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Sonnet is a writer. She is a professional with a wide network of important people. She is athletic, creative and successful. She always remembers to send Christmas cards. Sonnet also likes to be caned. She likes to be humiliated. She likes to go into a room blindfolded with ten strangers and have them do whatever they want to her. Sonnet likes whatever you tell her she likes. This is the secret memoir of a submissive. A vivid, electric, stunning account of how one woman gets her kicks. It is all true. This is an experience that can't be missed, all we ask is that you submit...
288 pages, Hardcover
Published September 17, 2024
40 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 14, 2024
would i have picked up a book on bdsm if i hadn’t received an advance reader copy? maybe not.
but would i have missed out on a fascinating memoir and piece of nonfiction? absolutely.
this book explores sonnet’s debut in the bdsm and submissive world. her journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and growth is deeply empowering, and i found myself cheering her on, i was like “you go, girl!!!!”.
in this raw, sometimes very graphic, honest, and vulnerable portrayal of her sex life, she shares various encounters with her partners along the years. it feels privileged and secretive, like a friend sharing a juicy story late into the night. i also appreciated her thoughtful, intellectual approach, her maturity and the way she conveys how fulfilled and confident she is in her intimate life shine through.
i also loved the book's structure, divided into three parts: mind, body, and soul, reflecting her personal growth. her prose radiates confidence, and i could truly picture her glowing. this book is inspiring, brave, sparks discussion, curiosity and reflection. hooray for free speech and sex-positive books! this one is definitely food for thought for everyone!
but would i have missed out on a fascinating memoir and piece of nonfiction? absolutely.
this book explores sonnet’s debut in the bdsm and submissive world. her journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and growth is deeply empowering, and i found myself cheering her on, i was like “you go, girl!!!!”.
in this raw, sometimes very graphic, honest, and vulnerable portrayal of her sex life, she shares various encounters with her partners along the years. it feels privileged and secretive, like a friend sharing a juicy story late into the night. i also appreciated her thoughtful, intellectual approach, her maturity and the way she conveys how fulfilled and confident she is in her intimate life shine through.
i also loved the book's structure, divided into three parts: mind, body, and soul, reflecting her personal growth. her prose radiates confidence, and i could truly picture her glowing. this book is inspiring, brave, sparks discussion, curiosity and reflection. hooray for free speech and sex-positive books! this one is definitely food for thought for everyone!
April 2, 2025
So, she engaged in reading books on slavery while having sex with a black man, used the n word, fantasized about having sex with animals, and I’m supposed to see that as normal?
I am very pro kink, but when is the kink world going to realize that some things are not kink but just straight weird. Race play isn’t hot. Sex with animals, even if it’s a thought, isn’t hot.
I get where this book was going and I appreciate the exploration of being a submissive and what it means in different circumstances, but how could these parts have been ignored by so many other people that reviewed this book.
I am very pro kink, but when is the kink world going to realize that some things are not kink but just straight weird. Race play isn’t hot. Sex with animals, even if it’s a thought, isn’t hot.
I get where this book was going and I appreciate the exploration of being a submissive and what it means in different circumstances, but how could these parts have been ignored by so many other people that reviewed this book.
Read
October 12, 2024So sad to dnf this :(
It’s just not grabbing my attention 💔
It’s just not grabbing my attention 💔
November 19, 2024
Submit
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
📚 memoir
🎶 S&M - Rihanna
One sentence synopsis:
An anonymous memoir of an international business woman and her experiences in the kinky world as a submissive.
Book Review:
I truly have no words surrounding my thoughts on this. It’s a memoir that’s so out of left field that I’m not sure how I feel about it. Let’s just say it completely uncovered absolutely every little thing you would’ve ever wanted to know or not want to know about the underground kinky world we live in.
Basically, the writer is a businesswoman in London and New York and she takes us on her journey of discovering different things that she’s interested in sexually. And she goes into it in very specific detail. This thing is extremely graphic. But it’s not sexy and it’s not romantic. It’s all very straightforward and something that I’m calling “scientific spice“.
After reading this, I realize that I learned a lot about myself (and not in a kinky way). I realize that there’s a whole other world around here of people doing things that they want because it gives them joy and I shouldn’t be such judgmental about things I don’t find appealing myself.
I’ll leave you with this quote from the book that I appreciated it. “As with all fantasies and kinks, if it is one you personally do not respond to, it is so easy to find it repellent. This is where prejudice comes from. Even if you are not interested in or curious about a particular kink, tolerance and acceptance is surely the answer.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
📚 memoir
🎶 S&M - Rihanna
One sentence synopsis:
An anonymous memoir of an international business woman and her experiences in the kinky world as a submissive.
Book Review:
I truly have no words surrounding my thoughts on this. It’s a memoir that’s so out of left field that I’m not sure how I feel about it. Let’s just say it completely uncovered absolutely every little thing you would’ve ever wanted to know or not want to know about the underground kinky world we live in.
Basically, the writer is a businesswoman in London and New York and she takes us on her journey of discovering different things that she’s interested in sexually. And she goes into it in very specific detail. This thing is extremely graphic. But it’s not sexy and it’s not romantic. It’s all very straightforward and something that I’m calling “scientific spice“.
After reading this, I realize that I learned a lot about myself (and not in a kinky way). I realize that there’s a whole other world around here of people doing things that they want because it gives them joy and I shouldn’t be such judgmental about things I don’t find appealing myself.
I’ll leave you with this quote from the book that I appreciated it. “As with all fantasies and kinks, if it is one you personally do not respond to, it is so easy to find it repellent. This is where prejudice comes from. Even if you are not interested in or curious about a particular kink, tolerance and acceptance is surely the answer.”
February 19, 2025
This book was utterly fascinating. As someone who is also part of the kink community, hearing other people's experiences is something I always enjoy, and this novel is written in a way that I believe people who are not part of the community will find it interesting as well. I want to hear more experiences from Sonnet!
September 21, 2024
Are you just curious about BDSM or a BDSM baby?
I don’t subscribe to telling people what to read, but if you think Submit is your next go-to book on how to be a submissive or what to look for in a submissive, then you’re going to want to look for another book. This is not that.
However, if you’ve always been curious about how one, singular submissive’s mind works, along with some interesting anecdotes, facts, scientific studies, quotes, and statistics surrounding sexuality and other matters that you may not even think play a part in kink, then Submit might actually be a book that would interest you a great deal.
There are two caveats I have for you, though: Keep in mind this memoir is about one submissive’s experiences and therefore do not reflect the experiences or practices of other submissives, and please PLEASE be aware this book contains material that could be potentially triggering to those that may be more sensitive. Your mental health matters, always.
Submit is separated into three sections: Mind, Body, and Soul. I found I enjoyed the first section the most. Sonnet is overall a very talented writer. She has a very clever and seamless way of switching from her “show” sections of the text to the more “tell” sections and then back again. The same is applicable to switching topics. In my opinion this is best employed in the “Mind” section, though she comes back and does it almost as well in the “Soul” section. The “Body” section is easily the most uneven and awkwardly written section of the book, which makes sense to me given that Sonnet isn’t a doctor, scientist, or mental health professional.
I have many issues concerning the fact Sonnet doesn’t bother to distinguish between a submissive and a masochist, and the fact it seems she doesn’t take the matter of safewords as seriously as I would hope any BDSM practitioner would. I also have a tremendous issue with the fact there were no content warnings included in the book (it should be mentioned they may be included in the final copy and just were not included in my eARC). While I personally didn’t find them necessary, there are a great many people who may pick up this book and unwittingly be triggered by material inside. Content warnings can give potential readers time to gather themselves before plunging into a book that may trigger them. That’s an important issue in a book that boldly deals with BDSM topics.
I hope this book finds fans and shelves to belong on. It’s not a bad book. It’s just an uneven one that doesn’t quite meet up with what I would hope to read in a book that presumes to take BDSM and submission seriously.
I was provided a copy of this title by the publishers and author via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Memoir/Nonfiction
I don’t subscribe to telling people what to read, but if you think Submit is your next go-to book on how to be a submissive or what to look for in a submissive, then you’re going to want to look for another book. This is not that.
However, if you’ve always been curious about how one, singular submissive’s mind works, along with some interesting anecdotes, facts, scientific studies, quotes, and statistics surrounding sexuality and other matters that you may not even think play a part in kink, then Submit might actually be a book that would interest you a great deal.
There are two caveats I have for you, though: Keep in mind this memoir is about one submissive’s experiences and therefore do not reflect the experiences or practices of other submissives, and please PLEASE be aware this book contains material that could be potentially triggering to those that may be more sensitive. Your mental health matters, always.
Submit is separated into three sections: Mind, Body, and Soul. I found I enjoyed the first section the most. Sonnet is overall a very talented writer. She has a very clever and seamless way of switching from her “show” sections of the text to the more “tell” sections and then back again. The same is applicable to switching topics. In my opinion this is best employed in the “Mind” section, though she comes back and does it almost as well in the “Soul” section. The “Body” section is easily the most uneven and awkwardly written section of the book, which makes sense to me given that Sonnet isn’t a doctor, scientist, or mental health professional.
I have many issues concerning the fact Sonnet doesn’t bother to distinguish between a submissive and a masochist, and the fact it seems she doesn’t take the matter of safewords as seriously as I would hope any BDSM practitioner would. I also have a tremendous issue with the fact there were no content warnings included in the book (it should be mentioned they may be included in the final copy and just were not included in my eARC). While I personally didn’t find them necessary, there are a great many people who may pick up this book and unwittingly be triggered by material inside. Content warnings can give potential readers time to gather themselves before plunging into a book that may trigger them. That’s an important issue in a book that boldly deals with BDSM topics.
I hope this book finds fans and shelves to belong on. It’s not a bad book. It’s just an uneven one that doesn’t quite meet up with what I would hope to read in a book that presumes to take BDSM and submission seriously.
I was provided a copy of this title by the publishers and author via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Memoir/Nonfiction
July 23, 2024
‘Submit’ is a memoir written by a woman known to us only as Sonnet. Sonnet lives a BDSM lifestyle with her long-term partner and a colourful cast of others. sometimes she plays with these others with her partner, sometimes she plays alone. she reflects on first discovering her submissive appetites and the confidence she gained over the years in communicating these desires. this memoir is steamy, at times, when she recounts the various partners and types of play — Anthony the flogger, Sven the bull-dom, Erika the fem-dom — but ‘Submit’ also incredibly thoughtful and thought-provoking
as she tells us her wild stories, Sonnet breaks down desire and play into its meaning for the mind, the body, and the soul. she sensitively discusses ethical non-monogamy, the relationship between queer and kink lifestyles, stereotypical ideas of femininity, and what self-acceptance truly means. she is truthful and, while some of the material truly is shocking, she never shares for the mere shock factor, but to explore what these extreme fantasies might mean or represent for the people having them and the people playing them out
the last third of the memoir really isn’t for the faint of heart, but i think ‘Submit’ stands alone in a lot of sex-positive content that can sometimes feel sanitised — indeed, it’s Sonnet’s anonymity that allows her to share her deepest desires with absolute honesty. if you like reading memoirs about interesting experiences, and you don’t mind the person next to you on the bus seeing you read about someone being chained naked to a park fence, this book is for you!
with thanks to NetGalley and Hodder for the ARC ♥️
cn: constant detail about many extreme sexual encounters. once, the author discusses fantasies of forced bestiality. she details an encounter with a Black partner who engages in race play
as she tells us her wild stories, Sonnet breaks down desire and play into its meaning for the mind, the body, and the soul. she sensitively discusses ethical non-monogamy, the relationship between queer and kink lifestyles, stereotypical ideas of femininity, and what self-acceptance truly means. she is truthful and, while some of the material truly is shocking, she never shares for the mere shock factor, but to explore what these extreme fantasies might mean or represent for the people having them and the people playing them out
the last third of the memoir really isn’t for the faint of heart, but i think ‘Submit’ stands alone in a lot of sex-positive content that can sometimes feel sanitised — indeed, it’s Sonnet’s anonymity that allows her to share her deepest desires with absolute honesty. if you like reading memoirs about interesting experiences, and you don’t mind the person next to you on the bus seeing you read about someone being chained naked to a park fence, this book is for you!
with thanks to NetGalley and Hodder for the ARC ♥️
cn: constant detail about many extreme sexual encounters. once, the author discusses fantasies of forced bestiality. she details an encounter with a Black partner who engages in race play
July 13, 2025
5/5 for being fucking wild but 0/5 for making me read that she wants to fuck dogs
September 8, 2024
This book is a remarkable testament to honesty, openness, and courage. The author’s willingness to candidly explore her experiences with sex and her personal kinks is both refreshing and commendable. Her bravery in sharing such intimate details is evident throughout, and her confident demeanor suggests a strong sense of self-assurance that contrasts with her earlier, more restrictive upbringing, as described in the book.
The narrative provides an insightful glimpse into the mind of a submissive, exploring the psychological and emotional aspects of her preferences. It delves into the origins of her interests and offers a nuanced understanding of why she finds fulfillment in her role. This book champions the idea that there is nothing inherently wrong with embracing one's sexual desires and understanding one's preferences. Overall, it serves as both an informative and empowering read for those interested in the complexities of sexual identity and exploration.
The narrative provides an insightful glimpse into the mind of a submissive, exploring the psychological and emotional aspects of her preferences. It delves into the origins of her interests and offers a nuanced understanding of why she finds fulfillment in her role. This book champions the idea that there is nothing inherently wrong with embracing one's sexual desires and understanding one's preferences. Overall, it serves as both an informative and empowering read for those interested in the complexities of sexual identity and exploration.
November 15, 2024
This is a really brave book, and I think a sex positive book that delves into a taboo subject is needed right now. While some of her experiences and preferences are intense, I think this serves as a great look into BDSM and could also be educational on doms/subs. Bonus for including so many greats in erotic literature!
December 4, 2024
Surprisingly, I picked this up in a charity shop, and previously, having read a review, I was curious.
If I had to guess who wrote this? I would say definitely not a woman. I think a man who still sleeps in his childhood bedroom. Who watches a lot of porn, has no real physical relationships, and mostly solo sexual exploits. It's so predictably clichéd, it's funny at first, then just boring.
If I had to guess who wrote this? I would say definitely not a woman. I think a man who still sleeps in his childhood bedroom. Who watches a lot of porn, has no real physical relationships, and mostly solo sexual exploits. It's so predictably clichéd, it's funny at first, then just boring.
February 21, 2025
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book. This is my honest review.
-
“There was such a rich tapestry of human feeling and creativity within people’s kinks, and discovering that was just as much fun and just as interesting as learning more about my own body and mind.”
-
Extremely candid and refreshingly unapologetic, Submit is a memoir about one woman’s experience as a submissive and the revelations she’s picked up about herself and others along the way.
Sonnet’s stories were raw (pun very much intended) and introspective and at times, yes, unbelievably awkward and hard to get through. And god if that isn’t life in a nutshell. She touched on ways that sociocultural identities inform our experiences, our perceptions of self, and our perceptions of others. Not just within the BDSM community, but in life at large.
I found myself shying away from certain parts of this book and feeling uncomfortable with others. That in turn made me think about why I felt the way I did and I think that was ultimately Sonnet’s intention. To tell her own story of submission and self-discovery and make us think about our own. To explore the ways in which our motivations and desires, both sexual and otherwise, converge and diverge based on our individual experiences and identities.
I think one of the most important aspects of any memoir is that feeling afterwards of “I know you now and maybe I know myself a little better, too.” It’s hard to capture, but I think Sonnet did so splendidly.
Disclaimer: Submit does depict various sexual experiences in detail and contains material that is potentially triggering. It is not a spicy crash course in kink. If you’re picking it up for that reason or as your next salacious read, this may not be the book for you.
-
“There was such a rich tapestry of human feeling and creativity within people’s kinks, and discovering that was just as much fun and just as interesting as learning more about my own body and mind.”
-
Extremely candid and refreshingly unapologetic, Submit is a memoir about one woman’s experience as a submissive and the revelations she’s picked up about herself and others along the way.
Sonnet’s stories were raw (pun very much intended) and introspective and at times, yes, unbelievably awkward and hard to get through. And god if that isn’t life in a nutshell. She touched on ways that sociocultural identities inform our experiences, our perceptions of self, and our perceptions of others. Not just within the BDSM community, but in life at large.
I found myself shying away from certain parts of this book and feeling uncomfortable with others. That in turn made me think about why I felt the way I did and I think that was ultimately Sonnet’s intention. To tell her own story of submission and self-discovery and make us think about our own. To explore the ways in which our motivations and desires, both sexual and otherwise, converge and diverge based on our individual experiences and identities.
I think one of the most important aspects of any memoir is that feeling afterwards of “I know you now and maybe I know myself a little better, too.” It’s hard to capture, but I think Sonnet did so splendidly.
Disclaimer: Submit does depict various sexual experiences in detail and contains material that is potentially triggering. It is not a spicy crash course in kink. If you’re picking it up for that reason or as your next salacious read, this may not be the book for you.
June 2, 2025
“As with all fantasies and kinks, if it is one you personally do not respond to, it is so easy to find it repellent. This is where prejudice comes from. Even if you are not interested in or curious about a particular kink, tolerance and acceptance is surely the answer.”
My rating reflects my personal reading experience. However, if we were to judge the memoir based on its unflinching honesty describing one white Londoner woman’s experiences in the BDSM world, this deserves 5 stars.
This book is a collection of “Sonnet’s” (pseudonym) experiences being a submissive and eventual masochist – the latter of which she views as an ultimate form of submission. The excursions are strung together by loose chronological narrative, with reflections on the world of kink and its foil to modern society and non-kink sex attitudes.
Sonnet really does it all when it comes to being a sub, so her experiences can give insight to anyone interested in exploring kink. The book got a bit repetitive around 65%, and I likely would have DNFed if not for needing to review for netgalley. After 70%, I was shocked at how much the BDSM events ramped up from power exchange to extreme humiliation. As much as I agree with sentiment about not being repelled about other’s tastes, I couldn’t help but be repulsed in some activities Sonnet engages in. Those feelings negatively impacted my personal experience of reading this memoir, but my tolerance could just be much lighter than another readers', who would enjoy the really ‘out there’ scenes. That being said, a book describing these exact same experiences couldn’t have been executed much better, so the writer’s flowers are definitely due.
My rating reflects my personal reading experience. However, if we were to judge the memoir based on its unflinching honesty describing one white Londoner woman’s experiences in the BDSM world, this deserves 5 stars.
This book is a collection of “Sonnet’s” (pseudonym) experiences being a submissive and eventual masochist – the latter of which she views as an ultimate form of submission. The excursions are strung together by loose chronological narrative, with reflections on the world of kink and its foil to modern society and non-kink sex attitudes.
Sonnet really does it all when it comes to being a sub, so her experiences can give insight to anyone interested in exploring kink. The book got a bit repetitive around 65%, and I likely would have DNFed if not for needing to review for netgalley. After 70%, I was shocked at how much the BDSM events ramped up from power exchange to extreme humiliation. As much as I agree with sentiment about not being repelled about other’s tastes, I couldn’t help but be repulsed in some activities Sonnet engages in. Those feelings negatively impacted my personal experience of reading this memoir, but my tolerance could just be much lighter than another readers', who would enjoy the really ‘out there’ scenes. That being said, a book describing these exact same experiences couldn’t have been executed much better, so the writer’s flowers are definitely due.
February 25, 2025
To quote Anastasia Steele, “Oh my,” this book is naughty. And yet, the 50 Shades of Grey universe in which Anastasia inhabits has nothing on Sonnet’s Submit, an unflinching, eye-opening anonymously-written memoir about a woman in love with both sex and being a submissive.
The stories here are true. The sex is real and raw. It is candid and graphic, and gives you everything you never knew you wanted to know about the BDSM community and those who treat sex as “play.” This book pushes erotica to its limits, and will most certainly make you blush. It is a shamelessly written account of one woman’s obsession with sex and everything it has to offer.
If you have ever been sex-curious or wondered what really goes on behind BDSM doors, you might find this memoir quite intriguing, but be warned - Sonnet puts it all out there in vulgar detail. This book is selling sex stripped of any and all romantic inclinations. Sonnet has chosen to live a life where she makes her every fantasy a reality, and as can be imagined, the results are a life lived without inhibition. You have been warned.
Remember …
We listen and we don’t judge.
The stories here are true. The sex is real and raw. It is candid and graphic, and gives you everything you never knew you wanted to know about the BDSM community and those who treat sex as “play.” This book pushes erotica to its limits, and will most certainly make you blush. It is a shamelessly written account of one woman’s obsession with sex and everything it has to offer.
If you have ever been sex-curious or wondered what really goes on behind BDSM doors, you might find this memoir quite intriguing, but be warned - Sonnet puts it all out there in vulgar detail. This book is selling sex stripped of any and all romantic inclinations. Sonnet has chosen to live a life where she makes her every fantasy a reality, and as can be imagined, the results are a life lived without inhibition. You have been warned.
Remember …
We listen and we don’t judge.
April 10, 2025
The most eye-opening experience into the kink and BDSM world I have had! Submit is not a dramatic romance - a genre that portrays this community in, often problematic or dangerous ways.
Submit is an amazing work of vulnerability and full disclosure. I cannot recommend reading this book to enough people. Even if you do not prescribe “kinky” sex or consensual non-monogamy (CNM) this book is a step in the right direction to breaking the stigma around polyamory and the kink community (in my opinion)!
If you are interested in kink or BDSM this will be a great read for you! There are also other recommendations throughout the book that can further your knowledge and ability to bring the sexual fantasies you have to fruition safely!
Submit is an amazing work of vulnerability and full disclosure. I cannot recommend reading this book to enough people. Even if you do not prescribe “kinky” sex or consensual non-monogamy (CNM) this book is a step in the right direction to breaking the stigma around polyamory and the kink community (in my opinion)!
If you are interested in kink or BDSM this will be a great read for you! There are also other recommendations throughout the book that can further your knowledge and ability to bring the sexual fantasies you have to fruition safely!
May 29, 2025
Thank you to Hachette Book Group, Grand Central and NetGalley for this Advance reader copy of this book. All my opinions are my own.
This is a book about exploration. What you think you may not like or what you think you can or cannot handle, it's all about your comfort zone. Too often we are told what to be and too often we spend our lives living how someone wants to live so we can appease them. What if you do what you wanted, be damned the consequences and live your true life? To be like you, Sonnet.
#Hachettebookgroup #Grandcentral #netgalley #arc
This is a book about exploration. What you think you may not like or what you think you can or cannot handle, it's all about your comfort zone. Too often we are told what to be and too often we spend our lives living how someone wants to live so we can appease them. What if you do what you wanted, be damned the consequences and live your true life? To be like you, Sonnet.
#Hachettebookgroup #Grandcentral #netgalley #arc
Read
June 30, 2025DNF
March 25, 2025
"I wondered what it would feel like to get sunburnt on your labia"
Said no woman ever!!
Review in progress.
Said no woman ever!!
Review in progress.
April 7, 2025
i picked this book up after seeing it on the shelf at the library. it was interesting but nothing groundbreaking for me i think
July 3, 2025
A no-holds-barred memoir adapted from decades of diary entries. The anonymity of the writing evidences the book’s core themes, candidly elucidating the joys and complexities of power-play, especially submission. Thoughtful and introspective, the narrator explores through the lens of her own experiences how sex can be broken free from self-limiting beliefs; essentially, it’s an anti-Cartesian manifesto that locates the body as epistemological center, that destigmatizes filth to uphold the sanctity of consent and a damn good time.
October 2, 2024
Welp if I did all these things I would write a memoir too
October 28, 2024
love love love!!!! to feel as if you’re not alone in your love for submission is glorious.
November 24, 2024
This is boring. So many more honest , exciting and well written reads out there. I'd suggest prostitute laundry or fetish girl. This is like an endless readers wives letter in Forum.
May 23, 2024
Title: Submit by Sonnet
Release Date: September, 5th, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
This memoir is a bold, unfiltered glimpse into the experiences of a woman who finds liberation in submission, and it’s unlike anything you’ve read before.
Sonnet is the quintessential modern woman—successful, connected, and creatively thriving. She juggles her professional life with ease, never forgetting to send a Christmas card. But behind this polished exterior lies a secret world where Sonnet willingly gives up control. She enjoys being caned, humiliated, and entering rooms blindfolded, surrendering herself to the whims of strangers. She delights in fulfilling whatever desires are imposed upon her.
This memoir isn’t just a recounting of her experiences; it’s an electric and vivid exploration of her journey through submission. Every page pulses with the raw truth of her encounters and the intensity of her emotions. Sonnet’s story is an invitation to understand a different kind of pleasure and fulfillment, one that defies societal norms and expectations.
Why I loved It:
✔ Unfiltered Honesty: Sonnet’s candid narration pulls no punches, offering a raw and unvarnished look at her life.
✔ Unique Perspective: This memoir dives deep into the psyche of a submissive, providing insights rarely discussed openly.
✔ Vivid Writing: Sonnet’s writing is electric and immersive, making you feel every emotion and sensation.
✔ Thought-Provoking: Challenges conventional ideas about pleasure, control, and the nature of submission.
✔ Empowering Narrative: Despite the submissive acts, Sonnet’s control over her narrative and choices is empowering.
Submit is a memoir that commands attention from the first page. Sonnet’s journey is both shocking and enlightening, taking readers into the depths of her desires with unapologetic honesty. The writing is vivid, almost electric, making it impossible to put down. Her story is not just about submission but about finding joy and freedom in unexpected places.
What makes this memoir truly compelling is Sonnet’s ability to articulate the complexities of her experiences with such clarity. She takes the reader beyond the physical acts, delving into the psychological and emotional realms of her desires. It’s a provocative read that challenges preconceived notions and invites you to see the world through her eyes.
If you’re looking for a memoir that’s raw, intense, and utterly captivating, Submit is a must-read. Just be prepared to have your perceptions challenged and expanded. This is an experience you won't want to miss. All I ask is that you submit...
Thank you to The Publisher Hodder & Stoughton | Coronet ,The Author Sonnet & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Release Date: September, 5th, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars
This memoir is a bold, unfiltered glimpse into the experiences of a woman who finds liberation in submission, and it’s unlike anything you’ve read before.
Sonnet is the quintessential modern woman—successful, connected, and creatively thriving. She juggles her professional life with ease, never forgetting to send a Christmas card. But behind this polished exterior lies a secret world where Sonnet willingly gives up control. She enjoys being caned, humiliated, and entering rooms blindfolded, surrendering herself to the whims of strangers. She delights in fulfilling whatever desires are imposed upon her.
This memoir isn’t just a recounting of her experiences; it’s an electric and vivid exploration of her journey through submission. Every page pulses with the raw truth of her encounters and the intensity of her emotions. Sonnet’s story is an invitation to understand a different kind of pleasure and fulfillment, one that defies societal norms and expectations.
Why I loved It:
✔ Unfiltered Honesty: Sonnet’s candid narration pulls no punches, offering a raw and unvarnished look at her life.
✔ Unique Perspective: This memoir dives deep into the psyche of a submissive, providing insights rarely discussed openly.
✔ Vivid Writing: Sonnet’s writing is electric and immersive, making you feel every emotion and sensation.
✔ Thought-Provoking: Challenges conventional ideas about pleasure, control, and the nature of submission.
✔ Empowering Narrative: Despite the submissive acts, Sonnet’s control over her narrative and choices is empowering.
Submit is a memoir that commands attention from the first page. Sonnet’s journey is both shocking and enlightening, taking readers into the depths of her desires with unapologetic honesty. The writing is vivid, almost electric, making it impossible to put down. Her story is not just about submission but about finding joy and freedom in unexpected places.
What makes this memoir truly compelling is Sonnet’s ability to articulate the complexities of her experiences with such clarity. She takes the reader beyond the physical acts, delving into the psychological and emotional realms of her desires. It’s a provocative read that challenges preconceived notions and invites you to see the world through her eyes.
If you’re looking for a memoir that’s raw, intense, and utterly captivating, Submit is a must-read. Just be prepared to have your perceptions challenged and expanded. This is an experience you won't want to miss. All I ask is that you submit...
Thank you to The Publisher Hodder & Stoughton | Coronet ,The Author Sonnet & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
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June 2, 2024A kink memoir which, so far as I can tell (because ultimately you can only read a book from one perspective), does a better job than most of balancing accessibility for the curious outsider, with not appalling the cognoscenti by making a Fifty Shades-style hash of things. Similarly, there's a good balance between hot (needless to say, YMMV) descriptions of filthy scenes and the humanising details of Sonnet working out how this all fits into her wider life; very occasionally it tipped a little too far from psychologically interesting into woo for me, but in territory as extreme as some of this, that's hardly the most grievous failure mode. Early on, there are some entertainingly awful social events - a munch with too many 'amusing' hats contrasted with an equally unappealing Mayfair sex party where "There were a few women, but mostly there were men, who en masse bore a striking resemblance to the Tory backbench." Thereafter, though, Sonnet and her beau Max seem remarkably fortunate not only in how many hot and willing playmates they encounter, but in how well-behaved and deeply aware of consent &c they all are, how remarkably free of (unintended) drama it all is. Doubtless some of the usual suspects, who regard any life less boring than their own as de facto implausible, will seize on this to question the veracity of the whole thing; personally, I prefer to think that at least someone out there, and someone who mostly seems pretty likeable at that, is just very fortunate and having a wickedly good time. And besides, I've read more than enough terribly British memoirs where people are playing up their own supposedly relatable hopelessness and mishaps as applied to whatever new hobby or interest they've got into, and I really don't need that as applied to sex, where there's more than enough lingering embarrassment already. Though the acknowledgement that even the most full-on liaison can still have its occasional sillinesses - Sonnet asking if the fireplace is original while bound and awaiting a beating in front of it, then realising this maybe wasn't quite the right moment - is a different matter, and very welcome.
(Netgalley ARC)
(Netgalley ARC)
May 22, 2024
Submit by Sonnet
Rating:4/5
Release Date: 26 September 2024
Sonnet, a writer of immense talent, boasts a professional prowess matched only by her extensive network of influential connections. Athletic, creative, and triumphantly successful, she never forgets to spread holiday cheer with her thoughtful Christmas cards. Yet, behind closed doors, Sonnet harbours desires of a different nature.
For her, the thrill lies in submission. She revels in the sting of a cane, finds pleasure in the sting of humiliation. Blindfolded, she willingly surrenders control to ten strangers in a room, embracing their every whim as her own desire. Sonnet's preferences are fluid, adaptable to whatever fantasies are woven around her.
This is the clandestine memoir of a submissive, a raw and captivating testimony of one woman's pursuit of pleasure. Every word rings true, painting a vivid portrait of Sonnet's electrifying journey into the depths of her desires.
I found this book utterly captivating. What sets “Submit” apart is its ability to draw in not just those within the community, but also outsiders, offering a glimpse into a world that may seem foreign yet undeniably intriguing. Sonnet's story left me yearning for more, eager to explore further into her realm of experiences.
In essence, "Submit" provides a stimulating read, delving into the intricacies of identity and desire from a distinctive angle. However, for readers in search of deeper psychological insights or a meticulously crafted storyline, it may leave something to be desired.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton. and the author, Sonnet, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Rating:4/5
Release Date: 26 September 2024
Sonnet, a writer of immense talent, boasts a professional prowess matched only by her extensive network of influential connections. Athletic, creative, and triumphantly successful, she never forgets to spread holiday cheer with her thoughtful Christmas cards. Yet, behind closed doors, Sonnet harbours desires of a different nature.
For her, the thrill lies in submission. She revels in the sting of a cane, finds pleasure in the sting of humiliation. Blindfolded, she willingly surrenders control to ten strangers in a room, embracing their every whim as her own desire. Sonnet's preferences are fluid, adaptable to whatever fantasies are woven around her.
This is the clandestine memoir of a submissive, a raw and captivating testimony of one woman's pursuit of pleasure. Every word rings true, painting a vivid portrait of Sonnet's electrifying journey into the depths of her desires.
I found this book utterly captivating. What sets “Submit” apart is its ability to draw in not just those within the community, but also outsiders, offering a glimpse into a world that may seem foreign yet undeniably intriguing. Sonnet's story left me yearning for more, eager to explore further into her realm of experiences.
In essence, "Submit" provides a stimulating read, delving into the intricacies of identity and desire from a distinctive angle. However, for readers in search of deeper psychological insights or a meticulously crafted storyline, it may leave something to be desired.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton. and the author, Sonnet, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.
September 27, 2024
Wow. Just…wow. What an honest, vulnerable, intense look into the life of someone who has been more brave and powerful through their sex life than I will ever be!
This memoir contains scenes that had me blushing, mouth agape and knees crossed. I couldn’t even help or contain my reaction at times. Yet the author is so open with readers that I never once felt horrified or ashamed for her. Never did I stop reading to judge what she chose to do with her body or say to myself, “Well, I would NEVER do that!” Reading lived experience like this one feels so much more intimate and private than watching a film on the same subject. I feel quite honored that the author, known to us only as Sonnet, would share with us all her love of being a submissive and the sexual experiences she explored.
The memoir is written in three parts that brilliantly shape the experience for the reader. I loved the pacing and the setting up of each scene. Basically, the writing just makes sense and feels as if a friend is being open and honest about their latest sexual exploration. By the end of the book I was questioning my own sexual desires and what I might like to explore in the future. I’d love to see myself becoming even just a little more free of my repressed sex life. Sonnet has given me courage and curiosity.
I am definitely going to order multiple hard copies of this memoir to give to VERY close friends this holiday season. I’ll hand them out with a bottle of wine and say, “Here. Go, read, enjoy, and live a more authentic sex life.”
As always, a big thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, for allowing me the privilege to enjoy the ARC of this decadent memoir.
Submit, by Sonnet, was published on September 17, 2024.
This memoir contains scenes that had me blushing, mouth agape and knees crossed. I couldn’t even help or contain my reaction at times. Yet the author is so open with readers that I never once felt horrified or ashamed for her. Never did I stop reading to judge what she chose to do with her body or say to myself, “Well, I would NEVER do that!” Reading lived experience like this one feels so much more intimate and private than watching a film on the same subject. I feel quite honored that the author, known to us only as Sonnet, would share with us all her love of being a submissive and the sexual experiences she explored.
The memoir is written in three parts that brilliantly shape the experience for the reader. I loved the pacing and the setting up of each scene. Basically, the writing just makes sense and feels as if a friend is being open and honest about their latest sexual exploration. By the end of the book I was questioning my own sexual desires and what I might like to explore in the future. I’d love to see myself becoming even just a little more free of my repressed sex life. Sonnet has given me courage and curiosity.
I am definitely going to order multiple hard copies of this memoir to give to VERY close friends this holiday season. I’ll hand them out with a bottle of wine and say, “Here. Go, read, enjoy, and live a more authentic sex life.”
As always, a big thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher, Grand Central Publishing, for allowing me the privilege to enjoy the ARC of this decadent memoir.
Submit, by Sonnet, was published on September 17, 2024.
June 8, 2024
I read this book, then read the reviews, and I feel like I may have read a different book than other people.
Submit was a great foray into the world of BDSM and LGBTQIA+, but I struggled so hard with some of Sonnet's stories. They felt like they'd edged out of reality and into hyperbole and just felt so unrealistic. You're having anal sex in a back alley? Your neighbor comes up for dinner in the middle of a pandemic after she's had COVID and just HAPPENS to want a threesome?
The overall vibe of this book felt like I was lesser than or would just NEVER understand true love/transcendence into another realm if I wasn't trying all the fun, kinky, interesting things that Sonnet was, and it felt like she looked down on those who didn't choose to partake in kink. I am 100000% all for kink, love it in theory and life, but this felt like I'd been told I wasn't cut out for the cheerleading squad because I wasn't "ethically nonmonogamous". This arrogance hits right off the bat with one of the first "intros" to the book being that Sonnet will REFUSE to refer to her vagina as ANYTHING other than "cunt", which is fine, refer to it however you want to, but don't say lines like "it's not a pussy or a vagina" because it actually is!
Again, I appreciated the diversity and interesting tales of BDSM, the openness, and the awareness brought about by this book but the author felt arrogant and entitled.
Submit was a great foray into the world of BDSM and LGBTQIA+, but I struggled so hard with some of Sonnet's stories. They felt like they'd edged out of reality and into hyperbole and just felt so unrealistic. You're having anal sex in a back alley? Your neighbor comes up for dinner in the middle of a pandemic after she's had COVID and just HAPPENS to want a threesome?
The overall vibe of this book felt like I was lesser than or would just NEVER understand true love/transcendence into another realm if I wasn't trying all the fun, kinky, interesting things that Sonnet was, and it felt like she looked down on those who didn't choose to partake in kink. I am 100000% all for kink, love it in theory and life, but this felt like I'd been told I wasn't cut out for the cheerleading squad because I wasn't "ethically nonmonogamous". This arrogance hits right off the bat with one of the first "intros" to the book being that Sonnet will REFUSE to refer to her vagina as ANYTHING other than "cunt", which is fine, refer to it however you want to, but don't say lines like "it's not a pussy or a vagina" because it actually is!
Again, I appreciated the diversity and interesting tales of BDSM, the openness, and the awareness brought about by this book but the author felt arrogant and entitled.
June 28, 2024
4.5 stars
Found this one raw, intriguing, and utterly compelling. Yes, it's salacious & totally NSFW, but it's more than just sex and kink and sexy/kinky anecdotes. It was a deep plunge into not just the life of a 'regular' woman opening up her personal world to the reader, but it was also an exploration and sort of beginner's roadmap to BDSM and the underworld of D/s, leading into the mindset of submission, the allure of it, the delivery of dominance by the people she encounters. It's refreshing in the sense that there's no need or desire for the sensational here. It's a person recounting their life, how they live it, why they live it like they do...and this person happens to be a submissive. It's raw, it's open, it's candid, it's 'real', and this is what makes it compelling.
The reason I'm not giving it five stars is because I especially loved the psychology and 'lived' aspect of the point-of-view, and I wanted to see more of this. After a while, especially in the second half, this 'depth' of the psyche tends to go a bit AWOL and vignettes & anecdotes from her submission and encounters fill the book. It's this immersive POV narrative that drew me in from the very first page, and I would've wanted more of this ilk rather than sexy bits thrown in more and more as we got farther into the book.
Found this one raw, intriguing, and utterly compelling. Yes, it's salacious & totally NSFW, but it's more than just sex and kink and sexy/kinky anecdotes. It was a deep plunge into not just the life of a 'regular' woman opening up her personal world to the reader, but it was also an exploration and sort of beginner's roadmap to BDSM and the underworld of D/s, leading into the mindset of submission, the allure of it, the delivery of dominance by the people she encounters. It's refreshing in the sense that there's no need or desire for the sensational here. It's a person recounting their life, how they live it, why they live it like they do...and this person happens to be a submissive. It's raw, it's open, it's candid, it's 'real', and this is what makes it compelling.
The reason I'm not giving it five stars is because I especially loved the psychology and 'lived' aspect of the point-of-view, and I wanted to see more of this. After a while, especially in the second half, this 'depth' of the psyche tends to go a bit AWOL and vignettes & anecdotes from her submission and encounters fill the book. It's this immersive POV narrative that drew me in from the very first page, and I would've wanted more of this ilk rather than sexy bits thrown in more and more as we got farther into the book.
January 7, 2025
I found "Submit" by Sonnet to be an intriguing and provocative memoir. The book is divided into three sections—Mind, Body, and Soul—offering a raw and unfiltered look into the author's life as a submissive.
Sonnet's writing is vivid and electric, drawing readers into her world with unapologetic honesty. The "Mind" section particularly stood out, showcasing the author's talent for seamlessly transitioning between descriptive and reflective passages.
While I don't often read memoirs, I appreciated the change of pace this non-fiction work offered. Sonnet's unique perspective challenges conventional ideas about pleasure and control, providing thought-provoking insights into the psyche of a submissive.
However, some scenes in the "Soul" section are not only explicit but also crass, potentially requiring a trigger warning for sensitive readers. This aspect made me question whether more context or framing was necessary.
Despite these critiques, "Submit" offers a fascinating glimpse into one person's experiences and desires. It's an empowering narrative that demonstrates the author's control over her choices and story.
Overall, I give "Submit" 3.5 out of 5 stars for its compelling writing and unique subject matter.
Sonnet's writing is vivid and electric, drawing readers into her world with unapologetic honesty. The "Mind" section particularly stood out, showcasing the author's talent for seamlessly transitioning between descriptive and reflective passages.
While I don't often read memoirs, I appreciated the change of pace this non-fiction work offered. Sonnet's unique perspective challenges conventional ideas about pleasure and control, providing thought-provoking insights into the psyche of a submissive.
However, some scenes in the "Soul" section are not only explicit but also crass, potentially requiring a trigger warning for sensitive readers. This aspect made me question whether more context or framing was necessary.
Despite these critiques, "Submit" offers a fascinating glimpse into one person's experiences and desires. It's an empowering narrative that demonstrates the author's control over her choices and story.
Overall, I give "Submit" 3.5 out of 5 stars for its compelling writing and unique subject matter.
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