Eden Bradley / Eve Berlin

Welcome back to the final post in our series, Kink In Erotic Romance: Guilty Pleasure or Forbidden Fruit?

Erotic romance and BDSM themes in particular have been discussed extensively in the media of late leaving some say good, and others say not so good impressions with the community at large. We at BLI sincerely hope that those of you who have followed our Kink series have found it positive and maybe piqued your interest in the genre. On the other hand, if erotic romance isn’t your cup-of-tea we hope you have found the series informative. 🙂

We are once again delighted to have special guest author Eden Bradley aka Eve Berlin here to complete our conversation about the BDSM Lifestyle and BDSM themes in erotic romance. *Please refer to the March 1st post published here for the first part of our conversation which leads into today’s discussion.

Lea: Eden (Eve) welcome back!

Eve/Eden: Thanks for having me again! Before we get started I’d like to note once more that this interview contains a very broad look at an exceptionally complex topic. My answers are not meant to describe every single person practicing BDSM, but to give a basic overview. My experience may be different from someone else’s, and I can only speak to my personal experience, my research and my ideas about the subject.

I would also like to state that I’m using the male dom/female sub roles here only as an example, since we’re discussing it in terms of the romance genre, which generally recognizes those particular roles.

I hope some of the information in these articles will go a long way toward dispelling the myth that a real dom is nothing more than a bossy a$$hole with a whip. A true dom takes his responsibilities for the well-being of his sub very seriously. It’s his job to make sure she is cared for in every way, which I mentioned in discussing after-care in Part One of this article, however I felt it bears mentioning again as we come back to this discussion.

The Dark Garden by Eden Bradley

Lea: The majority of the BDSM themed books I’ve read have protagonists that are very intelligent high performers, often over achievers. Is there is any correlation between educational background & personality type and an attraction to the lifestyle?

Eve/Eden: There are quite a few people in the BDSM scene who are highly intelligent, well-educated, driven. I’ve often theorized that people whose minds work at such a fast pace sometimes require a higher level of stimulation. This in addition to my theory that more people in modern culture seek out extreme forms of stimulation—things like shark diving, driving fast cars, zip-lining, as well as extreme forms of sex—because we exist in a state of near sensory overload: neon signs, video ads, the Internet, television and movies with special effects, everything moving at a hundred miles an hour. It takes a lot for most of us to feel anything, we’ve become so numbed to mental and visual stimulation.

Kink has been around for centuries, but I truly believe this sensory overload most of us live with on a daily basis is at least partly responsible for our attraction to kink and the great numbers of people interested in what used to be seen as ‘alternative’ sexual practices. Partners blindfolding or tying each other up is all pretty common bedroom play these days.

Desire's Edge by Eve Berlin

Lea: You mentioned that there are a lot of cops and firefighters who are Doms and nurses who are Subs. I’ve noticed in BDSM themed erotic romance that submissives are often high achievers. Kara, the heroine from your highly acclaimed Eve Berlin novel DESIRE’S EDGE, is a lawyer. Is there a personality type that seems more likely to be a dominant or submissive?

Eve/Eden: If you really delve into the deep psychology there are absolutely personality types who are more likely to be a top or a bottom. It’s apparent to lesser degrees in people everywhere, not just those involved in BDSM. Sex is always a power play, no matter how subtle the level.

But to answer your question more directly, one of the themes I play with a lot in writing BDSM is the idea that someone who is a very powerful, in control person in their daily life sometimes needs the sense of relief from responsibility one finds in submission. However, the reverse can also be true: someone who is always in control may have good reason—or feels they do—for never relinquishing control, and these people often make very good tops. Many factors go into someone yearning to dominate or submit—or both.

Pleasure's Edge by Eve Berlin

Lea: You talked about a well known Dom in Arizona who trains submissives. What is he like? How does he earn a living outside of the BDSM lifestyle?

Eve/Eden: He’s very much a salt-of-the-earth kind of man who also happens to have an almost magical air of absolute authority. Anyone with even the slightest tendency toward submission feels it immediately. He has a good sense of humor—quite wicked at times. He gets along with everyone. He’s patient, kind, very controlled in every way. He’s subtle in his command. He has a low, soothing voice that can go hard as stone when he wants you to do something now.

I don’t know what his day job is. Since he’s a known trainer and comes into contact with a lot of people in the BDSM scene he keeps his professional life separate, as many people do.

Lea: I have to admit, historically, I’ve had a fairly low threshold for BDSM themed books, particularly when the protagonists are involved in the Club scene (depending on how the author treats the subject of course). Can you talk about the clubs and discuss what readers can expect when the hero and heroine enjoy their play experience in a club setting?

Eve/Eden: I think how an author presents a club scene is often influenced by whether or not they’ve ever actually been, although there are definitely some exceptions. There are authors who have done their research and simply have a good feel for the dynamics. Some club scenes in fiction can be quite fantastical, and in those cases it’s really up to the author’s imagination. My vampire sex/fetish club in my Midnight Playground series is definitely stuff made of fantasy to a large degree. But it is a world in which vampires exist, so I’ve taken a lot of poetic license in those books.

The Turning Kiss by Eden Bradley

In real life there is nearly endless variety in the clubs, although there are often commonalities, as well. Most of the clubs I’ve been to practice the Safe, Sane and Consensual credo. Safety measures are observed, such as cleaning stations stocked with spray cleaners and bleach, paper towels, etc, to clean the equipment, water dispensers, blankets, first aid kits. There will usually be large pieces of equipment-things like spanking benches, padded tables with eyebolts to attach cuffs, chain or rope, suspension devices.

Most players arrive with their own ‘toys’: paddles, floggers, crops, canes, whips, clamps, leather restraints, rabbit fur gloves (many kink folks appreciate some contrast in sensation play) vibrators, plugs and numerous other devices, some of which your readers may not want to know about-lol!.

Some clubs are little more than a small basement space in a café, while others are large warehouses that have been gorgeously decorated and have private alcoves, theme rooms, beautiful kitchen and shower facilities. There are also the B&B houses, which are exactly what they sound like-Bed & Breakfast, most decorated in Victorian style, but with perhaps a spanking bench at the foot of the bed and cuffs, paddles, floggers and ropes in the dresser drawers.

Some of the clubs are regular nightclubs with dance floors, flashing lights, throbbing music, with maybe one ‘play’ are cordoned off in a corner—and some merely have a stage where people are spanked or whipped for the audience.

There are, of course, the private training houses like one might read about in The Story of O or Molly Weatherfield’s Carrie’s Story, but I’ve never actually been to one, so I have to use my imagination and information gathered from the small handful of people I’ve talked to who have been.

Part of the allure of the club setting is that you can learn by watching other people. And of course there’s the thrill of watching, or in being watched—that’s a big part of it, and something I love to write about.

Exclusive Anthology Includes Sanctuary by Eden Bradley

Lea: Wow! It would be fascinating just to visit one of these clubs merely to observe. 

In your novella SANCTUARY, which is part of the EXCLUSIVE Anthology heroine Devin visits the dungeon of a club called the Ring and meets Shaye, a club dom. Devin discovers that she is a true submissive and becomes involved in an intense, sensual relationship / journey with Devin. At the end of the story Devin collars her. What does it mean when a dom collars a sub?

Eden/Eve: Collaring is a sign of belonging between a dom and a sub, but the degree of belonging is different for everyone. For some, it can mean a commitment: they won’t ‘scene’ or have sex with anyone else. For others, that commitment is equal to a marriage—it’s a long-term relationship that is looked at as a permanent bond equal to marriage. Some may also be legally married, and the collar may signify their roles within the relationship. Some have beautiful and meaningful collaring rituals or ceremonies pledging their commitment. These relationships can be very intense and can make for very strong bonds.

A collar can signify —but doesn’t always, necessarily—a full master/slave relationship in which the submissive or slave gives over all the control to their master or mistress. As with any other type of BDSM interaction within the Safe, Sane and Consensual world, all of these terms are negotiated.

Still others may wear the collar of a top who has offered them protection or training, without there being any other kind of relationship or sexual contact, necessarily.

Again, as with any other aspect of kink, how any particular person thinks of these things and the actions they take are very individual.

Fallen Angel by Eden Bradley - Coming June 2012

Lea: I wanted to talk about use of heated candle wax as part of BDSM play. This has always sent me squeeing, because of what I’ve always seen as a potential for burns.

Eden/Eve: Wax used in sensation play can be warm and sensual or meant to hurt, depending on the amount of paraffin to wax ratio in the candle (more paraffin, less burn-more wax, more burn). Very hot wax can be played with safely, without doing any permanent damage—and let me take this opportunity to mention that for even the most sadistic doms, the intent is to hurt, not to damage. There is definitely a difference!

Plain white candles should be used, not colored wax, and scented candles should also be avoided. The oils used in scents and the materials used to color wax will often cause burns on the skin. A pure paraffin candle can cause a lovely warming sensation that is sensual without actually hurting. There are candles to be found at sex toy stores that are designed for safe wax play.

As with any kind of sensation play, extreme power dynamic or bondage, a little research goes a long way-always do some reading on the topic and consider safety factors before trying it yourself.

Lea: When a submissive likes to be chained to a cross as part of a play scene in a club is that symbolic too? Is it another aspect of the physical and visual symbolism of handing over your power to someone else when being bound that you talked about earlier in our discussion?

Eve/Eden: The symbolism is different for each person. If I’m reading your question correctly, you’re asking if the cross itself is symbolic…? The answer would be that again, it’s different for everyone, but I’m sure there are people who make a connection to their religious beliefs. However, the ‘crosses’ used are most commonly an X or T shape, so they don’t look like a Christian cross.

Being bound in any fashion is about handing over your power, and that sensation is physical, mental, emotional-everything we feel as human beings comes into play.

The 21st Century Courtesan by Eden Bradley

Lea: I think readers should be aware that not all the love scenes involve BDSM play in erotic BDSM themed books. BDSM is often combined with more traditional love scenes. And, not all books involve the club scene or what I like to call more hard core practices, some I’ve read involve very light bondage and submission. Is this the case in reality? Or again does it depend on the individuals involved?

Eve/Eden: That’s absolutely the case in reality. There are people who truly can’t become aroused without some fetish aspect, but most people I know are also sexual in a more ‘traditional’ manner, depending on the mood. You can have heavy club play one night and tender lovemaking the next-or tender lovemaking after the heavy club play, which is actually quite common. Romance and extreme sex are not mutually exclusive-quite the contrary!

And this goes back once again to the fact that BDSM is very different for each individual. A little spanking to spice things up or heavy play, at home or at a club-it’s all up to that person to identify and express their desires.

Lea: I feel like we’ve just scratched the surface of a very complex & fascinating lifestyle Eden, I could chat with you for hours about BDSM. I want to talk a little about your books and your pseudonyms before we end.

Bloodsong by Eden Bradley

What is the difference in your writing between your Eden Bradley and Eve Berlin books?

Eve / Eden: My Eve Berlin books I think can best be described as more commercial in tone and very romance-focused. DESIRE’S EDGE, PLEASURE’S EDGE {now available} and TEMPTATION’S EDGE {to be released in August 2012} are a trilogy of connected BDSM-themed erotic romances published by Berkley Heat.

I think many of my ‘Eden’ books are a bit darker and more psychologically intense. In some of the books I’ve written like THE DARK GARDEN, A 21ST CENTURY COURTESAN, THE LOVERS, and my upcoming HQN book, FALLEN ANGEL, I really get into the character’s heads. I’ve given a lot of those characters some very intense histories and internal conflicts, which is something I love to explore.

Since I write for multiple publishers as Eden Bradley as well as branching out into self-publishing more recently, I have the freedom to write different kinds of stories. I’ve done post-apocalyptic (the Wasteland series I wrote with my fellow Smutketeers authors), paranormal (my Midnight Playground vampire series from Samhain), and I’m working on my steampunk/cyberpunk Kyoto City Steam series. It’s always erotic, always romantic, but I get to play in the different sub-genres. Of course, I always love to write contemporaries and writing ménage-and-more stories is so much fun, I’ll definitely be doing more of those—I have a lot of books in the works!

Lea: Does your Berkley Heat trilogy involve the Club scene?

Eve / Eden: Absolutely. The Pleasure Dome plays a different role in each book—some characters visit the club more often than others—but it’s a central force in that the three heroes all met and developed friendships there.

Lea: Which of your books would you recommend for readers new to BDSM themed romances Eden?

Eve / Eden: THE DARK GARDEN was written with the intention of introducing readers to BDSM, and PLEASURE’S EDGE is also a good place to start. Or for someone who feels uncomfortable with the pain play but would like to know more about the mind-set and the interplay between people my novel THE BEAUTY OF SURRENDER explores shibari rope bondage. All are available in paperback or in digital formats.

Length: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Heat
Genre: Erotic Romance / BDSM
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Formats Available: Trade Paperback, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Author’s Website, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Powells, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, The Book Depository, Goodreads, Nook, Kindle

What happens when you let yourself fall…

Mischa Kennon isn’t one to take it lying down, at least not until she meets sexy Connor Galloway , a green-eyed Irishman with an air of authority she finds hard to resist. While performing duties as maid of honor to her best friend, Mischa indulges in a casual relationship with Connor. She’s surprised by the thrill of his dominance, and lusts for more feisty battles before surrender.

…over the edge

It’s all fun and games in the BDSM Pleasure Dome Club, until Mischa realizes Connor could master her heart.

…and into temptation?

If she gives in to desire, will it be too much to handle, or will it open her to a kind of love she never thought possible?

Eden, a heartfelt thank you for making such a valuable contribution to our series. Our conversation has certainly given me new insight and understanding of BDSM. I’m looking forward to reading your upcoming publications!

Eve / Eden: Thanks so much for inviting me to talk about the world of BDSM! This is a topic not everyone is comfortable with, but I think having information can be helpful for some in approaching it more easily, whether it’s something they want to explore in real life or simply in their reading.

About Eden / Eve:

Best-selling and award-winning author Eden Bradley aka Eve Berlin writes dark, edgy erotic fiction. Her work has been called ‘elegant, intelligent and sensual’. Her debut novel THE DARK GARDEN has been praised as ‘a masterpiece’. Her novel THE LOVERS was called ‘…the thinking woman’s erotica…’. Several of her books have been translated into German, Romanian, French and Japanese, and THE DARK GARDEN will be turned into a graphic novel in Japan this year.

She has appeared regularly on Sirius Satellite’s Playboy Radio and has participated in round-table podcasts and radio discussions. She is also a regular guest at the West Coast In The Flesh readings. She has published articles on writing about sex, and served on panels and conducted a number of workshops on writing.
Eden aka Eve has written both print and e-books for Bantam/Delta, Harlequin Spice, HQN, Berkley Heat, and Samhain Publishing.

Where to find Eden Bradley/Eve Berlin:

Websites: Eden or Eve
Twitter
Facebook
Smutketeers Blog

Remember, there is a $25.00 gift card up for grabs and the entry information is listed below.

Question: So, what’s the verdict? Kink in erotic romance: Guilty Pleasure or Forbidden Fruit? If you are an erotic romance reader are BDSM themes within or outside your comfort zone?

Thanks to everyone who has joined in!

BLI is offering a $25.00 USD value Gift Card to the online Bookstore of the Winner’s choice to one lucky commenter! (**The Online Bookstore must have GC’s available to order to customers who live outside of the USA!) 🙂

*Please Note: You can enter this contest at each of the four posts for the duration of the series. Therefore you will have up to FOUR chances to win if you comment on each post!!

If you missed Part I of the series, you can read the post and enter by clicking HERE.

If you missed Part II of the series, you can read the post and enter by clicking HERE.

If you missed Part III of the series, you can read the post and enter by clicking HERE.

All you have to do is answer the question above or leave a question for Eden/Eve!
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).

This Giveaway is open Internationally!

Giveaway ends on Saturday, March 24, 2012; and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!

About Lea

Lea is an animal loving, tree hugging vegetarian who lives in Toronto, Canada with her family, which includes three dogs. She is a prolific reader and has been blogging and reviewing since 2008. Lea is a contributor at the USA Today HEA Blog and an active member at Goodreads.

• View all posts by Lea →
• Blog
• Twitter