Review: The Young & The Submissive by Shayla Black, Jenna Jacob, Isabella LaPearl

Raine Kendall has everything a woman could want…almost. Sexy, tender Dom Liam O’Neill is her knight in shining armor, but Raine is constantly pinching herself. Is he too good to be true or is this growing connection one that could last a lifetime? She’s constantly torn by her abiding feelings for her commanding boss, Macen “Hammer” Hammerman, especially in the wake the mind-blowing night he cast aside the barriers between them and ravaged every inch of her body.

Hammer, Liam’s former best friend, can’t stop coveting Raine. But Liam is determined to hold and guide the woman he loves and see if she can be the submissive of his dreams. However, he’s finding that her trust is hard won and he needs a bloody crowbar to pry open her scarred soul. So he risks everything to win her once and for all. But once he’s put his daring plan in motion, will it cost Liam his heart if he loses Raine to Hammer for good?

REVIEW: 

After having read the first book as part of a blog tour, I just had to know how where this story was going so I bought it.  I was not disappointed.  Well, I take that back.  I was but only because the next one is not out until February.  I don't like waiting.  Especially with the cliffhanger of this one!  With that being said, this book is so well written.  

Hammer has always loved Raine and paid close attention to her.  Raine however, wasn't aware how close until he asks her about her period and knows that she is five days late.  She always assumed that Hammer just looked right through her or thought of her as a little sister.  However, she is collared to Liam now and all his.  Raine still has trouble letting go of the past, trusting others, communicating, and opening up about her wants and needs.  It is hard for her to believe that Liam does want her and loves her.  She is just waiting for something bad to happen.

Liam tries his best to reach her and in one last attempt, he uncollars her.  (Dumb move)  In hopes that she will cool down and think or run to Hammer, Liam gives her space.  His one command, Don't leave!  Thinking she is the reason for the two no longer having a close friendship, she doesn't run to Hammer.  Instead of hanging around and dealing with what going on she runs.  Just one of the ways she tries to cope.  Well of course, this sets Liam and Hammer in a panic (once they realize she's gone) but it also gets them to communicate with each other but it doesn't heal their friendship, there's still tension.  

Because she knows the two will worry themselves sick, Raine has a plan to let them know she is okay.  She goes to the Dom you would least expect, Beck.  This is one Dom who grew on me in this story and I'm curious about him.  I'm wondering what his story is!  Anyway, Beck becomes her sounding board and advocate. (See why I'm loving him?)  Also, Liam's friend Seth steps in to help.  These two Doms are not taking either Hammer or Liam's side but are there to help Raine.  She opens up to them and trusts them since there's nothing for her to lose with them.  

In order to help Raine heal, she is going to need all these men.  Can Liam and Hammer get over their differences and jealousy and be the Doms she needs?  Can Raine truly open up to these two and bare it all?  

Watching Hammer and Liam overcome some things themselves all to meet the needs of Raine is fascinating.  Neither Dom is perfect but both want Raine to reach her full potential.  When these two end  up in a fight though, it is priceless!  I love how men can hash it out, come to blows, then in five or ten minutes, be buds again.  Blows my mind! Can't wait to see what happens in book 3 and if it all works itself out.  

5 Star  ~Jade