Review: Taming the Mistress

Taming the Mistress by Sindra van Yssel

My rating: 3 of 5 stars




All dominatrixes secretly yearn to be dominated by an alpha male. Not! Seeing this title did not exactly give me the warm fuzzies. Since it's a Ms. Van Yssel book, however, I want to see what this book is about.

Mistress Sue is a dominatrix who is tired of being alone. Going to a weekend at the Bondage Ranch, she plans for a good time with her submissive only to find out he's not worth her time. Feeling apathetic to a previously erotic feast, she ends up fading into the background and observes. Whilst she quietly watches, another watches her--Dane. Dane is a Dom who shares mutual friends with Sue. They have yet to cross each other's paths even though they have been at the same events over the years.

For many female dominants, this theme is aggravating. It perpetuates a myth that every female dominant is just waiting for the right male dominant to show her who's really the boss. It's insulting and annoying. Fortunately, Ms. Van Yssel isn't trying to say this at all. What she shows is a lifestyle which doesn't require categorization. Also, as long as people are enjoying themselves and their needs are met, why are labels needed?

It's interesting how Sue and Dane are from two different styles of the lifestyle. Sue prefers high protocol and all the trappings that go with it. She also is concerned with how she physically carries herself as a Domme. While Dane is into the informal, almost to the extreme opposite spectrum with being a Primal. This is the first BDSM book I've read where one of the main characters is Primal. It's a nice representation, if a bit tame, of the Primal mindset.

For those who haven't encountered it before, it's not pet play where one dresses up like an animal and is treated like a dog, cat or pony. It's also not Furries where one dresses up like cartoon animals whilst having sex. There are some similarities between pet play and primal play when the person behaves on a base level of almost animalistic behaviour. Common scenes do involve animalist noises, wrestling and rough body play. For those who are into Primal, it's a freeing experience where they can just be who they are in their skin. The way Ms. van Yssel blends the two styles of BDSM into a relationship is beautiful.

At the heart of this story, it's about change and communication. Sue and Dane's needs have changed. By communicating and finding another to grow with, it helps them both find what they truly desire. It's good to see Sue relax more and explore other sides of herself she's kept repressed. It's also good to see Dane wanting more and finding a woman to match his almost feral passion. His need to build a long lasting relationship with a woman is also romantic.

The BDSM is awesome as Ms. van Yssel consistently delivers an accurate view into the lifestyle. The different scenes, variety in body shapes, preferences and fetishes are carefully exhibited with utmost respect. This is why Ms. Sindra van Yssel is always in my top recommendations for BDSM Gateway books. Her books are realistic even with her happily ever afters. This story is a smooth read with endearing characters and hawt rope bondage. Recommended as BDSM Gateway book for those who want to learn more about Primals.



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