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Deviations #4
Bondage
Noah and Tobias come back from Paris with a renewed contract and a deeper personal bond. Too bad things don't go as smoothly at home. When they get back, they face a crisis that might just threaten their contract, and their personal intimacy. The crisis has a ripple effect, but Tobias and Noah finally learn that they can evolve with it, instead of collapsing. They experiment with scene after scene, making them longer, deeper, which allows them to explore more than they've ever dared. They even explore moving in together. When Noah is forced to face the danger of his job, he starts to question why he became a cop. Tobias is also questioning his job. Soon enough, their external life is changing enough that they're forced to lean on each other to sustain them. Can they achieve a comfortable balance between their outside life, their scenes, and their love? Noah and Tobias, along with their friends, appear in Deviations: Submissions, Deviations: Domination, and Deviations: Discipline. These popular novels are available in ebook and paperback.
468 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2007
About the author
Chris Owen
92 books896 followersI live and write in eastern Canada. I went to a bunch of schools, learned a lot of things, and now make stuff up because not to do so is unthinkable. I'm fond of fountain pens, Levenger's Circa system, and Steampunk fashions.
I'm inspired by the day to day minutia of life, and find beauty in the way words go together. I like texture and richness of experience. I'm not shy. I'm happy, I'm learning, I'm living.
I'm inspired by the day to day minutia of life, and find beauty in the way words go together. I like texture and richness of experience. I'm not shy. I'm happy, I'm learning, I'm living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
March 21, 2011
Authors.... WTF have you done?
Are you crazy? Sorry, but you really FUBAR with this series.
The first 3 books were amazing. But then?
Two weeks after the vacation in Paris, Phan moved in with Noah and Tobias.
I couldn’t believe what I read. It is all against what we’ve read in the first 3 books.
Noah loved his work, his other doings beside his being as sub. And in one second all changed.
Noah’s fears are the whole time true. Tobias loves and is still in love with Phan.
With every word I’ve read I thought that these aren’t the Noah and Tobias anymore I learned to love in the first books.
Phan… I can’t stand this whiney character. He’s an intruder who annihilates the relationship between T&N. He is a redundant character I don’t wanna read about.
I didn’t read the whole book. I was more than disappointed to read this book. When it was clear which way the authors will take I lost every interest in the series. I won’t read book 5.
I rated this book with 1 star, but – IMO – it isn’t worth one.
Sorry authors, but you f**ked up.
Are you crazy? Sorry, but you really FUBAR with this series.
The first 3 books were amazing. But then?
Two weeks after the vacation in Paris, Phan moved in with Noah and Tobias.
I couldn’t believe what I read. It is all against what we’ve read in the first 3 books.
Noah loved his work, his other doings beside his being as sub. And in one second all changed.
Noah’s fears are the whole time true. Tobias loves and is still in love with Phan.
With every word I’ve read I thought that these aren’t the Noah and Tobias anymore I learned to love in the first books.
Phan… I can’t stand this whiney character. He’s an intruder who annihilates the relationship between T&N. He is a redundant character I don’t wanna read about.
I didn’t read the whole book. I was more than disappointed to read this book. When it was clear which way the authors will take I lost every interest in the series. I won’t read book 5.
I rated this book with 1 star, but – IMO – it isn’t worth one.
Sorry authors, but you f**ked up.
June 5, 2019
Chris Owen and Jodi Payne’s Deviations series was one of my first M/M BDSM series so it’s always going to have fond memories for me. I love this episode, though I'm torn between this or Submission as my favorite. Both have great Phan scenes and both are about blossoming relationships, and I think these authors do a great job developing the dynamics between the characters.
It was nice to revisit Deviations #4 in audio, and narrator Maxx Power is perfect for this one. His steady, gruff and sexy voice is wonderful for Tobias, and his sweetly high pitched voice for Phan is adorable. Mr. Power really gets the chemistry between the three men; and for those of us who like two subs in action, I have to say his performance of the scenes between Noah and Phantom are toe curlingly marvelous.
It makes me so happy to see these three men, whom I’ve come to love, reach a place in their lives where I know they’re settled. And listening to Maxx Power bring them to life is a pleasure!
an audiobook copy of Bondage, Deviations #4 was provided to me for the purpose of my review
It was nice to revisit Deviations #4 in audio, and narrator Maxx Power is perfect for this one. His steady, gruff and sexy voice is wonderful for Tobias, and his sweetly high pitched voice for Phan is adorable. Mr. Power really gets the chemistry between the three men; and for those of us who like two subs in action, I have to say his performance of the scenes between Noah and Phantom are toe curlingly marvelous.
It makes me so happy to see these three men, whom I’ve come to love, reach a place in their lives where I know they’re settled. And listening to Maxx Power bring them to life is a pleasure!
an audiobook copy of Bondage, Deviations #4 was provided to me for the purpose of my review
August 2, 2014
Ok. I have read the first 3 books in the series and I absolutely loved them. The story of the main characters evolved nicely and I had really bought into them.
Ok, so then I start on book 4. I have only gotten 10% through this book and I am so angry I have had to stop reading. In all the years I have been reading I have only ever given up on 3 books and this is one of them.
I am not sure what the authors were thinking but the beginning few pages are so out of character for Noah and Tobias that it has completely spoilt the story for me. We know that Noah was insecure about Phan although he likes to play with him and Tobias had stated that Noah was the only one for him. ( I did after a while begin to wonder whether I remembered things correctly in the first 3 books after this book.)
I did go onto Amazon to read the reviews there for this book to see whether it was me. There seemed to be very mixed reviews there either really loving or really hating the book. I did read one review where the reviewer gave away some of the ending and that made me even madder ( not the fact that I had read the ending but what happened.)
I had invested quite a lot in this series both emotionally and financially. For older books they were really expensive.
I am off to read other books now and will probably some time in the future come back to this book and finish it when I cool down.
Ok, so then I start on book 4. I have only gotten 10% through this book and I am so angry I have had to stop reading. In all the years I have been reading I have only ever given up on 3 books and this is one of them.
I am not sure what the authors were thinking but the beginning few pages are so out of character for Noah and Tobias that it has completely spoilt the story for me. We know that Noah was insecure about Phan although he likes to play with him and Tobias had stated that Noah was the only one for him. ( I did after a while begin to wonder whether I remembered things correctly in the first 3 books after this book.)
I did go onto Amazon to read the reviews there for this book to see whether it was me. There seemed to be very mixed reviews there either really loving or really hating the book. I did read one review where the reviewer gave away some of the ending and that made me even madder ( not the fact that I had read the ending but what happened.)
I had invested quite a lot in this series both emotionally and financially. For older books they were really expensive.
I am off to read other books now and will probably some time in the future come back to this book and finish it when I cool down.
June 1, 2016
4 stars!
Bondage was with 468 pages are rather long story in the m/m genre. I have to say that I was a little afraid that this book might get me bored. I wasn't very sure about this series at the beginning, but the last two installments were very entertaining and I hoped that this forth book in the series would be able to keep up with its forerunners.
And it was - it even came as a very nice surprise as the plot finally started moving at a faster pace. While Noah and Tobias come back from Paris with a stronger bond than ever, Phan is going through an incredibly painful and heartbreaking crisis. In order to help Phan, Noah and Tobias are ready to change some aspects of their relationship and I loved the focus on the feelings coming with this transition. But important changes didn't only happen on the relationship level. Both Noah and Tobias have to take crucial decision with regard to their professional careers.
While the sex was still very important in this book, I was very satisfied with the plot development. Some scenes could have been left out, but I didn't get bored and I can't wait to finish this series and to find out how everything will end for these three men.
Bondage was with 468 pages are rather long story in the m/m genre. I have to say that I was a little afraid that this book might get me bored. I wasn't very sure about this series at the beginning, but the last two installments were very entertaining and I hoped that this forth book in the series would be able to keep up with its forerunners.
And it was - it even came as a very nice surprise as the plot finally started moving at a faster pace. While Noah and Tobias come back from Paris with a stronger bond than ever, Phan is going through an incredibly painful and heartbreaking crisis. In order to help Phan, Noah and Tobias are ready to change some aspects of their relationship and I loved the focus on the feelings coming with this transition. But important changes didn't only happen on the relationship level. Both Noah and Tobias have to take crucial decision with regard to their professional careers.
While the sex was still very important in this book, I was very satisfied with the plot development. Some scenes could have been left out, but I didn't get bored and I can't wait to finish this series and to find out how everything will end for these three men.
March 10, 2023
I don't think that I have ever been as sorry to see a series end as I am this one. Glad that I bought all the books so I can visit Tobias, Noah and even Phan again whenever I want. I wasn't happy to have had Phan become a part of Tobias and Noah's relationship but was glad to see that he didn't divide them but actually was a good part of blending them together more. Tobias had never stopped loving Phan and Noah was crazy about him. Phan did totally understand and respect his place. Lots of changes happened for the guys...all really good ones. I was proud of how Noah handled Phan's horrible parents and was also happy to see Bradford and Nicky becoming closer. Overall...it was the characters more than the lifestyle that made this series such as success for me and I was happy to see them get so much "more" with all the big changes in their lives. The wonderful characters and the intricate and detailed world/lifestyle make the whole series a joy to read...but be aware that it is not going to be something that will appeal to all readers.
November 21, 2011
First book was great, a bit naïve since it was written in sense of “how these things should work” and not really how they actually works (or not), but the story was great, whole process of getting to know each other and so on. Second & third book were more sentimental but that was OK, since the whole thing was about Tobias and Noah, realizing that they’re in love with each other. So, OK. But this? Were the authors serious? Guys, if you liked the previous books as I did, if you liked the relationship Tobias and Noah had, don't read this. Ever.
November 9, 2013
I am really enjoying this series, and i am 100% emotionally invested in Tobias, Noah and even Phantom. I am really enjoying Bradford as well, a very good friend to Tobias and a man who loves gossip. *smile*
There are a few things that bother me in this series as it progresses. First of all the lack of issues or struggles between Tobias and Noah. While their relationship is definitely on solid footing which i really love, the lack of any real angst at all kinda lessens my interest. Maybe it was intended this way, but I found myself wanting more from these two.
Then there is Phantom, oh lovely and irresistible and oh so needy little man. I love how his character has evolved and I love the bond the three men have with each other. Phantom does take up a great deal of time from Tobias and Noah. The funny part about Phantom was my dislike of him in the beginning of this series. Now I love this young man and his issues and struggles just make me want to read more about him.
There is some angst in this book, but really what we have is lots of long hot sex, lots of fantasy scenes (which I still like btw). I never thought I would say this, but I could use more story and less sex and maybe a bad guy or two, someone to dislike.
I am going to follow my dear friend Macky’s lead and save book 5 for a little later. I don ’t want to lose any of my love for these three guys and I think some time apart is just what I need to insure that. Again I will state in no way would I ever want to live this lifestyle, but I will happily pull up a chair (or my kindle) and happily watch! OH MY MY this was hot!!!
There are a few things that bother me in this series as it progresses. First of all the lack of issues or struggles between Tobias and Noah. While their relationship is definitely on solid footing which i really love, the lack of any real angst at all kinda lessens my interest. Maybe it was intended this way, but I found myself wanting more from these two.
Then there is Phantom, oh lovely and irresistible and oh so needy little man. I love how his character has evolved and I love the bond the three men have with each other. Phantom does take up a great deal of time from Tobias and Noah. The funny part about Phantom was my dislike of him in the beginning of this series. Now I love this young man and his issues and struggles just make me want to read more about him.
There is some angst in this book, but really what we have is lots of long hot sex, lots of fantasy scenes (which I still like btw). I never thought I would say this, but I could use more story and less sex and maybe a bad guy or two, someone to dislike.
I am going to follow my dear friend Macky’s lead and save book 5 for a little later. I don ’t want to lose any of my love for these three guys and I think some time apart is just what I need to insure that. Again I will state in no way would I ever want to live this lifestyle, but I will happily pull up a chair (or my kindle) and happily watch! OH MY MY this was hot!!!
May 13, 2012
Chris Owen's Deviations Series was my introduction to the world of M/M BDSM. Truthfully, I wouldn't have had it any other way. Because I absolutely adored the first three books. I loved the emotional ride and I loved getting to know Noah and Tobias.
But this book?
This book was one big disappointment for me, I can honestly say as much.
I wanted to give it two stars, because Chris Owen and Jodi Payne have such an amazing writing style and bring life to their characters through their words - and because Noah is still amazingly adorable and strong. But, I couldn't. I couldn't give it more than one, because in my eyes, the twist and turns that were taken were uncalled for and completely unnessecary.
I had to try at least 4 times before I finally got this book finished and I can honestly say that I can't even remember half of it, because it disappointed me so much when I read it.
I like Noah and Tobias, I really do, and I like the relationship they have with each other and how they make things work out. I loved their vacation in France and how they throughout all three earlier books continued on and continued to evolve and try their bondaries all the time. Pushing themselves more and more.
This book though ... taking Phan back, wth? That completely ruined absolutely everything for me and it was about the time I stopped reading it the first time, because I found it so utterly ridiculous that I simply couldn't handle it. And it hurt to know that that was the path the author had chosen to take, because it did not work well with the other three books and all of the uncertainty Noah have had around the whole Tobias/Phan. Instead it is his true nightmare coming to life in this book.
He may stay in the relationship, but I don't feel like it is about Noah and Tobias any longer, but instead the focus stays on Phan, which annoys me deeply, because I do not think Phan should have that big a role.
As have been mentioned earlier, Phan never tried to move on. He had plenty of opportunities to do so, but he never did! Instead he continued to be hung up on Tobias and tried to destroy his relationship with Noah from the very first time. And what is it with all the focus on Phan's problems?
He is NOT the main character of the series, but somehow he becomes it, which is deeply annoying on every damn level. Besides that, I find him a selfish brat who becomes sullen as soon as things don't work out for him. I know a lot like him, but I have never liked him, not once. He annoyed since the first book and how he makes doe eyes at Tobias. Move on, kiddo! You finished it, now you can't suddenly have regrets.
I can already feel myself become annoyed and pissed just thinking about it; just thinking about his hateful little personality.
This book was .. I don't have words for it, so disappointed was I. I don't even count it as a part of the series any longer and when I re-read the series, I only read the first three books, because those are the books I love - centering on the BDSM and on Noah/Tobias.
Shame for such a good series to have such a ridiculous ending.
I do hope that there will be a spin-off at some point about Nikki and Bradford. I doubt it, but their relationships is one I would love to get deeper into.
But this book?
This book was one big disappointment for me, I can honestly say as much.
I wanted to give it two stars, because Chris Owen and Jodi Payne have such an amazing writing style and bring life to their characters through their words - and because Noah is still amazingly adorable and strong. But, I couldn't. I couldn't give it more than one, because in my eyes, the twist and turns that were taken were uncalled for and completely unnessecary.
I had to try at least 4 times before I finally got this book finished and I can honestly say that I can't even remember half of it, because it disappointed me so much when I read it.
I like Noah and Tobias, I really do, and I like the relationship they have with each other and how they make things work out. I loved their vacation in France and how they throughout all three earlier books continued on and continued to evolve and try their bondaries all the time. Pushing themselves more and more.
This book though ... taking Phan back, wth? That completely ruined absolutely everything for me and it was about the time I stopped reading it the first time, because I found it so utterly ridiculous that I simply couldn't handle it. And it hurt to know that that was the path the author had chosen to take, because it did not work well with the other three books and all of the uncertainty Noah have had around the whole Tobias/Phan. Instead it is his true nightmare coming to life in this book.
He may stay in the relationship, but I don't feel like it is about Noah and Tobias any longer, but instead the focus stays on Phan, which annoys me deeply, because I do not think Phan should have that big a role.
As have been mentioned earlier, Phan never tried to move on. He had plenty of opportunities to do so, but he never did! Instead he continued to be hung up on Tobias and tried to destroy his relationship with Noah from the very first time. And what is it with all the focus on Phan's problems?
He is NOT the main character of the series, but somehow he becomes it, which is deeply annoying on every damn level. Besides that, I find him a selfish brat who becomes sullen as soon as things don't work out for him. I know a lot like him, but I have never liked him, not once. He annoyed since the first book and how he makes doe eyes at Tobias. Move on, kiddo! You finished it, now you can't suddenly have regrets.
I can already feel myself become annoyed and pissed just thinking about it; just thinking about his hateful little personality.
This book was .. I don't have words for it, so disappointed was I. I don't even count it as a part of the series any longer and when I re-read the series, I only read the first three books, because those are the books I love - centering on the BDSM and on Noah/Tobias.
Shame for such a good series to have such a ridiculous ending.
I do hope that there will be a spin-off at some point about Nikki and Bradford. I doubt it, but their relationships is one I would love to get deeper into.
April 17, 2014
Writing this review is making me really sad, to be honest. Never, in a million years, would I have expected to write a review like this for a book in the Deviation series. Unfortunately, I have to say this I can’t help it. To say that I was disappointed in this book is a gross understatement. I’ll try my best to eloquently express my opinion, though I may babble a bit, so bear with me here:
1-For me, it seemed like that authors lost track of their characters, maybe left the series for long enough to forget them or something I’m not sure. But I read the four books all in one go, one after the other, and the change in Noah’s personality in this book was huge and, honestly, unrealistic. I mean, Noah spent the entire 3 books being concerned and worried about Phan, being jealous, feeling possessive over Tobias. Meeting Phan and becoming his friend felt fine to me, a lot of people would do that to feel more secure about their relationships. Even the fact that they became friends was fine. But the intimacy and closeness they developed along with their special Tuesday nights was pushing it a little. Then to go from overly jealous, possessive and worried to falling in love is soo unrealistic even for a fiction romance novel. The fact that the entire book he didn't feel insecure or neglected or worried, not even once, felt forced on the authors part. I at least expected a bit of a struggle, some fighting with Tobias, some inner conflict, some feelings of resent towards Phan, anything really that would have made him more human and relatable to me. Also the fact that the three of them were able to settle in their triad so quickly was unrealistic. I mean if the characters are already used to threesomes and triads and are comfortable with the idea like in other books like The Men With The Golden Cuffs Lexi Blake, that it would have been fine. But since neither of the characters were in triads before or threesomes then I find it hard to believe that they were able to make it work that well that fast.
2-The book was entirely too long for me. A little less than halfway through I was already bored out of my mind. I saw no reason for it to be an entire novel rather than a novella, 37 chapters and an epilogue was way way too much considering there wasn't anything interesting going on. Frankly, the book was reduced to sex, sex and more sex to point that it was beyond an artistic and tasteful erotic romance bordering on porn. The sex and BDSM scenes were so repetitive to the point that they weren't a turn on anymore. At some point I felt like I was reading about mundane daily activities rather than sex scenes that are supposed to be hot and steamy.
3- I really hate the fact that Phan was introduced to the relationship. Noah and Tobias were amazing alone, their relationship was great, I could feel and see their chemistry. I loved reading the 3 books about them and seeing how they matured, developed, became closer to each other. I loved their intimacy and their ability to accommodate each other’s needs. I loved that Noah was a little switchy with Tobias, topping every once in a while when Tobias needed it. Frankly for the first 3 books, they made my Top 10 favorite couples list. But having Phan introduced to their relationship made me not like them anymore. Their dynamic felt off, sometimes Phan and Noah seemed so intimate, close and in love to the point that I felt like they didn’t need Tobias anymore and sometimes I felt that Noah and Tobias were so close that they were disregarding Phan. I also don’t understand how Phan will be able to handle Noah being switchy with Tobias, it’s not like since the 3 of them are all lovers not just 2 lovers and a third on a contract, they can tell Phan to shoo off and that they need alone time, that doesn't seem fair at all.
All in all I was really disappoint *sigh*. I hate it when a series is ruined for me. I wish I didn't read this one and treated Deviations as a trilogy.
1-For me, it seemed like that authors lost track of their characters, maybe left the series for long enough to forget them or something I’m not sure. But I read the four books all in one go, one after the other, and the change in Noah’s personality in this book was huge and, honestly, unrealistic. I mean, Noah spent the entire 3 books being concerned and worried about Phan, being jealous, feeling possessive over Tobias. Meeting Phan and becoming his friend felt fine to me, a lot of people would do that to feel more secure about their relationships. Even the fact that they became friends was fine. But the intimacy and closeness they developed along with their special Tuesday nights was pushing it a little. Then to go from overly jealous, possessive and worried to falling in love is soo unrealistic even for a fiction romance novel. The fact that the entire book he didn't feel insecure or neglected or worried, not even once, felt forced on the authors part. I at least expected a bit of a struggle, some fighting with Tobias, some inner conflict, some feelings of resent towards Phan, anything really that would have made him more human and relatable to me. Also the fact that the three of them were able to settle in their triad so quickly was unrealistic. I mean if the characters are already used to threesomes and triads and are comfortable with the idea like in other books like The Men With The Golden Cuffs Lexi Blake, that it would have been fine. But since neither of the characters were in triads before or threesomes then I find it hard to believe that they were able to make it work that well that fast.
2-The book was entirely too long for me. A little less than halfway through I was already bored out of my mind. I saw no reason for it to be an entire novel rather than a novella, 37 chapters and an epilogue was way way too much considering there wasn't anything interesting going on. Frankly, the book was reduced to sex, sex and more sex to point that it was beyond an artistic and tasteful erotic romance bordering on porn. The sex and BDSM scenes were so repetitive to the point that they weren't a turn on anymore. At some point I felt like I was reading about mundane daily activities rather than sex scenes that are supposed to be hot and steamy.
3- I really hate the fact that Phan was introduced to the relationship. Noah and Tobias were amazing alone, their relationship was great, I could feel and see their chemistry. I loved reading the 3 books about them and seeing how they matured, developed, became closer to each other. I loved their intimacy and their ability to accommodate each other’s needs. I loved that Noah was a little switchy with Tobias, topping every once in a while when Tobias needed it. Frankly for the first 3 books, they made my Top 10 favorite couples list. But having Phan introduced to their relationship made me not like them anymore. Their dynamic felt off, sometimes Phan and Noah seemed so intimate, close and in love to the point that I felt like they didn’t need Tobias anymore and sometimes I felt that Noah and Tobias were so close that they were disregarding Phan. I also don’t understand how Phan will be able to handle Noah being switchy with Tobias, it’s not like since the 3 of them are all lovers not just 2 lovers and a third on a contract, they can tell Phan to shoo off and that they need alone time, that doesn't seem fair at all.
All in all I was really disappoint *sigh*. I hate it when a series is ruined for me. I wish I didn't read this one and treated Deviations as a trilogy.
September 22, 2019
I am so happy! It finally happened! I actually didnt think it would. I thought it was just wishful thinking on my part. Tobias kept insisting that he didnt want two subs, and he was so devoted to Noah. But once Noah accepted Phan and fell in love with him, Tobias couldnt help but follow. And when Tobias finally admit that he was in love with Phan too, Noah told him he was probably in love with him all along. Although Tobias denied it, I think Noah was probably right. I love the three of them together and I think they are probably my favourite MMM thruple of all time. It took several books for it to happen and I didnt know for sure ahead of time if this series was a MMM story, but I really enjoyed the slow development of their relationship, and getting to know Tobias first, then Noah, then adding Phan, before they finally felt complete. I cant wait to read more and I hope to see more of Nikki too. He is a character that I feel that we havent gotten to know well enough, and since he is mentioned in the blurb for book 5 I hope we see some more of him.
August 30, 2010
Sigh.... I don't know where to start. I really disliked this book on 2 levels. First the the book strayed away from all the things I was really digging about this series. There was barely anything about the BDSM lifestyle. For such a long book, there was barely any of Tobias and Noah exploring and expanding their relationship. At least not that aspect of their relationship. The second is the fact that the characters starting making choices that just seemed unsupported by everything I felt I knew about them.
Here's my rant- it's about Phan & Tobias and the fact that them ending up back together was not a stretch. It means that Tobias never had to give him up. Oh sure he said that Noah came first, but he never had to actually prove that and the mention of Phan was enough to distract him every time. Phan never really moved on, never really tried. Everything Noah feared in reality was true, he just didn't get booted from the relationship like he feared. As a matter of fact, Noah even said in this book that despite all his protest, Tobias never stopped being in love with Phan. And Tobias' answer? "Maybe, but it doesn't matter now." Ick. Really?
Not to mention moving Phan in to their relationship and lives just went so smoothly. And it seems odd that they just moved him in. Two weeks earlier Noah wasn't even sure if he was going to live with Tobias. It all just doesn't site well. And Phan never really grew. Sure he was sick and he got better but he still just keeps going back to what he knows, Tobias. It would have been so nice to see Tobias and Phan resolve their relationship and be friends without getting back together. Even if Noah & Tobias had taken Phan in temporarily it would have been awesome to see him actually seek out a change. He could have meet a nice Dom from the new group of applicants and found something that was his and new.
Maybe if it had happened gradually instead of being crammed into one book. But really my big hang up about it is still the fact that the series starts with Tobias alone and three years later still mourning the loss of his lover. Still holding on to the pain of him leaving. Still wishing he could change things. Because love wasn't enough, Phan needed to deal with his issues. He never moved on to the point where everyone was concerned about him. There was never really a point where he closed the Phan chapter and reopened it, and it bugs me as a reader. When we meet Phan, he's really no better. Still showing how much he and Tobias belong together. And it seems like him getting better is really linked Tobias. If Tobias hadn't taken him back he would never have stayed well. It's what he wanted, and he got it. I would have LOVED to see Phan get better on his own, and Tobias and Noah move in together and then they could all come together. I know it doesn't sound like it but I was really rooting for Phan. I just wanted him to find his own way first.
This book also had both Noah & Tobias just changing their career.s Noah especially it seems so out of character that he is just all okay with everything. He realizes he wants to help people so he volunteers and then is going to work security at the club? He was so defined by his career- well, not defined but balanced. I don't understand why he is suddenly so passive about working. It seems like he would want to open a shelter or be more agressive in his helping people. It's how he takes on everything, so it just seems off to me.
As a reader I felt cheated of so many of the things that made previous books in this series ok even when I wasn't agreeing with their choices. It felt like there was a lot of repetitive sex. A lot.
Not a favorite. I almost wished I'd stopped reading at the end of book 3.
Here's my rant- it's about Phan & Tobias and the fact that them ending up back together was not a stretch. It means that Tobias never had to give him up. Oh sure he said that Noah came first, but he never had to actually prove that and the mention of Phan was enough to distract him every time. Phan never really moved on, never really tried. Everything Noah feared in reality was true, he just didn't get booted from the relationship like he feared. As a matter of fact, Noah even said in this book that despite all his protest, Tobias never stopped being in love with Phan. And Tobias' answer? "Maybe, but it doesn't matter now." Ick. Really?
Not to mention moving Phan in to their relationship and lives just went so smoothly. And it seems odd that they just moved him in. Two weeks earlier Noah wasn't even sure if he was going to live with Tobias. It all just doesn't site well. And Phan never really grew. Sure he was sick and he got better but he still just keeps going back to what he knows, Tobias. It would have been so nice to see Tobias and Phan resolve their relationship and be friends without getting back together. Even if Noah & Tobias had taken Phan in temporarily it would have been awesome to see him actually seek out a change. He could have meet a nice Dom from the new group of applicants and found something that was his and new.
Maybe if it had happened gradually instead of being crammed into one book. But really my big hang up about it is still the fact that the series starts with Tobias alone and three years later still mourning the loss of his lover. Still holding on to the pain of him leaving. Still wishing he could change things. Because love wasn't enough, Phan needed to deal with his issues. He never moved on to the point where everyone was concerned about him. There was never really a point where he closed the Phan chapter and reopened it, and it bugs me as a reader. When we meet Phan, he's really no better. Still showing how much he and Tobias belong together. And it seems like him getting better is really linked Tobias. If Tobias hadn't taken him back he would never have stayed well. It's what he wanted, and he got it. I would have LOVED to see Phan get better on his own, and Tobias and Noah move in together and then they could all come together. I know it doesn't sound like it but I was really rooting for Phan. I just wanted him to find his own way first.
This book also had both Noah & Tobias just changing their career.s Noah especially it seems so out of character that he is just all okay with everything. He realizes he wants to help people so he volunteers and then is going to work security at the club? He was so defined by his career- well, not defined but balanced. I don't understand why he is suddenly so passive about working. It seems like he would want to open a shelter or be more agressive in his helping people. It's how he takes on everything, so it just seems off to me.
As a reader I felt cheated of so many of the things that made previous books in this series ok even when I wasn't agreeing with their choices. It felt like there was a lot of repetitive sex. A lot.
Not a favorite. I almost wished I'd stopped reading at the end of book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2013
I've really enjoyed this series and having read books 1to 4 back to back I've had time to really get to know all the characters and have grown to love them all including Bradford, Nikki and all the longstanding supporting characters who have helped to flesh out the books. Its been an eye opener into the world of BDSM and D/s and I've learned a lot about how the lifestyle works. All throughout the series there have been subtle hints as to where Tobias, Noah and Phan's relationship would end up and that was fine with me, as much as I adore Tobias and Noah, I have a HUGE soft spot for Phantom so I had no major disappointments at all with this book. The only thing that I found was that sometimes the sex scenes ( not the BDSM play or D/s scenes, they were always scorching! ) felt a bit long drawn out. I love an erotic, hot love scene as much as anybody but I do find sometimes that if there's a lot in a book after a while they can sometimes become a bit repetitive and I did find myself skimming through not all but the odd one. Even so, there's no doubt that the chemistry and connection between them makes for some sizzling moments too and there's plenty of yummy kinky play to make up for the parts that did make me shut off a bit.
Again not huge amounts of angst and the conflicts that do arise get sorted fairly quickly and easily so the story flows along at an easy pace. Perhaps it was lacking a little bit more tension between the three of them and that might irk some readers of the series but for me it was no hardship.
I have book five and a short waiting but I might just break it up with a few different books in between so that I don't get too overloaded with these guys... The wait will make me appreciate them all the more for when when I start to crave another Deviations fix!
Again not huge amounts of angst and the conflicts that do arise get sorted fairly quickly and easily so the story flows along at an easy pace. Perhaps it was lacking a little bit more tension between the three of them and that might irk some readers of the series but for me it was no hardship.
I have book five and a short waiting but I might just break it up with a few different books in between so that I don't get too overloaded with these guys... The wait will make me appreciate them all the more for when when I start to crave another Deviations fix!
February 17, 2015
3.5 stars
I was waffling on a 3 or 4 star rating. We finally got where I was expecting this series to go all along, but I was a bit disappointed in the way it was so easy. Noah's biggest fear was basically coming to pass and there was never any tension or angst. I understand his feelings regarding Phan have somewhat changed, but I needed some difficulty in the adjustment. Things were just a little too easy for the three.
I was waffling on a 3 or 4 star rating. We finally got where I was expecting this series to go all along, but I was a bit disappointed in the way it was so easy. Noah's biggest fear was basically coming to pass and there was never any tension or angst. I understand his feelings regarding Phan have somewhat changed, but I needed some difficulty in the adjustment. Things were just a little too easy for the three.
September 19, 2012
I could kind of see what happened in this book coming, but it was still a bit of a shock to me how it came about. I'm still reading these books in one sitting, and still wishing to see more of Tobias' domination of Noah, which I have decided isn't going to happen, but finishing these books a happy little smut reader. One more to go, and then no doubt I will go through slow painful withdrawals.
April 11, 2014
3.5 TALK-ABOUT-COMPLETE-360 STARS
So at first i was like...
I kinda got the feeling this was gonna end up happening but... I just never thought Noah would allow it. Tobias was just happy as fuck he got two subs to cater to his every whim.
So, Noah and Tobias get back from Paris with a brand new contract, more in love than ever and ready to move together. Sadly, the high from the trip doesnt last too lond and shit hits the fan.
In my opinion, the events that happen had too much of a HEA tone for me, everything just happened smoothly and no one had a problem with anything and sap sap sap everything is perfect, people have no conflicts and they lived happily ever after, I was happy with Noah and Tobias, I was enjoying seeing them lived their kinky version of a happily ever after, I also liked Phan, his character and who he was but even of he deserved happiness I thought everything progressed too smoothly and with no problem, I kinda crave drama in this story and well, I guess I'll be reading the next one just too see whats up with Noah, Tobias and Phan since Im quite fond of them but darn, the books are so long and everything is sucking and licking and fucking -and for me to say a book has too much sex, it means it has a SHIT-TON of it-
Though i'll admit there were some parts that were just amazingly SEXY and HOT!
"That knot work was superb. I took a knot work seminar a few years back, nothing nearly that elaborate, but I think I'll refresh my memory tonight. How does that sound?"
Tobias nodded, his mouth going dry. He was discovering all sorts of things out about Noah. "That would be wonderful, sir," he said honestly.
"Excellent. Good boy."
I feel like I made no sense. Just think this last books would have been more enjoyable if they were cut by half at least.
I still loved the secondary characters, Bradford and Nikki are super cute and I find endless interest in Lucas and Danny. And the friendship between Noah and Phan is just cute as hell.
"Bring the contraband to me, boy," Noah ordered, deliberately sounding Toppy.
Phan appeared, clutching his box. "No," he said, sticking out his tongue. "You tricked me."
"I did not! I never told you that box was in my room. You assumed!" Noah got out of his chair.
"Uh-huh. Trickery. And then Toppy voice. Bad Noah. No sweet for you," Phan said, backing up.
"You have sugar?" Noah stalked him.
"I have... um. No?"
"Chocolate or candy? Fess up, I know where you're ticklish."
So yeah, that's pretty much it.
So at first i was like...
I kinda got the feeling this was gonna end up happening but... I just never thought Noah would allow it. Tobias was just happy as fuck he got two subs to cater to his every whim.
So, Noah and Tobias get back from Paris with a brand new contract, more in love than ever and ready to move together. Sadly, the high from the trip doesnt last too lond and shit hits the fan.
In my opinion, the events that happen had too much of a HEA tone for me, everything just happened smoothly and no one had a problem with anything and sap sap sap everything is perfect, people have no conflicts and they lived happily ever after, I was happy with Noah and Tobias, I was enjoying seeing them lived their kinky version of a happily ever after, I also liked Phan, his character and who he was but even of he deserved happiness I thought everything progressed too smoothly and with no problem, I kinda crave drama in this story and well, I guess I'll be reading the next one just too see whats up with Noah, Tobias and Phan since Im quite fond of them but darn, the books are so long and everything is sucking and licking and fucking -and for me to say a book has too much sex, it means it has a SHIT-TON of it-
Though i'll admit there were some parts that were just amazingly SEXY and HOT!
"That knot work was superb. I took a knot work seminar a few years back, nothing nearly that elaborate, but I think I'll refresh my memory tonight. How does that sound?"
Tobias nodded, his mouth going dry. He was discovering all sorts of things out about Noah. "That would be wonderful, sir," he said honestly.
"Excellent. Good boy."
I feel like I made no sense. Just think this last books would have been more enjoyable if they were cut by half at least.
I still loved the secondary characters, Bradford and Nikki are super cute and I find endless interest in Lucas and Danny. And the friendship between Noah and Phan is just cute as hell.
"Bring the contraband to me, boy," Noah ordered, deliberately sounding Toppy.
Phan appeared, clutching his box. "No," he said, sticking out his tongue. "You tricked me."
"I did not! I never told you that box was in my room. You assumed!" Noah got out of his chair.
"Uh-huh. Trickery. And then Toppy voice. Bad Noah. No sweet for you," Phan said, backing up.
"You have sugar?" Noah stalked him.
"I have... um. No?"
"Chocolate or candy? Fess up, I know where you're ticklish."
So yeah, that's pretty much it.
August 14, 2013
*sigh* i'm marking this read even tho I still have a couple of chapters left. I'm not sure if I'll get back to it. I'm going to be completely honest and there will be spoilers. I love threesomes. For serious. But I hated this one. The involvement of Phan seemed overdone, too late, and fake. I felt like the authors had one story arc in mind for the first three books and then changed their minds and decided to make it a threesome. I wanted to like Phan. I wanted to feel bad for him and welcome him into Noah and Tobias' relationship, but I just couldn't and I think most of that is Tobias' fault. Noah, who is the most perfect of perfect subs was against Phan from the get go! From the SECOND time he met Tobias at the club! And then all of the sudden, he was okay with it? NO! And Tobias is supposed to be the BEST DOM EVER but broke his own promises to Noah and putting Noah on the back burner time after time. I was so frustrated by him. Noah just kept letting it slide! It started out as Phan was just going to live with them as a place to stay and then without any talking to Noah whatsoever, Tobias has a meeting with them to go over Phan's rules. WHAT? And there were promises of Noah being his sub, not Phan. That was broken, too! Promises that Noah was the one Tobias loved, not Phan... yep! They're all in love. So why should I believe anything Tobias says? And don't even get me started on the fact that Noah has consistently said that he can't be in subspace all week b/c of his job, yet Tobias makes him drop to his knees when he shows up at home early one night.
I think if Noah hadn't been so against Phan from the beginning, or if they had eased into the situation more realistically I could've been on board. But I'm incredibly disappointed by the way this has turned out. I"ll read the fifth book eventually. I enjoy their writing and if Phan's involvement had gone the other way this would've gotten four stars from me instead of two.
I think if Noah hadn't been so against Phan from the beginning, or if they had eased into the situation more realistically I could've been on board. But I'm incredibly disappointed by the way this has turned out. I"ll read the fifth book eventually. I enjoy their writing and if Phan's involvement had gone the other way this would've gotten four stars from me instead of two.
January 10, 2013
I'm not sure what happened here but Tobias suddenly became whiny & insecure & Noah became the star of the dope show. I can't say that I was surprised by the addition of Phan or even disappointed-he certainly amped up the sex-but I can say that I was not as enthusiastic about this one as the previous ones. Granted there's many, many changes & the three have to adjust & settle into a triad relationship & as much as I get all that, I think it was executed poorly. It could've done with a bit more of the psychological aspects of D/s IMHO. It felt forced, a little too tidy perhaps & the sex/kink became a little repetitive. All & all it was good & I still love the series, it's just not as good as the first three.
August 6, 2016
I waited too long to do the review. Will maybe have to re-read then try again.
2/22/14 - ETA:
Book 4 of the Deviations Series - This installment really should have been called the "Book of Phan"
Although I enjoyed it the first time & still enjoyed the re-read there were and are some things that bothered me.
I feel like the triad was greatly manipulated into being by Phantom. His neediness & inability to let Tobias go created a situation where it would be impossible for him to be whole & happy with anyone but Tobias.
Tobias closed his eyes, surprised at the relief that he felt. He would have encouraged Phan to stay with them without a contract if that had been what Noah wanted, but in his heart he'd long known that this would come. Since the moment Noah had told Phan to come with them, Tobias, in his bones, had wanted a contract.
This passage tells me that Tobias also had not really gotten over Phan either. Yes, he's in love with Noah & they're partners. But that tiny little piece of him has always belonged solely to Phantom.
Tobias wasn't entirely sure what happened next. All of a sudden everyone was in motion, and Tobias hit the carpet behind the couch face down with one arm wrenched behind his back. "Get the light, Phan! Light!" Noah barked, planting a knee in Tobias' back to keep him down. Tobias sighed, fighting the instinct to move; Noah would break his arm. "This really isn't my night," he said.
Silly man. He should know better than to sneak up on a cop in the dark!
Okay and the final thing that bothers me. The remarkable difference in the metals of the collars for Noah & Phan. Noah's is made of stainless steel. Phan's is made of solid silver. I would think in cost alone, that would be a huge tell. But I'm not in the scene, so what do I know. Maybe it's nothing.
I will say that even though Phan is a terribly needy bitch, Tobias seems to prefer having sex with Noah. And I abso-freaking-lutely think it's off the charts hot as hell when Noah tops Tobias.
2/22/14 - ETA:
Book 4 of the Deviations Series - This installment really should have been called the "Book of Phan"
Although I enjoyed it the first time & still enjoyed the re-read there were and are some things that bothered me.
I feel like the triad was greatly manipulated into being by Phantom. His neediness & inability to let Tobias go created a situation where it would be impossible for him to be whole & happy with anyone but Tobias.
Tobias closed his eyes, surprised at the relief that he felt. He would have encouraged Phan to stay with them without a contract if that had been what Noah wanted, but in his heart he'd long known that this would come. Since the moment Noah had told Phan to come with them, Tobias, in his bones, had wanted a contract.
This passage tells me that Tobias also had not really gotten over Phan either. Yes, he's in love with Noah & they're partners. But that tiny little piece of him has always belonged solely to Phantom.
Tobias wasn't entirely sure what happened next. All of a sudden everyone was in motion, and Tobias hit the carpet behind the couch face down with one arm wrenched behind his back. "Get the light, Phan! Light!" Noah barked, planting a knee in Tobias' back to keep him down. Tobias sighed, fighting the instinct to move; Noah would break his arm. "This really isn't my night," he said.
Silly man. He should know better than to sneak up on a cop in the dark!
Okay and the final thing that bothers me. The remarkable difference in the metals of the collars for Noah & Phan. Noah's is made of stainless steel. Phan's is made of solid silver. I would think in cost alone, that would be a huge tell. But I'm not in the scene, so what do I know. Maybe it's nothing.
I will say that even though Phan is a terribly needy bitch, Tobias seems to prefer having sex with Noah. And I abso-freaking-lutely think it's off the charts hot as hell when Noah tops Tobias.
May 3, 2010
This series is still one of the best I've read, but the last book just wasn't at the same level as the previous ones. I actually like Phan a lot so I was disappointed that it all came down to skimming through the plot and lots of playful sex. What bothered me the most was the skipping. There wasn't any tension between them or that sweet anticipation, but rather jumping from one week to the other, from one blow job to the other.
Even the scenes were much weaker than before and I had the feeling that the best of them were only mentioned as a good memory. And really, Noah's new occupation feels so out of character, even to the point of conflict with the previous book where he had very strong feeling about contributing.
I have a lot of opinions, but I still did like the book, very much so and I am glad to have been able to read it.
Even the scenes were much weaker than before and I had the feeling that the best of them were only mentioned as a good memory. And really, Noah's new occupation feels so out of character, even to the point of conflict with the previous book where he had very strong feeling about contributing.
I have a lot of opinions, but I still did like the book, very much so and I am glad to have been able to read it.
November 9, 2013
Bondage is book 4 of Deviations series. I stopped reading at 52% about 10 months ago as I didn't like the direction it was heading. I always loved Tobias and Noah's relationship, the trust and love they had for each other. Phan was always there in background and I was ok with that. However, I just couldn't get on with . So I decided I would have a break, which actually did me good. I did enjoy the second half and have now sort of excepted that it's the way things had to be.
November 4, 2010
ahhhhhhhhhhhh i hated the conclusion of this series...sigh...Phan was annoying the whole time. I just wanted him to find his own Dom and leave Noah and Tobias ALONE!!!!...therefore the author's inclusion of him into their lifestyle and love just drove me nuts...when his character moved in and eventually had equal status i closed the book...so i think 2 stars was generous...i love Chris Owens' previous booksin this series but Phantom just Killed all the magic. All around disappointing.
June 4, 2019
It ended up being very good - I loved the growth in Tobas' and Noah's characters and my faith in Phan grew toward the end.
June 30, 2012
It's not very often I find a book that even the first time through I want to read it as slowly as possible and just savor every moment. This was one of those books.
This was a beautifully perfect culmination of everything that had been introduced in the first three books. The characters were real and believable and fantastically well written. Each of the relationships was given the needed attention, and watching the different relationships develop was delightful and fun and interesting and exciting.
I think one of my favorite things is that I actually genuinely like all of the characters. I like who they are as people and who they're trying to be. And I especially like who they are together. They all just fit so well together, and reading about how much they sincerely care for each other, how well they communicate, and how they genuinely have each others' best interest in mind was sweet and beautiful and inspiring.
A beautiful and beautifully-written book with characters that I adore and that I was genuinely rooting for. I loved this one and can't recommend it highly enough!
This was a beautifully perfect culmination of everything that had been introduced in the first three books. The characters were real and believable and fantastically well written. Each of the relationships was given the needed attention, and watching the different relationships develop was delightful and fun and interesting and exciting.
I think one of my favorite things is that I actually genuinely like all of the characters. I like who they are as people and who they're trying to be. And I especially like who they are together. They all just fit so well together, and reading about how much they sincerely care for each other, how well they communicate, and how they genuinely have each others' best interest in mind was sweet and beautiful and inspiring.
A beautiful and beautifully-written book with characters that I adore and that I was genuinely rooting for. I loved this one and can't recommend it highly enough!
June 19, 2010
I cannot write this review without giving away – what I believe to be – a major spoiler. In BONDAGE everything comes together regarding Tobias, Noah and Phantom. I’ve grown with these men from a budding gay D/s relationship & friendship, getting to know each other, going through the motion in the individual ups and downs, and gradually something more blooms between the three of them. The previous three novels somehow prepared me for what was about to happen in BONDAGE and while I was not surprised it created a huge dilemma which made me wonder how the authors were going to handle it. And with it, I mean one Dom, with his two subs. I was pulled in to a three-way relationship and my instant worry was how this was going to work romantically, how each character will get what he needs, and once again I was amazed in the creative ability Owen and Payne showed to make this relationship work.
Throughout each novel there was no doubt Phantom still had emotions for his former Dom Tobias, and that there was a unique connection between them. The friendship between Phan and Noah also strengthened with each day, so with these ties connecting the three characters together there was already a foundation for what was to come. Phan needed to do some rigorous emotional healing and a choice needed to be made by Tobias and Noah. With that choice made things inevitably shifted and that the situation was becoming far more difficult was to be expected. Tobias now needed to take care of two subs, each with their individual desires and approach from him as their Dom.
It, once again, showcased the formidable dialogues between Tobias, Noah and Phan. Each being very honest in revealing their feelings, how difficult this sometimes may be. It made me understand each of them on such an intimate level my emotional strings were inevitably pulled. The issues rose from Tobias needing to make choices in what he has time for in his day-to-day life, Phan dealing with vocalizing his needs and knowing he is wanted, and Noah furthers his exploration in this relationship. Ever single action was trying to bring them together in this threesome, it wasn't the easiest way to love or be in a relationship and they were well aware of this fact. Still, Tobias, Noah and Phan were determined not to let the difficulty hold them back. They would make this work on their own terms and let no-one come between what felt good for them.
I loved watching their advancements, their struggles, the unleashing of their passion, and I say watching because the evocative writing style made me see it all in the mind’s eye. The erotic pictures of Tobias, Noah and Phan going at it together - as well as separately - are permanently burned in my memory. Over the course of this novel this threesome had to undergo some changes, making some life altering decisions to head for an ending that was so good. I hated to leave them, I knew it was the perfect place for the men to be but I wanted to stay with them just a little longer knowing I could never experience this series a first time again. I knew that Tobias, Noah and Phantom were rock solid, having an incredible time together, completely devoted to one another and would work out all that life would throw at them. Leaving them as I read the final page was bittersweet and I knew the DEVIATIONS series earned their spot on my keeper shelves.
This three-way took me to emotional highs, gave me laugh out loud moments, gave me an intimacy with the characters I enjoy so thoroughly in a story and of course this wouldn’t be a DEVIATIONS novel if there wasn’t an amount of sexual foreplay, the back and forth of teasing innuendo and the vigorous sex-play of a Dom with his two subs. BONDAGE took it up a notch and swept me off my feet as Chris Owen and Jodi Payne broadened my horizon with three men I will forever cherish.
Throughout each novel there was no doubt Phantom still had emotions for his former Dom Tobias, and that there was a unique connection between them. The friendship between Phan and Noah also strengthened with each day, so with these ties connecting the three characters together there was already a foundation for what was to come. Phan needed to do some rigorous emotional healing and a choice needed to be made by Tobias and Noah. With that choice made things inevitably shifted and that the situation was becoming far more difficult was to be expected. Tobias now needed to take care of two subs, each with their individual desires and approach from him as their Dom.
It, once again, showcased the formidable dialogues between Tobias, Noah and Phan. Each being very honest in revealing their feelings, how difficult this sometimes may be. It made me understand each of them on such an intimate level my emotional strings were inevitably pulled. The issues rose from Tobias needing to make choices in what he has time for in his day-to-day life, Phan dealing with vocalizing his needs and knowing he is wanted, and Noah furthers his exploration in this relationship. Ever single action was trying to bring them together in this threesome, it wasn't the easiest way to love or be in a relationship and they were well aware of this fact. Still, Tobias, Noah and Phan were determined not to let the difficulty hold them back. They would make this work on their own terms and let no-one come between what felt good for them.
I loved watching their advancements, their struggles, the unleashing of their passion, and I say watching because the evocative writing style made me see it all in the mind’s eye. The erotic pictures of Tobias, Noah and Phan going at it together - as well as separately - are permanently burned in my memory. Over the course of this novel this threesome had to undergo some changes, making some life altering decisions to head for an ending that was so good. I hated to leave them, I knew it was the perfect place for the men to be but I wanted to stay with them just a little longer knowing I could never experience this series a first time again. I knew that Tobias, Noah and Phantom were rock solid, having an incredible time together, completely devoted to one another and would work out all that life would throw at them. Leaving them as I read the final page was bittersweet and I knew the DEVIATIONS series earned their spot on my keeper shelves.
This three-way took me to emotional highs, gave me laugh out loud moments, gave me an intimacy with the characters I enjoy so thoroughly in a story and of course this wouldn’t be a DEVIATIONS novel if there wasn’t an amount of sexual foreplay, the back and forth of teasing innuendo and the vigorous sex-play of a Dom with his two subs. BONDAGE took it up a notch and swept me off my feet as Chris Owen and Jodi Payne broadened my horizon with three men I will forever cherish.
April 18, 2012
If I could give this book 10 stars I would. There isn't any part of this book I wish had changed.
The beginning of the book had me in serious tears as Phan was threatening to leave the scene and go to the clinic his 'parents' and I use that term loosely wanted him to go to because he felt like he was drowning despite being under Bradford's control. It just wasn't working for him, he wasn't being challenged and he felt like he was ruining everyone's life by dragging them into his problems.
No one knew what to do to help him that wouldn't step on someone else's toes and it was completely disheartening. You have Phan, a sub who wasn't getting his needs met, Bradford, a Dom with another sub (Nikki) who was being neglected and wasn't complaining because he wanted to see Phan get better, another Dom (Tobias) with a sub and life partner who wanted nothing more than to feel like he wasn't letting anyone down and another sub (Noah) who still had a bit of insecurity with Tobias' feeling toward Phan and vice versa.
It was a complete surprise and an absolutely wonderfully shocking moment when it was Noah who invited Phan to move in with them in order to save him from himself and to make sure that he would be okay. The chain of events that followed Noah's generous and extremely moving offer took me on a roller coaster of emotion, there were so many different things that happened and it was just amazing.
I sped through this book just as much as I have the entire series because I can't help but love these boys. Seeing them all end up happy and healthy and together made my heart soar. Watching Bradford and Tobias have a collar ceremony for both Nikii and Phantom at the same time was the highlight of the entire book for me. Seeing Phantom get his happily ever after, after everything he'd been through was friggin' amazing and sent me on a high of epic proportions. Knowing that Noah was just as much in love with Phan as Tobias was and that the feelings were mutual killed me dead.
Noah is absolutely the most giving and loving and amazing man that either Tobias and Phantom could have ever hoped to have met and I think he is truly the one who balances out the relationship for all of them. Watching him grow from the sub he was in the beginning to the sub and partner that he is now has been mind blowing. Honestly seeing him shed his insecurities and his past and throw his entire trust into Tobias is so powerful and just, gah!
One of the best book series' I've ever read!
The beginning of the book had me in serious tears as Phan was threatening to leave the scene and go to the clinic his 'parents' and I use that term loosely wanted him to go to because he felt like he was drowning despite being under Bradford's control. It just wasn't working for him, he wasn't being challenged and he felt like he was ruining everyone's life by dragging them into his problems.
No one knew what to do to help him that wouldn't step on someone else's toes and it was completely disheartening. You have Phan, a sub who wasn't getting his needs met, Bradford, a Dom with another sub (Nikki) who was being neglected and wasn't complaining because he wanted to see Phan get better, another Dom (Tobias) with a sub and life partner who wanted nothing more than to feel like he wasn't letting anyone down and another sub (Noah) who still had a bit of insecurity with Tobias' feeling toward Phan and vice versa.
It was a complete surprise and an absolutely wonderfully shocking moment when it was Noah who invited Phan to move in with them in order to save him from himself and to make sure that he would be okay. The chain of events that followed Noah's generous and extremely moving offer took me on a roller coaster of emotion, there were so many different things that happened and it was just amazing.
I sped through this book just as much as I have the entire series because I can't help but love these boys. Seeing them all end up happy and healthy and together made my heart soar. Watching Bradford and Tobias have a collar ceremony for both Nikii and Phantom at the same time was the highlight of the entire book for me. Seeing Phantom get his happily ever after, after everything he'd been through was friggin' amazing and sent me on a high of epic proportions. Knowing that Noah was just as much in love with Phan as Tobias was and that the feelings were mutual killed me dead.
Noah is absolutely the most giving and loving and amazing man that either Tobias and Phantom could have ever hoped to have met and I think he is truly the one who balances out the relationship for all of them. Watching him grow from the sub he was in the beginning to the sub and partner that he is now has been mind blowing. Honestly seeing him shed his insecurities and his past and throw his entire trust into Tobias is so powerful and just, gah!
One of the best book series' I've ever read!
April 12, 2011
I just found this series and fell in love with Noah & Tobias in the first three books....I think my favorite parts are when they are real partners (like Noah wanting to take him to work functions) not just sub/Dom and then this book...........I really want to like Phan but NOT with Noah & Tobias. I was so hoping he was going to find someone new to love and move on.
It was all of Noah's fears come true and I don't see how he just got over it....makes me feel like Phan was manipulating it all from the very start and I just hate it. I know they all say they love each other and are happy but I just love love love Noah and Tobias together. I feel like they have the "mature" relationship and then you throw this whiny, brat into the mix and it takes away from them. I loathe when Tobias take his attention away from Noah for Phan.
I was glad to see others on here were feeling the same way...thought I was missing something. I am halfway through #5 and IMO Phan only gets more screechy and annoying....not sure I can even like him anymore.
I don't know if there will be more after #5 (as I said, I'm new to the series) but if so, I wonder if there is anyway to get Phan out of the mix.....
I gave it three stars b/c I couldn't pick 2.5....love the writing skills just not the path the authors went down......SIGH
It was all of Noah's fears come true and I don't see how he just got over it....makes me feel like Phan was manipulating it all from the very start and I just hate it. I know they all say they love each other and are happy but I just love love love Noah and Tobias together. I feel like they have the "mature" relationship and then you throw this whiny, brat into the mix and it takes away from them. I loathe when Tobias take his attention away from Noah for Phan.
I was glad to see others on here were feeling the same way...thought I was missing something. I am halfway through #5 and IMO Phan only gets more screechy and annoying....not sure I can even like him anymore.
I don't know if there will be more after #5 (as I said, I'm new to the series) but if so, I wonder if there is anyway to get Phan out of the mix.....
I gave it three stars b/c I couldn't pick 2.5....love the writing skills just not the path the authors went down......SIGH
February 17, 2014
This series had a fairly lukewarm start for me, but finished strong!
I didn't really feel too connected to Tobias, even though most of the series seemed to be from his point of view. I did like seeing how a tough Dom might react to the tender side of falling in love, and seeing Bradford and Nikki at the end felt like just desserts for good Doms and Subs, as well.
Honestly, though, I think I was 'team Noah' the whole way. I really enjoyed his honesty with his feelings and his depth of character as well as seeing him grow in his confindence and trust in the relationship he had with his Dom. And I LOVED that he could 'switch' a little bit :)
Phan, well, he was just icing on the cake. For a series that I wasn't too excited about from the first stories, well, I am going to sleep tonight with a happy chuckle, and warm fuzzies with the way things turned out for all.
Maybe not the best I have seen written about BDSM relationships, but left with enough good feelings to give this book a 4.5 rounded up to a 5.
Recommend the series, if only to be able to finish off with this one....unfortunately, to really appreciate,the reader has to wade through some..what I consider, lukewarm bits to get to this book.
I didn't really feel too connected to Tobias, even though most of the series seemed to be from his point of view. I did like seeing how a tough Dom might react to the tender side of falling in love, and seeing Bradford and Nikki at the end felt like just desserts for good Doms and Subs, as well.
Honestly, though, I think I was 'team Noah' the whole way. I really enjoyed his honesty with his feelings and his depth of character as well as seeing him grow in his confindence and trust in the relationship he had with his Dom. And I LOVED that he could 'switch' a little bit :)
Phan, well, he was just icing on the cake. For a series that I wasn't too excited about from the first stories, well, I am going to sleep tonight with a happy chuckle, and warm fuzzies with the way things turned out for all.
Maybe not the best I have seen written about BDSM relationships, but left with enough good feelings to give this book a 4.5 rounded up to a 5.
Recommend the series, if only to be able to finish off with this one....unfortunately, to really appreciate,the reader has to wade through some..what I consider, lukewarm bits to get to this book.
September 21, 2013
Another 5 star rating from me. Goodreads isn't letting me add the stars - but I should be able to fix it later.
This series is just so consistently great and the development of the characters and their relationships feels so natural. There are loads of sex scenes but I never find them boring or repetitive, and they always add something to the story or to the relationships.
I love how intelligent and 'adult' all the characters are, they way the communicate is just great. I get so frustrated in books when the characters don't talk to each other properly. These men are sensitive, loving and wise. Sometimes they fuck up, or miss things, but they always manage to work things through and I love that.
NB most of my reviews for this series are less than coherent because I'm just so impatient to get to the next one. But it would be hard to write specific reviews for each without spoilers anyway, so I'm just raving about stuff I particularly like that has occurred to me with each book. But most of my reviews probably apply to the entire series rather than any one book in particular.
This series is just so consistently great and the development of the characters and their relationships feels so natural. There are loads of sex scenes but I never find them boring or repetitive, and they always add something to the story or to the relationships.
I love how intelligent and 'adult' all the characters are, they way the communicate is just great. I get so frustrated in books when the characters don't talk to each other properly. These men are sensitive, loving and wise. Sometimes they fuck up, or miss things, but they always manage to work things through and I love that.
NB most of my reviews for this series are less than coherent because I'm just so impatient to get to the next one. But it would be hard to write specific reviews for each without spoilers anyway, so I'm just raving about stuff I particularly like that has occurred to me with each book. But most of my reviews probably apply to the entire series rather than any one book in particular.
July 27, 2011
This series is my favorite BDSM series of any that I have ever read. By the fourth book the characters are so thoroughly drawn that I felt like I know them personally. My favorite character is poor troubled Phantom and I was glad to see more of him in this book than the previous ones. Things are beginning to work out for Phantom thanks to the love Tobias has always had for Phan as well as the generous heart of Noah.
The plot is complicated and the book is long enough to weave through the subtle and dynamic relationships of a menage that is grounded in a 24x7 BDSM lifestyle.
There was some switch role play that I wasn't comfortable with. It's not that I don't think that could happen but it was so OOC for Noah and Tobias that it was hard to accept.
The ending is definitely HEA for all three men but I kept wanting it to go on and on. This was supposed to be the last book in the series but there is a fifth one now out as well as short stories online so I will read them and get my Deviations fix.
The plot is complicated and the book is long enough to weave through the subtle and dynamic relationships of a menage that is grounded in a 24x7 BDSM lifestyle.
There was some switch role play that I wasn't comfortable with. It's not that I don't think that could happen but it was so OOC for Noah and Tobias that it was hard to accept.
The ending is definitely HEA for all three men but I kept wanting it to go on and on. This was supposed to be the last book in the series but there is a fifth one now out as well as short stories online so I will read them and get my Deviations fix.
December 18, 2010
I had loved this series. Actually adored it, was one of my favorite bdsm series ever. But, when they decided to bring Phan into their relationship, I was heartbroken. I really wanted to cry. Never have a felt so disappointed in a book. And I have always been a fan of Chris and Jodi. They were auto buy for me forever. Not any more. I still think they are both great writers, very talented. And I do love the characters they create. But, after reading about how close Tobias and Noah had gotten, their trip to Paris. It was like nothing could come between their love. Until Phan...
I'm sorry, I know many like Phan, I see him as a selfish brat. Tobias was unable to give him what he needed in a Dom. It was a very hard thing for Tobias to go through. Especially since he is a Dom. I imagine the self doubt that must have caused. Why did the authors feel it necessary to bring Phan in to this relationship? All I know is that I quit reading this series and was left feeling very disappointed
I'm sorry, I know many like Phan, I see him as a selfish brat. Tobias was unable to give him what he needed in a Dom. It was a very hard thing for Tobias to go through. Especially since he is a Dom. I imagine the self doubt that must have caused. Why did the authors feel it necessary to bring Phan in to this relationship? All I know is that I quit reading this series and was left feeling very disappointed
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