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The Art of D/s #1-3

The Art of D/s Trilogy

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Note: Alternate/new cover edition for ASIN# B00CLECQ28.

The Complete Trilogy:
The Art of Submission
The Art of Domination
The Art of Control

Approximately 315K words. Contains moderate BDSM themes, detailed sexual encounters including oral and anal sex, total power exchange, mild edge play/blood play, and is intended for mature audiences and readers 18+. Not for the fainthearted or closed-minded individuals.

Romantic, erotic, deeply emotional, suspenseful and humorous.

Isabel is a shy artist with an abusive past who has a very vivid fantasy life and unexplored unusual sexual tastes. When her very private and naughty-natured artwork is sold without her permission, she sets out to try and retrieve her precious paintings, unaware that the buyer has dark sexual tendencies.

Dylan Young is an eccentric businessman and art collector with very specific tastes in women and sex, and serious trust issues. When he comes upon a very erotic set of paintings, he purchases them and they ignite a want and need for the alternative lifestyle he was forced to give up.

When the two meet, Dylan immediately picks up on Isabel's submissive nature and hatches a wicked plan to teach Isabel about his alternative lifestyle. He wants nothing more than to get his hands on more of her paintings and to dominate the submissive beauty.

Their affair is intensely physical and despite Dylan's wanting only a sexual relationship with distinct boundaries, he can't resist her spirited nature, her eagerness and lack of fear to learn BDSM, and most of all - her immense talent. But Isabel has a hidden dominant streak of her own that only Dylan brings out and as they're drawn closer together, their unconventional relationship is threatened as they each struggle with their pasts and for control.

This is the tale of their love for each other, their unbreakable bond, and their trials in a world that offers nothing but obstacles. An illustrated saga of two dynamic characters whose personalities collide. As they struggle with their dominant and submissive tendencies, while seeking control in all things, their pasts come back to haunt them in spectacular fashion.

916 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2013

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About the author

Ella Dominguez

130 books1,576 followers
bizcardTYPEWRITER

Ella is a self-proclaimed lover, dreamer, and wanderer who is unequivocally obsessed with ukuleles and unicorns. She is a respiratory therapist by day and a writer by night. While she refuses to be confined by genre labels, she believes her talent best lies in writing passion-filled, ethnically diverse, suspenseful novels. More of an avid reader than an author, she is committed to writing the stories that the characters in her head tell her to.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15k followers
August 15, 2017

★★★★★! The Art of D/s, book 1-3. Dylan’s and Isa’s whirlwind saga of BDSM sexual exploration, personal growth, demons, villains, lies & deceit - all in the name of love.

“In my personal opinion, it’s those people who deny their sexuality that need the help, not people like me and Isa. We’re living out our fantasies with each other, we’re not hurting anyone and it’s completely consensual. Why can’t the world understand that? F~ck anyone who has the nerve to judge the way we decide to love each other.”
~ Dylan

This is the recently released Omnibus of:
1) The Art of Submission - My review
2) The Art of Domination - My review
3) The Art of Control - My review

At first glance The Art of D/s trilogy is the whirlwind romance of Dylan and Isa, two flawed, lonely and broken souls who embark on a co-dependent journey of sexual exploration while fighting demons and villains from their pasts. As the story unfolds it becomes clear that it’s every bit an epic saga of self-discovery, pushing all limits and an all-consuming love.

The story opens up with Dylan, a skilled and experienced Dom forced into retirement after his last sub blackmailed him, attending an art exhibition for charity. Hidden in a backroom he spots a set of erotic paintings and purchases them on the spot. He is fascinated and intrigued and when he discovers the artist to be Isa Ibanez, the art gallery’s employee, he is determined to have her. At first he wants to see more of her art, but he soon wants to seduce her into his bed, expose her to BDSM and ultimately become her Master.



Before I delve into the complexity and wonderfulness that is Dylan Young let me touch on the clever writing of the series, in particular Dylan’s POVs. They give such wonderful glimpses into the sarcastic, witty and to the point Dylan. It truly feels like his thoughts as opposed an (female) author penning his story. Dylan will stay with me for a long time to come.

Four words to describe Dylan would be: Intense, In-control, Sarcastic and Unforgettable.

Orphaned at age fourteen Dylan is tormented by secrets and a painful past. His story will unfold throughout the series and I am not going to spoil it, but it is clear from page 1 that underneath this in control alpha Dom, there is a flawed and broken boy.

As soon as Dylan meets Isa he is smitten and intrigued by her talent, innocence, beauty and submissiveness... He soon finds himself obsessing about her and even stalks her as he sets out to woo her into becoming his Sub. Dylan’s life is thrown into a tailspin and I can assure he will never, ever be the same:
“Isabel is proving to be a very fascinating woman. I’ve been doing vanilla for so long now, I wonder if I still have it in me to be a Dom. I like to think it’s like riding a bike… I guess we’ll find out. She has quite a defiant side to her, and for now, I’ll let her get away with it since she doesn’t know the rules of being a submissive, but that will change. I just need to be patient with her.”

***
“…she immediately heads towards the revolving doors and I follow behind her like a lost puppy. F~ck, Dylan, show some dignity man! I hear my alter ego screaming at me. And where the f~ck was he earlier anyway? F~ck that. I want her.”

***
“I come stumbling back into the apartment, dropping a few boxes on the way in and looking like a complete pussy-whipped bellboy. Seriously, what the f~ck? This is such bullshit. My alter ego is irritated at me for even going this far with this woman. I ignore him and pick up the boxes and lay them out in the bedroom.”


This series will prove to be Dylan’s journey of self-discovery. For the first time in his life the in control Dylan is losing control:
As Dylan sets out to explore the Submissive side of Isa another side of her is revealed. Isa can also be dominant. BDSM sex with Isa will start to get blurry:
“What the hell? Is she topping from the bottom? I’ll let it slide this time because she doesn’t know what that means and because she asked so nicely.”

***
“Little Miss Sassy Panties is back and I laugh out loud at her. I know she doesn’t like it but damn she’s f~cking comical when she’s feisty, but I guarantee, her ass will be paddled and for that sarcasm when the time comes.”




Isa Ibanez is also damaged; Deserted by her mother and raised by an abusive father her defense mechanism has been to escape into her art. When pressured Isa regresses into a little girl causing people to constantly take advantage of her, but her inner dialogue revealed in her POVs show her to be both observant and smart while frustrated with her own insecurities. This series will prove to be her journey of self-discovery and fulfillment as well:

Four words to describe Isa would be: Innocent, Smart, Endearing and Survivor.

And while Dylan and Isa are getting to know each other dark forces from their pasts set out to threaten, break them apart and even hurt them. It is a rollercoaster of lies, secrets and deceit with everything unraveling and coming to several crashing blows. Through it all their relationship is tested and they are both forced to confront their pasts and their demons.

Not only has Ms. Dominguez written an amazingly erotic tale, a journey of sexual exploration in the world of BDSM. She has captivated me with Dylan Isa and their love for each other. The Art of D/s is an epic, spellbinding saga about pushing all limits and surrendering it all for love. Thank you!

“She breathes in as I breathe out and her lungs fill with the air that was inside of me. I love her completely and I love giving her life as she gives me life. I breathe in her quintessence and it’s cathartic.”

***
Hero rating: 5+ stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars*
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars

Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Yes.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.


*I would describe the BDSM sex scenes in this series as medium. I felt the sex was always consensual and while it was, at times, violent including oral, anal, bondage, flogging, whipping, biting, cutting, with-holding and some intimidation, there was NO choking, fisting, caning, rapes nor multiple sex partners.
Profile Image for Shurrn.
560 reviews896 followers
July 22, 2016
This Erotic Trilogy packs a punch - Ella Dominguez has balanced panty-melting Erotica with an intriguing and thought-provoking storyline...



I'd like to share my overall impressions of this series, then encourage you to visit the links at the end of this post for the full reviews on each book...

To start with, the erotic element in these books is as beautifully written as it is sinfully hot... The BDSM inclusion becomes progressively more intense as the series continues, but never becomes more than the seasoned reader can handle...

The infusion of humor keeps the whole series grounded...

On a more serious note, we learn why the characters have come to embrace the BDSM lifestyle in each of their lives, and how their pasts have shaped their worldview. The whole Trilogy has a fascinating focus on the theme of control... Dylan and Isa each have their motives which necessitate their desire to take control sexually.

This is the first series I've read where we have a true Switch - someone who fully embraces the role of Dominant or submissive depending on the scene. Occasionally I read a story where the submissive turns the tables for a single scene, but the characters in the D/s Trilogy are in a relationship which allows both partners to take on the role of Top on a fairly regular basis. This adds a unique element to their dynamic, as well as their personalities. Neither character sits firmly in their established role. They are growing into their relationship together.

The inclusion of the mesmerizing artwork (from artist, Rebekka Ivacson) enhances the story and gives insight into Isa's personality. After all, Isa is an artist, so her artwork represents a window into her tortured soul...

MOST IMPORTANTLY, THIS COLLECTION IS CURRENTLY 99¢ ON AMAZON! GO BUY IT!

You can read my full Review for each book in the D/s Series by clicking the links below:
(I will update links as reviews become available)
0.5 - The Art of Redemption - On my to-Read List
1 - The Art of Submission - My review can be read here.
2 - The Art of Domination - My review can be read here
3 - The Art of Control - My review can be read here
4 - Becoming Sir - My review can be read here

The Art of Redemption (The Art of D/s, #0.5) by Ella Dominguez The Art of Submission (The Art of D/s, #1) by Ella Dominguez The Art of Domination (The Art of D/s, #2) by Ella Dominguez The Art of Control (The Art of D/s #3) by Ella Dominguez Becoming Sir (The Art of D/s) by Ella Dominguez
Profile Image for .Lili. .
1,257 reviews260 followers
June 15, 2013
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The Art of D/s Trilogy is the story of Isa and Dylan. Isa, whom was raised by an abusive father, ues her art as a form of escape. Isa is feisty and endearing. Dylan, is an intense millionaire who purchases is paintings by accident. Upon meeting the two become obsessed with each other but their journey will not be easy. The Dom in Dylan wants full control but Isa although a Submissive yearns for control as well.

Their battle of wills have you:
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Their love scenes will leave you:
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It's not all fun and sex though- as danger seems to follow them and test their relationship. Theirs is the journey of two broken people fighting to overcome their past and their demons. Isa and Dylan are one of my favorite couples. I could never envision one without the other. Their story made me laugh, it made cry, and it made me jump my husband. This is a 5 Star series I would definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Leslie.
588 reviews39 followers
June 10, 2013
I am bound to come across books in which it's blurb will pique my interest, make me want to put it on my TBR list, set my expectations fairly high, but then upon reading discover myself being disappointed in what I am reading. Fortunately, it doesn't happen often. But when it does, it makes me wince knowing the kind of review I will have to post.

Now I understand that I can be picky in what I want in the books I read. I have a specific taste in terms of the writing/narrative style. That aspect of a book plays a part in how much I enjoy it. In this trilogy, the writing is not what I like especially certain choices in words and phrasing. Someone once told me that I like my writing to have a "poetic" flow to it. I other words, I like a book's writing/narrative to have a rhythm and natural storytelling flow. In this trilogy, it felt more as if I was being told what was going on. It was very simple, straightforward narrative that just told the surface of the story. I didn't feel it went in depth enough. I was being told what was going on and I didn't feel anything deeper with the story.

I also had problems with the certain word choices and the phrasing of scenes. At times, I felt like I was reading a narrative from a teenager instead of an adult. There were words that felt out of place and didn't belong coming from an adult couple. It really annoyed me Isabel's penchant to use her "Holy..." phrases. It felt childish and it seemingly happens every other paragraph. I found myself rolling my eyes every time she does it and it didn't help when Dylan started doing it too. I understand that maybe the author wanted to add spicy dialogue, dirty talk, but it just felt off. Using the word f*ck and slang terms does not make it good dirty talk. For myself, it left me with the overall impression I had with the main characters, Dylan and Isabel.

I really wished that I felt something with these characters, the way I usually do with the books I really enjoyed. Sadly, I didn't form that connection with either Dylan or Isabel. All I can think of was how juvenile they seemed. I questioned whether they should be together, or be in any kind of relationship. They both have deep issues which constantly interfered in their relationship. Just when I thought they got it together, someone says/does something and the other will immediately take it personally and then act impulsively and then they have a talk and they would decided stick it out. It seemed like they spent the majority of the trilogy, especially the first 2 books, fighting. They also have a tendency to be overly melodramatic, especially Isabel. There were a few lines/dialogue where I found my wincing a little.

As much problems I had with the book, it had its moments. Out of the two, I felt Dylan grew the most in the trilogy. He went from being this very strong minded, confident businessman, to a complete jerk, to an uncommunicative boyfriend, to a deeply loving husband. He has potential to be a wonderful character. I also wished Dylan's right hand man, Sawyer, had more of a part. He takes a more front and center role in the third book. Although when his POV started appearing, it kind of threw me for a loop considering there was never any sign of it in the previous 2 books. However, when they started showing up often, I liked reading his perspective. He's a character I would've liked reading more of.

I also liked the pictures of Isabel's painting, which are done by an actual artist friend of the author. They were beautiful and added a little pop to the book. Helped bring a picture of what Isabel's painting were to have looked like.

This whole trilogy had a flavoring of the 50 SOG trilogy. The more I read, the more that thought came to mind. But, in my opinion, the former was written better with more of a clearer illustration of its main couple. With The Art of D/s trilogy, I wasn't as taken with the writing or the main couple. I feel if the writing was polished a little more and the characters' behavior/attitudes and dramatics were toned down a couple of degrees, the book could have been better.
Profile Image for ratherread.
167 reviews15 followers
August 29, 2013
5+++ STARS!!!

This trilogy is fantastic. I couldn't put this rollercoaster of a book down. It was full of erotica, BDSM, suspense, drama, humor and a great HEA!! I love Dylan and Isa. Their love affair and life together is beautiful, terrifying, and heart-wrenching. Well done Ella Dominguez. I only wish you would write more of their story.
Profile Image for Ginger .
697 reviews29 followers
September 16, 2014
Five Panty Melting Stars

I have only read one BDSM book before this one *cough*FSOG*cough*
This is certainly the one that confirmed that



That being said this book made me laugh, gasp, swoon, melt, cry and probably make faces (see review for book 3).

Dylan made me mad, I hated this guy. The way he talks to women and objectifys them! What?! She is not 'yours'. But then I just took it all in. The D/s relationship was entirely foreign to me, thank you Ella for taking me through what it could possibly be. And I really adored the concept of the switch! I was sad to learn that most BDSM does not include this (it is rare).

Isabel and I had the same progression of love/hate. The standard low self esteem, self depreciateing crud that drives me NUTZ! But she had her moments when she shined, I loved her constant Holy ______ _____ ( always wanted to add BATMAN at the end in my head) She had a snappy sence of humor and she even put Dylan in his place a few times. She did have character growth so in the end, yes I loved her and wanted to have a pillow party with tons of girl time with her.

The story line was fantazmic! If you read the first book and thought ~meh~ keep going! The second book was better and the third was what earned that fifth star! It. Gets. Better.

As for the saucy sexy parts I really appreciated how it progressed. If they had been doing in book one what they were doing in book three I would have been going.....um no. But I saw the trust build and limits pushed.

I love that this book pushed me to think about things that I would usualy write off as super kink that I would never understand (nope no judgement cuz I didn't have enought information). But I think I get it, at least one 'kind' of how it can be no relationship is the same. Who 'da thunk? Philisophical about a BDSM book ;P

Now for individual reviews written as I finnished each book:

The Art of Submission
First book 5 spanking stars.



Amazingly rich and gorgeous man falls for damaged girl and wants to spank her. Same factors that we have grown to love with a nice little twist.

I really enjoy Isa. She is damaged without being pathetic, she has some sas and I like it!

Dylan, while beyond yummy and deliriously rich, is not above making mistakes and (sometimes) admitting them.

They have their ups and downs, great steamy and slightly inventive trists and only a little cliff hanger at the end (but maybe I am being over confident in them).

I look forward to reading the next instalment with high hopes that both of the MC's continue to develop.

The Art of Domination
4 leatherbound dominant stars

Holy Emotional Rollercoaster!
(I am loving Isa)

Two points for me in this book that really had me lovehating the whole BDSM scean.

I am new to this genre, with the only notch on my bedpoast being FSOG this book had me shocked/repulsed/facinated/intrigued. Ella really threw me into the down and dirty of what goes on in the dungeon (yes, yes, I know there is more but give a girl a break). A little depraved, a little shocking and more than a little suprised that I liked it.

I also got a deeper look into the D/s relationship. Why they do what they do. While every individual is different, I do get the feeling that the basics hold true in most of these relationships. The trust required of both and the aftercare gift that is given to the sub. It made me view this lifestyle in a new light.

For the actual story. I loved that the MC's continue to progress in their relationship and their own personal growth.

A star drops off because I get tired of the constant negative self talk. I know, the story would not be the same without the added drama but it gets anoying after a bit.


The Art of Control
5 Glued to the Book till it's Done Stars

The first half of the book was just ok. They go along do their thing (trying not to have spoilers) BUT you are just waiting for that other shoe to drop. You know there is unfinnished business and you know it is comeing and then BAM! The jaw drops and you go WAIT! What just happened?!

I was mortified and couldn't put the book down. My family was neglected and hungry by the time I was done. But it was worth it ;P

Yes parts of the book had me goin:


It made me think about how I realy feel about BDSM. We even got to see a little more about Sawyer and yes, he is intirested in learning more too!
(Yay for Becoming Sir)


The story is wrapped up in a pretty bow with a HEA that give you feel goods. Bravo.
Profile Image for AD.
73 reviews18 followers
July 6, 2013

"Respect the woman, desire the slut, and cherish the little girl. Then you have the mind, body and soul."

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The Art of Submission 5 STARS!
The Art of Domination 5 STARS!!
The Art of Control 5 STARS!!!

I've been racking my brain trying to find the right words to describe how much I LOVED this series and the only two words that keep coming to mind is...

FUCKING AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!

The first chapter of TAoS pulled me in and locked me up and wouldn't let me go until I finished the last chapter of TAoC! The artwork used throughout the books is amazing and they fit in so well with this beautiful story. Dylan and Isa are so perfectly broken and complex characters and fell in love with both of them! It was refreshing to read that Dylan (A rich playboy with a dark past) wasn't your typical Dom and Isa (A artist with a abusive past) was most definitely not your typical Sub. It can be easy for BDSM books to be the "same ole formula" and I loved that this series was different from all the other BDSM books I've read and damnit.... the emotional roller coaster these books took me on was crazy to say the least.....

There was a lot of nail biting....
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A lot of...
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A little angst ;)
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Some AWWWWWWS
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And did I mention a lot of this...
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I already miss reading about Dylan and Isa :(

I haven't read a series straight through like this in sooo long and my only regret is that I freaking waited so long to read it. It's safe to say that The Art of D/s series has a spot on my all time favorite reads! ;)

BRAVO Ella!!!

K, That's All
22 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2013
I have to believe from the number of good reviews that there is an appeal to this story I just am not getting. I liked the unique angle of the Dom character actually starting to question himself regarding the label 'Dom' when he realized he enjoyed being dominated himself-that was cool, but then it wasn't really explored as much as I hoped/expected. I liked the female lead as an unknown artist who paints her fantasies. I loved the pictures included in the book-they were awesome. I tried to like both characters but their verbal banter drove me stark raving-slit my wrist-poke my eyes out-crazy. It was no longer close to cute after the first book. Their lack of trust in each other was so constant it became boring to me. If I am going to read first person moment to moment thought processes, I want to believe the characters are growing, not regressing. I suppose if i ready ANY style i want to see growth. I like a certain type of realism-do people REALLY think this constantly about fucking? I mean really, the woman's eyes are swollen shut, her face is black and blue, she is totally out of it, her lips are swollen, she was almost raped/killed, she thought she killed her husband, she can barely speak, then the next moment she jumps up and grabs him crying and talking a mile a minute wanting to screw his brains out . Maybe it's just me...but I couldn't take any more.
Profile Image for Jamie.
89 reviews
July 29, 2013
OMG, where to even start....? I can honestly say that I hated this book. I found the description interesting, even promising, but once I started to read it just fell way short.

I felt like I was reading a high school understanding of the D/s lifestyle. Or maybe that the author's understanding of the life is from books and secondhand stories...I'm not sure, and I don't mean to be disrespectful about it. To me, it was very cliche in some areas, and lacked credibility in others. There were glaring grammatical errors as well as spelling errors, and they were extremely distracting and frustrating. However, that was not as bothersome as the portrayal of a D/s lifestyle. While I'm sure that there are some people out there - who are just starting out in the life - whom believe that this book is an acceptable version of behavior, once you spend some time observing or speaking with those who live the life, this is NOT how it works.

I did not finish this book, and don't plan to pick it up again in the future.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
864 reviews14 followers
September 16, 2013
I totally agree with Leslie Serrano's review from June 10, 2013.
I cannot recommend this trilogy to my friends. There are other books out there that deserve their time but not this trilogy. I felt like the writing missed the mark, that mark being my libido. The first part was okay and I figured the author was just getting warmed up. The second part left me wanting, a lot. With the third part I had to force myself to finish it. I got so fed up with Isa running away all of the time. I just wanted to smack these two and tell them to start listening to eachother and believing what the other was saying. In real life these two wouldn’t have lasted through the second book which is where I wanted to quit reading it. But I kept hoping something might redeem this story. Also, anyone who gave this 5 stars hasn’t read very much in this genre and doesn’t know squat about the BDSM lifestyle, nor do I believe does the author.
Profile Image for Miss_Robin.
7 reviews
August 5, 2013
I bought the trilogy at the recommendation of a book blogger that announced it was only $.99...I thought, why not? Why not??? Because I can't get the last 3 hours back, that's why. I'm only happy that I only spent 99 cents on this. It has promise, or had...the story started out great, only to start turning me off with high school drama and horrible child-like phrases such as "Me likey" thought by Dylan. Ew, I read that and felt icicles form in my underwear...gross.

The sex scenes are hot, but if you've already read Fifty Shades, it's all the same. Teaching the sub to obey, the Dom doesn't ever have vanilla sex, blah blah blah. I did appreciate the author allowing Isa to venture into Domme territory a little, but that was rare and soon it's back to him being in charge.

Eh, I guess I shouldn't be too disappointed, I only paid $.99 for the trilogy. I may venture back to it to read further, but I'm at the beginning of the 2nd book and I just can't bring myself to go for it. Boo.
Profile Image for Kaf.
124 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2016
I'm not sure how I feel about this book Story was good and held my interest and it had all the elements of making for a really good read. The characters were unique with interesting back stories and what could have been really sexy bedroom/dungeon scenes. I just feel like parts where missing, almost like in editing sections were cut that held is bit of info that should have been included to maintain a good flow. Also, once the characters really embraced their BDSM I thought there was a disconnect with the writer and the words. It felt mechanical to me .

I found the writing style of getting both Isa's and Dylan's point of view was interesting and refreshing since usually it is only one POV. The ending was in my opinion abrupt almost as if writer was "over it" and just wanted to wrap it up in a pretty bow and be done.

Geez, I just reread what I wrote above and you would think I didn't like the book. I DID IT WAS GOOD just not great and maybe I was hoping for great. I'm interested to see what others think.

Profile Image for Lisa ~ Books Are My Drugs ~.
1,314 reviews101 followers
Read
August 3, 2013
I liked the changing POVs in this story. I also liked that we got to see some of Sawyer's POV. However, this trilogy had a lot of grammatical errors. Not enough that I couldn't finish, but enough that I found it fairly annoying.

I had a difficult time getting through the second book, the Art of Domination. I think maybe I was just trying to read too much at once, because after I took a break, I was able to finish it easier. I had a difficult time connecting with the MCs. I thought Dylan was a gigantic asshole. And Isabel was extremely immature. And I thought that these two probably had no business being together. I'm surprised they didn't kill each other. I found their relationship exhausting. So much anger and angst.

I really would like to read more about Sawyer though.
Profile Image for Izzy Gardner.
20 reviews
February 28, 2014
I had so much fun reading this series. It was sexy, suspenseful, a little angsty and even humorous at times.

It really packed a punch in the erotica department, but the plot-line and characters keep you completely invested in the story. I loved that there was an emphasis on emotional growth for both of the MCs, and that we had the benefit of the dual POV. I am officially an Ella Dominguez fan & I can't wait to jump right in to Becoming Sir!!
Profile Image for Sónia Tigol.
784 reviews15 followers
June 20, 2013
WOW. What an incredible ride this series was. The Art of D/s Trilogy is the story of Isa and Dylan. Isa, whom was raised by an abusive father, ues her art as a form of escape. Isa is feisty and endearing. Dylan, is an intense millionaire who purchases is paintings by accident. Upon meeting the two become obsessed with each other but their journey will not be easy. The Dom in Dylan wants full control but Isa although a Submissive yearns for control as well. This is a 5 Star series I would definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Dorothy Riepenhoff.
56 reviews10 followers
August 7, 2013
This is a true dark BDSM story about self-discovery, overcoming one's inner demons (and bringing them out to play) , pushing limits and finally all consuming true love. Dylan and Isa's journey to their true happiness kept me on very engaged. The story is told from both Dylan & Isa's POV, which I thought would jump around too much but in the end really help gain a wonderful perspective. Just be aware this is one of the graphic collections I've read and not necessarily for the faint at heart.
I would like to ad that the art work is stunning and gives a great visual.
Profile Image for Tina.
222 reviews31 followers
December 25, 2013
HOLY MOTHER OF JESUS

HOLY MOLY

GOD BLESS ELLA DOMINGUEZ FOR WRITING THIS TRILOGY!

DYLAN
D
Y
L
A
N

WHERE IN THE NAME OF GOD WERE U HIDDEN MAN?
AJKDJSJKDJFDBVFEPUFEIPFUDIHCJDBVIOQDEIèFEU9FèEFIEHBVJHLFHDJCKLDBSVJLDHAVJKHVD

AND ISABELLE I LOVED HER..SHE WAS A STUBBORN BEAUTIFUL FUNNY GURL AND HOLY MOLY I DIDNT EVEN KNOW THE D/S SHIFT WAS POSSIBLE! GOOD LORD IN HEAVEN!

BEAUTIFUL HOTNESS SEXY DOMINANT STORY..AND SAWYER BABY U WILL BECOME A PERFECT DOMINANT IM SURE OF IT!

GIVE ME A DYLAN RIGHT FUCKING NOW!
5++++ deserved stars
Profile Image for Elisha Viney.
42 reviews
September 9, 2015
Oh my Gosh!!!! This book. ..... Where do I start?
At first I thought, oh no, this was so not up my alley. Why did i consider buying his trilogy? But as I started reading I fell in love with this story! I'm going to miss these characters!!! Loved these books!!!!!!!! But have to keep an open mind. It was totally mind blowing! Now onto buying her next book about Sawyer! !!! Can't wait to start. Yay!!!!!! At least I've got a little bit more time with these characters before I have to let them go. )-:
Profile Image for Dana.
238 reviews63 followers
May 24, 2015

I finally finished the last 20%. I did skim and skip but at least I now know how it ends and can move on to read Becoming Sir.

My thoughts:
~ The sex was HOT, but excessive.
~ Including the erotic paintings in the book was a great idea, and I LOVED them all!
~ Dylan's variety of pet names for Isabel made me smile and swoon.

And that's about it.

Unfortunately, I just wasn't impressed like I was with Continental Breakfast. I can't say I hated it, because I didn't, I just wasn't feeling it.


**********August 19, 2014********

dnf @ 80%

I got this for 99¢ on Amazon more than one year ago, but I never found myself in the mood to start it. That is until I read the recently
released Continental Breakfast - Which I loved!!!

Unfortunately, I was not loving The Art of D/s Trilogy. I'm not sure if I even liked the series. But yet I didn't hate it. I had a difficult time with the characters. Beginning at about 11% I couldn't decide if I wanted to continue reading or not.

I tried, I really did try. I mean 80%, I might as well finish it, right? But I felt like I knew what was going to happen - more fucking, drama, fingering, self esteem issues, violent fucking, a threat or an attack, some sucking, etc.. (Side thought....do people really do that much fucking, sucking, fingering, and so on? How do they have time for anything else?)

I'm exhausted from reading it. And although we begin to get a glimpse of Sawyer with his POV, I've finally lost interest. So I'm putting this on hold for now.

I'm really interested in the companion book, Becoming Sir, which is about Sawyer. Maybe I'll finish the last 20% of The Art of D/s Trilogy before reading it.
1,427 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2013
Wow just wow, where to begin about the love, passion and fire that is Isa and Dylan. Dylan takes Isa on a journey of discovery in the world of BDSM and find that two broken and damaged people can help heal each other. They both grow together as a couple and as individuals but most of all they both learn to trust one another with every part of their lives.

Isa grew up with an abusive father that took everything away from her and still wanted to control every move in her life. Dylan, the millionaire that doesn’t trust anyone except for her right hand man and best friend Sawyer always gets what he wants, being the Dom he controls everything and everyone. She is the brilliant artist and he the art collector. He finds her work of art spell binding and wants to know all about her and then some.

The connection they share is strong, unwavering and life altering. It’ seems everyone is against them being together and other will go beyond to break them apart. The love and trust Isa gives Dylan is overhwleming and he keeps it close to his heart. He still stop at nothing and will do anything to keep her safe and close to him. Dylan shows her his lifestyle and is amazed by the depth of which Isa learns from it and grows from it. During their crazy relationship, it’s shown to us that she is the air he needs to love and he gives her undeniable love and passion.

It’s a bit dark and twisted but that’s what drew me to the book in the first place. It’s a beautiful story about two people that are meant for each other. They must endure so much and learn to trust one another before they can move forward. The trust that Isa and Dylan have in one another is nothing like I’ve ever read before and everyone should wish they had in their lovers.

Dylan is a strong alpha Dom all the way but he also brings out the Mistress in Isa and loves every minute of it. She opens him to another side of his feelings he never knew he had and it’s great to see.

Profile Image for Ella Dominguez.
Author 130 books1,576 followers
April 5, 2016
4/5/2016

The journey to re-write my Art of D/s trilogy begins today. Technically, it began several months ago, having unpublished all three books and completed one chapter.

When I say re-write, that's precisely what I mean. I am completely over-hauling all three books. What was originally written in first person narrative is being changed to third person. It's quite a daunting undertaking, especially when considering how lengthy the books are. But, I genuinely believe that this change is for the best.

It will allow for more description, better allowing the reader to experience what the characters see and feel.

With this comes new covers and new titles, as well as new material. I'm excited, while at the same time scared, as I don't want to let my fans down, nor do I want to taint the memory of Isa, Dylan and Sawyer.

I cannot definitively say when I will be done. I want to take my time and get this right with the hopes that the changes will garner more exposure, perhaps even a publishing deal.

Wish me luck.
Profile Image for Amy Harrison.
37 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2014
I read the whole thing in less than a week. Sex was good, some of it hot, some of it repetitive and gratuitous. Maybe if I had not read the whole thing in six days, I would have been a little less desensitized....

Plot is thin in places; character development good for two main characters, minimal for supporting cast. The drama is what keeps the story going more than the sex. I felt it was a lot like FSofG, but with more BDSM elements and perhaps a little more human in the sex scenes (people do have to come up for air once in a while; no one gives a non-stop session of oral sex without needing a break!)

I would read more by this author and recommend this to a select few of my friends that find the BDSM elements interesting. The typos need correcting!!! However, I give it four stars because I have read just about every single trilogy/quartet/quintet that has surfaced since the craze of FSofG, and this held my interest more than any of them.
Profile Image for Indy.
1,179 reviews34 followers
January 19, 2014
This book really had me hooked from start to finish. The hero/heroine had a really engaging dynamic, plenty of sexual chemistry, and continuous suspense and intrigue to keep you turning page after page.

It is definitely a BDSM novel, plenty of kink and S&M. But done in a pretty tasteful way, one in which the commitment the two have for one another is forefront throughout it all. The ending of each of the books was a bit rushed, esp. the first one, and there were some minor editing issues. Not enough to deter anyone from reading. As some of the plot revolves around art, there were painting interspersed throughout the book too which was really unique and a pleasant surprise.

Enjoyable book, especially liked the two POVs (three counting Sawyers here and there) - which really endeared me to the characters. Ella Dominguez is a great writer who I definitely will be watching out for.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neff.
97 reviews2 followers
Read
February 20, 2014
Oh my GRAVY...

This trilogy is amazing if you are someone who loves to read erotic, spankings...
I won't spoil it for you but this was such a roller coaster ride and I loved every up and down (and I don't ride roller coasters (lol)). It is such an amazing well thought out book. You can't help falling in love with the characters.
Becoming Sir is on my list to read because I just can't get enough of this authors skills in writing.
This book is not going to be for everyone cause it has its dark side, it's sex is not for the faint of heart and be prepared to pick up the bad habit of smoking cause you'll want one or more after this read. Oh my GRAVY the sex is out of this world in this book and again the storyline is too. I can't wait to pick up another read from this outstanding author, Wow, just WOW! Read it if you think you can handle it.

Oh my GRAVY! Seriously!
Profile Image for Deanne.
265 reviews
June 7, 2013
WOW. What an incredible ride this series was. I actually feel very guilty now about a status update I made earlier in the second book calling Dylan and Isa crazy. These were two broken people that fixed each other and that's not crazy, that's love. I, just as much as Isa, grew to have a greater understanding of BDSM. Dylan in his Dom world was so effing unbelievably hot and sexy. And although I'm not a fan a female Domme role, I understood it in this series; I felt connected. Any yeah, well, the whole series was panty dropping effing HOT. Where can I find one of these clubs? 5+++++++ STARS!

"What about our happily ever after?" I ask as I stare into the truest, most loyal blue eyes to ever gaze back at me. "No matter how long it takes, we'll find that, too, pussycat. I promise."
28 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2013
Oh my word sums up my review. This trilogy is seriously bad on three counts: one is the dreary, overblown, scarely credible narrative with two main juvenile characters who do a lot of whining. The second flaw is that sex scenes cannot replace narrative and in this case there is just too much sex so that any narrative thread is displaced. There are only so many ways one can describe the sex act and the endlessly repetitious nature of the writer's descriptions gets in the way of the development of the narrative such as it is.

The third irritation is the poor copy editing with far too many lapses in spelling, missing letters and typos.

The only positive aspect is that I managed to complete a sock during the reading as I could read only a few pages at a time!
Profile Image for lynn❤️lynn.
409 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2014
Not quite sure what to say here. I loved and hated it all at the same time!. I loved it to start with, then hated it, then loved it again.
I did feel it improved as the story went along. At times I found myself on the edge of my seat, thinking great storyline, then all of a sudden it would abruptly change and I'd be left thinking/ feeling what the hell!.

The sex scenes at times were really hot. I did have a bit of trouble with the whole switch thing. I certainly wanted to slap her Dom, and found myself shouting, will you just man up!

I felt more comfortable with it by book 3 (or the third half of the book)

On the whole I felt it was a good read, but because I found myself so frustrated, I'm unsure if I would read this again, but it wasn't a total disappointment.
Profile Image for Tina Clark.
797 reviews6 followers
September 17, 2013
Wow. Hot and amazing. The story of isa and Dylan continues. Isa is trying to overcome her moms murder and her fathers abuse. Dylan is trying to keep her safe from her dad. This story tells you everything and the true meaning of bdsm that makes the readers understand (submission, domination and control). I absolutely love the story and everything about it. It had a slow start until they went to Paris. It try to tell the story from book 1 and 2 but I would recommend to read the first 2 books to really get the full picture. After that I couldn't put the book down. The ending was amazing and kept you going.
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