Beyond Whips and Chains – BDSM in Erotic Romance

By V.S. Morgan

When I told my BFF that I was writing an erotic romance for Decadent Publishing, she cheered for me. When I went on to describe the BDSM theme, her mouth gaped open, and her eyes glazed over.  I could almost see the tough leather daddies and latex catsuit clad Dommes circling around in her head.  She confirmed it with a little shiver and whisper, “Like whips and chains?  In a romance?”

I assured her that BDSM and romance could mix – she’d see when she read it.

We all have our own impressions of what BDSM is like and have different feelings about it – it’s sexy, dark, exotic, forbidden maybe even a bit scary. If you take away the leather and latex trappings, the dungeon or playroom settings, and the whips, chains, paddles and other equipment, all BDSM relationships no matter how hardcore or lite boil down to two key elements: trust and communication. 

The Dom trusts the sub to communicate their needs, issues, and honor the D/s exchange of power. The Sub trusts the Dom to take care of their needs, while keeping them safe and respecting their limits. Imagine putting yourself completely in another’s hands – how intimate that bond must be. 

Since trust, intimacy, and communication are so important in matters of the heart, BDSM certainly has a place in romance. After my friend read The Gift, she said, “I get it now. It was both hot and beautiful. I love those guys.”  

Best. Compliment.Ever.

What are your thoughts about BDSM erotic romance? Do you have a favorite story? 

The Gift

At twenty-two, rancher Wyatt Malone sacrificed almost everything, including the Dom he served and loved, to raise his younger brothers. Now, with the ranch running well, his grown up siblings surprise him with a trip to a Caribbean paradise and a date from Madame Evangeline's 1Night Stand. Taking his courage in hand, he fills out an application that bares his soul for a single night of surrender to a nearly forgotten passion.

Rafael is a Dom without a sub. His desires exceed the available men in the dungeon he frequents and memories of rejected love keep him aloof. Can the submission of a Montana cowboy free him or will the date be nothing more than another meaningless scene?