BDSM Writers Con Anthology: 2015

Separated into "gradients" of BDSM, this anthology commemorating the 2015 BDSM Writers' Conference, held in New York August 20–23, 2015, begins with BDSM Light, BDSM Advanced, and a final BDSM Dark piece. In the foreword, conference founder and sexologist Ferrer brings up contemporary issues of being involved in the scene, namely the tension of the term's increased recognition allowing for inaccurate, harmful depictions for the sake of book and movie sales. This collection is meant to titillate with a more realistic, layered portrayal of people involved in the BDSM lifestyle. Stories include details that reflect a practiced knowledge of the scene, e.g., explicit discussion of safe words, repeated safe calls or text messages when going somewhere isolated with a play partner, and distinguishing pain-based D/s from primarily sexual dominance and submission. What some contributions lack in style they make up for in content, drawing the reader in to even the most taboo of fantasies. Though a majority of the stories depict dominant men with submissive women, certain tales, such as Kestra Gravier's "NSFW," break the mold. Corporate professional Mathias Permian commands power and respect in his professional life but finds nothing more erotic than submitting to a woman. He has his sights set on coworker Aliz, and the two discover her dominant side. Cris Anson's "It Takes Two To Tango" reflects the edgier content of BDSM Advanced, as Cheryl rekindles her dormant submissive nature upon meeting a seductive tango partner, who pushes her to pleasure with bondage and knife play.