I've read them, have them, love them (I'm on my second copy of all three, might soon have to replace them again because they've gotten really worn. It's also why my pen name is Jaenelle Angelline.
I didn't think the Kushiel's Legacy trilogy is like the Dark Jewels trilogy. Kushiel's is a realistic fantasy world, and the main character is somewhat of a paid submissive (At least in the first book.) The stuff described in the books could easily be set in our own history, though the supernatural aspect (the gods and stuff mentioned) doesn't have a comparable equivalency in our history.
Now, in contrast, the Black Jewels definitely has a lot more of the supernatural element. I actually recommended these books to a female dominant Christian friend once, and she said thanks but no thanks when she found out about the whole Saetan, High Lord Of Hell thing. It didn't sit well with her fundamental Christian beliefs, so I've been careful who I recommended it to afterwards. And in my opinion, while the society is a matriarchal one, there's just as much responsibility on the males side as the female side.I've always thought that the book was a bit more of a realistic portrayal of what the Dominant/submissive relationship is like; there's responsibility on both sides. The Queen is responsible for the males in her court; the males, especially the Steward, First Escort, and Consort, have a responsibility to her as well, especially when she's vulnerable during her moontime.
That being said, yes, Daemon is a huge turnon. A Sadist at heart, but also someone who needs the control and discipline Jaenelle extends. And there's Lucivar: arrogant Eyrien prick that he is, he also needs the control Jaenelle extends; needs to serve as well as lead. Which is why he's a Warlord Prince. And Saetan. He rules Hell, for pity's sake; also rules a Territory in Kaeleer...and still he needs that close bond with a Queen; hence the failed marriages with Hekatah and Cassandra. Serve and be served; lead and be led. It's a delicate D/s dance, and I've never seen it portrayed better than in both trilogies of books. I love them both, though I don't have all the Kushiel's Legacy trilogy yet. I've read all three books, though. And I think I heard that the author has a book coming out about Imriel; I'll most definitely be looking for that one.
And oh, as a hopefully soon-to-be published ebook author, let me second Ruby's words; please don't pay to download the book and then pass it around freely. I'm hoping to start my writing career with the publication of my book 'Hell To Heaven'. The more people who buy my book and like it, the better my chances are for getting something else published later on and hopefully breaking into my chosen genre of mainstream adult fantasy/fiction eventually. I'd feel personally offended if someone did that for me; If Anne Bishop found out, she'd likely be just as upset...and she has more money to go and sue you for unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted material!