Researching Bondage 

Some books are easy to write. The words just flow straight from my brain to my fingers and BAM! I have a story. While others are…less so. I should’ve known Sawyer would be a pain in my ass. Are things ever really that simple when a Dom is involved? And Sawyer is a rope top which made things especially tangled. (Sorry I couldn’t resist!)

Which is where research comes in. It took me a while but after a few books—both fiction and nonfiction—more videos than I want to admit, and a few lengths of my own rope, the ideas started flowing.

Here are a few nuggets of wisdom I picked up while researching bondage:

• You cannot go wrong with an Eden Bradley BDSM story, but then I’m biased since she’s my mentor 😉
• I found instructional videos easier to follow rather than nonfiction books. Some things you just gotta see to understand. I recommend Two Knotty Boys or Twisted Monk.
• Always have a pair of safety scissors on hand when playing with rope. You don’t want to bother untying knots when things start to get tingly—and not in the fun way!
• Be very careful which links you click on when hardcore BDSM videos are involved. One person’s kink is another’s squick factor.

I could keep going, but we’d be here all night! I have to be honest—research is one of my favorite parts of this job. It’s a hard life 😉

Have you ever gone outside of your comfort zone for your job? Hit me up in the comments and I’ll pick a couple of lucky winners to receive the first book in my Pleasure Code series, WICKED WEEKEND.

Book two of The Pleasure Code*

After the loss of her dom and first love two years ago, the time has come for Kyla to again allow herself the pleasure of giving up control. She isn’t looking for anything serious yet, just the comforting embrace of rope and a firm hand on her body for the night.

Rope-top Sawyer is extremely skilled and he doesn’t do relationships—but he’s fascinated by the gymnastics instructor who approaches him at a kink con. By the end of the day he’s vowed to help her feel submissive pleasure again, and to introduce her to a few doms she can choose from.

But as Sawyer breaks down Kyla’s emotional defenses, his barriers also come down. Soon he can’t imagine giving Kyla over to any other dom—and Kyla can’t imagine being with anyone else. When their feelings are put to the ultimate test, they’ll learn that while taking risks in the bedroom is easy, taking risks in love is terrifying.

*Up In Knots is part of a series but can be enjoyed all on its own 😉

Excerpt

Kyla’s heart raced at the predatory look Sawyer tossed her way. ZOMG! Had she bitten off more than she could chew here? She swallowed hard and smiled back at him.

“All right, everyone. Now if you’re a nice top, you can untie your submissive before we get to work on the next tie.” He paused as most of the couples struggled with their rope before finally untying their partners.

“But for those of you asshole rope tops who brought along extra rope, you can leave your partner’s legs tied for the next lesson. Everyone ready? Great. I’ll show ya’ll how to tie a rope shackle next.”

Kyla held her breath. She was disappointed he was going to take away the rope so soon. The abrasiveness of the rope against her bare ankles reminded her every second of its presence. That she was trapped. At his mercy.

She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths to try to calm her racing heart. It didn’t work. She wanted more.

But instead of untying her legs, Sawyer reached into his bag and pulled out another length of rope. Her confusion must have broadcast over her face because instead of addressing the group, he turned toward her.

“What? You didn’t think I was a nice guy, did you?”

He barked a soft, cruel laugh. “Oh, honey. I think you might be in too deep here.”

He might as well have called her a sissy. Little did he know, she was used to proving herself. She had years of training and self-discipline under her belt. Plus the crap she went through the last two years would have crushed a lesser person. But she had nerves of steel and bigger cojones than half the men she knew. She could handle whatever Sawyer threw her way.

Sawyer stared down at her, assessing her. She knew if she didn’t say something soon, he would untie her and send her on her way. There were scads of eager, willing women to take her place. All he had to do was snap his fingers and the line would form to his left. A few titters from the group reminded her of their audience.

She could feel their stares, but it didn’t faze her. Heck, she had practically grown up in front of an audience.

This small group was nothing compared to the stress of a televised National gymnastic trial.

She could do this. To see that thrilling look in his eyes, feel his hands and his rope on her body again and what it did to her… Oh, yeah. She was beyond willing.

“Bring it.”

“Ooooh,” a few brave souls in the group chorused.

But Kyla didn’t turn in their direction. She couldn’t look away from his hypnotic stare.

“Okay. Have it your way,” he growled menacingly.

The implied threat in his voice had her sex swelling and pulsing in response. Cripes, this man was potent.

And yet her inner imp couldn’t help but mutter, “Don’t you mean your way?”

Apparently not quietly enough.

His ominous expression told her he’d heard, and she’d be paying for it later when or if they were alone.

A shiver swept her body and her nipples hardened at the promise of dark, forbidden things in his eyes. She really, really hoped they would be alone later.

“I think after the rope shackle, I’ll show you all how to tie a gag for those bratty submissives.” He sent a significant glance her way, and the group chuckled.

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About Gillian

Gillian Archer lives in Northern Nevada with her amazing husband and two goofy dogs. When she’s not writing (but probably should be) Gillian is usually thinking about naughty things, doing naughty things, or watching reality tv (hey, don’t judge! LOL). You can find her at her website, on Facebook or Twitter.