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Fetish Girl: A Memoir of Sex, Domination, and Motherhood
Fetish Girl is a provocative, dark, and erotic memoir that tells it like it is. LaVey pulls readers into her evolving dancer to stripper to dominatrix to erotic wrestler to BDSM aficionado―and all of this while being a single mother trying to do right by her son. This true story doesn’t hold back from diving into these subcultures with a keen eye for the kinky, for the sexy, for the power of taking a risk. “Fans of the Fifty Shades series will undoubtedly find much to savor in this ribald, risqué, and captivating remembrance.” ― Kirkus Review
296 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 12, 2018
If you've ever wondered if crushing snails is a sex thing, well, look no further. Although Miss LaVey does not partake in the mass murder of mollusks for pleasure - it IS a thing. Aren't you glad you know that now??
I was equally fascinated and riveted by this story. Is her lifestyle controversial? Yes. Does she make a series of continuously bad decisions? Yes. Is she, - I'll say it - a pretty terrible mom? Well, yea kinda. But holy hell does this make for a really good read. Her life is like nothing I've ever read about. It's gritty, and shameful, and quite dangerous at times. It forces the reader to confront the taboo, while earning an intense education of the seedy underbelly of sex workers, strippers, dominatrix, and fetish workers.
It's pretty intense - and I inhaled every word. I couldn't put it down. If you've ever wondered why people get into these types of jobs and situations - from your everyday stripper to a leather clad dominatrix whipping a skeevy man in a diaper in a shady hotel room - this is your book. Although there are some cringeworthy moments in her story, some descriptions might be a bit racy for some readers - it's told so beautifully, intertwining her childhood, her dating life, her fears for the future of her son - and she holds nothing back.
The story is insanely intriguing. It's like being a fly on the wall in situations you'd never experience otherwise. What goes on in a strippers head while giving that back room lap dance? Well, she might just be composing her grocery list. How does a sex worker get through a racy bachelor party, or S&M party... probably booze and pills, often heroin. The details are raw and real, the consequences of some choices - heartbreaking. But at the end of the day, the honesty of this memoir had me felling like I was witnessing a car crash - I couldn't look away. And if If I could have - I didn't want to!
While her lifestyle and decisions are fairly questionable, and you may want to judge the hell out of her - she's been through enough and criticized her own decisions plenty. I applaud Miss LaVey for her honesty - her life is like no other I've ever read about and I have an immense amount of respect for her for sharing her story.
Thank you to the BookSharks group for providing me with a copy of this book as part of their #NSFW @Booksparks blog tour. This was the second book in the tour, the first being Gina in the Floating World by Belle Brett, which I enjoyed a lot as well! I can't wait to see what the final 3rd book on the tour is!
I was equally fascinated and riveted by this story. Is her lifestyle controversial? Yes. Does she make a series of continuously bad decisions? Yes. Is she, - I'll say it - a pretty terrible mom? Well, yea kinda. But holy hell does this make for a really good read. Her life is like nothing I've ever read about. It's gritty, and shameful, and quite dangerous at times. It forces the reader to confront the taboo, while earning an intense education of the seedy underbelly of sex workers, strippers, dominatrix, and fetish workers.
It's pretty intense - and I inhaled every word. I couldn't put it down. If you've ever wondered why people get into these types of jobs and situations - from your everyday stripper to a leather clad dominatrix whipping a skeevy man in a diaper in a shady hotel room - this is your book. Although there are some cringeworthy moments in her story, some descriptions might be a bit racy for some readers - it's told so beautifully, intertwining her childhood, her dating life, her fears for the future of her son - and she holds nothing back.
The story is insanely intriguing. It's like being a fly on the wall in situations you'd never experience otherwise. What goes on in a strippers head while giving that back room lap dance? Well, she might just be composing her grocery list. How does a sex worker get through a racy bachelor party, or S&M party... probably booze and pills, often heroin. The details are raw and real, the consequences of some choices - heartbreaking. But at the end of the day, the honesty of this memoir had me felling like I was witnessing a car crash - I couldn't look away. And if If I could have - I didn't want to!
While her lifestyle and decisions are fairly questionable, and you may want to judge the hell out of her - she's been through enough and criticized her own decisions plenty. I applaud Miss LaVey for her honesty - her life is like no other I've ever read about and I have an immense amount of respect for her for sharing her story.
Thank you to the BookSharks group for providing me with a copy of this book as part of their #NSFW @Booksparks blog tour. This was the second book in the tour, the first being Gina in the Floating World by Belle Brett, which I enjoyed a lot as well! I can't wait to see what the final 3rd book on the tour is!
October 28, 2018
This book is more of an endless trainwreck than anything. The author's poor choices never seem to conclude; rather than any intelligent insight on all this, it's as if the author relied solely on the shock factor of drug use, sex work and deviant behavior to keep a reader enthralled (indeed, despite all this, I couldn't stop turning pages either - what kind of tragic mistake will the author find herself a part of next, and what kind of awfulness will she drag her child through?. The ending didn't leave me feeling all that confident).
I don't say this lightly, either - I'm intimately familiar with pretty much every world she sets foot in here from fetishland to island hippie bliss. I'm not shocked by anything she's done in her life, but I still couldn't get over how she dragged a child through so many terrible decisions.
I don't generally leave negative reviews - I'm working through a bit of that "if you don't have anything nice to say" kind of thing, because writing a book is really hard work. If only this didn't seem like the final result of a NaNoWriMo endeavor...There were moments of brilliance here, but overall I didn't think this book was ready for publishing, at all. A good editor could have done something with it, but this is not what happened.
(Note: received an ARC from NetGalley)
I don't say this lightly, either - I'm intimately familiar with pretty much every world she sets foot in here from fetishland to island hippie bliss. I'm not shocked by anything she's done in her life, but I still couldn't get over how she dragged a child through so many terrible decisions.
I don't generally leave negative reviews - I'm working through a bit of that "if you don't have anything nice to say" kind of thing, because writing a book is really hard work. If only this didn't seem like the final result of a NaNoWriMo endeavor...There were moments of brilliance here, but overall I didn't think this book was ready for publishing, at all. A good editor could have done something with it, but this is not what happened.
(Note: received an ARC from NetGalley)
January 22, 2023
Honest and raw. I just misspelled "raw" as "war", and realized there's some of that too. War with unruly men, prejudiced society, the writer herself and her priorities dictated mostly by her inescapable (and completely understandable) nature, and demands of motherhood which she fulfills pretty well, all things considering. Huge kudos for that.
Would have appreciated more depth though, as well as writing skills and technique. But I guess it's just not that kind of a book. If you accept that, you won't be disappointed.
Would have appreciated more depth though, as well as writing skills and technique. But I guess it's just not that kind of a book. If you accept that, you won't be disappointed.
November 13, 2018
**Fetish Girl generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
4 "I had tasted fleeting love, crazy, karmic, and deadly love." Stars
Reading this Memoir was an exercise in exorbitant fascination and curiosity. The blurb hooked me and when I received the book to begin the story I felt absorbed in the wild, often scary, and always brutally honest tale of this woman's life as a sex worker and as a mother. To me, her story is one of survival amidst her own fascination of sex - how sex is used to feel both empowered and how it can be used to destroy. In addition to this fascination it's a candid portrayal of wanting to live a full, free life in a world where we're so easily judged and criticized for not falling into the "normal" way of doing things. It's about abounding love and abysmal self-doubt. It's about the selfish decisions made that aren't the right decisions or the most agreeable ones yet the lessons learned and growth from those decisions and the consequences faced in those decisions that help to move us forward in life. And I didn't agree with this author's decisions in her life, in fact at times I was scared straight because of reading them, but I respect and admire her courage and honesty in putting those down on paper and making herself vulnerable to her own demons and the demons that will arise from telling her story. And, like I said, to see this life lived, so vastly different from my own or even my own perspective was an intriguing read. This book was unlike anything I've read or expected and I found it brave, enlightening, and honest.
4 "I had tasted fleeting love, crazy, karmic, and deadly love." Stars
Reading this Memoir was an exercise in exorbitant fascination and curiosity. The blurb hooked me and when I received the book to begin the story I felt absorbed in the wild, often scary, and always brutally honest tale of this woman's life as a sex worker and as a mother. To me, her story is one of survival amidst her own fascination of sex - how sex is used to feel both empowered and how it can be used to destroy. In addition to this fascination it's a candid portrayal of wanting to live a full, free life in a world where we're so easily judged and criticized for not falling into the "normal" way of doing things. It's about abounding love and abysmal self-doubt. It's about the selfish decisions made that aren't the right decisions or the most agreeable ones yet the lessons learned and growth from those decisions and the consequences faced in those decisions that help to move us forward in life. And I didn't agree with this author's decisions in her life, in fact at times I was scared straight because of reading them, but I respect and admire her courage and honesty in putting those down on paper and making herself vulnerable to her own demons and the demons that will arise from telling her story. And, like I said, to see this life lived, so vastly different from my own or even my own perspective was an intriguing read. This book was unlike anything I've read or expected and I found it brave, enlightening, and honest.
February 21, 2019
I am always looking for a piece of erotica that rivals "The Story of O", or "Last Tango in Paris". While I have not read any of the “Fifty Shades of Gray” I have heard from others there are things lacking, like decent writing. I would hope for something well written, worth the time spent reading it. Fetish Girl by Bella LaVey was not what I expected.
I see a true to life woman, mother, lover, wife, struggling with her choices in life. A woman who tells of her journey as a dancer, stripper, dominatrix, wrestler and BDSM. It is an emotional journey, while she looks for her place in the world. She grows and isn't afraid. She meets good people and bad, and one very bad ex-boyfriend. She is also a Mom!
She has a son, who she cares for and wants the best, especially when she needs to work. He is not an inconvenience and seems to do well throughout the book.
I enjoyed this book. I did not find it too graphic, but there are parts that are dark, necessarily so, to keep the story real. Lessons are learnt and unexpected steps are taken. You may not 'enjoy' what Bella goes for a living, or her thought processes that lead her to her next step(s), but you won’t put this book down either.
I see a true to life woman, mother, lover, wife, struggling with her choices in life. A woman who tells of her journey as a dancer, stripper, dominatrix, wrestler and BDSM. It is an emotional journey, while she looks for her place in the world. She grows and isn't afraid. She meets good people and bad, and one very bad ex-boyfriend. She is also a Mom!
She has a son, who she cares for and wants the best, especially when she needs to work. He is not an inconvenience and seems to do well throughout the book.
I enjoyed this book. I did not find it too graphic, but there are parts that are dark, necessarily so, to keep the story real. Lessons are learnt and unexpected steps are taken. You may not 'enjoy' what Bella goes for a living, or her thought processes that lead her to her next step(s), but you won’t put this book down either.
July 13, 2022
"Life is full of unanswered questions, there is no rewind, no do-overs; the only constant is change and the only moment we have power over is this one. This inhale-exhale."
The quote sums up this book... Life and its struggle, and the things we do and sacrifice for the people we love.
The quote sums up this book... Life and its struggle, and the things we do and sacrifice for the people we love.
July 19, 2019
Fetish Girl: A Memoir of Sex, Domination, and Motherhood by Bella LaVey and narrated by Paige Turner is a book about finding oneself, learning to be content and heal despite your upbringings, and life lessons. Bella has lived an interesting life, that’s for sure. This book may inspire you to explore your own sexual desires or go out and do something society considers naughty...
You will hear about a variety of situations in her life, some of which you may be able to relate to, some that you may not. Some examples (a small amount): living through a hurricane, sex work (ample amount of client stories, strip club, the power, …), lines being crossed at work, how to find a balance between being a parent and needing time to yourself, abuse she suffered from her mother and in romantic relationships, how living in fantasy is better than reality some days, Aphrodite award, self-care, boosters and runners, drug use, questions all parents asks themselves at some point, the trials of labor, how we try to make it better for the next generation but it’s not always easy if we don’t deal with our own past traumas, loss, mantras, to maintain or not to maintain a relationship with your parents, meeting with detective Robert Keppel, her life as an investigator and college student, the science behind pain and pleasure, what happens when you don’t have a BDSM contract, collaring ceremony, trips to Amsterdam and other countries, toxic relationships with men and women, internet adventures, wrestling experiences, and plenty more.
One of my favorite things she says in the book: “People tend to have one of two reactions to strippers. The first is fear and aversion since they are afraid to look at the broken parts or repressed sides of themselves. They don’t want to be confronted with the mirror we hold up, it’s painful, and scary, and hard. It’s easier to judge and condemn than to inquire into the source of ones discomfort...Other folks react with fascination.”
The narrator, Paige Turner, did a great job with this one. She has an easy to listen/soothing to voice. There was one time when I heard a page flipping, but otherwise, it was all good. I would listen to another book by her.
Overall it’s an intriguing, sometimes entertaining and humorous, sometimes heartbreaking, look at her life. Despite this, I can’t help but feel there’s something missing. The beginning pulled me in, but as the book went on, I found I didn’t “have” to listen. At times, I found it difficult to connect even though we share some similar life experiences. Maybe it’s because some subjects only touched the surface and left me wanting a little more. Or maybe it was because her actions contradicted her words repeatedly. Or maybe it’s just me. Whatever it may be, I still recommend the book. This would be a good one for an adult book club as there are many subjects/underlying themes that could be discussed. It’s not a book for those who are prude or can’t think outside of society’s “normal” standard when it comes to living and sex.
Parental advisory/trigger warnings: sex work (lots of stories about her with clients- sometimes they read like erotica), sexual experiences (exploring what she likes/wants- BDSM), absentee father of her child, Hurricane Iniki, religions mentioned (Hindu, Christianity, Pagan), death, suicide talk (family members), swearing off and on throughout (not excessive imo), branding, drugs, parents abusing their children (mother specifically, but actual details are minimal), death, stroke, Ted Bundy and Green River Killer mention, affairs with married men, foster system, bipolar romantic partner, dyslexia, Dalai Lama mention, The Jenny Jones Show, abusive romantic relationships (guns involved, physical abuse, child witnessing the abuse), abortion, cancer. Possibly more I’m forgetting.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
You will hear about a variety of situations in her life, some of which you may be able to relate to, some that you may not. Some examples (a small amount): living through a hurricane, sex work (ample amount of client stories, strip club, the power, …), lines being crossed at work, how to find a balance between being a parent and needing time to yourself, abuse she suffered from her mother and in romantic relationships, how living in fantasy is better than reality some days, Aphrodite award, self-care, boosters and runners, drug use, questions all parents asks themselves at some point, the trials of labor, how we try to make it better for the next generation but it’s not always easy if we don’t deal with our own past traumas, loss, mantras, to maintain or not to maintain a relationship with your parents, meeting with detective Robert Keppel, her life as an investigator and college student, the science behind pain and pleasure, what happens when you don’t have a BDSM contract, collaring ceremony, trips to Amsterdam and other countries, toxic relationships with men and women, internet adventures, wrestling experiences, and plenty more.
One of my favorite things she says in the book: “People tend to have one of two reactions to strippers. The first is fear and aversion since they are afraid to look at the broken parts or repressed sides of themselves. They don’t want to be confronted with the mirror we hold up, it’s painful, and scary, and hard. It’s easier to judge and condemn than to inquire into the source of ones discomfort...Other folks react with fascination.”
The narrator, Paige Turner, did a great job with this one. She has an easy to listen/soothing to voice. There was one time when I heard a page flipping, but otherwise, it was all good. I would listen to another book by her.
Overall it’s an intriguing, sometimes entertaining and humorous, sometimes heartbreaking, look at her life. Despite this, I can’t help but feel there’s something missing. The beginning pulled me in, but as the book went on, I found I didn’t “have” to listen. At times, I found it difficult to connect even though we share some similar life experiences. Maybe it’s because some subjects only touched the surface and left me wanting a little more. Or maybe it was because her actions contradicted her words repeatedly. Or maybe it’s just me. Whatever it may be, I still recommend the book. This would be a good one for an adult book club as there are many subjects/underlying themes that could be discussed. It’s not a book for those who are prude or can’t think outside of society’s “normal” standard when it comes to living and sex.
Parental advisory/trigger warnings: sex work (lots of stories about her with clients- sometimes they read like erotica), sexual experiences (exploring what she likes/wants- BDSM), absentee father of her child, Hurricane Iniki, religions mentioned (Hindu, Christianity, Pagan), death, suicide talk (family members), swearing off and on throughout (not excessive imo), branding, drugs, parents abusing their children (mother specifically, but actual details are minimal), death, stroke, Ted Bundy and Green River Killer mention, affairs with married men, foster system, bipolar romantic partner, dyslexia, Dalai Lama mention, The Jenny Jones Show, abusive romantic relationships (guns involved, physical abuse, child witnessing the abuse), abortion, cancer. Possibly more I’m forgetting.
*I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Thank you for allowing me to listen and review the book!
March 2, 2025
The memoir struck a deeply personal chord with me—Bella’s journey is raw, unfiltered, and undeniably fascinating. Her life story unfolds with honesty and vulnerability, drawing me in as she navigated a world many might find unsettling.
That said, I must admit some parts of the book were quite disturbing. The graphic details and emotional intensity were challenging at times, yet they also provided a window into the complexities of her experiences. I appreciated how Bella didn’t shy away from the darker moments of her past, even if they were hard to read.
Ultimately, Fetish Girl is a compelling account of struggle, self-discovery, and resilience. Despite the disturbing aspects, the way Bella tells her story leaves a lasting impression, making this memoir an unforgettable read.
That said, I must admit some parts of the book were quite disturbing. The graphic details and emotional intensity were challenging at times, yet they also provided a window into the complexities of her experiences. I appreciated how Bella didn’t shy away from the darker moments of her past, even if they were hard to read.
Ultimately, Fetish Girl is a compelling account of struggle, self-discovery, and resilience. Despite the disturbing aspects, the way Bella tells her story leaves a lasting impression, making this memoir an unforgettable read.
February 14, 2020
I followed LaVey on Instagram for a year or so before finally picking up a copy of her memoir, and wow. Am I glad I did.
A fascinating first hand account of female sexuality, sex work, and motherhood--a memoir unlike one I've read before. Told with heartbreaking sincerity, this story tells of healing the past with the present and facing your inner self.
A fascinating first hand account of female sexuality, sex work, and motherhood--a memoir unlike one I've read before. Told with heartbreaking sincerity, this story tells of healing the past with the present and facing your inner self.
April 13, 2020
I enjoyed reading about Bella's life as a dominatrix and how she done it all for her son. Showing the love that she has for her family and willing to sacrifice for it showed how strong a woman she was. I did get worried by her drug use, constant need for dangerous lovers especially with a child around. But showing how she found her peace and is finally happy in herself made me happy.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I had expected and would recommend this to people who enjoy reading erotica as it shows the life of a real dominatrix and how the life isn't as glamorous as it looks from the outside.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I had expected and would recommend this to people who enjoy reading erotica as it shows the life of a real dominatrix and how the life isn't as glamorous as it looks from the outside.
October 28, 2018
Fetish Girl is exactly what I expected and more. This sort althoughhad some hiccups along the way kept me enticed enough to read the to ending. This was not the best this book could be but I think it was great start.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2018
Sadly, I did not care for this. A little too spiritual, a little too thin, and without a comfortable flow to the storytelling.
September 19, 2018
This isn’t something I typically read, but I got it as an ARC, so I went for it.
“Fetish Girl,” by Bella LaVey, is a memoir covering about 10 years of a woman’s life as she transitions from a young hippy single mom to erotic wrestler dominatrix. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but it was well written and the storytelling was good. I don’t know what to call the main character, so I’m going to go with Bella (since that’s the author’s name – she goes through several name changes in the story).
It opens with Bella evacuating from her home during a violent hurricane with her infant son and baby daddy (whom she refers to as “The Cumtributor.”) She’s busy fleeing for their lives while The Cumtributor follows along while air drumming. This pretty much sets the tone of the rest of the story. Bella tells us about her (sometimes absurd) past experiences in a humorous, sometimes sarcastic, and candid way.
Bella is no nonsense, a hustler, and a savvy business woman. She jumps into everything she tries with an enviable amount of enthusiasm, whether it be working as a stripper or dominatrix, female wrestling, raising her kid, or starting a relationship. She makes mistake after mistake, but she owns it. Although her heart is always in the right place (her son), she is often distracted by sex, violence, relationships, drugs, relationships and relationships. There were lots of relationship problems that she wasn’t able to anticipate (but were clearly foreseeable train wrecks).
I have to admit…this book gave me bad anxiety. My life goal is to be as boring and drama free as possible, which is the exact opposite of this story. Bella seemed to flit from one thrill to the next, often skating too close (or over) the edge. The fact that she does this as a mother especially stressed me out. It’s one thing to read about a single young woman’s crazy drug infused sexcapades, but to know that there’s a little kid waiting in the wings makes me super stressed because it’s not fictional (I personally read to de-stress, and that’s why 99% of the books I read are about fictional characters screwing up their lives. I don’t have to worry about it happening in real life. This is also why the stories I read HAVE to have a happy ending. I can’t deal with fictional sad. Real life sad is bad enough! What can I say? Reading is my therapy.).
A lot of what happens in Bella’s life made me unhappy and uncomfortable. And I think it made Bella uncomfortable too, at times, which is what ultimately drives her to change her life at the end of the story. She realizes that no matter how good she thinks she is at keeping her sex/work/drug life separate from child rearing, her son knows all and sees all. And above all, at the heart of this story, she is a single mom trying to do her best to raise her kid right. We can all relate with that.
Bella’s story resonates with truth, and that is invaluable in this day and age. Four stars because it was a good story, just not something I was able to read while kicking back and relaxing.
“Fetish Girl,” by Bella LaVey, is a memoir covering about 10 years of a woman’s life as she transitions from a young hippy single mom to erotic wrestler dominatrix. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but it was well written and the storytelling was good. I don’t know what to call the main character, so I’m going to go with Bella (since that’s the author’s name – she goes through several name changes in the story).
It opens with Bella evacuating from her home during a violent hurricane with her infant son and baby daddy (whom she refers to as “The Cumtributor.”) She’s busy fleeing for their lives while The Cumtributor follows along while air drumming. This pretty much sets the tone of the rest of the story. Bella tells us about her (sometimes absurd) past experiences in a humorous, sometimes sarcastic, and candid way.
Bella is no nonsense, a hustler, and a savvy business woman. She jumps into everything she tries with an enviable amount of enthusiasm, whether it be working as a stripper or dominatrix, female wrestling, raising her kid, or starting a relationship. She makes mistake after mistake, but she owns it. Although her heart is always in the right place (her son), she is often distracted by sex, violence, relationships, drugs, relationships and relationships. There were lots of relationship problems that she wasn’t able to anticipate (but were clearly foreseeable train wrecks).
I have to admit…this book gave me bad anxiety. My life goal is to be as boring and drama free as possible, which is the exact opposite of this story. Bella seemed to flit from one thrill to the next, often skating too close (or over) the edge. The fact that she does this as a mother especially stressed me out. It’s one thing to read about a single young woman’s crazy drug infused sexcapades, but to know that there’s a little kid waiting in the wings makes me super stressed because it’s not fictional (I personally read to de-stress, and that’s why 99% of the books I read are about fictional characters screwing up their lives. I don’t have to worry about it happening in real life. This is also why the stories I read HAVE to have a happy ending. I can’t deal with fictional sad. Real life sad is bad enough! What can I say? Reading is my therapy.).
A lot of what happens in Bella’s life made me unhappy and uncomfortable. And I think it made Bella uncomfortable too, at times, which is what ultimately drives her to change her life at the end of the story. She realizes that no matter how good she thinks she is at keeping her sex/work/drug life separate from child rearing, her son knows all and sees all. And above all, at the heart of this story, she is a single mom trying to do her best to raise her kid right. We can all relate with that.
Bella’s story resonates with truth, and that is invaluable in this day and age. Four stars because it was a good story, just not something I was able to read while kicking back and relaxing.
November 13, 2018
BookSparks often has blog book tours or book challenges that span over the course of a season, or just a few books. Today's book, Fetish Girl by Bella LaVey, is a book that is part of this year's BookSpark Book Tour called the #NSFW - the Not Safe For Work Blog Tour!! At first, I was a bit reluctant about the whole tour, but then I decided that I could probably make it through. This isn't my typical genre, which I'm sure everyone knows.
Ms. LaVey writes about boarding a bus in New Hampshire marking the beginning of her years of traveling to many different locales such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Central America. She also writes of the joy and the difficulties in raising her child as a single parent. That being said, Fetish Girl actually revolves around the author's sexual awakening, that started when she began a career as an exotic dancer. LaVey very graphically describes her days as a dancer when she learned how to walk in 6-inch heels, and ultimately learned how to strip. The author shares that the art of stripping opened the door to her participation in BDSM subculture.
In addition to describing her sexual experiences, Ms. LaVey shares her truths of being able to successfully overcome drug addiction, and getting through a broken relationship, as well as violence and other personal dramas. She further weaves into the story her slowly evolving persona of a dominatrix known as “Evil Kitty". LaVey honestly shares her triumphs and her disappointments, as well as the scars she's gotten along the way. She's not judgmental or arrogant and tries to be more educational so that readers can learn more about her and her choices in life.
In all honesty, this book helped make me see the world through a different set of eyes. I'll warn you though: this book is definitely not for the faint of heart.
I was provided with a complimentary paperback copy of this book from BookSparks in exchange for my post. No positive review was required.
Ms. LaVey writes about boarding a bus in New Hampshire marking the beginning of her years of traveling to many different locales such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Central America. She also writes of the joy and the difficulties in raising her child as a single parent. That being said, Fetish Girl actually revolves around the author's sexual awakening, that started when she began a career as an exotic dancer. LaVey very graphically describes her days as a dancer when she learned how to walk in 6-inch heels, and ultimately learned how to strip. The author shares that the art of stripping opened the door to her participation in BDSM subculture.
In addition to describing her sexual experiences, Ms. LaVey shares her truths of being able to successfully overcome drug addiction, and getting through a broken relationship, as well as violence and other personal dramas. She further weaves into the story her slowly evolving persona of a dominatrix known as “Evil Kitty". LaVey honestly shares her triumphs and her disappointments, as well as the scars she's gotten along the way. She's not judgmental or arrogant and tries to be more educational so that readers can learn more about her and her choices in life.
In all honesty, this book helped make me see the world through a different set of eyes. I'll warn you though: this book is definitely not for the faint of heart.
I was provided with a complimentary paperback copy of this book from BookSparks in exchange for my post. No positive review was required.
August 4, 2018
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This book gave me a sense of empowerment and healing. It tells the story of one woman and her struggles and journey to finding what makes her who she is and how she defined her life. I think that it takes bravery and understanding of one's self to be able to write something that is so close to one's soul. I was not really sure where this book would take me when I started to read it, but it took me on the path one woman took to find herself and do what she could for her child as a single mother. I am glad that I was allowed to read this book. It touched me and made me see the world through a different set of eyes. Thank to the author and publisher for allowing me to experience this tale.
April 13, 2020
I enjoyed reading about Bella's life as a dominatrix and how she done it all for her son. Showing the love that she has for her family and willing to sacrifice for it showed how strong a woman she was. I did get worried by her drug use, constant need for dangerous lovers especially with a child around. But showing how she found her peace and is finally happy in herself made me happy.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I had expected and would recommend this to people who enjoy reading erotica as it shows the life of a real dominatrix and how the life isn't as glamorous as it looks from the outside.
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I had expected and would recommend this to people who enjoy reading erotica as it shows the life of a real dominatrix and how the life isn't as glamorous as it looks from the outside.
November 21, 2018
I won this book on Goodreads. I had never heard of this author so I had no idea how her writing style would be. This is a memoir that does not shrink away from what she has done to survive in this world and what she would do to support herself and her son.
I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't mind reading about strippers and the BDSM Life style. I found myself really getting into this story and will probably read it again.
I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't mind reading about strippers and the BDSM Life style. I found myself really getting into this story and will probably read it again.
July 19, 2019
Inspirational, emotional and absorbing, this tale of a dominatrix and mother struggling to be authentic while raising a child is a great read. Honest and though-provoking, it also lifts the lid on a community that not everyone knows about and often has misconceptions concerning! A rich and compassionate memoir.
November 15, 2018
kink,pray,love
Brutally direct, crisp elegant prose reveals as much about the reader own inner world in response as it does the author's blazing life of unapologetic experiences. Leaves you wanting more and filled simultaneously
Brutally direct, crisp elegant prose reveals as much about the reader own inner world in response as it does the author's blazing life of unapologetic experiences. Leaves you wanting more and filled simultaneously
November 20, 2018
Bella’s story is an amazing one to follow. An amazing woman tells her story of her life and they twists and turn that occurs. Doing her best to be a single mom and learning who she is a person. The story really draws you in, lots of emotion and drama. I was hooked from beginning to end.
October 28, 2021
This was a good book. It was darker than I anticipated though. From the cover I thought it would be more salacious and sexy. It’s much more… negative in the self reflection of struggles with drugs and unhealthy romantic and familial relationships.
October 14, 2018
I have nothing against BDSM that's not my problem with this book, it's the writing that had me meh. I got this free from netgally for my review
December 5, 2018
*DNF* Read 65%.
I had high expectations but sadly It wasnt for me.
I'd like to thank to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review
I had high expectations but sadly It wasnt for me.
I'd like to thank to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review
March 31, 2021
Interesting read
I havnt read anything like this before
This lady is defo a switch not just a dom
3 stars
I havnt read anything like this before
This lady is defo a switch not just a dom
3 stars
December 3, 2022
It's an honest tale of someone who was a sex worker then transitioned into being a professional domme. I'm not disturbed at all by the topic, I just couldn't get into this book very much. It's well written, but apparently it wasn't for me.
May 17, 2024
Too much going on to follow
Good read if you have enough time to keep up
Good read if you have enough time to keep up
December 18, 2018
First let me start off by saying I enjoyed this book. It was an interesting glimpse into a world not many are familiar with. However, and this is just me, I found myself not meshing with the author personality wise. I understand looking at a situation from the outside and loving it are two different things but I couldn’t help but feel like there were things that I would not put up with if this person were a friend.
Although this book is one persons story I feel like it Perpetuates the stereotype that fucked up people are into fucked up things and damaged people turn to sex work. Also that mommy issues and daddy issues and all that Jazz make a person more likely to engage in or offer dangerous behaviours.
However on top of that I found the author to be equal parts admirable and sad. She for sure has spirit and perseverance however she also actively makes some terrible decisions where she admits to knowing better. Not a good role model, for sure more of a don’t do this parable. Although things worked out for her I can’t help be feel as though she left a wave of destruction and hurt people behind her.
Domestic violence is a complicated issue but so many things about her situation raises all kinds of flags. Yes, she’s trying to find her own way in life doing what she wants to do and all that but at a point that does become just old fashioned selfishness? She has a child to think about and what she was doing to her partners and her house boys was pretty damn abusive too.
Although this book is one persons story I feel like it Perpetuates the stereotype that fucked up people are into fucked up things and damaged people turn to sex work. Also that mommy issues and daddy issues and all that Jazz make a person more likely to engage in or offer dangerous behaviours.
However on top of that I found the author to be equal parts admirable and sad. She for sure has spirit and perseverance however she also actively makes some terrible decisions where she admits to knowing better. Not a good role model, for sure more of a don’t do this parable. Although things worked out for her I can’t help be feel as though she left a wave of destruction and hurt people behind her.
Domestic violence is a complicated issue but so many things about her situation raises all kinds of flags. Yes, she’s trying to find her own way in life doing what she wants to do and all that but at a point that does become just old fashioned selfishness? She has a child to think about and what she was doing to her partners and her house boys was pretty damn abusive too.
December 14, 2020
An memoir of an interesting life, but not an enviable life.
LaVey has had an interesting and often difficult life, being a mother of a young boy, dealing with money issues, bad relationships, drugs and life as a sexworker. Lots of bad decisions, questionable choices, but also human experience, kind moments and growth.
Having said that... This is a good book!
Whether you agree with her choices or not this was an interesting read, that above all ells highlights a human life. The ups and downs, the strange and the ordinary, and the insights of someone who can look back and reflect on, what has passed. Within the text, LaVey tells her story and reflect on her actions and thoughts, both then and at the time of writing. Mixed in with the rollercoaster of events is the slowly gained understanding of a woman who learned who she is and how she got there.
Though I would not wish to emulate either her life of her choices, I did defensively appreciate that she shared her experiences in this book.
LaVey has had an interesting and often difficult life, being a mother of a young boy, dealing with money issues, bad relationships, drugs and life as a sexworker. Lots of bad decisions, questionable choices, but also human experience, kind moments and growth.
Having said that... This is a good book!
Whether you agree with her choices or not this was an interesting read, that above all ells highlights a human life. The ups and downs, the strange and the ordinary, and the insights of someone who can look back and reflect on, what has passed. Within the text, LaVey tells her story and reflect on her actions and thoughts, both then and at the time of writing. Mixed in with the rollercoaster of events is the slowly gained understanding of a woman who learned who she is and how she got there.
Though I would not wish to emulate either her life of her choices, I did defensively appreciate that she shared her experiences in this book.
October 3, 2018
Definitely not for the faint of heart. I have read some of the same things before in other books then others not so much. As fair as memoirs go this one was way more than I expected. Caution to anyone not open minded about anthing sexually.
I gave this one 3 out of 5 stars.
I received this ebook for a honest review from Netgalley.
I gave this one 3 out of 5 stars.
I received this ebook for a honest review from Netgalley.
October 14, 2018
Autobiographies of people and lives that are completely different to one's own is an opportunity to view life from a completely different lens.
However, selfish choices based on a hedonistic lifestyle soon devolves into a black whirlpool of inevitable consequences.
The author may be frank about her evaluation of her life choices, with her true north being her son, Wolfy, but her decisions hardly ever match her intentions.
However, selfish choices based on a hedonistic lifestyle soon devolves into a black whirlpool of inevitable consequences.
The author may be frank about her evaluation of her life choices, with her true north being her son, Wolfy, but her decisions hardly ever match her intentions.
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