Title: The Training
Author: Tara Sue Me
First published October 1, 2013
336 pages, Paperback
Rating: 4.01
Overview
Tara Sue Me’s The Training is the thrilling conclusion to the Submissive Trilogy. Nathaniel West, a millionaire CEO, is used to following his own strict rules, especially in the bedroom.
But when he meets Abby King, she breaks down all his boundaries and takes him on a wild ride of pleasure and passion. Abby never dreamed she would capture the heart of such a desirable man, but Nathaniel knows every inch of her body and soul.
Their love is intense, but Nathaniel’s painful past is a barrier between them. Abby must fully submit to him to earn his trust and let him into her world like no one else has before.
If she can do that, she’ll lead Nathaniel down a path to even greater intimacy.
About the Author
Tara had a degree in science, but writing was her true passion. Love stories, in particular, were her calling.
She began with a steamy BDSM tale, but was surprised by the impact it had. Despite this, she persisted and her Submissive Series novels became New York Times and USA Today Bestsellers.
THE MASTER even made it to the 2017 RITA finals for Best Erotic Romance. Nowadays, Tara is writing contemporary romances that give her more flexibility in terms of publishing schedule.
Editoral Review
The Training by Tara Sue Me is an erotic novel that explores the BDSM (bondage, dominance, submission, and masochism) lifestyle. First published on October 1, 2013, this book follows the author’s successful series, The Submissive, and is a standalone novel.
Tara Sue Me is an American author who has carved herself a niche in the erotic romance genre. Her works have been praised for their vivid descriptions, complex characters, and captivating storylines.
Her writing has been compared to that of E.L. James, although, in The Training, she delves deeper into the subtleties of the BDSM lifestyle and depicts its complexities in a more nuanced manner. The novel centers around the relationship between Sophie, a young journalist, and Nathaniel West, a successful businessman and master in the BDSM community.
The two characters embark on an intense journey of self-discovery and sexual exploration that challenges their preconceived notions about power dynamics, love, and trust. The story takes place in New York and immerses readers in the luxurious lifestyle of the elite.
However, the author also tackles issues of class and privilege, emphasizing the notion that even in BDSM relationships, social hierarchies play a significant role. The Training is a well-crafted novel that succeeds in depicting the complexities and intricacies of a BDSM relationship.
The author’s prose is engaging and vivid, with descriptions that transport readers into the story’s world. The character development is exceptional, particularly Nathaniel’s, whose transformation from a cold, intimidating businessman to a caring and loving partner is portrayed convincingly.
However, there are some shortcomings in the novel that diminish its overall impact. The pacing of the story is uneven, with some chapters dragging while others are too brief.
Additionally, some of the dialogues are wooden, particularly in the early parts of the book. Despite these flaws, The Training is a recommended read for those interested in exploring the BDSM lifestyle.
The author handles the subject matter sensitively and with care, avoiding harmful stereotypes and exploitation. This book will appeal to fans of E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey series but offers a more nuanced and complex representation of BDSM.
The Washington Post gives The Training by Tara Sue Me a 3.5 out of 5 rating. While the book is not perfect, it is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will appeal to anyone curious about BDSM.