Velvet Guild Episode 1

The thing about reviews is they are always subjective. It doesn’t really matter that I like a book if what you like is different. For that reason, I am going to share a bit about me.

*I have 19 years in the lifestyle, am both a service and bedroom submissive, and have been with my Master for five years.
*I loved The Secretary, thought the Beauty series was ridiculous but fun, have a favorite scene in O (pillars feature prominently!), and wish I could live in the Marketplace (can I be Robin please?)
*I think Screw the Roses, Send Me the Thorns; Conquer Me; and SM 101 should be mandatory reading.
*I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE both book and movie versions of 50 Shades as well as the movie, The Pet. Not only are they HORRIBLE representations of something very much NOT lifestyle, they are dangerous to follow. I am not a fan of using the word literally for everything, but they are LITERALLY DANGEROUS!
*I am NOT a big fan of serials. I don’t tend to watch TV shows until there are several seasons out (or they all drop at once, blessings to Netflix). I want my story NOW. I don’t want to have to wait until next week much less next MONTH!

With that out of the way…

I came across Velvet Guild when Episode Three was about to come out because Amazon and Goodreads both thought I would find it interesting. It related these books to 50 Shades (which I think does Velvet Guild a great disservice), and for that reason alone, I passed. I had a brief glimmer of hope but was afraid of being let down yet again.

When Episode Four came out, I saw a review that said Velvet Guild was a “…terrific explanation of the BDSM lifestyle…”. Remembering how crushed I was after the same B.S. for The Pet and 50 Shades, again, I passed. I did, however, sign up for Ninya’s newsletter, thinking I might get a better sense of who she was and what she did or did not know. My desire for relatable reading material being stronger than my self-preservation, apparently.

When Episode Five was about to come out, it happened to coincide with my considering trying Kindle Unlimited. When I saw all the episodes were free on KU, I figured I would risk my heart (but not my money).

I reluctantly read the first episode, then I read the second, then discovered my husband was waking up as I finished Episode Five.

Then I went and bought them outright, and preordered what Amazon would let me.

Holy Shit!

The characters had qualities I have OR people I know have. I related with not one or two but several characters. I have felt the feelings Ninya describes, and feel her words were sometimes precisely what I might have said. I identify with the silence Aimee talks about. I identify with the life and struggles and choices of the single mother. I would give just about anything to play with Jagger (who is admittedly too good to be true but is MUCH better than the sexy billionaire trope ::insert gagging noises here::). I sense the danger in some situations before the author reveals it, because we have all dealt with one of THOSE “true dom” nutjobs.

I love that this story talks about the different ways people might find and live this lifestyle, and NONE of them are because someone was abused as a child, or tricked, or kidnapped, or somehow working out their mental health issues.

I love that the books show both sides, and can’t wait until other facets are included (I sense them coming!) to see those facets shine through as just as valid as the “sex play” parts.

I love that the scenes are realistic, (no hanging anally from protrusions on a wall) sexy, and aren’t filled with ridiculous euphemisms for the human body.

I love the sense of weaving, how you just know some of the stories will come together, but without being slapped in the face with it. Little hints here are there, until you see the threads pulling together. It is delicious.

Finally, I love that it is well written. I am not stumbling over lousy writing, poor grammar, and sloppy punctuation. As both a writer and an editor, so much of what COULD be fun or interesting ends up being a chore to slog my way through. The author is obviously early in her career (and still learning the voices of her characters), but she is increasing her skill in leaps and bounds. As far as whomever her editor is… I may need to hire them myself!

I hate that it is a serial.

Overall, if you are in the lifestyle, interested in the lifestyle, or interested in hot scenes with an actual plot, these are for you. Now, I am off to order hardcopies for our next fundraiser!

I really enjoyed the story. It wasn’t based around the racy stuff, following the characters through very interesting and real situations makes this series a real page-turner. The style of writing really lends itself to the pace of the story, and welcome reading many more!
Cannot wait to read episode 2.

This is a new to me author, I was looking for a quick read to take my mind off reality. This episode follows Amiee, she creates a forum to target people who are curious about the BDSM lifestyle where others can post about the desires they have and see what they can learn. Over all its a good story and it achieved what I was looking for an escape from real life. If your into this genre then I say give this a try.