THE MISTRESS FILES

TITLE: THE MISTRESS FILES

AUTHOR: TIFFANY REISZ

Pages: 200

Date: 07/06/2013

Grade: 5+

Details: Original Sinners no. 3.5

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The Blurb:

“When your boss is Kingsley Edge and he gives you an order, you do it. So when Kingsley decided that his other professional Dominants needed more training in the fine arts of Dominance, he went to his top Domme for help. He told her to write out some instructions for the other Dominants. His top Domme decided instead to write out erotic stories about her clients and her sessions with them. 

A female submissive who can't orgasm.

A male Dominant too scared to do kink with his blind wife.

A rock star with a secret.

A vanilla gay woman with an embarrassing little problem. 

A male switch with an itch for more than just pain.

These are their stories.

What can I say? How do I prevent what is supposed to be a review from turning into a gushing declaration of love and admiration? Where do I start?

Okay, let me start by stating that I’m going to say very little about the content of these stories. They’re wonderful and they’re short. Almost anything I might say about the actual storylines would constitute a spoiler.  So what I’m going to do is share a few quotes I wrote down while reading and attach my thoughts and feelings to them.

1.      The Case of the Acting Actress

      Sheridan Stratford’s first meeting with our Mistress, Nora.

      (By the way, there is a free story featuring Sheridan on Tiffany Reisz’ website. In fact, there are quite a few very good and very free stories there, but this particular one is called The Ingénue). 

      The actress hasn’t had an orgasm for years and our favourite Dominatrix is going to put an end to the draught. 

      “I know my way around a vagina.”

      And could The Mistress possibly get a bit too emotionally involved?

      “She walked a fine line with every client – a line of morality, legality, sexuality.”

2.      The Case of the Diffident Dom

      “Some days I’m less a Dominatrix and more a therapist.”

      And in this case that was probably just as well. I adore this story. I mean I love every single one of these five files but this one has a special place in my heart. I could completely understand why the Dom and husband would be so protective of his wife. But his wife’s frustration with that is not only equally understandable, it is also recognizable. This story made me feel every single emotion known to man; it made me smile and frown, laugh and cry, happy and sad. I loved it!

3.      The Case of the Reluctant Rockstar

      Yes, he has a secret and no, I’m not going to reveal it. Read the story, it’s well worth it.  

      My favourite quote?

      “We’re the antidote to yes-man.”

      And sometimes what a famous rockstar needs is somebody who isn’t afraid to say no; someone who can see right through him and introduce him to exactly what he needs. Enter Nora…

      4.      The Case of the Secret Switch

      Okay, I think it will be almost immediately clear to anyone familiar with the other Original Sinners books and stories, who our secret switch is. That doesn’t mean I’m going to reveal it here though. Read the story!

      I loved that in this file reader (provided they are up to date with the books) knows more than Nora does. I have to admit, that was a bit of a rush. This was also the file with the most and the best quotes. I loved the following:

      “The fetishist, the freak, the fearful… I love them all. I’m one of them so I know how they feel, I know what they need and I want nothing more than to give it to them.”

      “And when someone paid for her best, she did her worst.”

      “Her pride demanded that she hate the penetration, but her body and her pride and her vagina were rarely on speaking terms.”

5.      The Case of the Brokenhearted Bartender

      This story was beautiful and tender. This is a client Nora will only see once despite the fact that by the time she sends the bartender home she will have given her something the girl didn’t even dream existed. And one more wonderful quote:

      “If you didn’t want pleasure with your pain, you should have gone to a doctor, not a Dominatrix.”

Did I mention that I loved these stories? 

I’m in awe of Tiffany Reisz; her books never fail to amaze me. She brings me funny, clever, unashamedly kinky, irreverent, sexy and fascinating characters. Regardless of how much of a story or scene may appear to revolve around some sexual act or another there is (almost) always something more going on. There is a deeper meaning to what is happening on the page. This is not sex for the sake of sex and that is what makes these books and stories so very special. That and the characters. Tiffany’s characters are fully-fleshed, you feel like you really get to know them. They are real individuals with their own characteristics, quirks and loveable traits. After three books, a few novella’s and several short stories I do feel I know them, would recognize them in the street and wouldn’t even be surprised if I did run into them (but that is a separate blog entry). 

And allow me to add how delighted I am to see the words "Case Files I - V" on the cover of this book. Surely if there are Case Files I - V there will also be Case Files VI - X, and beyond?

Before I stop gushing I would like to add that I loved the homage to Anne Rice and her Sleeping Beauty Trilogy, Tiffany Reisz made in this book when Nora says:

“Seriously, I should start sending a cut of my checks to Anne Rice. I owe that woman half my clients.”

And I guess it is quite possible that Tiffany owes at least half her readers to Anne Rice. But, as much as I love Anne Rice and her books, for me, Tiffany steals the crown.

TEMPTATION'S EDGE

TITLE: TEMPTATION’S EDGE

AUTHOR: EVE BERLIN

Pages: 326

Date: 06/06/2013

Grade: 5-

Details: no. 3 The Edge Trilogy

              Received from Black Lace

              Through Nudge

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Connor Galloway and Mischa Kennon: two strong and independent individuals. Two people with issues in their past that have left them convinced that they are not relationship material. Two people who are about to discover that assumptions, even those you make about yourself, can be very wrong.

When Connor and Mischa meet, the attraction between them is instant and neither of them is inclined to ignore it. After all, there is absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t enjoy each other. Mischa is only going to be in Seattle for a short while so the chances of their one night stand or fling or whatever you want to call it, becoming complicated are slim. As Mischa tells herself after their first night together:

“She was being ridiculous. They’d just met. And she was not that kind of girl. She’d just have to keep telling herself that until this terrible, strange yearning went away.”

But there is more to the link between Connor and Mischa than the instant attraction. Connor, like his friends Alec and Dante, is a Dominant with a bit of a sadistic streak, and although she may not be fully aware of it, Mischa is a natural submissive. Mischa has played with men in the past, she enjoys a bit of pain but until Connor she had never understood, felt, what BDSM was really about:

“She felt submissive, for the first time. Felt that melting sense of yielding, her mind emptying out.”

With every journey into sub-space Mischa’s emotions come closer to the surface. She will never tell Connor, but she can’t lie to herself any longer – she has feelings for this man, feelings much deeper and stronger than she has ever felt before, feelings she had promised herself she would never feel.

And it is much the same experience for Connor. He may not be the one submitting, but:

“It’s a power exchange. It works both ways. Except that I will be the one in command.”

Except that his command outside of the bedroom is slipping. The control he so desperately needs in his life is just not there when it comes to Mischa; he can’t get her out of his mind, his heart.

But can two individuals with so many issues find their way to each other or will those horrible memories from their youths hold them back and tear them apart?

This is the third title in The Edge trilogy and I’ve loved all three of them. I mean, what’s not to love; two strong and interesting characters, instant attraction, lots of hot sex with a nice kinky twist and a happily ever after. The only thing leaving me a bit disappointed is that the crisis scenes in all three books were very similar. Fortunately they’re not drawn out for too long, but still it would have been nice if that part of the story had been different in at least one of these three books.  Other than that though I really can’t find fault with this book or the trilogy. The story is well written and very easy to read. The characters are interesting and develop nicely - if a bit predictably - throughout the story. And these books are hot.

It was nice that the characters from the previous two books made an appearance in this one, lovely to see those pairings truly commit to each other; a wedding for Dylan and Alec (from Pleasure's Edge) and an engagement for Kara and Dante (Desire's Edge).

As far as the hotness is concerned, the pages in this book were at times almost steaming (or was that me?).

“I’ll fuck you and spank you until you’re coming and screaming and crying all at the same time.”

And boy does he. Mischa enjoys her spankings in private and in public, she’s denied her climax until she thinks she will explode and revels in all the ways Connor penetrates her.

“But the pain was pure pleasure, simmering in her system, sharp and lovely.”

Which leads Mischa to observe that:

“He really was wicked, in exactly the right way.”

But the moral of the story is probably best captured by Connor when he says:

“There is strength in enduring pain, whether dom or sub or neither.”

These are wonderful books to read outside in the sun or anytime you want to escape into another, sensual and sexy world. They won’t qualify as literary master-pieces but they do bring you that wonderful happy feeling that comes with every well written feel-good story.

 

THE JULIETTE SOCIETY

TITLE: THE JULIETTE SOCIETY

AUTHOR: SASHA GREY

Pages: 370

Date: 05/06/2013

Grade: 3.5

Details: Received from Sphere

              Through Nudge

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Every now and again I finish a book and find that I don’t know how I feel about it or what rating to give it. This is one of those books.

A few weeks ago I read an article about Sasha Grey and she fascinated me. She started a career in adult films shortly after turning 18 and turned herself into one of the world’s most successful porn actresses only to shoot her last pornographic movie when she was 21. Not surprising, when somebody with her history decides to write an erotic story it more than arouses my curiosity. And the description of The Juliette Society only made my curiosity stronger:

“A secret club where the world’s most powerful people meet to explore their deepest, often darkest sexual fantasies.”

It sounded absolutely fascinating and potentially quite dark; I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book.

And then I read it. And, if I’m honest I have to admit that this is indeed a fascinating book. However, it is not a book about a society named Juliette; not really. Certainly, that society features and is as sinister as the description on the back of the book suggests but it doesn’t really play a large part in the book. Because this is a story about Catherine, a film student with a long-term boyfriend and a strong infatuation for one of her teachers. She is also a girl who enjoys sex, is adventurous in that department and has very vivid and explicit, even dark, erotic fantasies.

When Catherine hooks up with fellow student Anna she slowly finds herself descending into the world of kink. It is with Anna that she visits The Fuck Factory:

“A pansexual laboratory of carnal pleasure where anything and everything goes. There are things going on in here that, hard as it is to believe, you won’t even find on the internet.”

And it is Anna who will introduce Catherine to the Juliette Society:

“A people united by one idea, a shared philosophy, all dedicated to the pursuit of sublime pleasures. We have common interests, shared goals and unlimited means.”

And although the Juliette society will give Catherine the opportunity to live out one of her more extreme fantasies, it also makes her vividly aware of what she really wants and values in her life and how easily she might lose it.

So I liked the sound of this story before I started the book and when I re-read the description I’ve just given of this book, I still like the sound of it. However, strange as it may sound, that description doesn’t really tell you what this book was about. And, if I’m perfectly honest, I’m a bit at a loss trying to figure out what this book was about exactly. At times it read almost like a sex manual. At other times it felt more like a lecture about movies. Most of the time however this was a story about a girl who seems to have everything her heart could possibly desire yet is determined to throw it all away for no good reason I could determine. In fact, this book felt more like an opportunity for the author to share her thoughts, feelings and experiences with sex, than a balanced story. Another thing that bugged me a bit was that the actual story seemed to play second fiddle to the vivid and very kinky fantasies the main character has to such an extent that at times it was almost impossible to distinguish between fact and fantasy. Finally I have to add that for a book with this much sex in it, the story was surprisingly non-erotic.

On the other hand, this book was well written, the story at times fascinating, and I did find myself caught up in the narrative. Yes, I’m conflicted about this book but maybe the only thing we can accuse this author of is that she took the advice “write what you know” a bit too much to heart. The (porn) actress wrote a book about sex and movies, two subjects she obviously knows a lot about. She wrote about them in an engaging and at times funny way but didn’t manage to include enough story.  And that is a shame. The idea behind this book was and is absolutely fascinating and I can’t help feeling that this book could have been a whole lot more.

THE SEDUCTION HYPOTHESIS

TITLE: THE SEDUCTION HYPOTHESIS

AUTHOR: DELPHINE DREYDEN

Pages: 97

Date: 03/06/2013

Grade: 4+

Details: No. 2 The Science of Temptation

              Received from Carina Press

              Through NetGalley

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The Blurb:

“(1 Curious Sub + 1 Dom in Denial) – Inhibitions = 4 Naughty Nights

Wildlife biologist Lindsey thought attending a fan convention with her new boyfriend Ben was a great idea—until their relationship fizzled. Lindsey still lusts after her ex—but if he wants her, he’s going to have to prove it.

Ben will do anything to win Lindsey back, and when he sees her in her skimpy black vinyl convention get-up, he realizes what she’s been craving all along. And he is inspired to finally give in to his own dark desire to take complete sexual control…

Lindsey is surprised by her reaction to Ben’s kinky new seduction techniques, and suddenly sees the brilliant but uptight code guru in a different light. After several erotic encounters in hotel rooms and stairwells, she’s falling for Ben all over again. And wondering if the intimate connection will last once they head home…”

When I read “The Theory of Attraction” last year I was charmed by that “Big Bang Theory goes BDSM” story. So it wasn’t a difficult decision to request this book for review when I found it on NetGalley. I was very ready for more “geek discovers kink” in my life and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed by this book at all.

Ben and Lindsey’s story in this – rather short – book was fun as well as realistic. These two characters have been a couple in the past which means that we didn’t get that “oh my god they’ve known each other for all of two seconds and look what they’re doing” moment. From the very start of this story it is clear that these two people still have feelings for each other despite the fact that their break-up was heartbreaking. I loved the way Ben discovered his interest in kink and just went with it. The fact that he makes a BDSM crib sheet to make sure he lives up to Lindsey’s expectations of what a Dom is and does makes him all the more adorable:

“Key tips for fledgling Doms. When in doubt, make her wait, and establish a safe word before play. The most important fuck is the mind fuck.”

And it may not have been easy for Ben, but he does manage to follow through on that particular instruction only to discover that indeed:

“Delayed gratification is everybody’s friend.”

Lindsey’s doubt about getting back together with Ben, despite his apparent, if sudden, interest in what has become for her an essential part of any future relationship, was realistic. And I’m really grateful that the resolution to that issue didn’t involve endless drama, as it too often seems to do in stories these days.

I could have done with this book being a little bit longer just as I would have loved to spend some more time with Ben and Lindsey. This club they intend to visit and the training sessions they want to attend sound like great fun, but I’m going to have to imagine them.

Overall this was a fun, sweet and sexy story and I know that I will be looking for the next “The Science of Temptation” title as soon as it becomes available.

Rebecca's Lost Journals: MY MASTER

TITLE: MY MASTER

AUTHOR: LISA RENEE JONES

Size : 338 KB

Date: 31/05/2013

Grade: 4.5

Details: No. 4 Rebecca’s Lost Journals

            An Inside Out Novella

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The Blurb:

“In part four of Rebecca’s Lost Journals, My Master, it’s Rebecca's turn to claim control and set the limits in her relationship.”

It has been a long time since Rebecca has written more than just loose thoughts in her journal. After the last contract renewal she has moved in with her Master and the time for the next renewal negotiations is fast approaching. Rebecca is having serious second thoughts though. As much as she has fallen in love with her Master, she is convinced that his feelings for her are nowhere near as deep.

“I know he cares about me in the way he believes is the ultimate showing of affection and commitment.”

And what is more, with each subsequent negotiation He draws her deeper into the BDSM world, pushing her limits well beyond that with which she is comfortable.

“He’s pulling me inside that dark hole that is his escape. Only there is no escape for me.”

More worryingly, He doesn’t seem to be aware that he is pushing her too hard and too fast.

“Not when every scene pushes me beyond the limits that mean pleasure for me. He doesn’t see that, either. And as my Master, he should.”

Rebecca’s nightmares have returned and she can’t help feeling that something horrible is waiting for her, just out of sight, ready to pounce. With her Master away Rebecca decides to spend the weekend in her own flat, a decision He isn’t happy about. It is the right decision for her though because on her own, in her familiar surroundings she starts writing in her journal again and in doing so manages to process her feelings.

“I’m on an emotional rollercoaster ride and he’s not. That bothers me. It’s telling. But what is it telling me?”

Rebecca is willing to accept that she is very special to her Master:

“You’re the only sub I’ve ever asked to do this.”

But she doesn’t want to be just his best sub. Rebecca wants and needs a proper relationship.

“These are the moments that I revel in, when he doesn’t hold back, when he doesn’t restrain me or himself. We are just... us.”

But a proper relationship is not what her Master is looking for and probably not something he is capable of either. And though it would break her heart, Rebecca is getting ready to walk away. Because staying would break her completely.

What I really love about this book is that it shows us another side to a BDSM relationship. In most books in this genre we encounter an experienced Master who connects with a girl who has never even thought about the power-exchange dynamic, only to discover that she has a submissive nature and revels in such a relationship. Rebecca’s journals show us what happens when the girl in question, while enjoying some aspects of the dynamic, isn’t looking for anything beyond a “standard” relationship even if it does include a few kinky aspects. Looking at a relationship in which things don’t just come together perfectly makes this a fascinating and realistic story. Combined with the beautiful writing and the ongoing mystery as to who exactly the Master is, these short novellas are an absolute delight to read. And, now that I’ve finished the fourth in this series I’m more than ready for Being Me. Which is just as well since it will be released in just a few days time.

This novella is part of the Inside Out Series and should, ideally, be read after the following books:

If I Were You

The Seduction

The Contract

His Submissive

CLAIM ME

TITLE: CLAIM ME

AUTHOR: J. KENNER

Pages: 376

Date: 30/05/2013

Grade: 4-

Details: no. 2 Stark Trilogy

              Received from Random House

              Through NetGalley

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The blurb:

“For Damien, our obsession is a game. For me, it is fiercely, blindingly, real.

Damien Stark’s need is palpable—his need for pleasure, his need for control, his need for me. Beautiful and brilliant yet tortured at his core, he is in every way my match.

I have agreed to be his alone, and now I want him to be fully mine. I want us to possess each other beyond the sweetest edge of our ecstasy, into the deepest desires of our souls. To let the fire that burns between us consume us both.

But there are dark places within Damien that not even our wildest passion can touch. I yearn to know his secrets, yearn for him to surrender to me as I have surrendered to him. But our troubled pasts will either bind us close . . . or shatter us completely.”

I have to say I’m conflicted about this book. It is very well written, the story is captivating and the characters are intriguing; so far so good. And yet I can’t help feeling there is a lot wrong with this book as well. 

First of all there is the amount of sex; there is a lot of it. The characters in this book resort to sex for every occasion; when they’re celebrating something, when they’re upset, when they’re angry or just when they haven’t touched each other for what appears to be a few hours the clothes come off and the fun and games begin.

“I am going to claim you Nikki. With my hand, with my lips, with my cock.”

In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more words dedicated to sexy scenes in this book than to overall story-line. On the other hand, and much to the author’s credit, this didn’t read like the sort of book in which the story-line is only there to facilitate the sex-scenes. Those scenes seemed to fit both the story and the characters in it very well.

My second issue with this book (and its prequel, “Release Me”) is that it reminds me too much of the books by E.L. James and Sylvia Day. I couldn’t escape the feeling that I had read this book before (which I hadn’t) and that I knew exactly what would be happening next. On the other hand though, every time I feared the story was getting predictable the author surprised me and took a turn I hadn’t quite seen coming. That was a very pleasant surprise, especially since this meant that there wasn’t any of the forced drama that I encounter in a lot of romance and erotic book these days and which never fails to exasperate me.

But, I had the most problems with the two main characters in this story and their relationship. I realise this is, of course, a work of fiction but I can’t help looking at the story and the characters through realistic eyes. And if these two were a real-life couple and I knew them I would tell them to stay well away from each other. I’m all for two people falling for each other completely and without reservations, but that is not exactly what is happening in this story. This seems to be a sort of co-dependency and it scares me as much as it fascinates me.

“But I have come to need Damien as potently as the air I breathe, and I sometimes fear that while our desire is mutual, my need is one-sided.”

There were as many scenes in this book that made me melt as there were scenes that made me uncomfortable and at times even a bit angry. I mean did they really expect their secrets to remain known only to them?

Having said all of that though, I also have to admit that I couldn’t stop reading this story. Despite the fact that this story seemed all too familiar, despite my issues with the characters and even though the book might have benefitted from more story and less sex it did manage to captivate me. The only reason I ended up worrying about Nikki and Damien is because the author managed to make them realistic enough for me to care.

Another thing I really appreciate is that the author didn’t opt for a huge cliff-hanger to end this book with. Yes, there is definitely a huge issue that needs to be resolved, as well as several smaller ones but the book ended in what felt like a natural place rather than one designed to keep the reader on edge.

Which leads to one final question; will I be reading the third and final book in this trilogy? And the answer will have to be yes. Despite the fact that there can’t be any doubt about how this story is going to end, I want to experience that resolution with these characters. It is not so much about needing to know how they will get to their happy ever after but more about whether or not they will be able to resolve all their issues before they get there. So I guess it won’t be long before I read “Complete Me”.

Rebecca's Lost Journals: HIS SUBMISSIVE

TITLE: HIS SUBMISSIVE

AUTHOR: LISA RENEE JONES

Pages: 52

Date: 19/05/2013

Grade: 4.5

Details: Rebecca’s Lost Journals no. 3

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The blurb:

“In part three of Rebecca’s Lost Journals, His Submissive , Rebecca must decide just how far she will go for the darkly intense man who she is falling in love with. And does she dare believe that he too, will ever love her?”

Most of my reviews contain almost exclusively my thoughts on a certain book. Occasionally, when a certain sentence is very descriptive of the story or my thoughts, I may quote from the story. For this book I’m going to make an exception. I will be using quotes from this novella as the basis for my review. My thoughts will be draped around the quotes so to speak.

When this third installment of the Lost Journals starts, Rebecca appears to have made up her mind. Yes, she does want what her Master has to offer, she feels ready to sign the contract and wear his ring. When she sends him proof of her decision, her Master’s reaction is not what she expects at all though. Rather than delight at her willingness to submit, she is confronted with anger; Master is not impressed with her making this decision based on so little knowledge of what she is actually agreeing to.

“I’ll teach you what each point in the contract means. Then we will negotiate the final terms. But know this. When you put that ring back on, there will be no holding back for either of us.”

And that is exactly what happens, starting with punishment for her rash and unsanctioned decision. As a result, Rebecca once again finds herself questioning her attraction to this man, which is undeniable:

“There’s this subtle energy that seems to crackle in the air, and I know I’m not the only person who feels it.”

But, while her lack of control when it comes to Him worries Rebecca, she can’t deny the satisfaction she finds at his hands:

“I will push you to your limit, Rebecca, but I will always leave you thoroughly pleasured.”

On the other hand, as Rebecca writes in her journal:

“I want to know all parts of me. I have to know myself to control my life and destiny. But does that mean “he” is the right man to help me make that journey?”

This certainly is a good question and from what I’ve seen of Him in the Journals so far, I can’t say I’m convinced this man is what Rebecca needs. However, because we only see him through Rebecca’s eyes and journal entries it is quite likely that we are not given an objective description of Him. And, to his credit, He does appear to go out of his way to explain his demands and actions to his apprentice sub

“A choice to hand over control under agreed upon terms is not only control itself, but the freedom to let go and escape reality when you otherwise wouldn’t.”

And He makes a point of taking her out of her comfort zone, because pushing Rebecca’s limits will be a huge part of their relationship:

“It bothered me to be shared, and yet it aroused me. I knew then that I had completely lost control of myself.”

Rebecca’s doubts about this aspect of the deal she is about to make lessens as her Master gives her an explanation that makes it clear to her that ultimately all his demands and decisions have a purpose:

“When he’s fucking you, and touching you, and licking you Rebecca, I can watch every little nuance of how it affects you. It’s like a window into your pleasure (...)”

It takes a lot of soul searching but in the end Rebecca comes to the conclusion that no matter what her reservations, and regardless of her doubts and fears there is only one logical outcome to her dilemma:

“Yes in that bed, I knew him as master more than I ever had, and I understood the escape that came from giving him that control, and the pleasure he promised would come with it.”

I like what Lisa Renee Jones has been doing in these journals so far. She gives the reader a wonderful and believable insight into one woman’s journey into what is for her unchartered and frightening territory. Most, if not all, of us will have experienced situations in which the demands of our hearts seem to be in conflict with those of our mind. Watching Rebecca trying to find a balance between the two is proving to be a very enjoyable journey.

This book is part of the Inside Out Series and should be read after its prequels in the following order:
If I Were You
The Seduction
The Contract.