Burn For You by Annabel Joseph

 

I loved Club Mephisto and was majorly excited when I heard Annabel Joseph was writing a sequel.

Burn For You is the sequel, and while I loved the story, I'm conflicted about it as well. I mean, I'm giving it a perfect ten, but my fantasy Mephisto is a much kinder and gentler Dom in this book, which both makes me happy and blows some of the fantasy.

It's a very emotional book, with lots of ups and downs, and Mephisto really does need to be gentle and loving to help Molly through. Hmmm, let's get the blurb out of the way, so I don't start giving spoilers:

When Molly loses her longtime Master, she feels lost, angry. Confused. She’s unsure of her future, even her calling to the BDSM lifestyle. She knows her Master always intended her to go to his friend Mephisto next, but their emotionally—and sexually—fraught history is still a confusion of desire and fear in her mind. 

Mephisto wants to help Molly, but he doesn’t want to force her into service she’s not sure she wants. He owes it to Clayton to help her find happiness, but how? Molly and Mephisto advance and retreat from one another as they try to untangle their complex feelings for one another. More and more it seems their tense standoff will only end one way… 

This 63K word novel contains consensual BDSM play, Master/slavery, sado-masochism, anal play, objectification, caging, and other consensual activities which some might find offensive.

See? Lots of emotion to deal with.


BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline: There are a few intense scenes, but it's not the focus. 2 of 3
• Dominance and Submission: 3 of 3.
• Sadism and Masochism: Again, it's not the focus, but with these two it's still intense when it happens. 3 of 3
• Extra Point: No

Burn For You is more about the emotional trip Mephisto and Molly undergo, and not so much about their sex life. I mean, this is Mephisto and Molly, so that part is eventually important, and this is still an intense book as far as BDSM goes. I debated on the extra point, but in the end, Burn for You is about emotions more than kink, though it's all bound up together, as Molly has to figure her life out, and that includes where kink fits into it.

As for the writing elements: the plot picks you up and carries you through the book on a wild rollercoaster, pacing is well done, prose and dialogue were exceptional, as was character development.

• Book Rating: Burn for You: 10 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 5 of 5

See the heat level? I don't want to give the wrong idea, that there isn't any sex or kink in this one, 'cause there is... it's still a scorching book. Could Annabel Joseph write anything else? Let's hope not :)

All three books in this series gets a 10 of 10 from me. The original Mephisto is still my favorite, but in a way, seeing the intense Dom from book one turn caretaker in book three is also a little heartwarming.

Books in the Mephisto series:

• Club Mephisto
• Molly's Lips: Club Mephisto Retold
• Burn For You

 

The Stroke of Twelve by Kim Dare

 

The Stroke of Twelve worked for me. Devon is wondering rather aimlessly through life, and Mr. Templeton helps him find direction.

I loved that we see a bit of both sides, so we know how Mr. Templeton is feeling a bit as well as seeing Devon's side of it.

I had a few issues with the whole structured time thing at first, but as things progressed I understood more of the purpose.

Under normal circumstances, I think a Dom and sub should negotiate, but for a fantasy? It worked for me to have the Dom dictate things and then ask if there was a problem with what was said. He got agreement before they went to the next step.

Here is the blurb:

On the stroke of twelve Devon belongs to him for one hour. One hour that will change the course of his life forever.

Free of responsibility and provided with an independent income, Devon Ashford floats through life thinking only of where the next party might be. When a note orders Devon to present himself at Templeton, Crawford & Associates at noon on Wednesday, he’s curious enough and bored enough to follow the order.

He doesn’t know what to expect when he arrives, but it’s not to be told that on the stroke of twelve, he’ll belong to the stern man on the other side of the desk for exactly one hour. He doesn’t expect anyone to command him to strip for an inspection. Nor does he expect to follow the orders of a stranger. He certainly doesn’t imagine he could like doing that enough to go back for more.

Whatever he expects, Devon’s about to discover that what happens at the stroke of twelve could change the course of his life forever.

BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline: There isn't much bondage, and only a little discipline. But, there is a suspension scene that more than makes up for it.  3 of 3
• Dominance and Submission: Yes. Tons of it. 3 of 3
• Sadism and Masochism: Some, not much. 1 of 3
• Extra Point: Yes

As for the writing elements, it was more of a narrative than a plot, but it was perfect. Pacing was mostly fine, prose and dialogue were well done, character development was perfect.

• Book Rating: The Stroke of Twelve: 9 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 5 of 5 . 

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The Surrender of Persephone by Selena Kitt

 

The Surrender of Persephone is one of those books you should not judge by the cover.  The evil looking guy on top is not the idea I got from the Hero at all, and I have no idea what the red bomb in the jail cell is supposed to symbolize.

However, while the cover isn't working for me, the story (and the storytelling) worked for me in a myriad of ways.

The blurb makes it look like it's more of a non-consent than it actually is. While he certainly doesn't play fair when getting her consent, she does have the final say in whether she loses her virginity or not. I appreciated that.

Here's the blurb:

Sheltered Persephone, Goddess of Spring, never gets to do anything— thanks to the suffocating love of her mother, Demeter. Sephie is being carefully groomed to follow in the footsteps of the two “virgin” goddesses, Athena and Artemis, and while they sure do have a lot of fun together, she longs for something deeper—and darker. When Aidon, the God of the Underworld—generally known as Hades—appears in his chariot to claim Persephone for his bride, the young goddess gets more than she wished for.

Held captive in the Underworld, she suddenly longs to return to the safety and security of her mother’s protection, but the dark and commanding Aidon binds her to him, claiming her bit by glorious bit as his own. Her coming of age is one of sexual awakening as she learns the bondage her new master imposes fulfills her darkest desires. Persephone finds herself submitting to and obeying Aidon’s command and discovers being taken and consumed in the heat of passion by a man—a god—is what she was truly made for. Persephone can’t deny her own nature, or her growing feelings for Aidon, as she submits to his domination and surrenders as his wife and prepares to rule as his Queen.

As she finally admits her own feelings, Persephone faces the looming specter of her history, which threatens to shatter the newly formed bonds between the couple. She must now face not only her past, but her present, and her future—no longer only the Goddess of Spring, but also as the wife of Aidon and Queen of the Underworld—and the choices she will be forced to make will change the world forever.

 I ended up skimming over the sex scene with Athena and Artemis, as it was mostly vanilla lesbian playing around, and vanilla doesn't do anything for me. It was still well written, just not my thing. Once Aiden comes into the picture I skimmed through nothing.

BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline: 2 of 3
• Dominance and Submission: 3 of 3.
• Sadism and Masochism: 2 of 3. 
• Extra Point: Yes

As for the writing elements:

• The plot was wonderful.
• Pacing was fine.
• Prose and Dialogue were skillfully woven together.
• Character development was exceptionally well done.
• World-building was detailed and imaginative and I loved it.

I enjoy many of Selena Kitt's BDSM books, and I think The Surrender of Persephone is one of the best she's written. It's got a big strong all-powerful Dom who is fair and kind as well as tyrannical and sadistic. And his bride ends up being pretty much perfect for him. They are a perfect match.

• Book Rating: The Surrender of Persephone: 10 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 5 of 5

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The Claiming by Addison Brentley

 
I have a new author to watch for now. Addison Brentley can write a smokin' hot scene.

The Claiming is a very short story, but it packs a wallop. Here's the blurb:

Master Jace is forced to deliver a punishment after his submissive, Evan, loses control in front of their peers during a play party. Master Jace must try to overcome his conflicting emotions of jealousy verses control in order to be the Master that his sub deserves, the Master he needs to be for them both. Can he keep himself in check and claim back what is rightfully his?

The punishment is actually in two parts - physical punishment that night, and then correction the next day. And it is the next day where the point is really made. I was a bit disappointed at the physical punishment given that night. I mean, sure, the punishment given was harsh, but it wasn't really written to show how harsh ten strokes of that particular implement can actually be. Also, the punishment didn't really address the crime.

But then the session they have the next morning was just... wow. It worked for me. And the correction most certainly addressed the crime.

BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline: 3 of 3
• Dominance and Submission: 3 of 3
• Sadism and Masochism: 1 of 3 
• Extra Point: Yes

As for the writing elements: the plot has to do with the emotions present and was nicely wrapped up; pacing was well done; prose and dialogue were fine; and character development was efficiently done for such a short story.

• Book Rating: The Claiming: 9 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 5 of 5

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Vow of Silence, Chronicles of Surrender series, by Roxy Harte

 

We've met Dr. Psycho / George on many occasions in this series, and we finally see things through his eyes.

With Garrett and Thomas and Celia gone, George is running things now. There are changes, and I'm not sure I like the changes he made, though I understand the need for them. But that's life. Things change, whether you want them to or not.

Meanwhile, his personal life has all kinds of things going on, and we finally learn why he chose to stop being a practicing psychiatrist.

I'm pretty sure Roxy Harte is starting another long series arc with this book, and it's one I look forward to following along. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger, though I suppose one part of the story was sort of tied up for the end of the book.

Here's the blurb:

Is love enough to sway destiny?

George Kirkpatrick is reeling from the loss of his friend and boss, Garrett Lawrence, the owner of Lewd Larry’s Fetish Fantasy Nightclub. He finds solace in the arms of a very vanilla woman…until a female from his past returns to further complicate his life.

Lin Kuan, a renowned San Francisco metal sculptor, met George Kirkpatrick under false circumstances. She believes she's dating a psychiatrist, not a sadist. Too late she discovers she's in love…and is determined to change him.

Gigi Marconi seeks penance in pain, but not for the life she ruined. Will the vow she made as a child destroy her before she has a chance to face the truth? Or will the love of the man she once betrayed be her salvation?

There were a few things that didn't exactly work for me, the "very vanilla" woman's reactions to a few things seemed off. But that doesn't mean it couldn't have happened that way, just that it's not how I would have expected it to work out, I guess.

Vow of Silence is a dark book. Much of what happens isn't BDSM between people who happen to have that particular kink. It's BDSM as practiced by people who have been wounded in some way emotionally, and who deal with those wounds by searching for physical and mental pain, or by giving physical and mental pain to others. That's not to say the sex and the scenes aren't hot and inventive and well described, because they are. And most of the scenes are consensual. But there were times I felt guilty for enjoying the submissive's pain, if that makes sense. Which it doesn't, because it's a fictional story and fictional characters. But the author created the story and characters well enough that I felt guilt, so I guess that's saying something.

BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline: 2 of 3
• Dominance and Submission: 2 of 3
• Sadism and Masochism: 3 of 3 
• Extra Point: Yes

As I finished the book I would have expected that I would give the intensity level a 10 of 10, because the BDSM is quite intense. But once I started breaking it down, the relationships don't have a strong punishment component. And the D/s, while present, is quite shaky for most of the book. So, while the BDSM is intense, the sum of the parts is only going to be an 8 of 10. It does get the extra point, because the main theme is strongly related to BDSM.

As for the writing elements:

• The plot was different and interesting. It was not nicely tied up at the end, we will have to wait for the next book for that, I assume.
• Pacing was fine
• Prose and dialogue were fine, though I expected the voice to change more than it did between characters.
• Character development was well done.

Vow of Silence is easy for me to rate - it was an entertaining read, and the Heat Level says all that needs to be said about some of the scenes.

• Book Rating: Vow of Silence: 9 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 5 of 5

I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series, though I don't see a mention of a title or when we may see it.

Angel and the Assassin 2: Be Brave by Fyn Alexander

  

Angel and the Assassin 2: Be Brave follows about six months after the events of Angel and the Assassin. Angel is in school now, and Kael is teaching at the SIS Academy.

I see a lot of people talking about TPE and what that kind of relationship looks like. Everyone has their own ideas and their own fantasies, but when it comes to implementing it in real life over the long term, I think Kael and Angel's relationship is about as close as I've seen to a realistic depiction in fiction. Kael has rules, and Angel makes his own decision within the boundaries of Kael's rules. Angel shows respect, but he also cuts up and kids around. And when he disagrees with Kael about something he doesn't keep it to himself, he communicates his thoughts and feelings whether they be popular or unpopular with Kael. Theoretically he's supposed to respectfully disagree, but that doesn't always happen. Just like in real life.

There was a good bit more going on besides the relationship in the second installment. Kael probably has as many issues to work through as Angel, and I like that it isn't just the submissive having to work through his crap.

Here's the blurb:

MI6 assassin Kael Saunders was supposed to kill Angel Button after he witnessed a kill. Not only did Kael refuse to hurt Angel, but he took him home and fell in love with him. Living together now in a loving D/s relationship, Angel wants to follow in his daddy’s footsteps while Kael is determined to keep his boy out of the dangerous world of international assassins.

During an assignment Kael finds a little girl who is caught up in human trafficking and determines to rescue her. When he is taken prisoner Angel sets out to find his beloved Daddy and bring him home.

I don't know if the author has planned for more books to follow, though with the way this book ended I think the possibility is certainly there. I would pick the third book in this series up in a heartbeat.

BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline: 3 of 3
• Dominance and Submission: 3 of 3
• Sadism and Masochism: Most of the BDSM is about painful pleasure that is worked up to, it's not really about pain. 1 of 3 
• Extra Point: Yes

As for the writing elements. The plots were very well done with a few pleasant surprises, the pacing was perfect, prose and dialogue flowed nicely, and character development continues to be exceptional.

• Book Rating: Angel and the Assassin 2: Be Brave: 10 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 5 of 5

I would not recommend reading the second book until you've read the first book. You can read my review of the first book here.

1. Angel and the Assassin
2. Angel and the Assassin 2: Be Brave

Huckleberry, Pink: Dolorosa, and Sky Blue Pink by Syd McGinley

 
These three books are part of the Dr. Fell series, and I'm reviewing them all together because they are specifically about Charlie (aka Twink) and Ben.

Huckleberry is the story of how these two met and formed a relationship.

Pink: Dolorosa picks up six months after the events of Attitude Adjustments, and shows us Charlie on is own, living in an apartment.

Sky Blue Pink: Flying Pigs picks up two years after the events of Pink: Dolorosa.

If you've read the Dr. Fell series and are already familiar with Ben and Charlie, then I highly recommend these three stories, read in the correct order.

The BDSM is nicely done, the relationship issues are handled well, the various plots work well together, the pacing is perfect, prose and dialogue flow smoothly, and character development is stellar.

• Book Rating: 9 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 5 of 5

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A Short Leash by Syd McGinley

 
I thought I'd read all of the Dr. Fell series as they've come out, but looking through the Torquere sight, I realized I've missed A Short Leash.

A Short Leash is a fairly short story with a good bit of actual story thrown in. This is the period where Dr. Fell was still working through his feelings, lonely but not ready to bring someone else into his life just yet. Somehow, he ends up "pet sitting" three of his friend's submissives. One of them when his friend has to leave town in an emergency when his mother falls ill, another one that was planned because his friend had been too lenient on his sub and the sub needed some more training, and the final one as kind of a last minute plan. So Dr. Fell had planned for one submissive and ended up with three.

If you haven't read the series then I'd recommend you start with Volume 1. But, if you're like me and you missed this one, it's a nice little short.

BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline: 2 of 3
• Dominance and Submission: 3 of 3
• Sadism and Masochism: 2 of 3 
• Extra Point: Yes

As for the writing elements: the plot revolves around the needs of the submissives, pacing is fine, prose and dialogue are always comfortable with Syd McGinley writing, and character development is consistent with other stories in this series.

• Book Rating: A Short Leash: 8 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 3 of 5

Candy's Daddy by Cherry Lee

 

I feel the need to point out, first and foremost, that Candy's Daddy is a story of two consenting adults who enjoy age play. There are no underage participants in the book. I appreciated that the author made it clear that the "Daddy" had no interests in real children, that his fantasies laid in the realms of treating an adult woman as a child.

Now that we've got that behind us... age play is not my thing but this book is still up in the 5 of 5 range for the hotness factor. And it is a very well written book, enough so that even though it's not one of my fantasies, the author made me enjoy it as her fantasy.

The relationship proceeded fast, blazingly fast, which sometimes annoys me. But things progressed so naturally that I was (mostly) fine with the speed.

I loved that the author pointed out the problems that can result in such a relationship - the loss of the adult self, grasping for who you really are. It happens in Master/slave relationships as well, and even Dom/sub relationships - but with age play I think it could be even more pervasive. I also enjoyed that at times Candy was a little girl who needed to be bathed and pampered, and at other times she was the rebellious teen.

Candy meets a man named Bob while working as a waitress at a bar. A one night hook up quickly turns into an intense relationship when they both admit to their inclination toward Daddy/daughter play. They play out many scenes that thrill them both. But after Candy moves in with Bob and gives up her autonomy to her new Daddy, she must decide how deep she is willing to go into her new persona.

Is she a woman playing a little girl or has she become a hybrid of both woman and girl? Can she surrender completely to Bob and be the little girl he’s always dreamed of caring for? Sometimes a woman has to leave the one she loves in order to come back to him completely.

I loved seeing Candy with her real parents, and the point being made that there was no broken relationship with Candy and her real father, and that she had no sexual urges towards her real father. I get so tired of the broken submissive who must be fixed by her Dom. This is two well adjusted adults who come together because they have complimentary kinks.

I also liked that Bob didn't allow Candy to play around at being secretive, or telling lies. He treated it as important, outside of age play -- a relationship issue, which is exactly what it was... not something to play at punishing. Kudos to the author for pointing that out.

BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline:  No bondage, but there is discipline. 2 of 3
• Dominance and Submission: Yes, though it's pretty fluid.  3 of 3
• Sadism and Masochism:  2 of 3.
• Extra Point: Yes

As for the writing elements:

1. I enjoyed the plot, even though it was nothing more than the process of the relationship forming. No outside forces trying to pull them apart were necessary.
2. Pacing was well done.
3. Prose and dialogue flowed naturally.
4. Character development was exceptionally well done for the length of the story (~22,000 words) 

 Candy's Daddy deserves a 10 of 10 for a number of reasons: the storyline, the explanations without talking down to the reader, the respect shown to this particular lifestyle, and did I mention the sex and the play is Hot?

• Book Rating: Candy's Daddy: 10 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 5 of 5

I didn't put this into the Menage genre tag because it's not a Menage relationship. However, there are a few scenes with multiple partners that worked quite well for me.


 

The Next Step by Mychael Black

 

The Next Step follows six months after the events of Onyx (see my review of Onyx here).

I think it would be okay to read The Next Step if you haven't read Onyx, but both are pretty good books so you may as well read the story from the beginning.

Here's the blurb for The Next Step:

Master Ian Vaughn and his sub Kale Daniels are back for more in this sequel to Onyx! Both men are happy together, playing and living like any other Dom and sub. For Kale, though, it goes much deeper than that. He's fallen in love with his Master, but he has no idea how Ian feels about him. When Ian books them a private playroom at a new club, Kale is thrilled to find out all his Master has in store. And Ian has a few surprises that Kale never expects to receive.

BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline: Good bondage, no discipline required during the day that this story covers.  2 of 3
• Dominance and Submission: Yes.  3 of 3
• Sadism and Masochism: Yum.  2 of 3. 
• Extra Point: Yes

If you enjoy medical scenes then you will certainly enjoy the play that these two characters engage in. 

As for the writing elements, there isn't much of a plot, the purpose of the story is to show you a day in the life of this couple we met in Onyx. There is plenty of interest though, so it's fine as is. Pacing is well done. Prose and dialogue are fine. Character development is consistent with the previous book and is fine for the parts of their lives that we are privy to.

• Book Rating: The Next Step: 9 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 5 of 5

It was a fun (and hot) little read, and I was pleased to discover more about this couple beyond what we were given in Onyx.

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Master of the Abyss by Cherise Sinclair

 

Master of the Abyss is a follow up book to Master of the Mountain, where one of the brothers found his perfect submissive. If you haven't read Master of the Mountain then that's okay - you don't need to have read it to understand what's going on.

In Master of the Abyss, it's Jake's turn. But Jake has this "one night only" rule. He's honest about it up front, making it clear before anything happens. It seems to have worked for him so far. That is, until he has a run in with Kallie, the flannel shirt wearing wilderness guide.  Here's the blurb:

On the mountain, the watcher seeks out evil women. And then they die.

Two years ago, when Jake Hunt uncollared his slave, she committed suicide. Guilt-ridden, he will commit to a woman for one night only, devoting his energy to a mountain lodge that caters to a BDSM crowd.

Kallie Masterson is tough. Unwanted as a child, she worked hard to become a wilderness guide. She’s proud of who she is, and hurt that Jake frowns on her for acting like a man.

After rescuing the macho guide from a bar fight, Jake is stunned that the ugly men’s clothing hides a warm, responsive woman. A submissive woman. When guide business brings her to the lodge on BDSM night, and she is obviously aroused by the play, Jake takes the little sub right into his world of pain and pleasure. He warns her: one-night-only. But she responds so beautifully--so joyously--under his command, that one night soon becomes two, then three…

Then a missing hiker reminds Jake of his past lover, and he realizes he’s become too involved. He pulls back.

Meanwhile, the watcher on the mountain has rendered his verdict: Kallie Masterson is evil. The sentence: Death.

The plot that the blurb speaks to is really more of a background plot. The main plot, to my mind, was the progression of the way Kallie and Jake interact with each other.  I really liked Kallie, and I loved that she was this strong woman capable of handling herself in just about any situation, and that she didn't argue too much with herself over her desire to submit to Jake.

And I loved that Jake showed her respect while he Dominated her. He didn't let her get away with anything, he was quick to give punishments when needed... but he didn't expect her to just be okay with something because he said so. And when in group situations he did everything he could to help her be okay with the things he was doing to her, but without backing off of what he was doing.

Jake works hard to be keyed into Kallie's responses, but he's not a mind reader and I appreciate that he didn't get everything exactly right. I could appreciate it because he was quick to take steps to fix things, and because he took responsibility instead of trying to downplay the situation. 

BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline: Nothing extreme, but there is plenty of both, and both are well executed.  3 of 3.  
• Dominance and Submission: Yes. It's not TPE, he only tops her when sex is involved, but when he goes into Dom mode he doesn't mess around.   3 of 3.
• Sadism and Masochism: Some, but nothing extreme.  1 of 3.
• Extra Point: Yes

As for the writing elements:

• The multiple plots were nicely done and created a lot of interest.
• Pacing had a few minor issues but was mostly well done.
• Prose and dialogue were skillfully woven together.
• Character development was superb. Very well done.

Cherise Sinclair has written a wonderful Dom and a likeable sub, and given them great location and a good plot. The tension is perfect, and the sex is hot. I wouldn't mind seeing more of Kallie and Jake, but I'm guessing that next will be her cousins... especially since she mentioned that one of them likes to bring home two women at a time.

• Book Rating: Master of the Abyss: 9 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 5 of 5

I'd like to point to that heat level again. Five of Five. I really liked Jake, and his approach to BDSM. Yum.

Firebird by Annabel Joseph

 

I've had major issues with most of the workplace-BDSM-romance/relationship stories I've read this year, so when I realized Firebird is the story of a BDSM relationship between choreographer and ballerina, I was a bit hesitant. It turns out my concerns were unwarranted, as the Dom did not take advantage of the sub at work, and in fact did pretty much everything he could to keep the relationship away from the theater. Also, without giving spoilers, the relationship doesn't actually begin at work, but outside of work, and that helped with the whole professionalism thing as well.

Here's the blurb:

Prosper is thrilled to be plucked from the corps de ballet to dance the lead role in The Firebird. Jackson, the guest choreographer, is as sexy as he is demanding. Prosper soon finds herself flustered by his closeness and his unforgiving gaze. She gets caught up in kinky fantasies that make it difficult for her to concentrate on his steps. She imagines him as her Dominant, turning her over his knee for flubs in rehearsal. Just as sensual tension at work builds to an impossible level, a surprise encounter outside the studio results in Prosper's fantasies being realized. Jackson takes his protégée home and ties her to his bed. Soon Prosper is receiving the discipline and domination she craves -- and much, much more.

The pair maintain a secret off-stage relationship -- scorchingly intimate encounters several evenings a week. But Prosper feels the burden of carrying the Firebird ballet on her back, and Jackson knows that his time in New York will draw to an end all too soon. Will Prosper crack under the pressure of pleasing her lover and bringing his vision to life, or will Jackson find a way to help his Firebird take flight?

BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline: Yes and yes. 3 of 3.
• Dominance and Submission: Oh, my. Yes. 3 of 3
• Sadism and Masochism:  Some, but nothing really out of the ordinary, and no edge play. I've wavered back and forth from a 1 and 2 and I'm going to settle on a 1 of 3.
• Extra Point: Yes.

As for the writing elements:

• The main plot is the journey of the relationship, but there is also some theater drama and politics creating smaller plots. All were good, if predictable.
• Pacing was fine.
• Prose and dialogue were fine.
• Character development was well done for Prosper, but I wanted to know more about Jackson. I liked what we learned of Jackson, but I didn't really feel he was fully developed.

I've debated back and forth on a rating, and I'm going to settle on an 8 of 10. As a one time ballerina myself, and as the mom of two young ballerinas (now in the midst of The Nutcracker performances), I guess I was hoping for more flowery prose about dancing, as well as more realism about how bad your body (and your feet) hurt after days on end of dancing. By definition, all dancers who go that far have to be at least a touch masochistic -- they have a relationship with pain, pain is a cost that must be paid in order to express themselves through dance. They learn which pain can be ignored and which pain they must pay attention to -- in other words, which pain flags injury and damage and which just hurts but doesn't mean serious damage is occurring. They may not enjoy the pain, but they almost certainly have learned how to integrate it into their life.

I was also expecting more dance oriented BDSM - choreographers are artistic and creative and... I feel greedy saying I wanted more, but there it is. Don't get me wrong - it's a good story with a very likable Dom.  I enjoyed Prosper's journey from moderate experience to a lot of experience, and I enjoyed having an eagle eye view to watching Jackson train her.

• Book Rating: Firebird: 8 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 4 of 5

This is not BDSM lite -- we see the use of a belt, a crop, a leather paddle, and plugs. And the D/s is serious, with punishments when a rule or order is not followed.  However, I think that those who prefer the "kinder gentler" variety of BDSM will probably be okay with the events of the book. 

Also, Firebird hit on one of my pet peeves. This falls into spoiler territory so select the text to view it.
Why is it always the submissive who has to move? Why can't the Dom be the one to take a hit to his career and move to another city? Everything had settled down at the theater and Prosper's career would have been much better served to stay put instead of moving to another city. I get why she followed him, it just bugs me that it is the submissive who is expected to pick up and follow the Dom, so that his career can continue on without detour.


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Blood Slave by Michelle Houston

 

Blood Slave is a short read that consists of two closely related stories.

Here's the blurb:

Sometime in the near future, vampires have been found to exist and have been hunted down and systematically infected with a virus that causes them to lose their sight. But they have found a way around it, through the use of blood slaves.

Where The Blind Leads: Brandon is one of those possible slaves, and if his interview goes right, he will become his master's new eyes, food supply, and lover. After his master is done whipping him and testing his sexual abilities.

Leading The Blind: Nicholas used to be one of those slaves, but through the slow infection of the virus, he has been turned. Now he is facing a future he knows nothing about--dominating another. His old master decides to step in a find a new master for Nicholas, a mortal man who is not only willing to dominate a blind vampire, but also to be his blood slave.

First, let me just say that the first story is hot. I'll even go so far as to say Smokin' Hot. It's short, but it packs a nice punch. The second story isn't quite as hot, but there is some emotion in there, and it's also an enjoyable read.

BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline:  No physical bondage, but a metaphysical one that is perhaps more encompassing than ropes and chains. And there is the promise of discipline. 2 of 3.
• Dominance and Submission: Yes. 3 of 3
• Sadism and Masochism: Yes. 2 of 3. 
• Extra Point: Yes.

As for the writing elements, the plot is creative and different and I enjoyed it. The pacing is fine, prose and dialogue are well done, character development is good for the short story we are given, and world-building is well done and gives us a different take of the world of vampires. 

• Book Rating: Blood Slave: 10 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 5 of 5

It's possible that the intensity level isn't giving a totally accurate picture this time. Most of the time I believe my ratings system works, but in this case you should be aware that it's a pretty hard core BDSM situation, and that if the story was longer then these particular couples most assuredly would have done enough for their relationships to warrant a 10 of 10.

I enjoyed Blood Slave and recommend it for those who appreciate the idea of consenting to be a slave, but then losing the ability to withdraw consent once it is given. The slaves in this world still have control, as they can change Masters at any time, but once they consent to becoming a slave there is no going back to being a free person.

I would be very interested in a full length novel written in this world. The world building is an interesting concept, with lots of possibilities when it comes to how vampires interact with each other when their slaves are their eyes. What would a party would look like, how would political meetings work, how would vampires police themselves.... I can imagine all kinds of fun rules for the slaves in those situations.

Training to Pleasure by Julian Masters

 

Training to Pleasure had the potential to be a good story. Unfortunately, Mr. Masters was sorely in need of an editor. There are way too many punctuation marks! And lots of other odd punctuation that made reading and staying with the story a challenge. Also, compound words were seperated - so anyone was any one. That may sound like nitpicking, but it happened many dozens of times, making me stop and look at it, read through it again, and then realize how it should have been written. And there were other editing snafus, where it appears he reworded part of a sentence and didn't go back and fix the other part of the sentence to fit with the reworded portion. I could continue on with my problems with the  writing, but I'll stop there and get to the story.

The story is one of a woman brand new to the ideas of BDSM who finds an experienced Master online, and then follows as they begin a relationship. It's a cyber relationship for a few months, and then they meet and it becomes a real life relationship. The first part of the book had some pretty big pacing issues, as the action was pretty slow to get started.

Some parts of the story didn't work so great for me, but others did. Or, I should say, they really did. There is a scene where he gives her a taste of something she doesn't want to experience anymore of, and then tells her that he wants her to resist him. If she manages to keep him from taking her for thirty minutes then she won't get more of the bad thing. If she can't last the entire thirty minutes then the longer she lasts, the less she will have to endure of the bad thing. That turned into a very nice scene.

I also appreciated that we are shown two strong individuals coming together in a power exchange relationship. No one is broken, no one needs to be "fixed". One has a kink to Dominate, the other has a kink to submit. That's it, nothing is broken.  The training also has some Zen type stuff, some of which was a nice touch.

Here's the blurb:

Kate is hard working, successful, responsible and smart-yet something is missing from her life. The men she dates quickly bore her in and out of bed. A girlfriend loans Kate an erotic novel of dominance and submission that ignites a firestorm of longing and desire she cannot ignore. Perhaps she has been looking for the wrong type of man in all the wrong places her whole life?

Kate goes in search online, learning all she can about her need to surrender her heart and body to a truly masterful man. A chance encounter in a chat room leads to her eventually meeting James at a beautiful English country house and spending an exquisitely erotic week together that will change both their lives forever.Note: This story was previously released in 2003 under author name Sir Julian. It has been revised and extensively expanded.

Training to Pleasure was a nice story of a couple's journey towards a Master/submissive relationship. There is a little bit of well done puppy play, and a nice description of a colonic (kind of one step beyond an enema) that is also well described. Impact play is not a huge part of the training, but that's okay because the things done in place of impact play are quite creative and (other than a few instances) fairly well described. 

The poor grammar and lack of editing was a real problem for me, though.

BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline: Yes, but nothing too extreme. 2 of 3.
• Dominance and Submission: Yes. 3 of 3.
• Sadism and Masochism: Yes. 2 of 3
• Extra Point: Yes.

As for the writing elements, the plot was the story of how the relationship progressed during their cyber chats, their first date, and then a week in a rented country home in the middle of nowhere. There were no outside influences, which was fine for this story. Pacing had some issues, there was the aforementioned slow start, but there were also too many info dumps and over-describing of mundane things that were not a big part of the story (another place a good editor could have come in handy). Prose had serious issues, dialogue flowed in most places but had issues here and there. Character development was fine.

• Book Rating:Training to Pleasure: 6 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 5 of 5

  
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Deviations: Bondage by Chris Owen and Jodi Payne

 

Deviations: Bondage is the fourth book in the Deviations series. I've been re-reading and reviewing the series in preparation for book five, Deviations: Safe Words.

Much of what happens in book four was emotionally uncomfortable for me. I knew I didn't like some of it when I read it the first time, but when I read it this time I realized why I didn't like some of what happens: I'm not a big enough person to have been able to make some of the decisions that Noah makes. I would like to think I could have, but in reality.... nope, not at all sure I could have.

However, even though emotionally I had my own personal issues with what happens, physically... wow.  The BDSM is not "same stuff different book". It's just not.

So much changes from the beginning of Deviations: Bondage to the very happy ending that I'm not really sure how to talk about it without giving spoilers. Which I'm not going to do.  So here's the blurb:

In Deviations: Bondage, Tobias and Noah fulfill the most ambitious addition to their new contract by moving in together. The proximity, coupled with the depth of their committed partnership both in and out of the playroom, has them redefining boundaries and creating new dynamics as Master and sub. An unexpected and emotional turn of events forces Tobias and Noah to make life-altering decisions.

Can Tobias manage the intensifying emotional and physical demands on him as Master and lover? Can Noah reconcile his career path with his committed partnership and his submissive lifestyle? Will Phan and Bradford finally find what they need with the help and support of their friends? The last book in the series is full of surprises, intense scenes, hot sex and plenty of love and devotion among the men of Deviations.

The authors did say that book four was the final book of the series. I am so happy that they've changed their minds and are giving us a fifth book. I love these characters.


BDSM elements:

• Bondage and Discipline: Some bondage, some discipline. Honestly though, not a whole lot of either in the fourth book. 2 of 3.
• Dominance and Submission: Yes.  3 of 3
• Sadism and Masochism: Well, yes... but we aren't given the blow by blows of it. Not to the extent we were given in previous books. 2 of 3.
• Extra Point: Yes.

As for the writing elements, the plot is an extension of plots that began in book one, though you don't realize it when you read the first book for the first time. It's a nice plot, and it works well with the personalities of these particular characters. Pacing does have a few issues in the fourth book, but not any big problems. Prose and dialogue were again very well done, with some nice comic moments woven into the story.  Character development was, again, full of depth and details and was just all around exceptionally well done.

• Book Rating: 10 of 10
• BDSM Intensity Level: 8 of 10
• Heat Level: 5 of 5

1. Deviations: Submission
2. Deviations: Domination
3. Deviations: Discipline
4. Deviations: Bondage
5. Deviations: Safe Words






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