Question 1: Don’t you just play on Facebook/FetLife all day?

The simple answer is no, I would never get any work done. I have two screens on my PC and they are both taken up by word docs at the moment. On minimize is my browser, it is only opened to ask questions that relate to what I’m doing, post status updates, and look at in break times. Discipline is the key to writing. Without a strong work ethic, nothing would get done. I pride myself on my discipline I set a word limit at the beginning of the day (when writing a book) and will not go to bed ’til that is reached.

Question 2: What fuels your creativity; where do you find inspiration?

People fuel my creativity in my life, my friends, people who I meet at clubs and munches. Munches, for those who haven’t heard the term before, are where kinky people come together informally to eat in a vanilla environment, usually a café/bistro/pub. Also a great way for newbies to meet more experienced people in the kink community, since there is no pressure. Conversation is the key.

Then there are the people who play in public; they certainly give me inspiration! Without them, I would not have any public play scenes in my stories like Desire. In the private play that I do pull inspiration from, I am always careful to try to protect the people I play with if they do not wish to be identified. That can be simply by mashing a few people together, switching genders, or adding a signature saying/style to someone that bears no resemblance to the person I’ve played with.

As most of my world is private play, it’s a fine line that I walk. Everyone knows who I am before they choose to play with me, and I always ask them their thoughts on a piece I’m writing if I think it’s too close to reality. My respect for, and integrity towards, the people who are around me in the local community is high, and I would hate to hurt them in any way as an author.

Question 3: Do you get turned on by your own writing?

I remember being asked this question at the first writer’s panel I was on. I will answer the same way I did then. HELL YEAH! If I didn’t, would you want to read it? It’s simple really; I know I am capturing a moment well, when the sexual tensions, the D/s dynamic, the intricacies, come together and I ‘feel’ it! I have most likely felt it before, so I draw that feeling down into my fingertips and let them fly across the keyboard. It’s in those moments I tend to close my eyes, and let the feelings wash up to my face, my heart beats a little faster, my breath catches, and the music – oh yeah, there is music – often pumps a little heavier on the bass… So, if I am feeling it, I hope those who read my work do, too.

Question 4: Do your parents know what you write, and if so, what do they think?

Simple answer is yes, my parents do know in varying degrees.
My father bought my first book Catalyst to support me, and tried to read it, but got through the first chapter before realising he ‘couldn’t’ read it, because he realised it was so much about me! His wife, on the other hand, read it, and though it was not her cup of tea, she said it was well written (high praise from her). They are not aware of the extent of my lifestyle involvement.

My mother stated from the outset that she didn’t want to read it at all! Fine, by me… Well, that didn’t exactly happen.

When I was ready to go to print on the first run of my first book, Catalyst: Stories of Awakening, back in 2009, I realised I didn’t have a proof reader for it. My mother gave me a one-time offer, and I jumped at it! She read the first book, more than once, and proofed it. She understands a lot more about my lifestyle involvement now, and I speak quite openly with her about it.

I also have two brothers, but I have no idea if they have read my books or anything I’ve written. It’s not really their style, to be honest. Do they know what I do? Yes. Do we talk about it? Rarely, as there are always kids about when we get together.

Question 5: What do you think of 50 Shades of Grey?

I was asked this question on national television, when I went on Millionaire Hotseat in Australia as a contestant earlier this year. My answer then is the same now: “I think it has opened a door for authors like me who have been writing for a long time and from a more knowledgeable base, to garner greater public interest.”

I have read all three books… For research of course…

Much love and Kinkiness,

KL Joy

Link to buy

ASIN B00C0HYMVE

Story Rating: 2 out of 5 paddles

Sting Factor (kink): 3 out of 5

Review:

Syndey is a typical young human female who attracted the attention of Kellan, a sexy vampire intent on seducing Sydney and making her his. Kellan involves his best vampire friend Luke, whose involvement leads to some steamy threesome action. Luke’s presence also complicates the plot, but only slightly. What I liked best about this story were the sex scenes.

This story is a bit disappointing because the ending is predictable. This book’s plot is not necessarily new when it comes to popular takes on vampire-meets-human love stories. The sex scenes were hot, but the storyline was a bit cliché and didn’t feel like it drew me in. The characters felt a bit whiny and needy at times too, which turned me off to the “mate for life” plot or the fear of unrequited love approach. These can be successful storylines, but that was not seen here. I felt that the plot could have been much more developed, even for how short the story was.

Reviewed by Geeky Nymph

Link to book

Jodie is scraping the barrel trying to stay afloat. An idea arrives that could rescue her finances and bring her together in a kinky way with a man she never gave up on. She’s terrified and fascinated, and tempted as hell.

Capture fantasies rule her eBook. Re-enacting one in a documentary would surely be irresistible viewing to millions of women?

But Jodie and Klaus discover that underneath an ordinary man dark desires may lurk. What will win in the end? The man and lover, or the monster?

Warning: Capture fantasy; dubious consent; anal play; M/f as well as one m/f/f/m scene; BDSM themes including caning, spanking, bondage, and needle play. Also contains one beginner Dom who is exploring sadism but is still working out how and when to stop.

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Do you use a pen name? If yes (or no), why? I do. I’m a teacher by profession, currently retired. I do have other, nonfiction projects in the education community, and frankly, children and erotica don’t mix. Using a pen name keeps my two communities separate.

Is there one area of BDSM that you tend to write about more? Why do you think that area creeps into your writing more than some others? I do bondage quite a bit, even in work that is basically vanilla, because it’s such a mild starting place. Most everyone can see the appeal of being tied to the headboard and letting your lover have his way with you. It’s giving up control, but in such a common, casual, non-permanent way. It’s kind of the BDSM 101 introductory course. If you read a sexy scene where someone gets tied up and screwed, and it turns you on…Well, then you might just go looking for something a little deeper, a littler heavier.

What is your favorite fetish? Why? Biting is one of my favorites, and I can’t even explain why. It’s…hot. Primal.

At this point in your career, do you think you’ll write more BDSM/kinky erotica? Most likely. In fact, it seems like the more I write, the more kink creeps in.

What’s the most surprising piece of feedback you’ve ever received from a fan of your writing? One reader wrote to me that Keeping House was the first m./m book she’d read, and she thanked me for introducing her to a whole new genre. I love feedback like that.

When you’re writing BDSM/kinky-related erotica, is there a particular movie or music that you might watch or listen to that helps you get in that frame of mind? I always write to music, a lot of Bowies and Petty, nothing too out there. I guess the Bowie is more in line with exploring boundaries and limits. Petty is awesome for setting mood and character though.

If someone new to your work is going to start with a story, which one would you recommend they read first? I would advise reading Keeping House first. It’s a lighthearted story about an older man who needs a housekeeper and a young man who needs a job. It’s only mildly kinky, as Donovan enjoys Mischa’s piercings.

What is your favorite flavor ice cream? And since this interview is for BDSM Book Reviews, vanilla is not an option! I like Moose Tracks…luscious caramel, salty nuts—It’s a sinful layer or three of sensation and flavor added right into the vanilla ice cream.

Contact Links

Lee on FB http://www.facebook.com/lee.brazil

Lee on Twitter @leebrazil

Lee Blog http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com/

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You Tube http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKmjXLWlO4c2_5ZZQigbeZg?

Facebook Links

https://www.facebook.com/leebrazilauthor

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https://www.facebook.com/pages/Truth-or-Dare/262636600433556

Link to buy

ISBN-10: 161885710X

ISBN-13: 978-1618857101

Story Rating: 4 out of 5 paddles

Sting Factor (kink): 3 out of 5

Review:

When lines of communication get twisted, can two lovers just starting out get back together? When one is a masterful Dom and the other an innocent, can bridges burned be rebuilt again?

Marcus Knight is a wealthy multi-business professional with a side interest in BDSM. He and his college buddies own a club in Dallas called Club Tabu. There we meet the guys that are going to haunt the pages of this series, and they are all interesting characters in their own right. I can see good things happening here.

Khari and Marcus Knight meet and sparks fly. When they discover each other and Knight finds Khari able to handle his darkest desires, he is determined to have her. There are some deliciously hot sex scenes with some kink that went down like a salted caramel mocha. Very nice. BDSM elements abound, but they are limited to spanking, some really graphic sex and language.  Nothing too dark, actually.

When Khari overhears a phone conversation between Marcus and someone on the other end (his lawyer), she jumps to a conclusion that it is about her. Hurt and bewildered, she leaves. Marcus is devastated. His new pet is gone and he can’t get her back at any cost. She is just simply, gone.  Will it be over or will the lovers find a way to get past the miscommunication and get back together? Not telling, but the ending is well done and made me want to read more by this author.

Only two points stuck out for me in this book. One was some of the dialog. In a couple of places, it felt forced, but that did not detract overall from my enjoyment of the book. The other was the mention of Master Knight’s dark desires and his angst over finding the right woman to share them with. Kind of like a kinky Cinderella story, but without the shoes. Flogging and spanking, in my mind, are not dark desires, but as with all elements of BDSM, we all travel a different path.

Master Knight was an enjoyable read that takes you through the relationship between Khari and Marcus Knight. Written primarily in flashbacks, the story line was stirred up enough that what I thought was going to be a typical BDSM story became something a little more livelily and kept me turning the pages.

Reviewed by: Erzabet

His prisoner…his wife…his passion.

Love is the last thing on Commander John Rousseau’s mind when he claims an American woman as his wife. He’s simply following orders – although he is drawn to Emma’s soft skin and sweet nature, despite her outspoken reluctance to accept him as her husband. Determined to tame her, he promises to spank her for disobedience, and she soon finds out he’s a man of his word.

As Emma comes to grips with her marriage to a strict Free Island soldier and struggles to obey his many rules, she finds her heart softening to him. John holds her at a distance at first, but as the passion between them flares, a deep intimacy and mutual trust takes root. An impending battle finally prompts confessions of love…but will it be too late for these unlikely lovers?

Amazon link US

Amazon link UK

Barnes and Noble

All Romance

Link to buy

ASIN B00AM09EGE

Story Rating: 5 out of 5 paddles

Sting Factor (kink): 4 out of 5

Review:

Abigail has been selected to meet Charles demand of a bride from among her sisters to keep her father and family from ruin. Charles is delighted when he realizes his bride is Abigail. What happens between them is not something Abigail ever expected.

I would not normally have picked up this book on my own as it is a historical novel, but I am so glad I read it and I did not want to put the book down until I finished it. It is a delightful mixture of historical and light BDSM story that I will be reading again in the future. The story captured my imagination and now I want to read more about the sisters that were introduced in this book.

I had to laugh at both Abigail and Charles’ banter as Charles makes it plain that he expects Abigail to obey him, only to realize that she has her own mind. The way he introduces Abigail to BDSM and his expectations is great, and though she tests him, he actually likes that she presents a challenge. I loved some of the secondary characters that really helped the story, especially Aunt Betsy because she reminded me of a few of my aunts. The societal mores that Charles breaks and causes Abigail lots of frustration is also central in this book, but with a twist that Aunt Betsy talks to Abigail about was great.

Reviewed by Iron Mistress

Link to buy

ASIN B009UKRIBA

Story Rating: 2 out of 5 paddles

Sting Factor (kink): 2 out of 5

Review:

The realities of BDSM can be harsh.  Senta finds this to be all too true in her journey of self-discovery. This story is written in a “stream of conscious” prose. It’s neither poetry nor lyrical. It comes across as a young girl writing in her diary. The question is, can the reader trust what the girl is writing in her diary or is everything a fabrication of her imagination?

Senta is a supposed British ex-patriate living in Bangkok. She meets the man of her dreams.  This man is a wealthy American living the high life with his wife. However, he finds a piece of himself missing. This essential piece is his need for BDSM. The story is narrated in first person from Senta’s point of view.

Ms. Holland took a chance here and wrote not only in first person but also in a telling rather than showing style. I am neither a fan of first person narrative nor do I like being talked at with philosophical lectures. Based on her style of prose, it appears there is willful breaking of grammatical rules. Commas and quotations are violated as well as traditional sentence structure.

From a story telling perspective, this tale is hard to enjoy. For one thing, I’ve been an ex-pat to a foreign country. My experiences as an ex-pat are not too different than the character, Senta. Even the experiences of Senta from a BDSM exposure isn’t that different from mine. What is trying is the way the story is written. Instead of being treated sensual scenes of BDSM, the reader is forced through a long lecture of BDSM posers versus real BDSM lifestylers. While the character states in several instances how she is not judgmental of kinks different from her lifestyle, it falls flat because there is no demonstration of her lack of judgment. The constant philosophizing about the BDSM adventure grew tedious. If Ms. Holland could have presented a fresh look or deep analysis about BDSM, even just a specific act, then this would cause the reader to think about it. Instead, the analysis came across shallow through questions presented than points to ponder. Senta is no Dagny coming to an epiphany as in Atlas Shrugged. Instead, Senta comes across more of a confused Daisy in the Great Gatsby.

This book did try to come across as a deeper journey with meaning into an alternative lifestyle through sacrifice and love lost. Instead it showcased a foolish woman taken for granted. Many times, Senta would try a counter argue about how people felt she was throwing her life away.  She’d argue how her independence and her livelihood is built on a solid foundation. Yet the constant insecure thoughts of not seeing her “Nai” again negates her protests of great love. Each time Senta would wave her wand and explain away the failures with some kind of delusional emotion. Even the ending of the story is odd as Senta chooses willful ignorance and declares to love forever more. She is devoted to someone who is not willing to do the same for her. Perhaps it’s because I prefer logic over sentiment that this story doesn’t work for me at all. Or perhaps it’s because the I don’t need Ms. Holland’s explanation of BDSM beaten into me with a hammer like effect.

At times, I couldn’t tell if Ms. Holland was trying to write a cautionary BDSM non-fiction advice book or if it was a lover scorned memoir. Either way, it didn’t match the story blurb. My expectation was to read about a journey of self-discovery into the BDSM lifestyle accented with love and hot sex scenes. Instead, the BDSM scenes were unsatisfactory and the love was more an obsession unfulfilled.

The basic concepts of D/s were missed here. Where is the trust and open communication? From the start, the D/s is hidden and while there is a poking fun of “negotiations”, there were no real scenes of power exchange. The reader was treated to flowery prose of how awesome Senta felt submitting to her “Nai”. It reminds me of vapor ware. This reader is not buying it. The reader is told the D/s is there but in actuality, it’s just a concept tossed in without any concrete applications. One could argue the BD existed through the scene with chaining. Or even that SM was carried out with the whippings and canings. From my perspective, the scenes didn’t even make sense. And it was clear from Senta’s point of view the chaining didn’t do anything for her.  She wasn’t aroused nor did see feel any erotic power exchange. Why was Senta caned? Beats me. It was for some punishment that flew by me. Perhaps it was the lack of proper sentence structure and paragraphs which caused my mind to miss it.

My recommendation for Ms. Holland is to drop the lecture tone and cease with the constant mentioning of BDSM. It is possible to write a BDSM story without ever using the term BDSM.  This is accomplished by showing rather than telling. I also recommend against using first person.  There are some authors who can write in first person very well. This is because their character is designed to be an everyday person who can be relatable and admired. Senta the character is neither relatable nor admirable. I feel only pity for her hallucinations. This book is a difficult read. Perhaps those who enjoy streams of consciousness and illicit confessions would enjoy this tale.

Reviewed by Book Addict