"Designation: Submissive" was my first novel from this author, and I'm sorry to say it did not totally work for me.

The premise and the beginning were beyond intriguing, with its dystopian-like future, where humans and soldiers in particular have been genetically modified into Dominants and Submissives: I think I've said it before, but this kind of setting, where there's a biological D/s order, is precisely my jam (seriously, if all romances had kink, I'd be a happy reader LOL), so of course I was immediately curious about this book.
The two protagonists, Sam and Craig, stole my attention in those first few chapters as well: Sam, with his domineering personality, his thoughts and cynical views; and also Craig, who still managed to stay sweet, despite the horrible hand he's been dealt with.

But yeah, after those first chapters it kind of went down hill for me: this book is mainly erotica, and I have nothing against that (in fact, I love me a good steam-packed novel or novella once in a while), but the steam became repetitive after a bit, lackluster, and I don't know, it wasn't for me at all. I got a bit bored, and ended up skimming good chunks of the book.

I think I was expecting something more for this book, especially because of the way the premise sounded and the first few chapters: something more plot-dense or action-packed possibly, since it's got a distinct military setting and world-building, but that didn't happen. A shame, because the dystopian-like world was quite fascinating, and like I said, I love it when kink and plot are weaved together.

I think if you go into this book expecting precisely what it actually is, i.e. erotica, with kink (even Daddy kink!) and steam (ft. some unusual body modifications) and a whole lot of hurt/comfort, then you'd probably enjoy it much more than I did. I think it was partially my fault (and my brain's fault too; I've been in and out of reading slumps for months now), so if you find the premise of the book appealing, with its futuristic vibes, then I'd wholly recommend giving it a go.


Thank you GRR for the ARC; I received it in exchange for an honest review.