*Please note: at the time of posting, the eBooks listed below were free, however you should definitely check that’s still the case before you go wild with the ‘Buy Now With One Click’ button.

Coco de Mer – Oh, Pants!

There is a seriously good sale on at Coco de Mer, my lovelies – up to 70% off certain styles.  If you’re a pants-slash-lingerie fan (as I am) and you’re of the opinion that less is more – particularly around the ‘cheek’ area – you need to run over to their site ASAP. Personal favourites? The hot (HOT) pink Aveta Ouvert for £21.00 and the Lascivious Bang Hook and Eye suspender belt for a mere £33.00. (I know suspenders aren’t technically ‘knickers’ but this get-up is seriously, seriously sexy, more of a playsuit, and it shows a whole lot of flesh.)

Click here for the Coco de Mer sale page.

A ‘Muscle Purse’?

Title: Vagina Mundi
Author: Wol-vriey

I have no idea what this is actually about, even after reading the blurb below, but it sounds very wacky and original. And it’s free, free, free so what’ve you got to lose?

“Rachel Risk is a professional thief with super-strong hair that can stretch like tentacles to manipulate objects.

Ashley Status has both a digitally augmented brain, and ‘muscle-purses’ in her arms and legs in which she stores inflatable objects—cars, guns, rocket launchers, etc .

When Raye is framed as the fall girl in a jewel robbery, the pair flee Chicago’s vengeful robot gangsters and take refuge in the Hotel Bizarre, where the gorgeous ‘vagina singer,’ Femina, is performing for a week.

But the Hotel Bizarre is even stranger than its name suggests, and very soon Raye and Ash are involved in an deadly adventure, a struggle for survival the likes of which they’d never imagined possible—with loads of deviant sex, drugs, music, and violence at every turn.

And just what is the old woman in the skin desert really doing with all those cats glued to her walls?

Vagina Mundi—a Bizarro Hymn in praise of WOMAN!”

• To download from Amazon.com click here.
• To download from Amazon.co.uk click here.

Capture Fantasy Alert

Title: The Highlander’s Prize
Author: Mary Wine

This one I’m posting largely because I know there are a few of you out there on an Outlander jag. If you’ve no idea what I’m talking about and have not yet seen the trailer for the new Starz series based on Diana Gabaldon’s popular book series, may I direct your attention to the clip below. In episode one, I can confirm that there’s a hot, rough Scotsman in a kilt who threatens to throw a woman over his shoulder if she doesn’t come willingly. Enough said.

“BASTARD ROYAL DAUGHTER, PAWN IN A DEADLY GAME

Sent to Scotland to be the king’s mistress and produce an heir, Clarrisa of York has never needed a miracle more. But the brusque Highland laird who kidnaps her is a bit too rough to be considered divine intervention.

HE’LL DO ANYTHING TO THWART HIS KING

With rival lairds determined to steal Clarrisa from him and royal henchmen searching for her all over the Highlands, Laird Broen MacNicols has a mess on his hands. Worse yet, there’s a magnetic attraction between them, although he’s betrothed to another. But even an independent–minded lady like Clarrisa knows that a Highlander always claims his prize…”

• To download The Highlander’s Prize from Amazon.com, click here.
• To download The Highlander’s Prize from Amazon.co.uk, click here.

Have an amazing weekend, all.

Jane x

The post Freebies and Discounts: super-hot knickers for a song, a vagina I don’t understand, and hot Scotsmen appeared first on Behind the Chintz Curtain.

GAMES

Sex games. More specifically, sex board games. Have you played one? Would you like to play one?

Things have come a long way since spin-the-bottle and strip poker – although that’s not to say that those aren’t still great fun – and Lovehoney U.K., Lovehoney U.S. and Lovehoney Australia are all currently running ‘three for*’ promotions, which include a selection of sex-focussed board games for couples and groups. NB: there are other items in this offer as well, such as dildos and vibrators, so don’t just have to purchase games to take advantage of it.

Monogamy: A Hot Affair Game

“Perfect for a naughty night in or a boring Sunday afternoon, Monogamy is the game to spice things up between you and your partner, encouraging you to try new things together and reignite the passion you felt the first time you set eyes on each other.

With over 400 ideas at three levels of play, you can make this best-selling game as sweet or as sexy as you want.”

Buy links:

• Lovehoney U.K.
• Lovehoney U.S. 
• Lovehoney Australia

Tie & Tease Sex Game for Couples

“Using the die to work your way around the Tie & Tease board, travel through a range of bondage and S&M fantasies, including light spanking, blindfold play, bondage and more. With an hour’s worth of playing ahead of you, get ready for some serious stimulation!”

Buy links:

• Lovehoney U.K.
• Lovehoney U.S.
• Lovehoney Australia

Tease Naughty Board Game for Couples and Groups

“Combining a classic party game with sexy features and scenarios, Tease is an erotic board game for both devoted couples wanting to experiment and for swinging parties. Suitable for 2 – 6 players with a choice of 3 different experiences to explore.”

Buy links:

• Lovehoney U.K.
• Lovehoney U.S.
• Lovehoney Australia

*Please note that the ‘three for’ amount vary by currency and are listed on the various Lovehoney sites at the time of writing as follows:

• U.K. – ‘Three for £50.00’
• U.S.A. – ‘Three for $75.00’
• Australia – ‘Three for $75.00’

EBOOKS

Title: Her Mad Hatter
Author: Marie Hall.

“Alice is all grown up. Running the Mad Hatter’s Cupcakery and Tea Shoppe is a delicious job, until fate–and a fairy godmother with a weakness for bad boys–throws her a curveball. Now, Alice is the newest resident of Wonderland, where the Mad Hatter fuels her fantasies and thrills her body with his dark touch.

The Mad Hatter may have a voice and a body made for sex, but he takes no lovers. Ever. But a determined fairy godmother has forced Alice into Wonderland–and his arms. Now, as desire and madness converge, the Hatter must decide if he will fight the fairy godmother’s mating–or fight for Alice.

Long length Novella ~ Approx. 40k words. Additional pages are sneak peeks to future books!

This is not erotica, just a good old fashioned romance.”

This sounds thoroughly intriguing and has over seven hundred reviews (most of them positive). Best of all, it’s currently free, free, free. Clickety-click.

Buy links:

• Amazon U.S. – Her Mad Hatter
• Amazon U.K. – Her Mad Hatter 

LINGERIE

Bargains abound! Agent Provocateur and Coco de Mer are both having their seasonal sales. I love sexy lingerie but this is about the only time of the year I can afford to buy it from either of them. Some of the bigger ticket items, such as AP’s corsets, are still eye-wateringly expensive, but there are some excellent kicker and bra bargains to be had.

• Agent Provocateur Sale
• Coco de Mer Sale

Happy shopping.

Jane
xxx

The post Freebies and Discounts: Game On, Alice in Wonderland, and Hot Knickers appeared first on Behind the Chintz Curtain.

TOYS AND LINGERIE

Agent Provocateur
AP is one of my favourite, favourite under-thing brands but at full-price their stuff, while beautiful, is death on the old wallet. This is definitely the time to buy. These corset-style Ilya Big Briefs? Reduced from £110 to £55.  This Mercy Waspie? £185 to £95. These Syble tie-side knickers (similar to the ones I wore in my Sinful Sunday pic a while back)? Reduced to £35 from £65.

Coco de Mer
Is offering up to 50% off selected items, including lingerie, bondage/fetish wear and sex toys. There are some beautiful, beautiful items in this sale, including FYI’s Binding Briefs (£64.00), the Coco de Mer Jade Petite Rosebud Small Butt Plug (£60.00), the DL & Co Lady Rhubarb Ombre Collection Scented Candle (£32.00) and this beautiful Crystal Flogger from Bo’s Tit Bits (£98.00).

Figleaves
Loads and loads of sizes and styles to choose from in this one. The Midnight Grace underwired smoothing slip is now £32. £6.40 for a pair of Butterfly Blue flirty frill ruffle mesh shorts (very cute cut at the rear!) Elle MacPherson Intimates Desert Heat Torsolette? Reduced from £75 to £45.

EBOOKS

As ever, the following books were listed as free at the time of this post’s publication. Please double-check that that’s still the case before you hit the download button.

Secret Story Time: More Filthy Fantasies – Jason Jaxx

• Amazon.co.uk
• Amazon.com 

Threesomes, spanking and fantasy. Absolutely no idea what the writing is like in this one but the ratings seem to be positive.

‘A compilation of erotic tales, packed with sizzling, unrelenting, graphic action. Explicit erotica designed for providing pleasure featuring threesomes, spanking, fantasy, and enough hot sex to satisfy a variety of tastes.’

A Bit of Bite – Cynthia Eden

• Kobo ePub 

Paranormal romance rather than erotica but Cynthia Eden is a popular author so I suspect that the quality of the writing in this short (it’s 11,000 words long) will be half-way decent.

‘A killer is stalking the streets of Crossroads, Mississippi, and it’s up to Sheriff Ava Dushaine to stop him. But when suspicion falls on werewolf alpha Julian Kasey—Ava’s ex-lover and the man who still haunts her dreams—Ava knows that she’ll either have to prove his innocence…or watch the whole town go up in flames.’

The Business of Pleasure – Justine Elyot

• Amazon.co.uk
• Amazon.com 

I’ve read this one before and can thoroughly, thoroughly recommend it. The writing is excellent and the sexual encounters in it are hot, hot, hot. Make sure you have some, er, relief handy.

‘If one call could set you on a trail to the heart of your darkest fantasy, would you make it? Charlotte does, and her bold decision propels her into a world where no desire is too outrageous, decadent or extravagant to be satisfied, for a price. Her own fantasy life merges with reality when she is hired to work for the shadowy organisation she first encountered as a client. She organises an array of wild set pieces involving banquets, film productions, mansions full of pleasure slaves, as well as thoroughly researching those requests that chime with her own kinky tastes. Two men, one woman, and every sexual fantasy imaginable, these are the ingredients that make up the business of pleasure.’

Wishing you all a wonderful, sexy weekend.

Jane xxx

The post Freebies and discounts: half-price lingerie and The Business of Pleasure appeared first on Behind the Chintz Curtain.

What we used: Rubberwood Spanking Paddle
From: Coco de Mer
Price: £20.50
Material(s): Rubberwood

First thoughts …

Lizzie
I am likely to be a little biased in my review of this Rubberwood Paddle because, straight up, spanking is one of my favourite bedroom activities – receiving rather than giving. With the right partner, the right mood and the right delivery, nothing beats it – no pun intended – although, as those of you who have read my previous reviews will be aware, I am a bit of a masochist, so please keep that in mind when digesting that statement!

Thomas and I tend to purchase most of our toy box items online, but this particular paddle was the result of a browsing session in Coco de Mer and something that I picked out for Thomas to use on me rather than the other way around. To that end, I had the opportunity to handle it and experiment with it before purchasing, so was pretty sure I was going to enjoy its various charms.

What it looks like …

Lizzie
Beautiful. The wood is lovely and dark, with a subtle grain, and is finished with a mid-shine lacquer/varnish. Very smooth to the touch. The handle end has a drilled hole, which is threaded with a silk hanging cord in rich red and adorned with a single bead. From a size perspective, it’s just over a third of an inch (1 centimetre) thick and 15 inches in length. (The actual paddle surface area is approximately 7 inches by 4.8 inches.) The fact that it’s made from a sustainable resource (rubberwood) adds to its appeal, too.

Thomas
I agree with Lizzie, well made and finished, not too big and not too small. No sharp edges. The smooth surface makes it easy to clean as well – a definite plus.

Using it …

Lizzie
I was really, really looking forward to this spanking paddle coming out. Because I’d given myself a few practise whacks with it in Coco de Mer to gauge the resulting sensations (albeit through my clothes and on the palm of my hand) I had a fairly good idea of what I was in for. A lot of the impact toys in our arsenal are made from leather or suede, though, so I wasn’t entirely sure what sorts of sensations the wood would induce over a prolonged period.

As always, Thomas warmed me up with his hands first to make sure I was moving into the right headspace to accept a higher level of intensity. (For me, starting off slowly and building up is really, really important when playing like this – gradually increasing the temperature rather than plunging myself, cold, into uncomfortably hot bathwater, if you will.) The first whack of the paddle, when it came, thus morphed really nicely with all the sensations already in play on the skin of my buttocks. It definitely felt different to Thomas’s hand, the wood giving a solidity and reverb to the impact that you just don’t get from a palm, and immediately changed the nature of the session we were having.

Although the Coco de Mer Website suggests not hitting in the same place repeatedly with this paddle, Thomas did and got quite a nice little buzz going by doing so. Two or three contacts and everything started to shift as the solidity of the wood began to build a significant reservoir of sensation. He kept to concentrated sets of six for each spot (and made me count them) but I would only recommend this approach if you know your partner very well and you are both familiar with your pain limits. Too many swats in the same place could definitely turn this into a punishment spanking rather than a sensual one. For beginners, go easy, spread the blows, and gradually increase the intensity.

Bodywise, we stuck to the buttocks, although this spanking paddle could also be used on the tops of the thighs. I wouldn’t recommend using it anywhere else, though, as the wood is unforgiving and needs the cushioning of softer flesh to be used safely.

Looking in the mirror afterwards, there was a lovely rosiness to the skin that had been worked on, which, to me, was very pleasing.

Thomas
Simple paddles are great for a lower intensity start to proceedings as they are more ‘thuddy’ than ‘stingy’ since they have a large head to spread the impact. They’re also easier to control than whips, floggers or canes as they’re generally more rigid and won’t flex somewhere unexpected or whip round on the end and catch the recipient somewhere you did not intend. That said, make sure you steer well clear of less padded parts, the spine, kidneys, and other vital organs. It is also very important to practice hitting square as catching your partner with the edge of the paddle (as opposed to the flat) could result in an injury.

As Lizzie is a bit of a spanking tart, I did concentrate in one area to build a good blush and ramp up the intensity. You do need to keep a very close eye on your partner if you do this, though, and make sure he/she is not becoming negatively distressed. (Even if they haven’t used their safeword – and you should always have one in place for this kind of play – watch them closely and stop and check if you’re at all in doubt.) As a general rule, it’s better to move the paddle around a bit but if your partner is quite slim, like Lizzie, you will have fewer options so may need to slow the pace. Regardless of build, make sure you stay well away from any bony bits.

That said, this is a great paddle; pretty much the perfect weight and size for me to get a nice swing without having to clear the room of furniture beforehand, worry about getting it tangled up, etc.

The verdict?

Lizzie
I’m a little bit in love. This spanking paddle is lovely to look at, beautifully finished and a joy to be on the receiving end of. A really nice alternative to a ‘traditional’ hand spanking – and it leaves you with a lusciously blushing bottom, too.

Thomas
I rate this product. Well made, nice to use, nice to look at – and certainly has the desired effect.

In summary …

Things we liked:

• The look. A really elegant spanking implement that would make a lovely gift for someone who enjoys this type of play.
• That fact that it’s made from a sustainable wood.
• The feel – for both the person wielding it and the person on the receiving end.
• The price. At just over £20.00, it won’t break the bank.
• It’s easy to control. The short length means that it’s unlikely to get away from you.

Things we weren’t so keen on:

• Nothing!

The post A sustainable spanking paddle for rosy cheeks appeared first on Behind the Chintz Curtain.

Sex education – and not the kind they teach in schools. I’m a big fan of it and have a fair number of non-fiction books devoted to various sex-related subjects: sexual psychology (Dirty Minds by Kayt Sukel), oral sex (Masterclass: Going Down by Ian Cameron), and sadomasochism (SM 101: A Realistic Introduction by Jay Wiseman) to name just a few. But, sometimes, there’s no substitute for practical experience.

Just over a year ago, I attended an adult sex education class for the first time with my other half and, hands down, it was probably one of the most interesting and liberating things we’ve done as a couple. Being able to talk to someone with the experience to answer topical sex questions in a practical and non-judgemental way and having the opportunity to see things demonstrated (and try a few things ourselves under the watchful eye of the tutor) was wonderful. Even better, that first class opened the door to a whole lot of other lines of thinking and exploration for us. Some new adventures, if you will.

Earlier this week I received a marketing email from British-based sex toy retailer Coco de Mer, reminding me of their new salon season and, I have to say, they’re running some great classes this November, including An Introduction to Sensual Massage, Sensual Spanking, Mistress in the Bedroom (this one has the fabulous Mistress Absolute at the helm), Backdoor Antics: Practicals of Anal Sex, and Female Ejaculation and the G-Spot.

Coco de Mer aren’t the only ones offering scintillating sexual learning opportunities, however. Hoxton-based Sh! Women’s Erotic Emporium, too, are serving up an eclectic mix of reasonably priced classes to fill your evenings as the nights draw in. There’s still plenty of time to sign-up for Rough Sex for Good Girls & Nice Guys, which is open to both women and couples on 23 November, but if you’re not doing anything next Wednesday (24 October), how about some women-only Strap-On & Pegging tuition?

You can never have too much knowledge.

* Please note that the above class lists aren’t exhaustive.

• For the full Coco d Mer salon schedule, please click here.
• For the full Sh! Women’s Erotic Emporium class schedule, please click here.

The post Teach me a lesson appeared first on Behind the Chintz Curtain.

What we used:

The first in our series of posts on Christian Grey’s playthings, in which we discover that silk blindfolds feel lovely but are very, very hard to keep in place …

First impressions …

Lizzie
This blindfold is beautiful. It’s gorgeously soft, feels wonderfully silky to the touch, and the words ‘Freedom is deciding whose slave you want to be’ are stitched in a pretty scripted font in the middle of the outward-facing panel. The Coco de Mer logo is embroidered at the right-hand end. All-in-all, very seductive and a million miles from sleazy and cheap. I’m impressed – and a bit surprised! – that Thomas has chosen this for me; it’s far sexier than a hanky or one of my pashminas, but being an average bloke, they’re exactly what I’d expect him to be wrapping around my head in place of this!

Thomas
The blindfold came in quality packaging from Coco de Mer along with several other items, none of which looked cheap or tacky, which is to be avoided at all costs if you are shopping for toys. The blindfold is of decent silk and is well made with black embroidery on one side. It has a nice look and feel and you won’t be embarrassed to whip it out (so to speak) on your partner.

Putting it on …

Lizzie
As you’ve probably gathered, I’m on the receiving end of the blindfolding. Thomas asks me to take my clothes off, kneel on the bed, and close my eyes. After a moment, I feel him climb onto the mattress behind me and, a few seconds later, the blindfold touches my eyelids. My first thought is that it feels lovely and smooth. Thomas brings the sides over my ears and starts to tie a knot at the back but, unfortunately, the silk slips on my hair as he pulls it tight, causing the blindfold to slip down my face and over my nose. I bring my hands up to help hold it in the right place while he yanks the knot a bit tighter and higher on my head. After a bit of faffing about we finally get it to stay in place.

Thomas
Tricky little beast to tie up (the blindfold, not Lizzie). It’s so smooth it tends to slide off and simple knots loosen quite quickly if there is too much vigorous activity. Now where did I put the catalogue with the masks in it?

How if feels …

Lizzie
If I open my eyes I can just make out shapes through the lawn of the fabric – the silk is very fine – but other than that, it feels good on my face. Comfortable but sexy.

The roadtest …

Lizzie
With the blindfold in position, I’m completely focussed on sound and movement because I can no longer see what’s going on; it’s very arousing. I have no idea what Thomas is going to do next or where he’s going to touch me. Unexpectedly, he grabs my shoulder, and I find myself being pushed over onto my back. I’m quite thrilled by this but, unfortunately, the moment my head hits the bed, the blindfold starts to slip. Not wanting to ruin the moment, I squeeze my eyes shut and try to yank it back up. Alas, I can’t get it back in the right spot in my supine position; I sit up and Thomas and I have another go at getting it fastened. (I’m pleased the fabric is soft because, at this point, his knot-tying is quite vigorous!) This is pretty much the pattern we follow for the remainder of the roadtest – us fastening the blindfold, getting a bit physical, and then attempting to reposition it when it invariably slips. The times the blindfold stays in place, it’s great. The times it doesn’t? Really frustrating. In the end, we give up with the repositioning and I just shut my eyes instead.

Thomas
Lizzie enjoys the sense of control the blindfold gives me; I can tell she is quite excited, and it is good to be able to surprise her when she can only hear what I am doing, but the slipping of the blindfold is a pain. We found the best way was to tie it quite high on the head (tying tighter does not help – it just slips off faster if it is not in just the right place).

The verdict?

Lizzie
Blindfolding in general? Ten points. It makes your other senses – hearing, smell, taste and touch – work that much harder. For me, the thrill of not knowing what Thomas is going to do next is a big turn-on. This particular blindfold? It looks lovely, feels lovely, and is a gorgeous gift but it’s the Devil’s work to keep in place. I think a mask-style blindfold would be a better choice for us.

Thomas
I have found blindfolding to be something some woman find very exiting. I think the loss of control, plus the element of surprise, is something that can be very erotic with the right partner. However I agree that despite the quality look and feel of the blindfold, a mask (or similar) would be better – especially where more vigorous activity is going to take place.

In summary

Things we liked:

• The look and quality. This is a lovely, well-made blindfold and a very pretty present.
• The words stitched onto the outer panel of the blindfold. Psychologically, a real turn-on.
• The feel. Once in place, the blindfold is very soft and comfortable.

 Things we weren’t so keen on:

• Slippage! It’s difficult to keep the blindfold in place once you start rolling about. Next time, we’d consider something a bit more stable; the Intima blindfold from LELO has caught our attention. It’s 100% pure silk, adjustable, shaped to fit the nose, and available in red, purple, and black.

Editor’s note: Thomas bought this item for Lizzie as part of Coco de Mer’s ‘Bound to Please’ gift set, which is, unfortunately, no longer in stock. However, a similar blindfold is available as an individual item from the Coco de Mer U.K. and you can buy it here.

The post Christian Grey’s playthings, part one: the blindfold appeared first on Behind the Chintz Curtain.