The BDSM Book Club Discussion Thread

[ditto79]

March Book Club - The Siren

Did you like the book overall or not?

Yes, I liked the book and the differences in the characters. I think the book started out very slow though. I fell asleep many nights while reading the book … but I kept coming back and then, it got interesting.

Do you feel it portrays BDSM in a real way, a positive way and/or your way?

It definitely portrays the SM part. There are undertones and parts of BDSM. I don’t feel that it portrays any in a negative way, if you are into those scenarios. I don’t mind (and many times enjoy) reading the very graphic sadistic writings of good authors. That Soren had the hold on Nora that he did shouldn’t surprise me, but in real life it would. I would hope if someone was able to get away from
her abuser, she wouldn’t keep going back. But, I’ve never been in that situation.

Did you like the sex scenes in the book?

The few sex scenes were enjoyable. The vicious descriptions of the SM scenes weren’t for me. But I believe they were written well and helped make the book the surprise that it was for me.

Did you like the rest of the book, the story in it?

I really liked Wesley. His character had a tender, sad side. That Nora cared about him (when she wasn’t trying to talk him into sex) showed a caring side to her also. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Zach. He seemed pretty hard nosed in the beginning. And then I wondered if he would be able to change Nora … keep her away from Soren and her 2nd job. But, him going back to his wife is how the story should take care of his character. Soren’s occupation was definitely a surprise. And his ideas in helping children better their lives was definitely a lesson in child rearing I hope to never hear about in RL.

Would you be interested in reading another book by this author?

I think I’d like to read the next story to see what happens with the characters. See if what I imagine will happen truly does.

What did you like best about this selection?

Another window into the BDSM lifestyle. I am open to read and learn.
Maybe doing so will help me understand why some people decide to go
farther into the sadistic avenue.

What did you like the least?

The hold Soren had over Nora. His beating until bleeding then love making.

How would you have changed the story?

Found long-lasting, decent love for Wesley. The other characters could take care of themselves.

I hope the other readers enjoyed the parts of the book that spoke to them.

ditto79

 

[FurryFury]

Glad you enjoyed the book ditto79. I know a lot of people are big fans of this author and series. I wasn't as into it at all. I do agree with you about Soren. I was very excited about the book at first but then I began to dread it.

The Siren by Tiffany Reisz 2.5/5

Did you like the book overall or not?

I did not. I wanted more than obvious stuff, unlikable characters and blanket statements about BDSM.

Do you feel it portrays BDSM in a real way, a positive way and/or your way?


This part was confusing. While the book talked about everything being consensual, the follow through didn't show that at all. Not only did the lead female character push herself on everything and everyone without consent, she often said she "had no choice due to house rules or something" when submitting to abuse herself.

Did you like the sex scenes in the book?

No. I didn't like them at all. None of them did anything for me.

Did you like the rest of the book, the story in it?

The book never went where I was hoping it would, so, no.

Would you be interested in reading another book by this author?

Not sure. Probably not. I was avoiding the book. If it hadn't been a BOTM I wouldn't have bothered finishing it.

What did you like best about this selection?

The library had it.

Unlike most BDSM books it was fairly thick.

Condoms were used.

What did you like the least?

The blanket statements about BDSM really pissed me off and they always do in books like this. Things like "Only when beaten does a sub feel loved and safe." (Please note, I don't remember the exact quotes nor can I find them right now but anything of that nature really bothers me. As if there is ONE true way for ALL.)

The fact that the lead female was supposed to be The Siren but acted like a spoiled brat. She would talk about the limits with each person then break them.

The club having sex out in the open. This has never happened at any BDSM club, play party, or demo I've ever been at.

The lead female being a switch and bi. I know it makes things easy but it's too easy.

The big bad dom beating her until she had to go to the hospital. You do NOT break your toys or their parts because your ass could end up in jail, not to mention ethics.

How would you have changed the story?


I would like the above changed. I would have liked the relationships to make more sense and matter more overall in the book. Not to mention, I would have liked them to be more realistic in BDSM real world terms.

I would have wanted to like the main characters.

It would have been great to see the lead male character, Zack, (who I did like for a while) find peace, healing and happiness by a more meaningful and direct route.

I would have liked to understand the young man character a great deal better.

 

[ditto79]

March BOTM Review

Loved your review!!! You are so much more detailed than I am. I will work on that on my end. I can totally see all that you are saying.

I hope others will submit their opinions/likes/dislikes.

ditto79

 

[FurryFury]

ditto79,

So glad you weren't upset about my review since you liked the book and I didn't. I was worried about that. I'm not nearly detailed enough IMO. There is someone at Fet on my book club there that writes amazing reviews I could never do. I'm always impressed. Mostly I just like to have company reading books.

*HUGS*

FF

 

[FurryFury]

So I got a PM from lovecraft68 yesterday wanting to know if we'd consider his/her books, a series called Tales of the Circle about a secret sect of wealthy dominants.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210652

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/269047

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/292572

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/275108

Now I'm not into ebooks or buying books at all if I don't have to but I thought I'd ask and see how folks here think about it.

 

[ditto79]

FurryFury . . . I am definitely willing to try Tales of the Circle . In glancing at the narrative, it sounds like the series might be right up my alley of reading fodder.

And, to have a difference of opinion on a book causes the opposing side to look at it in a different light ... try and see what the other person saw and why. It wouldn't be a book club if all agreed on all aspects of the reading material. I very much enjoy reading and then re-thinking reviews ... keeps the window open and, at times, causes me to change my opinion when I may have missed a vital point.

~smiles

ditto79

 

[FurryFury]

ditto79,

I agree with you on differing opinions.

We can do one of those books for the next month if you like but since I'm so cheap, I may not read along though.

 

[FurryFury]

It's time to discuss The April 2013 BDSM BOTM Is: Eager to Please by Kim Corum.

Who read it?

Who didn't?

Was it BDSM?

What was your fav part and your least fav?

 

[FurryFury]

I didn't read this one. I didn't want to spend the money when I'd disliked a previous book by the author. I hope someone did read it. I hope they liked it too!

 

[ditto79]

Eager to Please by Kim Corum . . .

I did read the book. Will prepare my review in the next couple of days. Been enjoying the 80 degree weather too much to sit before my keyboard!! ~smiles

ditto79

 

[FurryFury]

I'll look forward to it.

Eager to Please by Kim Corum . . .

I did read the book. Will prepare my review in the next couple of days. Been enjoying the 80 degree weather too much to sit before my keyboard!! ~smiles

ditto79

 

[ditto79]

Eager to Please -- Review

Did you like the book overall or not?

It was just ok. Kara was irritating – unlikable in my opinion. Her whining got tiresome. Nate was flat and very off-putting… not a lot of character building in the story. I never got what his point of view was. He seemed to be portrayed through Kara's perspective; but, not very well. The author never provides much insight into his psyche or motivations for why he is the way he is. Grant (her gay husband) was forgettable in the story. I didn’t love it, didn’t even care if I finished it.

Do you feel it portrays BDSM in a real way, a positive way and/or your way?

No. I don’t feel that it was BDSM. – at least how I see the definition. It had sex, it had spankings and some restraints and a man who could be rough and demanding. But, it felt like a BDSM wannabe story.

Did you like the sex scenes in the book?

The sex scenes were nothing special. The same as in many mediocre books … some mildly-descriptive scenes, without that orgasmic pull that I love in well-written sex scenes.

Did you like the rest of the book, the story in it?

It was just ok. I didn’t rush to pick it up at night when I normally look forward to reading in bed.

Would you be interested in reading another book by this author?

I don’t think so. Some of her reviews sound like they are enjoyable; but, there are too many other BDSM books out there with more potential to draw me into the story and into the fantasy of participating with the characters in the story. I love to lose myself in a story and imagine I’m feeling what the characters are feeling.

What did you like best about this selection?

I’m happy with the huge variety of BDSM books out there to pick from. It’s always a gamble buying/borrowing a book and whether it will be a great one or a dud. This is my first Kim Corum book, and I can't say I am encouraged to read anything else by her. I’m glad that I know that I can cross this author off of my list of books to add to my library.

What did you like the least?

The characters were flat – in my opinion. The story didn’t grab me. It was supposedly a love story; but, Nate would be distant and then he falls in love? … there was never a build up or even a storyline showing “instant” love on his part – with a whining, spoiled brat. She eggs him on and he falls in love with what? I didn’t get it.

How would you have changed the story?

I wouldn’t. Didn’t like it enough to want to waste my time thinking that deep about it.

~smiles

ditto79

 

[FurryFury]

Great write up, ditto79.

Sorry to hear you didn't care for this author anymore than I did. I know some do love these books but we seem to agree on this author.

Thanks for reading and posting this month!

*HUGS*

FF

 

[FurryFury]

So is Tales of The Circle by Laura Lovecraft okay with everyone for June? As you know I don't do ebooks and won't be reading along.

 

[graceanne]

2012

January 2012

Queen of Darkness by Ann Bishop

• FurryFury

February 2012

One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

• FurryFury

March 2012

Warrior's Woman by Johanna Lindsey.

• graceanne

• FurryFury

• sweepthefloor

April 2012

Murder Game by Christine Feehan

• graceanne

• FurryFury

• sweepthefloor

May 2012

Surrender To Me by Shayla Black

• ditto79

• FurryFury

June 2012

Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell K Hamilton

• FurryFury

• graceanne

July 2012

Namaah's Kiss by Jacqueline Carey

• FurryFury

August 2012

At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost

• Sharon_

• FurryFury

• ditto79

September 2012

Stacking in Rivertown by Barbara Bell

• ditto79

• FurryFury

• Red Sonja

October 2012

November 2012

Slave by Cheryl Brooks

• Red Sonja

• FurryFury

December 2012

Owned and Owner by Anneke Jacobs

• ditto79

 

[graceanne]

Am I missing the May BOTM?

eta: FOUND IT.

 

[graceanne]

I don't know if you all know this, but on the first page of this thread is a list of all the books that have been discussed in this group since it started in 2006, along with links to the discussions about those books. If you have already read one of those books, and want to put in a review FF doesn't mind, and I'll make sure to add it to the BOTM 'archives' for future reference.

 

[LWulf]

I wasn't aware of it, but then unless something is updated, it doesn't pop out at me, I tend to ignore it. Yeah, even stickies.

I tend to stick to my own niche of stories, but even that gets mind numbingly boring, of late so I will try out some of those stories. Thanks for bumping the thread.

...oh, and for the record, it's on MY last page, not first

 

[graceanne]

I wasn't aware of it, but then unless something is updated, it doesn't pop out at me, I tend to ignore it. Yeah, even stickies.

I tend to stick to my own niche of stories, but even that gets mind numbingly boring, of late so I will try out some of those stories. Thanks for bumping the thread.

...oh, and for the record, it's on MY last page, not first

There are a lot more on the first page - these are only the ones from 2012. We've been doing this since 2006.

 

[FurryFury]

Thanks Beautiful Graceanne and do please join in Lwulf.



It is time to discuss the May 2013 BDSM BOTM: Nawashi by Graydancer. Who read along this month?

 

[ditto79]

Sorry for being late in submitting my review. Spare time is spent in the garden and enjoying the great outdoors! ~smiles Here is my opinion of Nawashi by Graydancer:

Did you like the book overall or not?

The book was ok for me – maybe more than ok. I’m not into urban fantasy with magic thrown in. I did enjoy some of the bondage scenes … I can see the beauty in Japanese bondage. The descriptions of the rope art and of the submission in these scenes are very creative and show that the author knows his craft. I like a submissive who isn’t a weakling, but who shows strength in her/his own way. The character of Brian was strong, without being overbearing and destructive to his sub.

Do you feel it portrays BDSM in a real way, a positive way and/or your way?

My opinion is that it does portray BDSM, in the realm that others may enjoy and view it … I just prefer less sex magic and more flesh and bone touchy feely. I want to be able to imagine myself as one of the characters in the story. I want to tingle, ache and orgasm as they do. Some stories are so good – they get me there.

Did you like the sex scenes in the book?

Some of the sex scenes were hot. Just too other-world fantasy for my tastes.

Did you like the rest of the book, the story in it?

The author knows his craft and is unique in his telling of his story. How he connects sex and magic in his story gave me a different perspective on fantasy writing. But, I still prefer sex, bondage, abuse, a little romance and love in my pic of BDSM reading material.

Would you be interested in reading another book by this author?

Not for me. But I would recommend this writer for those who enjoy paranormal, other-world writings.

What did you like best about this selection?

I’m glad that I got to read one of Graydancer’s stories. I have seen his name on BDSM author lists. I have no problem trying different styles in the hopes of broadening my horizon. I did enjoy envisioning the rope bondage. It truly can be art.

What did you like the least?

Magic fantasy – out there story. A cliff-hanger that I understand solved in the next book or two.

How would you have changed the story?

I wouldn’t change it. It is what it is.

Thanks,
ditto79

 

[FurryFury]

Ditto79

Great write up. Thanks for reading along and sharing your thoughts. You are much kinder about books than I am.

I've seen rope bondage done and beautifully so due to the D/s clearly in the scene. The descriptions of it in this book didn't do anything for me in comparison.

My husband likes to be tied up so he can play this game of "escape and oh look how crappy your knots are". Not a game I like at all.

I personally do not like to be tied up though some love it. Do you?

I do like Urban Fantasy, it's one of my fav genres but I didn't like this book.

Naswashi ~ Jujun: Two Novels of Erotic Magic by Graydancer 2/5

Did you like the book overall or not?

I wanted to. It sounds so cool, erotic magic, but I did not. I wanted something more like Chaos Magic by Jay Lygon which I did enjoy but a little different. Naswashi had none of the enjoyable elements of Chaos Magic or any new enjoyable elements for me really.

Do you feel it portrays BDSM in a real way, a positive way and/or your way?

This part was confusing because most of the "action" in the story wasn't consensual at all. . . . so no.

Did you like the sex scenes in the book?

Not really. The very unrealistic one in which the focus wanted him to PROVE he could Dom her got to me a little because it was so hard edged. However, did she really consent to all that?

I absolutely hate the idea that you or anyone has to "prove you can Dom". Did you want to submit or not bitch is more along my way of thinking. I'm a submissive. I want to submit. I don't need this prove it to me B.S. Though that may be somewhat realistic for some people. I've seen people say they want that. It still pisses me off.

And, once again, I've never been to a BDSM event in which a couple had sex, genital to genital or mouth to genital. That always bugs me in a novel.

Also some of the torture scenes which, the "breaking the sub" one above also qualifies for, IMO, got me hot a little. I'm like that. LOL Even though I'm completely against breaking the sub.

Did you like the rest of the book, the story in it?

Not really. Things just weren't explained enough. There really wasn't that much story. It was just not what I wanted it to be.

Would you be interested in reading another book by this author?

Not sure. Probably not. I was avoiding the book. If it hadn't been a BOTM I wouldn't have bothered finishing it.

What did you like best about this selection?

The idea of what it could be. Also seeing a healthy poly relationship (at first), being portrayed in it. I'm not into poly but my adult child is so that could have been interesting for me. If only they'd have focused more on it in a positive way.

What did you like the least?

The lack of cohesive story, not enough explanation of the world of the story, no truly full bodied characters and I particularly disliked the "Wrinkled Man" so much it made me avoid the book quite often.

The club having sex out in the open.

Absolutely NO explanation what a JuJun is or what the powers and responsibilities of one are.

No resolution about the JuJun's primary lover living or not.

No happy ending or resolution.

How would you have changed the story?

I would like the above changed. I would have liked the relationships to make more sense and matter more overall in the book. I would have liked to understand and enjoy the world it was in.

 

[FurryFury]

Our July 2013 BOTM will be: Hawkeye One: Danger Zone by Sierra Cartwright.

By Bella March

Agents of Hawkeye, Inc. are trained to protect others from danger. They're fierce, capable and equal to any task set before them. This time, that task is protecting fellow agent Wolf Stone from a ruthless criminal, although he'll never admit to or even allow assistance from other agents. But he never counted on the tenacity of former lover Agent Nate Davidson or eager
Agent Kayla Fagan.

When Kayla first witnesses the brutal reunion between Wolf and Nate, she's stunned. She never pictured the two beefy men as homosexual or into BDSM. Then they turn their sites on her and her secret submissive tendencies and life quickly becomes a lot more interesting.

Wolf enjoys his two subs and the threesome quickly become much more than casual play. But once the assignment is over, will he be able to let them into his life on a much more permanent basis?

Danger Zone is the first story in the Hawkeye series by author Sierra Cartwright. While there are two novellas sold as solo works and one novella in the newly released Dom of Dark Haven anthology, all three are able to be read in any order.

Wolf fierce dominance is completely drool worthy, even though he seems hard hearted to Nate and Kayla. Not usually a fan of man love romance, the interaction between Wolf and Nate was completely sizzling. It was easy to see how Kayla was attracted to both Nate and Wolf. Where Wolf was almost aloof at times, Nate was easygoing and loving, providing Kayla a balance of emotions.

Another winner from Ms. Cartwright!

Courtesy of Fallen Angel Reviews (fallenangelreviews.com)

 

[FurryFury]

If anyone has any ideas for the August 2013 BDSM BOTM let us know!

 

[FurryFury]

Is / did anyone else read, Hawkeye One: Danger Zone by Sierra Cartwright?

Did you like the book overall or not?

I enjoyed this book at times. It was one of the better books for me despite the cliches.

Do you feel it portrays BDSM in a real way, a positive way and/or your way?

Consensual, positive, my way and real except for the things I will get to in a minute.

Did you like the sex scenes in the book?

The sex scenes in the book were pretty good. However, not everyone is both an exhibitionist and a voyeur, much less bi and switchy. Oh and insatiable too, nope, but these are mere quibbles. I enjoyed the book.

Did you like the rest of the book, the story in it?

I liked parts of it. I liked the seeing the Dom have to fight his way through his own insecurities which is not something I usually enjoy.

Would you be interested in reading another book by this author?

Yes.

What did you like best about this selection?

The Dom figuring out FINALLY how much he wanted them in his life.

The woman saying she generally didn't want to cuddle or make grocery lists in her head during sex. YES! I feel that.

What did you like the least?

In my experience and to my disappointment, Dom's do not just "exude power and so on."

The idea by the woman, that the woman said, "I just want to be shattered." Ugh. I hate that sort of thing.

The Dom had "lot's of toys." Presumably because he'd used them before on others. Ugh.

And it was rather a short novella.

How would you have changed the story?


I would not say things like, "he would never safeword." That's unwise and it leads people to think that's real and cool. It's kind of like "never tap out" right and end up in the hospital idiot.

Does anyone have a book or two they'd like to nominate for August 2013?