Submitting to the Marquis

This was a beautiful though potentially triggering story. If it doesn't already, it would benefit from a "mentions of child abuse" warning, so I'll just mention that here. There's also a fair component of BDSM handled well, but still, a note in case it's not your thing. It is mine, so I enjoyed the authors thoughtful exploration of the topic in the era. Of course, there are also some intense sexy times, but that's not all this story brings. Our hero is damaged in a fairly marked way, and drawn to our bright heroine. I loved them both immensely, and at no time did I want to knock their heads together, which might be a first for me hahhaha! The story felt well paced, and unfolded in a way that felt reasonable. The occasional small time jump here and there where I might've preferred to luxuriate a little longer with our characters, but it's equally possible others may have felt that would draw things out unnecessarily. Dual POV and while there are some secondary characters, this is very clearly the story of our hero's breakthrough at the hands of the determined and frankly impressive heroine. I recall how overwhelmed I was when first confronted with D/s, and it felt real to me here. The language occasionally felt slightly modern, and the hero's sister seemed well out of context until I realised her age and circumstances lol! But none of that really took from the story for me. I'll definitely be marking this one for a keeper.

Submitting to the Marquis is everything Fifty Shades of Grey wasn't for BDSM and troubled leading men. Victoria Vale's story introduces the heroine to a life of BDSM. It actually goes over the correct way to handle a scene with a Dom/Sub situation. Unlike many books that make the subs look weak and easily controlled Submitting to the Marquis really goes into the strength it takes to completely submit. The trust between the Dom and Sub. It shows the power of safe words and hard limits. Does Simon's past play into why he likes to be in control? Yes it does, but Victoria Vale shows how the desire is part of who he is not just what he's experienced. I loved that this book showed the healing power of a trusting sexual relationship between a husband and wife. Simon was so we'll written. You feel his journey from seeing Sophie and wanting to be part of her lightness and joy to actually opening up and feeling emotions. Not all of it is easy for the couple there are some dark moments

Simon/Ashton sees Sophie as a woman who might bring light into his very dark life. He has masked all appearance of feeling. Sophie's sparkling personality begins chipping away at that until she learns of a secret room and until Simon must face his demons following an encounter with Lord Lovelace. Who or what sparked these confrontations? Will Simon discover the light? This novel has BDSM elememts