Deviations: Submission

Tobias is an upscale veterinarian just entering middle age. For his 41st birthday, he elects to treat himself to an evening at the Club. As a Dominant, Tobias can meet with a submissive companion, in a relaxed atmosphere similar to the traditional British upper class men's club. At the very least, he'll enjoy a fine dinner and excellent wine. Bradford, owner of the club and a former mentor of Tobias, introduces him to Noah, a younger submissive. Noah's need is to learn trust in submission. Tobias teaches Noah that life means growth, and change, even in one's desires and one's limits; what was good for an individual two years ago may not even work now, because the individual matures. Boundaries stretch with growth, and the work of a trained Dominant such as Tobias is to help the sub discover his boundaries, as well as to fulfill the Dom's own needs. That is a lesson Noah has to discover just as much as he must learn the capacity to trust. Tobias begins to open an entirely new aspect of the D/s lifestyle to Noah, who has been abused by Dominants in the past and is amazed when Tobias opens portions of his life experience to his sub. Noah must learn that control involves giving his emotions to his Master, not just submitting to unnecessary pain. Deviations: Submission is a long, engrossing story of two men coming to terms with their very different interests and learning to enmesh their separate goals. Chris Owen and Jody Payne are very skillful at illuminating the gay D/s lifestyle, and this story is a learning experience as well as an intriguing tale with well-delineated protagonists. Annie reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I really enjoy M/M erotica and romance. But, I wasn't so sure about gay BDSM. This book totally changed my mind! The characters are engaging, the story is realistic and the sex is hot. But, there is also a deeply felt relationship beginning between Tobias and Noah that makes the reader want more. The BDSM aspects can be a little uncomfortable to someone who isn't involved in that (like me), but no more uncomfortable than stories that have elements of rape, danger or abuse to propel a plot. I devoured this book, and the sequel "Deviations: Dominance" is a couple of days. If you are a fan of gay romance, do yourself a favor and try this.

I absolutely loved the story and the characters! Story and characters were well devloped.Certainly this is a different BDSM scene from many other books I have read. This is a touching story of a Dom and a sub and their respective lives and loves in the world of BDSM. I loved both characters which have their flaws and sensitivities. Certainly Tobias is a most thoughtful Dominant and Noah a willing submissive who has a lot to learn. The story is refreshing and enlightening but also very erotic, and sensual. Tobias shows Noah that there are more way to dominate than physical pain. But when need be Tobias can deliver the whip! Another good read from Chris Owen. Have already ordered the sequel!

I am not into dominance/submission/bondage/affliction stories as they seem cold and even offensive. However deviations:submission is a story with a heart. It is about 2 lonely men, Tobias and Noah, who need each other to love and nurture. It took a while to be comfortable with their dominant/submssion master/slave sex interplay. But one does understand "why" and appreciate the underlying emotions throughout.

This is a wonderful, sexy book. The dynamic between a dominant and a submissive man is thoroughly explored--showing that both of them have needs and desires that the other can fulfil. Both Noah and Tobias are aware of their sexual and emotional needs, but neither of them has found what they were looking for yet in other men. This is not a story of an experienced dominant moulding a man who is new to submission (as is so often the case): Noah is a man who has tried, enjoyed and been hurt by submission before, and finds in Tobias that Someone who knows how far to push him, and how to cherish him. Tobias in his turn revels in the honesty of Noah's responses. The characters are very human. The story is told from Tobias's, the dominant man, point of view, but we see as far into Noah's psyche as we could want as he lays himself bare to Tobias. The most fantastical elements of the story are, I suppose, the security and wealth of the club where Noah and Tobias are introduced to each other, and Tobias's entire building on his farm devoted to sexual play and "scenes". Since each of these settings provides wonderful, erotic, and emotional encounters between Noah and Tobias, I am prepared to forgive all! I have read and reread Deviations: Submissions in the short time I have owned it, and can confidently say that it is already one of my favourite pieces of erotica.