You won't find it in BS like "Daddy's Little Milch Cow" or The Fifty Shades books. But you'll find it in Perilous Play, Suz deMello's memoir.
Want to read the real Fifty Shades? HERE IT IS.
One woman’s journey into the contemporary kink underworld, Perilous Play is Suz deMello’s explosive personal account of her experiences with BDSM. Engaging and honest, this groundbreaking memoir will grab you and never let you go.
Readers said: "Five stars! BDSM viewed from the inside out." "Five+ smashing stars! I wish more people knew about this book." "Five stars! A candid and page-turning account."
Romance author Suz deMello wants you to know that she has finished the process of re-acquiring rights to her books from various publishers, and then re-editing and repackaging each for indie release.
All her books are available in fresh, re-edited and re-covered new editions.
Suz deMello says, "I'm a cliche...A vegan yoga teacher from California who loves walks on the beach, cuddling her dogs and romance novels." But she's an award-winning, best-selling writer who's hit several best-seller lists, been short-listed for the RITA and reviewed by such prestigious publications such as Kirkus, Library Journal and Publisher's Weekly.
Suz uses a pseudonym to protect her privacy. But if you're a romance fan, you've probably read one of her 20+ books or have heard of her, since she's known for fast-paced, layered novels charged with humor as well as emotion.
Her personal motto is: Never stop learning, never stop growing. She's had at least five careers she can remember: librarian, trial attorney, Starbucks barista, grant writer, and yoga teacher. Perhaps her most interesting career move was teaching English to preschoolers in China! But she loves to write romance and teach yoga. She also has earned a 2d degree black belt in kenpo karate.
She currently resides in Mazatlan, Mexico, where she practices yoga, cuddles her dogs and walks on the beach every day. And yes, she's writing romance—this time, another Regency.
I wish more people knew about this book - especially any sub who is either incredibly curious about this lifestyle or those serious in their wanting more knowledge or needing to find some answers. The most common i found was the why's. why do you feel this way after a scene? Towards a Dom (even the horrible ones)? Why do we do the things we do after our experiences? So many of my own were answered, even those i didn't know i had, and i can honestly say that it cleared up so many things for me. I'll admit that i personally go with the flow in so many aspects in my life, reading up on certain things when it touches any parts of it, but reading Suz deMello's memoirs in Perilous Play, it really hits home that you're not alone and that there are answers to the endless questions and thoughts roaming in my head. I'm humbled and honored to have had the chance to read this book and because of it, i'll end up searching for more like minded memoirs like Perilous Play.
Disclaimer, right up front. This book is in the What To Read After FSOG collection alongside Malia, a novella of mine. I read it in that collection. So, free copy, I am in the author’s social circles and appeared on her blog once, etc. Still, these are my honest thoughts.
I loved it. I don’t share all of Suz’s kinks (the stories are semi-autobiographical), but I love it for its clear portrayal of a responsible BDSM lifestyle, and some of the pitfalls and results of those pitfalls a newcomer might encounter. The essays involve polyamory, safety and consent, and overall communication.
I’ve lost count of how many reviews I’ve shared of books that felt off to me due to the lack of framework for consent in the alpha’s behavior. It’s a particular pet peeve of mine, and I wish I could link to Perilous Play in every review, include a copy of it with every one of those other fantasies sold, to make sure that those reading and indulging have access to the information, even if they aren’t interested in the full lifestyle. Especially given the state of our communication and education on sexuality, it doesn’t seem right giving people the tools for nonconsent fantasies (Given that I’m speaking about BDSM activities done without consent) without also giving them the tools to negotiate it safely.
Point being, I’ll certainly be recommending this book to others who are interested in BDSM, but not sure where to start. Or to those who are interested in it despite bad experiences.
I have read many of Suz's books and loved every delicious page. This book is no exception. Whether you are new to BDSM or have years of experience in the lifestyle, you will enjoy this book. The author knows what she is talking about because she has lived it, unlike those who only imagine what it is like. This book is the real deal.
A very good primer on BDSM, and I recommend it, not only the curious and inexperienced, but people that have been in the lifestyle for a while. I learned a lot of why there is such a diversity of people and what roles they decide to use. Not much in the way of the mechanics, but a lot on the emotional side.
Perilous Play is a candid and page-turning account of the author’s first-hand experience of BDSM. It is most definitely a recommended read for anyone thinking about delving into the lifestyle as it pulls back the curtains on this world and sets out its pitfalls, dilemmas and joys, through the author’s own eyes. It will also be of interest to those like myself who enjoy reading BDSM themed erotica/erotic romance, as it gives a deeper understanding of the many issues, physical and emotional which participants face.
The book reads as a memoir, rather than a textbook, and sets out the author’s journey into BDSM, from her very first experience through to her current level of interest. I found that this format made for a highly entertaining and frank read, where few stones were left unturned. A number of key themes are addressed including the importance of negotiation; factors which make a good and bad dominant; polygamy and ménage and role play. Throughout there is much stress on the importance of good communication and the emphasis on play being safe, sane and consensual.
I really enjoyed the author’s open style of writing, which tells it like it is. There are plenty of detailed descriptions of various BDSM themed scenes which she uses to illustrate her journey and we get to know a number of individuals who have partnered her over the years.
I recommend the read to those who are curious about BDSM or are thinking about dipping their toes in the water. A copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Suz lets you behind the scenes, into her foray with BDSM. She shares this adventure from her point of view and offers ideas, hints and personal experiences.
Many people have a preconcieved notion of what BDSM is about. Suz gives you personal information about the lifestyle, which hopefully leads the reader to a better understanding.
This book is a must read for anyone who wants to hear some real life examples of life in the community as well as some information for those thinking about joining it.
I found this book very informative and the fact that it was a first hand account of the good, bad and the ugly sides of the BDSM world. I think that anyone that is thinking about exploring this lifestyle should read this book. I hope to read more about Suz's journey.