I’ve always been curious about BDSM but reluctant to search out books on my own so this post is really helpful. Unlike my other sister who’s an avid reader like me, she’s one of these people that read like one or two books a year so I’m always happy when she picks up a book and I’ll do anything to encourage more reading so, yes, like it or not, FSoG looks set to enter my reading list sooner or later.
Now one of my sisters wants to read the series (a coworker recommended them to her) and I promised to do a buddy read with her when she’s ready. But then I remembered she’s not a romance reader while she’s not derisive of romances (they’re just not her thing) I didn’t think her opinion regarding FSoG would work for me, so I moved them to the “no” list again. Later a friend started the series and she really liked the books and I put them on the “maybe” list again. I’ve been see-sawing all over the place regarding FSoG with all the hoopla surrounding it I was curious at first, but between here and some GR reviews, I got turned off. It should be noted that other Joseph stories contain story lines that may be triggers for other readers including non consensual stories and the like. This story is BDSM centered but the hero is domineering rather than dominant. The heroine is in the position of power outside the bedroom as the hero is the PA of the heroine. A more provocative offering recommended by reader Wendy would be Caressa’s Knees by Annabel Joseph ( A | BN | K S ).For those looking for a short but sexy story with a dom try Victoria Dahl’s heterosexual, male-dominant novella, The Wicked West (Don Mills, Ontario: HQN, 2009) ( A | BN | K S ).If you have an interest in exploring BDSM further, other than the above recommended titles, you may be interested in Natural Law ( A | BN | K S ) by Joey Hill Sweet Persuasion ( A | BN | K S ) and Sweet Temptation ( A | BN | K S ) by Maya Banks Lean on Me ( A | BN | K S ) by Cherise Sinclair Slave to Love ( A | BN | K S ) by Nikita Black.Sweet as Sin by Inez Kelly is another story featuring a lot of emotional tumult and a tortured upbringing like Christian. The latter book contains BDSM themes as well. For deep intense emotional angst you may like Passion ( A | BN | K S ) and Patience ( A | BN | K S ) by Lisa Valdez.And while Faith is probably more strong-willed than the female lead of 50 Shades, there is definitely a part of her that is somewhat submissive to Gray.” (Not to mention the courthouse scene) ( A | BN | K S ) I haven’t read 50 Shades so I’m not quite sure just how erotic the sex gets but this book, particularly for when it was published, definitely has some very memorable love scenes. “Gray has always been one of the more dominant and arrogant romance canon heroes for me. Reader Ridley recommends the Lorelei James Rough Rider series beginning with Long Hard Ride ( A | BN | K S ) Another favorite is After the Night by Linda Howard recommended by reader Sarah. These books feature wealthy men in a contemporary setting who want to take care of the heroine. For dominant males like Christian who take care of everything you may like Blue Eyed Devil ( A | BN | K S ) and Smooth Talking Stranger ( A | BN | K S ) by Lisa Kleypas.Explosive features an ex-Navy explosives specialist suffering from a type of amnesia. Wicked Burn ( A | BN | K S ) under the name Beth Kery features a tortured/playwright director. Beth Kery aka Bethany Kane has a couple of books featuring a strong male lead.
Both come from traumatized backgrounds and feature a push/pull relationship. BtY features a young recent college grad and a young, commanding and magnetic billionaire hero.