Carl's Story by Kissa Starling

Title: Carl’s Story
Author: Kissa Starling
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Published date: 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60435-367-9
Genre/Theme: BDSM
Length: 35 pages
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A poor body image and public play at the Dungeon don't mix so what's a submissive to do?
Sylvie and Carl used to be prominent play partners at the dungeon. Fast forward to three kids later and Sylvie is ashamed of her once perfect body. Carl understands that restoring her self confidence is his responsibility but he's not sure how to do it. When her body issues affect their marriage he knows that it's time for drastic action. An upcoming birthday provides him not only with the perfect time but the perfect solution to their problems as well...
Carl’s Story is a great read about love and trust. It is also a story about struggling with self-esteem and the needing of reassurances. After having two children and ageing Carl’s wife Sylvie no longer feels beautiful. Carl disagrees and still thinks she is as sexy as ever and vows to prove it to her. Kissa Starling has written a wonderful story letting the reader get a glimpse into the world of BDSM.
Sylvie still loves to play in private but is not willing to play in public anymore. She has lost her self-esteem thinking that she is no longer sexy or beautiful. For her birthday Carl would like to celebrate and return to the club that they used to frequently play at before. Sylvie reluctantly agrees to go with him to the club.
Carl calls up a dominatrix who does most if not all her scenes at the club in lingerie and asks her to join them at the club. So that Sylvie will be able to be clothed and is able to go and try again to do a scene in public. Sylvie still enjoys the lifestyle and hungers for the club, she wishes to participate in it all again but is having a problem getting over the idea of herself as not being beautiful anymore. Can Carl help Sylvie realize she is still beautiful and sexy? Will Sylvie ever be able to enjoy herself again?
Readers should be aware if they do not realize that this story is an explicit read. A quick glance into the world of BDSM but also a look into the depth of a consentual relationship and the love two people have for one another. Every woman should be made to feel sexy and beautiful no matter what. It is not just the waifs of today’s expected beauty that are sexy. Beauty comes in many sizes and shapes.
I truly enjoyed the message that I got from this book. Being a mother of two myself and not as svelte as I used to be it was nice to see a relationship portrayed with a man who loves his wife and still considered her to be sexy and beautiful no matter what. This book may be explicit but the message of love and acceptance shines through the pages.

Rating: 4 smacks
Heat Level: erotic
Other: f/f, m/f, voyeurism, BDSM
Reviewer: Gabrielle