Embracing the Darkness by Tina Larsson

Ms. Larsson takes her readers on a journey of BDSM fantasy in her 22 page Novella “Embracing the Darkness.” The story, told in first person by a masochistic submissive named Eva, begins with Eva’s desire to find a Dominant who treats her with the strict, cruel regulation she finds necessary in order to achieve her end goal – giving unconditional, devoted love. When her attempts at self discipline leave her wanting, she goes to a lifestyle club with a friend and there meets Seraphia, a self proclaimed sadist when with women and masochist with men. The day after meeting, Eva becomes Seraphina’s submissive. Over the course of the next few months, the two learn about each other’s histories and Seraphina introduces Eva to all manner of techniques designed to fulfill Eva’s need for pain as well as pleasure. 

Fair warning, this novella includes graphic depictions of taboo topics such as razor whips, blood play, golden showers, branding, and other possibly triggering topics. That said, Seraphina always gives Eva the opportunity to stop the scene at any point. While the text glosses over any negotiations which should always present in any BDSM scene, the author alludes to many ‘conversations’ between the two women and makes very clear that Eva is a willing participant, not a victimized person.

Ms. Larsson’s writing is crisp and clear. Her directness reminded me somewhat of Hemingway’s journalistic style, focusing on facts and events rather than emotions and sensations. At 22 pages “Embracing the Darkness” is a quick, hot read with a happy ending. If I had any suggestions to Ms. Larsson, it would be to dig deeper into the minds and emotions of her characters. That said, I also found it a relief that Eva appears to suffer from no particular trauma or mental illness as an excuse for her fetishes as appears in so many other BDSM stories. Quite honestly, I look forward to longer works by Ina Larsson.

https://www.a1adultebooks.com/ebooks/b19112-embracing-the-darkness-a-tale-of-submission-and-salvation.htm