Step into the sultry world of The Submissive, where desire and dominance intertwine in a captivating BDSM romance trilogy by Tara Sue Me. This provocative series follows Abby King, a librarian yearning for adventure, and Nathaniel West, a billionaire CEO with a commanding presence, as they navigate a steamy relationship in the heart of New York City. With its blend of passion, power dynamics, and unexpected love, The Submissive invites readers to explore a world that’s both thrilling and deeply emotional.
Perfect for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, this trilogy offers a tantalizing escape into a lifestyle that’s as much about trust and connection as it is about seduction. Ready to uncover what makes this series so irresistible? Let’s dive in!
How The Submissive Began
Tara Sue Me, a science graduate turned romance novelist, penned her first novel at age twelve but didn’t pick up the pen again until her thirties. After writing clean romances, she decided to spice things up with The Submissive, initially a writing exercise that took on a life of its own. Originally published online in 2012, the series gained a massive following, with over eight million reads, inspiring a new wave of BDSM romance. Penguin Random House soon brought it to print, cementing its place as a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.
The Heart of The Submissive
The trilogy kicks off with The Submissive (2012), where Abby King offers herself to Nathaniel West, a skilled dominant seeking a new submissive. Their weekend together sparks a fiery connection, but Nathaniel’s strict rules keep emotions at bay. In The Dominant (2013), the story shifts to Nathaniel’s perspective, revealing his inner struggles and the allure of Abby’s willingness. The Training (2013) concludes the trilogy, exploring how far their passion can go as Abby embraces her submissive role and Nathaniel confronts his guarded heart.
Set against the sleek backdrop of New York City, the series weaves themes of trust, vulnerability, and self-discovery. Me’s writing balances steamy BDSM scenes with emotional depth, portraying the lifestyle as a tool for personal growth. While some call it ‘BDSM Lite’ for its tame approach, the trilogy’s focus on consent and mutual respect resonates with readers seeking romance with a provocative edge.
The Submissive isn’t just about physical desire—it’s about two people rewriting each other’s rules. Abby’s journey from a quiet librarian to a confident submissive mirrors Nathaniel’s evolution from a distant dominant to a man open to love, making their story both seductive and heartfelt.
Why The Submissive Resonates
The Submissive trilogy carved a niche in the BDSM romance genre, riding the wave of Fifty Shades but offering a more explicit, character-driven narrative. Its impact lies in its accessibility—readers new to BDSM find the series approachable, while fans appreciate its nuanced portrayal of power dynamics. With over a million copies sold worldwide, the series sparked discussions about trust and intimacy in relationships, earning a 2017 RITA finalist spot for The Master, a later series entry.
Me’s ability to craft relatable characters keeps fans returning to the Submissive universe, which expanded beyond the trilogy to include companion novels. Its New York setting and emotional depth continue to captivate readers seeking romance that’s both daring and meaningful.
- Publication Years: 2012–2013 (trilogy); series ongoing.
- Number of Books: 3 core trilogy books, 18 total in the Submissive series.
- Awards: The Master was a 2017 RITA finalist for Best Erotic Romance.
Ready to explore a world of passion and power? Grab The Submissive and dive into Tara Sue Me’s seductive universe today!