The Training by Tara Sue Me

Official Description:

Sequel to The Submissive and The Dominant. Edward and Bella embark on their new relationship, but who’s training whom? EPOV and BPOV. AU/AH. D/s.

Word Count: 117,228

Don’t miss the prequels, The Submissive, and the EPOV The Dominant!

This series will always hold a special place in my heart. No matter what happens, I *always* think to myself, well, at least this crazy community has brought me some life-long friends. Among those are MJ, who I met on The Submissive Twilighted thread, and literally, at least twenty other insanely fantastic women. I digress.

This series, specifically The Training, is a story that will stay with me forever. The relationship between Edward and Bella unfolding, blooming, evolving and maturing… it’s beautiful and timeless. The BDSM shouldn’t scare you. It’s not over-the-top, it’s not overdone, and it’s a realistic portrayal. I especially loved the outtakes and the variety of other characters and interests we see.

If you enjoyed The Submissive and/or The Dominant, you will undoubtedly enjoy The Training. The story and these characters don’t lose any steam at all, and it’s a fun ride that TaraSueMe takes us on during their next phase.

Here’s what we had to say back in the day:

MsKathy says: Disclaimer: I would be remiss if I didn’t mention two things before I offered up my review for The Training. First, I am tarasueme’s beta, and therefor completely and utterly fucking biased. Second, if you’re thinking about engaging in some of the acts described in TS, TD, or TT, please do so knowledgeably. There are plenty of resources around to help if you want or need more information, and participating in these things without enough information can have disastrous mental and/or physical results. If you want more information, you can google “bdsm beginner info,” or check out my interview with tara at the beginning of chapter 20 in The Dominant.

If you’ve read The Submissive and The Dominant, the previous two stories in this series, you pretty much know what The Training is. What makes The Training a compelling story? Getting inside these two characters’ heads and figuring out how they’re going to make things work. Isn’t that the basis for 95% of FanFic stories? This one, like the others, has a twist, though: Bella and Edward are making a go of a Dominant/submissive relationship as a companion to their romantic boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.

If you’re looking for a hardcore BDSM story, this isn’t for you. The Training, despite its title, is essentially about two people finding their way through loving each other. For them, they love each other with some additional complication added into the mix – Bella is a newly self-discovered sub, Edward is a well-practiced Dom. Neither has been very successful in long-term relationships and both have made mistakes along the way. Sometimes huge, epic, really bad mistakes. So, essentially, they’re flawed, just like we are.

I loved seeing people’s reactions to chapter 4, because you either loved or hated it. Either way, the impact of the psychology behind submission could not be missed. Submission is, at times, doing what you don’t want to do. What you would, under normal circumstances, find disgusting and repulsive. It means setting aside your wants and needs, and rising up to the challenge of meeting someone else’s.

The chapters of TS, TD, and TT are short. I love this format for the ease of reading, although I can empathize with the frustration of spending four to six chapters on a single event. Personally, I enjoy the extended tease of events.

If you’ve never been involved in (or even heard of) BDSM or Dominance/submission, don’t let that scare you away. The Training is one of the most tame versions of this relationship out there, and it’s my own personal belief that this is the reason for its popularity. Of course, tara’s stellar writing has something to do with it as well, but this is a very approachable ‘fetish’ story. I suspect some things will ramp up and get more intense as the chapters progress, but the truth is, I have no clue. Tara knows my affinity for crops and floggers, though, so I’m hoping she brings those back (soon!) .

MF’er says: The Submissive kind of broke my fandom cherry… it was one of the first stories I found and read and The Dominant pwned me just as hard… and now… The Training, do I even need to say why I love it?

“You told me recently that having my cock in your ass made you feel completely consumed,” I said.

She jumped when I applied the lube to her backside.

“Ready to be consumed again, Isabella?”

‘Nuff. Said.

Tara continues to wow all me with her writing and the ability to not just make it hot as fucking hell, but sweet as can be and I’m anxiously awaiting the future of these two characters because I know it won’t disappoint.

Kassiah says: Four chapters in, all I can say is “Holy Fucking Shit!” to anyone who asks me about The Training. First of all, I have to admit, I don’t know much about BDSM behavior, and I would be embarrassed for you to read my early reviews of TS/TD. However since I am not looking to TaraSueMe to give me “D/s Relationships for Dummies”, I can say I am totally enthralled with this story.

For me, TS and TD have always been about Bella & Edward’s relationship and how both of them walk the fine line between lovers and a Dom and his sub. The Training is all about exploring that. Yes, it’s insanely hot. Yes, it has stuff that my wussperv mind never thought of. But more than that, it shows how they are balancing being who they are with what they are.

Speaking of hot, here’s a little taste for you:

“Mmmmm,” I said, palming her sex, my thumb against her clit and my middle finger barely inside. “Serving me like this excites you, doesn’t it, my naughty girl?” I pushed deeper. “Being bound turns you on.” My thumb stroked her. “Is it knowing you belong to me, or knowing I will do anything to you I want?” I slipped a second finger inside. “Maybe both?” I asked in a whisper.

Both, I knew. Definitely both.

I removed my fingers and dropped my head to place a tender kiss on her bare skin. She shivered under me.

I love the dual PoV, and (big shock here) I am especially partial to Edward’s. TaraSueMe has already conveyed so much emotion in him and the way he feels about their situation. Honestly, I highly recommend that you read The Submissive and The Dominant before reading this so that you understand their history and why this is hard for them. The Training promises to be hot and emotional and truly should not be missed.