On the surface, The Femdom Felony may seem like an odd read, an unusual mix of genres and subjects, but it's precisely the kind of book I wished we saOn the surface, The Femdom Felony may seem like an odd read, an unusual mix of genres and subjects, but it's precisely the kind of book I wished we saw more of in the market. Thomas Moffatt has crafted a mystery/thriller that deals with alternative energy and climate change on the one hand, and an erotic thriller that deals with marginalized communities and social stigma on the other. It's not a book about BDSM and LGBTQIA communities, but one that naturally and sensitively incorporates them into the story in the same way other authors weave in sports fans, computer geeks, fashionistas, or the differently abled.
Jay is a happy, well-adjusted masochist with a good job in the IT field who just happens to spend 3 days a week as a live-in submissive to a dominant woman known as the Catwoman - or did, because by page 2 we find out she's dead . . . and he's a suspect. And that's where our story kicks off, searching for answers as to who killed her and why, which naturally involves attending several BDSM functions to question those who saw her last, and which eventually branches out into the world of energy and climate activism through people who cross communities. And that is a perfect example of the inclusivity here - the BDSM community isn't pigeonholed or siloed as something else, a group of freaks or deviants who stand alone, but as just another community that incorporates friends, neighbors, and colleagues from all walks of life.
The element of climate activism is really the only place where Moffatt allows himself a little commentary, with observations about the dangers of mining and the fact that wide swaths of sun-drenched lands would be perfect for solar farms, but the province chooses not to use them. Even that is soft commentary, however, and he fairly explores the impact of climate and energy on those in the province who depend on the industry for their livelihoods.
When it comes to the truth of who is behind everything, it's not a simple matter of any one group being all good or all bad, but about there being bad actors in all communities. There are no stock villains or cartoonish archetypes here, just normal people living their lives who are sometimes too passionate about certain causes and do the wrong things for what they feel are the right reasons.
My only complaint about the book was that, for all that I liked him, Jay is forced a bit too much into the role of cold, cool, calm action hero. The emotions I would have liked to see, the grief over the death of his Mistress and the frustration of being a suspect, losing his job, and being ostracized by his colleagues, are underplayed. Similarly, even for a masochist, he bounces back from injury far too quickly/easily - the flogging sessions alone would leave me stiff and sore the next day, never mind . .. well, some of the things that happen to him near the end of the book that I can't spoil.
Finally, to get back to the femdom aspect of The Femdom Felony, Moffatt does a fantastic job of exploring that community with some BDSM scenes that are played for narrative/dramatic value rather than erotic titillation, while still managing to convey the excitement and intensity to the reader. It's a well-rounded, truly inclusive book, and I'd love to see more like it.
The Dominion and the Sugilite is a serialized erotic science-fantasy soap opera by B.J. Frazier, one set on a female-ruled planet where the power exchThe Dominion and the Sugilite is a serialized erotic science-fantasy soap opera by B.J. Frazier, one set on a female-ruled planet where the power exchange is the foundation of a fantasy-themed society fueled by the magic of gems known as sugilite. If you missed my review of the first 5 installments, you can catch up here.
There’s a lot going on here – it is, after all, a soap opera – and that makes it hard to talk about without getting into spoiler territory, so I’ll keep my notes to a thematic level.
One of the things Miss Frazier does with the series (and these chapters in particular) is play with expectations of gender and gender roles within a matriarchal femdom society. For instance, there’s a storyline involving Neelam & Dayra, two women who are breaking taboos by exploring a forbidden femdom/femsub relationship. Then there’s the epic catfight between two strong-willed Dominas that leads to a submissive male being asked to restrain them. Oh, and did I mention that one of the women has a daughter in a submissive rebellious phase?
For all the subversion of femdom roles and dynamics, however, men are not exactly elevated in the narrative to compensate. Obadiah is a distasteful, dirty old man, a preacher with (gasp!) a taste for young men, and Gaius is a horny satyr (with delightfully unique speech patterns) who delights in challenging the rules of the Dominion, going so far as to coerce a submissive male into penetrating a woman.
Whether you’re bingeing the series or devouring each new episode as it is released, this is episodic erotica that moves fast, shifts quickly between scenes, and always teases with a cliffhanger. I’ve got 2 more episodes waiting for me, so watch for those reviews soon!
Roasted is a story about secrets, success, caring, and kink. It’s dark and intense, full of emotion, and sometimes unsettling in a very good way. B.E.Roasted is a story about secrets, success, caring, and kink. It’s dark and intense, full of emotion, and sometimes unsettling in a very good way. B.E. Wolf has a style that fans will recognize, favorite themes and tropes that they expect, but this book is a bit more forward about its traumas, and that is something that I think makes it more immediately accessible.
Joseph (never just Joe) is a melancholy man who wanders into the start of the book like a silent shadow on a cold autumn morning. We don’t know much about him to start, but there’s a heaviness to him that tugs at you. Holly is a fierce goth barista (and business owner) who doesn’t so much clash with Joseph as crashes through his reserve. Their first meeting is one of emotional, physical, and sexual tension, but it’s clear that this is not going to be an easy sort of courtship.
I loved the way Benson intertwined the past and present of two storylines, the very different journeys of two people who never crossed paths, but whom we learn have a common connection. It’s a history that takes time to be revealed, and for every secret that is exposed, another is teased. By the time we understand that connection and all of its consequences, we’re fully invested in claiming that well-deserved happily-ever-after.
Part of what makes this such a fun departure from the usual tropes is the fact that the relationship is deliberately set to simmer until after the holidays, pushing the romantic and sexual aspects deeper into the book. That makes the BDSM-themed explorations a bit sharper, a bit more dubcon and dangerous, because there’s so much simmering tension beneath them.
I hesitate to call either Joseph or Holly damaged, but those traumas I mentioned are important to the story-they don’t define the characters, but rather refine them. Holly especially has a darkness to her past, one that still looms over her in many ways, and it’s powerful to see how violence can be so cathartic. Roasted is like the drink Holly makes for this tall, dark stranger, sweet and bold, with a hint of bitterness, but sprinkled with spice.
My, but this was dark . . . very much a dubcon tale, but one that twists and transforms before the end. The emotions of it were magnificent, and the sMy, but this was dark . . . very much a dubcon tale, but one that twists and transforms before the end. The emotions of it were magnificent, and the sensory detail exquisitely sharp....more
The Dominion and the Sugilite is a serialized erotic science-fantasy soap opera by B.J. Frazier, one set on a female-ruled planet where the power exchThe Dominion and the Sugilite is a serialized erotic science-fantasy soap opera by B.J. Frazier, one set on a female-ruled planet where the power exchange is the foundation of a fantasy-themed society fueled by the magic of gems known as sugilite.
Over the course of the story, Frazier provides an introduction to the world, its history, and its characters, while setting up the relationship dynamics and social/political interactions. There’s a lovely mix of science fiction and fantasy to the story that reminds me of 70s pulp novels, but with a more contemporary (and explicit) FLR/femdom theme.
Like any soap opera, the series contains multiple plot threads that overlap and interact in sometimes surprising ways. There are stories of multiple generations, both young and old; humans, satyrs, and centaurs; Dommes, submissives, and those caught in between; rulers, judges, professionals, and citizens; and lovers, slaves, clients, and porn stars. Some of the connections are obvious from the start, while others take a while to develop, but in each case, they become deeper and more complicated as the series progresses.
Like anything B.J. Frazier writes, this is fun and clever, with the power-exchange elements well thought-out (especially where she subverts it). The scenes of worship, submission, and punishment are exquisite, but it’s partly because she invests the characters with such personality that you buy into the dynamics.
I cannot wait to see where the subsequent chapters take us.
Janine, part 1 of Good Neighbours, is a stellar example of what Irene Clearmont does so very, very well. This is a plot-driven erotic thriller peopledJanine, part 1 of Good Neighbours, is a stellar example of what Irene Clearmont does so very, very well. This is a plot-driven erotic thriller peopled by well-developed characters who actually change and develop throughout the story. There's some mystery to it, a great deal of suspense, and equal parts anticipation, arousal, and satisfaction.
The story centers around a small suburban community with some unusual ties between owners. There's talk of turning the whole area into a gated community, so you can imagine the quality of the homes and properties involved. An amazingly (one might say suspiciously) cheap rental property brings Olivia and Greg to the community, but unbeknownst to them, they're being manipulated from the very start. They have been chosen, and nothing that happens to them, no matter how wild or scandalous, is an accident.
Simply put, the neighbourhood has plans for them.
In a story that's built upon female domination and cuckolding, Miss Irene carefully establishes the relationship dynamic of the couple before beginning to drive a wedge between them. For Olivia, what follows is a breathless detour into a life of hedonism and debauchery that seems like freedom compared to her marriage, while Greg finds himself led astray from his narrow-minded beliefs, tempted and blackmailed into a nightmare of submission. Their neighbours, Janine and Dirk, have the couple's fates clearly planned out, and their maid, Molly, will prove to be instrumental in enabling the transformation.
I'm cautious about delving too deep into spoiler territory, but the relationship between the characters is beautifully layered, and likely not what you may expect. There's a hierarchy of domination and submission here, with characters straddling dual (almost contradictory) roles. Janine's household is an interesting one, and her talent for training and punishment is just as delicious as the erotic aspects of the story.
There was one small reveal towards the end of the story that I saw coming, but likely only because I desperately wanted it to be coming. There's also a nice twist in the final chapter that promises another layer of mystery in the next book (tentatively scheduled for mid-June). A fabulous read that demands you become deeply invested, and which will leave you desperate to find out how it all ends.
Whenever you pick up a new Donna Jay novel, you know you're in for a fantastic read. There are certain things she does very well - realistic characterWhenever you pick up a new Donna Jay novel, you know you're in for a fantastic read. There are certain things she does very well - realistic characters, convincing drama, genuine relationships, and fabulous friends - that you can always count on. Then, of course, there are the things you don't know - the erotica-to-romance ratio, the lesbian/bisexual mix, and the nature of the subtle but well-orchestrated themes - that are so much fun to discover.
Wednesday Nights is one of her lovers-to-friends romances, and I loved how proudly and confidently it moves from casual sex and exploratory BDSM kink, uncomplicated by feelings, to the first realizations of romance. The titular nights were never supposed to be about anything more than no-strings-attached intimacy, but Haylee and Angela are so perfectly paired, it's not a question of if they'll get together but when.
Tied up in all of that are a variety of themes, the most powerful of which revolve around the give-and-take of a relationship, pleasing others versus pleasing yourself, perceptions of ethical non-monogamy, and the interplay of caring for others and not wanting to be a burden. I mentioned subtle, and that's part of what Donna always does so well. The themes are there, inescapable by the end of the story, but you never feel like she's stretching to make a point.
There's also an element of storytelling and roleplaying to the story that I thought was lovely, giving it an air of romantic fantasy that plays very well against some of the more sorrowful dramas of real life. I wasn't quite sure where the story was going to end up, but I was entirely delighted with how it found its HEA.
This very NSFW bundle from Crystal Veeyant collects previously published tales, out-of-print stories, and even some new ones, a perfect treat for fansThis very NSFW bundle from Crystal Veeyant collects previously published tales, out-of-print stories, and even some new ones, a perfect treat for fans of her naughtiest stories of step-families and role-playing. Having had the pleasure of knowing her for (wow!) a dozen years now, I've had the pleasure of reading most of these, but it was still a delight to revisit her unique style and depraved imagination.
Shemale Stepmom is a story that moves from cute to kinky, opening with one surprise reveal, ending with another, and featuring some lovely, inventive quirks in between. Breaking In Brother is a fun story of female domination, feminization, and kinky sex, with a level of sensory detail that allows you to feel the story.
Mommy’s Sissy Slut is one of the new stories here, a fun fantasy about a college crossdresser, his pro-Domme stepmother, and their journey from discovery, through supportive experimentation, to a whole new life. Mother’s Jailhouse Shemale is a wild story, by far one the nastiest in the collection, with an exhibitionist angle that adds an extra level of kink.
Stepmom’s Sissy Whores doubles up on the role-playing with a pair of sissies, their MILF stepmoms, and horny old men who pay to see their fantasies played out. Travels with My Aunt is a deceptive, subtly twisted story, with set-ups and betrayals that are only clear in the final pages.
Dressing Up Daddy is a simple tale of a crossdressing step-father, his manipulative step-daughter, and her lesbian lover that, unfortunately, ends too soon. Sissy Nuns for Mother Superior, on the other hand, is just about perfect, full of kinky blasphemy, with erotic twists on religious practices and costumes, while striking the right balance between gleeful submission and genuine reluctance.
Mom’s Roadhouse Slut brings together characters from some of Crystal's best stories, with a fantasy kidnapping scenario that she does oh-so-well. Sister’s Sissy Cheerleader takes all the familiar erotic tropes and mixes them up to create something fun, with levels of depravity that catapult the reader into sissy bliss.
Hypnotized Sissy Son is one of those stories that takes us from a young man's worst day ever to a young sissy's best day ever, courtesy of hypnotism and domination. Pirate Life is one of the most imaginative stories in the collection, featuring a perverted pirate, a misogynistic near-mutiny, and a sissy's sacrifice – which, rest assured, she doesn’t mind in the slightest!
At 340+ pages, T-Girl Tales - Family Values is not a collection to be rushed, but one to be savored, to be teased over multiple sessions. It's sexy and naughty and depraved, but always in the name of good fun.
This was wonderful! So hot, but so emotional as well. I loved the erotic exploration of latent homosexuality through friendship and BDSM, which was veThis was wonderful! So hot, but so emotional as well. I loved the erotic exploration of latent homosexuality through friendship and BDSM, which was very well done. It's not the magical sexuality switch you see flipped in so much erotica, but a genuine exploration of thoughts and desires as they're tied up in a rekindled friendship. Nothing (especially trust) comes easy here, and there's baggage hanging over both their heads, but how they work through it feels genuine - even within what may be, for many of us, a fantasy scenario. ...more
Leather, Lace, and Locs is a wonderful book that works on so many different levels. It’s a story of gender (female and nonbinary), race (Women of ColoLeather, Lace, and Locs is a wonderful book that works on so many different levels. It’s a story of gender (female and nonbinary), race (Women of Color), relationships (families, friendships, and lovers), ambition (personal and professional), sexuality (lesbian and bisexual), and more. Anne Shade doesn’t rush her story, but instead allows it to develop over a couple of years, dropping in and out of the characters’ lives to show us how they’ve grown.
The story allows us time to get to know Melissa, Golden, and Zoe as women first, to understand where they’ve come from, and to appreciate what they mean to one another. They’re strong, passionate, empowered women, all of whom are on the cusp of change. By the time romance enters the story, we’re already connected to them all, so we’re immediately invested in the relationships that do develop.
As much as I loved the women, I loved the diversity of this story even more. We see Melissa discover an inner strength she didn’t know she had as a professional dominatrix, with a nonbinary client tempting her to take professional personal. Golden walks away from a steady job to pursue her dreams of dancing, building her own burlesque studio, all while she anxiously navigates the temptation of a polyamorous relationship with two women she’s afraid to admit she loves. And then there’s Zoe, who meets a woman through her hair salon who quickly shifts from client to friend to lover, but with a lot of baggage to be sorted. They’re all wonderful story threads but, for me, Golden was the heart and soul of the story, and seeing her find happiness made me happy.
As with any HEA romance, there’s no real drama or suspense in wondering if the women of Leather, Lace, and Locs will find love, but the joy of discovering how they find love is exquisite. Just an altogether lovely read.