Tela’s review of Adventurous Designs (Whispers of Passion #1) > Likes and Comments

Hi Tela,

Thank you so much for reading Adventurous Designs and for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and honest review. I truly appreciate both your kind words and the care you put into explaining your perspective.

You raise important points about boundaries, communication, aftercare, and the difference between lust and love within BDSM dynamics. These are fundamental elements in real-life practice, and I completely understand why their treatment in the book stood out to you. For me, there is some kind of love between Kristin and me, but it is maybe a different love than a man and woman share. Still it is love, not sure, if everyone can relate to this in the same way.

Since Adventurous Designs is semi-autobiographical, the story reflects my personal experience at that time rather than a textbook portrayal of BDSM. While a safeword is never explicitly used in the narrative nor in my real life, that does not mean boundaries were not present or tested. The dynamic I describe was built on trust and on Mistress Kristin’s ability to read my reactions and sense my limits, staying close without crossing them. That subjective experience was something I wanted to portray honestly.

I’m especially grateful that you highlighted the corset metaphor and how it mirrors my journey and transformation throughout the book. That passage means a great deal to me.

If you’re interested in exploring a more contained and structured dynamic with similar themes, you might enjoy The Edge of Submission: An Odyssey of Pain and Pleasure, which focuses on a one-day dungeon experience and approaches these dynamics from a different angle. I also wrote it in first person, something I tried first in Adventurous Designs, but it became too personal for me.

Thank you again for reading, for the thoughtful critique, and for engaging so deeply with the themes of trust and self-discovery.
Warm regards,
Viggi

Hey Viggi,
I want to thank you for taking the time to read my review and you are right not every BDSM relationship is textbook. I also understand that it was about you personally and what you went through. But if I was someone who didn't know anything about BDSM and tried it for the first time reading your book and don't have the understanding the basics of BDSM and triedgot hurt . It would look bad on the BDSM community. The passage I highlighted above resonates not just your journey from beginning to end but also the power and courage it takes to be a true submissive. I just think it's best to highlight the basics of BDSM relationship in books for people new to the BDSM community so they have a better understanding and can practice it safely with their partner/partners.
Warm regards,
Tela

I meant trying BDSM for the first time after reading your book and then either the submissive or the dominant got hurt. It wouldn't just look bad on the BDSM community but you too because people new to the community might try and act out what was done in your books. Sorry wrote my first comment without being able to see what I was trying to type.