BDSM in the Mainstream

If you haven’t heard, an erotica book about BDSM is topping the bestseller charts and the author has even sold the movie rights to Universal Pictures and Focus Features.  Apparently there were ten different studios bidding for those rights.  Of course, I’m talking about Fifty Shades of Grey.

It was interesting to see the reader reviews on sites like Amazon say things like “I couldn’t stand the hero, but I couldn’t put the book down.”  To me, that means the author drew them into the story and evoked strong emotional reactions.

It is also interesting to see the controversy around these books.  A friend of mine sent me an email one day in shock because she’d just heard that Dr. Drew was doing a segment on erotic romance and the teaser line was “Erotic romance: fantasy or violence?”  Wow.  Here’s a link to that segment if you’d like to check it out:

http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/blogs/2012/03/dr-drew-gets-schooled-on-el-james-fifty-shades-of-grey?WT.mc_id=10108

I’ve been writing BDSM for years.  In my books, it’s part of fantasy role playing my characters are involved in.  When my book SECRET TIES came out in 2009, I was a little nervous about what people’s reactions would be.  I was delighted when Amara, a reviewer at Publisher’s Weekly, said ” It’s fun to read erotica with a believable and engaging plot. As a feminist, I appreciate the fact that Summer and Max directly approach and then satisfactorily resolve the question of whether it’s politically correct to engage in S & M in an era of gender equality.”

So why would a strong, modern woman partake in a Dominant-submissive role?  Summer, my heroine in Secret Ties, asks exactly that.

“Are we making you uncomfortable, Summer?” Tanya asked.

Summer’s gaze jerked to her friend’s face.  “Uh… no, I just… don’t really get it.”

As much as the discussion triggered thoughts of hot illicit sex with Max, she was sure that was more because of his strong masculine aura.

“Why would any woman want to be submissive to a man when we’ve fought so long to be recognized as strong and independent? 

“Summer, come here.”

At Max’s tone, Summer’s gaze flew to his face.  His dark eyes cut through her uncertainty as he spoke again.  “Stand up and come over here.”

His commanding tone was totally irresistible.  She stood up and stepped toward him before she realized what she was doing.

She stopped in front of him, feeling a bit foolish, yet a part of her wanted to obey him.  He seemed so utterly masculine and that thrilled her.

“Fill my glass with champagne.”

She drew in a deep breath, realizing she’d been worried—yet excited at the prospect—that he would order her to do something… illicit… even if just a kiss.

She turned toward the table and picked up the cold, black bottle and filled Max’s glass.”

“Now Tanya’s,” Max commanded.

She filled it, then stood there holding the bottle.

“Now put the bottle down and return to your seat.”

She replaced the bottle on the table.  Why had she waited for him to tell her to do that?  She’d stood there holding it like a mindless idiot.  It was as if she’d gone into a mode where she just waited for his commands, with no mind of her own.

She returned to her seat.

“You were just a submissive,” Max said.

She nodded, not risking saying anything, afraid her voice would quaver.

“The Dominant-submissive relationship is all about the exchange of power.  The submissive chooses to be controlled by the Dominant.  The Dominant does not take away the rights of the submissive, she gives them freely.

“A submissive never has to do anything she doesn’t want to do.  You could have chosen at any time not to follow my commands.”

If your interest in BDSM has been piqued, I have a few books, shown here, you could try.

What do you think about BDSM?  Does the idea of a big strong man taking control get your heart thumping?  Or would you prefer to be the one in control?  Do you prefer BDSM in books rather than the bedroom?  Or would you prefer to avoid it altogether?  Share your thoughts.

Three lucky commenters will win a copy of either Slaves of Love or Virtual Love, their choice.  (Both are ebook format only.)  Good luck! 

***Opal's winners are - Anne, Shelley B., and Chrisbails!  Ladies, please email me at totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your mailing info.  Thank you!***