Late Night Book Review — Submission |Sinnful Books

Title: Submission
Author: Cherie Feather
Genre: BDSM erotica/supernatural
Pages: Oversize paperback, 311
Publisher: Berkley Trade, February 3, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-425-22368-0
Opening Lines: "My Dearest Thinking Woman,"

Rating:

"Ethan Thierney is infamous in the art world—not only for his shocking S/M paintings, but for his reputation in the art of seduction—and he's found a perfect new subject in Santa Fe art historian Kiki Dion. No artist ever stimulated Kiki's imagination more than Ethan, tapping into her kinkiest fantasies. Now, behind the closed doors of Curtis House, his sprawling history estate, he's making those fantasies come thrue. And with master strokes, the pair is bringing something else to life.

"A century ago, the late occupant of the Curtis House recorded the details of her consuming affair in a series of explicit letters—an unabashed correspondence that has become Kiki and Ethan's obsession. But the ghosts of the woman and her lover are not at rest. They've been aroused to bring closure to a sensual mystery of the past, to take possession of the warm and willing bodies of Kiki and Ethan, and to teach them the true meaning of undying ecstasy."

~ Jacket copy

You know, I'm not even sure how I found this book. That being said, the whole story behind a century long romance and ghosts had me hooked. However, this book was hard to get my hands on!

Because of her connection to the art world of Santa Fe, Kiki's friend decides to introduce her to the newest resident, subculture artist Ethan Tierney. However, what Kiki's friend didn't disclose initially was Ethan's interest in redheads, and his desire to paint them (and dominate them) whenever he can. Even though she has kinky desires, Kiki never imagines that she will become the subject of Ethan's desire. In addition, she never expects to become the desire of a century old ghost.

Through Kiki and Ethan's discovery of each other, they embark on an old mystery of two lost lovers and seek to find a way to reunite them.

I'm not really sure what I expected out of this book. However, it did not disappoint! I loved how the character development between the ghosts and the main characters seemed to go hand-in-hand. Even though the audience is not shown too much of Javier and Nicole, they are mirrored in Kiki and Ethan. Something about that connection made the book more interesting and deep.

The supernatural element added a whole different dimension to the book. While the new lovers were trying to work out the kinks of their D/s relationship, the letters and the mystery really drew them together. Also, I liked the pseudo-creepy feel it gave the book. Even though the ghosts were not seeking to harm the couple, it just lent a spine-tingling feel to the mood. Further, as weird as it sounds, the ghosts also served as a pseudo-background and setting.

I felt that this book was a pretty nice introduction into the lifestyle. First of all, it didn't throw huge things at the reader. Further, it seemed to be rather gentle it the portrayal. Instead of seeming like some kinky, taboo, and sexual depraved past-time, the author was able to show a different side of BDSM.

The letters from Nicole had me tearing through this book and unable to put it down! It was interesting how they showed the BDSM lifestyle at the turn of the century.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. Of all of the erotica and BDSM-type books I have read, this might be one of my favorites!