Written over a number of years, this is a selection of reviews of specialist spanking novels published in the United Kingdom in recent years. They are written by Bob Coleman, bringing his many years of enthusiastic reading of this important section of literature to our advantage.
Different Strokes by Sarah Veitch (Nexus Books £4.99)
This collection of twenty two short stories, some of which have appeared earlier in well known and not so well known magazines, is most entertaining. That opinion is biased as I have enjoyed her previous novels, "The Training Grounds" and "Lingering Lessons" (Nexus), but I am intrigued as to her leanings - if any! I am naturally joking, because variety is essential in this collection, but an interview with her could well be very revealing. The stories feature female domination of the male; two of the female; with one each of the "baby" and female/male control. In "Talking Heads", it is all a bit of a mystery! The book is a nice mixture which has something for everyone. Unlike CP videos though, all the stories are believable and usually go on to describe the sexual conclusion. For example, in "Neighbourhood Watch", there is a nice surprise conclusion. For me, perhaps the most satisfying aspect of her work is that she keeps everything simple, modern, and believable. For that I am sure the lady must have experience of one or more aspect of CP. Highly recommended.
Subculture by Sarah Veitch (Palmprint £9.95)
I have read this writers three previous novels and liked them. This time I got a complimentary copy, autographed by the Author. This one, because it is straightforward and the punishments totally acceptable, I also enjoyed. Lisa has just signed a three month contract at a Health Clinic in Malta, as a newly qualified herbalist for her boss, a Dr Michael Landers. Even before she starts work, she sees evidence that he is a strict disciplinarian with both medical and domestic Staff. Numerous punishments are well described throughout its 250+ pages, and though she has fiancé in Singapore, Lisa duly gets thrashed and slowly falls in love with her employer. As with all Ms Veitch's work the story moves smoothly along. There is a wide range of settings where the various ladies are punished. Also the severity and use of all the usual punishment tools is varied. Her employer expects sexual relief after punishing anyone, but no one seems to object! The Females are assorted in age and shape so that with so many incidents the 'Padding' element is not so noticeable. The employees have a delightful place in which to work, are well paid and treated, apart from the discipline. Altogether an enjoyable few hours in the fantasy world of CP, I would just add though that if I had bought it, I doubt that I would have bothered for such an exorbitant price - £4 dearer - from an unknown publisher. Even if the Author is well known to me
Taming the Brat by Sean O'Kane (Silver Mink )
An excellent story about how the very rich and spoilt Laura Andreotti really gets her comeuppance at the hands of successful businessman, Alan Masterson. The build up is suitably gradual with a club called The Lodge as the setting for Alan's main SM activities, and where he introduces Sam, Laura's Father, to where he will tame his daughter. He kidnaps Laura and holds her in his house in Suffolk with Sonia his Office Supervisor, who regularly punishes his female staff, and Mrs Reece, his formidable Housekeeper. The gradual change from a spoilt brat into a total submissive is very well done. Also the wide variety of girls dealt with throughout the story, holds one's interest continuously. Punishments are very well described and the variety of ways is refreshingly different from the average CP novel. The story is simple and straightforward, an improvement on his first: "Church of Chains". The business pressure on Alan from Sam throughout maintains a nice sense of suspense but Laura realizes how much she enjoys being dominated and severely punished, and changes into a superb SM Hostess by the end. Sonia becomes Sam's partner in America.
Tales from The Lodge by Sean O'Kane and Falconer Bridges (Silver Mink)
Rarely do I review two Books by the same Author together but this is a kind of sequel concerning Members of the exclusive SM Club featured above and their memories both from the Male and Female point of view. This makes for a book of Short Stories, though they vary in length between 29 and 56 pages, several split into "Chapters," up to 5 in one case. The writing of the six tales is split between the two Authors equally, and are all interesting, containing reference to much of the background to "Brat." The final story relates the meeting, at last, between Sean and Laura (The Brat) introduced to him by the Narrator of the above book. All of the stories relate to Male Dominance, with plenty of variety from both sexes viewpoint. Of added interest is that many of the ladies featured relate their life stories before becoming a Lodge Girl. A good example is the first story. Lolli relates how she progressed from a naughty Schoolgirl introduced to the Lodge by one of her teachers! Both entertaining books should be read consecutively
Church of Chains by Sean O'Kane (Silver Moon £5.99)
WPC Paula Carver works undercover for the Vice Squad. She pretends to be a Prostitute as the Police are clamping down on curb crawlers. Unfortunately this tale is set in the future where The Church of Ultimate Purification controls all females who they kidnap and put through a rigorous system of purification and redemption. Of course Paula is taken within a couple of pages! This leads to one of the purest CP only stories I have read in a long time. Also though a few senior Sisters administer thrashings it is the Brothers and their Leader, The Patriarch, who are in charge. Sexual abuse is often practiced but submissive Paula finds what she has always wanted! Punishments are sometimes too severe to be believable but mainly fit the theme of this well written novel. The way the story is concluded makes some sense. Paula's Chief Inspector, Margaret Barfield, a serious lesbian joins the Church to try to find Paula. As this coincides with The Patriarch discovering Paula’s identity as a probable "Spy" she is able to prove her innocence by revealing who Margaret really is.
Gentleman’s Club by John Angus (Silver Moon £5.99)
I have rarely read a book like this revealed itself to be! The Club is situated on an Island in the South Pacific only accessible by Helicopter. There the very rich Sadist can do whatever he wishes with the girls made available to him by simply kidnapping them from all over the world. They are imprisoned permanently, and among the many described are a British Policewoman and a male and female member of Mossad, Israel's Intelligence service. My use of "Sadist" above was the reason why I said I had rarely read such a book. It did not appeal to me, though perhaps it will to some members, in that the girls were dominated, invariably totally against their wishes. At least until they were Brainwashed or so often raped and punished with no hope of rescue, they accepted their fate. The Mossad members were supposed to be rescuing three girls and managed it on the last page, but the vicious sadism described was both that and unbelievable in some cases where the girl was dealt with many times in a ridiculously short space of time. Not for me I'm afraid
Julia by Elaine Rice (Blue Moon £5.99)
One of the best Slave and Master novels I have read for a long time. As with "The Ties that Bind" - see 96/5 - this is the first and last by the Author who is now dead. This is a great pity as she writes with such sincerity and authentic descriptive writing that she surely must have been a true Submissive. Comparisons are made with "O" - when aren't they in any novel about a submissive female? - but the way Julia finds and gladly accepts being a total Slave to Oliver is excellently done. Her total devotion to her Master is similar to "O's". The first half of this 172 page tale is very good indeed, but once she is "given" to others, - One a female dom. senior work colleague! Too coincidental? - it loses some of its grip on this reader. However if you like the typical S. and D. relationship very fully described do get hold of this new novel. Only in its last part does it really deteriorate into a Mills and Boon ending which is a disappointment. Apart from that I highly recommend it.
The Instruments of the Passion by Alizarin Lake (Masquerade £5.99)
Not for the first time the finding of a hand written manuscript during demolition - of old Housing this time - in 1990 is used to explain this quite well written tale of 'Brothers' -Monks? - who ritually flog a beautiful girl called Daisy, every day, with religion for an excuse, at an Institution called Rossiter just outside London. After a time the narrator leaves and gets involved with an older Caroline and her maid Annabel where he again employs regular whippings and the usual varied sexual couplings. It was enjoyable if you like continuous descriptions of floggings with leather whips? No one ever gets spanked, or caned or punished on the buttocks, with the whip strokes mainly to the back, plus breasts. Only three ladies are featured and the seven Brothers deal with Daisy every day. Conveniently she soon becomes 21 so has to be initiated into sex by the same seven with the Narrator as official witness. In the end, Daisy becomes quite mad after a gang bang of rather unbelievable proportions. She is medically institutionalized and the narrator visits her for the rest of his life - monthly!
The CP Sex Files by Leslie Asquith (Chimera £5.99)
A book of short stories? Well not quite, because we are assured by the editor that what follows are letters in reply to: "My requests placed in Appropriate Adult Publications. - Explicit CP and S&M Experiences. This means that you get forty four stories grouped under four quite intriguing headings: No Pain No Gain; Across the Bottom; Have Whip will Travel; Call of the Cane. If you like the genre then you get a lot more stories than usual, none more than two or three pages with a very wide if pretty obvious range to pick from. There are the typical one name or Initials with a County or Large Town claiming authorship of each 'Letter', to make this "Survey" (?) more believable. All the typical scenarios are utilised, with frequent sexual couplings following innumerable punishments. There is also a reasonable cross section of M/F; M/M; F/M: and F/F scenes. Because they are so short you cannot become bored with these short/short stories therefore I would recommend this if it were your sort of "thing."
Taking Pains to Please By Arabella Knight (Nexus £5.99)
A book of short Stories concerning Servants/Employees in trouble. Most of the obvious types are featured, including Maids; Nannies; Nurses; Secretaries; and a Messenger. I found the stories well written but almost invariably featured Female punishing Female. Sometimes the female gets thrashed by both sexes, as in The Novice featuring a female jockey, and The Maid,- one of my favourite stories - or a man by a woman, in The Fitness Trainer, and The Nanny. My favourite combination is male dealing with female, but the very wide variety of situations makes it an entertaining collection. The Astrologers Apprentice is one of the most ambitious stories. Featuring Sulima, the servant of Princess Alizam, and set in the East with an Egyptian Fly whisk and a yellow cane featured! Another is The Translator where a rich older woman hires the Title girl to translate old papers. They all feature CP in one form or another especially when the younger has made up the Translations from her imagination! So if you like short stories with a very varied range of settings then this is for you! The author also wrote "The Academy" and "Conduct Unbecoming."
Legacies by Grant Andrews (Rhinoceros Books £6.99)
This is one of the finest novels, concerning a female discovering her submissiveness, and what follows, that I have read. The author has concentrated on the dominatrix world in previous work. After her Mother is killed, Kathi discovers that she was a submissive. With no hint of this while she lived, her daughter decides to explore the S&M world. Luckily she meets a sympathetic and expert Dominatrix, The Contessa, also known later as Cindy, who quickly educates her in the basics of the Dom/Sub world. They meet socially for lunch, and become friends before Kathi experiences her first session. She realises she must have a male dominant. Thus Cindy introduces her to a very experienced master, Horace Moore. The descriptive writing is superb, and all the events are totally believable, varying from the mild to the severe, including all one might expect and more! Slowly he trains her. Later she is introduced to his "Group", and discovers both her mother and her lover had been members. The unusual part is that it is also a love story about Kathi and Horace. It is over 300 pages and was totally fascinating. I do recommend it whole-heartedly.
Sarah's Surrender by Claire Thompson (Masquerade £4.99)
Though some aspects are like my review above, and this is a well-written novel, there the similarity ends. The twists in plot are missing; the emphasis is somewhat more towards the lady's dominant, Lawrence; and it is 100 pages shorter. Sarah would not accept her submissiveness until she admits to herself that her pallid lovers were not enough. Her friend Beth gives her an insight into the scene. She goes to a club and meets one or two men who punish her. It is not until Beth gives her a contact newspaper that she really begins to learn and meets Lawrence. She exchanges letters with him when he makes clear that he will not be her master or lover but her trainer. This became both in being a submissive and a skilled lover for her eventual first true Master. Sessions with Lesbians and a taste of bondage add to the variety. However, compared with the other story there is more attention paid to the dominant's thoughts, and some events are a little unbelievable. It is an enjoyable read but fairly predictable, thus not as outstanding as "Legacies."
Judgment by Denise Hall (Masquerade £5.99)
If you enjoy totally fantastic novels then this is for you. The way the heroine, Callie, - also "Mischief"- is treated with her fellow female slaves in the punishment sense is nothing short of ridiculous. Corporal Punishment can never be like this in reality. I have read two others by Denise Hall which I shall review later. The story begins in flashback after she has been allowed to accompany her master out into the normal world and gets lost. Arrested for prostitution and conditioned by incarceration for several years in the "Judgment" of the title - An isolated castle like fortress in England(?) - she does not understand the ways of the outside world. Luckily, her master, Tane, has diplomatic immunity. He rescues and returns her to Judgment. Chastisement is severe and often. Thus is it unbelievable when any girl is severely beaten two or three times in A DAY, only for this to be repeated day after day on the slightest pretense. The sexually explicit descriptive writing is good, and unusual Instruments and positioning with and without restraint make for much variety. As I said, if it is fantasy you want - read it!
Exposing Louisa by Jean Aveline (Nexus £5.99)
Having enjoyed "Sisters of Severcy", I looked forward to this latest novel and, apart from one aspect, was not disappointed. As before, the writing is excellent and if the plot had stayed in England I would have enjoyed it as much as the first. Louisa, a dancer, meets Dieter who completely dominates her and she revels in her submissiveness. There is one scene in a bed of nettles which is very memorable.. This story which occupies the first seventy odd pages is very good. It is returned to for the last twenty. Meanwhile in Rome a separate plot unfolds concerning an incestuous brother and Sister, Anton and Magdelena. He is submissive and much of this part is of an endless variety of sexual couplings and domination of him by his sister, and others. Add on Dieter and Louisa who arrive after going to an orgy type party, and the story concludes with Louisa trying out Anton. But she realises he is totally tied to his sister who is involved with Dieter! An enjoyable if involved story and not as good as Severcy.
Safe Word: Carrie's Story. Two. by Molly Weatherfield (Rhinoceros £6.99)
The haphazard purchase of American published novels by our book shops means often they are out of order. Thus this sequel is available before Part One which is a pity. It is still highly recommended for both its content and writing. Carrie has been sold at auction for one year to Mr. Constant, with his assistant Stefan, where she is taught Pony racing, as well as having her obedience tested continuously. The story flips between flashback and almost "flashforward"! She has an arrangement to return if SHE wishes to her first trainer Jonathan, the main other character in Book One, I assume, at the end of her years contract. will she, won't she? Also they tell each other stories. Hers are invariably describing her year with Mr. Constant and his vary but include ones concerning his own submissiveness when with Mr. Constant! If this sounds rather confusing it is not when reading as each layer is clearly separated by Headings within six Chapters spread over 300 pages. There are clear leanings towards Sarah Adamson's Marketplace Trilogy but that does not detract from this excellent contemporary Dom./Sub tale.
The Library by N. T. Morley (Masquerade £4.99)
This author has produced a number of titles all entitled "The ?" - see 98/2 for "Limousine" - and they are nearly all good in parts as with this one. Monique lives in a fantasy world while she works as a librarian. The story builds slowly as she meets her first lover Pietre who dominates her totally bringing to life her submissive fantasies. He is rich and a donor to her library and she is warned to treat him with respect by her - soon revealed - sexually sadistic lesbian supervisor, Miss Pynchon Monique revels in her adventures with these two. Later she is introduced to other dominants, including Pietre's Butler, Alfred. The way that her thoughts and fears are described is very well done. She finds it increasingly easier to do literally: "Anything" asked of her. An incident with a disgusting old "Flasher" who masturbates to completion before her in a Park, and its aftermath as she is helped by Phil, a Lawyer was very effective. Especially as she had been forbidden any sexual activity by Pietre for the whole of the forthcoming weekend. An entertaining book spoilt by some padding.
Shadow Lane - Part Two A Novel by Eve Howard (Blue Moon Books £4.99) or mail order Biblios tel: 0403 710971
When I reviewed the first book, I was impressed by its content as well as the unusual emphasis on hand spanking. This time in the beginning I found it disappointing in that the content was so similar. However things improved with a marvelous description of an Enema and punishments varying often from the hand spanking type. As in the first volume it first appeared in episodic form in "Stand Corrected" magazine. This should be realised as it is read and explains the almost short story format of each chapter. The characters are all the same, but events are more varied both in givers and receivers of CP! For example Michael's wife Damaris runs away to L.A. and joins a Band D club.The finale is well done. It concerns Laura who intends to reveal their way of life in evidence at her forthcoming divorce from William. She is dissuaded by the other members in obvious ways, culminating in a severe caning. If the first was enjoyable to you, go for the second!
Fantasy Line By Michelle St. John (Blue Moon £4.99)
In my experience of reading books in this genre it is very rare that I feel that one could be described as excellent. In the case of Fantasy Line with one or two minor flaws I can describe it so unreservedly. Elizabeth discovers her true nature and although the story ends in a way implying further episodes, it is a very well written account of the Domination/Submission "Game" scene. It is the first I have read where the difference between the above and S&M is clearly defined, and intelligently discussed. The characters are well drawn though, perhaps intentionally, males are less so than the heroine. There are few people portrayed but all are essential for the eventual acceptance by Elizabeth of her sexual role. The descriptions of the "Game" scenes are well done. Unfortunately the only real failing was in their unnecessary crudeness, particularly at the beginning, compared with the overall good writing. Because this is a brand new book (1994) it may not be easily available here yet. When it is and if the "Game" scene is for you then I strongly urge you to read it. Very Highly Recommended indeed.
The Passive Voice by G.C. Scott (Nexus £4.99)
The first person narrator of this linked short story collection quotes, in describing herself, a Pop Eye saying: "I yam what I yam!" I too subscribe to this but, unlike her, do not find the subject of bondage of any real interest. If it is your pleasure then this book is for you. I shall go further. If you were curious about it; would like to try it, or want to increase your knowledge, then read it. Descriptions of equipment often take up at least a page, and the results of using different methods are minutely described. Whether you agree that it is not a novel in the true sense or not is your decision. It is divided into nine headed sections, and the narrator tells each one which is primarily devoted to descriptions of the art of enslavement. Sexual couplings are rare and mainly lesbian, and one main character, Harriet, is a dominatrix with expertise in applying restraint. Methods used are diversified from constraint with rope to piercing to provide extra attachment points, plus types of blindfolds and gags from the simple to the leather hood. Although there is a warning at the beginning I found the electric shock methods described frightening enough to dissuade anyone but a real devotee. The writing comes across so that the storyteller sometimes is patronising and the tales are almost totally devoted to feminist themes. The male characters are described more vaguely than the female who seem to spend most of their lives with all or most orifices plugged in one way or another. If I were interested, the contents of this well written entertainment is a good handbook and as that I recommend it.
When the Master Speaks by Josephine Scott (Silver Mink £4.99)
This is the first example of the new imprint from Silver Moon. Two things are quickly apparent. It is of standard height unlike the "King" size Moon series. Also, as promised the content is milder in emphasis, which supports the "For women" cover note. I invariably enjoy this authors work. As usual it is simply written but, in part at least, subtly as well. The story has two main characters, but they live through the period of 1969-70 and 1869-71 respectively. For this reader this was one of the few drawbacks. I found the modern lady much more interesting and kept skipping the alternate chapters, in which the tales unfold, to find out about Lauren, rather than Clarisse. Other main characters are well drawn and both the submissive ladies experience variety with a mistress as well as a master. Because of the limited ways CP can be described, monotony is always a problem. Ms Scott largely defeats this by an unusual number of situations, including a "Trial" scene, which I found particularly effective. Though not the best I have ever read, at 240 pages it is longer than most and both entertaining and unusual.
The Gift of Shame by Sarah Hope-Walker (Black Lace £4.99)
I suppose, by the law of averages, it was only a matter of time before I read a really outstanding novel in the S&M/CP genre. The descriptive writing is very good indeed - and not only concerning sex! It has a believable plot with a clear, lacking in so many, beginning, middle and end, plus a nice twist on the last page. Helen's husband died in a tragic accident on their honeymoon. She feels very guilty, believing she deserves punishment as it was her fault, when she meets Jeffrey. The modern day story moves along very quickly to many locations including London, Paris, Guadeloupe, and Los Angeles. The heroine "enjoys/suffers" a variety of sex and pain with a very wide selection of men and women, but they all fit perfectly into, rather than as often, being gratuitously added, to the story. This is the first I have read that could be included in the main stream of contemporary writers work, apart from some rather "Mills and Boon" type attitudes expressed therein! However Black Lace is written by women for women, it says! Very Highly Recommended indeed!
The Ties That Bind by Vanessa Duries (Eros £5.99)
This paperback from a new imprint must be one of the most original accounts of a Female submissive ever written. It is claimed to be autobiographical in the detailed Preface but the very young author has since died in a car crash. It is the best novella on the subject I have ever read told in the first person. Because of its subject matter the inevitable mention of "The Story of O" is made on the back cover. This is, as so often, misleading because this concerns a willing slave and her Master only. The writing - Translated by Paul Buck - is excellent if rather high tone and thus, old fashioned. Though I had to consult my Thesaurus several times it did not detract from my enjoyment. Vanessa's master, Pierre, often gives her to others, and the many examples of punishment, torture and humiliation are minutely described. Though frequently severe it is never implausible, and she continually describes her delight at proving her absolute devotion by unquestioningly accepting anything demanded by her older lover. Though very short I recommend this as a brilliant view of the mind of a true submissive totally in love.
The Best of the Journal of Erotica Selected by Jan and Dolores Jakabowski (Eros £5.99)
I have never seen or read this publication but will become a subscriber! If ever the almost hackneyed words about good writing being as essential in pornography as in any genre needed proving, this collection of 29 stories is essential reading. S&M is not expressly featured in any of the varied length but all modern set tales. All are straightforward, not obscure, and the good writing makes their reading a continual delight. The danger of too many Dahl endings is avoided but the few employed are clever. Settings are mainly the UK and America though unimportant because of their explicit content. Unlike the other Eros example, reviewed elsewhere, this at 300+ pages is very good value for money. Though there are no homosexuals featured the occasional futuristic or pure fantasy story make page turning a pleasure. None of the authors is known to me, and only two were repeated. Perhaps the lack of use of either of the aforementioned areas might imply monotony? Well, yes, if as I find, Blue movies bore you. However, the story’s composition compensated and I highly recommend them.
Letters to Chloe by Stephan Gerrard (Nexus Books £4.99)
I have not come across this author before but his descriptive writing throughout is excellent. He uses a different way of telling his story; by using a series of letters from one man to Chloe found in an empty apartment and written exactly as found except for the boring dates etc. It is, as the Blurb tells us, heavily influenced by "The Story of O", and why not? Chloe is totally submissive and is trained throughout the story for the letter writers benefit -Stephen! Nexus guidelines require novels to be between 75 and 85000 words. For this tale, that is a pity, because to satisfy them the essential padding bored me. If corsets and high fashion are of interest to you, fine, but I found this area to be too intimately and long-windedly described. Otherwise her training is carried out by several men and women which makes for good variety. Where the book was outstanding was in the staged and private punishments, though one or two were perhaps too severe for belief. If you accept the padding this book is recommended.
Journey From Innocence by Jean-Philippe Aubourg (Nexus 1997 £4.99)
The title describes very well what to expect from this well constructed story. Rarely have I read a better example of how an innocent girl is introduced to the mysteries of the CP world. Philippa is moving to London and a new job. She has just ended her first love affair, and after some time searching notices an Ad, which ends with the intriguing words: "Must be tidy and broad-minded." This leads to her house sharing with young Jack and Jenny. The only house rule is that she is never to go down to the cellar which doubles as photographer Jack's Darkroom. Soon she is awakened one night by cries of pain finding out what the cellar is really used for - the punishment of a willing Jenny! Discovering Jack's collection of Magazines and videos she is caught watching one by him, who begins training her. Later she is taken with Jenny to a mammoth Party at a country house. The girls experiment sexually together and descriptive writing is of a high standard. All the expected variations of sex and punishment are explored, with its associated restraint. Club scenes, and Phillipa's initiation leading to her becoming manageress, make a fitting conclusion.
Meeting the Master by Elissa Wald (Abacus 1998 £8.99)
First published by Grove Press in the USA in 1995 this is an unusual entertaining book of eight long short stories. The authors note explains her intentions well. It is erotic though rarely graphic and covers "straight, gay, and everything in between. I have rarely used my imagination more to increase my enjoyment - a thinking S&M persons book! The writing is of a high standard throughout with very little crude language. Her descriptive powers ensure that you know the wide variety of main characters very easily and quickly. I particularly enjoyed "The House boy" with its clever homosexual motif. Each story is a complete one with no loose ends, and many wished were longer! The book title is not used, but shows the underlying theme perfectly. In "Missing the Boat", the flashback is used well, and in "Therapy" you are never sure who is dominating whom! This is a new author who is admired by mainstream writers including Pat Conroy. She has had a wide variety of jobs including in a circus; a Stripper; and a phone sex operator. This bodes very well for her promised first novel.
Different Loving by Gloria G. and William D. Brame, and Jon Jacobs (Arrow £8.99)
First published in 1988 this is a reprint, but it was also published by Century in 1997? Though American it applies very much to the AXIS world in the U.K. I doubt if there is much that we can think of that is not covered in this comprehensive 500+ page encyclopedia of "The World of Sexual Dominance and Submission" (Subtitle). Did it teach me anything new? Not really but it confirmed the things I knew, and what I like and do not like!! For example you do not need this book to tell you how the Sub. Male far outnumbers the Dom. Why would there be so many Dominatrix Contact Magazines otherwise? There are subsections on every aspect which are the main headings. For example: "The Pleasures of Discomfort" has five from Corporeal Punishments, through Bondage and Spanking to Intense Stimulation. Each subheading contains Interviews with experienced participants, many of whom enjoy "Switching Transvestitism" is covered but little mention of the gay world, as the authors state in their introduction that there are far more heterosexual people in the world! If like me you enjoy learning, or having confirmation, about your intimate desires then this "Tome" is for you.
Sisters of Severcy by Jean Aveline (Nexus 1998 £4.99)
Nexus and Blacklace in recent times seem to have changed their policy so that almost all new novels deal with the Dominant and submissive Female. Therefore it was a pleasure to find a new one - my sort! - dealing with the Dom male/sub female. In this case two at least of each. Both Sisters are, but one is in the U.K. and the other in France. We expect well-written novels but rarely have I read one with a cleverer plot. It allows the unavoidable CP repetition to be much more acceptable. Robert has just married Charlotte, before leaving for the Villa at Severcy. She is under the control of the elder sister, Anne-Marie, while she obeys the wishes of any of five men who have a key to her bedroom given out by Robert. Meanwhile Robert introduces the younger, virginal, sister, Isabelle, to total submission mainly towards him, the Villa owner Alain, and the brutal Absolem, the Stables overseer, and his son, Benjamin. She remains a virgin (!) in the obvious way throughout, but this means both her other orifices are constantly used! Rarely have I read a more entertaining tale.
The Governess by M.S.Valentine (Masquerade Books £4.99)
I cannot remember ever reading a novel of over 200 pages with no inverted commas before. The total lack of conversation makes the text very monotonous with every page identical. However the story is interesting being set on a tiny Scottish Island where Miss Hunnicutt - known by this formal name throughout - is employed by the only Family as a well paid Governess, it soon transpires, to a non-existent small boy! She has in this Victorian period, just experienced a broken engagement to a Gentleman who had introduced her to the penis by forced fellatio! Thus reading the Advertisement involving looking after one small boy far from her home was a perfect solution. Instead, she is taught every sexual variation with males and females by her employers, the Crawleighs, so that she can also entertain their guests at frequent parties. Punishment is severe if rare. The descriptive writing of life on the Island and its brooding atmosphere is well done but for me the lack of speech reports spoils an otherwise most unusual experiment. However if you seek something different this may be for you!
The Houseshare by Pat O'Brien (Black Lace £4.99)
This is a different sort of story in several ways. Firstly the heroine is not a young "Mills and Boon" beauty but a widow of forty. Secondly though couplings are often and cover most of the possible sexual permutations, there is no real sign of S/M or CP, though the introduction of computer related events move the story on effectively. The use of the Internet for love letter writing and/or very long and sexually explicit conversations added to my enjoyment also. Other disc inspired aspects involving the dead husband of the heroine Tine, and his mistress, a most beautiful young model with another unusual name, Demmy, are well done. Because Tine's husband died leaving so little money she decides to take boarders into their large house. This means the well-drawn characters include unusual boarders, plus Internet friends whom visit, and Jerry, her gardener who sorts out both her garden and at least one female boarder. The unusual use of the Internet to cover the main plus subsidiary love themes works very well, and plus the inclusion of several clever and unexpected twists to surprise the reader. It all adds up to an enjoyable experience. Another 1996 published recommended offering.
Thinking of England by Kitty Churchill (Little Brown £17.50)
I bought this in a cut-price book shop for £4.99, but I understand it has just been published in Paperback. If you want to know about the various clubs available to "Our sort of People" then buy this very entertaining review of them. Almost every club is dealt with that I have ever heard of plus many I had not. The Muir Academy; Enhance; Westward Bound, to name a few, but I admit a vested interest as she includes Moonglow! My wholehearted recommendation must be tinged with a warning that it is written very much with tongue deeply in cheek. However if you have a sense of humour much of this added to my enjoyment. As I know Moonglow very well and those who run it I can vouch for the amusing accuracy of what she reports. Many of you reading it from experience of the others I hope will find them accurate too? Unfortunately I have not visited any others dealt with. Obviously, an experienced journalist Ms. Churchill succeeds though the title and subtitle - "A Consumer guide to Sex in a Cold Climate" - is somewhat misleading.
Secrets of the Whipcord by Michaela Wallace (Nexus 1997 £4.99)
On seeing the title I was immediately reminded of the 1974 film: "House of Whipcord" - available via Redemption films - though it has nothing to do with it. Unusually the two main characters are female, Jo and Lucy who are flat mates, with no real lesbian content. The title refers to a long lost book with magic properties, which make females, on reading it, totally nymphomaniac! Jo finds the book and tries to join the Whipcord Society, who then steal it from her. The whole tale is one of constant male domination of willing, book-influenced, females. The interplay between the two leads and descriptive writing is good. As always though, repetition is inevitable but sometimes the surprise element is well used. Neither girl has a real partner though the previously frigid Jo totally rapes a frustrated boyfriend after a session with her book! A most obvious ploy is used to ensure a sequel when Jo breaks all records in passing her five membership entry tests and then, secreting a sleeping draught in a well known orifice, ensures all are put to sleep and she regains her property! Quite a good read.
Beating The Wild Tattoo by Lyn Davenport (Blue Moon - £4.99)
This is the story of Mister Caldwell & Miss Davis, later known as Miss Julia, who tells it all in the first person. Quite simply, it is the best example of male domination of a willing female that I have ever read. It begins with the virginal eighteen year old arriving in New York & immediately securing a job, before she even finds an apartment. This problem is soon solved when she is imprisoned - willingly - in the home of the very rich Mr Caldwell, or is it? Though containing few characters, all are described well. Apart from those mentioned, I shall always remember the gentle giant Lars, who can become very violent when aroused, while looking after the heroine in the absence of her Master.
Miss Julia is often punished, sometimes severely, but she is also taught every aspect of sexual enjoyment by her lover. Though also given to others, she always knows instinctively that, if obedient, will belong totally to Mr Caldwell (His first name is never revealed) after he, & others, have completed her education. I enjoyed it more than the classic "Story of O." Miss Julie accepts because of her love for Mr Caldwell, who is her principal trainer, whereas, of course, in O's case her lover is not. So often in this genre the reader either has to accept Victorian abuse, obscure,or pseudo literary efforts when satisfying their urge for S/M reading. This time the story is clever, but written very straightforwardly. I read it hoping that the author would manage the so often failed problem of how to end it. She succeeded in tying up the loose ends expertly. I would recommend this novel to anyone for its simple writing and sustained suspense throughout.The Marketplace Trilogy by Sarah Adamson
The Market Place. The Slave. The Trainer (Rhinoceros Books - Price 5.99 each)
Is it fiction? If nothing else, these novels are so convincing that I feel there may well be something very similar available for the very rich in America. Each book is complete in itself, but characters are shared among them. The descriptive writing is of the highest quality, but perhaps because of contractual length
obligations, there are stretches of unnecessary padding & repetition, particularly in The Slave. However, this book is the only one with the limiting factor of two main characters, though the trainer is one of three in the third, & of five or six in the first.
The whole theme is one of a very secret society. You cannot just join. First, you have to find The Marketplace. Then, if you are considered a possible candidate, you are put through the most rigorous & testing examination, as described in the first book. Only then, if you pass, do you undergo training to be The Slave, sold to the highest bidder for a contract period which can be renewed. Owners may be in any - rich- walk of life & use a slave as a business associate when not required in the traditional role. The most difficult aspect is should you desire the job of The Trainer instead.Thus the novels are interlinked. Certain parts of each are unforgettable and safe sex is practised always. The expected types of sexual behaviour are all explored in the most & explicit detail homosexual and heterosexual way, but punishments sometimes are too excessive to be believed.
The author, Laura Antoniou is her real name(?), does know her subject very well, or has the most unusual & brilliant imagination I have come across in ages. The characters are so well drawn that it is easy to visualise their adventures, particularly Robin, The Slave of the title. So if you can find them, which I did in Leicester Square, then as altogether they total 1200 pages, are good value & very thought provoking. I recommend them for their entertainment & for educational reasons!