Let’s talk about sex, shall we? Submissive sex (books) in particular.
Let me preface what I am about to write with a few notes. 1) I am not a submissive nor have I ever been. I don’t think I have that particular characteristic built into my DNA. 2) I do not believe either of these trilogies are a true representation of the dominant/submissive lifestyle. I have known a few submissives and these books seem a little PG in comparison to their real-life desires.
I stumbled upon the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy like most women do…I had friends tell me they were a “sexy read.” I was not fully prepared for these saucy novels.
In case you don’t know by now, Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James is the story of Christian Grey (the dominant) and his obsession with a girl he was never meant to meet, Ana (submissive). In true romance novel fashion Christian is a multi-millionaire who can have any lady he wants but falls hard for a simple gal who only meets him by accident because she was covering an assignment for her friend. Ana, intrigued by this sexy man, agrees to become his submissive. Ana agrees to a workout routine, sex schedule and a laundry list of sexual acts that can be called upon at any moment’s notice from her “master.”
Once I finished the Fifty Shades trilogy, a co-worker recommended The Submissive series. This series was much quicker to read and just as steamy.
The Submissive trilogy by Tara Sue Me is a similar dom/sub story of Nathaniel West and his long-time crush Abby King. Once again, the dominate, Nathaniel, is a handsome mega-wealthy guy who is pleasantly surprised by his crush’s unexpected application to become a submissive to satisfy her own sexual curiosities.
All six books in both trilogies will teach you some new sexual tactics if you are looking to spice up your romantic side. Both will also make you question your own hard and soft limits and ultimately make you want to develop your own safe word(s).
Pros of 50 Shades of Grey:
– Unexpected romance turned fantasy.
– Make-you-quiver-with-delight as you read suspense.
– All situations (minus meeting a wealthy millionaire) are possible for the average gal.
Cons of 50 Shades of Grey:
– Christian has too much baggage (But who doesn’t?).
– Ana seems too naïve/defiant to be an effective submissive.
Pros of The Submissive:
– Long-term crush turns to a relationship reality.
– The leading lady in this trilogy actually signed up for her submissive situation.
– More insight to the quiet millionaire and his family.
Cons of The Submissive:
– Can love really hold a relationship based on a riding crop together? I question it, truly.
– Not as sexually suspenseful as the other trilogy.
– Less memorable than the other trilogy.
Overall, my allegiance lies with The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. The Submissive books were good, but the Fifty Shades books were better. Plus, next Valentine’s Day I get to see Christian and Ana on the Silver Screen.