The BDSM Book Club Discussion Thread
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FurryFury
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Okay, I'm tired of waiting. I'm going to put my thoughts down. Hopefully someone will join in soon . . .
Wild Women Contemporary Short Stories by Women Celebrating Women edited by Sue Thomas.
I was not looking forward to this selection because I'm not a big short story fan. I like more, much more meat on my stories. I also wasn't sure if these stories would be fiction or not, but I did hope they'd be sexy.
I was happy, in a way that they were short stories because I was already reading so many other books, some of them quite long. I envisioned a short read. It wasn't short at all as it turns out.
Overall, they also weren't sexy. They tended to be disjointed, irritating, full of rage and whiny. I also felt I was back in college analyzing stuff I'd rather not have read. I you know anything about me and college, we don't get along at all. *chuckles*
Still, there were moments and stories I did find compelling or interesting. My favs I've marked with an asterisk. (*)
One of the most frustrating things was when a title or section wasn't borne out by the material.
I have found myself surprisingly strongly affected by some of the stuff, not always in a good way. So I guess I can say it touched me deeper than I would have liked for it to.
It's been an interesting challenge of a read for me. I've definitely had to read other things to lighten my heart and mind at night.
One: Who Is the Wild Woman?
Me! I am! Wonders about the stories in the section. Hopes they will be raw and sexy. Donja want a, or to be, a woman like that? I know I do!
The Tiger's Bride by Angela Carter
This story moved slower than I would have liked. It did have some lovely description and word combinations. I got hot thinking about seeing the Tiger unmasked. At the end I really wanted to feel his raspy tongue licking the skin off my bones, his barbed cock raping me and experience his biting growl. Oh well.
Woman From America by Bessie Head
I liked this one. It was a good portrait of a community, the characters in it and how societies can be so different, yet how they can profoundly change one another, with some lovely humor, IMO.
The English Disease by Nina FitzPatrick
It had it's moments but I didn't much like either of the characters in it. That kills any story for me.
The Smile of The Mountain Witch* by Ohba Minako
This story touched me deeply. I strongly identified with this character and story. I can usually look at a person and know just what they hope, want and need me to be. It was part of how I survived childhood. I mean that literally. I stopped turning myself into what everybody wanted and found out who I was sometime in high school.
That was when I discovered being all things to all people is a problem with more than one person in the room carrying different visions of you. I am not The Giving Tree type. I'm not that co-dependent but I do like to please others so very much.
I think far too many women in this society try to be the pleaser. Many of them end up alone, their kids busy with their own lives, their husband's dying before they do. It is at that point they become bitter, thinking, "I lived my life for them and now what do I have? Nothing!"
This is why I counsel my friends to find time for themselves though it is difficult, follow your passions to some degree or another.
What was particularly cool in this story was that the woman wasn't pissed off or bitter but happy, accepting the choices she made. That is excellent. I can relate to that very well.
Two Words* by Isabelle Allende
I really liked this one so very, very much. I expected good magical realism from this author and I got it. What can I say? I'm a romantic.
The Debutante by Leonora Carrington
I thought it had promise but I didn't like the direction it went in. I wanted so much more. An accounting for rotten behavior would have been a good start in this story but nope, that didn't happen.
Two: The Dark Intruder/Male
Um, sounds luscious, may I have more than one please? *giggles*
Liking Men by Margaret Atwood
I found this one short, evocative and lovely. It was very conflicted as are many of us, I think, in about how we feel about men.
Simmering by Margaret Atwood
*smiles* This one was nicely ironic. I love funny pieces and turn about being fair play type themes.
In The Garden by Darcy Steinke
My notes on this story are as follows, fragmented, conflicted, compelling, short and strange. This story seemed to want to go both ways so it confused me. I don't like being confused. It could have been good for me had it chosen another direction.
The Odalisque, Extinct by Diana Hartog
Notes on this story are as follows: short, amusing evocative and strange. It's nice when these things are short IMO.
Bloodmantle by Tanith Lee
I wanted a very different sort of ending. I wanted so much more in this story in general. Oh well. For me, it didn't "pay off."
Sleeping Beauty Revised by Jill McCorkle
There is a reason that I'm not fond of fairy tales. It was rather well illustrated in this story. The lead character was not one I "bought."
I just would like to know, where does such rage come from?
Why can't this character be happy?
Why should we glory in the gory of "original" fairy tales and tell them that way to kids???
I think this was a pretentious and artificial POV but what do I know? Again, the title held the promise of something that to me didn't get delivered to the reader.
This story angered me.
All Strapped In* by Sue Thomas
First of all I want to say that in a strange way this was the first story that truly empowered the woman in it. It's ironic therefore, that she is apparently imprisoned in her body. This resonated for me a great deal.
For me this story was the best of the lot in this section.
At first her hiding her true interest pissed me off. I thought the character would be another whiner who wouldn't own up to her own choices and communicate. It was a pleasant surprise to see that wasn't going to be the case.
Three: Empowerment, Self-esteem
Sounded like a good section I could enjoy but sadly it was merely mostly frustration. This section was extremely frustrating for me. Talk about being mislabeled! *grr*
Orchids to You, Dear by Fiona Cooper
I truly disliked this story. Now how is it empowering?
She threw away the things that could have empowered her. Then, when it was clear she'd made the wrong choices what did she do? She whined, hid, refused to communicate and plotted. Great. The anti-me.
In all but my most suicidal times, and perhaps even then, I felt I had the power. Only someone I gave that power to could really have any over me. I owned up to my choices.
People like this, characters like this, and stories about this sort of thing, so turn me off.
Really, Doesn't Crime Pay? by Alice Walker
Again, a story with lying, and hiding. Where is the empowerment in this story? And why, oh why define yourself solely through the men you've known???
Stone-Eating Girl by Meena Alexander
Again, how is this an empowerment based story? The lead character is closed off, true. Entombed is more like it but how this qualifies as empowerment, I don't know.
The Raw Brunettes by Lorriane Schein
The title was intriguing. A secret society, I thought, this could be fun! Only, it's not. It's also not about brunettes raw or otherwise, nor about power. Ugh!
I like to Look by Kathy Page
My, what a provocative title. *smiles* In essence the story chastises those who seek thrills but don't really learn or see things while they are doing so. The "I'm superior because I DO look" argument would work far better if the character behind it, actually ever DID anything. Ah well.
Planetesimal* by Keri Hulme
This was a rather intriguing story. I didn't find it either,empowering or lacking of it for that matter. From what I could tell empowerment had NOTHING to do with this story one way or another. For me it was still the best in it's section.
Perma Red by Debra Earling
I found this story sad. Again I found no empowerment in it. *shrugs*
Four: Sex
This has to be good. I love sex! Right? Right!
The Queen's Chamber by A.N. Roquelaure
Nooooooo! Having recently read the book this story was taken from, I was not pleased to see the story again. BDSM? Sorta yes, sorta no. *yawn*
Her Thighs* by Dorothy Allison
This story was much more interesting to me. It's a something of a sexy lament. I also found the lesbian sex to be somewhat poetically written. I liked it pretty well.
Four Bare Legs in a Bed by Helen Simpson
Deceit isn't sexy to me. Refusing to communicate seriously pisses me off.
The last five out of the last six paragraphs were the sexy ones for me. Despite everything she found her way and her passion with her husband.
The only in the last paragraph says, nope, she didn't. She'd rather have fantasies and keep resenting her husband than actually be IN the relationship. Can I shove that character down the incinerator shaft now, pleeeeeease?
From How to Save Your Own Life by Erica Jong
I could have enjoyed this story. In fact, I did, for a while. I mean, hey, orgy! Yay!
However, the early whining about what her men did and did not allow her to do before hand, sucked for me. Her sense of disconnection and shame ruined the whole thing at the end.
So to sum it up. Orgy cool! Regret and anger toward past and husband, not so cool.
Five: Extreme Behavior*
Personal note, star date, ooo78, LOL! I liked this section perhaps the best so far.
It's Bad Luck to Die* by Elizabeth McCracken
This was a good story for me. I liked it a lot. All except the death in it, but even that was done in a way that was acceptable to me.
MindMovie by Christine Slater
Yes, indeed, I'd say bad behavior was an apt section for this story. Where are the happy endings?
A Day at the Peep Show* by Veronica Vera
Ah! Sweet relief! Something that isn't complaining about something! Yay! I'm interested and fascinated by the sex industry. Thank you Veronica Vera! *kiss*
Roses by Evelyn Lau
Please note, sad, fucked up characters do NOT a good story make. Nuff said.
Julia and the Bazooka by Anna Kavan
I actually didn't hate it. It was quirky but okay for me. I didn't like it being written in, what, third person?
Six: Creativity, Life Phases
This should be a very cool section according to the title.
Silver Water by Amy Bloom
This one struck a little too close to home for me. It made me sad and angry. I don't read to get sad and angry. Usually I read for my own pleasure so, it wasn't my thing.
In My Next Life by Pam Houston
Oh so sad. It's sweet but so, so sad! If you believe in something and it fails you was it still worthwhile? That's the make question I came away with from this story.
Many Mothers* by Beverly Daurio
Yay! The lead character decided to actually go live! Good for her. By the simple virtue of having a hopeful ending that isn't whining this one wins the best of the section in my opinion.
Suicide by Mariarosa Schlauzero
The word paralyzes me. It took me several days to come back to this story. I didn't want to read it. It's too close to home. When I did read it, I didn't like it or find much value in it.
Autobiography by Carol Emshwiller
Okay, so this story reflects the way a woman's mind might actually work. The problem is that it doesn't work well for a story at all.
This paragraph says it all for me:
"(I'm thinking there must be some way to keep on writing after having lost faith in plot and in any manipulation of characters. Even the slice of life begins to look contrived. I think that instead maybe I will manipulate the rhythms, the style, the organization of paragraphs or the words or maybe sometimes just deal with little bits of fun or little bits or reality.)"
*shakes head to clear it*
Um, okaaaay, I didn't like the scatter shot style of this story.
Seven: Righteous Rage, Scars and Survivors
Note: I didn't like the sound of this section at all and really wanted to skip it.
The Gift by Josephine Hard
What a terrible sad story. What is the point?
Into the Roots by Janice Galloway
*sigh* Again, the point is? *yawn*
I Do What I Can and I Am What I Am by Fay Weldon.
What can I say about this story? At least, in the end, her Mom accepted her.
Lightning Rod* by Melanie Tem
This was a scary story. The idea that you should be a "giving tree" to save others from their feelings is absolutely hideous to me. The concept was somewhat fascinating too, like a terrible car wreck I couldn't look away from. Still, it could have been better and more interestingly written IMO.
Only because this story engaged me somewhat does it get best of the section from me.
The Unsatisfactory Rape by Bev Jafek
Rape is such a deliciously evocative word for me. I had high hopes for this one. However, though it had some humor, and the woman turned the situation on the rapist, the story dragged and was unpleasant for me. It truly was unsatisfactory for me.
Eight: Initiation, Endurance, The World of Female Knowing
Sounds interesting, I thought, as I read the section title.
How I Came West, and Why I Stayed by Alison Baker
I have a friend who was a cheerleader at a major university some time back. She said the harassment, which back in those days was not considered a "problem" the way it is now, was horrific. Not only did she quit the squad, she wouldn't let any of her girls be cheerleaders either. I really felt for her, going through that shit.
So, this story, which begins with what seems like cheerleader hunting, really didn't hit a very good cord with me. I think it's sad how the iconic cheerleader is so abused in our society.
In the end, the story was kind of sweet though. Of course, it was also totally unbelievable but, it did touch me in it's own strange, quirky way.
Our Brother's Keeper by Lucia Berlin
This story was quite strange to me. It had it's interesting moments but mostly seemed to be hubris that went nowhere. It didn't really have an ending IMO, either. *shrugs*
Indian Rubies by Patti Smith
The language of this story was poetic at times. The point of it was unclear to me. Mercifully, it was very short.
Knower of Birds by Rachel Pollack
The premise of writing a story based on the tarot cards you pull out of a deck is certainly interesting to me. This, to me, was a long strange, not particularly good, story. *shrugs*
The Wild Cherries of Lust by Andrea Dworkin
I didn't get this one. Fingers like vulva? WTF? *shakes head to clear it* I so am not intellectual enough for this sort of thing.
Keep Your Guts* by Karen Karbo
I found this one a pretty good story with a hopeful, though open, ending. This one was the best for me in this section which proved to be a bad section overall for me. So best, in this case, is extremely relative.
Birds of the Moon by Lisa Tuttle
Um, WTF? Strange shit. I wouldn't have ended the collection on this one but what do I know? The idea of abandoning your child special needs and all, and your husband to go with some strange birds only to be dropped is messed up.
*headache starts*
And so the book is finally finished! Yay! As I look back at my favs in each section and read about the authors, I am glad I got r done but I wish I'd liked the stories more. I wish I'd had less nightmares from them as well. It's absolutely shocking to see how celebrated many of these writers are. In most cases, I hope their other works are better. I will be happy about the few that touched me and leave the rest.
Now for the usual questions and answers:
Did you like the book overall or not?
No, I didn't. It didn't live up to it's many promises to my way of thinking and even worse, it was loooong while not doing so.
Do you feel it portrays BDSM in a real way, a positive way and/or your way?[/b}
Sadly, it didn't seem to have much BDSM in it at all. None of the little that was in it was real, positive or my way.
Did you like the sex scenes in the book?
Sometimes but they were rare and liking them was even more rare.
Did you like the rest of the book, the story in it?
I did like some of the stories but most I didn't care for. That's not surprising since I'm rarely a short story fan.
Would you be interested in reading another book by this author?
Not unless it hit on themes I am really interested in and stayed true to the promise of them.
What did you like best about this selection?
*goes blank*
What did you like the least?
The way women were painted in most of the stories as whining, secretive and uncommunicative. The way most of the women were so freaking unhappy but were unwilling to do anything to change.
How would you have changed the story?
Women would have taken more power in their own lives. They would not have been so pathetic and unhappy. There would have been much more sex, and D/s! Oh and more happy, or at least hopeful, endings would have been nice.
Wild Women Contemporary Short Stories by Women Celebrating Women edited by Sue Thomas.
I was not looking forward to this selection because I'm not a big short story fan. I like more, much more meat on my stories. I also wasn't sure if these stories would be fiction or not, but I did hope they'd be sexy.
I was happy, in a way that they were short stories because I was already reading so many other books, some of them quite long. I envisioned a short read. It wasn't short at all as it turns out.
Overall, they also weren't sexy. They tended to be disjointed, irritating, full of rage and whiny. I also felt I was back in college analyzing stuff I'd rather not have read. I you know anything about me and college, we don't get along at all. *chuckles*
Still, there were moments and stories I did find compelling or interesting. My favs I've marked with an asterisk. (*)
One of the most frustrating things was when a title or section wasn't borne out by the material.
I have found myself surprisingly strongly affected by some of the stuff, not always in a good way. So I guess I can say it touched me deeper than I would have liked for it to.
It's been an interesting challenge of a read for me. I've definitely had to read other things to lighten my heart and mind at night.
One: Who Is the Wild Woman?
Me! I am! Wonders about the stories in the section. Hopes they will be raw and sexy. Donja want a, or to be, a woman like that? I know I do!
The Tiger's Bride by Angela Carter
This story moved slower than I would have liked. It did have some lovely description and word combinations. I got hot thinking about seeing the Tiger unmasked. At the end I really wanted to feel his raspy tongue licking the skin off my bones, his barbed cock raping me and experience his biting growl. Oh well.
Woman From America by Bessie Head
I liked this one. It was a good portrait of a community, the characters in it and how societies can be so different, yet how they can profoundly change one another, with some lovely humor, IMO.
The English Disease by Nina FitzPatrick
It had it's moments but I didn't much like either of the characters in it. That kills any story for me.
The Smile of The Mountain Witch* by Ohba Minako
This story touched me deeply. I strongly identified with this character and story. I can usually look at a person and know just what they hope, want and need me to be. It was part of how I survived childhood. I mean that literally. I stopped turning myself into what everybody wanted and found out who I was sometime in high school.
That was when I discovered being all things to all people is a problem with more than one person in the room carrying different visions of you. I am not The Giving Tree type. I'm not that co-dependent but I do like to please others so very much.
I think far too many women in this society try to be the pleaser. Many of them end up alone, their kids busy with their own lives, their husband's dying before they do. It is at that point they become bitter, thinking, "I lived my life for them and now what do I have? Nothing!"
This is why I counsel my friends to find time for themselves though it is difficult, follow your passions to some degree or another.
What was particularly cool in this story was that the woman wasn't pissed off or bitter but happy, accepting the choices she made. That is excellent. I can relate to that very well.
Two Words* by Isabelle Allende
I really liked this one so very, very much. I expected good magical realism from this author and I got it. What can I say? I'm a romantic.
The Debutante by Leonora Carrington
I thought it had promise but I didn't like the direction it went in. I wanted so much more. An accounting for rotten behavior would have been a good start in this story but nope, that didn't happen.
Two: The Dark Intruder/Male
Um, sounds luscious, may I have more than one please? *giggles*
Liking Men by Margaret Atwood
I found this one short, evocative and lovely. It was very conflicted as are many of us, I think, in about how we feel about men.
Simmering by Margaret Atwood
*smiles* This one was nicely ironic. I love funny pieces and turn about being fair play type themes.
In The Garden by Darcy Steinke
My notes on this story are as follows, fragmented, conflicted, compelling, short and strange. This story seemed to want to go both ways so it confused me. I don't like being confused. It could have been good for me had it chosen another direction.
The Odalisque, Extinct by Diana Hartog
Notes on this story are as follows: short, amusing evocative and strange. It's nice when these things are short IMO.
Bloodmantle by Tanith Lee
I wanted a very different sort of ending. I wanted so much more in this story in general. Oh well. For me, it didn't "pay off."
Sleeping Beauty Revised by Jill McCorkle
There is a reason that I'm not fond of fairy tales. It was rather well illustrated in this story. The lead character was not one I "bought."
I just would like to know, where does such rage come from?
Why can't this character be happy?
Why should we glory in the gory of "original" fairy tales and tell them that way to kids???
I think this was a pretentious and artificial POV but what do I know? Again, the title held the promise of something that to me didn't get delivered to the reader.
This story angered me.
All Strapped In* by Sue Thomas
First of all I want to say that in a strange way this was the first story that truly empowered the woman in it. It's ironic therefore, that she is apparently imprisoned in her body. This resonated for me a great deal.
For me this story was the best of the lot in this section.
At first her hiding her true interest pissed me off. I thought the character would be another whiner who wouldn't own up to her own choices and communicate. It was a pleasant surprise to see that wasn't going to be the case.
Three: Empowerment, Self-esteem
Sounded like a good section I could enjoy but sadly it was merely mostly frustration. This section was extremely frustrating for me. Talk about being mislabeled! *grr*
Orchids to You, Dear by Fiona Cooper
I truly disliked this story. Now how is it empowering?
She threw away the things that could have empowered her. Then, when it was clear she'd made the wrong choices what did she do? She whined, hid, refused to communicate and plotted. Great. The anti-me.
In all but my most suicidal times, and perhaps even then, I felt I had the power. Only someone I gave that power to could really have any over me. I owned up to my choices.
People like this, characters like this, and stories about this sort of thing, so turn me off.
Really, Doesn't Crime Pay? by Alice Walker
Again, a story with lying, and hiding. Where is the empowerment in this story? And why, oh why define yourself solely through the men you've known???
Stone-Eating Girl by Meena Alexander
Again, how is this an empowerment based story? The lead character is closed off, true. Entombed is more like it but how this qualifies as empowerment, I don't know.
The Raw Brunettes by Lorriane Schein
The title was intriguing. A secret society, I thought, this could be fun! Only, it's not. It's also not about brunettes raw or otherwise, nor about power. Ugh!
I like to Look by Kathy Page
My, what a provocative title. *smiles* In essence the story chastises those who seek thrills but don't really learn or see things while they are doing so. The "I'm superior because I DO look" argument would work far better if the character behind it, actually ever DID anything. Ah well.
Planetesimal* by Keri Hulme
This was a rather intriguing story. I didn't find it either,empowering or lacking of it for that matter. From what I could tell empowerment had NOTHING to do with this story one way or another. For me it was still the best in it's section.
Perma Red by Debra Earling
I found this story sad. Again I found no empowerment in it. *shrugs*
Four: Sex
This has to be good. I love sex! Right? Right!
The Queen's Chamber by A.N. Roquelaure
Nooooooo! Having recently read the book this story was taken from, I was not pleased to see the story again. BDSM? Sorta yes, sorta no. *yawn*
Her Thighs* by Dorothy Allison
This story was much more interesting to me. It's a something of a sexy lament. I also found the lesbian sex to be somewhat poetically written. I liked it pretty well.
Four Bare Legs in a Bed by Helen Simpson
Deceit isn't sexy to me. Refusing to communicate seriously pisses me off.
The last five out of the last six paragraphs were the sexy ones for me. Despite everything she found her way and her passion with her husband.
The only in the last paragraph says, nope, she didn't. She'd rather have fantasies and keep resenting her husband than actually be IN the relationship. Can I shove that character down the incinerator shaft now, pleeeeeease?
From How to Save Your Own Life by Erica Jong
I could have enjoyed this story. In fact, I did, for a while. I mean, hey, orgy! Yay!
However, the early whining about what her men did and did not allow her to do before hand, sucked for me. Her sense of disconnection and shame ruined the whole thing at the end.
So to sum it up. Orgy cool! Regret and anger toward past and husband, not so cool.
Five: Extreme Behavior*
Personal note, star date, ooo78, LOL! I liked this section perhaps the best so far.
It's Bad Luck to Die* by Elizabeth McCracken
This was a good story for me. I liked it a lot. All except the death in it, but even that was done in a way that was acceptable to me.
MindMovie by Christine Slater
Yes, indeed, I'd say bad behavior was an apt section for this story. Where are the happy endings?
A Day at the Peep Show* by Veronica Vera
Ah! Sweet relief! Something that isn't complaining about something! Yay! I'm interested and fascinated by the sex industry. Thank you Veronica Vera! *kiss*
Roses by Evelyn Lau
Please note, sad, fucked up characters do NOT a good story make. Nuff said.
Julia and the Bazooka by Anna Kavan
I actually didn't hate it. It was quirky but okay for me. I didn't like it being written in, what, third person?
Six: Creativity, Life Phases
This should be a very cool section according to the title.
Silver Water by Amy Bloom
This one struck a little too close to home for me. It made me sad and angry. I don't read to get sad and angry. Usually I read for my own pleasure so, it wasn't my thing.
In My Next Life by Pam Houston
Oh so sad. It's sweet but so, so sad! If you believe in something and it fails you was it still worthwhile? That's the make question I came away with from this story.
Many Mothers* by Beverly Daurio
Yay! The lead character decided to actually go live! Good for her. By the simple virtue of having a hopeful ending that isn't whining this one wins the best of the section in my opinion.
Suicide by Mariarosa Schlauzero
The word paralyzes me. It took me several days to come back to this story. I didn't want to read it. It's too close to home. When I did read it, I didn't like it or find much value in it.
Autobiography by Carol Emshwiller
Okay, so this story reflects the way a woman's mind might actually work. The problem is that it doesn't work well for a story at all.
This paragraph says it all for me:
"(I'm thinking there must be some way to keep on writing after having lost faith in plot and in any manipulation of characters. Even the slice of life begins to look contrived. I think that instead maybe I will manipulate the rhythms, the style, the organization of paragraphs or the words or maybe sometimes just deal with little bits of fun or little bits or reality.)"
*shakes head to clear it*
Um, okaaaay, I didn't like the scatter shot style of this story.
Seven: Righteous Rage, Scars and Survivors
Note: I didn't like the sound of this section at all and really wanted to skip it.
The Gift by Josephine Hard
What a terrible sad story. What is the point?
Into the Roots by Janice Galloway
*sigh* Again, the point is? *yawn*
I Do What I Can and I Am What I Am by Fay Weldon.
What can I say about this story? At least, in the end, her Mom accepted her.
Lightning Rod* by Melanie Tem
This was a scary story. The idea that you should be a "giving tree" to save others from their feelings is absolutely hideous to me. The concept was somewhat fascinating too, like a terrible car wreck I couldn't look away from. Still, it could have been better and more interestingly written IMO.
Only because this story engaged me somewhat does it get best of the section from me.
The Unsatisfactory Rape by Bev Jafek
Rape is such a deliciously evocative word for me. I had high hopes for this one. However, though it had some humor, and the woman turned the situation on the rapist, the story dragged and was unpleasant for me. It truly was unsatisfactory for me.
Eight: Initiation, Endurance, The World of Female Knowing
Sounds interesting, I thought, as I read the section title.
How I Came West, and Why I Stayed by Alison Baker
I have a friend who was a cheerleader at a major university some time back. She said the harassment, which back in those days was not considered a "problem" the way it is now, was horrific. Not only did she quit the squad, she wouldn't let any of her girls be cheerleaders either. I really felt for her, going through that shit.
So, this story, which begins with what seems like cheerleader hunting, really didn't hit a very good cord with me. I think it's sad how the iconic cheerleader is so abused in our society.
In the end, the story was kind of sweet though. Of course, it was also totally unbelievable but, it did touch me in it's own strange, quirky way.
Our Brother's Keeper by Lucia Berlin
This story was quite strange to me. It had it's interesting moments but mostly seemed to be hubris that went nowhere. It didn't really have an ending IMO, either. *shrugs*
Indian Rubies by Patti Smith
The language of this story was poetic at times. The point of it was unclear to me. Mercifully, it was very short.
Knower of Birds by Rachel Pollack
The premise of writing a story based on the tarot cards you pull out of a deck is certainly interesting to me. This, to me, was a long strange, not particularly good, story. *shrugs*
The Wild Cherries of Lust by Andrea Dworkin
I didn't get this one. Fingers like vulva? WTF? *shakes head to clear it* I so am not intellectual enough for this sort of thing.
Keep Your Guts* by Karen Karbo
I found this one a pretty good story with a hopeful, though open, ending. This one was the best for me in this section which proved to be a bad section overall for me. So best, in this case, is extremely relative.
Birds of the Moon by Lisa Tuttle
Um, WTF? Strange shit. I wouldn't have ended the collection on this one but what do I know? The idea of abandoning your child special needs and all, and your husband to go with some strange birds only to be dropped is messed up.
*headache starts*
And so the book is finally finished! Yay! As I look back at my favs in each section and read about the authors, I am glad I got r done but I wish I'd liked the stories more. I wish I'd had less nightmares from them as well. It's absolutely shocking to see how celebrated many of these writers are. In most cases, I hope their other works are better. I will be happy about the few that touched me and leave the rest.
Now for the usual questions and answers:
Did you like the book overall or not?
No, I didn't. It didn't live up to it's many promises to my way of thinking and even worse, it was loooong while not doing so.
Do you feel it portrays BDSM in a real way, a positive way and/or your way?[/b}
Sadly, it didn't seem to have much BDSM in it at all. None of the little that was in it was real, positive or my way.
Did you like the sex scenes in the book?
Sometimes but they were rare and liking them was even more rare.
Did you like the rest of the book, the story in it?
I did like some of the stories but most I didn't care for. That's not surprising since I'm rarely a short story fan.
Would you be interested in reading another book by this author?
Not unless it hit on themes I am really interested in and stayed true to the promise of them.
What did you like best about this selection?
*goes blank*
What did you like the least?
The way women were painted in most of the stories as whining, secretive and uncommunicative. The way most of the women were so freaking unhappy but were unwilling to do anything to change.
How would you have changed the story?
Women would have taken more power in their own lives. They would not have been so pathetic and unhappy. There would have been much more sex, and D/s! Oh and more happy, or at least hopeful, endings would have been nice.
HottieMama
Notta Domme
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2007
- Posts
- 6,066
FurryFury said:
Oh Furry..i'm so excited for you. i sincerely hope you love it.
(Warning though...some parts are pretty extreme/graphic...)
HottieMama
Notta Domme
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2007
- Posts
- 6,066
i'm done...well, i mean..i have read the book three times already...
i'll do a quick scan before we discuss though.
i'll do a quick scan before we discuss though.
FurryFury
Addict of Sensation
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2005
- Posts
- 29,460
Time to be thinking about next month's selection!
What are we going to read in Octoberr??? Here are the nominations so far:
1.) Kushiel's Scion by Jacqueline Carey
Return to Terre d'Ange with Kushiel's Scion, sequel to the Kushiel's Legacy trilogy. This book follows Phedre's adopted son, Imriel, son of the treacherous Melisande and third in line for the D'Angeline throne. Carey does an excellent job of developing Imriel into a complicated, troubled young man without in any way betraying the character he was in Kushiel's Avatar: haunted but with the proverbial heart of gold.
2.) Heir To The Shadows, by Anne Bishop, from The Black Jewels Trilogy which includes-- Heir to the shadows and Queen of the darkness.
In Heir to the Shadows, Jaenelle's vampiric, adoptive father, Saetan, and her foster-family of demons shelter her. To restore her memory and emotional balance, they move to Kaeleer, where Jaenelle befriends the kindred--animals with magical and communicative powers--and gathers a circle of young Queens. She also heals Lucivar, Daemon's half-brother, who offers a brother's love and a warrior's fealty. As she recovers strength and memory, Jaenelle resolves to restore Daemon and cleanse Terreille.
Bishop subverts readers' expectations; the "darkest" powers reside in virtuous characters, demons and vampires are kindly, and Jaenelle's adolescence is more comically normal than horrific. Her vibrant characters and descriptions will keep readers hooked, anxiously awaiting what promises to be a riveting conclusion. --Nona Vero
3.)The Challenge (Mass Market Paperback) by Susan Kearney
Book Description
She was shot protecting the president, and woke up naked, in the arms of a hunk....A hunk named Kahn, who told Secret Service agent Tessa Camen an outlandish story about traveling through time, saving the world, and a Challenge only she can accept. Kahn offers her proof she can't refute: Tessa has been brought forward through time to save Earth by winning an intergalactic challenge. Kahn only has a few weeks to train Tessa to use the psi-abilities he insists she has. He is confident in the success of a time-honored method that uses sexual frustration to bring out her powers, but Tessa is dubious. She's a martial arts expert and can fight her way through anything, but she's never had much luck with emotions.Luckily for Earth, Kahn can be very convincing....
4.) Naughty Fairy Tales from A to Z edited by Alison Tyler. Described as "a hot twist on fairy tales." Several erotic writers took well known fairy tales and turned them into erotic works of art. In this book, Cinderella is a Dominatrix and Zoe White lives with seven whores. These are the cutest erotic stories I've ever read and there's one for each letter of the alphabet.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780452285552&itm=7
Starting with "All McQueen's Men" and ending with "Zoe White and the Seven Whores," these twenty-six tales give new meaning to the expression "bedtime stories." Wicked stepsisters tell how they really earned their reputation. The Ugly Duckling seduces her high school crush at her ten-year reunion. Cinderella is a dominatrix -- until midnight. And Goldilocks tries out many things before finding what feels "just right." Clever, flirtatious, and always naughty, these titillating tales will leave you lusting for more.
5.) Topping From Below by Laura Reese.
From Publishers Weekly
The title of this devilishly pornographic?albeit literate?novel is taken from the argot of sadomasochism and refers to a rebellious dynamic in which the dominant partner (the "top") is subtly manipulated by the submissive partner (the "bottom"). After her young sister, Franny, is found murdered?bound, gagged and mutilated?Nora Tibbs, a journalist for the Sacramento Bee, discovers in Franny's computer a diary that details her brief affair with "M.," an arrogant music professor in his late 40s. Cruelly exploiting the overweight, love-starved woman, M. forced Franny to submit to a humiliating gamut of outre sexual practices. Convinced that M. is Franny's murderer, Nora sets out to prove his guilt by pretending to submit to his depraved aberrations. But, to her astonishment, she discovers a dark, pagan side of herself when M. enthralls her with intense, if perilous, sexual pleasure. Graphic descriptions of exotic sexual practices (bondage and discipline, sadomasochism, bestiality, etc.) accumulate, counterpointed by Nora's sweetly romantic relationship with a fellow reporter. The suspense, a bit attenuated by thin secondary characters, also is muted by artless foreshadowing, but the conclusion is satisfying in a savage sort of way and Nora's plunge "down, all the way down" under M.'s manipulations will keep most readers gripped even as they're aware that Reese's shameless pandering is manipulating them in turn. Comparison to Story of O is well earned. 100,000 first printing; Literary Guild and Doubleday Recommended for adult fiction collections.
6.) 'Scandal' by Amanda Quick
From Publishers Weekly
Under the Quick ( Surrender ) pseudonym, veteran romance novelist Jayne Ann Krentz (see review of Silver Linings below) offers a tale of Regency England that, while deftly handled with touches of humor, is more notable for its darker side: the hero and heroine rescue each other from past injuries while challenging each other for control within their relationship. Emily Faringdon, a 24-year-old spinster, adores a man she has never met: Simon Traherne, her favorite correspondent on her favorite subject, romantic poetry. When Simon attends a meeting of Emily's local literary society, he indeed seems to be "the man of her dreams," a handsome earl apparently willing to overlook the scandal in her past--a thwarted elopement. But Simon is interested in her mostly as an instrument for revenge: he blames Emily's father for his own father's ruin and suicide 23 years before. Since then, Simon has plotted to destroy the Faringdons. A romantic with a strong pragmatic streak,pk Emily persuades Simon that marrying her enhances his possibilities for gaining revenge and she pk then begins her own campaign to win his affection and free him from the past that has poisoned his life.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
From a stately country house in Hampshire to the dazzling drawing rooms of London Society, comes an exquisite tale of an elfin beauty, a vengeful lord, and a sweet love that is sheer poetry.
With her reputation forever tarnished by a youthful indiscretion, lovely Emily Faringdon is resigned to a life of spinsterhood, until she embarks on an unusual correspondence and finds herself falling head over heals in love. Sensitive, intelligent, and high-minded, her noble pen-pal seems to embody everything Emily has ever dreamed of in a man. But the mysterious Earl of Blade is not at all what he seems.
Driven by dark, smoldering passions and a tragic secret buried deep within his soul, Blade has all of London cowering at his feet, but not Emily... never Emily. For even as she surrenders to his seductive charms, she knows the real reason for his amorous wit. And she knows that she must reach the heart of his golden-eyed dragon before the avenging demons of their entwined pasts destroy the only love she has ever known...
7. Top of Her Game by Emma Holly
Style and sensuality. Power and passion...There's something about the Parisian boutique Meilleurs Amis that provokes all who enter to blur the line between business and pleasure. No one knows this better than Beatrix Clouet, the daughter of its infamous and not-so-dearly departed founder, and her best friend-and new management trainee-Lela Turner.
Now, as they try to get their professional and personal lives on track, these best friends will have to weigh the price of love and lust-while making their wildest fantasies come to life... --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
8.) One Dark Night by Jaid Black.
One of the hottest, most intense books I''ve ever read. The Hero was literally plucked from my imagination. I cannot stress enough how much I loved this hot, steamy, very sensually arousing book. The best I''ve read in a very very long time...I mean, damn. Seriously The Hero, Thomas, wow... big drooling wow...I want to read more of this author, ASAP! LOL
Finally! A Jaid Black book with a meaningful plot! I was actually engrossed in the mystery of this little who-done-it and not just in the sex scenes. Reading many of Jaid's other stories is a cross between the story line of a cheap porno and the sickeningly sweet endings of a childhood fairy tale. But not this book! Amazing! I hope she keeps it up!
9.) Gordon by Edith Templeton.
Originally written under a pseudonym, this thrilling novel of passion in post-World War II London was banned upon its publication in the late 1960s, and is only now being republished under the author’s real name. Edith Templeton creates an indelible character in the smartly dressed Louisa, a savvy young woman in the midst of a divorce who meets a charismatic man in a pub and within an hour has been sexually conquered by him on a garden bench. Thus begins her baffling but magnetic love affair with, and virtual enslavement to, Richard Gordon.
10.) Slave Trade (Mass Market Paperback) by Susan Wright
Human slaves can never defy their alien masters -- or can they?
Rose Rico never believed the rumors, that the government was secretly selling human beings to the Alphas in exchange for advanced alien technology. The idea that human sex slaves were a luxury item throughout the galaxy was just too ridiculous to take seriously -- until Rose found herself, along with hundreds of other human captives, bound for the far reaches of space, and compelled to cater to the depraved desires of her new alien masters.
As a rule, pleasure slaves don't live very long, especially the stubborn ones. But Rose refuses to give up. Someday, somehow, she'll win back her freedom -- or die trying!
The beginning of a provocative new saga of slavery and rebellion.
11) The Dark Garden by Eden Bradley
A deliciously potent tale of one woman’s quest for self-discovery
Rowan Cassidy likes to be in charge—especially in her personal life. As a mistress at Club Privé, the most exclusive bondage/S & M club on the West Coast, Rowan can live out her dominant fantasies safely, and with complete control—until the night Christian Thorne walks in. Self-confident and sophisticated, he’s a natural dominant if Rowan’s ever seen one. Yet she can’t stop thinking about him and imagining his touch.
Christian has returned home, hoping to break free from his dissatisfaction and malaise—and discovers the cure in Rowan. He’s dying to get his skilled hands on her and watch her surrender, to unlock the mystery of her that captivates him. Determined to be her master, he makes Rowan a daring proposition: give herself over to him for thirty days.
Rowan finds Christian’s offer terrifying—and impossible to resist. But abandoning herself to Christian’s power might be more than she can handle…. Or it might be the realization of her true nature and the dark garden within her. There will be only one way to find out. And once the game has begun, there’s no turning back.
12.) Death Row The Trilogy by Jaid Black, includes The Fugitive, The Hunter and The Avenger. Should this book be THREE picks?
"One vision of the future"
It is now 2249 on Earth and women have become rare. There's a terrifying disorder that is affecting certain parts of the population. When one is infected, they become an inhuman monster without a conscience. They'll kill anyone around them, even loved ones.
After 15 years, death row inmate Kerick Riley has finally managed to escape. He's spent every second of his time in prison plotting his escape. He needs to get some answers to questions that have been haunting him all of these years.
Dr. Nellie Kan is a scientist who's working on a serum for the mysterious disorder. It's become her life's work since her mother contracted the disorder and died. One night while she's leaving work Kerick kidnaps her. He brings her back to the Outside and tries to make her his woman.
This is the first book in the Death Row trilogy. This story is a good start to the trilogy. I found this to be a quick read and I finished it in one sitting.
Sexual Content: NC-17, masturbation, and public sex.
Reviewed by Emily Anne
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted January 1, 2003
The United Americas of Earth: 2249 A.D.
On the eve of his execution, Death Row inmate Kerick Riley overpowers the guard and escapes the violent penal colony that has been his prison for over fifteen years. On the run to find the answers he seeks, the grim-faced, grey-eyed Kerick has two things on his mind: revenge and woman...
Scientist Nellie Kan has spent the last several years researching a frightening disorder that has developed in certain populations of humans. On the verge of developing a serum, Dr. Kan is kidnapped by an escaped Death Row inmate and claimed as his personal sexual property. Is her captor the key to the answer she seeks, or a lunatic who will destroy them both?
Publisher's Note: DEATH ROW is a three-part erotic suspense serial consisting of the following titles: The Fugitive, The Hunter, and The Avenger.
Sexual Content: Rated NC-17. Genre: Futuristic.
13.) Warrior's Woman by Johanna Lindsey.
Book Description
In the year 2139, fearless Tedra De Arr sets out to rescue her beleaguered planet Kystran from the savage rule of the evil Crad Ce Moerr. Experienced in combat but not in love, the beautiful, untouched Amazon flies with Martha, her wise-cracking, free-thinking computer, to a world where warriors reigns supreme--and into the arms of the one man she can never hope to vanquish: the bronzed barbarian Challen Ly-San-Ter. A magnificent creature of raw yet disciplined desires, the muscle-bound primitive succeeds where no puny Kystran male had before--igniting a raging fire within Tedra that must be extinguished before she can even think of saving her enslaved world. . .
14. Submission: A Novel by Marthe Blau
Description
You'll want to scream, but you'll be gagged. You'll want to cry, but you'll be blindfolded. You'll want to run away, but you'll be tied up. You'll have no way of begging me, I'll do what I want with you.
Now American readers can be riveted by the controversial novel that, according to The Sunday Times (London), "sent tremours through the French establishment." Sexual obsession, domination, and extreme desire drive the story of Elodie, a young married Parisian lawyer who finds herself swept up in a cycle of sadomasochistic lust.
A handsome stranger she meets in court issues her a series of instructions that she feels compelled to follow. He introduces her to sex clubs hidden in dark alleys, toys that enhance physical pleasure as well as pain, and couples whose appetites are as voracious as his. What at first seems out of character for Élodie quickly begins to shape her self-identity. As the violence of their encounters escalates, these acts become a dangerous addiction she can't break. But how far can she go and how much of her life will she risk in the process?
Based on the author's own experience, this sophisticated and captivating novel exudes the sensuality that only the French know how to deliver.
15. Slaves of the Empire by Aaron Travis.
Steven Saylor in disguise, his hot porn still includes marvelous details of Rome at its dirtiest, wealthiest, and most kinky.
16. Two Moons: Worthy of a Master Book One (Paperback) by Chelsea Shepard
On Earth, MeganÂ’s sex life was never satisfying. But when she allows herself to be abducted by visitors from a planet where sadomasochism is regarded as a healthy social activity, she wonders if she got more than she bargained for.
MeganÂ’s adjustment to the erotically liberated Khyrians becomes even more difficult when she falls for one of the starshipÂ’s pilots, a professional Master with a troubled past. Struggling with fears and doubts, but spurred by her overwhelming passion, Megan will do whatever it takes to earn his love.
Two Moons: Worthy of a Master is a dazzling delight for fans of romantic bondage. With deftly rendered characters, captivating scenarios and surprising twists, Chelsea Shepard charts the course of a woman challenged by her deepest desires, a journey that will take her literally out of this world!
17. Carrie's Story: An Erotic S/M Novel (Paperback) by Molly Weatherfield
At the outset, I should say that once you have read Carrie's Story you will probably want to read the sequel "Safe Word". This book is outstanding as an exploration of BDSM. Told from the submissive's viewpoint (ie as a first person narrative) it affords us a marvellous insight into the mind of someone who would place themselves at the mercy of another person, fully understanding of the pain and suffering that might result. But of course it also provides the answering motivation, the intensity of experience, the absolution from decision, the pleasure obtained from subordinating one's own desires to those of another.
It is the self-critical (what other reviewers have termed sassy) self-awareness of the central character that carries throughout this novel that makes it so special. This is delivered in a light-hearted, but brutally honest manner.
No question it is highly erotic. But there are many other novels that achieve that. This one transcends the mere erotic and captivates the reader. The author generates a tension that draws the reader on and enfolds you in the story. I have not found that in an erotic novel since reading The Story Of O - and I can give Carrie's Story no better praise than that comparison.
18. The Marketplace (The Marketplace Series, 1) by Laura Antoniou
The Marketplace series by Laura Antoniou is erotic literature of the highest quality and it will encapture your mind and heart as well as turn you on. This reissue is very welcomed and the new short story at the end covers a gap between this and the second book of the series, "The Slave" very well -- this short story alone is worth the cost of the book for any Marketplace fan. You'll meet all the important and reoccuring characters from Antoniou's series; you'll develop strong opinions about each too that may surprise some of you. This isn't soft and romantic BDSM though so if you can't handle DS without limits, serious punishment, and even sexual use to the extreme, you'll want to skip this series. It appeals across the board to all seuxal orientaions within the BDSM category -- in fact it plays around with the orientations in wonderfully engaging ways. I highly recommend this book.
19. Breaking the Girl by Kim Corum
See what all the fuss is about. "I wasn't a slave. I was a willing participant." "His name was Frank. Just Frank. His last name really doesn't matter. It was Smith or Jones or Gallagher or... Hell. Just pick one. They're really all the same. I didn't know that much about him." "Maybe Frank classified me as a whore." "I stopped talking, begging, pleading. Plotting. I wasn't going to win him over. It was his way or no way. And I knew that. So it was his way." "I just wasn't that kind of tie me up, tie me down, beat me, switch me, hold me tight, love me forever' kind of girl. Frank was that kind of guy. Which made me that kind of girl." "And when it was over, we fell away from each other gasping for air." ".he brought the money-in fifties and hundreds-to me, delivering it in a bank bag. Delivering it to me with a big smile on his face, as if he were happy to deliver it, glad he could accommodate me. Who was the real slave here?" Breaking the Girl-a story of white hot sex and submission.
20. The Love Slave by Bertrice Small
From the classic Skye O'Malley series to Love, Remember Me, Bertrice Small's enchanting, exotic, and erotic tales have won her a multitude of fans. Her latest passionate adventure tells the tale of a fiery Celtic beauty and an Arabian master of erotic arts.
From the Publisher
It is no act of love that Regan experiences the night she takes her sister's place in the marriage bed, a counterfeit bride to sate the lust of her twin's new husband. Come morning, her sister, carrying another man's child, resumes her place and Regan is spirited away to a nunnery.
But a more exotic fate awaits the fiery Celtic beauty: Regan is sold to a slave trader. It will be her destiny to come under the tutelage of Karim al Malina, master of the erotic arts, who will mold Regan — now renamed Zaynab, the beautiful one — into a Love Slave fit for a Moorish king, though the pair break the first rule of teacher and pupil . . . they fall in love.
But Zaynab is not Karim's to keep. She is given to the Caliph of Cordoba, who vows to love her . . . and pleasure her as no younger man can. Yet Regan still longs for her one true love, Karim al Malina, and vows that, somehow, their fates must be reunited . . .
21.The Darker Side of Pleasure by Eden Bradley.
http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Garden-Eden-Bradley/dp/0553589733/ref=tag_rsn_rs_edpp_url
A deliciously potent tale of one woman’s quest for self-discovery
Rowan Cassidy likes to be in charge—especially in her personal life. As a mistress at Club Privé, the most exclusive bondage/S & M club on the West Coast, Rowan can live out her dominant fantasies safely, and with complete control—until the night Christian Thorne walks in. Self-confident and sophisticated, he’s a natural dominant if Rowan’s ever seen one. Yet she can’t stop thinking about him and imagining his touch.
Christian has returned home, hoping to break free from his dissatisfaction and malaise—and discovers the cure in Rowan. He’s dying to get his skilled hands on her and watch her surrender, to unlock the mystery of her that captivates him. Determined to be her master, he makes Rowan a daring proposition: give herself over to him for thirty days.
Rowan finds Christian’s offer terrifying—and impossible to resist. But abandoning herself to Christian’s power might be more than she can handle…. Or it might be the realization of her true nature and the dark garden within her. There will be only one way to find out. And once the game has begun, there’s no turning back.
Online Stories:
22.) Tales From Subspace by NIGHTQUEEN1963. http://english.literotica.com/stori...ry.php?id=84817
23.) Night Prowler by Paddymellon http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/stories/...php?storyid=334
In addition I have another book thread for reads that do not have to do with BDSM. It's called reading books for pleasure and it is here:
https://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=410377
Any book you consider to have been pleasurable, and somewhat BDSM please share!
Selection of October 2007's novel will be announced on or before Sunday September 30. There is still time to make nominations!
The discussion of September 2007's selection, may be begin that night at midnight your time.~
My personal preference is this one:
Kushiel's Scion by Jacqueline Carey
Fury
What are we going to read in Octoberr??? Here are the nominations so far:
1.) Kushiel's Scion by Jacqueline Carey
Return to Terre d'Ange with Kushiel's Scion, sequel to the Kushiel's Legacy trilogy. This book follows Phedre's adopted son, Imriel, son of the treacherous Melisande and third in line for the D'Angeline throne. Carey does an excellent job of developing Imriel into a complicated, troubled young man without in any way betraying the character he was in Kushiel's Avatar: haunted but with the proverbial heart of gold.
2.) Heir To The Shadows, by Anne Bishop, from The Black Jewels Trilogy which includes-- Heir to the shadows and Queen of the darkness.
In Heir to the Shadows, Jaenelle's vampiric, adoptive father, Saetan, and her foster-family of demons shelter her. To restore her memory and emotional balance, they move to Kaeleer, where Jaenelle befriends the kindred--animals with magical and communicative powers--and gathers a circle of young Queens. She also heals Lucivar, Daemon's half-brother, who offers a brother's love and a warrior's fealty. As she recovers strength and memory, Jaenelle resolves to restore Daemon and cleanse Terreille.
Bishop subverts readers' expectations; the "darkest" powers reside in virtuous characters, demons and vampires are kindly, and Jaenelle's adolescence is more comically normal than horrific. Her vibrant characters and descriptions will keep readers hooked, anxiously awaiting what promises to be a riveting conclusion. --Nona Vero
3.)The Challenge (Mass Market Paperback) by Susan Kearney
Book Description
She was shot protecting the president, and woke up naked, in the arms of a hunk....A hunk named Kahn, who told Secret Service agent Tessa Camen an outlandish story about traveling through time, saving the world, and a Challenge only she can accept. Kahn offers her proof she can't refute: Tessa has been brought forward through time to save Earth by winning an intergalactic challenge. Kahn only has a few weeks to train Tessa to use the psi-abilities he insists she has. He is confident in the success of a time-honored method that uses sexual frustration to bring out her powers, but Tessa is dubious. She's a martial arts expert and can fight her way through anything, but she's never had much luck with emotions.Luckily for Earth, Kahn can be very convincing....
4.) Naughty Fairy Tales from A to Z edited by Alison Tyler. Described as "a hot twist on fairy tales." Several erotic writers took well known fairy tales and turned them into erotic works of art. In this book, Cinderella is a Dominatrix and Zoe White lives with seven whores. These are the cutest erotic stories I've ever read and there's one for each letter of the alphabet.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780452285552&itm=7
Starting with "All McQueen's Men" and ending with "Zoe White and the Seven Whores," these twenty-six tales give new meaning to the expression "bedtime stories." Wicked stepsisters tell how they really earned their reputation. The Ugly Duckling seduces her high school crush at her ten-year reunion. Cinderella is a dominatrix -- until midnight. And Goldilocks tries out many things before finding what feels "just right." Clever, flirtatious, and always naughty, these titillating tales will leave you lusting for more.
5.) Topping From Below by Laura Reese.
From Publishers Weekly
The title of this devilishly pornographic?albeit literate?novel is taken from the argot of sadomasochism and refers to a rebellious dynamic in which the dominant partner (the "top") is subtly manipulated by the submissive partner (the "bottom"). After her young sister, Franny, is found murdered?bound, gagged and mutilated?Nora Tibbs, a journalist for the Sacramento Bee, discovers in Franny's computer a diary that details her brief affair with "M.," an arrogant music professor in his late 40s. Cruelly exploiting the overweight, love-starved woman, M. forced Franny to submit to a humiliating gamut of outre sexual practices. Convinced that M. is Franny's murderer, Nora sets out to prove his guilt by pretending to submit to his depraved aberrations. But, to her astonishment, she discovers a dark, pagan side of herself when M. enthralls her with intense, if perilous, sexual pleasure. Graphic descriptions of exotic sexual practices (bondage and discipline, sadomasochism, bestiality, etc.) accumulate, counterpointed by Nora's sweetly romantic relationship with a fellow reporter. The suspense, a bit attenuated by thin secondary characters, also is muted by artless foreshadowing, but the conclusion is satisfying in a savage sort of way and Nora's plunge "down, all the way down" under M.'s manipulations will keep most readers gripped even as they're aware that Reese's shameless pandering is manipulating them in turn. Comparison to Story of O is well earned. 100,000 first printing; Literary Guild and Doubleday Recommended for adult fiction collections.
6.) 'Scandal' by Amanda Quick
From Publishers Weekly
Under the Quick ( Surrender ) pseudonym, veteran romance novelist Jayne Ann Krentz (see review of Silver Linings below) offers a tale of Regency England that, while deftly handled with touches of humor, is more notable for its darker side: the hero and heroine rescue each other from past injuries while challenging each other for control within their relationship. Emily Faringdon, a 24-year-old spinster, adores a man she has never met: Simon Traherne, her favorite correspondent on her favorite subject, romantic poetry. When Simon attends a meeting of Emily's local literary society, he indeed seems to be "the man of her dreams," a handsome earl apparently willing to overlook the scandal in her past--a thwarted elopement. But Simon is interested in her mostly as an instrument for revenge: he blames Emily's father for his own father's ruin and suicide 23 years before. Since then, Simon has plotted to destroy the Faringdons. A romantic with a strong pragmatic streak,pk Emily persuades Simon that marrying her enhances his possibilities for gaining revenge and she pk then begins her own campaign to win his affection and free him from the past that has poisoned his life.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
From a stately country house in Hampshire to the dazzling drawing rooms of London Society, comes an exquisite tale of an elfin beauty, a vengeful lord, and a sweet love that is sheer poetry.
With her reputation forever tarnished by a youthful indiscretion, lovely Emily Faringdon is resigned to a life of spinsterhood, until she embarks on an unusual correspondence and finds herself falling head over heals in love. Sensitive, intelligent, and high-minded, her noble pen-pal seems to embody everything Emily has ever dreamed of in a man. But the mysterious Earl of Blade is not at all what he seems.
Driven by dark, smoldering passions and a tragic secret buried deep within his soul, Blade has all of London cowering at his feet, but not Emily... never Emily. For even as she surrenders to his seductive charms, she knows the real reason for his amorous wit. And she knows that she must reach the heart of his golden-eyed dragon before the avenging demons of their entwined pasts destroy the only love she has ever known...
7. Top of Her Game by Emma Holly
Style and sensuality. Power and passion...There's something about the Parisian boutique Meilleurs Amis that provokes all who enter to blur the line between business and pleasure. No one knows this better than Beatrix Clouet, the daughter of its infamous and not-so-dearly departed founder, and her best friend-and new management trainee-Lela Turner.
Now, as they try to get their professional and personal lives on track, these best friends will have to weigh the price of love and lust-while making their wildest fantasies come to life... --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
8.) One Dark Night by Jaid Black.
One of the hottest, most intense books I''ve ever read. The Hero was literally plucked from my imagination. I cannot stress enough how much I loved this hot, steamy, very sensually arousing book. The best I''ve read in a very very long time...I mean, damn. Seriously The Hero, Thomas, wow... big drooling wow...I want to read more of this author, ASAP! LOL
Finally! A Jaid Black book with a meaningful plot! I was actually engrossed in the mystery of this little who-done-it and not just in the sex scenes. Reading many of Jaid's other stories is a cross between the story line of a cheap porno and the sickeningly sweet endings of a childhood fairy tale. But not this book! Amazing! I hope she keeps it up!
9.) Gordon by Edith Templeton.
Originally written under a pseudonym, this thrilling novel of passion in post-World War II London was banned upon its publication in the late 1960s, and is only now being republished under the author’s real name. Edith Templeton creates an indelible character in the smartly dressed Louisa, a savvy young woman in the midst of a divorce who meets a charismatic man in a pub and within an hour has been sexually conquered by him on a garden bench. Thus begins her baffling but magnetic love affair with, and virtual enslavement to, Richard Gordon.
10.) Slave Trade (Mass Market Paperback) by Susan Wright
Human slaves can never defy their alien masters -- or can they?
Rose Rico never believed the rumors, that the government was secretly selling human beings to the Alphas in exchange for advanced alien technology. The idea that human sex slaves were a luxury item throughout the galaxy was just too ridiculous to take seriously -- until Rose found herself, along with hundreds of other human captives, bound for the far reaches of space, and compelled to cater to the depraved desires of her new alien masters.
As a rule, pleasure slaves don't live very long, especially the stubborn ones. But Rose refuses to give up. Someday, somehow, she'll win back her freedom -- or die trying!
The beginning of a provocative new saga of slavery and rebellion.
11) The Dark Garden by Eden Bradley
A deliciously potent tale of one woman’s quest for self-discovery
Rowan Cassidy likes to be in charge—especially in her personal life. As a mistress at Club Privé, the most exclusive bondage/S & M club on the West Coast, Rowan can live out her dominant fantasies safely, and with complete control—until the night Christian Thorne walks in. Self-confident and sophisticated, he’s a natural dominant if Rowan’s ever seen one. Yet she can’t stop thinking about him and imagining his touch.
Christian has returned home, hoping to break free from his dissatisfaction and malaise—and discovers the cure in Rowan. He’s dying to get his skilled hands on her and watch her surrender, to unlock the mystery of her that captivates him. Determined to be her master, he makes Rowan a daring proposition: give herself over to him for thirty days.
Rowan finds Christian’s offer terrifying—and impossible to resist. But abandoning herself to Christian’s power might be more than she can handle…. Or it might be the realization of her true nature and the dark garden within her. There will be only one way to find out. And once the game has begun, there’s no turning back.
12.) Death Row The Trilogy by Jaid Black, includes The Fugitive, The Hunter and The Avenger. Should this book be THREE picks?
"One vision of the future"
It is now 2249 on Earth and women have become rare. There's a terrifying disorder that is affecting certain parts of the population. When one is infected, they become an inhuman monster without a conscience. They'll kill anyone around them, even loved ones.
After 15 years, death row inmate Kerick Riley has finally managed to escape. He's spent every second of his time in prison plotting his escape. He needs to get some answers to questions that have been haunting him all of these years.
Dr. Nellie Kan is a scientist who's working on a serum for the mysterious disorder. It's become her life's work since her mother contracted the disorder and died. One night while she's leaving work Kerick kidnaps her. He brings her back to the Outside and tries to make her his woman.
This is the first book in the Death Row trilogy. This story is a good start to the trilogy. I found this to be a quick read and I finished it in one sitting.
Sexual Content: NC-17, masturbation, and public sex.
Reviewed by Emily Anne
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted January 1, 2003
The United Americas of Earth: 2249 A.D.
On the eve of his execution, Death Row inmate Kerick Riley overpowers the guard and escapes the violent penal colony that has been his prison for over fifteen years. On the run to find the answers he seeks, the grim-faced, grey-eyed Kerick has two things on his mind: revenge and woman...
Scientist Nellie Kan has spent the last several years researching a frightening disorder that has developed in certain populations of humans. On the verge of developing a serum, Dr. Kan is kidnapped by an escaped Death Row inmate and claimed as his personal sexual property. Is her captor the key to the answer she seeks, or a lunatic who will destroy them both?
Publisher's Note: DEATH ROW is a three-part erotic suspense serial consisting of the following titles: The Fugitive, The Hunter, and The Avenger.
Sexual Content: Rated NC-17. Genre: Futuristic.
13.) Warrior's Woman by Johanna Lindsey.
Book Description
In the year 2139, fearless Tedra De Arr sets out to rescue her beleaguered planet Kystran from the savage rule of the evil Crad Ce Moerr. Experienced in combat but not in love, the beautiful, untouched Amazon flies with Martha, her wise-cracking, free-thinking computer, to a world where warriors reigns supreme--and into the arms of the one man she can never hope to vanquish: the bronzed barbarian Challen Ly-San-Ter. A magnificent creature of raw yet disciplined desires, the muscle-bound primitive succeeds where no puny Kystran male had before--igniting a raging fire within Tedra that must be extinguished before she can even think of saving her enslaved world. . .
14. Submission: A Novel by Marthe Blau
Description
You'll want to scream, but you'll be gagged. You'll want to cry, but you'll be blindfolded. You'll want to run away, but you'll be tied up. You'll have no way of begging me, I'll do what I want with you.
Now American readers can be riveted by the controversial novel that, according to The Sunday Times (London), "sent tremours through the French establishment." Sexual obsession, domination, and extreme desire drive the story of Elodie, a young married Parisian lawyer who finds herself swept up in a cycle of sadomasochistic lust.
A handsome stranger she meets in court issues her a series of instructions that she feels compelled to follow. He introduces her to sex clubs hidden in dark alleys, toys that enhance physical pleasure as well as pain, and couples whose appetites are as voracious as his. What at first seems out of character for Élodie quickly begins to shape her self-identity. As the violence of their encounters escalates, these acts become a dangerous addiction she can't break. But how far can she go and how much of her life will she risk in the process?
Based on the author's own experience, this sophisticated and captivating novel exudes the sensuality that only the French know how to deliver.
15. Slaves of the Empire by Aaron Travis.
Steven Saylor in disguise, his hot porn still includes marvelous details of Rome at its dirtiest, wealthiest, and most kinky.
16. Two Moons: Worthy of a Master Book One (Paperback) by Chelsea Shepard
On Earth, MeganÂ’s sex life was never satisfying. But when she allows herself to be abducted by visitors from a planet where sadomasochism is regarded as a healthy social activity, she wonders if she got more than she bargained for.
MeganÂ’s adjustment to the erotically liberated Khyrians becomes even more difficult when she falls for one of the starshipÂ’s pilots, a professional Master with a troubled past. Struggling with fears and doubts, but spurred by her overwhelming passion, Megan will do whatever it takes to earn his love.
Two Moons: Worthy of a Master is a dazzling delight for fans of romantic bondage. With deftly rendered characters, captivating scenarios and surprising twists, Chelsea Shepard charts the course of a woman challenged by her deepest desires, a journey that will take her literally out of this world!
17. Carrie's Story: An Erotic S/M Novel (Paperback) by Molly Weatherfield
At the outset, I should say that once you have read Carrie's Story you will probably want to read the sequel "Safe Word". This book is outstanding as an exploration of BDSM. Told from the submissive's viewpoint (ie as a first person narrative) it affords us a marvellous insight into the mind of someone who would place themselves at the mercy of another person, fully understanding of the pain and suffering that might result. But of course it also provides the answering motivation, the intensity of experience, the absolution from decision, the pleasure obtained from subordinating one's own desires to those of another.
It is the self-critical (what other reviewers have termed sassy) self-awareness of the central character that carries throughout this novel that makes it so special. This is delivered in a light-hearted, but brutally honest manner.
No question it is highly erotic. But there are many other novels that achieve that. This one transcends the mere erotic and captivates the reader. The author generates a tension that draws the reader on and enfolds you in the story. I have not found that in an erotic novel since reading The Story Of O - and I can give Carrie's Story no better praise than that comparison.
18. The Marketplace (The Marketplace Series, 1) by Laura Antoniou
The Marketplace series by Laura Antoniou is erotic literature of the highest quality and it will encapture your mind and heart as well as turn you on. This reissue is very welcomed and the new short story at the end covers a gap between this and the second book of the series, "The Slave" very well -- this short story alone is worth the cost of the book for any Marketplace fan. You'll meet all the important and reoccuring characters from Antoniou's series; you'll develop strong opinions about each too that may surprise some of you. This isn't soft and romantic BDSM though so if you can't handle DS without limits, serious punishment, and even sexual use to the extreme, you'll want to skip this series. It appeals across the board to all seuxal orientaions within the BDSM category -- in fact it plays around with the orientations in wonderfully engaging ways. I highly recommend this book.
19. Breaking the Girl by Kim Corum
See what all the fuss is about. "I wasn't a slave. I was a willing participant." "His name was Frank. Just Frank. His last name really doesn't matter. It was Smith or Jones or Gallagher or... Hell. Just pick one. They're really all the same. I didn't know that much about him." "Maybe Frank classified me as a whore." "I stopped talking, begging, pleading. Plotting. I wasn't going to win him over. It was his way or no way. And I knew that. So it was his way." "I just wasn't that kind of tie me up, tie me down, beat me, switch me, hold me tight, love me forever' kind of girl. Frank was that kind of guy. Which made me that kind of girl." "And when it was over, we fell away from each other gasping for air." ".he brought the money-in fifties and hundreds-to me, delivering it in a bank bag. Delivering it to me with a big smile on his face, as if he were happy to deliver it, glad he could accommodate me. Who was the real slave here?" Breaking the Girl-a story of white hot sex and submission.
20. The Love Slave by Bertrice Small
From the classic Skye O'Malley series to Love, Remember Me, Bertrice Small's enchanting, exotic, and erotic tales have won her a multitude of fans. Her latest passionate adventure tells the tale of a fiery Celtic beauty and an Arabian master of erotic arts.
From the Publisher
It is no act of love that Regan experiences the night she takes her sister's place in the marriage bed, a counterfeit bride to sate the lust of her twin's new husband. Come morning, her sister, carrying another man's child, resumes her place and Regan is spirited away to a nunnery.
But a more exotic fate awaits the fiery Celtic beauty: Regan is sold to a slave trader. It will be her destiny to come under the tutelage of Karim al Malina, master of the erotic arts, who will mold Regan — now renamed Zaynab, the beautiful one — into a Love Slave fit for a Moorish king, though the pair break the first rule of teacher and pupil . . . they fall in love.
But Zaynab is not Karim's to keep. She is given to the Caliph of Cordoba, who vows to love her . . . and pleasure her as no younger man can. Yet Regan still longs for her one true love, Karim al Malina, and vows that, somehow, their fates must be reunited . . .
21.The Darker Side of Pleasure by Eden Bradley.
http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Garden-Eden-Bradley/dp/0553589733/ref=tag_rsn_rs_edpp_url
A deliciously potent tale of one woman’s quest for self-discovery
Rowan Cassidy likes to be in charge—especially in her personal life. As a mistress at Club Privé, the most exclusive bondage/S & M club on the West Coast, Rowan can live out her dominant fantasies safely, and with complete control—until the night Christian Thorne walks in. Self-confident and sophisticated, he’s a natural dominant if Rowan’s ever seen one. Yet she can’t stop thinking about him and imagining his touch.
Christian has returned home, hoping to break free from his dissatisfaction and malaise—and discovers the cure in Rowan. He’s dying to get his skilled hands on her and watch her surrender, to unlock the mystery of her that captivates him. Determined to be her master, he makes Rowan a daring proposition: give herself over to him for thirty days.
Rowan finds Christian’s offer terrifying—and impossible to resist. But abandoning herself to Christian’s power might be more than she can handle…. Or it might be the realization of her true nature and the dark garden within her. There will be only one way to find out. And once the game has begun, there’s no turning back.
Online Stories:
22.) Tales From Subspace by NIGHTQUEEN1963. http://english.literotica.com/stori...ry.php?id=84817
23.) Night Prowler by Paddymellon http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/stories/...php?storyid=334
In addition I have another book thread for reads that do not have to do with BDSM. It's called reading books for pleasure and it is here:
https://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=410377
Any book you consider to have been pleasurable, and somewhat BDSM please share!
Selection of October 2007's novel will be announced on or before Sunday September 30. There is still time to make nominations!
The discussion of September 2007's selection, may be begin that night at midnight your time.~
My personal preference is this one:
Kushiel's Scion by Jacqueline Carey
Fury
FurryFury
Addict of Sensation
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- Apr 3, 2005
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graceanne said:You want me to make a decision? LOL
Yesterday i wanted to do the moon book, but today I want to read Kushiels Scion.
there's a reason I'm usually reading two or three books at a time.
I'm leaning toward Kushiels Scion cause I slipped up and read it at the beach. I don't want to forget too much of it before we discuss it. It's soooo good!
FurryFury
Addict of Sensation
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The October 2007 BDSM Book Club selection is:
Kushiel's Scion by Jacqueline Carey
Return to Terre d'Ange with Kushiel's Scion, sequel to the Kushiel's Legacy trilogy. This book follows Phedre's adopted son, Imriel, son of the treacherous Melisande and third in line for the D'Angeline throne. Carey does an excellent job of developing Imriel into a complicated, troubled young man without in any way betraying the character he was in Kushiel's Avatar: haunted but with the proverbial heart of gold.
It's a good one. You don't want to miss it.
Discussion of the September 2007 Book of the month, Doc and Fluff by Pat Califa can begin NOW!
Kushiel's Scion by Jacqueline Carey
Return to Terre d'Ange with Kushiel's Scion, sequel to the Kushiel's Legacy trilogy. This book follows Phedre's adopted son, Imriel, son of the treacherous Melisande and third in line for the D'Angeline throne. Carey does an excellent job of developing Imriel into a complicated, troubled young man without in any way betraying the character he was in Kushiel's Avatar: haunted but with the proverbial heart of gold.
It's a good one. You don't want to miss it.
Discussion of the September 2007 Book of the month, Doc and Fluff by Pat Califa can begin NOW!
FurryFury
Addict of Sensation
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2005
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Okay so I guess I'll start off the discussion of Doc and Fluff by Pat Califa. Please chime in, okay?
Did you like the book overall or not?
That's a good question. I kind of did. I kind of didn't. I didn't really like any of the characters that much yet which usually kills a read or movie cold for me. Yet, it was still a compelling read. I don't particularly like dystopian type things. I DO like end of the world/rebuilding things. I'm not sorry I read it. It was cool in some ways.
Do you feel it portrays BDSM in a real way, a positive way and/or your way?
I don't feel it portrays BDSM my way or in a positive way. I felt there was very little discussion of mutual needs/wants or overt consent. That bothered me. There was a good deal of sexual things that were pure violence and not meant to be BDSM either. That mudded the water somewhat.
Did you like the sex scenes in the book?
Some of them I did. Many of them I didn't. Due to the whole show off and/or be violent but not really treat people as people thing, I found many of them difficult at times to enjoy even on a fantasy basis.
Did you like the rest of the book, the story in it?
I found it interesting and compelling but I'm not sure I really liked it.
Would you be interested in reading another book by this author?
I might, yes. I was somewhat disappointed to find it was written by a man. I'm not sure exactly why. Depending on the subject matter, I would def pick up another book by this author.
What did you like best about this selection?
I liked the society is torn down, how is it going to be built up and what is this author's idea about that, parts.
I liked that when some of the characters acknowledged their gay interests, they were happier with life and themselves.
I liked finding out how a gay/dike female society might discriminate against various fractions within their own persecuted group. I had never thought about it before. I find that sort of thing interesting. The reasons why are interesting too.
What did you like the least?
The violence that wasn't consensual.
The lack of communication or understanding of self that the characters had.
The idea that the earth mother would be so into non consensual violence and retribution, using crazy ass bitches as her vessel for that.
How would you have changed the story?
To truly make it BDSM I would have had them acknowledge and discuss their fears, goals, needs, wishes and so on within relationships. Doc and Fluff would have therefore, had a much healthier, loving relationship.
I would have focused more on what happened to the society and how it was now cause I wanted to see more of that.
It might have been interesting to hang out in dyke/pagan/mother earth land a bit more.
Or the ruined city.
Or the just being built gay male society.
Did you like the book overall or not?
That's a good question. I kind of did. I kind of didn't. I didn't really like any of the characters that much yet which usually kills a read or movie cold for me. Yet, it was still a compelling read. I don't particularly like dystopian type things. I DO like end of the world/rebuilding things. I'm not sorry I read it. It was cool in some ways.
Do you feel it portrays BDSM in a real way, a positive way and/or your way?
I don't feel it portrays BDSM my way or in a positive way. I felt there was very little discussion of mutual needs/wants or overt consent. That bothered me. There was a good deal of sexual things that were pure violence and not meant to be BDSM either. That mudded the water somewhat.
Did you like the sex scenes in the book?
Some of them I did. Many of them I didn't. Due to the whole show off and/or be violent but not really treat people as people thing, I found many of them difficult at times to enjoy even on a fantasy basis.
Did you like the rest of the book, the story in it?
I found it interesting and compelling but I'm not sure I really liked it.
Would you be interested in reading another book by this author?
I might, yes. I was somewhat disappointed to find it was written by a man. I'm not sure exactly why. Depending on the subject matter, I would def pick up another book by this author.
What did you like best about this selection?
I liked the society is torn down, how is it going to be built up and what is this author's idea about that, parts.
I liked that when some of the characters acknowledged their gay interests, they were happier with life and themselves.
I liked finding out how a gay/dike female society might discriminate against various fractions within their own persecuted group. I had never thought about it before. I find that sort of thing interesting. The reasons why are interesting too.
What did you like the least?
The violence that wasn't consensual.
The lack of communication or understanding of self that the characters had.
The idea that the earth mother would be so into non consensual violence and retribution, using crazy ass bitches as her vessel for that.
How would you have changed the story?
To truly make it BDSM I would have had them acknowledge and discuss their fears, goals, needs, wishes and so on within relationships. Doc and Fluff would have therefore, had a much healthier, loving relationship.
I would have focused more on what happened to the society and how it was now cause I wanted to see more of that.
It might have been interesting to hang out in dyke/pagan/mother earth land a bit more.
Or the ruined city.
Or the just being built gay male society.
