Make Me: Twelve Tales of Dark Desire

Image: courtesy of Cari Silverwood and Skye Warren.

It’s no secret that I am a huge (huge) fan of dark erotica, so I cannot shout loudly enough about Make Me, a brilliant collection of popular stories that’s been put together by some of the genre’s stand-out authors. C.J. Roberts, Annabel Joseph, Skye Warren, Cari Silverwood, Claire Thompson … the contributor list for this thing reads like a who’s who of the smut writing world.

You get twelve full-length novels for what you’d roughly pay for a single eBook (£1.85 if you’re in the U.K. or $3.58 if you’re in the U.S.) and the collection is comprised of titles that have already proven to be extremely popular with readers in their own right. Don’t believe me? Check out the ratings for the individual books on Amazon and Goodreads. Basically, you’re getting the good stuff. Non-con, dark smutty heaven.

The catch? This is a March-only deal so you need to download the Make Me collection (purchase links below) before the 31^st. Go forth and find your mind’s dark alleyway!

Amazon.co.uk

• Make Me – Kindle

Amazon.com

• Make Me – Kindle

Oh, Liana I love you!

Not a discount alert but a ‘new season’ alert. The folk over at Lascivious, who make seriously sexy lingerie, got in touch to let me know that their Spring/Summer collection for 2014 is now available. I’ve got a few things from Lascivious in my cupboard and the workmanship and design of their pieces really is outstanding – hence the reason they’re included on the Chintz ‘Retail Therapy’ list over there on the right-hand side. Not only that, they actually have things that suit those of the small-breasted persuasion, such as myself. (As evidenced by my recent Sinful Sunday image, I’m no Dolly Parton but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to look sexy, dammit!) So it is with much covetous lust that I highlight this new creation of theirs, the Liana Long Suspender. *Sigh* Isn’t it beautiful?

 Image: courtesy of Lascivious.

MyStim Electrosex Lust Egg

Another item I’d like to get my sticky paws on – what a shocker! (Pun intended.) Given my growing interest in all things electrical (okay, may not all things – I have my limits (put that cattle prod down, M!)), this little egg was bound to catch my eye. It’s made of polished, medical aluminium, which means that in addition to providing little electrical vibes, it can be heated and cooled for temperature play. Bondara currently have the MyStim Electrosex Lust Egg down from £64.99 to £49.99 however you need to use it in conjunction with either the MyStim Pure Vibes Electrosex Tens Unit (£84.99) or the MyStim Tension Lover Electrosex Tens Unit (£114.99).

Food for thought if you’re a bit bored with standard vibrator sensations and want something a little different.

Have a great weekend everyone. And to all those attending Eroticon 2014: laugh lots, learn loads, be inspired, and enjoy the hell out of your smutty selves!

Jane
xxx

The post Freebies and Discounts: A Dark (Dark!) Erotica Smorgasbord, Luscious New Lascivious Creations, and Electrosex appeared first on Behind the Chintz Curtain.

Similarly, keeping the toy box interesting can leave a pretty serious ding in the old bank account. I don’t tend to buy vibrators and dildos at the same rate I buy books (I doubt I’d be able to stand upright if I did!) but, even so, the good stuff is never particularly cheap.

So in the spirit of preventing whacking great reading bills and giving you frugal orgasms, I thought I’d compile a list of current deals and freebies. I’m going to try and do this every Friday, if I can – so if you fancy a little something for the weekend you’ll (hopefully!) be able to find a book or toy that won’t break the budget.

FREE EBOOKS

*Please note that all of the below were free at the time of this post’s publication but pricing can change at any time. To that end, please double-check that the prices are still at zero before you start downloading.

40 FREE KINDLE BOOKS action, fantasy, paranormal, mystery, romance, YA

This is a brilliant Amazon Listmania list that’s updated by its author every few days. As the title suggests, there’s a bit a genre mix going on, but this compilation is perfect if you’re desperate to read and can’t afford to part with a penny. Just be aware that it’s hosted on Amazon.com so the freebie statuses may not always apply on the Amazon.co.uk site.

Currently includes Heather Bowhay’s YA Amethyst, which has a fair few positive reviews.

You can find the list here.

Masters at Arms (Introduction to Military Romance & BDSM Series) (Rescue Me) – Kallypso Masters

Amazon.co.uk edition
Amazon.com edition

I’ve read some of Kallypso’s other books and this one is definitely worth a look if you have a thing for military men.

‘Masters at Arms is an introduction to the Rescue Me series, which needs to be read first. The book begins the journey of three men, each on a quest for honor, acceptance, and to ease his unspoken pain. Their paths cross at one of the darkest points in their lives. As they try to come to terms with the aftermath of Iraq–forging an unbreakable bond–they band together to start their own BDSM club. But will they ever truly become masters of their own fates? Or would fate become masters of them? (Book One in the Rescue Me series.)’

Anything She Wants, A Lesbian Erotica Anthology – edited by Harper Bliss

Amazon.co.uk edition
Amazon.com edition

One for the ladies:

‘In the office, on the set of a movie or on the bathroom floor, the ladies in this anthology don’t care where they get it on. Power play, first time encounters and office rivalry get the characters in these twelve stories so riled up, the only way to go is down and dirty. Tales of spanking, a wild all-female college party and a waitress with a strap-on grace the pages of Ladylit’s first multi-author lesbian erotica anthology.

Caution: Reading ‘Anything She Wants’ will make you wet!’

Private Paradise – Jami Alden 

Kobo ePub

For those who’re in the mood for something romantic:

‘After years of catering to the whims of the rich and famous at one of the Caribbean’s most luxurious resorts, there isn’t much that can rattle Carla DeLuca. 
Until Sam O’Connell shows up. 
Tall, dark, and sexy, Holley Cay’s new security chief is no stranger. He’s the irresistible bad boy who seduced her over a long, hot summer only to leave her heartbroken, humiliated, and determined to never again fall for a player like him. But though her heart still stings with the memory of his rejection, her body can’t forget the all-consuming pleasure of his touch.

Sam never forgave himself for his too cruel rejection of Carla over a decade before. Young, reckless, and convinced it was only a matter of time Carla regretted hooking up with a trouble maker like him, Sam pushed Carla away before she could realize her mistake. But when Sam lands a job working for Carla in paradise, he seizes the chance to finally make things right. 

When a hurricane strands them alone on the island, Carla is unable to resist the passion simmering between them. She doesn’t fool herself that what they have will last past the storm. But little does she know, Sam will do whatever it takes to make her his – forever this time.’

TOYS

Lovehoney 

Currently have a £10.00 toy deal on until Tuesday 11 June. When I checked earlier today, there were forty-four items in the deal list, including the Cupid’s G-Spot Smoothie Vibrator (reduced from £16.99 to a tenner) and the Satisfy Me Curve Silicone Dildo (reduced from £14.99 to a tenner). G-Spot/squirting orgasm alert!

Full details here.

Bondara

Are offering 15% off their various toy bundles, including the Bargain Anal Sex Toys Bundle and the Ultimate Bondage Bundle.

Full details here.

That Position

Attention pegging fans! That Postion’s Deal of the Week is the Fetish Fantasy Elite 8’’ Hollow Strap-on. It’s made from medical grade silicone and is currently reduced from the RRP of £74.00 to £45.00 (!) and, even better, it’s a hollow strap-on so can be worn by either partner.

Wishing you all a wonderfully saucy weekend.

Jane

xxx

The post Sexy on a Budget: freebies and discounts appeared first on Behind the Chintz Curtain.

What we used: Rattan cane
From: Bondara
Price: £16.99
Material(s): Rattan (cane), leather (handle)

*Important: Canes can hurt in bad ways as well as good ways! If you haven’t already, please do take the time to read the Behind the Chintz Curtain Disclaimer before delving further into this post.

First thoughts …

Lizzie
Excitement and dread.

It’s fair to say that Thomas and I have been on a bit of a journey these past few years with impact instruments; first hands, then paddles, then floggers, then straps, then crops, and now, finally, a cane. We’d been discussing the idea of trying one for a while but had been gradually building up as we knew from all the research we’d done on them (and from playing with our other impact toys) that the pain level would likely be quite a jump. Additionally, because of their greater length, there was the worry that a cane would be trickier to control.

In the end, it was Thomas who took the bull by the horns and ordered  it – I was too chicken!

What it looks like …

Lizzie
Like a looong stick. This is a very simple implement and there’s not much to it. It’s basically a length of flexible rattan (81.5 cm of rattan, to be precise) with a strip of soft suede wrapped around one end to create a handle.

While the exterior barrel of the cane is smooth, the two ends (where the rattan has been sliced through) are actually quite rough. Not really a big deal from a use perspective as these parts don’t – or shouldn’t – touch the skin, but not wildly attractive.

I already knew from reading and questioning others that thinner canes are generally more ‘stingy’ and fatter ones more ‘thuddy’, so the newbie in me was pleased to see that this Bondara cane clocked in with a diameter of approximately 1.0 cm. Reasonably chunky! 

Another plus? It’s not made of bamboo, which we’d been warned off due to its tendency to split and crack.

Thomas
It’s a bit hard to pick what a cane will be like from descriptions online. I knew I didn’t want a thin ‘whippy’ one to start with so, was quite pleased to find that the Bondara cane was relatively robust.

Lizzie’s right, it is a very simple thing; a thick bit of rattan (about as thick as your finger) with some leather wrapped around the end. It’s also nice and smooth, with no splits or cracks (very important). 

Using it …

Lizzie
When this arrived and Thomas let me see what he’d ordered, I got into a bit of a dither. On the one hand, I was really looking forward to having it used on me. On the other, I was worried about having it applied and not being able to cope. (Mind you, I was the same way the first time we used a crop!)

Then Thomas put it away in a cupboard, and that just ramped up the anticipation ten-fold. It’s fair to say, I drove him pretty nuts with questions about when he would be getting it out, whether he’d been practising with it in private, and whether he’d re-read all of the educational texts we have on the subject.

Yeah, I was a pain.

The inevitable response was. ‘I’m not telling you. Relax. You know I’ll be careful.’ (And I do know. He always is.)

The cane finally made an appearance about two weeks after it was delivered, and I knew it was coming because Thomas really took his time to build things up. He didn’t go straight in with it but spent a good forty minutes to an hour getting my head in the right place and warming the skin of my buttocks – first with his hands and then with a wooden paddle. Eventually, he leaned me over a piece of furniture and secured my legs with a spreader bar so that I couldn’t wriggle around. (A good idea because you don’t want to be able to shift position unexpectedly when it’s coming towards you and cause an incorrect placement.)

The first strike was a shock – and the sting very sharp – but, oddly, put my mind at ease because once I knew what the sensation was like, it immediately made it much easier to deal with. (Sometimes my imagination is my own worst enemy.)

Interestingly, the pain a cane strike generates is two-fold. There’s a sting when it first hits, followed by a second bloom of pain a moment or two later.

Thomas’s first blow was relatively restrained and he stopped and checked in with me immediately afterwards to make sure I handled it okay. From there, he incrementally increased the pressure, placing strokes in straight, parallel lines across my bottom. On the third one, he checked in verbally again and I requested that he switch sides so that the tip of the cane landed on a different cheek.  (The end was generating a fair amount of sting in a relatively localised area and given my newness to the instrument, I didn’t want to push things too far too soon.)

We did six strokes in total – three on each side – and my backside was on absolute glorious fire by the end. While it was still smarting, Thomas tipped wax from a wax-play candle over the welts and just about had me leaping through the ceiling. I believe the words ‘sadistic bastard’ were used but quickly forgotten as the session morphed into something else entirely :-).

A final note. I should just mention that canes have ‘after effects’. The welts and bruising this particular Bondara offering created were pretty spectacular and lasted roughly a week on me. While I personally loved seeing the evidence of our session in the days that followed, I’m aware that others might not find the slow-fading markings quite such a turn-on. Just something to be aware of – particularly if you are planning on revealing your butt and thighs in the swimming pool, the changing room at the gym, etc. 

Thomas
As Lizzie was being a right pain in the arse about when, where and how it would be used, I made her wait a while. (A reminder of who’s on top – in the bedroom, at least!)

When it did use it, it was after an extended warm up to ensure Lizzie was well and truly ready for it. I can’t say enough how important it is to build up to something more severe like a cane – especially if it’s the first time you have used one. Going in cold won’t hit the right balance of pain/pleasure unless you know your partner very, very well and you both agree that the severe approach is something you want.

Lizzie was clearly nervous, so I started really conservatively with lots of checking to make sure she was handling it okay. (She was – and was getting rather heated as well ;-). I limited the caning to three-a-side, which was plenty for an initial session, and I must say the red welts on Lizzie’s bottom, especially where the end of the cane was hitting, were very impressive. (This is why you need to spread the love over both cheeks). Any more, even at the relatively restrained intensity we were playing at, and I think sitting down may have been a real issue.

I didn’t want to let Lizzie off lightly after all the stressing and fussing beforehand, so had some hot wax to hand to finish her off.

A nice set-up to a particularly squirty orgasm.

The verdict?

Lizzie
One thing hasn’t changed. I’m still both excited and frightened by this implement. The cane has some serious, serious power and, if applied incorrectly and/or without thought, could result in a horrible experience. On the flip side, in the hands of someone who is measured, careful, and in tune with the person on the receiving end, I think it has the potential to open up an absolute kaleidoscope of possibilities for those, like me, who enjoy erotic pain.

If you choose to buy this – or any other cane – doing your safety homework is essential before putting it through its paces. (The aptly named Jay Wiseman’s book, SM 101: A Realistic Introduction is an excellent text with solid, practical information about caning and other aspects of S/M. Peter Masters’s BDSM website, too, has a very good overview of caning for beginners.) And if you’re the wielder, make sure you practise your aim and pressure on an inanimate object before going anywhere near real flesh. 

Thomas
I liked it, Lizzie liked it, and it’s an implement that can be used to great effect. Just go easy to start with, practice hitting pillows, etc., first to get your aim right, move the strokes around on the cheeks, and swap sides to help keep the intensity and the welts at a manageable level (unless your partner likes a more extreme workup, of course). And remember to keep a close eye on your other half to make sure that all is well and they’re not getting too stressed.

In summary …

Things we liked:

• The price. Sub-£20.00.
• The diameter. This is a thicker cane and, as such, a great choice for beginners.
• The feel. (Well, actually, it hurts. A lot. But that’s kind of the point!)
• The marks it leaves.

Things we weren’t so keen on:

• The cane ends could be finished better – they’re a bit rough ‘n’ ready.

Tickle your fancy? Click here to buy the Rattan Cane from Bondara.

The post The cane; not just for Victorian schoolmasters appeared first on Behind the Chintz Curtain.

Not that keen on sugar? Looking for a different sort of cane to decorate your Christmas tree? May I suggest this festive alternative. (Although removing the holly before use would probably be wise.)

Thomas recently bought this rattan cane for Lizzie (they’re currently putting it through its paces) and I borrowed it from them to take this shot.

Hope you’re all enjoying the build-up to Christmas and are making the most of the December festivities.

Who else is playing Toy with me Tuesday #26? Click here to find out.

PS – we still haven’t finished eating the turkey we used in last week’s TWMT pic!

The post Toy with me Tuesday: That’s not a candy cane … appeared first on Behind the Chintz Curtain.

The Wartenberg pinwheel, while originally invented as a medical device for neurological use has become something of a BDSM staple over the years. So what does one feel like? Should you be afraid of those rather sharp looking spikes? Lizzie and Thomas find out.

First thoughts …

Lizzie
I’ve wanted to try a Wartenberg pinwheel for ages but, for various reasons, Thomas and I just never seemed to get around to purchasing one. As you’ve probably gathered from my previous toy reviews, I’m not averse to a bit of pain during sex but, on balance, my experience runs to impact and pressure toys (such as floggers, paddles and clamps), so anything sharp has the power to make me shiver a little.

This device takes its name from American neurologist, Robert Wartenberg, who designed it to test nerve reactions (sensitivity) in patients, but, per Jane’s introduction to this post, the wheel has become quite popular with those who enjoy BDSM. There are a few different Wartenberg designs out there but, in essence, they’re pretty much identical from a form and function perspective. You’re basically dealing with a wheel of sharp, metal spikes (attached to a handle) that rotates when it’s run over the skin.

Thomas
It looks like a cross between a medieval torture device and some kind of dentist’s tool. I keep having flashbacks Laurence Olivier in Marathon Man. It is surprising sharp – don’t drop it on you foot – but it is stainless steel, so can be hygienically cleaned. (That said, as it’s possible for this toy to break the skin, I would suggest it only be used on one person or be shared by monogamous couples.)

NB: I’m curious as to how effective the Wartenberg is for measuring nerve damage in a patient; in my experience, if you poke someone with something as sharp as this, you’re going to get a reaction. Possibly a black eye. Just saying.

The packaging …

Lizzie
Very simple. The Wartenberg pinwheel we ordered from Bondara arrived in a slim, plastic pouch, one side of which is see-through. No visible branding but it’s not a big or complicated toy (the pinwheel is only 7 inches in length) so it doesn’t really need anything fancy.

Using it …

Lizzie
As soon as the Wartenberg arrived, I got it out of the packet and started prodding the spikes with my fingers – there are 20 on the wheel in total – to see just how sharp they were. (Very, as it turns out.) I then ran it experimentally over the insides of my arms, at first lightly and then with a little more force. While I didn’t yelp at the feelings it generated, the pinwheel definitely had some bite; it left imprints on the skin when I applied it with what I would call an ‘average’ pressure and as it tracked across my arm, a prickling sensation lingered for a short time in its wake.

Our first ‘proper’ use of the Wartenberg wheel took place a day or so after its arrival. Thomas decided to use it on me as part of a sensation play session, combining the prickle of the Wartenberg with the much softer touch of an ostrich feather we keep in our toy box. In addition, he blindfolded me so that I was unable to tell which implement I’d be experiencing ahead of time. Needless to say, after being stroked with something very light and silky, the spikes of the Wartenberg wheel came as a massive shock, despite the fact that I knew Thomas was going to use it on me. There was much gripping of sheets (and maybe a stifled cry or two) as the wheel made its way over my back and bottom. Because even though I knew from playing with it myself that Thomas would have to press relatively firmly to break my skin, it felt like the spikes were going to do so at any moment. On more tender areas – the crease between the buttocks, for example – and skin sensitised through impact play (in addition to the ostrich feather, Thomas introduced our crop partway through our session), the Wartenberg’s power increased exponentially.

Bluntly, this is an evil, evil little toy – and I don’t mean that as a criticism. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I was really shocked by how much power such a small thing had over me. The sensations the Wartenberg pinwheel generated were incredibly intense and the threat of it breaking the skin felt very real when it was being run over me.

Thomas
I wasn’t too sure how to approach this one – as Lizzie mentioned, sharp toys are new for us – so I figured a mix of surprise and soft/hard would be the way to go.

Using the pinwheel certainly got quite a reaction from Lizzie (kinky tart), especially when mixed in with soft stroking and some spanking/cropping to sensitize the skin. Only light pressure is needed, unless of course you’re into more serious edge play, and you need to be careful where you use it (very sensitive areas need to be built up to). I found the best way was to run it around very slowly over well-spanked areas, but I am sure it will work well used anywhere your partner is sensitive.

The verdict? 

Lizzie
I actually find it quite hard to articulate my feelings about this particular toy as the sensations it generates are so unique. It plays a head-game with you because, mentally, you register its sharpness as a significant threat. And that’s its appeal; it has teeth (literally) and requires you to have total trust in your partner. A really great D/s toy that I would say is a toy box essential for those who enjoy sensation play. I like it a lot – but I’m also a bit scared of it!

Thomas
All I can say is I haven’t heard Lizzie moan like that in a while. It generated a remarkable level of moisture – which, obviously, told me that she found the effects of the Wartenberg pinwheel a real turn-on. A great toy for something so simple but I would use sparingly to keep it exciting.

In summary …

Things we liked:

• The sensation it generates. The prickling feeling as the pinwheel moves over the skin is very unusual.
• The size. A nice, small toy that can be stored easily.
• The reactions it induces. It’s very hard to be indifferent to those spikes!
• The mental stimulation the device induces. The Wartenberg pinwheel requires a level of trust between those using it. A great toy to bond with, especially if you enjoy D/s.

Things we weren’t so keen on:

• Could be very hard to explain at an airport customs (being metal and all).

Tickle you fancy? Click here to buy the Wartenberg wheel from Bondara.

The post The Wartenberg pinwheel: the sharp edge of sensation play appeared first on Behind the Chintz Curtain.