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Submissive #6

The Collar

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In her seductive new Submissive novel, Tara Sue Me introduces a sizzling hot new couple into Abby and Nathaniel's world and explores the red-hot passion between Jeff and Dena that won't be denied ... Fans of E. L. James, Sylvia Day, Maya Banks and Beth Kery will be seduced by New York Times bestselling author Tara Sue Me's enthralling Submissive series.

Nathaniel and Abby West are struggling to navigate the challenging waters of their own relationship, when they get a surprising phone call from their partners in play, Dena and Jeff, who are in need of a helping hand...
Seven years ago, desperate for something exhilarating to help her escape the pressures of her carefully controlled life, lawyer Dena Jenkins joined a local BDSM club as a submissive. There she met brooding Dominant, Jeff, and, despite Dena's doubts, they couldn't stay away from each other. But as the years have passed, their blazing connection has proven difficult to maintain and resulted in a history they'd rather forget. To save their passion, Dena and Jeff will have to rediscover what it means to trust - and give themselves to each other completely...

Before there was the fan fiction that became Fifty Shades of Grey, there was The Submissive... Indulge in the series that started it all: The Submissive, The Dominant, The Training, The Chalet, The Enticement, The Collar, The Exhibitionist and The Master.

336 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2015

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About the author

Tara Sue Me

57 books2,756 followers

NEW YORK TIMES/USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Even though she graduated with a degree in science, Tara knew she’d never be happy doing anything other than writing. Specifically, writing love stories.

She started with a racy BDSM story and found she was not quite prepared for the unforeseen impact it would have. Nonetheless, she continued and The Submissive Series novels would go on to be both New York Times and USA Today Bestsellers. One of those, THE MASTER, was a 2017 RITA finalist for Best Erotic Romance.

Now she is focusing on new contemporary romances that allow her the freedom to write and publish on her own schedule.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
Profile Image for Jacqueline's Reads.
2,932 reviews1,509 followers
August 6, 2015
5 Collar Me Stars!!!

The Collar is a standalone and is part of the Submissive series. Here is the breakdown of the series and the spin-off series, Partners in Play

The Submissive, #1 – Nathaniel and Abby’s story. Told from Abby’s POV

The Dominant, #2 – Nathaniel and Abby’s story. Re-Told from Nathaniel’s POV

The Training, #3 – Continues Nathaniel and Abby’s story

The Enticement, #4 – Continues Nathaniel and Abby’s story

The Collar, #5 – Dena and Jeff’s story

The Exhibitionist, #6 - Continues Nathaniel and Abby’s story

Seduced by Fire (Partner’s in Play) – Spin off series – Julie and Daniel’s story.

You do not need to read Seduced by Fire to read the Submissive series. You also don’t have to read Nathaniel and Abby’s story to read The Collar, but I highly recommend you do to get the full benefits.

I love this series so much and I’m so glad we are getting Jeff and Dena’s story. This one reads a little differently from Nathaniel and Abby’s story, but it’s just as good.

Jeff and Dena were once lovers, actually Jeff collared Dena and they had a good relationship. Then something happens and the couple never moves past it. Slowly the two break apart and go their separate ways.

It’s three years later and Dena is getting threating phone calls and she doesn’t know what to do. She wants to hire the best security. Jeff is the only person that can discreetly protect Dena, but Dena is reluctantly to ask.

Jeff and Dena’s story is told with flash backs and to my surprise I loved this! I know, slap me now. As I was reading I loved uncovering their story. I needed to know what happened and how did everything fall apart. The sexual tension between Jeff and Dena is off the charts! I love finding love again reads!

Jeff has to protect Dena and the best way for him to do that is if Dena is with him 24/7. I am not sure if I could be with my ex-lover for that time period, but it must be done. As Dena stresses out, she asks Jeff to “play” with her. Of course Jeff has a complex because he wants to be the dominate he is so use to, but he doesn’t want to cross boundaries. Jeff plans to move once he is finished protecting Dena.

I also like the damsel in distress story-line and to my surprise this one wasn’t too steamy. It wasn’t as steamy as Nathaniel and Abby’s story and that was okay. I loved reading the gang and even Julie and Daniel make an appearance.

If you are a fan of the series, you must read Jeff and
Dena’s story! I loved it.

An ARC was provided

The Submissive (Submissive, #1) by Tara Sue Me REVIEW | AMAZON
The Dominant (Submissive, #2) by Tara Sue Me REVIEW | AMAZON
The Training (Submissive, #3) by Tara Sue Me REVIEW | AMAZON
The Enticement (Submissive, #4) by Tara Sue Me REVIEW | AMAZON
The Collar (Submissive, #5) by Tara Sue Me AMAZON
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,102 reviews1,330 followers
October 31, 2015
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

The Collar by Tara Sue Me is the fifth book of the Submissive Series. I found this book to be one sensual, sexy, emotional, and touching read that focuses on the couple Dena and Jeff and their second chance at love. Though this book had every aspect of an erotic BDSM, the author did an amazing job intertwining the past and present with it's sensual, emotional and erotic scenes. Ms. Tara Sue Me eloquently allowed readers to gain a better perspective of the history between the two characters hence giving us a better understanding where these two stand on what truly happened in the past between them.

#Collar-Tara

The connection between Jeff and Dena took on more an emotional deeper undertone in this book. Though chemistry was tangible and palpable between them, the author allowed readers to see what issues that they had to work out with in and outside the bedroom. Their past history played a crucial role on where they stand as a couple. What I loved about this book was that the author showcased major growth between the characters. She allowed readers to see that the LOVE between them never died but only needed the nurture and attention from both of them. So can Dena and Jeff ever recover from the hurt that they caused each other in the past to move on?

The Collar was a well written book that had emotions and sensuality pouring off the pages. I loved how the flashbacks played an integral role in this book and was inserted at right moments in the story-line. The characters Dena and Jeff were like any normal couple trying to work out their issues but the only difference is how they like to explore their sexuality and control through BDSM. The only issue I had with this book was the unraveling of who was threatening Dena. I found that scene in the book rushed and didn't understand why the man wanted to threaten Dena. But other than that, I really enjoyed The Collar and I look forward to what's in store for Abby and Nathanial in the next installment.

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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages:http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Tara Sue Me
Profile Image for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog.
737 reviews206 followers
July 7, 2015
Review-Jo

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In this fifth instalment of "The Submissive" it was time to take a break from Abby and Nathaniel's story for a short time and focus on another couple from the world of BDSM. Jeff and Dena had been a couple in the past, Dena had even worn Jeff's collar so things had been pretty serious between the pair. However something had happened that resulted in the breakdown of their relationship. In this story, Dena and Jeff were reunited following a few years apart. Their feelings for each other were reignited and the couple gained a second chance of love.
For a brief moment in time, she'd believed she had all she'd ever wanted. Then the moment had passed, and now she was alone.

I have enjoyed every book from this series so far, but this one was a little different, focusing on a new couple. I did get the opportunity to catch with Abby and Nathaniel, which I was pleased about, however it was time for me to meet another Dominant and Submissive. I really liked Dena and Jeff and I enjoyed their story, however it took me quite sometime before I was fully engrossed in this book. Throughout the first half of the story, I was transported from the past to the present with each new chapter, as I learned about Dena and Jeff's history. I found it difficult to follow what was happening and I had to keep thinking whether I was in the past or the present day. I felt that constant flitting from past to present affected the flow of the story, leaving me a little confused. I was well over half way through before I really became invested in the story and began to enjoy what I was reading.
"Letting you go ripped a hole in my heart so big it aches every time I breathe."
Dena and Jeff's story was an emotional one and there were moments that pulled at my heartstrings. I felt so sorry for the couple and for everything they had been through together. I understood the reasons behind the couples break up and it broke my heart to see how they had been affected by their past. I really hoped that this time around, Dena and Jeff could work out their issues and move forward together. I was rooting for them to take the second chance that they had been given.
No matter what happened between them, whether they were able to start again or not, no one else would ever make him feel the way she did.

The series continues with "The Exhibitionist", which sees a return to Abby and Nathaniel's story and I can't wait. "The Collar" gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️ from me!
Profile Image for Bj.
1,217 reviews260 followers
June 24, 2015
4.5 "2nd Chance to Submit" Stars for the story and 4 stars for the narration!

Lovers of BDSM titles will not want to miss the Submissive Series. Reminding me of one of my favorite BDSM Series, The Club Sin Series by Stacey Kennedy, The Collar had me enraptured from the very beginning. From its attention on the push and pull between the main couple--who although perfect in the bedroom, come from polar opposite upbringings--to its detailing of the numerous friendships that have been built from their shared interests in dom/sub play at a local club, I loved all aspects of this listen. Furthermore, the talented narration by Angelica Lee also makes this a perfect choice for a hot and steamy listen.

For those of you who are wondering if this titled can be enjoyed as a standalone, the answer is yes it can! In fact, this is the only book that I have listened to in this series (though I now plan to remedy that soon)! In that regard, I will note that although listening to this series in order is essential to a complete understanding of all of the secondary characters in this novel, Dena's and Jeff's love story is fully contained within The Collar.

Seeking relief from her otherwise overly controlled life, Dena Jenkins, the daughter of an influential politician who is short-listed for the vice presidency, and a powerhouse lawyer in her own right, decides to try her hand at relinquishing control at a BDSM club. There she meets Jeff, a blue collar raised dominant, who after earning his GED became a personal investigator. Irrespective of their differences outside the playroom, Dena soon finds herself calling Jeff "master" as his collared submissive. However, when a personal tragedy and family pressures culminate in the termination of their relationship, both remain involved in the BDSM club and occasionally even play in training sessions together, but they otherwise keep their distance. Living in this limbo has its own pressures and after several years, Jeff finally decides that before they can both fully move on, he will create some distance between them by moving out of the area, for at least a short while.

When a personal threat, however, arises, Jeff puts his moving plans on hold in order to fulfill Dena's wish that he personally investigate the threat. Soon they are forced to reevaluate their past decisions as their mutual chemistry once again becomes undeniable. But can they get over the past hurdles that caused their relationship to end prematurely? Moreover, will Jeff be able to pinpoint the cause of the threats against Dena before its too late?

The narration of The Collar is provided mostly by Angelica Lee with a small cameo appearance at the end by John Michael Morgan (which basically seems like an introduction to the next Submissive title). Given the brevity of Mr. Morgan's appearance, I will limit the review of the performance to Ms. Lee's role.

Ms. Lee excels in a number of the factors that I look for in a good audiobook production. In that regard both her male and female voices sound authentic and are easily distinguishable from one another, making the reliance on dialogue tags unnecessary and allowing you to sit back and enjoy the story. Additionally, Ms. Lee also did a great job at producing slightly different intonations for each of one of the large cast members of the same gender, thereby also allowing you to know who was speaking just by listening.

Ms. Lee also does a relatively good job at conveying the particular mood of the scene just by her inflection and delivery. For example, you could feel the heightened suspense in the scenes where Dena and Jeff are dealing with the potential threat against Dena. Perhaps the one area where I did feel that the delivery may have been slightly dramatic--although arguably any BDSM scene is naturally heated--was in the passionate scenes. Nonetheless, I still found the narration in general to be enjoyable and to add to the story as a whole.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed both the extremely erotic, hot BDSM scenes, as well as, the personal struggles and suspense element of this listen. Now, I can't wait to listen to more of The Submissive Series!

Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews842 followers
July 7, 2015
Kitty's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

The Submissive Series took a turn with a story that I never saw coming. Yes, Dena and Jeff have been in past stories and I honestly thought that it was just a bad break-up. I never imagined what really happened between them and just how much they really needed each other.

I cried .... I was sad ... but, I knew that Tara Su Me would not keep me that way. The flashbacks and the way the story was told was absolutely amazing. Dena was an amazing woman for what she went through and Jeff finally made sense to me. Apart, they were shells of themselves but together, they were unbelievable.

Again, Tara Sue Me brought us into the world of BDSM .. showed us the difference between punishment and a sexual flogging. Her description of the wax play had you waiting and wanting more of it. She brought these two lost souls together again and made them realize just what the other needed, wanted and craved. There may have been other play partners but nothing would complete them the way the other one did.

Yes, there was a little bit of a mystery surrounding Dena and a little bit of match-making on the part of their friends. But, it was still their decision to move forward with their lives. It took a lot of trust that they didn't have in each other but, in the end they found that working through their issues was a whole lot better than walking away from them.

I am always amazed at the stories that Tara Sue Me brings me. She brings everything to life, the good, the bad and the ugly. She lets us into the life of her characters and makes us see what they see and feel what they feel. In the end, you're disappointed that it's over and wish that you could be with them as their lives move forward. This is a sign of a wonderful author ... an author that has you waiting and wanting more.

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bon Tom.
856 reviews48 followers
September 29, 2019
There's one aspect of this series that I didn't mention until now. I simply wasn't sure if I was imagining, or was it really there. Turns out it was real.

This is first and foremost, erotica, of extremely high quality variety. It's hot, because it reveals itself to the reader in its natural, visceral form. And yet, in ways that come out unexpected.

Because, it's like we forgot what natural really is during our upbringing. Natural-socially acceptable. It's clash of concepts. It's sort of a mindfuck game.

There's a lot of psychology here. In the form of discrete lessons, I would say. It's being served from subspace of unlearned social responses.

It's BDSM in its best, high grade, responsible form. If you're interested in the lifestyle, you can take this complete series (skip book 2 that is only a filler), as your BDSM 101 class.

And it's not in the form of trivial wisdom nuggets (popular "hacks", don't you hate that word?) found in lesser books and yellow press.

You're not even noticing you're being taught, but after your reading session, you somehow end up with a new knowledge. I'm not even sure why I'm surprised, like it wasn't to be expected. Because, when you think about it, it makes perfect sense.

It's all about self-exploration and mind expansion via living the existence on verge of pleasure and pain, and expanding your world so that it includes the other human being in harmonious, mutually beneficial manner.

Sounds like a regular paperback romance.

So, what is on surface niche lifestyle reserved for people with unique mindframes and needs, is maybe not too different from ordinary dance of life.
Profile Image for Liz F.
719 reviews
July 17, 2015
Review copy courtesy of the publisher.

I've read a couple of this author's books. I loved one and hated one... so I never continued on with this series after that second book. The Collar is the fifth book in the series and it was pretty good.

I'm not totally sure how I felt about Dena. On one hand, I really like her lady-balls. There are times when she really stands up for herself and makes clear what she wants or needs. But she can also be very abrasive. I guess it's not that surprising since she's a criminal prosecutor. She'd have to be pretty damn tough to do that job! And I admire ANY female who works in an industry rife with the Good Ol' Boys Network. Anyway, I liked her ballsiness but she was also kind of a dick to the hero. We all have bad days, I get it. But it occasionally made her more unlikable for a while and when I was already on the fence about her... well, it didn't help.

I liked Jeff well enough. What I loved was his cabin! It sounded so awesome and really gorgeous! Plus, he has two dogs. So I was pretty much in love at "cabin" and "dogs"! He seemed like a very demanding Dom. I don't think he required perfection buuut, it was close. He was a little scary but it was that delicious kind of scary, you know? I feel like I kind of identified a little more with Jeff's side of things so it's possible that my perception of his awesomeness is a bit skewed. I was glad that he held back with Dena but then, I was also glad when he gave in and gave her everything.

Anyone who has read any of Tara Sue Me's books should know that they're hot and filled with plenty of BDSM. I would say that this is middle of the road BDSM: not too light but not too crazy. Spankings were the main kink, along with some bondage with rope. I ended up enjoying the relationship between Dena and Jeff. It felt like a real relationship, with ups and downs, fights and breakups. I don't think I would have liked it as much though if I had been following along with the series. I don't like rehashing romances over and over and I'm thinking that some of Dena and Jeff's relationship woes were mentioned in previous books.

I thought this book was pretty decent. The characters were likable enough and the writing was pretty good. The reason I couldn't give this a better rating is because this is former Twilight fan fiction. Well, maybe not THIS book, but the start of this series was. So the Nathaniel and Abby (side characters in this book but the main characters from Book 1) were originally Edward and Bella. I have an issue with fan fiction that gets published as an original novel. I mean, it's sort of cheating since these characters weren't original. They were taken from another book. Even though THIS book and the main characters in THIS story may be original, for me, it feels like fruit of the poisonous tree territory. For readers who don't care about all that, this book would probably be great. For me, not so much.
Profile Image for Anna's Herding Cats.
1,274 reviews311 followers
June 24, 2015
Whoa. I was NOT expecting a different couple! That was quite the change up. I loved it though. Heartbreaking and lovely at the same time. Just enough steam, great characters, unimaginable heartbreak and finally finding a way to heal from it. *happy sigh* Yes, I enjoyed it. And can't wait for more.

*Full review to come...
Profile Image for Noel.
213 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2017
I think I am too partial to Nathaniel & Abby's journey as I always want more of their story. I liked Jeff & Dena's story, but it didn't leave me wanting more. I am extremely interested in Cole's story however! ;)
Profile Image for Teresa Mary Rose.
1,189 reviews351 followers
July 11, 2015
More Reviews Here: Readers Live A Thousand Lives

This series just keeps going strong. I know I'm always in for a fun and schmexy read when I pick up a Tara Sue Me book. I've been looking forward to Dena and Jeff's story since I met them in Seduced By Fire and I can't say I was disappointed. I devoured this one.

Dena was a great character and I really liked her. She was spunky and smart and just very easy to like. I also really liked Jeff. He was alpha and strong and demanding but he was also caring and sweet. Those two fit so well together and it hurt to see them struggling apart. Miscommunication and life broke them apart but it is clear they are both regretting what happened. I am a sucker for a good second chance romance and this one delivered. I really enjoyed watching these two come back together and work through their past problems. They really do work very well together and complete one another. I also enjoyed the subtle suspense element that was included in this story. The suspense made things a tad bit spicier even though I pegged the bad guy early.

As always, it's fun checking in with some characters. Nathaniel and Abby are always great to see again and I loved seeing my personal favorites Daniel and Julie. I'm torn between wanting them to have another story and not wanting them to have another story so they can stay happy. Oh and Cole and Sasha too! Those two are gonna have an interesting story. These characters form such a great little community and I really love visiting them.

The Collar was a fun addition to the series and I devoured it beginning to end. If you want something delicious and fun and seriously schmexy you gotta check this series out.
Profile Image for Nonieღserenity2bliss.
1,874 reviews355 followers
April 11, 2019
I couldn't get into the story despite trying hard to do so. I don't get the chemistry between them, despite the BUCKET LOADS of sex these two are having. I swear, it's like every other chapter, they are doing it. I find myself skipping those scenes because they stop being entertaining after the first few. I wish the story would focus more on their story to allow the characters to develop rather than just on the aspect of BDSM.

Profile Image for Wolf (Alpha).
851 reviews9 followers
January 23, 2020
I loved this book. I loved seeing Abby and Nathaniel again. I love how Jeff runs into Dena and can't keep his eyes off her. I love how they begin to see each other at the club and how they are trying to make it work. I like how Jeff is so determined to keep Dena safe from whoever is trying to harm her. I like that they begin to work things out and are finally able to form a relationship. I loved how Dena finally told Jeff what had happened with the baby and how they worked through it together. This book was amazing and I loved it. 10 stars.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
7,052 reviews181 followers
July 3, 2015

4 stars--

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 7, 2015

Nathaniel and Abby are struggling to navigate the challenging waters of their own relationship, when they get a surprising phone call from their partners in play, Dena and Jeff, who are in need of a helping hand…

Seven years ago, blonde, beautiful lawyer Dena Jenkins was tired of her carefully controlled life. Desperate for something exhilarating to help her escape the pressures of her demanding job and her senator father, she joined a steamy, local BDSM club as a submissive. There she met brooding Dominant, Jeff. The attraction between them was undeniable, and, despite Dena’s doubts, they couldn’t stay away from each other.

Except, as the years have passed, their blazing connection has proven difficult to maintain. Dena and Jeff have a history they’d rather forget, but Dena can’t let go of the past, and Jeff is ready to move across the country to give her space. Now, to save their passion, they’ll have to rediscover what it means to trust each other—and give themselves to each other completely…

••••••••••

REVIEW: 4 stars--THE COLLAR is the fifth installment in Tara Sue Me’s adult, contemporary The Submissive BDSM, erotic, romance series. This is attorney and submissive Dena Jenkins, and Dominant Jeff Parks��� storyline-a second chance at love for two people whose relationship was destroyed by a mutual loss. There is a cross over with Tara Sue Me’s PARTNERS IN PLAY spin off series but I am under the impression, in the future, the two series will be combined as most of the characters play an active role in both.

Told from third person perspective alternating between the past and present (with a couple of chapters told from Abby and Nathaniel’s POV) THE COLLAR focuses on the rekindling Dom/sub relationship between Jeff and Dena, as well as their second chance at love and a happily ever after. When Jeff is asked to participate in a demonstration at the local BDSM club, he is surprised to discover that his former submissive will be his partner for the night. What ensues is an awkward situation when Dena is late for the appointment and Jeff needs to administer a punishment, as is his right, as the Dominant in charge. When Dena’s reasons for her tardiness are revealed, Jeff goes into alpha, protective mode but he is still unwilling to give Dena what it is she wants from the man with whom she is still in love.

The history between Jeff and Dena is slowly revealed from their first meeting seven years earlier, to their D/s relationship and Dena’s subsequent collaring; to falling in love, and the events that lead up to Jeff removing the collar and sending Dena on her way. Their mutual history is emotional and heartbreaking; their individual backstories are as different as night and day. Dena is a well to do attorney with the potential for a brilliant career; Jeff ran away from home when he was sixteen years old. It is Jeff’s male ego that often comes into play when he believes he is not worthy of a woman like Dena Jenkins. When a threat against Dena forces our heroine back into Jeff’s life, our couple are unable to forget about the past heartbreaks in order to move on with their lives. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative: the BDSM scenes are erotic and intense. Jeff is a true Dominant who enjoys bondage scenes, and punishes Dena for every act of disobedience; Dena is a submissive who is willing to accept Jeff’s orders and commands.

The secondary and supporting characters include Abby and Nathaniel West (The Submissive Series 1-4) whose story continues to build throughout the events of THE COLLAR; Dominant Daniel Covington, and his submissive Julie Masterson whom we have met through the spin off series PARTNERS IN PLAY are present and participating in the local demonstrations and Club scenes. We are introduced to a couple of new characters at the BDSM Club, as well as Dena’s father whose dislike of Jeff Parks is all too readily apparent. The requisite evil comes from an unknown source when personal threats are made against Dena in the form of harassing phone calls and cryptic letters.

Addressing the threats against the heroine, the storyline did not focus on the search or investigation but rather pushed the issue to the background or most of the story. In the end, the reveal and take down was quick, and the punishment is an unknown entity. I am not sure if this is an acceptable conclusion, but it is the route the author chose to go. The threat is still a viable possibility for a future storyline.

THE COLLAR is first and foremost a story about second chances; for love, for partnership, and for a new beginning. But it is also a story about misunderstandings and forgiveness between two people who have loved one another for many years but were unable to get past their heartbreak and grief. The characters are colorful, charismatic and strong; the premise is dramatic and emotional; the romance is sensual and passionate. If you are a fan of Tara Sue Me’s THE SUBMISSIVE series, THE COLLAR is a fantastic addition to your library collection.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Ilana.
1,216 reviews14 followers
July 13, 2015
Title: The Collar
Author: Tara Sue Me
Publisher/Year: Penguin Publishing 7/7/15
Length: 336 pages
Series: Submissive #5

Overview

Nathaniel and Abby are struggling to navigate the challenging waters of their own relationship, when they get a surprising phone call from their partners in play, Dena and Jeff, who are in need of a helping hand…

Seven years ago, blonde, beautiful lawyer Dena Jenkins was tired of her carefully controlled life. Desperate for something exhilarating to help her escape the pressures of her demanding job and her senator father, she joined a steamy, local BDSM club as a submissive. There she met brooding Dominant, Jeff. The attraction between them was undeniable, and, despite Dena’s doubts, they couldn’t stay away from each other.

Except, as the years have passed, their blazing connection has proven difficult to maintain. Dena and Jeff have a history they’d rather forget, but Dena can’t let go of the past, and Jeff is ready to move across the country to give her space. Now, to save their passion, they’ll have to rediscover what it means to trust each other—and give themselves to each other completely…

My Thoughts

To be honest, the first little paragraph here isn't necessarily true. Nathaniel and Abby aren't really brought in to help Dena and Jeff - they are just there when their help is found to be useful. Regardless, i think that from what we know of that first couple, and the series that we've enjoyed with them so far, we'll have a great read with any additional supporting characters.

In this next installment, we have a lot of back and forth in jumps in time so that we can see how the relationship between Jeff and Dena was established and ultimately broken. I think that their issues were certainly valid - but what we know from this genre, coming from vastly different backgrounds is never enough to keep a couple apart. Once they manage to overcome that, (Dena being wealthy, a senator's daughter and very very intelligent, and Jeff being a high school drop out), well we see that one hurdle is never enough. There's so much more that happens here, that i'm surprised there's even a chance to rekindle, and throughout this story- i don't know that they will. That's the big question.

Opposed to the great scening that we typically get from Tara Sue Me, in this installment, it's a lot of 'delayed gratification' - meaning that we see that Jeff doesn't allow himself to invest his soul and emotions back into anything with Dena, and as a result, we see a lot of basic BDSM but nothing that's typical of this series. You get to learn a lot - for sure - but it's not the same rough deep passion that we've come to expect. Don't get me wrong, it certainly helps the case of this story - and it's actually something that works well - letting us see that things are never going to just fall into place as you want.

The other bit of this story - is that while they are trying to figure out how to not hate each other, we know that Dena's being threatened by someone, yet we don't know motive and the person. While i'm typically able to figure out twists quickly, this one threw me for most of the story. I didn't know who ti could be and surprisingly, the person that i thought it was going to be turned out to NOT be that person. The question though is how close will this person get to hurting Dena and will Jeff, Nathaniel or Daniel be close enough to be able to help.

I'm happy to say that this series will be continuing. I wasn't sure where the next phase of things could go since we know that Nathaniel and Abby are in a pretty good place, but where our author is taking things next is sure to be hot and steam. with a name like Exhibitionist, i think that we're going to see a lot of hot activity in the playroom and that's something that i love from Ms. Me. I hope that we get to see more than just that happy couple participate since i think that something she's great at writing is the interactions between couples when it's not just emotion but the physicality of being in a D/s relationship. It'll be hot i'm sure - where this installment was a bit more sweet - and i'm sure we won't be disappointed.
March 29, 2016
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The Collar audiobook by Tara Sue Me - 5 shining stars

Perfectly written with intriguing characters. I LOVED IT!
Master Parks has captured my heart!!!


Jeff Parks aka Master Parks is stuck in the past and can't seem to move on and forget about his long time girlfriend and submissive Dena. Their past and the future that was taken away from them has caused them so much pain and eventually drew them apart.
Both of them are still in love with each other and the insane passion is still there and burning like a fire threatening to burn them to ashes or rise them from it like a phoenix.

A few days before Jeff was supposed to leave the town he finds out that Dena has been receiving threatening messages and phone calls and he is not leaving her alone now.
He will do everything in his power to protect her and have her safe again.

Both of them are pretending to be over what they had, but their bodies are speaking another language.
Will the sparks of desire going to burn their walls down and will their hearts finally get over those same walls and get back on track again?


TARA SUE ME..... I LOVE YOU!!!
This was the very first book I read from this author a while ago and God did I fell hard for it.
The story is so intense and wonderful with amazing sexy parts that are going to melt your panties.
My introduction into BDSM world couldn't have been any better.
Listening to it and reliving it all over again I wished I was in the book and would gladly offer myself to Master Parks, or Master West, or Master Cole or Master Daniel... Well what can I say they are ALL incredible.
Tara has a unique way to write these stories and get your attention and keep you on edge to the very last page. It is very classy and beautifully written that you sometimes forget what kind of a book you are reading.
After a long while I finally got the audio of this great book and it was as amazing as I remember it.
Angelica Lee is kicking ass....AGAIN. She is the perfect person for this series.
I can't picture anyone else narrating these characters better than her.

The way she portrayed Cole ( who is British) just took my breath away.
She is so talented and I will gladly listen to her narrating a shopping list even.

If you haven't had the chance to read The Submissive series yet...Please do give it a try because those books are just beyond great and I am sure you will enjoy every single book in it.


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Let me start with this…..OMG OMG OMG !!!!! I freaking LOVED every single second reading this book. This is the first book that is trying to explain the concept of BDSM to its readers. The story is loaded with all aspects a good book should have. There is love, pain, sorrow, quilt, mistery and let’s not forget page after page of hot hot hot and even hotter steamy sex scenes loaded with unexplainable passion and even deeper love underneath. Great couples and even better new book boyfriends to love and adore :)

This is the first book I’ve read from Tara Sue Me but it definitely won’t be the last one. The way she has written this one blew me away, I have enjoyed every sentence. Writing style was easy to read and understand but was at the same time smart high class.

I CAN’T wait for the next book of this awsome series. I want it , I want it, wait….did I say I WANT IT….and I WANT IT NOOOOW :)
Profile Image for Under the Covers Book Blog.
2,818 reviews1,365 followers
July 7, 2015

The Collar is the fifth book in Tara Sue Me’s Submissive series, which has followed the lives of the D/s couple Nathanial and Abigail. It’s been one of my favorites, and I never seem to tire of the particular dynamic those two have going. To my surprise, this installment doesn’t focus on Nate and Abby, but Dena and Jeff, both members of Nate and Abby’s BDSM play group while they’re in Delaware. I had been under the impression that the author’s Partners in Play series was the spinoff that would focus on other couples, so I had to admit I was a little confused at the direction change, but Tara Sue Me hasn’t written a book I didn’t like, and this was no exception. Dena and Jeff have a complicated history as former Dominant and submissive. As a Harvard Law educated prosecutor and daughter of a Senator, Dena is the last woman you’d expect at first glance to kneel down for anyone. Jeff has the air of a natural Dominant, but as a high school dropout who earned his GED and went from cop to security firm owner, he seems the most unlikely match for Dena. Nevertheless, they had a beautifully matched D/s relationship, living together for a number of years, until tragedy struck and they drifted apart. Three years later, neither has found their way without the other. Some humorous manipulation on the part of their friends brings them in each other’s sights again, and neither can deny the pull that still exists between them. When Dena receives some threatening phone calls, Jeff feels he has no choice but to become her protector. The question is whether they can find their way back to each other again and reclaim what they once lost.

Tara Sue Me writes my type of Dominant. Whether refined and rolling in money like Nathanial, or working class and rough like Jeff, they have qualities that make me want to be in their playrooms. Not to say that they’re cookie cutter at all. Jeff is reserved and unyielding in his demands, but he’s balanced with a loving and caring side that Dena brings out so easily. Dena is Type A and in control everywhere but in the bedroom, making her my favorite type of sub to read about as well. This is one of the hottest BDSM focused books I’ve read in a while. Scene after scene work beautifully because of the amazing chemistry these two have. I would classify the BDSM as moderate on a scale of basic to extreme. Tara Sue Me has never shied away from punishment that brings pain, but there’s nothing edgy that might turn the casual reader away. There’s great bondage, plenty of flogging, and risky public play, but always just Dena and Jeff (NO sharing going on in Jeff’s world). The perspective alternates between Dena and Jeff’s past and through their breakup, to the present, as they try to reconnect. I didn’t find this jarring at all and it enhanced my understanding of the characters so much more. One of my favorite scenes in the whole book was Dena’s confrontation with her father. Submissives are NOT doormats and she illustrates this perfectly. Very satisfying. While I didn’t find this to be a challenging read, I like that I didn’t have to go through hell with these two to get an HEA. The sex is hot, the emotion moving, and the characters engaging. It’s a quick read that just felt really good.

*ARC provided by publisher

Reviewed by Jennifer

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Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews481 followers
July 5, 2015
Holy Mother of Flog Wielding Doms everywhere… This is my first Tara Sue Me book, and for that I apologize. I am sorry that it took me so long to read your work; I feel as though I have failed myself by not knowing about these books sooner. I plan to remedy that ASAP.

Jeff and Dena is the couple this book focuses on. I assume they have been in the past books (but I haven’t read them so I can’t say 100%) and if you have read them, you'll know there is a history there. This is the tale of them (pardon my French) pulling their heads out of their rear ends and figuring out that maybe they DO belong together.

This book is so good, I read it late into the night and was up early the next morning to continue it. I couldn’t put it down! I am a sucker for a BDSM book, and this one has topped every other one I have ever read. The characters are real and, even though they have a different lifestyle than most people, it was still very easy to relate to them.

I am a drama whore in books so I do wish there was more elaboration, or more scenes with Jeff’s investigation, but not having it did not distract from the story at all. And, obviously, this book CAN be read as a standalone with minimal-to-no confusion of past events. ~ Devlynn, 5 stars

~~~

Dena Jenkins, lawyer by day, submissive by night. She’s been active in the BDSM community for years. Seven years ago, she met Dominant, Jeff Parks. And while the sparks flew and their attraction was undeniable, their relationship just couldn’t be maintained.

As the years have passed, Jeff and Dena remain involved within their close knit BDSM community, but they avoid each other as much as possible because they’re both trying to forget their history together—but they can’t.

Just as Jeff has decided to move across the country to give both himself and Dena some space, Dena needs him. Is Jeff willing to delay his move to help her? If he delays, what does it do for their relationship? Can they trust each other again, by letting go of the past to give themselves over to each other completely?

OMG, is this book H.O.T. Dena and Jeff’s relationship sizzles on the pages. Their care and concern for each other even when they’re not “together” is evident. Dena is a smart, funny, caring woman, who knows who and what she wants—Jeff. Jeff is a brooding, hot, sexy Dom who loves to be a part of the BDSM community and maybe still loves Dena. When they’re finally brought back together under extenuating circumstances, Dena and Jeff have to work to get over their past history and old behaviors and expectations.

I loved seeing their growth as both individuals and as a couple. I also loved their interactions with Nathaniel and Abby, and Daniel and Julie. Even Sasha and Cole play a part. It felt like coming home—to an oh so sexy, dirty, hot, welcome home party.

Dena and Jeff’s story is part of the Submissive series, but The Collar can absolutely be read a stand alone. ~ Missy, 5 stars
Profile Image for Nikki .
809 reviews114 followers
June 29, 2015
After the incredibly sexy introduction to Jeff in the last book, I eagerly hopped into this one wanting to be blown away. I’m not sure it achieved everything I wanted it to, but The Collar is a solid erotic romance from start to finish.

Dena and Jeff had their chance and they flamed out several years ago after a huge, emotionally charged misunderstanding. Now, faced with some disturbing threats, Dena has run to the only person she trusts with her life…Jeff. But being back under his roof and living with his rules has them at odds, and incredibly turned on. Dena wants nothing more than to wear Jeff’s collar again but he seems determined to keep her at arm’s length. What starts out as protection quickly escalates to passion but without total surrender neither will be able to move on from the past.

Tara Sue Me is a master at setting the erotic romance scene and Jeff and Dena definitely set the pages on fire. This was a classic reunion romance mixed with a tiny bit of suspense as the threats to Dena seem to keep her on her toes. As book five in this series, The Collar was the first book to step back from the original hero and heroine and focus on a different couple. I wanted to love this book because Jeff had such an impact on me in The Enticement (book four), but I think ultimately this one fell a bit short. I think I’m just to invested in Abby and Nathaniel at this point to stray away from them in this series. Had changing couples been brought in sooner, perhaps I would have felt differently, I’m not sure. Jeff and Dena are excellent characters and in their own right, very hot but every time Abby or Nathaniel would make an appearance I wanted more from them.

I liked the slight suspense aspects that were woven into the story line and thought it gave Jeff an excellent opportunity to show Dena how much he still cared. I wished they would have spoken about their troubled past long before they did so that there could have been some closure on that earlier. Their obvious longing for one another was what made this story great. It created a wistfulness combined with the sexy bdsm elements to give the readers a love story that was both hopeful and strong. Their opposites attract scenario made for lively reading but Jeff’s mentality of not being good enough for Dena’s high class ways did get a bit grating.

As a separate story, The Collar upheld the erotic romance line quite well…I just wished it either would have been done sooner or as a spinoff series. I have a feeling readers will be getting a story from Daniel and Cole as well at some point, though book 6 looks to be a Abby/Nathaniel again.

I give The Collar by Tara Sue Me 3.50 stars!
Profile Image for Cocktails and Books.
4,102 reviews322 followers
May 31, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books.

The Collar is the fifth book in the Submissive series by Tara Sue Me.  This book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel with ease.

Dena Jenkins is a successful lawyer, who seems tired and unhappy as to how her life is going.  Her life is just coasting along and she seems unable to want to move forward when her life was perfect not too long ago.  That is until something tragic happened to drive her away from the one man she loves.

Jeff is a Dom and is head over heels in love with Dena.  The problem is their past drove them away from each other and he is not sure they can fix it.  So he is trying to move on with his life, even to the point that moving across the country seems like a good idea.  I liked how Jeff is not all he seems and has so many layers to him that is hard to see right at first.  I loved that when Dena is threatened nothing is going to stop him from protecting her.

The connection between Jeff and Dena is intense.  You can feel the heat between them.  Their biggest issue that drove them apart was their lack of communications but considering the circumstances it was not unexpected. I liked that despite their background they still loved each other.  The sex scenes were scorching.

I found this book well written with an interesting plot. I enjoyed how the author handled the flashbacks.  While I am not a fan of them, I did not get lost like normally do.  The main characters and the secondary characters were spellbinding. The only part I was not fond of was who was threatening Dena and how that part of the story unraveled.  It came across as anticlimactic.  While a HEA ending was expected, I loved that I was kept guessing right to the end on how it would turn out. Overall, this was a very captivating book.  I can’t wait to read the next story in the series, and find out what is happening next with Abby and Nathaniel.This book was reviewed by a member of the review staff at Cocktails and Books. The name of the reviewer can be found under the post categories.
Profile Image for Krissys.
1,424 reviews89 followers
October 13, 2015
The Collar: The Submissive Series The Collar (Submissive #5)by Tara Sue MeNathaniel and Abby are struggling to navigate the challenging waters of their own relationship, when they get a surprising phone call from their partners in play, Dena and Jeff, who are in need of a helping hand…Seven years ago, blonde, beautiful lawyer Dena Jenkins was tired of her carefully controlled life. Desperate for something exhilarating to help her escape the pressures of her demanding job and her senator father, she joined a steamy, local BDSM club as a submissive. There she met brooding Dominant, Jeff. The attraction between them was undeniable, and, despite Dena’s doubts, they couldn’t stay away from each other.Except, as the years have passed, their blazing connection has proven difficult to maintain. Dena and Jeff have a history they’d rather forget, but Dena can’t let go of the past, and Jeff is ready to move across the country to give her space. Now, to save their passion, they’ll have to rediscover what it means to trust each other—and give themselves to each other completely.My Review: The Collar was an installment in the Submissive series I thought she got right. Dena and Jeff are a couple that through the good times and the bad can win you over. They have just the right balance of normalcy to make them believable and just the right mix of extreme and reasoning and understanding to pull it all together. I liked the fact that they both understood one another and allowed themselves to be who they are both in and out of the bedroom without it interfering with their sexual preferences. I liked that they got to play off one another even outside the bedroom because it gave us (readers) a chance to see how they'd function as a couple outside their play time. My Rating:4 StarsReviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviewshttp://kkmalott.booklikes.com/Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley.
Profile Image for Danielle.
394 reviews18 followers
January 25, 2023
*4.5*

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next book in “The Submissive” series. I was hooked from the first page of the first book and have stuck with the characters.

I was a little disappointed with this book. “The Collar” focuses on two characters from “The Enticement” and not on Abby and Nathaniel. Abby and Nathaniel barely appear. They appear here and there and that’s it. It doesn’t focus on them. I feel that if Tara Sue Me wanted to write about the characters that “The Collar” focuses on then she should have written a different book instead of continuing this series that is about Abby and Nathaniel. I wanted to read about them and not the characters I did read about.

With having said that, I did enjoy the story and the characters. Jeff and Dena were introduced to us as characters from Delaware from “The Enticement”. Their story is explained by going through the past and the present. How they met, what happened to them and where they are at now. They went through a trauma which caused them to break up. We follow their actions of trying to fix their relationship and hopefully getting back together.

Jeff comes off as a guy you don’t want to mess with. He is always wearing a stern expression. Dena is a strong willed woman. She knows what she wants and she takes it. They work beautifully together. As with every relationship, they have their problems, but they work through them one way or another.

Overall, though I’m disappointed Abby and Nathaniel’s story didn’t continue, I enjoyed reading about Jeff and Dena. I’m looking forward to what the next book will be about.
Profile Image for Miranda Whore.
937 reviews85 followers
June 25, 2015
Review of The Collar (The Submissive Series #5) by Tara Sue Me

If you like sexy romance with BDSM elements you should definitely pick up The Collar by Tara Sue Me. It’s the fifth book in her Submissive series and can be read as a stand-alone. The author does has a great writing style excelling in the area of character and relationship development.

Dena is a tough-as-nails lawyer that takes charge in the courtroom, but in her personal life she is a submissive that craves giving up control. I instantly connected with Dena, she’s such a likable character and I couldn’t stop rooting for her.

Jeff … is a Dominant and Dena’s ex. After their relationship became strained he took his collar away and let her go, even though she took his heart with her. The level of want between the two was painful. So much angst. So much need. It was obvious that they were made for each other, but through stubbornness and/or stupidity they both fought against it.

When Dena’s life could be in danger and Jeff agrees to protect her will they find their way back to each other? Or will they hold onto the past forever?

This book has everything you could want in an erotic romance. A sexy dominant and the submissive that aches for his control, a rollercoaster of emotions, and sexy BDSM scenes that will leave you panting for more. Four deliciously erotic stars.

ARC Review by Miranda at Mommy’s a Book Whore.
Profile Image for My Own Bookshelves.
688 reviews125 followers
September 22, 2015
I have loved the Submissive Series. Abby and Nathaniel story is one that I have loved to follow. Jeff and Dena have been introduced in a previous book and are part of the Delaware BSDM group that Wests have demo'd for. Although other characters, Julie and Daniel, also pay a visit in the book, Ms. Me focuses on Jeff and Dena's story. There is a bit of intrigue as Dena is being stalked. She hires Jeff, her ex Dom, to help find the stalker. There are still sparks between the ex Dom and Submissive, but can they ignore the pull between them. Can they over come the past to stop hurting one another to maybe finally be together?

Unlike Abby and Nathaniel, I couldn't seem to connect with Dena and Jeff. Tara Sue Me unravels their past through flashbacks between the two characters to better understand how they came undone in the first place. Although as a woman, Dena's reasoning for leaving is understandable. As perhaps one of the characters reveals, they needed to be apart in order to come together stronger. It just seemed that the constant distancing was wearing on my reading experience. The stalker plot was a bit too easy to figure out.

If you love the Submissive Series, you may wish to pick up this book to complete the story. If you haven't read the Submissive Series, I do recommend you read Abby and Nathaniel's story; this one could be left out.
Profile Image for She Hearts Books.
2,115 reviews75 followers
July 10, 2015
Dena and Jeff had met, played, fell, and moved in together when they suffered a great loss that changed everything for them. I loved that the author included the parts of their past that showed so well how they were brought together and also the devastation of their loss that tore them apart. My heart broke for both of them as they were unable to verbalize and share their grief.

A few years later thanks to close friends they are thrown together to do a demonstration when Dena finally admits that she has a stalked that is calling and sending messages. Jeff wants to find out who this crazy person is and protect her so he brings Dena back to the home they shared together. This definitely brings all kinds of memories and feelings out that they haven't let go of or dealt with for too long. Then Jeff has to go to his father's home as he is dying. This again brings them to a place where decisions have to be made on what will happen between them. From the very beginning I so wanted Jeff and Dena to get back together knowing there was so much they had to sort through from their past.

The author wrote these characters so well that you can't help being invested and caring about what happens to them. I also loved their circle of friends and definitely want to read more about them. I really loved Jeff and Dena's story.

I give The Collar 4 hearts!
Profile Image for Once Upon An Alpha.
365 reviews81 followers
June 28, 2015
Tara Sue Me has never left this reader disappointed and she's delivered again with The Collar.

The plot leaves the reader completely immersed into the story of Dena & Jeff. The plot is written in present time with glimpses of the past that is needed to understand the emotions that both characters go through.

The painful past that affects who they both are today, leaving them both incomplete without one another but yet there's a want, a need for one another that goes beyond the Dom/sub type relationship.

Throughly enjoyed how the story was written where both Jeff & Dena's strength's and weakness' are displayed, the hurdles of the past they need to overcome if they are able to feel whole with the possible dangerous threat nipping at Dena's heels and Jeff's personal obligations that are pulling them away that continuously places their relationship on the side that's the constant white elephant in the room.

I appreciated all the characters from the series making an appearance. With that being said, personally I feel the book can be read as a standalone but truly appreciated as a series.
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