By Sasha White
March 5th, 2008
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“Many people practice some element of BDSM in their sexual lives without even necessarily being aware of it. They may think of “S&M” as “That sick stuff that people do with whips and cattle prods and stuff,” yet still blindfold one another from time to time, or tie one another down and break out the whipped cream…“
~ Why BDSM?
Wicked is my latest release from Berkley, and it’s the first story where I have a character who actually lives the lifestyle of a Dominant. Sure, I’ve written about woman who are discovering they crave a bit of D/s play (Bound and Lush ), but a story with a charcter who lives the life is different.
The best thing about it is that there are many many aspects of BDSM. Many levels and many variations, just like the quote above suggests.
Karl Dawson, the hero in WICKED, is a loving Dom. He’s not a sadist, and he’s not a complete control freak. He’s not looking for a slave, but a submissive. Someone who will take as much pleasure in pleasing him, as he takes in caring for and looking after her.
In writing stories that deal with power exchanges I’ve learned a lot. One thing that is consistent and unwavering is that these relationships, be they long term or temporary play partners, are all about finding a balance. They are about knowing yourself, being honest about what you need, and finding someone who’s needs balance your own.
In life, we are all different, and because of that we have different needs. Now really, who doesn’t want a relationship with a person’s needs balance your own? Doesn’t finding that person, and that balance, sound like a great romance to you?
Have you ever read a BDSM romance? Or has the idea of it seemed too edgy, or too far out for you? Laurie, from Laurie’s Laudanum said this abotu WICKED:
“Lara and Karl are very interesting characters. Their personalities are excellently written and there is never a question as to the reasoning or purpose behind any of their actions. Sasha White allows readers glimpses deep inside her characters in a way that few authors are capable of and there’s never a disappointment in her books. Most of you know that while I love erotic romance, I don’t typically care for some dom/sub stuff - spanking, anal sex, and painful pleasures, in particular. As would be expected, given the content of Sasha’s previous books with some of these shared characters, this book does contain those things, but I think because Karl and Lara are so wonderfully written, and their personalities delved into so completely, it wasn’t a concern and I loved their story very much.”
To me, it doesn’t matter if you’ve read this sub-genre before or not, to me, it’s all about the story, and I love it when readers get that. If you’re intrigued, and want a chance to win a signed copy of Wicked Just post a comment here and tell me, and I’ll enter you in the draw. I’ll pick a winner and announce it at the bottom of THIS POST on Monday.
WINNER! Carol, your name was picked from teh commenters. PLease email me by March 24th to collect your prize!
PS: Sorry I was a day late in picking the winner.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
March 5th, 2008 at 6:24 am
Hi Sasha,
I have read a little into the subgenre. Like Laurie, it’s not normally my cup of tea, but I have read some books where it’s done extremely well, and it seems that there are many more BDSM romances out there. I loved the excerpts on your webpage and would definitely love the chance to win your book Wicked!
March 5th, 2008 at 6:33 am
I have read them before and am always intrigued. It’s not something that I would personally be interested in but I enjoy getting into that psyche.
March 5th, 2008 at 6:36 am
Hi Sasha! it’s about time Karl gets his turn! :razz:
I loved reading Bound and Trouble and I can’t wait to read Wicked.
March 5th, 2008 at 7:36 am
I’ve read a little BDSM (even edited one). I’ll admit that I prefer bondage to be a little more vanilla. I don’t quite understand the complete submission and pain aspects. But often if I a story is written well enough, I can overlook those parts and just enjoy the story. That said, I am intrigued and would love a chance to read Wicked.
March 5th, 2008 at 7:50 am
I’ve just started reading this sub-genre (a few years ago I didn’t even read romance). I agree with limecello and Jennifer K and I have no problem reading BDSM as long as it is well written. It is the characters and the overall story that draws me in to reading a book, no matter what the genre or sub-genre is.
I’m looking forward to reading your books Sasha. I’m taking Sexy Devil with me this weekend when I head out of town. It’s been highly recommended to me by a friend as a must read.
March 5th, 2008 at 8:27 am
The cover is very sexy! I’ve never read an erotic romance with a BDSM theme.
March 5th, 2008 at 8:46 am
I agree with Jill, the cover is great.
I’ve read a bit on this subgenre, but it really is all in the execution, isn’t it?
Best of luck with the book (and yes, I’d love to get a copy)
March 5th, 2008 at 9:10 am
I have read some of this subgenre. As long as the story is well written, I find the book a good read. BDSM isn’t something that appeals to me but I don’t mind reading books that include it.
March 5th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I love the cover and really enjoyed reading Sexy Devil.
March 5th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Sounds like the majority agree, it’s all about the characters and the story.
Thanks fro the comments on Sexy Devil. I’m workign on Drake’s story right now. The sequel willbe called Primal Male, and it’s set for release in December.
March 5th, 2008 at 11:12 am
the scover looks so hot. i loved trouble a lot.
March 5th, 2008 at 11:17 am
I have read such stories. The intesity of the relationships in such are fascinating.
March 5th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Hi, Sasha, I’ve also read a little bit of this subgenre, and agree with other commenters–it’s truly about the characters and how the writer tells their story! Congrats on all your releases!
March 5th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I really enjoy a bdsm romance storyline and would love to read Wicked.
March 5th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I have read bdsm and do enjoy them, I am definitely intrigued
March 5th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I have read BDSM. It is not something I would like to live, but stories if they are well written, are fine with me.
I would love to read Wicked.
March 5th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
I would love to win a Wicked. I think I have read some of BDSM, and I think it’s interesting. :grin:
March 5th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I have read a few. What is really fascinating to me is when the private persona is the polar opposite of the public one. I would love to read Wicked!
March 5th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I have read a few. To me its all about the story and how well it is written that counts. I would love tio read Wicked!
March 5th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I have read a some books in this genre and found them to be really hot :twisted:
I would love to read more books in this genre
March 5th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Intrigued? Yes! :shock: Sounds like an interesting read.
March 5th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Whoever wins WICKED will be very lucky, indeed! It’s a work of art - masterfully explaining the D/s lifestyle, clarifying that it’s about much more than just sex. If you’ve read BDSM in the past that leave you questioning the true reason behind someone wanting to dominate and/or submit, then you’ve been shortchanged. I’m flattered that you made mention of my review, Sasha!
March 5th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I’m definitely going to have to keep an eye out for your books, Sasha! I’ve only read “Pure Sex” but I really enjoyed it. :grin:
March 6th, 2008 at 1:29 am
please enter me. :mrgreen:
March 6th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
To echo what’s been said in the post, what I really appreciate about Sasha (and Eden Bradley)’s stories is that the respect, caring and romance is evident. The BDSM aspects stretch my comfort zone but in a good way as all the other (first) elements are also there, and that’s what makes it a good read for me.
March 6th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Yea, Karl finally gets his story! :grin: Great cover!
March 6th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Hi Sasha! Wicked sounds great and I have been dying to read Karl’s book. :mrgreen:
March 11th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Congrats, Carol!
March 12th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
wtg carol