🎧 Review for Audiobook Obsession

I was impressed with this story. Having read several books containing BDSM lifestyle, I don’t believe I have ever read one with so much depth and detail as this one. The author has definitely done her homework in preparation for this series.
Hollie did a phenomenal job narrating her Irish accent was brilliant.
🎧Reviewed for Audiobook Obsession 🎧

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Truly Enjoyable

What made the experience of listening to To Serve Is Divine the most enjoyable?

When I was thinking of reviewing this book, I had to mentally prepare myself for it. Like I said, BDSM isn't my thing and it was right around the time when I was feeling particularly down on the romance genre because, let's face it, romance isn't romance anymore do I had just gone on a whole tangent to a friend of mine about how depressing that is to me.

BUT - surprisingly, I really enjoyed this story. Let me explain - While this books has HEAVY BDSM elements, because it is ROOTED into the BDSM world, there is also a romance that is true and strong that's weaved very well throughout the story - I really appreciated that. Another thing that is quite evident is that RE Hargrave knows her stuff. The story as thoroughly researched and that knowledge is peppered throughout the table in a way that is palatable to the reader. Some books you read and the author just throws things in to show how smart they are and that is quite annoying.

Lets talk the narrator - To be honest, I expected a man to read this story. I don't know why, but when I realize it was a woman, I was a little skeptical but holy smokes Holly Jackson! Her Irish and Texan accents were spot on and so amazing! The tone in her voice the way she read the love scenes - Lord have mercy! I kept looking around to make sure my volume wasn't too high and that no one around me couldn't hear. Holly is amazing.

The characters in To Serve is Divine are wholesome and true to theTo Serve Is Divine Audiobook way of life in the BDSM. But they also have an added little quirk that had me smiling sometimes or laughing out loud during other time.

Jayden is just sexy as hell. From the authority he uses throughout his life, to the way he treats Catherine inside and outside the play room or when they are in a scene. From the contract he designs for Catherine to the way he talks to her, the way he looks at her, I could tell this guy is a good one. He's all tough and DOM sexy but when it comes to his Jewel, he'd burn the world to the ground. I felt Jayden's concern for Catherine, his slow turmoil about if he can actually be good for her.


Catherine-oh lawd-what can I say about her? First her Irish accent is darling. She is one of those females who has have to learn her worth the hard way. Though she is a submissive, she is strangely independent but knows when she needs to draw strength from her DOM.

The secondary characters all had purpose. I am a HUGE fan of secondary characters because they lend some realness to the main characters. In this story, they all lend a brilliant air of authenticity to the tale.

Yes, there are a couple of things that made me cringe - because well, it's BDSM and there are toys and actions within these pages that aren't things I would actually participate in - But I understand why they were necessary for the story and the genre to make it real.

Bottom line is this (And I swear I never thought I'd say this about any BDSM story but here it is) RE Hargrave has a winner on her hands. To Serve is Divine is a love story about two people trying to find their place in a world that can often time turn ugly. It is lesson of being careful who you trust and knowing when to extend trust. It is a tale of crashing and burning then being strong enough to stand up and give the world two middle fingers way up. But most importantly, it is a well spun tale that is enjoyable to read or in this case, listen to.

What did you like best about this story?

That photoshoot - whew...I could barely breathe. And Holly Jackson's accent ability - Epic!

Have you listened to any of Hollie Jackson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. But I will check her out after this.

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1 person found this helpful

Great BDSM erotica

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this, it’s a great BDSM erotica with an intriguing storyline. I love that it’s not a contemporary romance with some kink. It’s well written and realistically portrays a D/s relationship.

I love that there was attraction and a pull to each other right away but no insta love. Their relationship grew and changed throughout the story in a believable manner.

Erin/Catherine is a sub through and through. I really enjoy how the author showed her strength and independence. My heart broke for what she went through before.

“Master would be strong for her, she didn’t have to be anymore”

Jayden was intriguing. He’s never collared a sub before so it was an understandable struggle. He was a caring dom, I liked seeing how he was different with Micah, Catherine, and Samantha based on their needs. He respects limits and thinks of repercussions ahead of time.

I do wish we got to see more detail of her past and her overcoming her issues. But highly recommend this if you want a good BDSM read.

The narration by Hollie Jackson was fantastic. I loved her accents and her performance was clear.

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Inside look at a true BDSM relationship

This is the first book I have read that truly brings you into a BDSM relationship. I have read others that have touched base on the lifestyle but have never gone as in depth as this series. I was a little hesitant to start this series but I decided to jump in upon recommendations from other readers. I am so happy I decided to give it a try.

The relationship between Catherine and Jayden is a bit of a whirl wind. They start as simple play partners but throughout the course of a year, the relationship has changed. It was nice to see how a caring Dom can help repair the emotional scars of a want-to-be Dom who was truly abusive.

I am eager to see what happens next in book 2!

Be warned, the scenarios in this book are graphic and not to be taken lightly.

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3 people found this helpful

Good

Good first installment to this trilogy. Hollie Jackson does a good job with narration, although some words are not being pronounced properly and that is distracting.
@audiobookobsession

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🎧AudiobookObsessionReviewer 🎧

I loved this book, and I loved the narration- her Irish accent was lovely. I also loved to see a character really embody the fact that an abusive relationship doesn’t define you. Katherine is a strong, brave character. But...I found Katherine to be a bit too perfect at times. And I did want to bop Sir in the head a few times for his callousness. But I thought the story was entertaining and super steamy. It was the perfect hot listen! Recommended!

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A guide to the D/s lifestyle

Lovingly crafted, it is obvious that the author has extensive experience in the art and devotion of submission. If you have any questions about the feelings, the experiences, and inner workings of a real D/s lifestyle. It is also incredibly evident that she has had experience with some form of "false dominant".

If you want to have an intimate peek into our lives...if you're curious...READ THIS BOOK.

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Kinky, Sexy, and Erotic

Would you consider the audio edition of To Serve Is Divine to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print edition of this book but I loved the story. The characters were very believable and I found myself invested in both Catherine and Jayden very early on. I thought I would love Jayden more than anyone else in this book but I found myself really caring for Catherine just as much. There were some scenes where I thought to myself that I would have loved more detail or wished that she would have delved into that scene a little more in depth. And likewise there were a few sex scenes where I though there was a bit too much detail. But none of it was too distracting or enough to change my opinion of the book. The BDSM aspect was very believable, well thought out and respectfully portrayed. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend who loves the genre.

What three words best describe Hollie Jackson’s performance?

I found the narrator's Irish accent believable, but I do have to say the voices she used for the male characters, especially Jayden, were distracting. I know it is difficult task for a person of the opposite sex, so I tried not to let it become too much of an issue for me, and I will say that it gets better in book 2.

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1 person found this helpful

Raw passionate love story

I started this book never really having any idea what it was about. I was soon engulfed in the characters and finding their love story! This story involving dominance and his submissive is heart warming with enough raw energy that I couldn’t stop listening.
I only wished I knew more of their outside lives rather then just their lives in the play room.

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✫✫ 4 Stars ✫✫

My favorite part about this book....the characters enjoy the bdsm lifestyle just because they enjoy it, no one is turning the another person onto it and no one is doing it because they have a bad past! This is what I always see in these type of books and this was such a refreshing change! This story was hot, details were plenty and characters were well developed. The ending has a bit of a cliffhanger but it's not a terrible one. Very enjoyable and would definitely recommend it. This book has a little bit for everyone when it comes to erotica!

The narrator was great for the female roles but I don't love her male voices. She wasn't bad at them, I just didn't think they fit the characters. I would have loved it even more if it had been dual narrated.

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8 people found this helpful