relly's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars
Audio Review
I loved the progression of the relationship as the guys push the boundaries of what they are doing both in the BDSM side and the emotional side
Tobias feels like he finally has a handle on what he needs from Noah at the end and is happy within himself. My only sticking point is the same as always - Phantom!
Phantom is the ex who will just not go away and with all his issues (I do feel for him with these, but think he needs to sort them out with someone else) he is always between them. Tobias found out Phan was struggling and nearly upended his trip away with Noah to return and deal with Phantom's problems.Â
I feel for Noah as he is kind of in between a rock and a hard place. If he kicks up too much about it he risks his relationship or the guilt he would feel if Phantom actually did something to himself, and he does have a friendship with Phantom and is attracted to him but not enough to bring him into the relationship permanently and I feel like he is getting railroaded to what everyone else wants.Â
It was good to see Noah stand up for himself in Paris and to see them finally have a disagreement. They talked it out and even though Tobias still doesn't understand it was resolved between them.
Audio Review
I loved the progression of the relationship as the guys push the boundaries of what they are doing both in the BDSM side and the emotional side
Tobias feels like he finally has a handle on what he needs from Noah at the end and is happy within himself. My only sticking point is the same as always - Phantom!
Phantom is the ex who will just not go away and with all his issues (I do feel for him with these, but think he needs to sort them out with someone else) he is always between them. Tobias found out Phan was struggling and nearly upended his trip away with Noah to return and deal with Phantom's problems.Â
I feel for Noah as he is kind of in between a rock and a hard place. If he kicks up too much about it he risks his relationship or the guilt he would feel if Phantom actually did something to himself, and he does have a friendship with Phantom and is attracted to him but not enough to bring him into the relationship permanently and I feel like he is getting railroaded to what everyone else wants.Â
It was good to see Noah stand up for himself in Paris and to see them finally have a disagreement. They talked it out and even though Tobias still doesn't understand it was resolved between them.
valoriedalton's review against another edition
3.0
Tobias and Noah explore their relationships more deeply than they ever have, not just with their own dominance and submission, but with their friends. As Noah helps Tobias through the loss of someone dear, he finds Tobias helping him, too, leading him through some intense sexual games, breaking down the last of Noah's fears, and helping him face his biggest one. The cage. Meanwhile, Tobias' ex-lover, Phantom, becomes close friends with Noah as they discover and try to resist the simmering sexual tension between them. Their teasing turns to real support when Phantom reaches the breaking point thanks to the lack of a master in his life, something he desperately needs. While Bradford works to become that master, Tobias and Noah go to Paris, where they see the sights, go to sex clubs, and re-negotiate their contract.
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 is 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.
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 is 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.
shazov's review against another edition
5.0
Okay, I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but it's the truth; I love this series!
I love getting further involved with Tobias and Noah. Their relationship is still growing and it's beautiful to be a part of that. This book once again offers everything we have come to expect (and need) from these two. Phan and Bradford are once again very nicely a part of the whole. I truly admire the authors' ability to create strong secondary characters that whilst taking part in the story, don't take over, or detract from it. Rather their company enriches it overall.
Truly firmly on my favourites list this series will be reread in the very near future!
2nd Read: same feelings about this book!
I love getting further involved with Tobias and Noah. Their relationship is still growing and it's beautiful to be a part of that. This book once again offers everything we have come to expect (and need) from these two. Phan and Bradford are once again very nicely a part of the whole. I truly admire the authors' ability to create strong secondary characters that whilst taking part in the story, don't take over, or detract from it. Rather their company enriches it overall.
Truly firmly on my favourites list this series will be reread in the very near future!
2nd Read: same feelings about this book!
tiggers_hate_acorns's review against another edition
4.0
Seemed to start slow but really heated up just before Paris when. Sorry to see one character leave the scene so to speak but it was required for Noah and Tobias to move on and eventually live together. Loved all the Paris scenes, definitely lots of action to make it live up to it's name as the city of love.
Reading the shorts for the remaining two books I'm not sure they will appeal so much but one never knows. Lead on McDuff...
Spoiler
Noah topped TobiasReading the shorts for the remaining two books I'm not sure they will appeal so much but one never knows. Lead on McDuff...
tnbythewood's review against another edition
3.0
I like this series, I just didn't feel that there was much progress from the last book
nigmatillium's review against another edition
2.0
The only reason I keep on reading this series is because I really like Noah. I like the plot too, but I like the idea more than how it is written (this seems to be a theme with me and this series).
That being said, I liked that Noah showed some teeth (wouldn't have minded more, though) and I hope he keeps that up. Not necessarily in a D/s context. So far I like both the romantic aspect and the D/s dynamic equally and I wonder how they are going to evolve.
I am surprised I don't dislike Phantom. That could change, but so far he's actually been okay. And speaking of Phantom, his relationship with Tobias doesn't sell to me. I read the details of what they had, but considering how Tobias is with Noah, I don't buy it. There's nothing about Tobias that proves to me that their relationship was indeed as they describe it. At this point I'm not even sure he will meet Noah's needs as their relationship develops.
As someone already mentioned, the books don't feel like individual books of a series, they read exactly like a new chapter. Although I don't really mind that since I have all the books and I can read them one after the other, that's not ideal. If I would have stuck to my initial plan and read something else in between each book I don't think I could have gotten back into the mood easily.
Overall the third book was okay, nothing really stood out. Maybe just that I would like Noah drinking some more water.
That being said, I liked that Noah showed some teeth (wouldn't have minded more, though) and I hope he keeps that up. Not necessarily in a D/s context. So far I like both the romantic aspect and the D/s dynamic equally and I wonder how they are going to evolve.
I am surprised I don't dislike Phantom. That could change, but so far he's actually been okay. And speaking of Phantom, his relationship with Tobias doesn't sell to me. I read the details of what they had, but considering how Tobias is with Noah, I don't buy it. There's nothing about Tobias that proves to me that their relationship was indeed as they describe it. At this point I'm not even sure he will meet Noah's needs as their relationship develops.
As someone already mentioned, the books don't feel like individual books of a series, they read exactly like a new chapter. Although I don't really mind that since I have all the books and I can read them one after the other, that's not ideal. If I would have stuck to my initial plan and read something else in between each book I don't think I could have gotten back into the mood easily.
Overall the third book was okay, nothing really stood out. Maybe just that I would like Noah drinking some more water.
xiaxia's review against another edition
5.0
Discipline was one of the more serious books from Deviations. Issues are being worked on, new relationships are being built, characters go through psychological struggles.
This book doesn't have as much play as the first two, choosing to focus on personal growth more, and expanding boundaries, learning new things, experiencing new things.
***Spoiler****
This book doesn't have as much play as the first two, choosing to focus on personal growth more, and expanding boundaries, learning new things, experiencing new things.
***Spoiler****
Spoiler
Noah finally tops Tobias. Twice. So you have those scenes to look forward to.