happily without him and he's left with almost nothing. He unintentionally causes those two pain also, because Tobias constantly struggles with wanting to take care of Phan and Noah struggles with a rampant sexual attraction to him.

Overall comments: I'm loving this series. They flow beautifully from book to the next, with not much time between them, and the evolution of Tobias and Noah's romance is lovely. If you can stand BDSM at all, I suggest you give these a try; I found the first volume to be a bit of a shock to my system, but the second and third seem less severe, perhaps just because I'm used to the relationship's parameters by now.

Deviations:Submission, Deviations:Domination and now Deviations:Discipline. Like its predecessors, Vol 3 is very well written indeed. These 2 ladies are excellent M/M romance writers. They have given us such wonderfully sensitive and vulnerable men in Tobias, Noah, Phantom and Bradford.
The 3rd volume see Tobias and Noah taking their relationship to a new high, as their love and trust strengthen. It is most heartening to have Noah finally conquering his one fear. As for their trip to Paris, it is just so pampered, hot and pure sex!
However as much as I would love to read about Tobias and Noah I personally feel that their Dom/Sub as well as lovers relationship has more or less climaxed in Vol 3, with not much room for more angst and future emotional entanglement. Meanwhile Phantom is the character worth focusing on. I am most interested in Phantom's fate and this being M/M romance, I certainly wish to read about this endearing Sub eventually finding love, if not with Bradford, then with another compassionate but strict Dom. Vol 3 does feature Phantom and his side story is so well written that I find myself somewhat flustered when the plot switches back to the main couple Tobias and Noah.
I hope Chris and Jodi will not merely consider but do write a spin-off on Phantom and Bradford soon. However Phantom's story may have to wait as the 4th volume, most likely continuing the story of Tobias and Noah, is the writers' next offer. If you love Vol 1 and 2 you certainly could not afford to pass this one.

This book, number 3 in the series, is just as good as the first two. The wonderful, deep characters, and the intricate and detailed world/lifestyle makes the whole series a joy to read.

Deviations Submission
Deviations Domination
Deviations Discipline
Deviations Bondage

THE SERIES GIVES A GOOD INSITE THE THE B&D WORLD. NOT GRAPHIC YET SHOWS HOW SUCH RELATIONSHIPS WORK. TO GIVE ONES SELF CONTROL TO SOMEONE ELSE. CHANGES MY OUTLOOK ON B&D. MIGHT LIKE TO TRY IT MYSELF.
AMAZING SEX, YET NOT ON EVERY PAGE. WHEN IT HAPPENS IT IS HOT, EXPLOSIVE, AND WELL WORTH THE WAIT.
RECOMEND IF YOUR COURIOUS, ORDER ONE VOLUMN AT A TIME, JUST INCASE IT'S NOT FOR YOU.
IF YOUR INTO TO OR WANT TO EXPLORE, THEN GET ALL THREE AND READ THEM CONSECUTIVELY.

So the relationship of Tobias and Noah grows and evolves, becomes ever more loving and strong. I found this book to be more about the romance and companionship of being a couple than about a relationship that is balanced between romance relationship and the requirements of a BDSM lifestyle. The power exchange aspect of their relationship are somewhat dimmed and deluded in this third novel. There are BDSM club scenes, yes, and fantasy play. But, there is little to none of that throat catching, lung gripping power exchange that I had loved so much in the first two, that defined the them. Where is Noah on his knees in the kitchen while Tobias ate? Where is that quiet, calm voice of Domination? It was all words and reminders but little action! There's only so long you can say, "I am your Master" before you have to actually show it, Tobias, come on. Tobias never lets Noah forget who is his Master, but it isn't entirely due to power or Domination, at least, not here. That I know their relationship is about this, is based on D/s, saved the BDSM scenes from being a sexual act alone. Still, it was a beautiful book that reminded the reader that even a Master and his slave can have a loving relationship, that two can connect emotionally, that BDSM is as much an emotional and physical need for some people as sex. This book worked through a lot of their issues like caging with Noah and Tobas' pride. Phantom, also, had a lot to deal with... in fact, we're left with a bit of a Phantom-cliffhanger at the end. Master Bradford has yet to disclose what is wrong, so that's no doubt a plot saved for the next book. Did I love the book despite its excessive and repetitive gay sex scenes (which I like, don't get me wrong, but I'm really reading these for the BDSM elements) in exchange for BDSM scenes? Yes. And I am going to consume the fourth and love it, too.

I haven't even received this book yet, and I'm already so sure it will be as good as the last 2, I'm not hesitant to rate it.

I had gone past this series several times, but after reading an excerpt on another site I ordered Submission and Domnination, although not too sure what I was going to be reading entirely. I would have ordered Discipline as well but didn't realize it was out, it should be here any day. I am not in the least involved, or knowledgeable about the BDSM scene, so like Jem have no idea how accurate it is, but loved the books nevertheless. The characters were well developed from the beginning, and I will admit I got really wrapped up in the intensity of the story, so much so that I had to put it down and walk away for awhile a few times.

The balance, or the striving for,in the relationship between Noah and Tobias was very well and thoughtfully written, as well as the scenes in the Stable. You could feel Noahs struggle and submission to Tobias, as well as Tobias' need to Dominate, and understand them on their level. Noah's playful personality is engaging, and you find yourself warming up to Tobias as he falls in love with Noah, and becomes more vulnerable, something that really shakes him up.
These are characters you would like to revisit time and again, even like to meet. The author's have done a marvelous job, and my thanks to them for a great story, great characters, and handling the storyline and theme so well. Although you may like me, find the theme of BDSM a bit uncomfortable, I would recommend this to anyone who can manage a look at the darker side of need. And not to mention the very Hot, um--intimacy.