What do you think?
Rate this book
31 Flavors of Kink
Previously published as "31 Flavors"
Based on a true story.
There are some things in life you have to try before you know how they will affect you.
After 5 years of awful sex, I was ready. Bondage and spanking had always featured in my fantasies, and one day, I convinced my husband to try them. That day was a turning point.
Ice cream comes in many flavors and that’s us too -- not vanilla, maybe not Rocky Road either. We can be a combination or make up our own and no one has the right to judge us. But there will always be one question that tears at my soul: Will my husband, Nick, ever be happy with what I crave?
Based on a true story.
There are some things in life you have to try before you know how they will affect you.
After 5 years of awful sex, I was ready. Bondage and spanking had always featured in my fantasies, and one day, I convinced my husband to try them. That day was a turning point.
Ice cream comes in many flavors and that’s us too -- not vanilla, maybe not Rocky Road either. We can be a combination or make up our own and no one has the right to judge us. But there will always be one question that tears at my soul: Will my husband, Nick, ever be happy with what I crave?
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2012
19 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 16, 2012
Recommended Read
Based on a true story, 31 Flavors delves into the lives of two real people discovering how BDSM fits into their lives. It’s serious, funny, sad, and HOT all wrapped up in a wonderful story with very relatable characters.
Sidney and Nick have been married for five years. They are the best of friends with a deep love for one another, just not the best of lovers. Their journey takes us through Sidney’s discovery of her own desires with BDSM; all the way to how they decide to fit it into their lives.
I can relate to Sidney in many ways. Not her exact reason for her feelings about sex, but for wanting to do something to improve upon what is already there. When Sidney explains their connection when they make love, it is just beautiful. Everyone should get to experience that with their significant other.
Several different scenes have stuck with me. I laughed when Sidney went to the toy store. Along with her, I admired the bruise on her wrist; a reminder of her time with her husband and another beautiful moment. I was angry about the hurtful things some of Sidney’s online group said to her. How she and Nick responded was eye opening.
To read Angeline's entire review please visit
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
Based on a true story, 31 Flavors delves into the lives of two real people discovering how BDSM fits into their lives. It’s serious, funny, sad, and HOT all wrapped up in a wonderful story with very relatable characters.
Sidney and Nick have been married for five years. They are the best of friends with a deep love for one another, just not the best of lovers. Their journey takes us through Sidney’s discovery of her own desires with BDSM; all the way to how they decide to fit it into their lives.
I can relate to Sidney in many ways. Not her exact reason for her feelings about sex, but for wanting to do something to improve upon what is already there. When Sidney explains their connection when they make love, it is just beautiful. Everyone should get to experience that with their significant other.
Several different scenes have stuck with me. I laughed when Sidney went to the toy store. Along with her, I admired the bruise on her wrist; a reminder of her time with her husband and another beautiful moment. I was angry about the hurtful things some of Sidney’s online group said to her. How she and Nick responded was eye opening.
To read Angeline's entire review please visit
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
February 6, 2012
I was looking forward to this story as I understand the situation this wife finds herself in. Sidney is looking for something more in her sexual life. She's hoping to convince her husband to try his hand at some BDSM with her. I know several women in this situation, myself included. I eagerly looked forward to how Sidney turned Nick into the "Dom" of her dreams. I've read several other books with this same exact theme in the past year. Since this is based on a true story, I was even more excited to see how this played out.
I regret to say, this story is not at all what I expected or hoped to read. There are reasons Sidney has sexual issues. I'm not going to go into the details, but within the first chapter, I'm thinking, Nick is a saint. This story is well written in the that it chronicles a few chapters in the life of a real woman who struggles with sexual satisfaction. Since this story is all from Sidney's point of view, we get to see her hopes, frustrations and confusion. It would be interesting to see what it would be like from Nick's perspective.
I mention this specifically because I'm the chick who ends up listening to men like Nick as they talk about their wife's sexual problems. No, I'm not a sexual therapist or a shrink. I'm the co-worker who travels for work in a male dominated profession. In these critical happy hour sessions which the story character Sidney rails against, people build key work relationships. Those who leave early generally aren't treated to the confessions brought on by drinking. Due to my experience, I'm more empathic to these confused, frustrated and sexually deprived husbands. Sometimes the real life story ends up with a happy reconciliation, many times, it does not. Based on this story, it appears that Sidney is one of the lucky few with a happy reconciliation.
There is a specific thing I'd like to address about BDSM as it relates into this story. In it, Sidney's on-line friends she's just recently met mentioned that forcing a person to be a Dom when he is not will only cause problems. In the story, Sidney takes great offense to this and pretty much goes crazy postal. Now, I don't know what happened in real life nor do I care. What I find interesting in this story is that the authors pounced on this in what I consider a judgmental way, not so different than the accusations of the online friends being judgmental about Sidney. There is a reason why someone who isn't a bit interested in BDSM shouldn't be forced into a role they are not interested in. Now, I don't think it's black or white. Sure there are going to be problems but these problems can be overcome. I personally don't think of people being 100% BDSM or 100% vanilla. That is what I thought the point of this story was going to be - 31 flavours of kink. While the story did lecture this concept with the subtlety of a hammer, it still came across as a mixed message to me.
Why do I find this a mixed message? Because there is criticism of those who felt Sidney was topping from below. In this story, Sidney basically snickered at this and considered it irrelevant. There is a reason why people in the lifestyle caution against topping from below. It can also cause problems - nothing that can't be overcome. Since this is a contemporary romance based on a real story, my concern is that readers without experience and education in BDSM are going to take this book as gospel and with more credit as an accurate BDSM lesson. This would be giving a message which I do not agree with.
Back to the characters. The marital strife between Sidney and Nick is very real. I can actually say I've seen this amongst many a couple. This realism enhanced the story. The flaws in Sidney are all too real. I like my heroines flawed but in this case, I couldn't connect with Sidney. Instead, the entire story, I felt sorry for Nick and wondered why he didn't drink more to get through Sidney's less rational moments. I very quickly disassociated myself from Sidney which is what detracted from my pleasure in this book.
Regardless of how I felt about the characters and the authors' BDSM view, it was a smooth read. The writing flowed and each scene made sense and painted a clear yet slightly harsh picture of a marriage in trouble yet worth saving. And in the end, the coming together of husband and wife was sweet. I recommend this to women who feel misunderstood and want a husband to become tuned their needs and thoughts. Don't give up hope!
I regret to say, this story is not at all what I expected or hoped to read. There are reasons Sidney has sexual issues. I'm not going to go into the details, but within the first chapter, I'm thinking, Nick is a saint. This story is well written in the that it chronicles a few chapters in the life of a real woman who struggles with sexual satisfaction. Since this story is all from Sidney's point of view, we get to see her hopes, frustrations and confusion. It would be interesting to see what it would be like from Nick's perspective.
I mention this specifically because I'm the chick who ends up listening to men like Nick as they talk about their wife's sexual problems. No, I'm not a sexual therapist or a shrink. I'm the co-worker who travels for work in a male dominated profession. In these critical happy hour sessions which the story character Sidney rails against, people build key work relationships. Those who leave early generally aren't treated to the confessions brought on by drinking. Due to my experience, I'm more empathic to these confused, frustrated and sexually deprived husbands. Sometimes the real life story ends up with a happy reconciliation, many times, it does not. Based on this story, it appears that Sidney is one of the lucky few with a happy reconciliation.
There is a specific thing I'd like to address about BDSM as it relates into this story. In it, Sidney's on-line friends she's just recently met mentioned that forcing a person to be a Dom when he is not will only cause problems. In the story, Sidney takes great offense to this and pretty much goes crazy postal. Now, I don't know what happened in real life nor do I care. What I find interesting in this story is that the authors pounced on this in what I consider a judgmental way, not so different than the accusations of the online friends being judgmental about Sidney. There is a reason why someone who isn't a bit interested in BDSM shouldn't be forced into a role they are not interested in. Now, I don't think it's black or white. Sure there are going to be problems but these problems can be overcome. I personally don't think of people being 100% BDSM or 100% vanilla. That is what I thought the point of this story was going to be - 31 flavours of kink. While the story did lecture this concept with the subtlety of a hammer, it still came across as a mixed message to me.
Why do I find this a mixed message? Because there is criticism of those who felt Sidney was topping from below. In this story, Sidney basically snickered at this and considered it irrelevant. There is a reason why people in the lifestyle caution against topping from below. It can also cause problems - nothing that can't be overcome. Since this is a contemporary romance based on a real story, my concern is that readers without experience and education in BDSM are going to take this book as gospel and with more credit as an accurate BDSM lesson. This would be giving a message which I do not agree with.
Back to the characters. The marital strife between Sidney and Nick is very real. I can actually say I've seen this amongst many a couple. This realism enhanced the story. The flaws in Sidney are all too real. I like my heroines flawed but in this case, I couldn't connect with Sidney. Instead, the entire story, I felt sorry for Nick and wondered why he didn't drink more to get through Sidney's less rational moments. I very quickly disassociated myself from Sidney which is what detracted from my pleasure in this book.
Regardless of how I felt about the characters and the authors' BDSM view, it was a smooth read. The writing flowed and each scene made sense and painted a clear yet slightly harsh picture of a marriage in trouble yet worth saving. And in the end, the coming together of husband and wife was sweet. I recommend this to women who feel misunderstood and want a husband to become tuned their needs and thoughts. Don't give up hope!
February 15, 2012
As reviewed on Kinkybookreviews.com:
Sidney is your average married woman. She has a good relationship with her husband, decent job, nice life, but Sidney has a secret. She loves reading BDSM erotic romance. Even her husband doesn't know exactly what she reads. When she finds a book about a married couple where the husband learns to be a Dom and she thinks, "what if...."
I don't know about you, but that sounds a lot like me. I love closing my eyes and placing my husband and myself into a hot scene from one of my books, and, well... **dreamy sigh** So, when I read what this book was about, I was really excited. Based on a true story, interesting. Oooh, and it is co-written by one of my favorite authors! I must read this!! Unfortunately, that was about where my excitement ended.
This was a really hard book for me to review. The story had such promise, but it fell way short. I once heard someone say, "The fact that something really happened, does not make it good fiction." I think this book is a good example of that. When I'm reading a book that is "based on real life," it's nice to know, but while I'm reading, it doesn't make a hill of beans, it's still a book. The phrase 'based on' is used so that some fiction can be added to fill in any gaps or alter things to make a better story. Inconsistencies happen in real life, but did they all need to be included in this story? If the inconsistencies keep pulling me out of the moment, it becomes a chore just to finish the book.
Probably the biggest issue I had, was that I couldn't stand Sidney. There were times in the story that I seriously questioned why Nick stayed with her. At one point, Sidney asked him what would make him happy. I responded "a different wife"... yeah, I'll admit, that was bad of me, but it was how I felt. I found Sidney to be childish and selfish. Every bit of the story was "me me me." If she asked Nick what he wanted, and he gave an answer different than what she expected, take cover!
Now, we get to the part where I will piss some people off, which made me think long and hard before writing this review. The BDSM. Let me state up front. I realize this is "based on a true story", not everyone starts in the same spot, not everyone researches the same way, and not everyone responds the same way. I get that. Now, when experimenting with impact play, most start with a hand, a nice spanking and work their way up to find what works for them. In this book, they go straight to whacking her with a belt. Now, to me, this is like learning to drive by going 70 mph down the interstate the first time you get in the car. I have heard horror stories about people reading fiction BDSM books, saying "oh that sounds cool, let's try it" and getting in way over their heads. Hence the 'safe, sane, and consensual' warnings at the beginning of most BDSM books. I'm concerned some readers are going to read this and say "Oh, but it's a true story, we really can do that!!" My copy did not have any warnings, anywhere. Not sure if the final one did or not.
I also found Sidney extremely confusing, and confused. Several times, she professes a need for pain. Yet, from what I can recall, in nearly every impact scene, she starts fussing that it hurts too much. Then, a few minutes after she's called a stop to it, she's thinking about how to step things up.
Lastly, she gives her husband an article to read about being a Dom, the whole story started with her reading a book called "Training the Dom," she states that she has a need to be dominated, and yet, she spends the entire book telling HIM exactly what to do. During her research, she joined an online BDSM group so she could ask questions to people already in the lifestyle. When they make negative comments about her topping from the bottom or pushing her husband who "doesn't have a dominant bone in his body" to be a Dom, she flips out and decides they don't know what they're talking about. I do not feel that everyone must follow every guideline of BDSM. Different strokes for different folks. As long as both parties are knowledgeable, communicate, and agree on specific limits, great. However, rules and guidelines are usually there for a reason. They are put in place because someone, somewhere, found out the hard way what happens when you DON'T do that. If you break a rule and don't get hurt, does that mean you should just ignore that rule completely? Well, if you play Russian roulette and don't get hurt, should you rule Russian roulette completely safe? If you don't understand WHY many people, experienced in BDSM, have a specific maxim, perhaps you need to learn more before dismissing it. But at minimum, Sidney needed to make up her mind what she wanted.
Were there parts I liked? Actually, yes. Usually, they were parts where Sidney didn't talk, which, considering this is from her point of view, wasn't all that often. Some of the sex scenes were nice and steamy. I did find her visit to the adult toy store amusing. Some of the scenes between Nick and Sidney were sweet. I just wish there had been a lot more of the good parts, and less of the rest.
Sidney is your average married woman. She has a good relationship with her husband, decent job, nice life, but Sidney has a secret. She loves reading BDSM erotic romance. Even her husband doesn't know exactly what she reads. When she finds a book about a married couple where the husband learns to be a Dom and she thinks, "what if...."
I don't know about you, but that sounds a lot like me. I love closing my eyes and placing my husband and myself into a hot scene from one of my books, and, well... **dreamy sigh** So, when I read what this book was about, I was really excited. Based on a true story, interesting. Oooh, and it is co-written by one of my favorite authors! I must read this!! Unfortunately, that was about where my excitement ended.
This was a really hard book for me to review. The story had such promise, but it fell way short. I once heard someone say, "The fact that something really happened, does not make it good fiction." I think this book is a good example of that. When I'm reading a book that is "based on real life," it's nice to know, but while I'm reading, it doesn't make a hill of beans, it's still a book. The phrase 'based on' is used so that some fiction can be added to fill in any gaps or alter things to make a better story. Inconsistencies happen in real life, but did they all need to be included in this story? If the inconsistencies keep pulling me out of the moment, it becomes a chore just to finish the book.
Probably the biggest issue I had, was that I couldn't stand Sidney. There were times in the story that I seriously questioned why Nick stayed with her. At one point, Sidney asked him what would make him happy. I responded "a different wife"... yeah, I'll admit, that was bad of me, but it was how I felt. I found Sidney to be childish and selfish. Every bit of the story was "me me me." If she asked Nick what he wanted, and he gave an answer different than what she expected, take cover!
Now, we get to the part where I will piss some people off, which made me think long and hard before writing this review. The BDSM. Let me state up front. I realize this is "based on a true story", not everyone starts in the same spot, not everyone researches the same way, and not everyone responds the same way. I get that. Now, when experimenting with impact play, most start with a hand, a nice spanking and work their way up to find what works for them. In this book, they go straight to whacking her with a belt. Now, to me, this is like learning to drive by going 70 mph down the interstate the first time you get in the car. I have heard horror stories about people reading fiction BDSM books, saying "oh that sounds cool, let's try it" and getting in way over their heads. Hence the 'safe, sane, and consensual' warnings at the beginning of most BDSM books. I'm concerned some readers are going to read this and say "Oh, but it's a true story, we really can do that!!" My copy did not have any warnings, anywhere. Not sure if the final one did or not.
I also found Sidney extremely confusing, and confused. Several times, she professes a need for pain. Yet, from what I can recall, in nearly every impact scene, she starts fussing that it hurts too much. Then, a few minutes after she's called a stop to it, she's thinking about how to step things up.
Lastly, she gives her husband an article to read about being a Dom, the whole story started with her reading a book called "Training the Dom," she states that she has a need to be dominated, and yet, she spends the entire book telling HIM exactly what to do. During her research, she joined an online BDSM group so she could ask questions to people already in the lifestyle. When they make negative comments about her topping from the bottom or pushing her husband who "doesn't have a dominant bone in his body" to be a Dom, she flips out and decides they don't know what they're talking about. I do not feel that everyone must follow every guideline of BDSM. Different strokes for different folks. As long as both parties are knowledgeable, communicate, and agree on specific limits, great. However, rules and guidelines are usually there for a reason. They are put in place because someone, somewhere, found out the hard way what happens when you DON'T do that. If you break a rule and don't get hurt, does that mean you should just ignore that rule completely? Well, if you play Russian roulette and don't get hurt, should you rule Russian roulette completely safe? If you don't understand WHY many people, experienced in BDSM, have a specific maxim, perhaps you need to learn more before dismissing it. But at minimum, Sidney needed to make up her mind what she wanted.
Were there parts I liked? Actually, yes. Usually, they were parts where Sidney didn't talk, which, considering this is from her point of view, wasn't all that often. Some of the sex scenes were nice and steamy. I did find her visit to the adult toy store amusing. Some of the scenes between Nick and Sidney were sweet. I just wish there had been a lot more of the good parts, and less of the rest.
February 13, 2012
4.5 Stars
31 Flavors by Leia Shaw and Cari Silverwood is a poingant journey of Sidney’s sexual awakening and the toll it could possibly take on her marriage if she reveals her predilections in the bedroom to her husband of five years, Nick. This book is very beguiling and written from the perspective of Sidney. Her personality is heartwarmingly organic. The reader is not being sold on a made up feeling person with a perfect figure and beautiful features much like a Barbie doll. Sid is a “real” person with real issues. She is someone you could easily be good friends with. She is funny, opinionated, and insecure about her sexuality, a lot like us “real” people reading the book.
Her interactions with her husband are equally endearing and credible. It is due to the organic perspective of a relationship that makes this book so unique, touching, and interesting. Loving someone is not as easy as a lot romance books depict. 31 Flavors paints love, marriage, and sex in a very authentic light. There are ups and downs, happy moments, funny moments and awkward moments in a marriage. It is this common sense down to earth style of writing that becomes so attractive to the reader.
Reading this touching story could help other people out there to step out of their comfort zone and ask for what they need from their partners. The BDSM aspect of this book may maybe a tad uncomfortable for some romance readers. BUT the analogy of being able to translate Sid’s situation into the reader’s own life, crosses over into real-life application when it comes to expressing one’s self to a partner. This is a great read whether the reader is seeking an enjoyable erotic story with memorable characters or satisfying a curiosity into different aspects of sexuality. After all, vanilla is not for everybody.
Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections!!
31 Flavors by Leia Shaw and Cari Silverwood is a poingant journey of Sidney’s sexual awakening and the toll it could possibly take on her marriage if she reveals her predilections in the bedroom to her husband of five years, Nick. This book is very beguiling and written from the perspective of Sidney. Her personality is heartwarmingly organic. The reader is not being sold on a made up feeling person with a perfect figure and beautiful features much like a Barbie doll. Sid is a “real” person with real issues. She is someone you could easily be good friends with. She is funny, opinionated, and insecure about her sexuality, a lot like us “real” people reading the book.
Her interactions with her husband are equally endearing and credible. It is due to the organic perspective of a relationship that makes this book so unique, touching, and interesting. Loving someone is not as easy as a lot romance books depict. 31 Flavors paints love, marriage, and sex in a very authentic light. There are ups and downs, happy moments, funny moments and awkward moments in a marriage. It is this common sense down to earth style of writing that becomes so attractive to the reader.
Reading this touching story could help other people out there to step out of their comfort zone and ask for what they need from their partners. The BDSM aspect of this book may maybe a tad uncomfortable for some romance readers. BUT the analogy of being able to translate Sid’s situation into the reader’s own life, crosses over into real-life application when it comes to expressing one’s self to a partner. This is a great read whether the reader is seeking an enjoyable erotic story with memorable characters or satisfying a curiosity into different aspects of sexuality. After all, vanilla is not for everybody.
Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections!!
February 7, 2012
I really loved the book. A friend of mine said that there are some books that stay with you and affect you for a long, long time. One of those books for me is “The Reluctant Dom” by Tymber Dalton. I think that this one may be another one. I just can’t get it out of my head… It is resonating big-time in my brain… I think it may be because I can relate a lot to it. It seems to be written honestly. What I mean is, even though it was based on a true story, it could have been written to be “larger than life” – after all – our recollections of our past are still only perceptions…
The book doesn't pretend to be a "know-it-all" book about BDSM. It is just a story of a couple's journey into the lifestyle, and the circumstances that got them there. It shows that each relationship is different and very personal- what is good for one person may not be good for another.. I liked that it wasn't sugar-coated and the feelings of frustration were as real as the feelings of love and acceptance..
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to see how one particular couple takes a journey to fulfill a missing aspect of their marraige.. I laughed and I cried and I cheered and I booed and, in the end, I was very happy that I read this book.
The book doesn't pretend to be a "know-it-all" book about BDSM. It is just a story of a couple's journey into the lifestyle, and the circumstances that got them there. It shows that each relationship is different and very personal- what is good for one person may not be good for another.. I liked that it wasn't sugar-coated and the feelings of frustration were as real as the feelings of love and acceptance..
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to see how one particular couple takes a journey to fulfill a missing aspect of their marraige.. I laughed and I cried and I cheered and I booed and, in the end, I was very happy that I read this book.
April 1, 2012
Ok it took me a little while to get into. But I'm bemused at some of the negative comments, why does a woman having sexual needs make her high maintenance or somehow wrong, yet a man having his partner meet his needs is a alpha or masterful. The dichotomy, the dichotomy...
And the comments that she is whingy it's her internal monologue, whose internal monologue isn't whingy. Seriously...
Ok back to the book. I love that this is a story of a couple finding their own way. It was ultimately a love story of to people reconnecting in a profound way openly and honestly something they hadn't achieved before. It's about what happens after the happily-ever-after and if the happily-ever-after wasn't really so.
And the comments that she is whingy it's her internal monologue, whose internal monologue isn't whingy. Seriously...
Ok back to the book. I love that this is a story of a couple finding their own way. It was ultimately a love story of to people reconnecting in a profound way openly and honestly something they hadn't achieved before. It's about what happens after the happily-ever-after and if the happily-ever-after wasn't really so.
February 14, 2012
May have slight spoilers.
I really, really enjoyed this novel. I do not know what I expected when I started reading but I knew with the first page that I already liked it.
In this novel, we meet, Sidney and Nick a married couple of five years, they only have sex everyone and a while—not because they do not like each other but Sidney just can't seem to ‘get into it’ their sex just doesn’t do it for her. She contributes most of this to her past, but finds she may like sex more than she thought; they’ve just been having the wrong kind.
There are many people who can take a real-life story and write it down with added parts. Anyone can. But there are not many who can take a story, add in parts and come out with a book like 31 Flavors. The characters still feel ‘real’ apposed to ‘fictional’ as it might if someone else had taken the story and wrote it.
I think one thing that I loved most about this story was the saying, there are 31 Flavors and we can always make our own. I loved that, to see a book where everything doesn’t fit into that one niche for BDSM.
In most novels you read everything is perfect to a certain extent, even when there are ‘problems’ and I love that in novels, its nice to read something like that where there are no hitches, etc. but it’s fictional and I know it is. This was real, something that in reality I could see happening because it did happen. Of course there were some parts in the story that did not, but overall those are potential ‘could-happens’ in real-life as well.
There are a few very good laugh-out-loud moments in this book which I absolutely loved, the authors really endear you to both Sidney and Nick, and I felt I could really connect with Sidney, that she and I were on the same page, same line.
I can’t get enough of this, even though the ending was perfect, I wouldn’t mind reading another 119 pages about Sidney and Nick—as long as it’s Cari and Leia that’s writing it.
I would recommend this to anyone, even people who may normally stray away from BDSM. The sex between them was great when they found their niche, but overall, it was the story, them learning, finding their selves and their ‘flavor’ that made me love it the most.
*I received an Ebook copy of this book for free to review from the author.
February 19, 2012
To be honest, I wasn't sure if I was going to review this book or not. It's based on a true story, and a very emotional and personal one at that. It's not my desire or intention to marginalize anyone's experiences so please keep that in mind before becoming offended by my dislike of this book.
At the risk of sounding like a bitch, I have to ask why in the bloody hell Sidney isn't in therapy if she can't have sex with her husband without feeling the way she does. Clearly she's not over her rape or the aftermath and five years into a marriage to a man she loves dearly... she's hurting him. She's depriving him of a healthy sex life by her refusal to handle her own trauma. I'm sorry, but Sidney needed to be in therapy. Lots of it.
I don't feel like Nick's frustration was unwarranted, either. He'd spent the better part of his prime with Sidney and she still can't give herself to him. I have a problem with these kinds of relationships. Shouldn't marriage be all or nothing? Shouldn't she have enough respect and love for Nick and HERSELF to seek better treatment for her rape trauma? Men like Nick deserve a woman who tries as hard as he does. Gritting her teeth and "handling" sex with him isn't trying. Again, why wasn't she in therapy?
Her entire foray into BDSM was really strange to me. She asked for so much from Nick. So much. And I don't buy for a second that after bringing up the efforts he's made for her in the bedroom are taxing on him TWICE, he's just gotten over them. That would come up again, guaranteed. To me this relationship screams failure. The forum members on the site Sidney was a member of were right in a way. Both Nick and Sidney claim to love one another. But it's Nick that makes all the concessions, and does all the work., Sidney gets the dirty sex she wants, and seems to do nothing in return but a couple of awkward blowjobs and a thorough analysis of everything Nick didn't do in bed that she wanted him to.
And the job situation. That wasn't healthy either.
My point is, the balance in this relationship is beyond off kilter. It made me uncomfortable to read, and I couldn't identify with the situation at all. I guess my main beef is that I found out about this book because of a tweet. The blog entry about it was misleading as to the content of the story. It was made out to be a sexy and funny look into a couple's journey into sexual compatibility. Instead, it's an angsty, uncomfortable story that I was unprepared for. It's my opinion that the authors should take into account the gravity of what's being discussed in this book and try to not sell it as humorous so heavily.
At the risk of sounding like a bitch, I have to ask why in the bloody hell Sidney isn't in therapy if she can't have sex with her husband without feeling the way she does. Clearly she's not over her rape or the aftermath and five years into a marriage to a man she loves dearly... she's hurting him. She's depriving him of a healthy sex life by her refusal to handle her own trauma. I'm sorry, but Sidney needed to be in therapy. Lots of it.
I don't feel like Nick's frustration was unwarranted, either. He'd spent the better part of his prime with Sidney and she still can't give herself to him. I have a problem with these kinds of relationships. Shouldn't marriage be all or nothing? Shouldn't she have enough respect and love for Nick and HERSELF to seek better treatment for her rape trauma? Men like Nick deserve a woman who tries as hard as he does. Gritting her teeth and "handling" sex with him isn't trying. Again, why wasn't she in therapy?
Her entire foray into BDSM was really strange to me. She asked for so much from Nick. So much. And I don't buy for a second that after bringing up the efforts he's made for her in the bedroom are taxing on him TWICE, he's just gotten over them. That would come up again, guaranteed. To me this relationship screams failure. The forum members on the site Sidney was a member of were right in a way. Both Nick and Sidney claim to love one another. But it's Nick that makes all the concessions, and does all the work., Sidney gets the dirty sex she wants, and seems to do nothing in return but a couple of awkward blowjobs and a thorough analysis of everything Nick didn't do in bed that she wanted him to.
And the job situation. That wasn't healthy either.
My point is, the balance in this relationship is beyond off kilter. It made me uncomfortable to read, and I couldn't identify with the situation at all. I guess my main beef is that I found out about this book because of a tweet. The blog entry about it was misleading as to the content of the story. It was made out to be a sexy and funny look into a couple's journey into sexual compatibility. Instead, it's an angsty, uncomfortable story that I was unprepared for. It's my opinion that the authors should take into account the gravity of what's being discussed in this book and try to not sell it as humorous so heavily.
February 29, 2012
I was a little surprised and immensely curious about 31 flavors when I learned it is an erotic novella based on a true story.
I was even more intrigued to learn that Nick and Sidney are a couple who are in their 30's and have been married for 5 years. Due to circumstances surrounding Sidney's past, she is not able to enjoy making love to her husband. As a matter of fact, I'd say it was barely tolerable.
But there is something that does interest Sidney....right to her core ;) But she's afraid that if she tells Nick what she wants he might think she's a freak! After all, Is it really normal to want to be spanked or to want to lay tied up and helpless to another persons wants and needs?
We watch Nick and Sidney try to relate to each other and try to find that spark in their sex life. It's not easy!! There are a LOT of ups and downs. Leia Shaw and Cari Silverwood have done a fantastic job with bringing us on the ride!!
Honestly, I could feel the love, the angst, the excitement and the turbulence that both Sidney and Nick were feeling. It was a roller coaster of emotions and I was really routing for them to find their happy medium. This is NOT just a novella with incredibly hot, super steamy, intense sex!! *With just the right amount of naughty fun added* This is a look into a loving relationship where a couple learns how to communicate their needs to each other. It shows that love and understanding can overcome some very difficult obstacles. And that we are all different and we all have different needs. If you don't like vanilla but are not completely into rocky road, their are several other flavors out there to try. You just have to find your own personal taste and give it a go!
I do not very often recommend erotic novels to my friends. But I truly loved this little book so much, I will be telling everybody about it! Please, don't miss out on this one. Especially if you might just be a little bit curious about what your flavor might be. ;)
Reviewed for WearVampsRomance. http://werevampsromance.blogspot.com/
I was even more intrigued to learn that Nick and Sidney are a couple who are in their 30's and have been married for 5 years. Due to circumstances surrounding Sidney's past, she is not able to enjoy making love to her husband. As a matter of fact, I'd say it was barely tolerable.
But there is something that does interest Sidney....right to her core ;) But she's afraid that if she tells Nick what she wants he might think she's a freak! After all, Is it really normal to want to be spanked or to want to lay tied up and helpless to another persons wants and needs?
We watch Nick and Sidney try to relate to each other and try to find that spark in their sex life. It's not easy!! There are a LOT of ups and downs. Leia Shaw and Cari Silverwood have done a fantastic job with bringing us on the ride!!
Honestly, I could feel the love, the angst, the excitement and the turbulence that both Sidney and Nick were feeling. It was a roller coaster of emotions and I was really routing for them to find their happy medium. This is NOT just a novella with incredibly hot, super steamy, intense sex!! *With just the right amount of naughty fun added* This is a look into a loving relationship where a couple learns how to communicate their needs to each other. It shows that love and understanding can overcome some very difficult obstacles. And that we are all different and we all have different needs. If you don't like vanilla but are not completely into rocky road, their are several other flavors out there to try. You just have to find your own personal taste and give it a go!
I do not very often recommend erotic novels to my friends. But I truly loved this little book so much, I will be telling everybody about it! Please, don't miss out on this one. Especially if you might just be a little bit curious about what your flavor might be. ;)
Reviewed for WearVampsRomance. http://werevampsromance.blogspot.com/
February 1, 2012
31 Flavors is different from anything I’ve read before. A large part of that is probably because I know it is based on a true story. It’s one thing to jump into a book and go along for the ride when you know none of it is real, but it’s an entirely different experience to realize there are real people and real emotions behind the story.
The authors, Cari Silverwood and Leia Shaw, have put together a book that touches the reader on so many levels. Be prepared for a wonderfully emotional ride that will make you laugh and cry—and maybe teach you a few things about BDSM, marriage, romance, and, most importantly, how to communicate your needs with your partner.
This book has just the right combination of reality and fantasy. The sex scenes are hot and will leave you aching for more. They might even make you want to experiment a little. The characters are realistic, making them easy to identify with. I can’t tell you how many times I thought to myself, yeah, I can see that happening.
I’m a slow reader normally, and I had set aside a few hours here and there throughout the week to read this book, but I couldn’t put it down. I finished it within 24 hours, and let me tell you, it takes a lot for a book to hold my attention like that. If you’re looking for a book to lose yourself in, with characters you can cheer for—not to mention wonderfully hot and romantic sex—then you must read this book. Trust me; you’ll be glad you did.
The authors, Cari Silverwood and Leia Shaw, have put together a book that touches the reader on so many levels. Be prepared for a wonderfully emotional ride that will make you laugh and cry—and maybe teach you a few things about BDSM, marriage, romance, and, most importantly, how to communicate your needs with your partner.
This book has just the right combination of reality and fantasy. The sex scenes are hot and will leave you aching for more. They might even make you want to experiment a little. The characters are realistic, making them easy to identify with. I can’t tell you how many times I thought to myself, yeah, I can see that happening.
I’m a slow reader normally, and I had set aside a few hours here and there throughout the week to read this book, but I couldn’t put it down. I finished it within 24 hours, and let me tell you, it takes a lot for a book to hold my attention like that. If you’re looking for a book to lose yourself in, with characters you can cheer for—not to mention wonderfully hot and romantic sex—then you must read this book. Trust me; you’ll be glad you did.
January 26, 2012
Well done to Leia and Cari for this offering. It's probably one of the best BDSM erotica tales I've read in ages. The dialogue, characters... it all had a ring of authenticity, and did a lot to help me get into the headspace of someone who's interested in alternative forms of play. [grins]. The sex scenes are blistering, and what really made it for me was seeing how Sid and Nick get their relationship fired up again. Bearing in mind that the path to fulfillment is hardly smooth, this makes for an engaging read.
July 26, 2012
You wanna know the best thing about e-books? They're malleable - if there's something you don't like, it's easy enough to change. I'm telling you because this book mentions a Mistress Helvetica. The name puts me in mind of a sexy lady in a leather corset (oh, the pain of doing research!) who gets her kicks... by sitting at a desk and designing fonts. Probably not what the authors had in mind but, thanks to the magic that are e-books, it took about a minute to re-christen her to "Mistress Jane" (in my copy at least). Try doing that with a printed book!
For intent alone, this book gets a five from me. It tells the story of the struggles faced by a real-life couple who try some kink to spice up an unsatisfying sex life.
For execution, this book gets a five from me. The writing and characterisation are superb. Apart from a few sad moments, this book is mostly playful and inquisitive, and was frankly a joy to read. As a reader you'll never find yourself wondering what's going on in the protagonist's mind, and that is compliments of the wonderful job the authors have done. It would have been interesting to have some insight into what was going on in Syd's husband's head but twas not to be.
The narrative suffers a little from being caught in a no-man's land - between wanting to tell a true story and wanting to be an entertaining tale. As a straight fiction, it works well. Really well. I however would have been interested seeing less off the couple's kinky sex and more of the discussions, of how they made their marriage work, but I'll concede that I'm probably in the minority on that one.
- Edit -
Following sixteen hours of "fixing" computers (hint: scorched-earth reinstalls) for people too retarded to follow the simple advice I gave them less than a week ago, I've concluded thus: Any adult (which you must be to buy this book) who is too dim to reason that playing with ropes and beatings could end badly... we're better off without their stupidity polluting the gene pool.
I really did enjoy this book. Wherever you are, real-life Sidney and Nick, I hope you're keeping well.
For intent alone, this book gets a five from me. It tells the story of the struggles faced by a real-life couple who try some kink to spice up an unsatisfying sex life.
For execution, this book gets a five from me. The writing and characterisation are superb. Apart from a few sad moments, this book is mostly playful and inquisitive, and was frankly a joy to read. As a reader you'll never find yourself wondering what's going on in the protagonist's mind, and that is compliments of the wonderful job the authors have done. It would have been interesting to have some insight into what was going on in Syd's husband's head but twas not to be.
The narrative suffers a little from being caught in a no-man's land - between wanting to tell a true story and wanting to be an entertaining tale. As a straight fiction, it works well. Really well. I however would have been interested seeing less off the couple's kinky sex and more of the discussions, of how they made their marriage work, but I'll concede that I'm probably in the minority on that one.
- Edit -
Following sixteen hours of "fixing" computers (hint: scorched-earth reinstalls) for people too retarded to follow the simple advice I gave them less than a week ago, I've concluded thus: Any adult (which you must be to buy this book) who is too dim to reason that playing with ropes and beatings could end badly... we're better off without their stupidity polluting the gene pool.
I really did enjoy this book. Wherever you are, real-life Sidney and Nick, I hope you're keeping well.
February 11, 2012
This was one of those books that felt sweetly real to me. Neither Sidney or Nick are experienced in the BDSM lifestyle at the start of their story and they have to feel along and find the things that work for them as the story progresses. And they don't always get things right. They have to figure out their boundaries with one another and they really have no prior experience to draw from. In a lot of ways that's what makes their story so touching because as they're learning the ropes (har, har) they do hit the occasional snag and they do stumble and they do make mistakes.
Somewhere in the middle of all that fumbling about they learn to communicate. They learn that talking through what excites them and what fantasies drive them brings both of them pleasure. They learn that hiding your desires away isn't the way to go. Yes, it's a bit of a bumpy ride to get there, but they do get there.
Overall, this was a wonderfully written and sweetly naughty look at one couple's journey into BDSM. It's a nice reminder that not everyone knows what they want sexually until they try different things. By that same token, their lifestyle isn't for everyone and there really is no handbook for the "right" way to experience it.
I honestly enjoyed Sidney and Nick's journey. Bumps and all.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Somewhere in the middle of all that fumbling about they learn to communicate. They learn that talking through what excites them and what fantasies drive them brings both of them pleasure. They learn that hiding your desires away isn't the way to go. Yes, it's a bit of a bumpy ride to get there, but they do get there.
Overall, this was a wonderfully written and sweetly naughty look at one couple's journey into BDSM. It's a nice reminder that not everyone knows what they want sexually until they try different things. By that same token, their lifestyle isn't for everyone and there really is no handbook for the "right" way to experience it.
I honestly enjoyed Sidney and Nick's journey. Bumps and all.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
January 30, 2012
I was intrigued by the fact this novella is based on a true story. It made it so much more romantic and touching for me. Being based in fact changed the story for me and gave it more depth than the other BDSM stories I’ve read. This was a lot of fun to read, a definite page turner. Funny, sweet and incredibly sexy!
Sidney and Nick have been happily married for five years, the only problem they have is the awful sex. Sidney decides she wants to try out some of her bondage and spanking fantasies, so she asks her husband if he would be willing to give it a try.
This story is about trust and love. What two people are willing to try to make the other happy and if these changes will cause problems in the relationship. How far can someone be pushed out of their comfort zone before it’s too much?
The sex scenes are hot, and not just because the sex is incredible but because you are getting great sex by overcoming some realistic obstacles. For a couple trying out BDSM for the first time, you can imagine it might be tricky at first to figure it out. But the best part of this story was the development and progression of their relationship during this trial. My favorite was the restaurant scene… laugh out loud funny and then hot as hell!!
Highly recommended to those who enjoy BDSM stories or who enjoy an erotic contemporary romance with sex that’s more than vanilla.
Sidney and Nick have been happily married for five years, the only problem they have is the awful sex. Sidney decides she wants to try out some of her bondage and spanking fantasies, so she asks her husband if he would be willing to give it a try.
This story is about trust and love. What two people are willing to try to make the other happy and if these changes will cause problems in the relationship. How far can someone be pushed out of their comfort zone before it’s too much?
The sex scenes are hot, and not just because the sex is incredible but because you are getting great sex by overcoming some realistic obstacles. For a couple trying out BDSM for the first time, you can imagine it might be tricky at first to figure it out. But the best part of this story was the development and progression of their relationship during this trial. My favorite was the restaurant scene… laugh out loud funny and then hot as hell!!
Highly recommended to those who enjoy BDSM stories or who enjoy an erotic contemporary romance with sex that’s more than vanilla.
April 12, 2012
Still suffering from an adolescent trauma, Sydney has never enjoyed sex and often freaks out when her husband touches her, instinctually afraid. She is, however, unexplainably interested in stories of bondage and pain. One evening, when her husband asks what she is reading, she tells him the truth, that she is reading a book about bondage, and is happily surprised when he reacts with interest rather than disgust. She soon discovers that not all sex frightens her. What follows is the story of how these two people who love and trust each other, but have different needs, explore and adjust to her newfound sexuality.
For me, this is as much a love story as it is a sex story. Yes, the sex is fantastic, but there is so much emotion to it. Her history is heartbreaking, and her fear of sex is understandable. Nick is wonderfully supportive and understanding, while at the same time quite human; he gets angry and hurt, and sometimes being supportive isn't all that easy. Their story really resonated with me, reminding me of my own intro into the world of BDSM.
There aren't many books I'll read more than once, but this one is staying in my Nook so I can read it again.
For me, this is as much a love story as it is a sex story. Yes, the sex is fantastic, but there is so much emotion to it. Her history is heartbreaking, and her fear of sex is understandable. Nick is wonderfully supportive and understanding, while at the same time quite human; he gets angry and hurt, and sometimes being supportive isn't all that easy. Their story really resonated with me, reminding me of my own intro into the world of BDSM.
There aren't many books I'll read more than once, but this one is staying in my Nook so I can read it again.
March 26, 2012
This book was very interesting. My heart broke for Sidney so many times in the story. It broke for Nick as well. But you knew there was real love between them. I thought Sidney was brave for telling Nick what she felt she needed, even though it would likely be out of his comfort zone. But I loved that when Sidney got negative reaction from the forum she was on, how Nick explained the "31 flavors"... somewhere between vanilla and rocky road. They could pick where they wanted to be... it didn't have to be all of one or the other. There was no right or wrong way between them in what they were doing. I thought the story was headed in one direction at the end, but I'm so glad it went the total opposite of what I feared. Since this was based somewhat on a real couple (though many parts were fictionalized), I think Sidney definitely has a keeper.
February 12, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was unlike any book that I have read in the BDSM genre. Sidney and Nick have been married for 5 year and due to abuse issues in Sidneys past, enjoyment of sex is a huge issue for her. Through reading erotic novels Sidney finds the key to what her heart desires. Nick is willing to do whatever it takes for Sidney and he to have that intimate connection. But just like the real life story this is based on....Life, emotions, and disappointments get in the way. This book was emotional, tender, and just so funny in places that I really just laughed out loud! I highly recommend it!
February 14, 2012
Mark it down as a Valentine's treat! Loved the concept...that love/sex isn't vanilla OR BDSM...that real life allows for "Rocky Road" and many flavors.
It was engaging to see Sid struggle with being honest about her needs and sexy to see Nick interpret those wishes. Honestly, it was more good experimental home sex than BDSM, but great look at what real people might do with what they read.
My only complaint was that Nicks behavior 2/3 through the book didn't ring true for me, though it's a small quibble for the payoff ending. I'll hope my Valentines treats include "Cinnamon Buns" and "Purple Passion Fruit"!
It was engaging to see Sid struggle with being honest about her needs and sexy to see Nick interpret those wishes. Honestly, it was more good experimental home sex than BDSM, but great look at what real people might do with what they read.
My only complaint was that Nicks behavior 2/3 through the book didn't ring true for me, though it's a small quibble for the payoff ending. I'll hope my Valentines treats include "Cinnamon Buns" and "Purple Passion Fruit"!
January 31, 2012
Sidney is a woman who has a loving husband but issues with sex due to childhood trauma. After five years of "bad" sex. She and her husband determine to try BDSM, which ends up revolutionizing their sex lives and brings them closer together.
I really loved this story. I don't read a lot of BDSM. I prefer DD/HOH stories. But this one rang genuine and sincere. It didn't surprise me to learn it was based on a true story. The voice is authentic, and the story well-written. Even if you're not into BDSM and maybe especially if you're not, this is a great read with strong emotion.
I really loved this story. I don't read a lot of BDSM. I prefer DD/HOH stories. But this one rang genuine and sincere. It didn't surprise me to learn it was based on a true story. The voice is authentic, and the story well-written. Even if you're not into BDSM and maybe especially if you're not, this is a great read with strong emotion.
March 9, 2012
Love is such a powerful feeling and motivator; especially that love for a spouse or life partner. What would any of us do to keep that love in our lives? Would we suffer through 5 years of bad sex? Would we risk losing that love for true sexual expression and fulfillment? Talk about being between a rock and a hard place. Sidney has got to be one of the most courageous ‘characters’ I’ve ever read. In essence, she’s risking her marriage in order to embark on a sexual journey she won’t be 100% sure is really for her, until she experiences it. Yet, she knows she must take that leap. I thought the authors gave honest expression to Sidney’s emotional angst while dealing with her decision to reveal her needs to her husband. Yes, there’s sexual fulfillment at the end of the rainbow, if Nick accepts his new ‘Dom’ role; but there’s also the grave possibility of rejection that would devastate Sidney if he doesn’t. I could even understand Sidney’s I don’t care if I have to top from the bottom attitude. This woman has finally found a way to enjoy sex and by heaven she will – no matter what. I can’t fault her for that. And I’m not saying topping from the bottom is right. Everything I’ve read on the subject says that’s a definite no-no, but I can still understand her motivation. I thought these were some of the most honest passages in this story.
See total review at www.darkhavenbookreviews.com
See total review at www.darkhavenbookreviews.com
March 9, 2012
Overall Perspective: Highly Recommended. Therepudic in its own way to be honest.
Warning: There may be some triggers for those who have an unsavory history containing sexual abuse.
A gripping erotic romance.
I found 31 Flavors to be a very difficult book to put down and one I couldn't wait to pick up again as soon as I could.
The writing style of the two authors is incredible. Their ability to seamlessly weave the story together left no idea at all that it was co-authored. The plot and pace of the read was perfect.
The conflict of Sid's past and how it affected her marriage almost mirrors my life in most respects. I felt like I was reading about a friend, one I knew so very well, as their relationship went through peaks & valleys throughout the book.
I throughly enjoyed the analogy of the title and the reference to each person having their own preferences & way of things in BDSM. This is so true in my opinion, no two people ever fit the same mold, want/need the same things, whether they are in a lifestyle or a vanilla relationship.
Personally, I think 31 Flavors was an excellent read and one I'll be very likely to enjoy again in the future.
Warning: There may be some triggers for those who have an unsavory history containing sexual abuse.
A gripping erotic romance.
I found 31 Flavors to be a very difficult book to put down and one I couldn't wait to pick up again as soon as I could.
The writing style of the two authors is incredible. Their ability to seamlessly weave the story together left no idea at all that it was co-authored. The plot and pace of the read was perfect.
The conflict of Sid's past and how it affected her marriage almost mirrors my life in most respects. I felt like I was reading about a friend, one I knew so very well, as their relationship went through peaks & valleys throughout the book.
I throughly enjoyed the analogy of the title and the reference to each person having their own preferences & way of things in BDSM. This is so true in my opinion, no two people ever fit the same mold, want/need the same things, whether they are in a lifestyle or a vanilla relationship.
Personally, I think 31 Flavors was an excellent read and one I'll be very likely to enjoy again in the future.
February 23, 2012
I found, 31 Flavors to be a very emotional read and with lots of laugh out loud moments.
Nick and Sidney, have been married for 5 years.
Their once in a while sex life is very boring and vanilla.
A lot has happened in Sidney's past, which makes her feel broken and damaged.
Nick loves his wife and he'll do anything to make her happy, even
trying BDSM. Sidney wants it and needs it. They realise they don't need a book or
people to tell them whats right for them.They both make lots of mistakes
and learn from them and have fun while trying new things.
I believe that, that's the way it should be, two consenting adults
that love each other, working together to make their marriage and sex life work.
Leia Shaw and Cari Silverwood, have written a beautiful book, which I highly recommend.
I absolutely loved it!!
Nick and Sidney, have been married for 5 years.
Their once in a while sex life is very boring and vanilla.
A lot has happened in Sidney's past, which makes her feel broken and damaged.
Nick loves his wife and he'll do anything to make her happy, even
trying BDSM. Sidney wants it and needs it. They realise they don't need a book or
people to tell them whats right for them.They both make lots of mistakes
and learn from them and have fun while trying new things.
I believe that, that's the way it should be, two consenting adults
that love each other, working together to make their marriage and sex life work.
Leia Shaw and Cari Silverwood, have written a beautiful book, which I highly recommend.
I absolutely loved it!!
July 3, 2012
This book hit so many triggers for me. I completely related to Sidney. Having gone through the same issues and eventual curiosity of the BDSM lifestyle; I immediately 'became' the main character. This book made me laugh, cry, pant and cheer. The emotional roller coaster was worth it at the end of the book. With the recent success of 50 Shades of Grey, this book could almost be a primer for all of the people now curious about the lifestyle. It will help them realize that there is no cookie cutter way to make BDSM play part of their own lives. There really are 31 flavors of ways to introduce this style of play into their sexual experiences.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It is worth it and you will end up reading this book over and over.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It is worth it and you will end up reading this book over and over.
July 25, 2012
A realistic (it's a true story) look at a couple trying to liven up their marriage by injecting a little kink into it. This is going to sound corny, but you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll see yourself or someone you know in one of the characters. I applaud the way Leia Shaw and Cari Silverwood seemed to handle the telling of the story with great care. It was obvious they wanted to portray the experience accurately and with tact, but also with truth. If you're looking for a BDSM that "tells it like it is", try this one out!
August 3, 2015
I LOVED this story. The fact that it is mostly from actual experience and even the made up parts are realistic (it doesn't surprise me that Cari made up the restaurant scene...LOL). There are no billionaires, no perfect doms and no perfect submissives. Just real people learning what turns each other on. I will read this story many times.
October 22, 2018
Review Coming
July 30, 2015
31 Flavors of Kink
Reviewed by Full Moon Bites
I really, really enjoyed this novel. I do not know what I expected when I started reading but I knew with the first page that I already liked it.
In this novel, we meet, Sidney and Nick a married couple of five years, they only have sex every once and a while - not because they do not like each other but Sidney just can’t seem to “get into it” - their sex just doesn't do it for her. She contributes most of this to her past, but finds she may like sex more than she thought; they've just been having the wrong kind.
There are many people who can take a real-life story and write it down with added parts. Anyone can. But there are not many who can take a story, add in parts and come out with a book like 31 Flavors of Kink. The characters still feel “real” as opposed to “fictional” as it might if someone else had taken the story and wrote it.
I think one thing that I loved most about this story was the saying, there are 31 flavors and we can always make our own. I loved that, to see a book where everything doesn't fit into that one niche for BDSM.
In most novels you read everything is perfect to a certain extent, even when there are “problems”, and I love that in novels, it’s nice to read something like that where there are no hitches, etc. but it’s fictional and I know it is. This was real, something that in reality I could see happening because it did happen. Of course, there were some parts in the story that did not, but overall those are potential “could-happens” in real-life as well.
There are a few very good laugh-out-loud moments in this book which I absolutely loved, the authors really endear you to both Sidney and Nick, and I felt I could really connect with Sidney, that she and I were on the same page, same line.
I can’t get enough of this, even though the ending was perfect, I wouldn't mind reading another 119 pages about Sidney and Nick - as long as it’s Cari and Leia that’s writing it.
I would recommend this to anyone, even people who may normally stray away from BDSM. The sex between them was great when they found their niche, but overall, it was the story, them learning, finding their selves and their “flavor” that made me love it the most.
Reviewed by Full Moon Bites
I really, really enjoyed this novel. I do not know what I expected when I started reading but I knew with the first page that I already liked it.
In this novel, we meet, Sidney and Nick a married couple of five years, they only have sex every once and a while - not because they do not like each other but Sidney just can’t seem to “get into it” - their sex just doesn't do it for her. She contributes most of this to her past, but finds she may like sex more than she thought; they've just been having the wrong kind.
There are many people who can take a real-life story and write it down with added parts. Anyone can. But there are not many who can take a story, add in parts and come out with a book like 31 Flavors of Kink. The characters still feel “real” as opposed to “fictional” as it might if someone else had taken the story and wrote it.
I think one thing that I loved most about this story was the saying, there are 31 flavors and we can always make our own. I loved that, to see a book where everything doesn't fit into that one niche for BDSM.
In most novels you read everything is perfect to a certain extent, even when there are “problems”, and I love that in novels, it’s nice to read something like that where there are no hitches, etc. but it’s fictional and I know it is. This was real, something that in reality I could see happening because it did happen. Of course, there were some parts in the story that did not, but overall those are potential “could-happens” in real-life as well.
There are a few very good laugh-out-loud moments in this book which I absolutely loved, the authors really endear you to both Sidney and Nick, and I felt I could really connect with Sidney, that she and I were on the same page, same line.
I can’t get enough of this, even though the ending was perfect, I wouldn't mind reading another 119 pages about Sidney and Nick - as long as it’s Cari and Leia that’s writing it.
I would recommend this to anyone, even people who may normally stray away from BDSM. The sex between them was great when they found their niche, but overall, it was the story, them learning, finding their selves and their “flavor” that made me love it the most.
February 22, 2012
31 Flavors is a short, funny, sexy read that I absolutely adored. The fact that Sidney and Nick have problems, struggle through them, and have fun during sex is just the cherry on top of my sundae. It also shows the reader that no one else has the right to label your sex life, tell you that you're 'doing it wrong', or that you aren't a true Dom/sub. It is how you and your lover define it--the rest doesn't matter.
February 21, 2012
31 flavors left a bad taste in my mouth and should be retitled the idiots guide on how not to start a bdsm lifestyle as it lacks any form of control and knowledge. People may think that this is how a bdsm way of life is but this book shows no safety issues and people could get hurt if they read this and think its ok to start off like the characters do.
Be Careful.
This is the last time I buy a book from a guest blog post.
Be Careful.
This is the last time I buy a book from a guest blog post.
February 28, 2018
Hits Home!
Leia & Cari being so much light to the real world with this book. 31 flavors of kink is so true and the couple in this book, bring it to life. They show that there is t just one way to live BDSM or one way to learn it and I love it. They do an awesome job writing this couples story. It keeps you interested and gets you tickled during it as well. I also liked the little snippets at the end as well. Definitely a recommended read for anyone with curiosity into BDSM.
Leia & Cari being so much light to the real world with this book. 31 flavors of kink is so true and the couple in this book, bring it to life. They show that there is t just one way to live BDSM or one way to learn it and I love it. They do an awesome job writing this couples story. It keeps you interested and gets you tickled during it as well. I also liked the little snippets at the end as well. Definitely a recommended read for anyone with curiosity into BDSM.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews