BDSM Reviews

Where have all the reviews gone?

2009-06-05T09:28:00.001-07:00

It seems as though BDSM Reviews has fallen off the face of the net. I assure it is only temporary. With the past pregnancy I had horrible carpel tunnel and exhaustion. Now that baby is here (BTW I was pregnant.) I'm just trying to get my footing once again. If you know of anyone who would like to do book reviews while I'm out to get things going again I would love to hear from them at bdsmreviews@yahoo.com. If not, then I'll be getting some reading done as soon as I am able.

Thanks again,

Miranda

Verticle Tease By: Jude Mason

2009-01-08T20:26:00.000-08:00

Title: Verticle Teas
Author: Jude Mason
Publisher: Phaze www.phaze.com
ISBN-13:978-1-59426-662-1

Rating: 5 out of 5

Like many of us Carl has had a hard time communicating his needs to his wife. That doesn't stop him from making the decision to find a way to assuage the desperate hunger for being dominated. Surfing the net he finds Jasmine. After several months of phone conversations she's finally ready for the next step. Without hesitation he agrees. The night meets all of his expectations with a few surprises thrown in. Lets just hope his wife understands his needs.

I really enjoyed Carl's story. His desire for fulfillment despite the boundaries of marriage, made his character come to life. I was able to say, been there, done that. Trust is such a difficult thing to place in the hands of the ones we love so dearly. What would hurt more to us though, is their rejection. His need comes through easily as Jude writes his character. Although, I still think it's just plain evil to not let a man cum.

If I were a man, I would have wanted Jasmine as the woman to introduce me to the torments of BDSM. As it were, I'll stick with wishing I were as cruel and loving as she is. She gave me chills as I read her part and had me riveted to my computer screen wondering what terrible things she was about to do next. Loved her.

As for a word about Jude Mason. She has so many stories behind her. Each one exciting and unique. She's always had a wonderful grasp on her characters and no matter what story I pick up of hers the only way I would know it was her writing is that her characters are always stunning and they always have their own voice. As many authors I've read and as many stories of each author that I've read, the hardest thing that seems for others to do is to keep their own selves from showing through the story. Jude, allows her characters, not her muse to lead her through. She has my utmost respect as an author and I hope one day I can do my characters as much justice as she does.

Review written by: Miranda Heart

Hankie Pankie By: Liz Andrews

2008-02-16T20:08:00.001-08:00

Title: Hankie Pankie
Author: Liz Andrews
Publisher: Elloras Cave 2007
ISBN: 9781419912832

What can I say about Liz Andrews? She wrote an entertaining, honest, hilarious story in Hankie Pankie and it couldn't have come at a better time. I've been rather grumpy lately, so I really needed this.

Amy Taggart is probably your least suspecting submissive, Dominant or anyone who would enjoy anything outside of vanilla sex. Eric Hammond is much the same way. Your typical next door kinda couple. So the only way for them to have tried to spice things up would have been if a complete accident awaited them. When they show up at the party waiting for the other to take the lead and no one budges, it's time for them to each explain why they're there. What does any couple in love do? They go in to at least "look around."

When they get inside they're too suprised to say or do much. I could totally feel the confusion and out of place feeling simmering off the page. Along with the underlying lust to try something new. I've been there done that. It's nice to see an author who can write something a reader can relate to. I wouldn't call either of them typical Doms and subs as much as I would say they were real. They were there play, explore, learn something new. Even after reading the end I'm still not sure what they decided to do with themselves. But, either way, it was a wonderful look into Ms Andrew's mind and what she writes. Sometimes this lifestyle is taken too seriously. Not every character is dark and broody with a screwed up past. I love those folks too, but a softer, more humorous look at it is always refreshing.

Roped By: Ann Jacobs

2008-01-30T20:19:00.000-08:00

Title: Roped
Author: Ann Jacobs
Publisher: Elloras Cave2007
ISBN: 9781419912672
Rating: 4 out of 5

Book 1 in the Heart of the West series

This blurb was not written by BDSM Reviews

Returning from the war, his body wounded, his soul hurting, Jared faces a very different life. A sexual Dominant, doubts about his ability now to satisfy any submissive plague him.

Until Ninia. The face of an angel and the body of a centerfold, she's about as unsubmissive as any woman he's known. A nurse in the Cheyenne VA hospital where Jared is sent, Ninia is tough, in control. Until Jared catches her in an unguarded moment and see a vulnerable, softer side. It fires his blood with a need to find out more.

Accepting an invitation to a local dungeon, the sexual Dominant in Jared rears back to full potency when he sees Ninia, submissively awaiting his pleasure, his dominance. Now he knows what he wants. And he's about to prove to Ninia he's man enough to take it.

This story was a welcome change to what I've been reading lately. A Dominant who has an injury. Not just any injury he's missing the whole bottom half of his leg. It would certainly put a damper on my whip weilding expertise. For that, it gave this story heart. He's not just some perfect know it all trying to fumble his way through a lifestyle he doesn't understand. He's a man who has strong convictions of what he's supposed to be able to do and has to realize he's still the same man despite his handicap.

On more levels than one I sympathize with a story like this. Believe it or not, a vast majority of skilled Dominants have handicaps. Some are almost completely incapable of fulfilling their responsiblity to their submissive any longer. And some like Jared just have to learn how to work around a handicap to get their desired results. For some, something like that could be crippling, in more ways than one. It could have gone just that way for Jared had he not had nurse Ninia by his side.

Ninia is his care taker up until he has to leave the hospital to head home. She's a strong woman, and not just any strength. A submissive doesn't have to be mouthy to show how strong they are. A true submissive possesses an inner strength that mere words can not explain. They know when now is not a good time. They know when Master needs attending. They know and understand and accept that there are times when they have to step up and take control without feeling as through their nature has been compromised. She shows this, when instead of obeying a command she stops everything and tends to his needs first. She didn't do this out of disrespect or she's the boss. She did it to save him. It's this quiet strength that sets one submissive apart from another. In taking care of him, Ninia didn't feel as though her abilities as a submissive had been compromised, if anything she felt pride in the fact that she could offer her Master what he needed most, even during a time when he refused to admit it to himself.

I feel like Ms. Jacobs drew that line very well. She showed a side of BDSM that so many are afraid to explore. This endeared me to her characters. They came alive and danced off the page. It was exciting to watch the growth of both of them. This story I hope lays the foundation for future novelists of BDSM. There is so much more to a relationship to explore than simply bending her over a table and paddling her behind. Don't get me wrong, those stories are fun too. But, seeing a more serious, real side is equally precious. Thank you Ms. Jacobs, I look forward to more stories from you.

A Filly For Doug By: Reese Gabriel

2008-01-30T20:10:00.000-08:00

Title: A Filly For Doug
Author: Reese Gabriel
Publisher: Elloras Cave 2007"
ISBN: 9781419911804
Rating: 2.5 out of 5

BDSM Reviews did not write this blurb.

This book is the sequel to Roping His Filly.

Having lost his fiancée to Jake, Doug is reluctant to trust him but agrees to a blind date he has arranged. It is lust at first sight when Doug and Helaine meet.

She secretly desires a dominant man to take control in bed and teach her the pleasures of sexual submission. They end up in some hot and heavy bondage and Doug is ready to go to the next level, but Helaine has been burned before and fears turning over too much power to any man. Doug knows she needs just the right mixture of gentleness and domination. Helaine is the perfect filly, but Doug will have to find the cowboy spirit to rope her.

After reading through this book, I have to say that I think Reese Gabriel is an excellent writer of romance. If this book had stayed vanilla she would have had me hog tied and ready for more. As it stood this was supposed to be a book about a BDSM relationship and as hard as I tried, I couldn't relate. I'll get through the good stuff before I get to the bad.

For starters, the title had me salivating. I knew it was a long shot but I had visions of Pony Girls running around a farm. Like I said, a long shot. Either way, the title was quite intriguing. I really like the characters of Jake and Jilly. They were hot, honest and naughty. The way two characters should have been. I felt that Ms Gabrielle had a pretty good handle on the two of them and they behaved exactly as I would have pictured them. And did.... many... many... times. Through these two characters I was able to see that although she might not know the difference between sub and slave, she could certainly weild a story that was both believeable and hot.

Unfortantly, this sequal of the other two I found very hard to understand. I'm sure I'd have to read book one to understand how a man with Dominant fantasies allows a subbie girl to get away in the first place. I can't judge that though, because I don't recall reading book one. Therefore, I'm going back to what I know about book two.

Helaine doesn't seem very much into being a submissive. She might be able to play the role, but something about her character just didn't ring as a true submissive. More like kinky playtime than someone who wanted to do something because the other one enjoyed it. It was just out of character and I found it hard to get into her head because I felt like she was not being herself.

Doug just didn't make any sense to me at all. His need to be a Dominant seemed to come out of nowhere. Kinky sex was never even in the picture for him. I have this image of him sitting around watching CNN and it striking him that he wants to tie up women. Again his Dominance just wasn't there. I felt like he was put into the wrong book. There was a need for another BDSM tale, when in truth Jake and Jilly would have held onto that just fine, leaving him open to explore his more romantic vanilla side. Had that been the case, these two would have been a dynamite couple. It would have even been nice to see that in the BDSM world, lifestylers, do in fact hang out with vanilla couples.

I don't want to write a long review that isn't a good one. Unfortunatly the only wonderful part I found in this book was the continuing relationship between Jake and Jilly. Doug and Helane might have enjoyed playing roles, but neither of them are remotly serious about exploring a Dominant and submissive relationship.

On Your Knees By: Brynn Paulin

2008-01-30T20:03:00.000-08:00

Title: On Your Knees
Author: Brynn Paulin
Publisher: Elloras Cave 2007
ISBN:9781419912450
Rating: 5 out of 5

BDSM Reviews did not write this blurb

When Jessica is invited to a sex toy party at Pleasure Palace, she never dreams she'll receive a one-on-one demonstration from her own personal dungeon master who demands nothing less than her complete submission. Jessica has never submitted to anyone and as aroused as the idea makes her, she can't easily give over her control to this stranger.

The dungeon master isn't exactly a stranger. He's her boss. Ryan is shocked to learn Jessica plans to visit Pleasure Palace and he's not about to let the opportunity pass him by. For years, he's hidden his BDSM lifestyle and his attraction to her. Now wearing the mask of the dungeon master, he will reveal both as he introduces Jessica to the delights of his domination. Before the end of the evening, he plans to have her on her knees.and his forever.

So how do I describe this book? 96 pages of pure sexual fantasy? Well it wasn't exactly 96 pages, there's the title page, author notes... 93 pages? Whatever it was, it was damned hot. These two burned off the pages and need a fire extinguisher to get them off each other. Alright, enough cliche statements for one lifetime. I really, really liked this book.

From the first moment Ryan says "Jessica." in that quiet Dominanting voice, that refuses to except argument he had me quaking in my lacy underwear. By the time he actually punctuates "On. Your. Knees" I was lost. Frankly, I don't remember much after that point, I was up to my boots in naughty behavoir. He was hot, demanding, caring, kind, sweet, romantic, funny, delicious.

As for her??? I loved Jessica, I wanted to be her. Scared to death she follows through with it anyway. I enjoyed her fear because it was real. Two strange guys getting you off and you have no idea what's going to happen next... well it might sound enticing but not knowing what to expect can be a bit daunting in real life. She finally goes through with it and doesn't regret one single second of it. Her limits are pushed, but not in a way that would seem wrong. It's his job to push her limits and it's her job to find out how far she's willing to go. Both of these characters were very well written.

I appreciate Brynn's perspective on things. I always enjoy exploring new characters as long as they are real and the author stays true to them. It shows from page one and if they stay with them, it carries onto the very end of this book. I loved every minute of this and made sure I had time to read it in one sitting. I would have been very disappointed if I had been distracted. Thank you Brynn, this was a pleasure.

Dare to Dominate By: Claire Thompson

2008-01-22T08:46:00.002-08:00

Title: Dare To Dominate
Author: Claire Thompson
Publisher: Elloras Cave
ISBN:9781419910586
Rating: 2 out of 5

Jonathan Goldman's sexual fantasies are colored with dominant dreams of enslavement and control. As a liberated man who admires and adores women, his fantasies leave him feeling ashamed.

Laurel Jordan is a free spirit. She joyfully embraces her sexually submissive nature, understanding the road to true liberation lies not in upholding society's rigid mores and expectations but in being true to oneself. Yet Laurel has a secret too. Though ready for adventure, she keeps her heart carefully concealed. No man has ever penetrated the carefree, casual attitude she wears around herself like a shield.

When this unlikely pair meets, the sparks fly. Jonathan is forced to confront and come to terms with his dominant sexual impulses. Laurel finds her careful façade being cracked by the only man ever to get close enough to break her heart. As Jonathan and Laurel move from casual BDSM play to a more serious D/s relationship, each is forced to decide if this is merely a game or a way of life and ultimately, of love.

If I had to sum up how I felt about this book as a whole I'd have to say I'm frustrated to no end. I know it's not a good way to start a book review. But, it can't be helped. An author with such obvious talent, I had hoped to see something better done with it. Through out her book, Claire Thompson constantly tells us the rules of play. Through dialogue she shows that she is a great teacher. Yet, through her characters actions she shows time and time again, that neither of them understand one thing they are doing. So, yes, I'm sorry, this review is going to sound a bit agro to the end.

What I liked about Ms. Thompson's writing is that she has this strange ability to make her characters actually speak. I could see that they would say this or that. Her dialogue is smooth and natural. Any writer would drool to have the opportunity to do what she seems to do so easily. I liked the fact that I couldn't name anything that I"d cut out of the book. It was long, it seemed for the most part real. There was real heart ache, real break ups, real scenes. This is a talent that is something that a person doesn't just obtain, you either have it or you don't. And here, she has it.

What went wrong for me was the contradictions throughout this book. The lack of communication between partners, something so essential to the most vanilla of relationships, yet a relationship built upon a power exchange couldn't have been afforded the same respect. The lack of safeword, because he'll just know when she's had enough, made me grind my teeth in utter frustration. You've signed your own death ticket as far as I'm concerned. Then, when there is an injury, we still don't see the couple sit down and discuss safe words. Worse yet, I don't feel the guy even practiced before he broke out the whip.I could have understood these mess ups IF and only IF two things had happened. One, neither person in the relationship really had any idea of BDSM and two both were growing, learning and improving. Of which I feel as though none of those things occured.

To top off my frustrated state I had to hear how a Domme, who had two full time slaves in her home was at Laurel's BDSM Club and was described as playing the part well and dressing the part to perfection. At that point I threw the book across the room and didn't pick it up again for two more days. I'd like to meet the Domme who appreciates her full time lifestyle being compared to someone just playing the part. This isn't halloween. This is a life for many. Day in and day out, they are who they are and would never appreciate being told they played the part well. And then as if I wasn't annoyed enough I got to read over and over again a sub being called a slave, a slave being called a sub. The two could not be more different than each other.

I'm sure there is more that I could name, but, it's been a long time since I've read a book by an author who frustrated me this much. More so because according to her dialogue in the story, I felt she at least understood what she was writing. So then I have to ask myself, do I blame the author or the editor? Who do you get mad at most? THe person who wrote the story without fully researching or the editor who didn't know it wasn't right in the first place. If for no other reason it forces me to get my bum in gear and update my website. I hope things have changed since this story has been written. I truly believe that growth can happen at any stage, a more researched story could have produced a better ending for all.

Tied and Tempting By: Maggie Casper

2008-01-22T08:46:00.001-08:00

Title: Tied and Tempting
Author: Maggie Casper
Publisher: Elloras Cave 2007
ISBN: 9781419913297
Rating: 3 out of 5

Nash Jameson wasn't at all sure Mira Collins would show up and if she did, would it lead anywhere? Dominant by nature, he'd been attracted to Mira's submissiveness since the day they'd met. Would she follow him down a road of desire that could very possibly lead her into a lifestyle most only fantasize about?

Going to a costume party at a local BDSM club in order to seduce the man of her dreams might not be the norm but it was exactly what she had planned. Being tied and spanked however, was not in her plans and yet felt like icing on the cake of a night overwhelmed by new sexual experiences and an awareness of herself unlike any Mira had ever known.

There's a lot to be said for reading short BDSM pieces. For one you can get to the heart of the matter without chapter upon chapter of backstory. On the other hand you can really miss seeing the budding of a new relationship right from the start. It's sorta how I feel about this story. On the one hand I enjoy Boss/subordinate stories. Their hot and a bit naughty. In this case it made it easy not to have to go through long chapters of how it all began. On the other this story seems based on alot of trust. And that trust seems to be spent alot in the bedroom. I'm just not one to believe trust can be built in the bedroom. Not with BDSM anyway.

I enjoyed that Mira wasn't all wet and needy at the sight of the whipping. I loved and still believe the best scene in the whole book was the masterbation scene. Mira has a need that she doesn't really understand, but doesn't mind exploring. I think alot of women can fit into that catagory. She also had a moment where she was completely humiliated and wanted to leave. She'd humiliated herself. Shown her true colors. For that, she needed to get away find a way to hide herself.

Thankfully though, Nash wouldn't allow such drama to affect that only possible night he would get with Mira. He's sexy, demanding, but not a domineering ass like some can come across. He's sure about what he wants and even though he's scared to death of getting it, he isn't one to let a good thing pass. The scenes we see that transpire between him and Mira were on target. They followed protocol, but, it was a bit difficult for me to truly see what was going on. I felt the author spent a good bit of time visualizing and not enough time finding a way to sum it up. In the world of BDSM writing, I'm a firm believer that less is more. The scenes would have been explosive had she followed that rule of thumb.

I liked Nash as a dominant. I felt his heart was truly into it and that Mira was at least at first along for the ride. She soon had a change of heart and whole heartedlly threw herself into her position. It's up in the air if I see the relationship still moving forward or not. It's hard to tell when I feel like we'd just scratched the surface. At the end I truly felt like it was more of a one night stand than forever. But, who knows, maybe that's how all new relationships start.

Either way, I'll say that all in all I enjoyed reading this story. I read it one sitting and didn't put it down even once. She's an author that I'd like to see more from. I feel she has the basic concepts of this lifestyle down and with a little more writing she could have much to offer the BDSM genre.

Speed Dating By: Yvette Hines

2008-01-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

Title: Speed Dating
Author: Yvette Hines
Publisher: Phaze
ISBN: 1-59426-903-3
Rating: 5 out of 5

Jenna Taylor a legal secretary is in love with her deliveryman, Malcolm Douglas. Apprehensive about how to go about getting him to notice her, she begins to order packages daily in an attempt to force his hand. However, three months into the delivery scheme she discovers Malcolm has not caught on and believes she owns a home business. Dejected, Jenna follows the advice of her friend, a Dominatrix, attends a Valentine’s Day speed-dating event and embarks on a clandestine adventure she’ll never forget. When she meets L’entraîneur (The Trainer) he shows her a completely new side of herself.

What sets ok sex apart from one hell of a good time sex? A masked man that you don't know. Ok so I'm a total sucker for sex with a stranger. Which means I seriously need to update my resume. Especially if L'entraineur is taking applications. Ok, so Yvette almost lost points for making me read french, however, she had me panting before her conversation was over at the speed dating event and I was too hooked to care. He's everything you'd dream of in a masked Dominant. If I had to sum him up in one word, I'd say.... suave. He spoke smoothly, he stayed in control, he moved like a leopard and she had no idea what she was in for, yet loved every second of it. It's what a fantasy should be made of.

I loved how, when Jenna first entered the coffee shop she was totally thrown by what she saw. Then when the event started and she had to look up terms in her book, I couldn't help but laugh. I wouldv'e done the same thing. Then when Mr. Suave showed up and said he just liked "talking", of course Jenna was so engrossed in the activity she had no idea what "talking" meant. I just about fell off the couch laughing. It was just too cute. I love any author who has a sense of humor. Thanks for making me laugh so hard.

And so begins their night together. Not just once, but again two nights later. He doesn't push her too far, which I love. It can be rather daunting to a girl when she gets her first taste of BDSM and the guy is all too eager to try out his new lasso and electrodes. No, he gives her simple commands that she has the choice to be able to follow or not to follow. In this day and age though, when women are taught that submitting to a man is wrong and tasteless, she of course becomes frightened. That and the fact that she loses her mask. It's amazing how far we're willing to go when no one knows who we are.

I'm not sure what happens after the end, but whatever it is I'll be hot for these two for a very long time. Thank you Yvette for entertaining me. I had a wonderful evening thanks to you.

A Rose of Any Colour By: Various Authors

2007-12-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan

Title: A Rose of Any Colour: Book 2: Maledom
Author: Canice Brown-Porter, Miranda Heart, Kayleigh Jamison, Emily Ryan-Davis, Katrina Strauss, and Joe Wilson
Publisher: Freya’s Bower
ISBN: 1-934069-81-7
Genre: Male Dom anthology
Publication Date: 2007
Rating: 4 of 5

As we’ve previously discussed here, reviewing anthologies can be a tricky business. There always seems to be some unevenness in the stories – one that shines brighter than the others, one that doesn’t seem to hold its own. In this case, I am pleased to say that I didn’t think any of the stories detracted from the anthology, which is a rare thing in any anthology and a nearly unheard of thing in an anthology about BDSM. Generally, I can’t call a single story my favorite, because I have more than one. All of the stories were worth reading, and they varied enough to have a little taste of many different types of domination.

I’m going to go through these individually, so each story gets a little mini-review.

The first story in the anthology is Canice Brown-Porter’s On Bended Knees. The vignette opens with Morgan having just completed her training with Evan. The story which follows is an exploration of the power exchange of a submission. The issues of trust, limits, and communication are all explored with honesty and a good dose of reality. The lifestyle perspective (not just a little role play) is strong and clear, and makes for a balanced examination of the situation. However, so much emphasis is put on the situation that the characters are not as fully developed as I would like to see. The dialogue is quite formal – even stilted in some places. This, combined with the surface nature of the characters, very nearly overrides the connection between the Dom and sub. Even so, the story is well-executed and it is clear that the author is well-acquainted with the lifestyle. There is an extremely hot masturbatory scene, and a lovely description of the Ceremony of Roses. Overall, I’d say this was a solid, well-done glimpse into the most important aspect of dominance – the power exchange.

The second story is Miranda Heart’s Little Book of Fantasies. Here we find Kaitlyn at the mercy of her new boyfriend, Steven. They haven’t been together long, and Kaitlyn is stunned when he kidnaps her. Over the course of the story, the importance of communication and trust is key. Kaitlyn must learn to trust Steven, and Steven must learn to trust himself. This is not the more formal, ritualized exchange of power described in Ms. Brown-Porter’s story, but the raw, edgy exchange of power of two people drawn to each other and driven to satisfy their individual cravings. From that standpoint, Ms. Heart is right on the money in her characterization of the difficulty and importance of getting the balance just right. The story is a little flat for me because I found it difficult to identify with Kaitlyn. The intensity of the scenes and the uncertainty in the power exchange makes for an interesting tale.

The third offering is A Scandalous Arrangement by Kayleigh Jamison. In this historical short story, Anna, a virgin of the aristocracy, finds herself given to a brothel to cover her brother’s debts. Lord Vere Fane purchases her from the brothel and proceeds to introduce her to the pleasure of pain and the appeal of submission. Vere is an interesting character in that we don’t see him outside his interactions with Anna, so our entire perception of him must come through her. Anna herself is very open-minded and blasé about her situation, much more accepting than I would be! Still, her acceptance of the situation lends her a certain grace that is appealing. There are several blips that distracted me from the story at hand – small historical details and problems with the internal logic of the story. However, these were relatively small and easily overlooked. The major problem, for me, was the lack of sensory or emotional input into the intimate scenes between Anna and Vere. I found myself distracted from these scenes by questions about what was going on – physically and emotionally – with Anna. It’s a nice fantasy piece for those who prefer a harsh taskmaster.

Next is Emily Ryan-Davis’ Unwrapping Amy, a nice present for the reader. Mac and Amy give us a beautiful love story about finding each other again after years of marriage. Amy has always held back, afraid that her darker desires will drive Mac away. Mac, on the other hand, is frustrated at Amy’s distance, even while he struggles with his concerns over his ability to keep himself in check. I’d just like to say, at this point, that I adore Mac. He is an excellent Dom, and his love for his wife shines through in his actions and words. Their relationship is drawn so well, so poignantly, that it is nearly painful to read in spots, but the characters are so finely crafted that you feel you know these people, and you just have to find out what happens. All in all, an engaging and satisfying read that leaves you feeling a little rough around the edges – in a good way.

The fifth story is Efflorescence by Katrina Strauss. Ms. Strauss does several interesting things in telling us about the romance of Hannah and Pavel. First, the setting is early 20^th century New York – post-World War I, just at the onset of Prohibition. Ms. Strauss cannily works in references to prominent figures of the time, and places Hannah just on the cusp between the old order and the new hope. It makes for a fascinating and engrossing backdrop. The characters in this story are incredibly strong, quite an accomplishment for such a short piece. The two struggle with political upheaval, societal pressures (bondage is not what one would call an acceptable sexual practice in that time period), and their own emotional turmoil. Though the focus is more on bondage than dominance, there is a thread of power exchange that holds it together. Somehow, Ms. Strauss manages to pull these disparate pieces into a beautifully choreographed romantic pas-de-deux that leaves the reader breathless and sighing.

The final story, Touching Down by Joe Wilson, veers into what seems to be autobiographical territory. The prose and writing style are a bit choppy, with a good bit of head-hopping to throw the reader off. On the other hand, there is a strong element of realism to the exchanges, which make them more powerful. The head-hopping can make following the thread of the story a little confusing, but the descriptions of some of the techniques – visualization, particularly – make it worth the effort. In all, an interesting study of the dynamics of a relationship between a Dom and his sub.

Raising the Dead by Angelia Sparrow

2007-11-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: Raising the Dead
Author: Angelia Sparrow
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN: 9781419913815
Genre: BDSM
Publication Date: October 2007
Rating: 5 of 5

It is rare that a short story is so complete, so like a perfectly cut and polished jewel of erotic literature. This one is, absolutely.

Shane and Victor are an established couple, and the author does a fantastic job of getting the reader into the rhythm of their relationship without sacrificing the flow of the story. Their characters grow and develop through the story, and there is some real depth of motivation. The dialogue is excellent – snappy, tender, harsh, broken. The author mixes hard core sensation and dominance scenes with emotional tenderness and stellar communication. In fact, the author does such an amazing job of creating good communication between the characters that I am tempted to use it as reference for how such communication should work in a relationship.

There were a couple of little points that kept the story from being absolutely perfect, but they were so minor as to be nits that I am picking. The abrupt resolution was a little jarring, but that stems mostly from the fact that the story is entirely from Shane’s perspective, so we don’t get any peeks into Victor’s internal dialogue. Still, I wouldn’t change it, since the firmly consistent point of view does a lot to maintain the flow of the story.

So, the story itself features Shane and Victor at a bit of a crossroads. Victor wants more from Shane – more dominance, more sensation, more verbal abuse, more humiliation, just more. Shane, a horror writer, is afraid that he will go too far. He doesn’t want to lose Victor as an individual – he loves and respects him. Shane is terrified that Victor will push him to go further and further and will have no stopping point. He is horrified at the prospect of what he thinks he could become. In reaction, he tries to pull Victor back from the dark edge, but Victor resists. He wants to be dominated, he wants to be abused. The tension over this issue could be very destructive (the author handles this with finesse and skill).

Shane hatches a plan. He thinks that if he goes suddenly very hardcore lifestyle, into the realm of complete slavery, then reverts back to what he considers to be sane levels of domination, Victor will be shocked back from his darkest desires. This works only somewhat, but then backfires completely. I won’t give away the ending, but suffice it to say that there is a satisfactory resolution.

The scenes in this story are completely hot. The characters are memorable and engaging. The story is interesting. The writing is well done, and the dialogue is superb. I was pleased to have the opportunity to read this story, and it’s a sheer joy to review. Thank you, Ms. Sparrow.

Summon the Masters Anthology

2007-11-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: Summon the Masters
Author: Madeleine Oh, Dominique Adair, Jennifer Dunne
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN: 9781419907616
Genre: BDSM anthology, e-book
Publication Date: 2007
Rating: 3 of 5

Reviewing anthologies is always tricky business. In this case, the three stories here are supposed to be about Dominants and their subs. However, I’d like to say right off the bat that only one of the three stories struck me as having any kind of real power exchange vibe going. The other two were more sensation play and bondage – a little role play – but not true submission as such. So the question of how to tackle the anthology? I’ve elected to do three short reviews individually. The rating is based on 3 star ratings for the first two stories and a 4 star rating on the third.

Interlude, the piece by Madeline Oh, follows Alex and Dai. Alex goes to Wales to look after her aunt’s cottage, and things get very interesting. I liked the fantasy (in the genre sense, not the role-play sense) elements of the story. I also liked the Dom (Dai) as a character quite a lot. Alex, though, I just couldn’t get into. She leaves for Wales with a relationship still intact – she has decided to end it, but doesn’t. Even when he calls her later, she doesn’t end it. Her internal dialogue over her reasons for wanting out indicate that she is extremely uncommunicative about her needs with her Dom, a key problem in a Dom/sub relationship. Communication is completely glossed over here, and the power exchange is therefore never fully realized. Her internal dialogue is not in a submissive frame, but rather in the frame of someone seeking sensation and bondage. This is not a bad thing, per se, but it doesn’t fit with the purported theme of the anthology. Additionally the sex scenes are repetitive – which is not something you want to see in a short story.

The Cajun by Dominique Adair finds Rachel and Etienne stuck together in a tropical storm in the Louisiana bayou. Rachel and Etienne knew each other growing up, so their banter seems natural, which is fun. Again, though, the power exchange just doesn’t work. Rachel tops from the bottom, a major pet peeve of mine, and his reaction is glossed over. There is a nice spanking scene, but that is really the most sensation in this story. The lack of sensation and the flat power exchange make this story feel more like a slightly edgy vanilla story rather than a BDSM story.

The best of the three stories, in my opinion, is Life Sentence by Jennifer Dunne. The couple here, Samantha and Giacomo, are facing a larger issue in that Giacomo is actually cursed, so that provides an interesting motivation. This story has a very natural, completely appropriate sense of the power exchange between them. The tension and sexual chemistry is excellent, and the initial scene between Sam and Giacomo is a hot masturbatory one. There is a reality about their relationship that makes this story work, though I must say I would have really preferred it to be longer, as I found the ending to be abrupt. Still, the interaction is much more satisfying in this story.

Discovery by Rob Graham

2007-10-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Title: Discovery - A Phaze Heat Sheet
By: Rob Graham
Published by: Phaze.com
ISBN: 1-59426-904-1
Genre: BDSM Erotica
Reviewed by: Canice Brown-Porter

Rated: 3.5 out of 5

John struggles throughout his adult life to keep his dominating personality from surfacing. The idea that he could be even remotely like the people who raised him prevented him from letting his guard down. Until his lesbian, dominant friend Marie convinces him that under the right circumstances, his dominating personality may possibly be a plus. She levels a friendly dare in the form of a test of his dominant nature, and although John maintains a non-competitive attitude, he agrees to the test. Marie invites him to a party and tells him she's invited a special guest - a submissive - that he will have to find on his own.

Ariel has experience in the D/s lifestyle. Once the submissive of a Master who abandoned her with no warning. He didn't even release her and remove his collar. She had failed to please him, and in turn been punished by him on a regular basis whenever he chose to show up. But then he finally just disappeared one day and never returned.

Can John handle the responsibilities of a dominant when he has spent his life refusing to acknowledge all traits of a dominant personality?

Being a lifestyler with almost ten consecutive years of experience as a submissive, I had to put this story down and come back to it several times before I could finish it. In the end, I had to view it on the basics of fiction, and fiction alone.

Mr. Graham has a wonderful grasp on storytelling. The characters are well defined. Descriptions and dialogue are proportioned appropriately. I enjoyed the settings and the premise the story is based on, but found it hard to believe that any female - inside or outside the lifestyle - would actually take a stranger, whom she has known for not more than 30 minutes, to her apartment. Much less allow this man to tie her up rendering her totally defenseless and vulnerable. Granted a mutual friend setup the meeting (blind date), but still...

As for the kinky sex -- and, yes, there is plenty of that -- it's all believeably erotic. The scene is well described and enjoyable. Slow down, Mr. Graham, and you'll do very well in the industry. Your skills as a writer are evident. As with any story of fiction, it should be entertaining. Discovery by Rob Graham meets and fulfills that goal.

***************

Reviewer's Note: For accurate research on the D/s lifestyle, I suggest castlerealm.com. The Safe, Sane, and Consensual creed is in place for a reason if a writer wishes to attract a loyal readership of those in the lifestyle.

An Extreme Haunting By: Cheryl Dragon

2007-10-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

Title: An Extreme Haunting
Author: Cheryl Dragon
Publisher: Ellora's Cave2007
ISBN:9781419912405

Rating: 5 out of 5

Sean O'Brien inherits an old Irish castle, believing that the rumors of its haunting by an ancestor who kept a harem are ridiculous-until the ghostly influence destroys his inhibitions. His Dom side is exposed and he's taking everything he wants from the sexy, submissive ghost hunter alone with him.
Dana Rayne is hired to cleanse the castle of ghosts but they are stronger than any she's ever faced. Sean is stunned by their effect on him but Dana is more than willing to be the sub in Sean's kinky dungeon built for sex. The ghosts refuse to leave and grow stronger as Halloween nears. As Dana and Sean explore their deepest fantasies, the ghosts attempt to act out their own deadly desires.

This story is 47 pages long, therefore the author didn't have much time to build up a relationship on the plane and still fit in all the hot sex controlled by ghosts throughout the rest of the book. WHEW, one hell of a sentence, eh?

So for fantasy purposes I'll say this book was a very hot, sexy, bummed I wasn't in bed with more freedom kind of read. Sean seems to have a hard time keeping control of his fantasies, or he just really doesn't care to. We don't know much about Dana, which is fine. She obeys well and isn't that what matters most in a fantasy??

I sorta rolled my eyes when I found out this was a ghost story. I like Halloween but I don't LOVE Halloween. I never ever buy holiday books or picture frames. I am very glad that Ellora's Cave pubbed this story though. This could be read at any time of year and still be a fabulous story.

When we got to the part about the ghosts I started to freak out a little. Her visuals were awesome, but the crazy part is what happened while I read the story. You see way down here in the south the weather has finally changed. Of course it wouldn't actually change without an ice cold rainstorm to ring in the new season. So I have my doors wide open, little bit is watching a movie and I had a half hour to myself. (Yes, I'm a fast reader so I read this in one sitting) Just as I'm at the freaky ghost part, Dana faints, my front door slams shut so hard I almost fell out of my chair. From that point forward this book really was a little creepy. I loved being drawn into the old castle, I wanted to move into the dungeon. The Old Master of the house totally gave me the creeps, yet, kinda sexy in a super harem fantasy sorta way.

I was a little disappointed by the branding. I understood where it came from and it certainly had it's purpose, BUT, branding done improperly is extremely dangerous. Then the fact that she took a bath soon after had me cringing in pain. I've taken a shower with a burnt finger once and thought I'd die. Imagine a hip. I'm off my soap box about it. Sean was a great Dom through and through and Dana was a submissive most of us girls only dream to be. I was very happy to see that she wasn't just some brat looking for a spanking. We do get to see a slight playful side of hers, but for the most part she takes her role seriously and that made my morning. Now I'm going to take my cold shower and see you all for another book review this week.

Soul Master By: Reese Gabriel

2007-10-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

Title: Soul Master
Author: Reese Gabriel
Publisher: Ellora's Cave2007
ISBN:9781419911378

Score 3.5 out of 5

(BDSM Reviews did NOT write the blurb for this book.)
This book is the sequel to Chaining His Heart

Beautiful, sassy Cindy wants the handsome mercenary Conrad DeWitt in the worst way. She has the perfect opportunity when Conrad’s brother marries her best friend Chelsea on a romantic and remote Caribbean island.

Over a glass of wine, Cindy confesses her desires to Conrad. He tries to warn Cindy away, telling her that he is an incorrigible sexual Dominant who will accept nothing short of total obedience and submission from his bed partners. To his amazement, Cindy confesses that a taste of sexual slavery is exactly what she’s been craving in the lonely hours of the night—but without the whips and chains.

A bargain is struck and the two plunge together into an unforgettable night of passion and surrender. Conrad claims her body and soul, but little does he realize that his heart and hers will be swept away in the surge of desire.

There is one thing Reese Gabriel is always consistant about. The heat level in her stories is enough to catch my bed sheets on fire. With this book I'm torn. On the one hand it's hot. But, it doesn't start to get hot until Conrad decides to do something other than make advances that are unwanted by Cindy. And I say unwanted because there is way more dialogue than action. Even if I was a 24/7 sub looking for forever, I wouldn't appreciate any man demanding my time. In this case the heroine doesn't think she has an interest in the lifestyle. This being her first contact with a Dominant you'd think he'd be less of an ass about it. He just comes off far too much of a Domineering Ass even for my taste. This could have all been relieved however had we known the heroine was wet and panting through the whole conversation.

Past that point though the book was well worth my time. Conrad is called away on an oversees business trip, that turns out to be an almost deadly mission for him. I found myself hoping he'd be safe and crying towards the end of the book. I truly liked Conrad and Cindy.

I opted to still do this review simply because I'm not sure if this is a book about Domination and submission or just two vanillas enjoying kinky sex. It is however a very worthwhile investigation to get to the bottom of this.

Love My Way By: Bridget Midway

2007-09-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

Title: Love My Way
Author: Bridget Midway
Publisher: Loose ID 2007
ISBN: 978-1-59632-427-5

Score 5 out of 5

(This blurb was done by Loose-ID or it's author. BDSM Reviews did NOT write this blurb.)
BDSM Dominant, Eagan Morton, is in search
of a new submissive via a reality TV show.
Bent on revenge, Ananda Zelder participates
and wins his interest. Will love dominate or
will they submit to outside pressures?

Ok these have go to be the two hottest people in the world. Seriously, when I found out this was "The Bachelor" with a dirty twist I almost closed the file and moved on. I can't stand reality shows. But, I persevered because this author has waited a long time for this review and hasn't bitched once. Which gave me an idea of how much patience her Dom would have.

Oh and boy does he. Bridget had my knees turned to jello on more than one occasion. At first I felt Eagon should have kicked Ananda off the show. After all she didn't' do a damn thing she was supposed to. But, even me who believe everyone should be perfect had to see through this. Submissives should show growth and a desire to learn. Despite the fact that Ananada just couldn't stay put in her room at night she showed a strength the other guests did not have. Eagon needed someone to test him. A sub always willing to do what she's told without ever being questioned, a submissive who has no room for growth is just a bore. Bridget delivered all that and more with this book. The very first encounter with the kitchen had me melting in my bed sheets. But, it was the way that Eagon handled himself throughout this tale that had me falling in love with him.Patience is a virtue but being human is what eventually connects us. He showed more than once that he can make mistakes, he can learn from his mistakes and he can become a stronger man for it.

Bridget Midway also exhibits a sense of humor that had me laughing on several occasions. She has a voice that no other writer could possibly copy. Between the laughing, the crying, the frustration and of course the sexual tension she gave it her all in this book and I can't wait to read something else from her. She's quickly become one of my most favorite authors. Thank you Bridget, I hope you allow BDSM Reviews to enjoy another of your books.

Love, Honor and Obey by Cynthia Rayne

2007-08-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: Love, Honor and Obey
Author: Cynthia Rayne
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN: 9781419911088
Genre: BDSM erotic fiction, e-book
Publication Date: 2007
Rating: 3 of 5

Carrie is in a bind. The terms of her father’s will dictate that she needs to marry her father’s protégé, Justin, if she wants her inheritance any time soon. Carrie finds Justin attractive, sure, but she doesn’t know anything about him, so how can she marry him? Especially when one of the first pieces of personal information Justin shares with Carrie is that he requires complete control in the bedroom.

This story starts out very strong. Carrie’s inner dialogue is laugh-out-loud funny, and you quickly become invested in Carrie’s character. In fact, her character is one of the best things about this book. Her inner dialogue is excellent, and there are several points at which I found myself grinning or laughing at her thoughts. Another point in this story’s favor is that there are hints that Justin’s character can be just as engaging. The problem, though, is that in a story this short, you really only get hints. I really wanted this story to be a little longer to allow their characters a fuller development, because they were interesting.

I had a few fairly major problems with this piece. The first problem is that Justin is an inconsistent Dominant. He knows she doesn’t know the rules, but he doesn’t explain things to her or help her figure out what her role is supposed to be. He alternately expects too much and too little from a new submissive – especially a complete neophyte. This dovetails with the major problem I have with this story, which is the sex scenes. I just didn’t feel these scenes at all. They came across as mechanical, with repetitive phrasing and lack of emotional or sensory information. He takes her through some fairly involved situations with little or no preparation. It seemed as if the author was trying to fit as many different types of sexual activity as possible into a very short space – and this goes back to my wish that this story was just a little longer. I think a little more story would have made a vast improvement in the intensity of the sex.

The story development is good, the characters – especially Carrie – are very good, and the sex is ho-hum. Overall, the story fell short of what it could have been, but was a fun read nonetheless.

Taking the Job by Cheyenne McCray

2007-07-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: Taking the Job
Author: Cheyenne McCray
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN: 9791419909870
Genre: BDSM erotic fiction, e-book
Publication Date: June 2007
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

This offering in the Taboo series takes a look at a very common fantasy – office sex. Cheyenne McCray’s version begins with Elsie in an interview with John. The job interview is usurped by the sexual dynamic, and they end up exploring a Dom/sub relationship in this story.

The strongest element of this story is the author’s ability to write a steaming hot scene. This is a good thing, because the vast majority of the story is sexual. There is very little non-sexual interaction between the characters within the scope of the story, so the explosive chemistry is paramount. Elsie and John have an intense attraction, and John is willing to help her fulfill a fantasy about multiple partners, which makes for some hot reading, indeed.

I have some difficulties, however, with a number of the BDSM elements of this story. The Dom’s behavior reads to me like a vanilla alpha male trying to be a Dom, so the scenes lack realism. As an example, they jump into the first scene in his office, without any conception of what each others requirements or limits might be, and with no safe word in place in case one of those undiscussed limits is reached. However, as this is a fictionalization, and a fantasy, overlooking some non-romantic nuts and bolts doesn’t seem too problematic. In another case, however, John lets her get away with blatant and obvious impertinence – her ordering him to do something – with no punishment at all. That sort of allowance really drops me out of a scene, leaving me feeling let down.

This is a good fantasy piece. Unfortunately, the heat can only take the story so far, and the lack of realism and relationship-building hamper what is otherwise a fun read.

Opinions Please!

2007-07-15T21:44:00.001-07:00

Let me know what you all think of the new blog!

Full Ride by Gail Faulkner

2007-07-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: Full Ride
Authors: Gail Faulkner
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN: 1-4199-0129-X
Genre: BDSM erotic fiction
Publication Date: 2005
Rating: 5 of 5

Oh, what a beautiful beginning. I can’t tell you how fabulous I found the first scenes of this book. The author jumps right into a scene, and it’s a beauty. I found the tone just right, the Dom just harsh enough to be exciting – very exciting – without becoming a callous jerk. And our sub is right on the money. But, wait, I’m getting ahead of myself.

Our sub, Prin, is widowed. She had shut down the submissive part of her life at her husband’s death, convinced that part of her sexuality had died with him. Now, four years later, her submissive nature has been aching to get some satisfaction. Her friend Dave sets up a scene with a Dom he knows (Gray, but you don’t find that out until later). The rules are simple. No names, no personal information, no contact after the encounter. The guidelines for the scene are set out in advance in a contract for which Dave acts as go-between. Dave is Prin’s safety net – he knows where she is, who she’s seeing. This is one of the aspects of BDSM play that often gets overlooked, but it is incorporated beautifully and naturally here.

Now, back to the story. Prin has been out of the game for four years, so while she knows the way it’s supposed to go, she’s out of practice. Truth be told, her husband hadn’t really pushed the domination envelope with her. But Gray certainly does. In the first 75 pages of the book (their arranged night together), he puts her through her paces beautifully. Prin finds that moment, that one shining moment of realization where she surrenders to the will of her Dom. That moment is written with clarity and truth in a way that resonates with the reader.

Sadly, that night has to end, and the two of them have to re-enter the real world. In the real world, Prin has some major things going on in her life. Her issues are such that she doesn’t feel it is appropriate or desirable to enter into any kind of relationship right now. But Gray isn’t taking no for an answer. He knows what they have is special, and he doesn’t want to let it go. The rest of the story, from the time they leave the hotel room on that first morning after, through the end, is much more romantic (which is not to say that it isn’t hot and sexy, too).

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked the characters, I loved the scenes, I enjoyed the intense start followed by the more traditionally romantic relationship building. Overall, an excellent read.

Into His Keeping By: Gail Faulkner

2007-06-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

Author: Gail Faulkner
Title: Into His Keeping
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
ISBN: 9781419910579

Reviewed By: Monique
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Blurb from Elloraʼs Cave:

She became the air he breathed. Her passionate gift of surrender matched his dominant soul. Then she was gone. Heʼd never accepted that sheʼd wanted to leave. Ensuring she could find her way back to him was the drive that shaped him into a modern-day gladiator as ruthless as any whoʼd lived to walk off the blood-soaked field in the original Coliseum. Fifteen years later it was way past time to accept sheʼd chosen not to return.

Second chances were wishful thinking. Jill wasnʼt looking for one. She didnʼt have time for pipe dreams and she had no illusions about the stranger Holdin had become. Famous, rich and now retired from football, he might not remember her. If he did, he might not care to hear what actually happened so long ago. She desperately hoped she had something he would care about though.

A second chance was all Holdin needed. Ensuring possession of Jill was a battle he intended to win. Veteran of a thousand fields of honor, Holdin knew better than to expect a fair fight.

I incorporated the description given by Elloraʼs Cave to give you a sense of what makes this story absolutely fascinating. It begins as an all consuming tidal wave of emotion and it never lets up. Miss Faulkner has managed to create two characters that need each other with so much intensity, itʼs breathtaking.

I particularly liked that she gives us a glimpse of our hero/heroine as young lovers, sweethearts, if you will, where even in their innocence, they had the makings of a Dom/sub relationship. Holdin has always known who he is, but the tenderness with which he teaches Jill about submission really gives the reader a beautiful glimpse into the BDSM lifestyle. During their first love making scene, he eases her into it with such care, such gentleness, you really get a sense of how much he respects and loves her, despite the beast within him that begs to come out. As adults, their love scenes get hotter and hotter, until it finally explodes into a full out heated session with toys, rough commands, and a breakdown in the shower that will leave you flushed and teary eyed all at once.

The vivid account of Jillʼs trip into subspace also displayed Miss Faulknerʼs thorough understanding of whatʼs so appealing in this lifestyle. It was intense, but at the same time, when Jill peaked, we understood her euphoria. That sort of writing is difficult to come by.

Expect to be moved by this story. Miss Faulknerʼs writing borders on poetic. She creates a realistic family dynamic that made me laugh at times. Her understanding of male bonding is sharp and I wonder if she could share that insight with the rest of the world. We could certainly use it. But seriously, what struck me most were the emotions, not just in the romance, but even in the small moments, that will imprint the life story of Holdin and Jill in your memory for a long time after youʼve read it.

Discovery, By Cris Anson

2007-06-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

Publisher: Ellora's Cave: Quickies: Valentine Vixens

Title: Discovery

Author: Cris Anson

ISBN: 9781419909429

Reviewed By: Canice Brown-Porter

Rating: 4 out of 5

Becca is a middle-aged attorney who needs to explore her true nature. An identity she's suppressed all her life. After ten years of marriage to Steve, she knows they are in a rut. Perhaps this will rekindle the fire that had consumed them in the beginning. Finding herself and exploring the submissiveness she harbors deep inside could be just the answer she needs. At the same time, she'd be able to experience her dark fantasies of exhibitionism. Becca just wants to let go and delve into the desires she's kept locked away. Just once, she wants to experience the unspeakable.

This is where her friend, Glynnis, had come into the picture. Through Glynnis, arrangements for a weekend getaway were in place. Steve would suspect nothing. She and Glynnis occasionally headed off for some "girl time".

However, the giant Dominant that greeted her at the door quickly had her mind racing. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea afterall. But, Glynnis had assured her she would be perfectly safe. And her friend wasn't about to let her back out now. So, when the giant motioned them both inside, Becca took that first step into Discovery.

This is a well written story that takes the reader into the world of BDSM with smiles, giggles, amazement, and sparks of fire. Ms. Anson conveys the true guidelines of a Dominant/submissive relationship. The presence of the BDSM creed for Safe, Sane, and Consensual is woven into the dialogue and actions of all participants.

Discovery is a story of a woman who wants to rekindle the passion in her life. She realizes this is only possible if she can experience and explore all her deepest, darkest desires. With a surprise twist at the end, the reader closes the book with a sated appetite for hot sex. I love it when authors get the truth of the BDSM lifestyle right.

Main Attraction By: Anna J. Evans

2007-06-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

Title: Main Attraction
Author: Anna J. Evans
Publisher:Ellora's Cave
ISBN: 9781419910326

Score 4.5 out of 5

This blurb is taken from the Ellora's Cave website. It was not written by myself.

Edna Emily Argent Rella runs the Wicked Stepmother and her Stepsisters S&M parlor in Kingdom City, but she has a secret… She's not so terribly wicked. A dominatrix by necessity, rather than calling, she does her best to capitalize on her naughty reputation. After the smear campaign waged by her stepdaughter Cynthia, there aren't many other employment options.

Frank, the Captain of the Queen's Guard, has been sent to protect Edna from the stalker threatening her life. Posing as a client, this dominant male soon realizes he's in for more trouble than he bargained for.

Because Edna is a born submissive. And Frank can't resist the urge to show her what she's been missing while on the Mistress side of the fence.

Ms Evans has written a titilating tale of danger, deception and Dominance. As fast as this book moved I was surprised she was able to fit a complete story in less than a hundred pages. But she did. And did an amazing job of it.

Edna's character is interesting because of status. She was married to the Queen's father. After all the lies her step daughter told and the death of her husband she can't find a job. She was left with employing herself and taking on those that needed to unleash their submissive sides as a Dominant. After she meets Frank who she's dubbed as baldy, she can't keep up her facade. She cracks under his Dominant energy. And then after some prodding and a misunderstanding she allows him to take her the only way he wants to take her. With him in control. She couldn't be more hot for him. The scenes with these two had my computer screen smoldering. All I truly was able to see of Edna was her submissive nature for sex. Although, the story has a plot, her attraction and response to Frank was more important.

Frank doesn't have to use force to get what he wants from Edna. He just has a magnatism that could bring any woman to her knees. He claims Edna's pussy as his and doesn't let her believe otherwise. I loved how he wanted to protect her. Wanted to claim her as his upon their first meeting. That just isn't possible because he's a man where his job comes first. Very endearing in a man.

The scenes in this book were perfect for these two characters. I however, did not enjoy the amount of author voice tossed into this book. There is a time and a place to go through your thoughts. In the middle of an action sequence or in the middle of conversation is not that place. Otherwise, this book is staying on my keeper shelf.

Giving Thanks To Laura Garcia

2007-06-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

When I first started reading Ellora's Cave BDSM books for review I was really concerned about what the editors thought BDSM was supposed to be. Laura Garcia has done a fabulous job of sending books over from EC that is BDSM related. Not just fluffy spanking. These people truly either live this in the bedroom or both. I thank her for not sending me the fluff that I would have to send back because it wasn't true BDSM material.

Thank you Laura, you take alot of weight off my shoulders for all these reviews.

His Submissive By: Reese Gabriel

2007-06-21T21:01:00.000-07:00

Title: His Submissive
Author: Reese Gabriel
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
ISBN: 9781419910364

Score: 4 out of 5

WOW. Where do I even start about this book. At first Ms. Gabriel really had me sweating bullets with the mention of slave. As this is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. The last thing I wanted to do was send an email to EC and explain that I can't review their book because they screwed up the details. Not to mention I was actually enjoying these two characters. Boy am I glad I kept reading and started to understand the dynamics of their relationship. I was glued to my chair for hours to read this book. Ok it took two settings but I have a toddler we can't expect me to read 127 pages in one sitting. I was riveted by the sexual tension. I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants at Linzee's attempt to outwit David Carlisle. it had nothing to with her brattiness. It had more to do with her ability to curse him at every turn and his reaction to her nasty tongue.

You see Linzee believes BDSM is somewhere up there with concentration camp victims. Abused, mistreated, broken down. And whipped like slaves. Ok she has a little of that right. Slaves are whipped in BDSM. But, everyone enjoys it. Linzee's sister Traycee wants Linzee and David to sit down and talk. Hash things out, make Linzee understand the lifestyle better. The reason is, Traycee has told David how unhappy Linzee is with her decision to submerge herself into such a female degrading lifestyle. Linzee has other plans though. She sits down with David and immediatly begins insulting him. At first I raised a brow. I mean seriously, who would go to such an extreme. Evidentally, Linzee does anytime she doesn't understand something. Want to talk about, cool, calm and in control at all times. David lets her have her say. He doesn't interrupt her, he doesn't loose his cool. And doesn't bend her over in the coffee shop. There are no threats of what will happen if she keeps up. Nothing. He states his case and watches as she flies off the handle. Any man worth his weight knows that when someone gets that way, bating them only add fuel to the fire. Not to mention she already hates this lifestyle. Why give her more of a reason to believe her ignorance.

Now David has an interest in Linzee, he sees slave written all over her and he wants her. He immediatly cancels becoming Traycee's mentor and decides to take on Linzee's training himself. He gives her a direct order that she's to wear a black dress to dinner. Of course Linzee scoffs at this, but then later decides to wear the black dress anyway. It was her only suitable dinner dress. Whatever her reasonings doesn't matter to David right now. SHe wore the dress. He offers her a challenge to try having an over the knee spanking first and see how she likes it before she continues to insult the lifestyle. As what he expects, she takes the bate. It only takes a little prompting for Linzee to start to respond and for David to realize he couldn't be more right about her. The thing is he's not looking for a submissive he's looking for a sex slave.

Their on again off again relationship continues throughout the book. She hates herself for how she feels and takes it out on David by flinging insults. He counters by not allowing her to orgasm. Forcing her to strip naked in his office. Having sex with her until she's about to explode and leaving her to wait. Telling her to give him blowjobs that he doesn't reciporcate. He has her trembling little body in the palm of his hand and there's nothing she can do about it. She's too needy for an orgasm that she can't seem to give herself. And worse all she can think about is his pleasure and how she can do more for him.

All of this culminates into issues for Linzee. She works as an attorney and walking around in a subbie low all day is giving her fits. SHe can't think, concentrate, move, all thoughts are on him. Her Master. Or the man she refuses to accept as Master. With her past and what happened to her parents she's torn between giving into her desires and holding strong for her sister who doesn't really need her anymore. It all makes for a very dramatic story line. One I thouroughly enjoyed.

I did have two issues with this book. One is the amount of author voice that constantly creeps in there. Stay in the moment. It's the only thing an author has in her writing. We can infer alot, discuss after the big heated discussion or sex scene is complete. Don't drag me out of the tale to give me her or his entire thought process on the situation. Secondly, The first several pages had my jaw dropping. This woman believes M/s, S/m, BDSM, D/s to all be degrading and painful. Then in the next second she's having fantasies of this happening. Goes home and dreams of it happening. She doesn't do any research until later, so she knows nothing of the lifestyle. To me that was the equivalent of a virgin whose never heard of sex suddenly having dreams of penetration. She can't imagine it because knows nothing about it. However, I refused to allow that to ruin my experience with this book. As a whole His Submissive was a very entertaining read.

Just Friends By: Ann Thomas

2007-06-20T07:12:00.001-07:00

Title: Just Friends
Author: Ann Thomas
Publisher: Amber Heat
ISBN: 978-1-60272-061-9

Score: 4.5 out of 5

Eli Walsh and Wolf Grant have been good, platonic friends for the better part of a year. Though Eli's always been attracted to Grant, he's resigned himself to being just friends. But when Eli finds out Grant cruises for dates at the local gay leather club, he goes there, determined to convince Grant that the only one he should be bringing home that night is Eli. The problem is that if Eli tells Grant flat-out he wants him, it could ruin their friendship. Eli's had that happen before, and he's not about to risk it happening again.

Grant's offers to mentor Eli in the BDSM lifestyle seems the perfect solution. Though Grant insists they'll remain just friends, Eli is sure that during the intimacy of their play he can show Grant exactly how he feels, make Grant crave Eli so much that he won't want their lessons to end. And when Eli learns how powerful submission to Grant can be, he's certain they're meant to be together.

But heartbreak in Grant's past has made him wary of falling in love. Can Eli convince Grant to take a chance on their relationship, or will Eli's confession of loving Grant destroy their friendship once and for all?

Sometimes I swear the author of the book can write a better blurb than I can. This blurb is directly off of the website. I have stolen for review purposes.

Ms. Thomas has entered me into a life I never read about. The life of Male/male relationships. And I have to say, for my first m/m read, I'm impressed. I really liked the fact that these two are friends and Grant is aloof despite his feelings and Eli is trying desperately not to fall for the guy. I also haven't read a tale of two friends getting together in a very long time. So it was a nice change to the usual.

Eli is your typical male sub trying to find his way. He'd like to experience both sides to see where he stands. But when he kneels at the feet of the man he wants to spend the rest of his life all thoughts of Dominating fly out the window. Grant offers to show him the ropes in the lifestyle. If this is his only chance to get close enough to Grant to touch him, he'll take it. He just doesn't realize exactly what it will do to him.

Grant is aloof and refuses to get involved. He takes little subbies home for a night, sends em packing before morning. It's the way he's always done things. Well at least since the last terrible relationship he was in. He just can't afford for it to happen twice. Not to mention Eli is his best friend. What danger that could do to the relationship. But, Grant makes a mistake. He lets Eli stay for the night. But, tries to make it up to himself by being gone before his friend wakes. He leaves him a note letting him no that he'll find him a submissive since he doesn't sub to anyone. Now, this was the part I really liked. Grant is more than welcome to walk away from this and pretend it was nothing more than friends with benefits and not jeopardize everything. This doesn't happen often. I know I've never been able to pull it off successfully. Now you just get to find out how far Eli is willing to let this go before he steps up.

As much as I liked the writing of this story. Her descriptives were well written, but, I still felt a little withdrawn from the characters. Sorta like I was outside looking in. Her sex scenes were hot enough to burn up my pages, but the dynamics of the relationship were a bit lost on me. Maybe it was because it was my first time reading m/m, but I don't think so. I'd really like to see her delve a little more into the characters psyches, stay out of author voice and push to stay in the moment. Otherwise I felt this book was the exact change I needed in my reading. Thank you Ms. Thomas and I hope to read more from you.

Nick's Lady By: Katherine Kingston

2007-06-20T07:11:00.001-07:00

Title: Nick's Lady
Author: Katherine Kingston
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
ISBN: 9781419910876

Score: 4 out of 5

Andrea Fasselli is Nick's accountant. She has enough on her plate with trying to keep up with her Aunt's failing health and warding off a stalker. She doesn't have time for relationships or games. And she certainly doesn't want to have anything to do with BDSM after her experience with Cal, her stalker.

Nick is pulled into Andrea's issues with Cal when Cal oversteps his bounds and comes into the workplace to physically drag Andrea off like some caveman claiming his woman. He saves the day and wants to know Cal and Andrea's story. When he finds out that she was apart of a BDSM club he's intrigued and wants the chance to show her all BDSM has to offer in a safe, sane and consensual environment. But, Nick doesn't live his life like the vanilla folks. He has a few secrets that he keeps to himself until he feels Andrea can handle them.

But, when Nick refuses to even budge a little on a few major issues Andrea takes offense and wants out. Will Nick learn to compromise to keep Andrea?

ALl in all Ms. Kingston has written a very interesting novel. The play scenes in Nick's Lady opened my imagination to a whole new set of possibilities. Who knew an exercise room could be so much fun? Nick's Lady is about just that. Everything he can offer his woman he does. Including his protection and his dominance.

This isn't your normal BDSM tale. It could be considered erotic, but, I think it falls under the title of romance more than eroticism here. I liked Nick's character because we see how a Dominant can grow as a man. He doesn't have issues with communicating. But he does have problems where compromise is concerned. He has issues with his family that are unresolved until Andrea comes into his life. And he ends up learning more than he ever thought he would about himself, the lifestyle and pleasure. Once he realizes that Andrea is the one he lets her in on the other part of his life. A couple that he is very close to. His wife has a hard time sexually and Nick is there to help. It's brought their relationship all that much closer and he has no intention of letting them go for anyone.

I liked how strong Andrea was. At least when she needed to be. I felt her character to be very real in the aspect of human psychology. Nick says no, she tries not to push. She has phone conversations with his mother behind his back, so she doesn't upset their relationship. All of these could have truly happened. Andrea is very accepting of Nick's life with his best friends and doesn't create an issue. At the start of the book Andrea is open to going out with Nick but wary of the lifestyle after Cal's mistreatment. After just a few short visits with Nick though, she's much more comfortable than she started out. Nick isn't as pushy as some Dominants maybe and that's perfectly alright with her.

The writing in this book was pretty good. I felt it could have had not necessarily more description but a better use of description. I would have loved to have been more drawn into these characters emotionally. Although, I liked these characters, I started to get the feeling that maybe the material was difficult with all the physical scenes. There's the argument in the office, the tantalizing plays at the club, then the scenes themselves. That much playing a book is fine. I just felt a little left out emotionally.

I will be seeing what Katherine Kingston has to offer in the future. She has a great opportunity to grow as an author, because her ability to spin a tale and think outside the box is captivating.

Mastering Marissa By: Cyna Kade

2007-06-04T18:54:00.001-07:00

Title: Mastering Marissa
Author: Cyna Kade
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
ISBN:

Score: 4.5 out of 5

What an interesting story to talk about. Marissa and Kytar, Talcor

After Marissa's mother's death, she's able to thankfully end communications with her abusive step father. Going through her mother's things she finds a letter that was written to her many years ago. The letter is explaining that her natural father lives on Darinth and would like to meet her one day.

Her father, Davo, is excited to finally speak to his daughter and asks her to come to a visit. But, Marissa is all to aware how things are on his planet. The degradation of women, forcing them into slavery and abusing them. Marissa has no intentions of ending up like her mother. Repeatedly she turns him down despite his protests that their planet does what the women are wanting them to do. He sends several videos for her to view. The real videos, not the ones the media wants you to see. Despite her desire not to find them intriguing and erotic, she does. Her own desires humiliate her, but she can't say no to her father after he promises to protect her.

She leaves for her father's planet and stays put in the waiting section. This is the only safe place for a woman. There she can wait for her father and although she can't stop the learing, no one can harm her. A man she doesn't know approaches her and offers to help. She refuses him repeatedly and then, thanks to the call of nature accepts his help. No sooner than she comes out of the bathroom does he bind her to him with a few magical words, leaving her close to orgasm and a need for submission. Again images of her beaten and bruised mother come to mind and she proceeds to fight her captor.

Kytar has kidnapped Marissa to get back at her father for interfering with his own group of people. He didn't expect the binding to steal his breath away and leave him wanting for more. Worse is, he doesn't understand how Marissa isn't giving into her true nature. The spell that binded them has left her feeling submissive towards him and she's fighting him every step of the way. He wants to be gentle with her, but her actions anger and confuse him. It takes everything he has not to harm her. He offers her his collar and outright refuses him, screaming about slavery. Something hs planet does not believe in. He believes her position to be honerable. After all, she gets to have pleasure beyond her wildest dreams.

He can feel her response to him, he needs to get back at Davo, so he locks her away in a cell hoping to force her acceptance of his collar. Marissa is furious with herself that she wants him and what he has to offer so badly. She blames it on the magic, but she still can't deny her body. Three days locked in a cell and the only thing she gets to see is him is about all she can physically take. She begs him to just take her. Have sex with her. He's insulted and refuses. She has to accept his collar first.

The collar is practically forced on her and even after she takes it she wants it off. But on Darinth there is no such thing as giving back a collar. The only way to make that happen is to challenge the Dominant's Dominance. Marissa feels if she doesn't do this she'll end up a shell of a woman like her mother, covered in bruises with no say in the matter. Despite how happy she has seen the other women on the planet, there are no promises and fear finally forces her to make this challenge.

She speaks to her father about all of this. He's refused to help because Marissa is no longer his property. He tries to calm her fears about submission but she won't have it and her father is left with no choice but to offer the challenge to Kytar.

Kytar is beside himself that she's offered this challenge. She doesn't understand what she asks. It could mean the death of both of them if the final ceremony doesn't go properly. He knows though, that this is the only way that he's going to earn Marissa's submission and he's prepared to go through it. That is of course if he can have the help of his close friend Talcor.

I can't give away anymore of the story line because I do want there to be some surprises. I will say though that I enjoyed this book immensly. I loved Marissa's character. She doesn't just find herself in a submissive position one day. Without her truly knowing or understanding it, she found those video's tantalizing, giving me at least a glimpse into a side of herself that has yet to be awakened. It's common practice for subs to test their Doms and Darinth seemed to be a better place to do so than earth. It wasn't a usual testing. It gave an excuse for Kytar to cause pain to her to force her submission. And it gave Marissa insight into Kytar. She doesn't trust him or herself. This challenge is what she needed to prove once and for all not all men are equal.

Kytar's character was different than what I'm used to reading. He's Dominant, but he prefers the softer side of Dominance and much prefers his partners to be willing. He doesn't enjoy causing undo pain just because it would make him happy. He causes pain because it would make his submissive happy. Two very different things in my book. He respects Marissa but he's forced to show his full Dominance to earn her respect, love and trust. That's not an easy feat when you're being tested at every turn. I kept waiting for something awful to happen and he loses his temper. Nothing. I love that in a man.

You might be wondering why I took off half a point to the book. It's nothing really against the author as she wrote a truly great book. It just bothers me ever so little to have books written about planets with nothing but DOminant males and submissive females. Planet earth is just fine. We have submissives here and don't need to have to travel outside of our galaxy to find a Dominant male. Despite what the single subs might believe.

I felt Ms Kade's writing to be spectacular. I loved her descriptives and all around care of her characters. Her understanding of the lifestyle made my day and to see how these two come together made my heart flutter in excitement. And I won't talk about my wet panties.

Next Floor Naughty By: Ann Cory

2007-06-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

Title: Next Floor Naughty
Author: Ann Cory
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
ISBN:

Score: 3.5

Davion is your typical wife to be of 2007. She has an idea of how life should be and instead of communicating her needs she decides to go seek them elsewhere. What are those needs? A super male Dominant. She's invited to this BDSM party where anything goes and she has every intention of attending. She hasn't an orgasm in months and she's hoping to meet a Dominant that will show her what she's missing.

Liam is trying to give his fiance everything she needs but it's hard to do that when evertime they have sex she rushes off to the bathroom. He's confused and getting a little frustrated. That is until he accidentally finds her invitation under her pillow one day. He can't let this happen. His fiance at a BDSM party, where anything can go wrong. Even more, he's realizing his play just isn't doing it for her and that she wants more. He plans to be there to show her what kind of Dominant he really is.

This is where I give Ann Cory kudos on her story line. I liked the way she built up the tension. One being snippy with the other, couples intentionally trying to pick fights because they're avoiding topics. She set all of this up very well. But, Davion has some issues that need to be addressed, and if she knows anything about BDSM she'll know, no relationship or for that matter one night stand can survive without communicating needs.

Ann Cory has attempted to write a very fantasy driven story here. However, for me it was much to close to how real life is and had an ending that left me less than satisfied. The audacity of the heroine in the story left a bad taste in my mouth and I feel the hero was nothing more than a doormat to her whims.

I started to say poor Liam, but frankly he should have called her out on it, he shouldn't have by no means attempted to indulge this fantasy of hers with him as the giver. First off he just proved he really isn't very Domlike. What man who has any self respect would tolerate that kind of behavoir? He wants her, he loves her, he should have said something to her.

All that aside, there seems to have been no trust broken by her activities. The real problem lies in the fact that Liam didn't start out as this big burly Dom and stay that way from day one. This is a classic example of how some women can set such high standards for their men that there is no way they can achieve them. This relationship as far as I'm concerned is doomed. And it sucks. Because, I started out sorta liking this book. I've seen this kind of thing done before. Not in writing but in real life. The relationships, just don't work until one person lowers their expectations and starts communicating. And I'm sorry, but it has to happen BEFORE one person cheats on the other. Again though, this isn't the issue. Davion is bored with her current relationship, she's done. These two were completely unbelievable by the end and I'm frustrated with the both of them.

The Mistress and the Mouse By: JJ Giles

2007-05-31T07:12:00.000-07:00

Title: The Mistress and the Mouse
Author: JJ Giles
Publisher: loveyoudivine
ISBN:

Score: 4 out of 5

Morgan McFaye, Sex Therapist by day, Dominatrix by night, is in disarray. Her lover and submissive of ten years, Brian Alexander, has left her life. Morgan couldn’t know that her newest client, Jerry Abernathy, grandson of an assassinated president, is her lover’s father.

When she believes she has a corporate raider, rapist and murderer on her client list, she finds she has a sexual abuse victim and world-class disciplinarian on her client list. Jerry’s investigation into Morgan’s past reveals she is yet to be prosecuted for murder.

But Brian finds that Jerry has fallen in love with Morgan. He also realizes he can’t live without her. The crises culminates with a lavish American wedding. Only the identity of the groom is in question.

Before I begin my discussion of the book I have to come clean. The above blurb is not one I wrote, but the one I found on the website. JJ did a much more beautiful job of summing up the novel than I ever would have. Now onto my review.

JJ Giles dishes out another twisted tale of love, betrayal, sacrifice and misunderstandings. As always her story lines are intriguing, captivating and keep me guessing right up until the end. She has plot twists and turns with each new chapter that drags you deeper into the lives of her characters. I don't ever remember being more involved in a hero or heroine's life before. By the end you know every character in the book better than you know your own family memebers.

Bryan Alexander (Abnernathy) already has his own set of problems. His mother is beaten regularily by his father, or at least he assumes that's the problem. His girlfriend won't marry him, his father really isn't his father. He's the nice guy that feels the need to keep everybody happy despite his own lack of happiness. To bring that about, he leaves his girl friend and goes to stay with his mother, whom he finds out recently suffered a broken arm at the hand of his father. He forces Jerry to begin seein a sex therapist, that happens to be Morgan, his girlfriend.

Morgan McFae, is a sex therapist with her own set of issues. Her own childhood and events that led up to her adulthood have kept her from marrying the man she loves with all her heart. The one she calls Mouse. She hates everything about the rich and famous and refuses to date a man who is rich. Yeah, she has money, lots of it, but she worked her ass off to get every dime she has today. When Bryan proposes one last time and she turns it down, she isn't prepared for him to leave her, set a wedding date and demand she either show up or he'll marry someone else. This now prompts her to have nothing to with Bryan and she takes on his father as a client. She has no idea that Jerry is Bryan's son. She becomes more and more attached to Jerry while trying to cure his problem of beating his wife. She also decides to take on Jerry's wife as a client. Training her to be submissive to her husband. Is she in for a load of surprises as the novel progresses and Jerry becomes more comfortable. She still doesn't know how she is going to live without her beloved Mouse. Even her house slave girl doesn't seem to have the answer to this delimma.

Jerry Abernathy. Rich, powerful, Dominant. Is finally brought to his knees by one woman. Morgan. Thanks to his son, he finally feels as though he might have a chance in hell of being saved. No, he doesn't beat his wife, now, athough there were circumstances in the past that lead him to abuse her. Like her throwing her baby. Now he deals with his wife being a prostitute and to protect the Abernathy name he allows his family and friends to believe he beats his wife. His son hadn't really talked to him in ten years, even if it isn't his real son, he still loves his children deeply and wants them to be apart of their lives. He balked at Bryan's demand at first. But, after being at Morgan's knees a few times, he sees how the otherside feels. He'll never be submissive, but he would do anything for Morgan. Just as he finally decides to divorce his wife and let the chips fall where they may, he thinks he's falling in love with Morgan. What he doesn't know is that Bryan and Morgan were at one time a couple. Slowly, but surely Jerry's life starts to come together.

There were several more characters in this book, but I'd rather focus on the main three. It would take me several pages to discuss even the first half of the book. The dynamics of the relationships, the twisted soap opera, there just aren't enough words on BDSM Reviews to describe it all. JJ actually made me cry and that's a tough thing to do. I can't wait to read the rest of this book. As there are going to be several volumes available for ebook. The only reason JJ ever gets a point taken off is not her tale, but the fact that I wish she would up her descriptives in her writing. Make every word count towards the overall picture. Otherwise, she's an amazing writer. I've never known anyone with such a twisted mind before, and I love it.

Taming Delany By: Reese Gabriel

2007-05-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

Title: Taming Delany
Author: Reese Gabriel
Publisher: Elloras Cave
ISBN: 9781419909634

Score: 4.5

Rayf has to have Delany back. He just can't see himself living without her any longer. Although their courtship and marriage was breif, he knows they are meant to be together. Now Delany is marrying Rayf's best friend Max and as much as he's tried to keep himself away from the situation he just knows Max isn't the man for Delany.

Delany did the best she could to tame Rayf, but, Rayf's idea of jobs included construction and wrestling alligators for sport. Which infuriated Delany who wanted more out of a relationship than hot sex. She needs a man she can rely on emotionally. She needs a man to contribute to their financial secruity. Rayf would spend his last dime on a homeless man. Despite the fact that she has no real attraction to Max, he's still better than the alternative.

Before I begin any other part of this review, I’d like to say that the sex scenes between these two are phenomenal. It isn’t every day that I’m wiping sweat off my brow while reading a story. In this the author lived up to her characters personalities. They clash on everything else but the bedroom.

Rayf is the type of guy that truly wants to give his woman everything. There are just some things he isn’t capable of doing. That is holding down a nine to five job dressed in a suit everyday. Neither do I feel that every person should be required to do those things. You can have financial security without sitting at a computer everyday. I liked Rayf’s character. I thought he was honest and forthright about things. He has a big heart and is always eager to please. However, I did feel this story should have been title Taming Rayf. There is so much expected out of him to turn him into the ideal man that Delany ends up not being tamed at all.

Delany on the other hand is your typical suburban wife. She wants everything and is even willing for a while to believe she can be tied down to Master Boring for the rest of her life. Thanks to Rayf though, she has a second chance at finding love with the man she should have been with. I think if we had delved a little deeper into Delany we’d find she just thinks she wants to have her pockets overflowing with cash. Her nails done every week and have her hair highlighted while she munches scones and drinks tea. Yet, deep down she’s begging for that guy who can just chill out, relax and not think so much. Who knows maybe that was part of the story and I missed it. Either way Rayf and her are yin and yang. Eventually, the two of them would find a way to play it out and make it work. What she does love about Rayf is his ability to utterly control her inside the bedroom. She loves the Master/slave position she’s put into. She loves begging to come, bondage, anal sex and going all night long.

And that’s what Rayf sets out to find out. Can they just have one night together and walk away like nothing happened. What a night it turns out to be. He pulls out all the stops, he leaves nothing untouched, including Delany’s heart. Just the way he expected it.

What bothered me about this book, but I was only able to take out off half a point, is the way the book ended. I can’t tell you the ending, but I can say that, the author has built up one drama incident after another. Delany is a basket case on how to confront Max and Rayf’s run away to go figure all this out for himself. Then when it comes time to wrap it all up, I felt it just wrapped up too neatly. All this drama and then no drama. It just didn’t seem to match the pace of the book. That was a let down for me. The rest of the book was written so well I couldn’t let it spoil one small section of the book. I loved her attention to detail. The way she could draw out every moment and make it worth your while to read about these two. I particularly enjoyed how their exchanges with one another were so real. Their both hot and bothered and do nothing to try to hide it when they’re away from each other.

Watching Max and Delany’s exchange helped me to understand how Delany finds Max so boring. Max just flat out doesn’t try things that are new. He likes to stick with the same ol’ everyday. And for him that works, just not for Delany.

As a whole I truly did enjoy reading this story and I hope to read more by this author soon. She knows how to build characters and keep the reader turning the page, anticipating more and actually getting it.

Dalton's Temptation By: Kelli A. Wilkins

2007-05-25T15:27:00.000-07:00

Title: Dalton's Temptaion
Author: Kelli A. Wilkins
Publisher:
Amber Quill Press, LLC
ISBN: 978-1-60272-019-0

Score: 5

Where do I start about this book. For starters this is part two of a series. Yet, it stands alone. At least that was what Ms Wilkins told me and she was right. I didn't feel as though I missed something from book one or that I felt left out of a secret joke. However, her writing style and characters makes me want to read book one.

There's quite a bit going on in this book, so I'm going to try to keep my descriptive short.

Dalton is required to follow his brother in law Allan to Emperor Salizar's castle. Because, Allan, has no sense of decorum and ends up screwing up deals to no end. So Dalton, is required to gothere to babysit. He has one small problem. Elara. His wife. She has a mean temper that only through careful Domination of her has he been able to keep under some semblance of control. She's a very jealous sort, and would never allow him to go on his own. So to keep the piece he's decided not to tell her.

As if that was going to stop his lovely new bride from joining him. She finds a way into his caravan anyway and only after she knocks over the caravan does he find out she's there. He decides she's headed back the next morning. A very funny incident happens while on the road back home, that leaves her back to the caravan again. This time, her husband isn't to know that she's there. Neither does her husband know, thanks to Allan, that he's headed into a castle full of female slaves awaiting to service the male guests there any way they so choose. What's a girl to do if she wants to spy on her husband and keep him from breaking his vows? Become a slave girl of course.

Once at the castle Elara is disgusted at her disguise. She's practically wearing nothing at all. Her brother does his best to help her and explain the rules. No speaking unless spoken to and do everything your told. Two things Elara has no idea about. She also has to come up with a name that is both exotic and not hers. Oonish. That's the name she chooses. With paint on her face and a veil covering everything but her eyes she begins to wait on her husband.

To both of their surprise a woman shows up, Danshuri. She's there to service Dalton. Something Elara had not expected. Competition. Allan, who's the brother who gets into more trouble than Elara, requires both girls to put on a show to decide who stays. After Danshuri's show, Oonish feels certain she'll be kicked from the room. But, to her surprise Dalton doesn't want a temptaion and Oonish is the least tempting of the two. Insulted and elated at the same time, Oonish stays.

Oonish does her best to initate sex with Dalton, but he won't budge, no matter that she blatantly grabs his cock in the tub. Instead, she's instructed to leave to her own quarters. Oonish knows though that she's turned him on, despite the fact that he doesn't want to be. She's now more worried than ever and even more glad that she chose to disobey his orders. And despite the fact that she was chosen because she wasn't tempting, she learns that her dear husband is still very excited by her body.

The antics of Oonish continue throughout the book. The men are given drinks laced with some sort of potion to lower their inhibitions and while Allan can't get enough of it, Dalton hates the loss of control. Danshuri is also doing her best to entice Dalton to cheat on his wife. She displays herself on his lap, dances for him, yet he doesn't give in.

Finally, though, Dalton has had enough of Oonish and her inability to listen to his demands of leaving him alone. He swats her on the ass so hard, after she dances on his lap enough to make him want to come, and kicks her out of his room for good. Oonish, reverting back to Elara goes crying to her brother of the incident that just happened and Allan goes to talk to Dalton. Here the book turns interesting. And I won't delve anymore into this. The pace picks up quickly and it seems as though there will be a fight to the death. Elara also has a surprise for us that she's not even aware of, but Dalton is. Elara will hopefully learn how to be a better submissive by the end of the book. But, for now, I'd call her a bratty submissive.

As a general rule I don't like brats. That said, I'm certain I'm at the top of the bratty scale. However, Ms Wilinks, explains it in a way that I enjoyed. Elara believes the stunts she pulls are helpful to all those involved. She isn't trying to be a brat, she's just trying to help, or to oversee.... Which makes her a brat. Her lack of trust in her current situation, being married to a man everyone believes is after her money, makes her come across more bratty. Those issues have to be dealt with and I believe they are. If there is a third story to this book, I hope to see a more submissive Elara.

For the time being, Elara made me laugh and even teary eyed in a few places. Dalton expects her to listen, but when she doesn't he can usually win her over pretty well with words of seduction and firm hand to her backside. He spanks her in this book and truly shows her he isn't in the mood to deal with her insubordination. To make iti better, the author doesn't turn into to some sexual game. Punishment is just that, punishment. I can't wait to get a copy of the first book to find out how it all began. Ms Wilkins has wet my appetite for more.

I will say, that Kelli, rode a fine line between historical and making this come off as a contemporary piece. Just as I was about to tsk tsk tsk, she snaps me back to the time period. Very well done.

Southern Submissives: Katie By: Dominique Adair

2007-05-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

Title: Southern Submissives: Katie
Author: Dominique Adair
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
ISBN: 1-4199-0916-0

Score: 4.5

I enjoyed reading the romance of Katie. She's the strong quiet type. Always doing what is expected of her and giving as much of herself as she can while she does it. She ended up at Utopia after taking care of her sick mother for so many years. Now that her mother is in a peaceful home where she can have round the clock care she wants time out for herself. Her best friend and business partner Holly knows exactly what she needs. A long weekend at an exclusive island having all her sexual needs attended to. And what has she been needing? To be dominated.

Rick isn't expecting an instant hard on when he's fixing the printer to get registrations underway. Especially, since that hard on is directed to the most covered figure in the room. He knows that Holly, his cousin sent her and he know he has to have her. When she does leave he pulls up her file to learn more about her. She's interested in bondage and discipline and he can't stop himself from being the one to give her the weekend she'll remember for the rest of her life. And as it turns out, his life.

Ms. Adair really weaved a tale here for me. I'm not usually into the fantasy weekend aspect, but she really made it more than just racus sex and bratty subs who are out to prove THEY are stronger than the Dominant. Despite Katie's nervousness, she was ready for this. That alone is endearing to my heart. When you're ready you just know it and Katie couldn't have been wanting this more. She proved that when a stranger walks up to her while she's masterbating, takes her as his own and punishes her for pleasing herself. But, he isn't the man who would claim her for the weekend. Still she's ok with that. When the man finally does show up, she has no idea what he looks like but she knows she loves his voice and commanding nature. He isn't just bossy, he can get what he wants by simply requesting it.

Which made this Dominant hot in my book. There's a little something there for everyone with him. He's kind and stern. He's rough yet gentle. He pushes her limits and makes her beg for what she wants. While at the same time he explains things to her that she doesn't understand. That includes explaining her exboyfriend who said it was all about him and that's how Doms are supposed to be. I was mad for the poor girl. Rick has one tiny problem though. He can't leave the island until he turns 40. And he's almost 39, which as I understand, isn't 40. He owns the place, his brother and him have worked hard to achieve their dreams and the cut off for vacations is 40.
He's fallen for Katie who's known as Katherine for the weekend. She's everything he needs and he knows he's everything she needs. At the end of the weekend neither of them want to part. Yet, the way she's tossed aside after their weekend and the fact Katie finds out he owns the island is all the incentive she needs to return to her life in New Orleans.

Although this book was pure fantasy, Dominique made the characters very real to me as a reader. I enjoyed the fact that Rick was not your idea of a Dominant upon first meeting him. He saves it for the one he wants and he wants Katie. Katie starts out with submissive tendencies. This in my book scored high. The mouthy, independent submissive isn't here. Katie is in control of her own life because she has to be. Which tells me if she had to be again she could. She's strong, but she's searching for that one that she can depend on and submit herself to. Her character almost had me in tears for that reason.

Although the sex scenes were a bit much with the repeition of words that I'm not a big fan of (such as was.... it really distracts me from a story.), the sex between them is explosive and real. Not every position is comfortable that he asks her to go into. She isn't too thrilled about the foot play at first, but quickly adapts when she realizes how enjoyable it is. Which reminds me, if you're looking for a full on food play scene, you know, covered head to toe, this is the book for you. I was so hungry after reading it I had to go buy cupcakes.

I really enjoyed the ending. I think you will too. Although, this is erotica. It's very romantic from start to finish. I finished reading it on a sigh. Maybe I'll see these two again in the future.

The Master's Prize By: Maggie Nash

2007-05-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

Title: The Master's Prize
Author: Maggie Nash
Publisher: Triskelion Publishing
ISBN: 1-60186-166-4

Score: 3.5

I enjoyed Maggie Nash's voice in The Master's Prize. Her descriptives were well written and her characters on a whole fascinated me. Her writing style is somewhere between conversational and dark erotica. I enjoyed that, it gave a mix up to the usual, either conversational/light or dark.

Mitchell and Elise first met at a Fetish Club one night. Elise showed up for a special training class for newbies as an observer. I liked the idea that Mitchell Collins had taken such an interest in Elise upon their first meeting that he even shows up at her radio studio to pay 5k to kiss her. It was a cute story line, despite the many overdone story lines out there. Elise of course is having none of that. This man has been stalking her for a month. Leaving messages at work, telling of his interest. To her he's hot and creepy. His explanation is, when he wants something he goes after it.

When he does kiss her on live radio sparks fly instantly. Now he wants to have dinner with her for another 10k. She's embarressed and hates her reaction to this man so she takes off out of the room. Mitchell isn't about to lose track of her again and races after her. After some heated word exchanges she agrees. No obligation, just dinner.

At the last minute, Mitchell changes his mind and has her brought to his place, where he's grilling dinner. They never actually eat dinner, she wants him and wants him now. That is after she learns that she didn't even have to be there. He donated the money anyway, making it a no obligation on her part. (Of which was news to her after she arrived at his place.)

Before they can begin any real sexual acts she has to past a test with him. She's not allowed to cum without permission and she can't make a single noise while he blind folds her, ties her down and tortures her with a dildo that has a remote to it. She passes the test. She's ready to explode by the time his friend gets there and they play with her a bit.

Mitchell can't believe he didn't knock his best friend's teeth out when he sucked on Elise's nipple. He leaves the room to go talk to his friend and give Elise some time to enjoy her restraints. He realizes that he really likes Elise and doesn't want to share her with anyone, no matter how many times he's shared her in the past.

The relationship goes on like this for a few chapters. He's traning her because that's what he does. Train submissives. She's a bit mouthy, but for the most part she enjoys their play. Elise is finally settled enough that she wants to start explorig other options. So she wants to play in public, under his watchful eye of course. Mitchell instantly disagrees and she instantly begins to argue with him. Finally, frustrated, he gives into her demands and lets a known sadist Domme have her way with Elise for as long as he can take it. He's not really into pain, mostly sensation play, so it doesn't last very long. After getting her down from the cross and dashing for the door with her, he asks her later why she didn't use her safeword. Her response? Because she wasn't going to let the other woman win.

Mitchel realizes he has a bratty bottom on his hands. He'll never fully break her and he really doesn't want to. I can't give away anything else of the book because I don't want to tell the entire story here. All in all, I really did enjoy the set up of this book. The characters, how they ended up together. The f/f scene in the book was hot and the sex between Mitchell and Elise is hot. Mitchell isn't afraid to get up and make her a sandwich or get her a beverage if she needs it. He'll even cook a meal. I liked the fact that he wasn't your typically written about Dominant that just sits around, gets fat and demands service. That was a plus.

There was however an incident in the book that really ended up leaving me frustrated. It's the idea of respect and where that line is drawn and for me a bratty bottom might be a little obnoxious at times but blatant disrespect is another thing all together.
Play parties are thrown not just for fun and games but a way to show off. The Doms get to parade their well behaved subs around and the subs get to show off how great their Doms are. She showed everyone where she thinks he stands by arguing with him in public. Others notice and make comments. That's how she ended up getting what she wanted. A chance to play with another Dominant in public. Granted it went horribly and she "learned her lesson", but, personally, if this had been my sub and all this time I'd tolerated her mouth and stubborn nature, I feel like would be owed a little respect while in public. And if I didn't get it, she sure as hell wouldn't be sticking around there. Stepping off my soap box now.

The prose itself was good. I liked the characters all in all. If I take this story on a purly fantasy scenario it's doable for me. The rest of the book before and after excited me. I liked these two. I think Ms. Nash's writing will grow as she writes, she shows exceptional skill for the first book I've read of hers. I do plan to buy more books written by her, I just hope she learns the different between cute bratty and blatant disrespect.

Wicked Ties By: Shayla Black

2007-05-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

Title: Wicked Ties
Author: Shayla Black
Publisher: The Burkley Publishing Group
Date: January 2007
ISBN: 13:978-0-425-21631-2

Rating 5 out of 5

I just finished reading Wicked Ties and I'm scrambling to find a professional way to do this review. I don't have one. So I'm writing her a letter instead. You would probably wonder why I'm writing her a letter. An author that can touch you so personally deserved to be spoken to so personally.

Dear Ms. Black,

I just finished reading your book. My toes are finally starting to uncurl, I'm catching my breath and if I'm lucky I might get to sleep tonight. There is one tiny problem though. My husband is divorcing me. Which is fine because you are going to find Mr. Jack Cole and bring him to your home where I will be living from here on out. My husband says that he has to work and can no longer wake at three a.m for quickies. Neither can he stand that I rest the book on his chest while I have sex and read at the same time. Odd it never bothered me when he did the same thing. He also dislikes me screaming "JACK" in bed and that I bring my toy box down stairs while he's trying to watch hockey play offs.

So if you would please set up your guest bedroom I am packing my bags tonight and will be there in the morning.

Feel free to bring Deke along, as menage has never been my thing but I have a feeling these two would make it mind blowing.

I don't know where you found Jack and Morgan but these two had to be the hottest thing ever written about. Their characters were so real, so alive I could have touched them. I've never had screams like that bounce around in my head just from staring at a page. Your descriptions have left me breathless. I had to stop reading this book sitting up because it made me dizzy.

Your newest, dearest, most submissive friend,

Miranda Heart

P.S I made it creepy on purpose. :)

Morgan embodies every sexual submissive into one tight little body. She's eager to please once he finds the right button, unleashes her fear and strips her of her sanity. She's lost in him and he in her. Yet she refuses to tell him her deepest fears about herself. This bugs him he tries to go much deeper. It's hard to resist Jack when he's everything she's ever wanted wrapped up in a muscular package built for sex. He's dominanting refuses to take no for an answer and seems to know her better than she knows herself. What could be more frustrating.

Jack on the other hand is blown away by his reaction to her. His vivid dreams about a red head are nothing more than what happens to every man in his family, who finally meets their soul mate. But, it can't be Morgan. He's using Morgan to get back at Brandon. He even saves the video tape of their first sexual encounter and emails it to his ex bestfriend, Brandon. Why? Because Brandon did the same thing to him with his wife. Morgan is only his fiance so it can't be nearly as bad as all that. He can't seem to stop himself from tying her down and ravishing her body. He wants to know everything about her, learn her inside and out. It doesn't help that his grandfather brought over a bag of seductive clothing for her to wear and only wear, since they had to run from Louisiana to his swamp cabin with nothing more that stripper clothes on her back. But, Grandpere knows Morgan is Jack's soul mate and won't let it go. What more is a man to do than fall for the woman of his dreams?

THere's some twists to this story. Morgan is staying with Brandon, her half brother, because she has a stalker. Not just a cute stalker that takes pics and jerks off on your bed. No this guy is out for blood. Her blood, Jack's blood, Brandon's... it doesn't matter. Morgan is his and he'll shoot anyone in his path. And he tries and fails. Jack is a body guard and he has every intention of keeping her safe. Safe beneath him, on top of him, tied down to a table for him. Hey, she's safe, who's complaining. By the end of their few days together they're both wondering if they can go back to their regularily scheduled lives. But not before more twists in the book. The stalker still has to be caught. Morgan still has to come to terms with a side of herself she won't let anyone see. And Jack has to give up his vendictive streak.

Great job Shayla. This book was amazing from start to finish.

There are several twists and turns to this story to keep any reader on edge turning the page for more. Ms Black's ability to build characters, plot and heat are unbelievable. I'll be buying her next book post haste.

Taboo: Taking Instruction by Cheyenne McCray

2007-05-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: Taboo: Taking Instruction
Author: Cheyenne McCray
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN: 9781419909825
Genre: BDSM erotic fiction
Publication Date: 2007
Rating: 3 of 5

Cheyenne McCray takes us on a journey through one of the most popular fantasies in role playing – the dominating professor and the submissive student. Jessica is at the end of her freshman year when she decides to seize the opportunity to live out the fantasies she has been having about her English professor, Craig Bennett. For his part, Craig has been watching Jessica all semester, pushing back his lust because of their student/teacher relationship. Jessica breaks through that barrier by presenting herself, naked on his desk, as an end of term gift.
One of the things that works well in this story is the play on the fantasy roles – Craig and Jessica emphasize the taboo they are breaking by having Jessica address him as Professor and by playing up other aspects of the fantasy. The fantasy nature of this piece allows it to delve into relatively extreme territory very quickly – moving the novice Jessica immediately into activities that would take much longer to reach in reality. The license taken in this regard leads to some extremely sexy scenes, particularly involving heavier bondage and sensation play (stockades, extended suspension, and nearly completely unprepared anal sex, for example).
On the other hand, there are some fairly major realism problems which crop up. Some of these have nothing to do with the BDSM elements (including a strange opening scene in which the students are evidently writing term papers in the actual class), while others are very definitely BDSM related (including a scene in which a ball gag is described as completely silencing the sub – not muffling the sound, but completely silencing her even in her own head). These small but glaring difficulties make it difficult to connect to the scenes, thereby dropping the overall level of the story.
If you are looking for an intense, hot fantasy piece, this is a good choice. The lack of realism drags it down a bit, but the intensity of the scenes helps make up for it.

Charade by Sabrina Luna

2007-04-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Title: Charade
Author: Sabrina Luna
Publisher: Aphrodite’s Apples
Rating: 4 out of 5

Dixie is Mitchell Wilcox’s protégé for a year and a day. Her sense of adventure and curiosity led to this agreement, and now she finds herself acting solely under Mitchell’s instruction. He has a strong character and Dixie is more then happy to follow his instructions, knowing that if she does not there will be a quick reprimand. Everything is going well between them and Dixie is relishing her role, but things begin to heat up when Mitchell’s younger brother visits. When they all get into the same room, Dixie realizes she still has an awful lot to learn.

Charade is an intriguing book; although you never find out the exact circumstances as to why Dixie has become Mitchell’s contractual submissive it becomes apparent very early on that there is more feeling between the two of them then they would like to admit. Ms. Luna has been able to show readers an intensity between the two people that makes the story leap of the pages, and readers will want to continue to read just to find out if they do end up together (but I’m not telling you the end so you’ll just have to read it yourself!). The pace is quite laid-back and sensual to begin with, which matches perfectly the life-style and opulence Mitchell lives in, but does pick up towards the end and readers will be happily swept along in the flow.

This isn’t a book full of BDSM; in fact there are very few such scenes and the ones that are there are not heavily involved within BDSM, little more than spanking or a light flogging/paddling. While the book does dip its toes into various scenarios, including many acts of voyeurism, it doesn’t really get very far into them so some readers may be left with a feeling of disappointment and a need for more. The scenes that are there have been written with passion, and each one is full of heat. I particularly loved the chocolate mousse scene and thought it was the most sexually charged in the whole book.

As a whole, this book was quite a light read; it didn’t get me too involved but was enough to peak my interest and keep reading. This isn’t a book for those who have been active in the BDSM scene for a long time, instead I would recommend it to those who love exploring the ‘fantasy’ of light BDSM with such stereotypes as the fabulously wealthy master and his equally gorgeous brother. That being said, if anyone finds themselves late at night with nothing to read this book will definitely keep them warm.

The Melinoe Project By: D. L. King

2007-04-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

Title: The Melinoe Project
Author: D.L. King
Publisher: Renaissance E-Books 2007
ISBN: 978-1-60089-024-6

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Ray is your average guy looking to do something fascinating and meaningful in his life. He isn't really lost he just isn't where he wants to be right now. He comes across an opportunity of a lifetime to live out a fantasy he's always had. To be fully dominanted by a woman or in this case several women. For five thousand dollars he's agreed to be poked, prodded, cleaned out, electrocuted and treated like a science project for a few days.

In the course of this time he's brought to orgasm more times than any real life male could possibly handle and at the same time pushed past any limits he might have had. He's whipped and electrocuted by the best in the business and despite being deathly afraid of this he couldn't be more excited.

His aftercare is in the fascility's hospital which includes having his bowels interrupted by a bag because the burns he sustained to his anal cavaity were too deep to allow him to pass fecal matter. He needs salve to heal the other wounds on his body and lots of restorative sleep. Orgasms are completely off limits during this time and he receieves the ultimate in after care. All of this in hopes to gain a position as a resident slave to serve and live among the resident Domme's.

During his time there he meets a soft spoken gentle Domme and they seem to hit it off well. So well that he's given into her care for what they both hope to be eternity.

This isn't really a love story though, it's more of a story about Ray's transition from everyday guy into the ultimate slave. D.L King has done a great job and knows what is going on to be able to realisticly explain his treatment. Even the disconnection rings true. Since of course all this was, was an extreme medical scene. This is something that I'm not too familiar with, however, I feel the author did a great job making it feel very professional and medical.

I do however, wish I had been allowed to view Ray a little better. I feel this story was more told than shown. I would have loved to delve into Ray's psyche and seen everything from his eyes instead of from some viewpoint that wasn't really his nor the narrator's. The amount of pet words such as was and were's, were very distracting to me, not really giving me a clear feel of how talented this author truly could be. All of these amounted to a story that told me more than it actually showed me. And because of these things the story seemed to just carry on at some points and I was forced to put it down and come back later.

If all I had to score this on was the authors ability to get the facts straight then D.L would have won above a five. However, with the ability to tell a story being forced into the mix I am forced to take points off. I truly hope D.L's next book shows me more of the character and less of the he did this, she did that routine.

A Lover's Call by Claire Thompson

2007-04-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: A Lover’s Call
Author: Claire Thompson
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN: 9781419907869
Genre: BDSM erotic fiction, Quickie
Publication Date: 2007
Rating: 3 of 5

In this erotic short story, Rachel’s day job is librarian, but her nights are taken up with being a phone sex operator. One night, though, she receives a call unlike the others. This caller is interested in her, not just anonymous phone sex. What follows is an exploration of Rachel’s sexuality, guided by Richard from afar.

One of the real strengths of this story is the interesting juxtaposition of the control exerted by the Dominant with the consent of the submissive – the balancing of the trust in the relationship. It is really pointed up in this piece because Richard cannot see Rachel during the phone scenes – he must trust that she is actually following his directions. At the same time, Rachel is explicitly submitting, because there is no physical contact or coercion, and she can sever the phone contact at any time.

Richard is a compelling character, and the best parts of the story are those where there is intensive dialogue between Richard and Rachel, and where the internal dialogue and point of view are Richard’s. The interaction scenes between Richard and Rachel – particularly the first sexual interaction – are hot.

This story, however, does not live up to its potential. Rachel doesn’t pop for me as a character, and a large part of that is the reliance on description and summary rather than internal dialogue or actions by the character. There are several scenes in which a promising scenario is cut short by a summary of the rest of the scene. This disconnects the reader from the scene and from the characters. Since this usually occurs in Rachel’s point of view, the reader is left without a sense of connection with her.

Additionally, there are some logic blips that distract from the story. For example, Rachel is a librarian, but evidently hasn’t read any of the classic erotic works of BDSM – not even after she and Richard begin conversing.

The storyline is interesting, the relationship dynamics are intriguing, Richard is compelling, but the reliance on telling rather than showing drags down the characterization and the intensity of scenes. A Lover’s Call is a fun, fast read, but without the complete characterization that would make it completely satisfying.

Own Me by Dawn Montgomery

2007-04-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

Own Me, by Dawn Montgomery
Genre: Erotica
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Publication Date: January 2007
Sexual Content: Erotic/light BDSM/spanking
ISBN: 978-1-60168-023-5
Reviewed by: Canice Brown-Porter
Rating: 3 out of 5

Anna has a problem. Relinquishing control wasn’t something she relished. The demons from her childhood of growing up in a dysfunctional family had left deep-rooted scars. Scars that had interfered in her adult life, including her marriage to Leon. She loved him. And, she knew he loved her. So, why couldn’t she trust the one man she’d given her heart to?

Tonight she’d make an honest effort with Leon’s promise to stop if she couldn’t handle being vulnerable. Facing her fears was the only way she’d overcome them. And, either she’d rise to the occasion, or continue to wallow in the black depths of fear. Would being bound and at Leon’s mercy finally set her free? Or, would she lose the battle and remain forever locked in her fears?

Ms. Montgomery has written a sweet erotic romance with light bondage and spanking. However, this is more along the lines of a couple using aspects of BDSM as a form of therapy. While the story was well written, it lacked in emotional descriptions. Although it contains graphic language and situations, I felt the author skimmed over the emotional aspects of what the heroine was feeling. The concept was present. It just didn’t dig deep enough.

All-in-all, if you are not into explicit descriptions, but enjoy a little kink in the bedroom, this is a good, quick read. On a heat level scale for erotica, it would squeak in as a two.

Fates Fulfilled: Book Three of the Eldritch Legacy by Katrina Strauss

2007-03-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: Fates Fulfilled: Book Three of the Eldritch Legacy
Author: Katrina Strauss
Publisher: Aphrodite’s Apples
Genre: BDSM erotic fiction
Publication Date: 2007
Rating: 4 out of 5

This is the third installment of Katrina Strauss’s Eldritch Legacy. The story takes place in the New World portion of the world Strauss introduced in the first two installments – in a place called Eventide. The focal characters are a pair of Eldritch cousins, Devon and Marissa, along with their major love interests, Camille and Gareth, respectively.

First, this story is good enough to stand on its own, you do not need to have read the first two installments of the trilogy to read and enjoy this final installment. Though background from the first installments is useful, and certainly helps explain some of the dynamics of the story, it is not necessary. I always appreciate it when an author creates stories which stand alone – it is a sign that their world building, character, and plot are all excellent. Second, this is a very long read. At around 400 pages, you definitely get your money’s worth from this author! Third, this story is not for everyone. The overall plotting and character are excellent, but some of the scenes will not appeal to all readers. Primarily, the emphasis on sharps (well, truthfully, blade and blood play), may be too intense for some readers. I found the scenes with these elements well done and erotic, but the concept might be problematic for some readers.

Now, on to the story! It seems that the Eldritch clan has instituted a test. All children of the family must be cut from the family fold and prove themselves worthy – they must survive and flourish outside of the family for a year. The concept is really an interesting one – a twist on the classic idea of the Continental Year. In any case, our two Eldritch youngsters, Devon and Marissa, are now faced with their year of independence. They strike out together, and the first thing the reader notices is the strong contrasts between them. Where Marissa is ambitious and goal-oriented, Devon is more laid back. Part of this is the differences in their upbringing. For all that they are cousins, Marissa was raised by her non-Eldritch father outside the Eldritch fold. The instability and uncertainty of her early life have left her independent and definitely worldlier than her cousin. Devon has been pampered and sheltered for his entire life. He is the apple of his mother’s eye, and he is not really in touch with reality – so it is a shock when he comes face to face with it.

Early in their year, each meets a partner with whom they feel a strong connection. For Devon, it is Camille – a sexy, goth model with an abusive background. Together, the two explore Devon’s wakening sexuality and dark magic powers. For Marissa, the photographer Gareth stirs something inside her. She begins to let her inner dominant have free rein, with some very sexy results. The BDSM scenes in the book are varied and generally well done. Action moves from Domme scenes to blade play to intensely tender scenes of romance and relationship building.
The background plot revolves around the mysterious disappearances of goth young people, and the whispers of dark ritual and power. As Devon and Marissa gain more confidence in themselves and their own sexual and magical powers, they are drawn deeper into the gothic underground of Eventide. Simultaneously, they find out new (to them) information about their family background and the origins of the Eldritch fortunes in Eventide. I don’t want to go too far into plot and resolution, because there is a lot of room for spoilers, and this is a story I don’t want to spoil for anyone. Suffice to say that there are a number of twists and turns, a lot of interesting development, and – eventually – a satisfying conclusion.

However, as with previous offerings, the strength of the story lies in the characters. In this installment, there is a significant amount of internal dialogue from both Eldritch cousins, which gives a good bit of insight into the development of the characters. The characters are interesting and grow in meaningful ways over the course of the book. Strauss has a gift for creating little jewels of characters, not only in her main protagonists, but also in supporting characters. Brent, Devon’s manager, is a guy we all know and despise, a character that rings true with the reader. The completely stoned, ridiculously self-convinced club groupie that makes a clumsy grab at Marissa (someone many of us have encountered) is another small gem of characterization. Celeste’s former roomie – who we never even meet – is so well characterized that you feel as if you do meet her. The complete characterization represented by these and other examples throughout the story is the best reason to read the Eldritch Legacy books.
There were a few things which kept this from being a perfect read for me. The first is that it was a bit dragging in the beginning with regards to the plot. So much character-building was going on, in two different stories, that the plot was lost for most of the first 150 pages. Indeed, there is enough story and characterization here for two books – but the plot overlaps and combines them. That is both blessing and curse. On the one hand, there is a lot of story and a lot of really good stuff to read. On the other hand, there is a lot of background that has to be built for these two stories, so it is a lot to get through for the reader. Also, some BDSM scenes felt a little forced, as if the author had a predetermined goal with the scene, but the dialogue and action were just a little out of synch with that goal (this is particularly true of the scene where Marissa pulls a switch and subs for a Dom in an underground club on her first invitation to the club).

This book is an excellent read. Ms. Strauss delivered on the promise of the characters and crafted an entertaining and engaging tale. I would strongly recommend this story to fans of more extreme play, and I would recommend them to anyone.

Breaking Skye By: Eden Bradley

2007-03-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

Title: Breaking Skye
Author: Eden Bradley
Format: Phaze Fetish HeatSheet eBook
ISBN 1-59426-906-8
Published by: Phaze
Reviewed by: Canice Brown-Porter

Score: 5 out of 5

Skye Ballard is ready to relinquish control of herself for one evening just to experience her darkest and deepest fantasies. She's sure she'll get it out of her system once-and-for-all, so she places a personal ad on bondage.com. What she didn't expect was Adam Dunne. Dominant extraordinaire. Or, at least that's how she perceived him. Without being overbearing, he took control of her during their initial meeting in a public cafe. And, he had done it with little fanfare. Adam Dunne was the epitome of domination.

So, why didn't she run? What had made her agree to more than one evening with him? She should have said no and high-tailed it out of there. But, instead, three nights later a cab dropped her off in front of his home as he had subtly commanded of her. Even as she knocked on his door, her brain screamed 'run'…until his masculine figure stood framed in the doorway.

WOW! Ms. Bradley has packed not only erotic physical action inside this short story but the emotional aspects as well. By the end of the book, I was wiping away tears. The beauty of the BDSM lifestyle just shines through in Ms. Bradley's writing skills. If you haven't read a story by this author, you need to immediately purchase anything she has published out there. If you are a lifestyler, you'll love this author. She knows what she's writing about and eloquence and technique are merged into poetic soul mates. Thank you, Ms. Bradley, for getting it right!

For My Master By: Suz deMello

2007-03-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Title: For My Master
Author: Suz deMello
Publisher: Loose Id
ISBN: 978-1-59632-318-6

Score: 3 1/2 out of 5

Ross and Kathie head out for the mission of their lives. Kathie has to be his slave and Ross is her Master. It's all fun and games on the outside, yet both know that this is exactly how they wish it could be for the two of them. Before they can have their relationship however, they have a case that must be solved. There is no telling if they will make it out dead or alive, but neither is willing to put the experience behind them.

There isn't much I can say about For My Master. This is one book that didn't touch me and at times even irritated me. As a whole the idea isn't bad. However, half way through the book it began to lag for me. I felt the conflict resolution was a bit of a cop out. And then nothing was mentioned later about how it could have been that easy. If anything I felt as though Ms deMello tried to turn a complicated plot into something short and sweet. There are times when that works and there are times when it doesn't. This didn't work for me.

The action scenes in For My Master were very rigid, leaving little room for description. It was more of a telling than a showing of how the events occurred. Action scenes are difficult and I admire anyone that tries them. But, this did not do it for me. Another difficult part for me is the lack of descriptive words in general. There were a lot of was, were's across the book as a whole and it completely dragged me from the story. I feel if she was able to come up with such an action packed storyline she could have given us a more thorough story.

What I did like about the book was the sex scenes between Ross and Kathie. And the plot set up in the beginning. I enjoyed reading the tattoo scene, very erotic. I really enjoy what these two do for a living. That's why there is the 3 1/2. I'm indecisive about the book as a whole, because I enjoyed the first half but not the second.

Pure Sin Partners in Passion By Sahara Kelly & S.L. Carpenter

2007-03-16T14:52:00.001-07:00

TITLE: Pure Sin Partners in Passion
AUTHOR: Sahara Kelly & S.L. Carpenter
PUBLISHER: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN #: 9781419908941
RELEASE DATE: Available Now
Reviewed By: Heidi
Rated 4 out of 5

Tracy Harmon has always felt that something was missing in every relationship she’s had; her latest boyfriend Simon Travers just doesn’t do anything for her anymore. In the beginning there had been a degree of heat but now its not even tepid between them, and she feels like she’s just going through the motions. Simon must go, and this decision is made more definite when, whilst visiting a gallery, she sees the most intense photograph - one that instantly makes Simon recoil in horror because the woman isn ’t perfect. Whilst looking at the photograph Tracy happens to bump into someone who makes her heart race wild with pleasure; he gives her his card and they part ways. Its only by pure chance that she meets him again whilst working on some business, but that chance encounter causes both their lives to change when they peek in on something they shouldn’t have.

Pure Sin is an interesting book. Although it does have some BDSM elements to it the protagonists are both brand new to the whole idea and therefore don’t participate in anymore then some restraining and some Dominance and submission. The authors have created an interesting idea and some wonderful characters that will remain in the memories of the readers. The story line has a good pace to it, and as a reader I found it interesting to see the two main characters changing as people and becoming more aware of the things they wanted from a relationship. This isn’t a BDSM book for people who are more used to the scene, rather it is a book more for those who are dipping their toes in the water and want to know what its about.

Overall I found this book quite easy to read, the flow is consistent and I did sympathise with the characters. I was a little disappointed that the authors didn’t explore the world of BDSM more but by exploring the different feelings of the characters they have created an intriguing book and one that I would recommend to people who are unused to BDSM and everything that it encompasses.

A Change in Rules

2007-03-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

I wanted to let those of you know that are still waiting for reviews to be posted, that they are being worked on. However, reviews would go much more quickly if we had a print copy on hand. You are not required to do this, it just goes faster. Reviewers can only allot so much time to being in front of the computer and having a book in hand would help.

Thanks,

BDSM Reviews

A Devil In Winter by Diana Hunter

2007-02-22T19:24:00.000-08:00

TITLE: A Devil in Winter
AUTHOR: Diana Hunter
PUBLISHER: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN #: 1-4199-0730-1
RELEASE DATE: December 2006

Reviewed By: Canice Brown-Porter
Rated 4 out of 5

Kevin’s Christmas holiday plans have been turned upside down. Living in New York, he always flew home to Texas to spend time with his parents, brothers, and various relatives. The big holiday get-together has been tossed aside this year because his parents have decided to take a 40th wedding anniversary cruise. And, everyone else has already made alternate plans, and none included him.

He’s lost the one woman he loves and it looks as though he will be spending Christmas in the City, alone. At least, until his ex-girlfriend’s little sister catches him peeking through their windows. Anna threatens to call the police, and Kevin panics. Whisking her off in his car so he can try to reason with her holds all the connotations of kidnapping. Especially when he ties her up.

Her struggles against the ropes tug at his Dominant nature, and he could swear Anna enjoyed be bound. But, her threats of kidnapping charges and calling the police hold a whole different perspective. Realizing he can’t make her understand that he just wanted to apologize to her sister, Kevin releases her and offers her the use of his phone. Knowing he’ll be jailed for the charges, he’s surprised when her call his placed to her parents and she explains she’s been detained. And, that she’ll be bringing a dinner guest with her. Him?

Why hadn't she called the police? And why was she taking him to dinner at her parents' house knowing her sister would be there? Just what was Anna's ulterior motive?

The only problem I experienced with this story occurred whenever Ms. Hunter referred to Kevin’s Dominant side as a “beast within” or “dark animal”. These references conjured up negative images of him and pulled me out of the story. I stumbled over them. I found the scenes bordering on vanilla-kinky to light BDSM play.

Overall, Ms. Hunter has written an amusing and insightful romance about human nature and the inner struggles of relationships. It brought to mind the saying about “can’t see the forest for the trees”. The storyline was great and I was pulled right in. Her skills at craftsmanship are outstanding. The sex was hot. The characters were human...flaws and all.

The Dark Garden By: Eden Bradley

2007-02-20T17:55:00.000-08:00

Title: The Dark Garden
Author: Eden Bradley
Publisher: Bantam Books
ISBN: 978-0-553-58973-3
On Sale: May 29, 2007

Available through preorder: Amazon.com and Barnes and Nobles

Rating 5 out of 5

Rowan is a Dominant. She's great at her play and has submissives waiting to serve her at every play party. Lately, however, something has been missing from her life. She's started a story about a submissive woman, but even her writing isn't bringing out the usual mind clearing that she seeks. No, there is something else going on and when she meets Christian Thorne at a play party one night she finds out all too quickly and to her dismay what she's been missing.

Christian is an artist and Dominant. He's moved recently from overseas back home in Venice, California. Immediately he sets out to involve himself in the local BDSM scene and is struck by the beautiful and Dominant Rowan. He sees something in her that Rowan had hoped she left behind many years before this. His goal is to prove to her that she does have a submissive side. He challenges her to thirty days with him and if he can't bring out her submissive nature then he'll leave it alone.

At first it seems as though there is nothing to lose only gain from the experience. But, even from the first moment that she allows Christian to tie her up in the most romantic way, using flowers as rope, she can't keep old memories from being forced upward. She's put her past behind her or so she believes. She's too proud to ask for help and runs at every turn. She fights her submissive side that came to her so easily from the moment she walked through the door. Something about him brings out the side of her she put aside so long ago. Rowan finds herself unable to control her submissive role, but too frightened to fully give in. Admitting to herself that she's a submissive at heart would break through the walls she has so carefully built.

Christian has his work cut out for him. He's always taken care of his family, always made sure they wanted for nothing, that he was there for them through everything. With his mother gone now and his sister happily married, he has no one left to take care of but himself. Seeing that he could be there to move Rowan to a better place with herself and bring to life a side of her he knows is there seems like the perfect solution. In too deep, Rowan does the only thing she knows how to do. Runaway. This is a fight Christian can't win. So he leaves it up to her figure out what she needs. That's if she wants to truly move forward in life.

It's hard to explain all the emotions going through me about The Dark Garden. I don't know rather to laugh, cry or shudder in ecstasy. Eden Bradley is an amazing writer. If she doesn't become the next big name in erotica I'll be a monkey's uncle.

She had me on the edge of my seat from page one. Not with the actions, but with the emotions of the characters. Christian and Rowan are an emotional pair that had me teary eyed from the first bondage scene. I could so easily identify with Rowan. Her inner struggles. What it would mean to give up that carefully laid facade to someone that you barely know. Worse, if it all goes wrong, she's the one left to pay the price. There is a moment from her past that she doesn't want to share with him, but, don't we all have secrets that we don't want to part with? Secrets that were just too terrible for us to give over to another? It's her story to tell, so I won't go into it. But, it lays the foundation for an inner struggle that isn't easily relinquished. Rowan was just so real as a heroine, so complex. I loved the way Eden refused to let you out of her head no matter the circumstances.

I've never seen scenes describing subspace in such a literal sense that made you feel raw and open the way Rowan was in this book. It was amazing that you knew the exact moment she gave in without reading that she gave in. That's when you know an author has dragged you in so completely. You've become the character without knowing it. You're drifting on the edge as she is drifting. Her moments written from the Dominant perspective had me panting for more. He's so in tune with her. He learns so quickly what every little breath means, what each move represents, he can read between the lines when she talks to him and he demands without pressuring her, her complete surrender. A more perfect Dominant, I've never seen. He was a beautiful specimen of how a Top should behave. He may have wanted more, he may have wanted to push her further, but you would have never known it because he was doing this for her. It showed in every page, every scene and every emotion. The play scenes in this book, put simply, were powerful. By the end of each scene I was wishing my husband was home and unable to walk because my knees were too weak.

I've read a lot of great books, even through BDSM Reviews, but, I've never been this emotionally involved with the characters. Every time Rowan cried, I cried, when she was happy I was happy. It wasn't the description as much as it was the sheer realness (is that even a word) of her character. Who hasn't had their doubts about the role they have chosen? And that was the valuable lesson she had to learn. This lifestyle is not about choosing who you want to be. It's about sinking into the role that was chosen for you. Eden taught this lesson better than I've ever seen. I hope to see it again.

There is a bonus story to this novel. It's the story of Decker and April. At first it seemed as though they were just going to be a little side note to the story line, but I felt as though they received equal book time. Normally, this bugs me. It'll drag me out of a story and I'll toss the book in the piles of books that I've never finished reading for one reason or another. Decker and April's story was so intriguing and so sweet that I couldn't bring myself to become as frustrated as I generally do. Instead, I felt as though this brought a lighter side to the story that would have been too heavy otherwise.

April is a character that knows who she is and what she wants. She's accepted her submissive side and has found the man she wants to further her education. This man however, has a nasty reputation of playing with a woman once and leaving her behind with her half in love with him. This is a story line you don't want to miss. I found it to be the perfect opposite of Christian and Rowan's story. Plus you get to see a rougher side to BDSM that you would have otherwise missed out on through Rowan's self discovery.

I'm still reeling from this book and probably will be on a high for the next several days. It was everything and more than what I had expected. How Eden Bradley will top this, I don't know, but I definitely want to find out.

Bound By: Sasha White

2007-02-12T09:14:00.000-08:00

Title: Bound
Author: Sasha White
Publisher: Berkley

Score: 5 out of 5

I was told Bound wasn't "really" a BDSM novel. I'd like to state for the record here and now, that Joe is Dominant and Katie is submissive. The rules are different for each individual. Those in this lifestyle actually have lives outside of Dominating and submitting. And believe it or not, sometimes a submissive has a say so in how their life is conducted. This was the beauty of Sasha White's, Bound. It isn't your typical BDSM story line. The characters are going through so much more in their lives besides sexual self discovery. Katie has plans, Joe has plans and they just happened to cross paths at a time in their lives when they needed one another.

First off this novel was written in first person. Which I would like to inform you, I dislike first person. The reason I dislike first person, is you have to be so close to your character that there is almost no distinction any longer between you as the author and your proposed character. Nothing is left out for the reader, not to mention it has to be worded in such an entertaining way that the reader has to give a damn. Ms. White had a huge hill to climb with me to make this story worth my while. I graded this book harder simply because first person is a distraction for me, leaving me open to be more critical. In so doing, she raised my own standards for reading and I won't put a book back just because it's written in first person. She did a wonderful job of getting inside the characters head. I loved reading about Katie and all the tangled mess she got herself into.

Bound is a typical story line. Katie is in a small town trying to get out. She doesn't want to change herself for a man like her mother does. She doesn't want the suffocation of a relationship where she isn't allowed to grow. Most of all, she just wants to go somewhere where everyone doesn't know her. In her quest to do that she catches the attentions of Joe, the security guard at the casino she works for. On a dare she puts on a show for the hot security guard, on the security camera and on the phone. He's instructed her to go home and get ready for him.

Katie loves the control Joe has over her, yet refuses to give up everything. She just wants to be his little slut in the bedroom. Do everything he says in bed, but when playtime is over she wants to go back to her regularly scheduled life. Get out of the small town. Move to a big town. No strings attached relationship. Joe is all to happy to oblige. Katie has a best friend and that best friend is a closet lesbian with a live in girlfriend. As Katie winds her own twisted knot of problems with Joe, her mother and her mother's little secret, her best friend is there to finally tell her like it is. And it isn't pretty when Katie has to finally face herself. She has a lot to overcome and it almost seems like there will be no end. Thankfully, there is always Joe to give her the freedom she seeks.

The sex between Joe and Katie had me reaching for toys I had long put away. Everything was so believable. Sasha stayed in the moment and didn't let up until the scene was over. They are an amazing duo and if they can ever work through their differences, they'd make a great team. This how Bound was not your typical novel. Joe isn't her opponent. They don't argue and fight through out the whole book to build sexual tension. Ms. White had that down to a "t", the problem didn't lie in the relationship. It was Katie. Joe has his own issues, but they are never at each others throats about it. It was a nice break from the usual.

Here is where I feel first person succeeds when done properly. You saw Katie's disbelief in the situation, her own disgust with herself, her indecisiveness. Nothing was left out. Even with the door wide open in the bedroom scenes, this story was more romantic than erotic. The sex was there because that's all Katie craved from her partner, but there is much more going on than sex and sexual behavior.

I'm not going to give away anymore of the story line here. There several little secrets in this book and I think as a reader you shouldn't be privy to them. They need to be discovered by you. Some will make you cringe, others will make you smile. But, what I want you to take from this book is that although a person doesn't want to admit something about themselves it doesn't make it any less so. Katie is your typical closet sub. Only she knows her feelings and she has a hard time admitting them, even to herself. She isn't very willing to let go of the idea that being submissive some how makes her weak. Every true sub I've ever met had more strength than even the most powerful person you can think of. In this case, it makes me wonder about Katie's future and if she'll ever finally let go of her inhibitions.

If it isn't obvious, I'll say it again. Bound is an intriguing novel. Anyone looking for a light read to curl up to, this one is it. I can't wait to read more from this author.

I, Domina by Lanna Morris

2007-02-06T16:41:00.000-08:00

Title: I, Domina
Author: Lanna Morris
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
ISBN: 978-1-60168-024-2
Reviewed By: Heidi Cook
Rating: 4 out of 5

Elizabeth has had enough. Enough of her job, enough of her cheating boyfriend, and enough of anything to do with men and sex. She has decided that it is time to take a stand, time to get even and then some. On the suggestion of a friend she looks into becoming a Dominatrix, and soon finds herself being interviewed by the Madam Samantha, the best dominatrix in the BDSM community of Australia. The only snag is that she has absolutely no experience in BDSM except what she has picked up online; will she be good enough to become as big as she yearns to?

In I, Domina the reader follows Elizabeth around as she gets plunged into the deep end of the BDSM world. It is written in the first person and so everything that Elizabeth experiences the reader does too, in every cringe worthy detail. This book had me in places laughing out loud and then a couple of pages on cringing at Elizabeth’s ineptness.

Lanna Morris has written, at least in the most part, a light hearted BDSM book. Once you get further into the book the reader will witness how Elizabeth’s refusal to take orders gets her into much more trouble then she thought possible, or even legal. In some scenes it is almost painful to watch the interaction that occurs between Elizabeth and the other doms as her resistance causes them to use more force then they would normally use, at least on someone who is so untrained. However as is the theme with this book just a few pages on and you’ll be laughing and cringing again at her antics.

I have mixed feelings about this book, on the one hand I enjoyed the humour that Lanna Morris managed to create with her character but on the other, I felt some of the scenes involving her peers were a bit forced and more then a little harsh; on a least one occasion she is practically tied down and gang-raped by them. Although as a whole this book works and is a very interesting concept, I’ve not read a book that uses the perspective of a trainee before, especially not one so free willed as Elizabeth. This will be an intriguing read for anyone who is already involved within the BDSM scene, however I would strongly recommend those who have never read a BDSM book before, who are easily offended or against the idea of forced sex not to read this book.

Something Unexpected By: Miranda Heart

2007-01-31T18:40:00.000-08:00

Title: Something Unexpected
Author: Miranda Heart
Publisher: Freya's Bower
ISBN: 1-934069-41-8

Reviewed By: Emily Ryan Davis
Score: 4 out 5

“Something Unexpected” is an erotic historical BDSM romance novella (how’s that for a descriptor?) set in the Marquis de Sade’s France. Isn’t every erotic historical BDSM romance novella set in de Sade’s France, you ask? Yeah, I was a little dubious myself. I persevered, however, and am glad I did. The book blurb does not do the tale justice.

At night, Beatrice fantasizes not about her husband to be, but instead about the Marquis’ rumored “adventurous” proclivities. She craves something more than a traditional grandmother’s bride’s bed, and sets out to obtain it before she law and propriety tie her down (no pun intended). Beatrice arranges an opportunity to express her desires to the Marquis, who, with his own motives in mind, agrees to an assignation. The evening with the Marquis leaves her unfulfilled (read it yourself to find out why; true to the title, it’s something unexpected), but the story itself leaves neither Beatrice nor the reader wanting.

Ms. Heart has a good story in “Something Unexpected.” It’s not a perfect work, however. I am not a fan of scenes wherein the heroine masturbates, especially not when she’s doing it as part of a fantasy. I always find myself scoffing and thinking, “That’s not the way I do it.” (But maybe I’m doing it wrong?) Masturbation habits are only a minor thing, though. I’m more of a language person, and I found the language in “Something Unexpected” rough and unsophisticated in places, but in others, the author’s potential for a great handling of words manages to shine through.

The “good story” part shows up in what actually happens to the characters, and between the characters. Ms. Heart packs a wealth of emotional change into “Something Unexpected,” and she successfully nails Beatrice’s insecurity where insecurity should be, fear where fear should be, uncertainty and second-thoughts where they should be. Perhaps more important, however, is that she infuses the hero with the ability to provide reassurance, display strength and harbor concern - all three qualities necessary to distinguish a lovingly dominant man from a carelessly or abusively dominant man.

“Something Unexpected” really is a romance, and not erotica. We don’t see boy and girl meet, but we do see them through a convincing dark moment and a convincing emotional commitment to one another. What I loved about “Something Unexpected,” that had me teary at the end? Beatrice’s hero promises to be everything she never knew she wanted in a man, and everything she thought she would only ever have through secret liasons. She found somebody who completes her.

Love makes me weepy.

In a less powerful, less original story, my nitpicks would have made me a more harsh critic. “Something Unexpected” gets a 4 out of 5 based on the strength of the story itself, the author’s premise (which promised to be unique after all!), and its capacity to make me really stop and think about why it worked.

Puss in Boots By: Lady Midnight

2007-01-26T22:34:00.000-08:00

Title: Puss in Boots
Author: Lady Midnight
Publisher: loveyoudivine
ISBN: 1-60054-039-2

Review By: Miranda Heart

Rating 4 out of 5

Puss in Boots has everything a reader could wish for in a novel. An unsolved murder mystery with a disturbing twist. A closet Female Dominant that is finally able to let her hair down in a display of true Domiance, with a love and devotion to the inner workings of a true masochist. A submissive detective who has impotence issues and a heart of gold. Phenominal scening that could not have been truer to the lifestyle had I been standing there myself and watching. And an ending that made my heart melt.

Lady Midnight was able to create a story here. Not a story about Domination and submission, but a story about true love, loyalty and real life. She has shown readers that those who live this lifestyle also have lives. We also see a side that is not too often shown in BDSM books today. That is, a submissive plays a much deeper role than servent to Mistress. She showed and proved to me that even in ttimes when the Dominant does not feel they are as "strong" as we might believe them to be, that a submissive is strong enough to lead the way. That in itself endeared me to these characters. They are people first.

Margurite is intriguing from the get go. Her father's passing has only weaked her enough to regain the strength she needs to fight against her brother, Peter. Peter has not only allowed the Alphabet Murderer to reside in what is now her home, but he was also the man that raped her when she was a child.

After her father's death she gives into a side of herself that she has kept quiet for too long. Donnel, her body guard, believes her to be inexperienced when he offers himself to her as a practice tool, with her own father's many torture devices. Together they embark on a relationship that fulfills the both of them in ways that sex could never match.

Because Peter has tried tied up her inheritance, Donnel offers her a job as a professional Dominatrice. With the pay that is being offered her, how can she refuse? Little do they know, she is being video taped doing the one thing her therapist told her not to do. Now, her safety and her freedom are at stake and she seems to have no way to convince the judge that her practices are not only normal, but safe, sane and consensual.

All in all I found Puss in Boots to be a fascinating read. The author drew me in at page one. Not only that, but Lady Midnight did a great job in explaining the psychology behind the Female Dominant's mind. Before reading this novel, I did not quite understand them. I can only say, thank you for opening my eyes to a different view.

I had only one true hangup about this story. The head hopping. If it had been characters that were main characters to the story line, I could have over looked this. However, nothing bothers me more or will drag me out of a story quicker than reading a secondary character's mind. The other point to this is, the main characters were so intriguing and had enough of their own problems that it was unnecessary to drag in the thoughts of others.

Even that does not deter me from wanting to read more of what she has written. I look forward to seeing what else she has written for my book shelf.

Golden Man By: Claire Thompson

2007-01-25T23:17:00.000-08:00

Title: Golden man
Author: Claire Thompson
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN # 978-1-4199-0744-9

Reviewed by Heidi Cook

Rating 4.5/5

Eric Méndez is known for being the best dom in the local area, so it is to everybodys surprise, including his own, when he withdraws from the scene because of new boy Johnny Wilson. The young golden boy is the only one Méndez can think about and he will do anything to help Johnny come to terms with his sexuality and his parents’ reaction whilst teaching him to become a graceful sub. As he teaches Johnny, he also finds himself on his own voyage of discovery.

Golden Man is a sequel to Golden Boy in which you first meet Eric and Johnny, however it can be read on its own, though readers may find that it takes a little longer to get into the story this way. Claire Thompson has produced very believable characters, and the reader will follow them both through a period in their lives where they learn much more about themselves then either realised was possible.

Eric Méndez is a psychologist, and Ms. Thompson has used this to explore the psychological reasons behind why people have submissive nature and also what occurs to the person as they go into ‘sub space’. I found the reasoning behind it all very interesting and it certainly allowed me to learn more about my feelings and reasoning behind the urge to be submissive.

The two main themes that Ms. Thompson uses throughout this book are BDSM and the fact that the main two characters are gay. Both of the two have come from totally different backgrounds; Méndez has known that he was gay for a long time, but Johnny is just getting used to his recognition of his feelings and is also coming to terms with the reaction of his family on finding out. Although BDSM is a the main theme of the story it has been written about in such a way that the book becomes more about the characters and how they act and behave then it does about the lifestyle they lead. The book also deals with how the ‘outside’ world views such a lifestyle, and it was interesting to see the conclusions that people draw before finding out the whole story.

The actual BDSM scenes were filled with tenderness and love, and the reader will see Johnny being trained to a high standard, each scene increasing in intensity as the training proceeds with Méndez taking it slowly to allow Johnny to push his boundaries a little at a time. Throughout the book, an incident at a BDSM club is alluded to, the pair plan to go back to the club once training is concluded to prove themselves again. Although incident is not described totally in this book, it is fairly clear that the incident scarred both Eric and Johnny.

Although this book was a m/m story and therefore not the sort that I normally read I did enjoy it. I loved looking in on the characters, seeing them both pushing their boundaries and expanding their knowledge of one another. Although I would recommend reading Golden Boy first, this is a good book for anyone new to the BDSM lifestyle and who would like to learn more.

Nice things to say about BDSM Reviews

2007-01-22T06:56:00.000-08:00

http://naturaldom.blogspot.com/2007/01/recommended-reading-about-reading.html

I asked for the owner of The Natural Dominant to post a link from his site to ours to help garner more sales to writers. He went one better than that and wrote up a review for BDSM Reviews. It made my day and I hope it makes yours.

Take care all

Vandar's War By: Reese Gabriel

2007-01-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

Title – Vandar’s War
Author – Reese Gabriel
Publisher – Ellora’s Cave 2007
ISBN # 9781419907500

Reviewed by – Lanna Morris
Rating – 4.5/5

Vandar’s War is a mouthwatering melange of futuristic, erotic romance and superbly crafted BDSM action.

This is the fifth book in the More Than Male series by Reese Gabriel; the story stands alone but whets the appetite for the other books in the series. Personally, I’ll be grubbing around for the loose shekels and snaffling them up.

Ms Gabriel doesn’t believe in slow buildups. And why would she, when her approach has the reader deeply involved in the immediate, and I mean immediate, conflict between Dr Reeva, a shapely, red haired psychosensologist from the Bureau of Psychosensory Study, and Guardian Commander Vandar, a genetically engineered primale of primales, (or prince of primates, whichever you prefer!) This pair are snapping at each other before you’re halfway down the first page. And it’s well done. Very well done.

For those unfamiliar with the More Than Male series, most humans in this time and place are genetically engineered into:

Primales - warriors with impossibly stiff upper lips and apparently even stiffer dicks under the complete control of their proud owners. These dicks, er sorry, primales, are capable of squirting copious amounts of .. genetic material (I hate the word cum) at will, at temperatures considerably higher than that found in non-primales. Frequently. Domination is bred into their bones and they are biologically and socially engineered to protect the human species. Designed to bond when they so choose, with Obedients, for life. Oh yes, they’re great in the sack, too.

Obedients – beautiful, female and submissive. Exquisitely trained in sexual submission and the giving of pleasure.

Fems – Smart women. Intelligent, scientists and conditioned to avoid Primales. To them, primales are objects of scientific study.

Mems – Smart men. (not a word, Morris, not a word!) Not quite alpha males, apparently. Would like to do considerably more porking of the Fems, but the fems, while tolerant of the mems, aren’t entirely satisfied with ‘em.

The Bad Guys in the book are the Narthians (Bugs) – creepy critters who have a gastronomic penchant for humans a la larval sac. Rare.

Now please bear in mind, that I haven’t read the previous books in the series, so I may have left out some vital characteristic of the above genetically engineered human groups.

Reeva has been sent as a consultant to Vandar’s remote military outpost to report on the prevailing psychosensological conditions. (Insert high-powered, top secret, behind the scenes machinations) Vandar is outraged by the presence of a fem on his well disciplined outpost and the scene is set for the fireworks to follow.

Ms Gabriel has drawn her hero and heroine with a very sure and knowledgeable hand. Both Reeva and Vandar retain character integrity for the duration of the book, no mean feat given the realisations both come to.

The power exchange on the sexual level has been superbly done. Ms Gabriel has given us a heroine with the courage to recognise, in perfect congruence with her profession as a psychosensologist, that she is attracted to the primale Vandar. The beauty of this recognition is in the raw honesty of her sexual response. This heroine is no simpering miss with a virginal reluctance to explore an intrusive, nasty desire. Reeva is sufficiently in touch with herself to acknowledge a raging sexual desire for Vandar, almost from the first contact. The conflict between her desire, yet her professional reason for being there and her determination to achieve her objective is very cleverly done. This is probably the first heroine I’ve ever come across that I didn’t want to shake, or at the very least, give a real fright. If you really want to categorise Reeva, you’d say she was a bedroom submissive. But you’d say it quietly!

Vandar is pure Dominant, yet capable of an emotional response that quite naturally, increases his capacity for Domination and sexual desire.

This is a story of mutual power exchange, synergic in its nature. Reeva freely embraces and acknowledges the effect of the primale’s nature on her, while Vandar conducts his own battle with his growing emotional attachment to Reeva, and the possible negative effect it may have on her. Reeva is not afraid of submission to Vandar; she is well aware of the separation of her submission from her professional ability and her self esteem. Vandar on the other hand, is aware of his desire to claim Reeva, acknowledging that his engineered biological nature to protect and cherish is about to overwhelm him and render him bonded for life to a woman who is not geared to live with the likes of a primale.

Reese Gabriel has demonstrated a beautiful control of her work. She walks an incredibly difficult line between some fairly stern BDSM scenes and romance. Ah yes, nearly forgot the BDSM. Lots of it – spanking, whipping, flogging, nipple clamping, labia clamping and a hint of sensory deprivation. There’s a nice little .. well we won’t call it a twist, but there’s a nice sense of completeness, drawn into a post-coital discussion towards the end of the book.

The plot? I’ve rambled on too long as it is. Get the book and read it. The real story here has already been told. Sure, there’s a bit of battle action with the Bugs which ties the futuristic environment to the story and there are a couple of nicely done flashbacks which serve the same purpose. But give yourselves a treat and enjoy a romantic novel with superbly done BDSM where the true beauty of a D/s relationship and its interdependencies is beautifully told. Brava!

Sylvie’s Gift By: Adrianna Dane

2007-01-17T18:29:00.000-08:00

Title - Sylvie’s Gift
Author - Adrianna Dane
Publisher - Amber Quill Press
ISBN# 1-59279-342-8
Rating - 4.5 out of 5
Reviewed by Kevin

He would have her. Just in the few short hours he’d spent with her, Daimaen knew Sylvie was meant to be his. He sensed that she was fearful, but excited. She was extremely sensitive to his voice, his touch.

Adrianna Dane’s juicy novella Sylvie’s Gift is a wonderfully sensual and erotic read. It traces an arc of awakening and finally submission in the life of powerful executive Sylvie Taylor, who is now running the company that was once her father’s. The story opens with a coltish woman who seems almost unaware of her true beauty, and afraid that revealing what she does know of it will grant those who possess this knowledge some sort of power over her. Little does she know that the truest power yet lay within her, yearning to be released and ultimately mastered.

Sylvie first meets Daimaen Sinclair at a party her best friend Allison drags her to. Allison knows exactly who he is, and what kind of man he is. It is all slowly revealed to Sylvie, once she agrees to take the escape from the party that Daimaen offers her. He guides their first sexual encounter, but only at Sylvie’s request. He gives her what she has never known before – bliss. And he does it while keeping his pants on and tightly zipped up.

We begin to see him control as well as guide her, even during this first encounter. She is compelled as much by her curiosity as her satisfaction to agree to a second encounter. Even before the encounter Sylvie begins to realize that Daimaen has a powerful and commanding way about him, and that she is drawn to it as a proverbial moth to the flame. All this despite her growing realization that he is a Dom. She comes to this through further discussion with her best friend, who is open with Sylvie about her own sexual predilections. Allison shares some of what she knows about Daimaen, and the knowledge does not dampen Sylvie’s undeniable desire for him.

Daimaen begins to push the envelope of their budding relationship with a sailing voyage on their second encounter. Daimaen slowly begins to draw Sylvie toward a greater depth of knowledge about what truly thrills and excites her. Here Dane’s story is an excellent demonstration of how the exchange of power begins inside the submissive. Marvelous possibilities, both sensual and emotional, open up for Sylvie when she begins to explore the freedom of opening up completely to someone who pushes her to become intimate with her deepest desires, and will do anything to protect them as well as her. But first there must be demonstrable trust between them, and Daimaen begins to build it, even as he weaves his web of mastery over her without lifting his own hand.

It becomes apparent as the story moves on that their relationship has become even more deeply D/s. But this is implied, rather than explicit. We never see them making love. We never see Sylvie being bound, or disciplined in any way by her Master. Still, it becomes obvious that she has given herself over to him.

Then the story takes a dramatic turn. Sylvie’s very life is put into peril, and Daimaen rushes back from out of town to (hopefully) save her. Here we see their relationship deepen further after she is released from the hospital. In the pivotal scene in their relationship, we find Sylvie fearful of Daimaen after having driven him to a moment of anger. She is afraid that he could become physically abusive, as she remembered her father with her mother. He demonstrates to her that his control over himself is every bit as great as that which he extends over her. Her complete trust is finally won.

Finally we see the Master and his sub have a fully sexual encounter. Although it is a bit tame from a bondage standpoint, this next encounter is nonetheless torrid enough to peel the paint from the walls. Mentally and emotionally, Sylvie is already bound to her Master. He doesn’t need much to physically demonstrate this to her. But he still must protect her one last time.

The rest of the storylines are resolved as Sylvie and Daimaen prevail over those who endangered her. The slightly predictable twist at the end of the story, but not enough to spoil the story. As the story closes, Daimaen proves once and for all that he is Master of all facets of Sylvie’s life, going so far as to help bring her a bit of closure with her past. We can safely assume that the spankings will continue until behavior is perfected. But never too perfect. As a piece of fiction, this novella is a very good read.

As a piece of erotic fiction, it is paced perfectly, and well worth the read. As a piece of BDSM fiction, it possesses enough elements to hold ones kinky interest. The psychological and emotional aspects of a D/s relationship are thoroughly explored here. I recommend it enthusiastically.

Season's Spankings By: Evangeline Anderson

2007-01-17T07:39:00.000-08:00

Title – Season’s Spankings
Author – Evangeline Anderson
Publisher – Ellora’s Cave
ISBN # 1-4199-0867-7
Reviewed By: Lanna Morris
Rating – 2.5 out of 5

Despite the intriguing title, this is not really a spanking story. Season’s Spankings is a tried and true formula story – Dominant boss and ‘not yet aware of submissive nature’ sexy, female colleague. It’s an old theme but always good for a bit of light, escapist reading. Ms Anderson has written a sizzling erotic romance with a spanking utilised as foreplay. She has done it very well with an astute eye to mainstream romantica-reader requirements, and a somewhat tongue-in-cheek approach to the naming of her main characters.

Lucky Starr is a smart girl working as an accountant. She’s efficient, productive and has an itch that needs scratching. Specifically by her boss, Eric Payne. Lucky (short for Lucinda) is a supremely confident little minx with a ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em attitude’ towards the lover du jour. She knows her strengths, is aware of her impact as an incredibly sexy woman, and has not the smallest intention of ever being locked into a relationship. She gets bored very quickly, has no illusions as to the long term nature of her conquests, and plans on flushing Eric out of her life by New Year. She also has a cat that … nah, you’ll have to read the story. (Note to author – discipline the bloody cat next time!)

So, Lucky is on a mission. She’s after her very own special Christmas present – Eric’s cock. Eric, however, has not taken any notice of her (so Lucky thinks), despite a really good work effort. (Hmm. Not surprising, really. When was the last time you got horny over a list of Accounts Receivable?) Lucky changes her strategy and decides to make some deliberate mistakes on a major client’s account, which certainly gets Eric’s attention. (Good move, girl! Nothing stirs an accountant’s blood like an accounting error!)

This is a lovely, fluffy, predictable little read. It has a rather hot’n’nasty fantasy scene in the early part of the book, which whets one’s appetite for the spanking promised by the title. It has all the required elements of a spanking novella, being (not necessarily in order of importance) brat, Dominant alpha male, brat being unaware of her true submissive nature, denial when confronted with her true nature and an unsubtle use of blackmail from the alpha despite the aforementioned brat’s howls of protest. Oh, and the hero has a big vital statistic. There is a twist to the story, and it’s an interesting one, which I’d have loved to have seen developed a little further.

Season’s Spankings is a pleasant way to fill in an hour. Erotic romance readers will love this book, vanilla ladies with a penchant for exploring their inner submissive will enjoy it and spankos will feel a bit let down. But give it to someone you’d like to spank and see if you get a nibble. It may just do the trick.

A Game of Dress Up By: Elliot Mabeuse

2006-12-29T21:58:00.000-08:00

Title: A Game of Dress Up
Author: Elliot Mabeuse
Publisher: Elloras Cave 2006
ISBN: 1-4199-0838-3

Rating 5 out of 5

Elliot Mabeuse has written an in depth look at the naughty school girl fantasy. Vanassa enjoys playing dress up, but her dress up fun goes all wrong when Mr. Taylor comes into the house and finds her dressed up like a slut. She can't explain herself without giving herself away. Afterall, who wants to tell anyone that they dress like this only to play out a love scene in their head and masterbate? Mr. Taylor (Rob) could not be more turned on by her outfit and proceeds to take her on a ride that she won't soon forget.

There wasn't much to dislike about this story if you look at it through the characters eyes. Upon opening the file I was a little red in the face, I felt as though I had stepped into someone's fantasy that I didn't belong in. When Mr. Taylor shows up she is constantly telling him no no, but her body continuously shouts yes, yes. It sits in the middle of was this rape or not? But, you have to keep reading and you have to have a deeper understanding of the situation. This is a fantasy story. From start to finish A Game of Dress Up is not based on reality. What is your deep dark fantasy? There usually isn't much reason to it, nor discussion of how it'll be played out. It just is and everything goes right without having to explain yourself.

For Vanessa it seems to be that man who comes through the door and dispite her protests turns her from the young woman she feels like now, into a mature woman who understands sexual desire. He forces himself upon her, and pushes until he hears her moans and her body go limp against his. Then he strips her of her pride and her clothes and takes her until she's begging him not to stop. As with anyone who doesn't understand their own fantasies she feels guilty and dirty afterwards. Then, later agrees to his games. She dresses in the clothes he asks her, then demands her to wear. All the while she's saying, no Mr. Taylor, this is wrong Mr. Taylor, yet, she can't deny the fact that she loves the way it feels to be forced into doing naughty, sometimes even dirty, activities for a man that believes her to be the most attractive woman out there.

The story progresses this way for a while, Rob finds more ways they could meet and then even spend the night together. He can't get enough of her, he's infatuated with her, and sometimes I even wondered if it was a healthy attachment he felt for her. Both of them know that the age difference is wrong, yet neither of them can seem to do anything about it. Finally, Vanessa has had her fill.

It happened when he booked them both a hotel, he dreesed her in the shortest tightest dress he could find, puts on her make up for her, then makes her wear a vibrating egg inside her for a night of gambling. He sends her off to the slot machines by herself and while she's playing he's turning the egg on and off keeping her just on the edge of orgasm. During her play another man shows up and begins talking to her. He's just as excited about the slot machines as she seems to be. Rob, on the other hand isn't so thrilled to see someone else enter the picture and quickly removes Vanessa to a different part of the gambling facility. The men exchange a few words, but nothing happens.

He takes Vanessa dancing and holds her through her orgasms. When he has had his fill of public play he takes her back to his room and gives her a night that she had never even dreamed of having. He binds her hands and attaches the rope to the ceiling. Then pulls out a crop and sends their relationship to the next level. She has never had any of these things done to her before and she is too lost in lust to even try to tell him no for real. Afterwards, he has his way sexually with her and they both fall into bed exhausted and sleep.

Vanessa has other plans however, she has school first thing in the morning and she has to find a way to get across town by bus. She's had enough. Enough of lying to her mother about where she is at, enough of not understanding her overwhelming feelings and enough of being treated like a whore. She leaves him a note on her way out. At the elevator she meets the man from the night before. And if she thought she felt dirty before she better think again. This guy is even creepier than the man she's been with.

Throughout the first half of the book there is a very definite feel of older man, younger woman. So much so I really had to question her age at first. As she grows that age gap feeling goes away and is slowly replaced by a feeling that this woman truly has grown into a mature adult. At first I was creeped out by that feeling. I kept saying Elliot went too far. He should be more careful how he chooses his words. But, then I had to wonder why I didn't put this book down until it was finished. I sat at my computer for four hours and read and read until the last page. So, I came to this conclusion. Elliot Mabeuse knows what he's doing. You feel just as dirty and wrong as she does. I was appalled, yet hot at the same time over Mr. Taylor. He took her fantasy to the next step as anyone who is aware of their partner's fantasies should. He made them real and incorporated his own twists in there to keep her on her toes. So on the one hand I kept saying this is wrong, then I started looking at it from a fantasy point of view and it was a very hot story. I had a little bit of a problem with Mr. Taylor not telling and explaining how Vanessa feels. Why she feels the way she does. What causes her to act the way she does. It's great to be demanding. But, if you want to take on the "who's your daddy" role with someone you should be there to ease their fears. That said, I think if he had explained it all to her it would have killed the conflict in the book. Therefore, I can't really complain about it.

At first glance this book is NOT a BDSM novel. As in the same twisted sense of the whole book it is. It isn't the toys that make it about Domination and submission and it isn't the role playing. It's that point where she trusts him enough to do what he says. Once he refuses to take no for an answer he is able to take her places that she has never been before. After all, isn't trust the most important part of Domination and submission? If she didn't trust him she wouldn't bother to continue to meet him. These two might not use the term Dom and sub, even though slave is used a few times in Vanessa's mind. But, she submits to his wishes, every single time. I think Elliot covered that part very well. The tone and pace of the book were set perfectly to match the circumstances. The writing draws you in and refuses to let up until the last page. Elliot tied in the sex with the plot perfectly, making the sex integral to the story line. Without it he would have had no story. As a reader I understood her attraction to him and his attraction to her. Where most of us would skim over all the interesting details of a fantasy for fear of rejection, he laid it all out in the open. He left nothing out, from her secret inner workings, he covered her uncertainties and guilt, instead of just covering the fun parts. Elliot swung the door wide open and exposed every deep dark secret of this fantasy. I can appreciate and respect that in a writer.

Pink Ribbon by Jude Mason

2006-12-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: Pink Ribbon
Author: Jude Mason
Publisher: Venus Press
ISBN: 1-59836-361-1
Genre: BDSM erotic fiction
Publication Date: 2006
Rating: 4.5 of 5

In this short piece, Rick is a sub, and his wife, Cass, is his Domme. I have to say that it is a pleasure to read a well-done Domme piece, and this one fit the bill.

There is so much good about this piece that I hardly know where to begin. The story is written from Rick’s point of view, which is interesting. I wasn’t sure how well that would work for me, being mainly in the male character’s point of view, but it worked surprisingly well. The story begins with a little scene that sets the tone for the story, and there is a clear indication that there is a delineation between roles in the outside world and roles in the relationship. Rick is high-powered in his day-job, and has chosen, very explicitly chosen, to give all control to Cass in their relationship. Being in his point of view, you see the dichotomy of his day job versus his relationship, and it creates a nice dynamic for the story, as well as really investing the reader in the characters. Cass, as the Domme, is commanding and in charge, but still caring. Over the course of the story, it is clear that the communication between Cass and Rick is very good, and that Cass is clearly aware of Rick’s limits and respects them. She takes the dominant role in every sense in the relationship, including protecting him when he is in the submissive role. This is a nice departure from the stereotypical heartless Valkyrie who often appears in Domme stories.

Two main things about the story made it less than perfect for me. The first is the lack of background. I really would have liked to see more information on how Rick and Cass came to where they are in their relationship, which seems to be fairly new, at least in terms of Domme/sub. The second issue is confusion in the time line of the story. At the beginning of the story, Rick is caged and is recalling how he got there. The recall begins with him in the cage, and moves from there. However, Rick says that when he is sent to the cage at the end of the story that it is the first time in the cage. This inconsistency is extremely jarring, and is the main thing that keeps me from rating the story higher.

In short, I would say that this is one of the best Domme stories I have read in quite some time, and is well worth reading. If you are looking for a break from the stereotype, one with good characterization and excellent dynamics between the characters, this is definitely a story for you.

Lady Dragon By: JJ Giles

2006-12-21T21:44:00.000-08:00

Title: Lady Dragon
Author: JJ Giles
Publisher: loveyoudivine2006
Catagory: Contemporary
Content: M/M, F/F, Master/slave, BDSM, incestual behavoir, heavy bondage, implied rape

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

There is so much to say about Lady Dragon, that I am at a loss of where to start. This novel is a very deep and involved story. This book sets you up for the several that are to follow and just when you think it can't get anymore confusing, any deeper, JJ takes you to another level that you never thought existed. In the end she makes every page before make sense and are satisfied with her ending.

What I enjoyed most was the way that she pulled you into each character. There were aspects that you loved and hated of each one. Even the most hated of them all, Phillipe, you understand a little better by the end of the book. This is a sign of a very talented writer. JJ has an imagination that stretches beyond the usual BDSM tale. For that I thank her. A story of this nature has been something I personally have been searching for.

That is not to say this story is for the faint of heart. Lady Dragon, is dark, mysterious and down right shocking at times. JJ searches out any of your limits and pushes them, sometimes gently, sometimes forcefully, to make you accept where the author is sending you. After awhile I accepted where I was being taken and enjoyed the outcome. Not every scene is designed for the sexual pleasure of the characters involved. This is a tale of Masters and slaves. The Masters understand what their slaves seek. The slaves seek the redemption and healing. No one can deliver that better than Master. In showing these aspects she showed me a deeper level of submission than what one can find just in the bedroom.

The areas that I had a hard time adjusting to, were the POV switches and the lack of sensory detail. The POV switches I did get into the groove of. As a writer and a reader I find it difficult to truly understand a character that I am not allowed to fully engross myself in for a scene. That said I did get into the voice of the writer because she did know her characters so well. Looking back on it now, I don't believe it would have done this book well to have been written in the textbook sense of writing. Some things just should not have been revealed so soon. JJ is not a writer that portrays stories through visual detail. Instead she chooses to grasp onto emotions. Not the characters emotions but, your emotions. She writes her scenes in the moment and though she will easily give a short detail of what a person looks like or what is going on in a scene, she saves the details for the reader. By doing so, it captured me emotionally more than visually. This is something that is not done very often, so again I struggled for a few chapters before realizing this and then quickly caught up to her style. The final problem I had was the amount of drug and alcohol use. This is a personal preference of mine and although it fits the story line, they are two things I steer clear of in this lifestyle. However, I know I'm not necessarily the norm, so you decide.

The actual point of this book begins over 300 years before the story actually begins. Backstory is interwoven through riveting dialogue that drags you to the edge of your seat with your eyes wide in fascination. Just the sheer idea that anyone's mind could work in such a way to weave this story was mind blowing. Each character is fighting a battle that began long before the bodies they reside in today. Still, this story does not somehow fit under the heading of paranormal or fantasy. This story fits very well into a contemporary setting.

Sean is the lead character in Lady Dragon, he is fighting so many demons he doesn't even know where to start. There is the demon of his first wife, Claudia, a memory that he wishes he could get away from. Then there is the love he feels for his Master, Phillipe, yet Phillipe has shown no interest in three years. Sending him to live at his estate. There, he has fallen into a deep depression that marijuana and alcohol do not seem to assuage. He is called back into duty by a man he hates more than anything, to do a job he wants to be away from desperatly. This is his last Entrant, his final slave to train and then he's done and can be reunited with his Master. This is what brings him to open the file. The file of the pictureless Entrant, Mary Jo Mason. Curious he seeks to read more and comes across an entry from his own book, Lady Dragon. His life only worsens when he meets her. She is the splitting image of his first wife and he mistakes her as just that through out the whole book.

This is where the book takes it's first big turn. You see, The Acadamy has available to it, the resources to clone people. Thereby making anything that seems odd, somehow normal. It would not have been impossible for Phillipe to have cloned Claudia, except that Phillipe hates Claudia with a passion. So here is your first delimma. Believe Sean, who has gone crazy, or seek out how that could be impossible. Sean spends the rest of the book trying to make sense of the new world he has been thrust into with Mary Jo Mason.

Sean is also still dealing with the loss of his brother and father. Phillipe scooped him up just as his brother took a turn for the worse and developed cancer. His new Master soothed the pain of his loss and taught him all he needed to know to become a Foreman and prepared him for his eventual coronation. In the process, he made him a prisoner in his own home, put him in charge of a responsiblity that very few can find solace in and then left him to his own devices. A man under this sort of emotional strain can not possibly function as well as he did.

He takes many twists and turns in coming to terms with Phillipe's delusions, the idea that Mary Jo is a hermaphodite that was or was not cloned. Moving past his ex-wife that he never felt he would be able to do. And getting to know family members that he never knew existed. In the process he meets a man named Barry, personally, I dislike Barry, but you decide for yourself. These two have a fast growing love for one another, just as Barry comes to terms with being gay.

There is such a psychological depth to Lady Dragon, that there is not enough space or time for me to break it all down to explain it. Lady Dragon, is a worth while read and is going on my keeper shelf. Literally. It was such a large book it was sent to me through mail. I say this from experience, this is a book that you will want to hold in your hand and take everywhere you go. It was a novel to be savored not skimmed through. If you miss even a paragraph you could have missed the whole point of a scene. You know these characters so thoroughly by the end of the book, that like or dislike them you still want and need to know what happens next. I hope there is another to follow soon because these characters will stick out in my head for years to come.

Thank you JJ Giles for such an intellectual read.

Eternal Bonds: An Erotic Anthology

2006-12-15T06:04:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: Eternal Bonds
Authors: Lauren Mills, Rachel McIntyre, Amber Hipple, K.M. Hoover, jules, Ann Cory, D.L. King, Erich Mass, Danae Klimt, Destiny West, Pat Harvey, Edwin Morrow, and Jude Mason
Publisher: Logical-Lust Publications
ISBN: 1-905091-07-9
Genre: BDSM erotic fiction
Publication Date: 2005
Rating: 3.5 of 5

This anthology contains fourteen short stories with a strong BDSM theme. As with all anthologies, some offerings are much stronger than others. Of course, the main benefit to an anthology of this type is that all the stories are BDSM themed, and there is something for nearly everyone.

The strongest pieces of the anthology were, in my opinion, the stories by Harvey, Klimt, and the two pieces by Morrow. The Harvey piece was very hot and extremely engaging. The internal dialogue allowed by the first person narrator made this piece work – without it, the piece would have fallen flat. It is one of the few pieces I would say absolutely needed to be in first person, and the author does it well. The Klimt piece was beautiful in concept and execution, with somewhat florid and formal prose that was completely keeping with the theme of the piece. The two Morrow pieces are connected (I must admit to wondering why they were split into two stories), and are a rare example of both well-done sub perspective and well-done Dom perspective. As an added bonus, there is some nice Japanese rope bondage in these pieces, and the ending to the second story is very clever.

There were a number of good pieces with some weaknesses. The Mills piece was hot, but the Dom wasn’t terribly convincing to me. There were also some prose issues – switching points of view and some dialogue issues – that pulled me out of the story. The McIntyre piece is nice, with very hot scenes, but the ending seemed a bit abrupt to me. The Hipple piece was a lovely – really good – thought piece inside subspace for a bit more hard core sub. There was a bit of topping from the bottom in this piece, and it wasn’t so much hot as interesting. The piece by jules is not so much sexy as sweet, and some editing issues pulled me out of the piece. The King piece is a nice Domme piece, but the weird history bits distract from the main story – I really did not need to hear about her mother. Also, the disconnect between the expectations of the sub and the intentions of the Domme are a little sad. The Hoover piece was jumpy, and could have used more dialogue rather than narrative. The lack of world-building in this piece bothered me some, but there was a completely hot scene that made up for some of the weakness of the story. The Mass piece had a nice bit of history and was an interesting story, but the characters just didn’t come alive for me, and the lack of sympathy/empathy for any characters snapped the tension of the story for me.

The weakest offerings in this anthology, in my opinion, were the pieces by Cory, West, and Mason. The Cory piece is rife with euphemisms, odd sentence structure, and strange punctuation, all of which pulled me out of the scenes. Additionally, there is a large amount of topping from the bottom, and the use of the term slave here is odd, as she is clearly not only not a slave, and does not seem to even be truly submissive. The Mason piece is an interesting idea, but the execution goes awry. The action moves back and forth in real-time and some kind of fugue state (not subspace – a true alternate reality) for the sub, which is disconcerting, especially when the author starts adding flashbacks to past lives and tosses in vampirism to boot. Additionally, my willing suspension of disbelief only extends so far, and this story moved right out of bounds for what I am willing to believe as even fantasy realistic. Finally, the West story is the weakest offering of the entire anthology. Not only does the author revert to a cop-out stereotype by equating the Domme with Satanism, but the use of the second person point of view here is a poor choice – especially given the use of Satanism in the story. Frankly, the use of second person here is probably what killed the story for me, because there was no way I was identifying with the role assigned to me as the reader.

I would recommend this anthology for people looking for a lot of variety. There is a lot from which to choose, and most of it is good.

Corporate Seduction by Bridget Midway

2006-11-22T08:25:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: Corporate Seduction
Author: Bridget Midway
Publisher: Midnight Showcase
ISBN: 1-411676106
Genre: BDSM erotic fiction
Publication Date: 2006
Rating: 4 of 5

There are a number of things to like about this twist on the story of the office romance. The first is that the author doesn’t take the easy road for the plot development of the book. Instead, she makes an effort to give us something a little different. A second thing to like about this book is that many of the conventions of the BDSM lifestyle are incorporated into the story. At one point, the Mistress of the club is extraordinarily clear about the role of power and power play in BDSM, and is also very clear about how rules are to be followed. A third thing to like about this book is the wealth of variety in the backgrounds of the characters. I appreciate having characters cross social, economic, and cultural lines. It makes reading much more entertaining.

There are, however, a few things which keep this book from being as fabulous as it could be. The main problem lies in characterization. May, the main female character, vacillates between resentful and repressed and confident and strong. Win, the main male character, likewise vacilates among dour stuffed shirt, imposing Dom, and stressed executive looking for a little release. The inconsistency creates fits and starts in the growth of the characters, which is a bit distracting. Another difficulty for me was the characters engaging in actions which I would consider unacceptable – violating the stated boundaries of a sub, for example, or engaging in punishment while supremely angry. However, the fantasy element of the scenarios takes the edge off of the behavior in the context of the story.

The story is interesting, the scenes are engaging, and the plot is anything but pat. Aside from the difficulties mentioned above, this work is well-crafted and shows a considerable amount of thought and consideration for the BDSM lifestyle. All of that together makes this a book worth reading – and enjoying.

Wulf: Tales of the Chosen

2006-11-10T12:32:00.000-08:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: Wulf: Tales of the Chosen
Author: Kayelle Allen
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
ISBN: 1-59578-282-6
Genre: BDSM erotic fiction, sci-fi/fantasy, M/m, e-book
Publication Date: 2006

Rating: 4 of 5

This is Luc’s story. Okay, truthfully, the story is primarily Wulf’s story, but the story exists because of Luc’s position in the Chosen series. Let us be clear, then, that this is a part of a larger series. This story can be read alone, but it takes some time to get up to speed on the slang, the characters, and the world the author has built.

That said, I thought the world-building for this story (and, by extension, the world for the series) is very well-developed. The author’s web site offers maps and some other goodies to round things out, if the reader is so inclined. The characters of Luc and Wulf are well drawn, and the supporting characters are interesting in their own right. I was particularly intrigued by Luc’s android servant McDoth and by Wulf’s friend Feeyona. There are a number of interesting little ideas thrown into the world Ms. Allen has created, each of which contributes to the overall fullness of the world in which she sets these tales.

The story is a well-written romance, but has a few rough spots. This romantic tale is sweet with a dominant edge. There is practically no pain play – the only thing approaching it is a single spanking scene – and the Dom element is somewhat erratic. Luc, the Dom, exhibits ruthlessness in many areas, and the character is generally portrayed as dominant in all areas of his life. However, there are several instances in which Luc’s Dom persona struck me as more façade than reality. The other real issue I ran into with this story was a lack of resolution of some elements. Truthfully, I don’t know if these are elements that have been addressed in other books in the series, but they crop up in this story and are left without resolution, which is a bit jarring. Especially in romances, the reader expects resolution of all of the major relationship problems – and this story leaves at least one hurdle (a secret held by one of the characters) completely unresolved.
Even so, the story had very strong points, and is definitely worth reading. The plot produced unexpected twists which kept the pace lively, the characters were exceptionally well done, and the setting was different and interesting. The relationships among the characters are very human – sweet, sad, angry, romantic, and, most of all, true. That is the heart of this story, and it is why I enjoyed reading it.

Unbound Commitment By: Sierra Cartwright

2006-11-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

Unbound Commitment
By: Sierra Cartwright
Published by: Ellora's Cave 2006
ISBN: 1-4199-0823-5

Rating 5 out of 5

As a woman in charge in her business, Rachel finds her secret longings for submission to be strange. Without her best friend Cindy she never would have gotten herself into this. The experience of being a slave for the next six days to a very tough Master that only goes by the name of Sir James. So with the help of her friend she calls him.

He isn't as game as she is, and so the next three weeks are spent on the phone. He commands actions from her and like a dutiful slave she obeys them. After a time, Rachel begins to push for a meeting. She needs this, she craves this. But she certainly wasn't prepared for this. Giving up everything of who she was before accepting her position as slave. But, how hard can six days be? Bat her eye lashes, get all pouty. The way she's done with every other male in her life to get ouf of doing things she didn't want to do. Oh, the surprise she has when he walks through the door of his Colorado cabin and she is standing insted of kneeling, answering her phone instead of waiting on his command. And for the first time in her life she trembles with regret.

He thought he was getting an experienced slave. He thought the problems he had with Mechelle were going to dissipate with another slave. He thought he hadn't misjudged yet another woman. He thought wrong. Rachel is nothing that she says she was. She is untrained, unprepared and too self centered to be a slave. As much as he hates the idea of taking on someone that obvious lacks skill and training, he seems drawn to her perserverance. So he agrees to the next six days. He isn't going to let her get away with her deceit. She will pay the price for what she has done. He is a demanding slave owner and will take nothing less than complete and total submission. Like everything, his Dominance is going to come at a price. And he isn't very willing to pay that price.

The next six days are the most grueling for Rachel and Sir James. Her limits with herself are tested and his patience is tested from minute one. Rachel fights to give up her own self-reliance. She tries desperatly to understand his commands, the uncomfortable positions and those damned enemas. Before she is fully aware of it, she begins to understand it. Through it all Sir James offers her the keys to her car, offers her to use her safeword. She can back out any time. She can leave him before he leaves her. So when the time comes she has a choice to make. Give it all up for him or go back to her regularly scheduled life. For the life of her, she has no idea which one she wants.

At the time that I opened this story and saw the word slave, the hair on the back of my neck stood on end, I crossed my arms over my chest and scowled at my screen. I did not want to turn down another novel. I continued to read. By the end of page one I was laughing at the easy conversation between Rachel and Cindy. Rachel's perception of slavery. I think I even said aloud once or twice... oh boy this girl has no idea what she's about to get into. Because, if Sir James was anything like that description I would be quaking in my boots.

The best part about it. Sierra Cartwright delivered. She wrote a real life Master and slave story. She left nothing out, all the horrible duties we like to sheild our eyes from were in this book. I can't stress enough how real this was. Her talent with words astounded my senses. She left out a full description of Sir James, to allow the reader to picture who they wanted James to be. She left out a full description of Rachel leaving it open to make Rachel who the reader wanted Rachel to be. So the hottest celebrity in Hollywood and I went on an adventure I won't soon forget. Most of her imagry was in the form of dialogue. This normally would have thrown me off, left me confused, but she stayed in the moment. There was very little time for outside thoughts. The scenes weren't suddenly stopped to reminisce or to feel. By staying in the moment, I had no choice but to stay in the moment and enjoy the roller coaster of emotions that filled her story.

Although, I enjoy all aspects of this story, there are certain parts that stand out as above the rest. The natural flow of events helped to drag me deeper into it. I was able to walk through the rooms with this couple. Go through the steps of their everyday life. Sir James even did dishes. At Rachel's moment of change it fit, it was natural. Her outburst was only expected, considering the amount of emotional stress she had been through with Sir James. As a reader I was never concerned with what might happen next, I was just happy to be have been invited in. If I were to match the flow with what he was trying to teach her, I must say if it wasn't done intentionl then I read too much into things. Throughout the whole story James is constantly telling Rachel, be in the moment. Stop focusing so much on the outside and focus on the inside. In this book you have no choice but to be in the moment. Never once does she send you anywhere else. Best of all, I was looking forward to how she might please him next.

Rachel is your typical, I can do it my way, have it my way kind of girl. While secretly she longs to submit it all to the one man that can accomplish this difficult task, inside she is afraid that this might happen. Past relationships have taught her that the ultimate submission she seeks is strange and weird. She is painted as a freak by her exhusband. At the time that this opporunity arises with Sir James, she is in a dead end boring relationship with a man that treats her like gold. What could be more annoying than dating a man who doesn't want to give you a spanking?

What I liked best about Rachel is that although she wants this and is afraid to get it, she refuses to leave no matter how difficult. She knows she needs this despite her own misgivings. She was a character that it was easy to get into the pace of, understand her mind. She made normal mistakes. Her body ached the way it would carrying out positions she had never done before. I cried when she cried, laughed when she laughed, bit my nails when I saw she was about to get into big trouble, covered my eyes in a few places as truly this woman would not just shut up sometimes. And most of all, I wanted to be Rachel. Ms. Cartwright actually made me want to walk in someone elses shoes. By the end of the story Rachel is anything but typical. She is a determined woman and she won't stop at anything to get what she needs in life.

Sir James is another story all together. He's tough. No is not in his vocabulary for his slave. He expects and will receive nothing less than complete submission. And he does it in a way that the slave does not and can not say no to. And nothing is more hot than a man you can't say not to. James at all times has Rachel's best interest at heart. He never asks for more than she can give. No matter if she believes she can't do it. Because he took the time to understand Rachel, because he understands himself, he is able to build a confidence in his slave.

He has patience and respect for his slave. There were many times that he was not just Rachel's Master but he was also her friend. He inquired about her past, her life, where she saw herself. He delved into her fantasies and found the reasons for those fantasies. Knowing what was in her head helped to define how he would direct their play. This went a long way in my book. A man who can decipher a woman's needs through actual conversation says much about a man.

They sat down to dinner and breakfast. To keep her on her toes he would stop their simple conversation and command an action. He made it clear that at all times he was the Master, even when it seemed as though he was just a friend. Even though he wants all of Rachel, there are parts of him that are not open. Areas of himself he won't let Rachel into. This creates a conflict for the both of them. He knows that without opening up to her about himself and his past, that he doesn't stand a chance of having more from her.

The play scenes between James and Rachel are amazing. At all times James was very aware of what Rachel was going through. It did not deter him from his decisions. I was amazed at how I actually cried at the end of their first scene. Rachel was so vulnerable, so open it left me in tears and utterly exhausted. In turn this only heightened my respsect for James as a Master. Their final scene where he makes her fantasy come true brought a sweet smile to my face. I have never seen anything like that before in any of my readings.

To finally sum up the story, this was probably the most beautiful Master and slave story I have ever had the opportunity to read. Anyone looking for a real life look into this lifestyle would do well to purchase this book. Sierra Cartwright is an author with her own voice and an open imagination. Thank you Ms. Cartwright, I couldn't put your book down it was that entertaining.

Reviewed by: Miranda Heart

Topping Tora By: Laura Bacchi

2006-11-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

Topping Tora
By: Laura Bacchi
Published By: Liquid Silver Books 2006
ISBN: 1-59578-294-X

Rating: 5 out of 5

If it had not been for her best friend Sasha, Tora never would have found herself auctioned off at Club Xotica. The club that she decided she would be someone's bottom for six days. That someone happened to be Jovan, who did everything in his power to be there that week so that he could purchase her and have the opportunity of a lifetime to Top her. There is no way that Tora is going to let him, her rival, Top her. He steals leads right out from under her, he thinks he's better than she is and for the life of her she could never stop thinking about him.

Now they are stuck with each other for the next six days. On the first night she tries to resist him, does everything in her power to uphold her snarky personality. Yet, nothing phases him and she quickly realizes that topping from the bottom was not what she signed up for. So, she submits. She agrees to this week with him, knowing that after this week is up they would both have had their fill of one another, get it out of their systems and return to work without so much as a smile in passing.

At least that is what they both expect to happen. Their fun week quickly spins out of control when they find a dead body. Then Tora wants to have a Dominant with more skill, more control. They meet someone who she feels could give her all that and more. He does, in more ways than she could have ever imagined. But, when she's kidnapped, Jovan and Tora's worlds are turned upside down and they are met with their biggest challenges yet. If only she survives this ordeal will they ever get to find out.

I finished this book some hours ago and I'm still at a loss for words. To say this book was the best book I've read in five years would be putting it mildly. Laura has a talent that is far above any writer I have probably ever read. The best part about her writing is how it relates to us as individuals.

Jovan, the Dom of the story made mistakes. He gave her a spanking with a paddle and actually missed his target and hit her thigh instead. He was unsure of himself, his skills, his ability to have Tora submit to him. This keeps him from making the stern decisions about her bratty behavoir that he should have been making. Normally, this would have annoyed me, but instead this made me build a relationship with him. He's real. And I don't even have to tell you that he is sexy.

Tora was your typical newbie bottom. She thought the best way to get what she wanted was by behaving bratty. How could she not believe that when Jovan delivered at every turn. This is what brought me closer to Tora. Her secret yearnings to submit to someone much more powerful than herself are finally revealed and she is as scared as a new born kitten. She has no idea how to properly behave and even if she did, her confidence around Jovan plummets. She has set him on such a high pedastal in her mind that she fights him at every turn. Because, no one can top Tora. With the introduction of Pieter, she does find that she can submit as long as she has a firm hand. I couldn't help but identify with her. She's in control, she has an answer for everything and no matter how badly she wants something she can't seem to keep her mouth shut.

The other part that made these two so believable to me was the dialogue. Ms. Bacchi must have truly gone over their dialogue a thousand times out loud to have determined exactly what would have been said. At no time did I feel like any of the characters were pushing to say the right thing. And her visuals. At times they had me running for a cold shower and others they had me clutching my stomach. All I have to say is read the scene with the fly. Amazing. Utterly amazing. Last but never least was the way she drew me in emotionally, in several places through out the book I just wanted to cry. When the antagonist finally showed his true colors I wanted to scream at my book. And when the club owners called everyone slaves I just wanted to laugh. Their lack of knowledge showed the true reasons why they opened this club. And it wasn't because they believed in this lifestyle.

There were two other characters in Topping Tora that deserve attention. Pearl and Elena. Pearl is at the beginning of the book that shows Tora how to actually give an orgasm to a woman. She's your everyday seen it all a thousand times sorta gal. Yet, because of her helpfulness, her eagerness to see to the well being of her guests, she truly stands out above your normal staff member. She is there from beginning to end and she forms a bond with Jovan and Tora that neither of them will ever forget. Then, there is poor Elena. She is a character that is only there towards the end. A woman that truly made me cry. She's that person in all of us that feels trapped by circumstances and never doesn't want to leave her present situation for fear of how the world will view her. I have never said this about a character in my life, but I hope she does well for herself.

As you have probably noticed I have mentioned very little if anything about the sex in this book. There was sex and I remember it was great, but it truly had nothing to do with the book. She had the perfect amount of scenes in there to bring you closer to what was to follow, but, the emotional depth of this story was much more important than what happened in the bedroom. As with everything else in the book, her sexual encounters were vital to the characters, they were real, these two could have truly just been anyone. The way they grow throughout the novel and what they learn is what made them stand out from two ordinary people going about their day.

Laura, I hope to see more from you, you are truly an exceptional author that stole my breath away with Topping Tora. I can only hope this review does justice to what you have written. Thank you.

Reviewed By: Miranda Heart

Toy’s Story: Acquisition of a Sex Toy: Book #1 of the Master’s Circle By: Robert Cloud

2006-10-31T13:12:00.000-08:00

Title: Toy’s Story: Acquisition of a Sex Toy: Book #1 of the Master’s Circle
Author: Robert Cloud • www.robertcloud.com
Publisher: Black Velvet Seductions Publications
Genres: Romance, Erotica, BDSM, Suspense, Interracial, Contemporary
Word Ct: 189,000+
ISBN: 0-9774682-5-9
Price: multiformatted eBook - $5.99
Large sized 5x8 format (520 pages) pBook - $20.99

This book was rated a 3.75 out of 5.

David Wulfe has dealt with a bad marriage and had to wade through years of denial in order to care for his ailing wife. Depression takes its toll and he comes home to find Gwyneth slumped over her computer keyboard dead from an overdose of prescription medications. Not only had she killed herself, but gassed all their family pets. Her suicide note had blamed him for all their deaths. Fighting to overcome his grief, he loses his job. He creates an online writers group to explore his interest in creative writing. Little did he expect his writer’s group to change his life forever.

Doreen submits a request to become one of the group’s writers. Approving her membership, she and David share intimate and dark secrets, their relationship blossoming through the words and actions of their characters. When Doreen reveals her darkest desires to be owned by a Master who is harsh and cruel, David accepts her online submission. The next day, Doreen leaves the relationship unexpectedly.

For weeks, Doreen sends David emails begging him to take her back. To come rescue her from her life as it is and take her as his real life sex slave. Disillusioned and hurt, David refuses to be drawn into her lies until she finally states she loves him and has made a mistake. She gives him her itinerary for a specific day. Convinced she is sincere, David puts his plan into action.

While I’m not a big fan of narration, Mr. Cloud’s narrative voice throughout the book places you inside the head of the hero as if you are looking through his eyes. He has written a novel that reveals not only the love and deeply emotional ties of a BDSM relationship, but also the pitfalls of what can happen when online fantasies become real life. The characters are vibrant and real, and Mr. Cloud’s depictions of BDSM relationships, while on the semi-extreme side in a couple of situations, are accurate and believable.

Review by: mickieb{LM}

Sequestered Passion by Adrianna Dane

2006-10-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by: Elise Logan
Title: Sequestered Passion
Author: Adrianna Dane
Publisher: Amber Quill
ISBN: 1-59279-514-5
Genre: BDSM erotic fiction, e-book
Publication Date: 2006
Rating: 4 out of 5

Eliza is in a difficult position. She revels in her relationship with Joseph, a Dom, but she must behave circumspectly in her position as a judge. This sets up a tense situation in which Eliza lets go with Joseph, but only within the confines of the bedroom. Outside of the bedroom, they have no relationship.

The main theme in this book – the dichotomy between public and private lives – is a compelling one. Ms. Dane does an excellent job pointing up the tension and self-doubt that living such a double life creates. The characters are interesting, and the situation is engaging. It is lovely to see a full characterization of the lifestyle in a “respectable” professional field. I particularly liked seeing Joseph’s point of view, though I certainly would have enjoyed more from him. Also, the scenes are hot, particularly one at the beginning with a flogger and one near the end involving strawberries.

Aside from some significant repetitive elements, this story had one real bump for me – and I am dancing around it a bit because I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone. The bump comes near the end, when the author introduces an external element that forces a confrontation. I felt that element was a bit too easy. Without that external stimulus, the characters would have been forced into their confrontation on their own, which I think would have been more interesting. Additionally, the particular situation is dealt with in an almost dismissive fashion at odds with the severity of the situation.

This book is a very good read, touching on a theme that will hit home with many readers. Though there are some small problems, this story is engaging and provoking. This is an interesting story that is definitely worth a read.

For One Night Only by Beverly Havlir

2006-10-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: For One Night Only
Author: Beverly Havlir
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
ISBN: 1-4199-0792-1
Genre: BDSM erotic fiction
Publication Date: October 2006
Rating: 3 out of 5

This story is an interesting twist on the old saw of the boss and the secretary. In this one, the secretary, Lily, has discovered that her boss, Michael, has a bit of a prediliction for BDSM. Though she is convinced there can be no relationship between them, she sets out to give him – and herself – one night of absolute pleasure. Unlike other stories of this type she neither tries to disguise herself nor continue their working relationship. It makes for a nice dose of reality.

There were many things I really liked about this story. First, I particularly liked that Lily took charge of her own life and her own happiness. Second, I liked that there was a clear distinction made between Michael’s friends/acquaintances who lived in the lifestyle, and Michael, who is a self-professed dabbler in the scene. One scene, in particular, comes to mind here. Without spoiling things, I would like to say that in their first sexual encounter, though Lily has no experience being a sub, she isn’t stupid about it. She has clearly considered it carefully and her thoughtfulness about this contributes significantly to the scene. Third, the character arc for both Lily and Michael is engaging. Both learn a great deal over the course of the story, about themselves and their partner. Finally, The ending of this book is one of the best I’ve read in a long time. The author comes full circle, and ends it in a clever way.

However, there were a few things I found problematic about this book. The first and most significant problem is that Michael’s actions as a Dom are erratic and border on reckless. On the one hand, he allows some insubordinations to slide, even after warnings, but on the other hand, he punishes her for breaking a rule he had not spelled out previously. This sort of inconsistency could be chalked up to his “dabbler” status, but it definitely detracts from the flow of the scenes – and the realism of the story. Secondly, I found many scene transitions to be jarring – particularly going from the first sexual encounter straight to the morning after with no account of the missing time. Also, there is a perfunctory feel to the descriptions of some acts, as if the author felt uncomfortable with full descriptions.

This book was a fun read, with some really nice relationship and BDSM elements, but there were definite bumps in the flow of the story. What saved this story was the characterization – these characters did interesting things, for interesting reasons. I like that.

Demand to Submit By: Jaci Burton

2006-10-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

Demand to Submit
By: Jaci Burton
Published By: Ellora’s Cave 2006
ISBN: 1-4199-0780-8

Score: 2 out of 5

Waia is trapped and starving in a cage. Her DNA changed to that of a submissive and she sees no way out. She is rescued by a sweet woman who has seen this before. They have been on the tale of these scientists for a while and have not caught them yet. Everyone else on the tiny island is dead and so they take Waia back with them. The team is unable to do anything to save her. They are forced to take her to Dargon if they want to see her live.

Kyr. The submissive trainer on Dargon is loveless, yet happy with his own existence. He is the only trainer to submissives that have been through this change. When he meets Waia, he feels her natural submissive nature, that goes beyond her changed DNA. But, she is at war with herself. He has to teach her to submit because she wants to submit. Teach her to stop warring with herself and convince her of her own self worth.

Waia doesn’t want to be trained. Every new instinct she has screams for her to let Kyr have his way with her. She’s never experienced an orgasm before, but the idea of pleasing her trainer brings her more pleasure than she has ever known. Still, he won’t cave. He won’t let her please him until she learns to find pleasure herself. So begins the training.

I read a story written by Jaci Burton once before. Although, it was told well, it needed some work. The plot in Demand to Submit was not what I would have expected. In the course of my writing career I have researched many genre’s, curious of how they worked. The one thing I find most often when it comes to sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal and the list goes on is believability. A writer can set a story into any time period they want. Create new races of people, food, rules… anything. The only question that remains, is, is it believable? If the story could be written in the here and now why bother writing it in the future or past?

Demand to Submit is one of those stories that could have easily been written in 21st century America. There are sub trainers all over the place and even more so in San Francisco. You don’t have to go to another planet to find the Master of all Master’s. Poly relationships exist everywhere and are easy to find.

What made Dargon so unbelievable was the fact that there was nothing about this planet that made it different from anywhere else. Everything that made up this planet was used to the writer’s advantage to have what we could have all gotten here at home. I saw nothing that could have been considered world building. The only difference, possibly, was the guy with two penises. Maybe if more had been added to the world it would have made more sense.

Waia’s war with herself was anything but believable. I do give Jaci applause for at least trying this. Showing a war with oneself is difficult enough without having to make it apparent to the reader. Because, I felt the writer was withdrawn from the story it made it difficult for me to relate to the characters. Not only that, but all of the narration when we should have been completely in Waia and Kyr’s head didn’t make sense to me. Kyr was your typical Master. Do as I say and no one gets punished. I saw nothing in him that stood out above the rest. He enjoys a poly relationship and shows no remorse for that. If Kyr would have stayed true to his poly lifestyle through the entire story, then it would have been more believable. I did like the fact that he was bi-sexual. Stories of this nature are not written often.

The other issue to me, was that I saw no character growth through the story. The bad guys lost, but Waia still did not seem to trust Kyr anymore than at the beginning of the story. And to be totally honest here, I’m not even sure what Kyr’s dilemma was. As a final comment on the story, I would like to say that, I felt there were many changes made to this book than it’s original written story line. I think if Jaci would have stayed true to what she truly wanted to write, instead of writing a story she felt others would have wanted to read, she might have been able to write a more believable novella.

Reviewed by:
Miranda Heart

Lessons Learned: Book Two of the Eldritch Legacy by Katrina Strauss

2006-09-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan
Title: Lessons Learned: Book Two of the Eldritch Legacy
Author: Katrina Strauss
Publisher: Aphrodite’s Apples
ISBN: 0-9787401-7-3
Genre: BDSM erotic fiction
Publication Date: September 25, 2006
Rating: 5 out of 5

This is the second installment of Katrina Strauss’s Eldritch Legacy. The story takes place in a fictional kingdom which seems like an amalgamation of Regency England and the French monarchy during the French Revolution. There is a lot of background politics to keep things interesting.

In this story, Camille has published under her own name rather than using a male pseudonym. Her friend Nicolette takes her to meet Stefan Eldritch, a notorious rake of a poet. Camille and Stefan are immediately drawn to each other, and their developing relationship is fascinating to watch. While Camille is attracted to Stefan, she doesn’t trust him – his well-deserved reputation as a dilettante certainly doesn’t help.

The characterization in this story is wonderful. The characters of Camille and Stefan are beautifully drawn by the author, and their relationship seems to grow naturally from their interactions with each other. Secondary characters are also well executed, so that you feel as if you know something about them, something that makes them more than cardboard place holders. One of my favorite characters is Curtis, who the reader doesn’t meet until late in the story, but who is interesting, engaging, and truly sweet.

Stefan’s need to dominate Camille sexually drives the couple through several scenes which culminate in an intense (and extremely hot) cropping scene. For the most part, the need to dominate manifests in bondage and in other areas, but there are a few scenes with pain play, and they are well-done. The sexual encounters in this book are scorching, but they also contribute to the overall arc of the story.

Strauss does a masterful job weaving together background information to bring the story to a head, creating a suspenseful and exciting crisis. The characters are true to their natures, and the ending is not a clean and perfect “happily ever after” for everyone involved. This story is a bit more realistic than the prototypical romance, which is a breath of fresh air.

This story exhibited the characteristics I look for in a good story. The plot was interesting and engaging. The characters were well-drawn and developed naturally through the book. The sex scenes were blazing hot. And the whole of it was presented in a unique and different framework. I am eagerly looking forward to the next offering in this series.

Disciples of Pleasure Book 1 of Elsa’s Erotic Escapades By: Desiree Erotique

2006-09-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

Disciples of Pleasure Book : Elsa's Erotic Escapades
Written By: Desiree Erotique
Published By: Mardi Gras Publishing 2006
(Note: This book will not be made available until October.)
Genre: BDSM Paranormal/Contemporary
ISBN:

This novel scored a 3 out of a 5.

Disciples of Pleasure begins with a young woman frustrated with the current path in her life. While dreaming of finishing art school she's stuck working at a greasy diner. To top it all off her love life is empty and the one sexual encounter she can remember isn't even worth the effort to fantasize about.

A man she hardly knows does stand out at her. And the familiar rise of lust has her delving into her own panties for a quickie by her car. No sooner has she finished than the strange woman that sits by the window every day. Curious she watches the woman approach. And a turn of sexual events she never expected lands in her lap. She's tossed into the back of a car and lugged to a completly different dimension.

And it's on Nemi, the parallel world, that she learns to let go of her inhibitions and accept a role she was meant to play. The guards on Nemi are quick to administer punishment and just as eager to have a sexual encounter with a girl right where she stands. Everything is so new to Elsa that she is frightened and uncertain. Pride and fear bring on punishments that she is unsure about. Yet, with every sexual encounter she finds herself trapped in this world even more. So the question isn't if she will play the role she has agreed to. The question is, how long will it be before she finally submits her heart, mind, body and spirit to a sexual people that she does not understand?

This book has many levels most of which deal with this lifestyle on a purely sexual and fantasy level. Yet, in here she traps the very people who threaten Nemi's existance. Those people are the conservatives who refuse to accept a person who does not follow their very strict standards in life. I enjoyed how she made them prisoners. And maybe I am delving too far into this, but by not being more open minded are they not trapping ourselves anyway? Well done Desiree. It was nice to see that brought out into the open in a creative manner.

With three villians in this novel she has much going on. The two Leather Wives create humorous display of topping from the bottom as they seem to actually be manipulative submissives. With these two wives, it was a great place for Desiree to introduce the hero of the story. As for the thrid villian, he appeared, disappeared and I'm hoping to learn more about him in the next book. These beings are able to cross over into Nemi and entice the ones who know no better into coming to them before they take them away and enslave them in a world they are better off not knowing.

What can I say about the hero? Robert is tantalizing and cute all at the same time. He allows himself to be drawn in by two women that even though he knows better, one of them has the look that he's always wanted. A devil in sheeps clothing. He redeems himself admirably when he finally realizes his charge is Elsa. The woman he's wanted ever since he met her at the diner. He takes charge of her as no other in the Nemi world or her own world has done before.

I enjoyed reading this twisted tale. Although, there were some words advice that I would like to impart on this piece. I understand when Robert's moment of change occured. When he finally realized that what he had was nothing of what he truly wanted. Yet, for Elsa, who seemed desitined for a life of boredom until she came to Nemi and who by all accounts has acted virginal until her new world, I did not feel as though the author delved into her psyche as much as I would have liked. She seemed to accept her plight with only a few moments of fear. Since this world was such a physically sexual world it would have only seemed fair that she would have had some moments in her own head where she thought... WTF?

The other issue I had with this story was the women seemed more like slaves than submissives. There was no discussion of likes and dislikes and the way the Guards took advantage of the women seemed less than appropriate. No still means no when you're a submissive. The only choice the woman actually had was rather she would follow the Mistress into the other world. After of which all choice was taken from her. To me that is not submission. However, that did not ruin this read for me, it just made me question the difference.

After reading this novel, I do have a few words I would like to say to Desiree. And that is, that she is a very talented writer. She's able to weave a BDSM world and make it her own. She has the voice and ability. As intelligent and knowledgable as she is about this lifestyle, I feel she could truly make heads turn by producing more in depth work. I would like to see her delve into the psychological world of BDSM, and if she did so I feel she truly could change how the lifestyle is presented to the world. She has an amazing talent and I can only see those abilities growing with the more she writes.

Thank you, Desiree for an insightful piece. I look forward to the next installment.

Secrets Revealed by Katrina Strauss

2006-09-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

Reviewed by Elise Logan

Title: Secrets Revealed: Book One of the Eldritch Legacy
Author: Katrina Strauss
Publisher: Loose ID

ISBN: unavailable
Genre: BDSM erotic fiction
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

This first installment of the Eldritch Legacy is a fantasy of magic and court intrigue. It is not, however, for those looking for a clean happily ever after sort of fairy tale. The characters in this work are complex and shadowed. This is a dark fantasy, and the characters are definitely not Disney. Though the early part of the book focuses on the enslavement of Inga and her introduction to life under the whip, the latter part of the book gives a more thoroughly developed picture of complicated and conflicted characters. While I would have enjoyed seeing more of the character development in the beginning of the story, the rich character and plot development in the last third of the book are worth the wait.

The wait isn’t without its rewards in other ways, as well. The first portion of the book awakens our innocent (very innocent) main character, Inga, to the domination of Lord Eldritch. Lord Eldritch is a legendary figure in the land, a bogeyman used to frighten children. Under his tutelage, Inga explores her sensual response to pain. As the story progresses, there is significant change and development on the part of several characters. There are also a number of exciting scenes which use various fun equipment. Truthfully, though, my favorite scene in the story was a dominance scene toward the end which involved no toys at all (just goes to show that the author doesn’t need the props to make her scenes work).

I enjoyed the book overall, but I felt that the lack of characterization at the beginning of the story really slowed things down. I found myself spending a lot of time asking myself about the characters and their motivation. Through the first half of the book, Eldritch was nearly completely opaque to me as a character, with near psychotic mood swings which make Inga’s growing devotion something of a mystery. I felt that without the insights into his character provided by some “straight time” later in the book, his character would be completely lost. Inga is conflicted in the beginning, but sets aside her misgivings, her innocence, even her ethics with hardly any internal dialogue or explication. I felt that there were several points in the book where this lack of internal dialogue/explication made it difficult to sympathize with her. Her later character development clarifies things a great deal.

In short, this story has a lot going for it, but it started slowly for me.

Review of Carrie's Story by Eden Bradley

2006-09-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

Title: Carrie's Story
Author: Molly Weatherfield
Publisher: Cleis Press, 1995
ISBN: Not Available
genre: BDSM erotic fiction
rating: 4 out of 5
Reviewed by Eden Bradley

This novel by Molly Weatherfield is, in my opinion, a modern-day classic. While the material is fairly extreme, and much of the practices are not necessarily to my taste, it's beautifully written in what I thought to be a lush literary style.
Carrie lives within the slave mentality, in which she goes from her lover, Jonathan, to several very formal training environments, including a slave auction and pony training. This author doesn't hold back, so be prepared for graphic details.
While this sort of extreme slave lifestyle is not my cup of tea, I did love the way the author explores the psychology behind it-always the most fascinating part of fetish literature for me. A gorgeous use of language and the intimacy of first person point of view drew me into the story. Even though Carrie and I are very different people, I was able to sympathize with her struggles, and eventually, with her yielding. All in all, a starkly beautiful and gritty book that I enjoyed thoroughly.
Available though Cleis Press.

Come Hither: A Common Sense Guide to Kinky Sex By: Dr. Gloria G. Brame

2006-09-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

Title: Come Hither: A Common Sense Guide to Kinky Sex
Author: Dr. Gloria G. Brame
Publisher: Fireside
Genre: BDSM Nonfiction
ISBN: 0-684-85462-7
Rating: 4 out of 5

Dr. Gloria Brame’s book has the ambitious task of attempting to introduce the reader to all things kinky. It does a better job at introducing and discussing BDSM than other kinks. Nevertheless, the book touches on subjects ranging from BDSM to infantilism, from shoe fetishism to a fetish for toy balloons.

For the purposes of the BDSM reviews, there are several things to recommend this book. The most useful thing about the book is Dr. Brame’s willingness to propose alternatives for toys. She makes a number of excellent suggestions on how to create makeshift toys as well as her suggestions on toys on which it is worth spending more money. The middle part of the book is essentially dedicated to the “kink” of BDSM. The rest of the book has strong references to BDSM, and it is clear that this is an area where Dr. Brame has some experience and knowledge. She has a clear understanding of pain play and some really good suggestions for improving it.

Another nice thing about Dr. Brame’s book is the way she works related sexual practices into BDSM. I think it’s a pretty well established fact that there are a number of overlapping areas where BDSM meets other alternative lifestyles. The gay/lesbian scene gets some play in this book, as do fetishism, transgender/transsexual issues, and a number of other interests. This is where Dr. Brame’s book differs significantly from other introductions to BDSM – she is extremely inclusive. When she says it’s a guide to kinky sex, she means it in the general term, not as a narrow euphemism for only BDSM.

A long discussion of roleplay versus lifestyle makes for some interesting reading. Most introduction books either assume one or the other or gloss over the differences. Dr. Brame discusses the differences in a way that (I think) helps explain both choices clearly, and may help shed some light on an area where communication is often a bit muddled (at least in my experience).

Dr. Brame also gives us a number of quizzes and games in this book. The Kink Quotient Quiz is fun, and the “Ready…or Not?” might be very helpful in determining if a beginner is ready to actually begin. At the end of the book, she provides a fun party Trivia game (a torturously difficult one, with appropriate consequences!) as well as suggested reading and viewing.

Now for the reason it got four rather than five on the scale. There were a few things that annoyed me about this book. First, the overuse of the word “kinky” bordered on the ludicrous. It actually became distracting. I wanted to get a pen and paper and keep score. Second, Dr. Brame’s writing style often borders on condescending, and her assumption that her audience has a limited intellectual capacity can be extremely obvious. Finally, and perhaps most irritating (irritating enough that I considered knocking this book down another half point) is her chapter on “Power Relationships.” In the context of this book, I expected this to be where she addressed dominance and submission more directly (it is rolled into the SM part of the program elsewhere). Indeed, she herself says so in the first sentence of the chapter. Unfortunately, however, the four and a half page chapter (!) instead gives you two diatribes: one on why you should keep your kinky sex life from your kids (because if you don’t CPS will take them from you – a good point, to be sure) and one on whether you should tell your other relatives about your kinky sex life. Now, perhaps I am just being picky, but if you tell me that a chapter is going to talk to me about power relationships, I don’t really want or expect to be harangued about whether I tell Aunt Joanie about my sex life.

In summary, then, Dr. Brame’s book is a nice overview of a variety of alternative sexual practices, with an emphasis on BDSM. If you are considering getting into pain play, this has a lot of good how-to information. There are some definite problems with this book, but there is also a lot of good information.

Reviewed By: Elise Logan

SM101 (Second Edition) By: Jay Wiseman

2006-09-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

Title: SM101 (Second Edition)
Author: Jay Wiseman
Publisher: Greenery Press
Genre: BDSM Nonfiction
ISBN: 0-9639763-8-9
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Jay Wiseman’s introduction to sadomasochism is a down-to-earth, easy to understand primer for the beginner. The information contained in this book is invaluable to those either new to SM or merely interested in the basics.

There are two excellent reasons to recommend Wiseman’s book. The first is the extreme emphasis on safety. The author takes great pains to explain the safeguards he feels are necessary to ensure that a good time is had by all. This includes everything from making sure someone knows where you are to using paramedic scissors and outfitting a first aid kit. He includes sample negotiations for a scene, as well as a sample of rules for a BDSM party or club event. This emphasis on safety is a lovely reminder that BDSM is based on consent – which is a nice teaching point for those who are complete novices.

The second reason is the clarity of focus. Wiseman is focused only on SM relationships and the SM scene. He does not delve significantly into fetishism or sexual orientation or any of a number of other topics. Instead, he gives a clear, concise, and realistic overview of what to expect when it comes to the giving and receiving of pain. This includes a nice instructive section on rope bondage and knots. For those wishing to broaden their outlook to related areas, Wiseman provides a chapter on “Related Practices” which introduce some of the more commonly encountered alternative sexual practices.

The book has a number of helpful additions, including a guide to finding help with problems, as well as a significant and realistic discussion on how to find a date. Wiseman provides a resource guide which includes both recommended materials and NOT recommended materials (though I do wish he had mentioned why he didn’t recommend them) – which is an interesting twist.

It is important to understand that Wiseman’s audience is not the seasoned BDSM player or the professional dominant. Wiseman’s audience is the novice, and it shows in the book. The writing style can, at points, be somewhat pedantic, and Wiseman’s admirable emphasis on safety can sometimes seem overwhelming and burdensome. Additionally, his dominant persona and his strong personal preferences come through loud and clear in his discussion of the “appropriate” behavior for dominants and submissives.

In short, this is the book I would give to a novice in order to establish a good, solid foundation.

Reviewed by: Elise Logan

Elise Logan

2006-09-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Elise Logan offered to do a review for BDSM Reviews. I feel it is just as important to be knowledgable about this lifestyle as it is to write about it. Plus, we all have to start somewhere. Her first review is in and it will be the post that follows this one. Thank you Elise for contributing to this blog site with an informative book.

Happy reading all!

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2006-08-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

Playtime Friday Night By: Jude Mason

2006-08-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

On a scale of 1-5 I have rated this a 5

“Sexy Confessions to Venus”
Playtime Friday Night
By: Jude Mason
Published By: Venus Press 2006
ISBN:

Jack and his lovely Mistress Chris have missed playtime twice now, and it looks like a third might be in the making. What a nice surprise for Jack when he finds out that Chris has no intention of doing this again. She wants him as badly as he wants her. With strap on in hand, she plans to deliver a night he won’t forget soon.

Playtime Friday Night, is short and sweet. Just the way it was meant to be. You get a quick insight into one night between a Mistress and her submissive and it’s well worth the read. The characters are adventurous, exciting and well paired. I got a quick look inside what made them a couple to begin with and why they are still together quickly becomes apparent. They truly do suit each other very well.

I have an idea, next time you want to plan a night with your submissive send them this story, and then tell them they can’t touch until you get there. That’ll get them rarin’ and ready to go.

Great job Jude Mason. I can’t wait to see more of what you have going on.

The Insubordinate By: Miranda Heart

2006-08-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

I had a review done on my novel by a fellow writer and because it applies to this genre, I'm posting it here. Hope you all find it as nice and sweet as I. Happy Writing and Reading all!

Reviewed by Michelle Ellis
Title: The Insubordinate
Author: Miranda Heart
Publisher: Freya's Bower
Genre: BDSM Erotica
ISBN: 0-9771314-2-4
Rating: Sizzling
Book Length: Bites
Price: $2.00

Author has my permission to use this review.

I offered to review this book for Miranda. As it includes bdsm, she was finding it difficult to get reviews on it.

I haven’t been exposed to this kind of thing before, so started this story with an open mind, and told myself if it became too much for me to read, I would stop.

However, I completed the story and find it a huge shame that people may shy away from this type of book. Though the whole Master and Sub theme is alien to me, and I would find it a strange practise (for me personally) to play these games, this book did show me another world.

Of course I have heard about such goings on in the bedroom, but I know I am naïve in this kind of thing, as I recall, when doing a search for pictures for the cover of this book, me and Mr Coverman looked at one another several times in a state of shock!

Though the 'games' are alien to me, this story was written very tastefully, in my opinion. It could have gone the other way. There was plenty of scope here to be pretty damn gross but Miranda handled this subject extremely well, I feel. Especially for a ‘newbie’ like me, to this type of story, it didn’t make me feel sick nor make me want to stop reading. Well done there!

A strangely fascinating read, one I couldn't put down, one that taught me something too! If I finish a book having more new information than I had before I started, I consider the reading time well spent. For this reason, I gave this book a 5—for the insight into another place.

The score is also high because it was very well written, the subject was handled wonderfully, and the images I saw were crystal clear.

Forgive me if this review isn’t of my usual crazy standard, but I am still reeling! Truly, this book stunned me in many ways. This has given me much to think about (no, I don’t think I could go down the bdsm road) and it has given me an understanding of other people’s needs and wants—I now don’t feel so strange towards people who practise this kind of sexual activity, as this book showed me that if two people consent, then it really isn’t gross or bad or weird.

Thank you Miranda, for showing me, for broadening my mind. I appreciate any author that can bring me fresh insight into things that were previously a mystery.

Michelle Ellis does her own reviews at http://meellisreviews.blogspot.com She also has her own blog, which will be posted soon on my friends list. Funniest lady I've met in a while.

The Beast in Beauty By: K.M Frontain

2006-08-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

Published by: Erotic Dreams Publishing
http://www.eroticdreamspublishing.com/

Rating: On a scale of 1-5, I rated this a 5.

Remember Beauty and the Beast done by Disney? The Beast in Beauty, is a twisted rendition of the old kids story line. And it is anything but kid friendly. Beauty is actually Alaric. Everyone wants Alaric. He’s gorgeous, perfect and is just looking for a reason to smack someone down. The beast is in fact beasts and it’s two women who have a love affair for each other. Deirdre and Ilsea. And he can’t get enough of these two. One refuses to submit and the other has just been waiting for the right guy to come along. Oh and lets not forget about the footman. Henry wants a taste of Alaric as well.

When I first opened this novella, I had no idea what to expect. Many a time, I would gasp and my eyes would open so wide I thought for sure they would pop out of my head. But, just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore K.M would let up a little a push onward with another scene.

The sex was enough to make me need to sit in cold shower until eternity ended. Yet, I had to get out to come and sit down to write this review. Yes, this stories centers primarily around sex. People only stop having sex long enough to slay the bad guys, get patched up from another fight and go back to having sex again. This would normally be enough for me to close up my computer and wait until tomorrow to finish reading. So why didn’t I?

Well for one thing, the characters were so dead on. Personalities meshed, their relationship made sense and for once, while reading I wasn’t looking for a way that it could have been written better. There was no room and no time to find fault. Flow. Something that is just as important as all the planning that goes into a story. It is one very important quality that makes one author stand out as better than another. And let me tell ya, K.M has it down pat.

The other reason I didn’t close it up, is I have never in my life read a story like this. Beasts are actually beasts. They grow fangs, patches of hair, some have wings, some just have bad attitudes. But, it was still different. And anything different, I’m generally all over.

And for third. I really liked these characters. There are no simpering women, no one trapped on rail road tracks. Everyone has a mind of their own and even the reader sees nothing of what they are thinking.

The Beast in Beauty was a fantastic read and I look forward to more coming from this author soon.

Opening Day

2006-08-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

As a writer, it is disappointing when you finally have something published that you are proud of. As a reader, I would rather not have to visit every nudy site in town trying to find a good read. Which has sparked BDSM Reviews. The site is professional and will stay that way. There will be no nudes or erotic stories published on the site. Plain and simple reviews.

What do you have to do? Well, if you are a writer, please email me at BDSMreviews@yahoo.com In the subject please write: Attn: Miranda Heart and the title of your book. This way I know it isn't junk mail.

I promise to give an honest review. No matter the subject material. I primarily focus on the writing. Style, voice, plot and characters and then put them together as a whole. If they don't match up, I will say so. If they do good for you. :)

Along with this, I will post your website and blog address if they are available so that folks can keep up with your work.

Any questions please feel free to send them to Ricksprincess34@aol.com. I will happily address any concerns that you have. Any and all works sent to me will remain in my care only and if the time comes that I should need to expand, then it will only be handed out to those that I trust the most to do the reviews.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.