Customer Reviews

The Art Of Sensual Female Dominance: A Guide for Women

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

My copy is hardcover and I found it a few years ago... I had never heard of it or the author before (though she seems to fancy herself a bit of a celebrity)... but it looked interesting, so I splurged.

This book is aimed at women who want to explore their dominant side with male partners, and it is easily the most heterosexual thing I've ever read in kink literature - that is to say, it is aimed exclusively at monogamous and/or married couples and follows the Female=Goddess/male=worm archetype (though the author has a healthy sense of humor about it). Although I didn't find a great deal in here that was useful to me (more experienced players will find lot of the information to be rudimentary), your mileage may vary... I think it is a fairly nice guide for women who play with men and want to bring out their goddess side. As an attractively bound hardcover, it would make a great gift... I particularly think that subby men should read it and make a gift of it to that special Lady. It isn't too threatening, it isn't overly detailed or heavy on technique, and it might just inspire her.

However....

The real caveat I found is that some of the information in this book echoes other books (such as SM 101 and The Loving Dominant) a little too closely, and if you've already read them some chapters will seem redundant... and I DO recommend reading a more thorough primer if you are a newcomer to BDSM. This book really only covers the basics of certain activities like bondage and flogging, and things like first aid and safer sex are given little to no consideration at all. Consider yourself warned.

Still, this book has some things to recommend it. First and foremost, if you are having trouble feeling worship-worthy as a dominant woman, this book offers tips for finding that special "attitude" that makes submissive men melt. Ms. Varrin is also big on wardrobes and looking the part as well as acting it, so you'll find lots of suggestions about fetish wear and hints for incorporating fetishism into play (there is good basic information on the care and treatment of latex garments). There are chapters devoted to topics very popular to many dominant-female, submissive-male players, such as cross-dressing (including great tips on crossdressing as a man), foot fetishes, and humiliation.

Ms. Varrin includes lots of personal session stories, which are fun to read and should give the goddess-to-be some wicked ideas. And if you want to train a "slave," the chapter on Positions is useful, and the chapter following it on Slave Training offers some fairly realistic approaches to the classic "reward/punishment" system (just be prepared to be very haughty!) And though it seems a little silly, the Party Games chapter has some cute ice-breaker ideas for those throwing BDSM-themed parties.

The part of the book I found most irritating was the author's own self-congratulatory style. She's got an ego and she's very traditional in some ways, and critical of those who are not. (And considering the technique information in the book seems lifted from other how-to BDSM books, it is unclear why she takes this attutude.) My overall impression was she'd spent too much time on talk shows. Women reading this book at the request of their submissive partners may be put off by her tone.

Overall, the book is more about ideas than technique, but with all the technique books out there it could make a good companion volume.

I am former professional sensual female dominant of many years but upon seeing the beautiful cover of this book, I just had to add it to my collection. I read it from cover to cover and found it chock-ful of useful information and an excellent guide or gift for the nascent dominant. In addition to techniques for beginners, the book is full of scenarios which will not only amuse the reader but help her on her way to conducting her own sessions, as will the invaluable sample sessions listed in the book.

Based upon the other reviews I read here, I find that Ms. Varrin's book is somewhat misunderstood. She has been criticized that her book has little or nothing to offer the experienced dominant. But her book is not for the experinced domina, it states outright that the book is for the total beginner in a monogamous relationship who has no access to the professional scene, and let's face it, this is not the kind of subject one discusses at the coffee machine at the office.

As to one "reviewer's" veiled remarks that Ms. Varrin "lifted" material from other peoples' books, all I can say to that is "hog-wash." If one was to read all of the BDSM books published, one can easily see that many of them echo the same themes because there are standards that all of the players adhere to. Safe and safer sex was put in the disclaimer, probably because Ms. Varrin felt that repeatedly stating "now is when you put the condom on" would ruin the flow of the book. Because of the mild, introductory nature of the book, yes, first aid has been left out because the techniques are for beginners, not for advanced players who wish to draw blood. And any idiot can apply iodine to a cut. Just because one is reading a "how-to" book doesn't mean that one can abandon all common sense and expect the writer to tell one every little thing that one's own experience should have already taught them.

I found Ms. Varrin's "The Art of Sensual Female Dominance" to be written in a friendly, breezy style and her tone (which is not arrogant, self congradulatory or egostical) will appeal to the most curious vanilla lady or man looking to explore this part of their psyche. Additionally, a little attitude is a good thing if one wishes to properly enact the roles described within. Ms. Varrin's book will not turn off the first-timer like "SM 101" would with its overdose of information aimed specifically at the male dominant. Although her audience is sexually adventurous women, this book will also help the male submissive to articulate his desires to be his would-be mistress.

Overall, I found the book to be informative, amusing, and right on target for Ms. Varrin's audience and I cannot recommend it highly enough! Explore and Enjoy!

Ms Mary D.

Great book that takes a look at femdom from all angles, safety, psychological, erotic, how-to's, knot tying, new uses for household goods. *snicker* I am a newbie but have always had bits of dominance play peeking out here and there since I was a kid. This book has helped me get in touch with the inner Amazon dominatrix that has been trying to claw her way out. This book fueled additions to my toy box and my fantasy life. Excellent book for women already interested in it, but for a woman who needs to be convinced, "The Sexually Dominant Woman: a Workbook for Nervous Beginners" by Lady Green is a gentler starting point. Have fun ladies!!!

It's about time. So far all the books/stories/essays I read on the subject of female domination seemed to focus on the erotic, or sexual part of it. I have always thought (hoped?) that there was more to it then that. support for one thing. Ultimately there are always those who feel more ready to take control then others, and who need someone to do it for them. But most importantly it has to do with love. I could never imagine submitting to someone I don't already love. To me submission is a sign of love. As is domination. If it's domination without love, then it's cold domination. That's partly why I bought this book, as an insight into the female mind, but also as some advice for an undiscovered, shy sub with no experience. And as advertised, it provided me with plenty of information. It also renewed my hope that there were some women interested in love in a way that also involved sensual romance. A beautifully done book, that in no way reads like a manual, thank Goddess(cheeky grin)! A good book for starting dominants, but also great for male subs who need a foothold of understanding.

As both a Professional and Lifestyle Domme, I feel it is always a good idea to broaden my horizons, and learn new things to titillate and sensuously torture those submissives that come to me to live their fantasies and to experiment with their desires. Therefore it behooves me to constantly be on the look out for new and interesting material.

After having received Diva Claudia's book as a gift, I read The Art of Sensual Female Dominance cover to cover in one sitting. Her personality simply radiates from the volume, her sensuality bursts off the pages, though she is strongly linked to the visual and physical attributes of being a Sensual Female Dominant; one has to keep in mind one simple fact... Diva Claudia Varrin is, was and always will be a Professional Dominatrix, and mainly oriented in heterosexual terms, as it is mostly men who are seeking relief from unfulfilled desires; besides, it is extremely difficult to describe the emotion and the sensations of the power exchange between two willing partners without becoming pornographic. I always find it a more interesting read if I am introduced to the Author's personality, and try to keep in mind that everyone has different beliefs, ways of doing things, and try to assimilate what works for me, and discarding what I don't need. While The Art of Sensual Female Dominance is rudimentary, basic, and echo's much of the well known fetish literature in print, how many new ways can you say the same thing clearly, simply, and in a tone that almost everyone can understand easily? I believe, in her Guide for Women, Claudia has found a good way to get back to the basics and/or review progress.

Ms. Varrin outlines a potential scene from the beginning... Giving ideas on wardrobe and attitude, how to go about gaining the accoutrements of some fetishes on the cheap, and gives amazing ideas on how to get your mindset and your submissives' mindset going along the same track. I must say I have learned something new; I have confirmed some questions and gained answers to others. Quite simply, this was a wonderful read, and one I would recommend for those of the "Glitterati, and Fetterati" who are just starting out, as well as for the "Perverati" for the reviewing of old knowledge, and perhaps gaining new ideas so they can progress safely, with expertise in their shared kinks, and to expand personal limits. Even if you are not female, and dominant in your play, The Art of Sensual Female Dominance is a good investment.

Mistress C

This book is great! I am a novice in this vast and mysterious world of BDSM and it seems everywhere I look its more about male Domination. Varrin not only takes you step by step through the fundamentals but she covers all the little details and questions a novice might have. For every area she has ideas and suggestions that go from mild to wild. But I think the best part is how she comes across so supportive- always reminding you that you are worth it! This is a great book for building your confidence in and outside the bedroom.

I found "The Art of Sensual Female Dominance," by former professional dominatrix Claudia Varrin to be a fresh, intelligent and comprehensive guide to introducing D&S play to your partner. Varrin's views on female dominant sex play as romantic, spiritual and passionate echo my own. Her book is lively and informative, and very sexy. Varrin writes with wit and authority, and the assurance of one who speaks from personal experience. As I read through Varrin's work, I was struck by the parellels in her path and mine. We have shared many similar experiences and hold many of the same views on the uniqueness of the D&S relationship. Trust and communication, and the temporary, consensual exchange of power for the betterment of both players are the cornerstones for the successful D&S relationship. Varrin has written her book with the knowledge of a Mistress and the prose style of the Sensualist. This book would be a welcome addition to any collection of SM erotica - and the extensive erotic shopping guide that can help you locate shops in your area will make your exploration of your sexuality so much easier!

I enjoyed this book. It answered my questions, and put into words some of my thoughts and desires in a more concise way. I think some of her personal examples were more helpful than others, but there wasn't anything that I thought was gratuitous. I also like it because it discussed flexibility of thought in a way different than many other femdom books. Personally I like it both ways because I have a very active and sometimes dangerous job in an important leadership position. I enjoy giving up control and being the "mindless" servant/submissive, but unlike Sutton's book, I do not see women as superior, just uniquely different and special. It probably is impossible to have a totally equal relationship, but this book allows for the ebbs and tides of most relationships and day to day lives. I can have a stressful day and just want to be ordered, or it can be stressful and I want control, either way is good and natural which comes out in this book. I encourage this book for married couples, not b/c your life is empty without it, but rather it will help you decide if you have any interest in exploring or not. Self-discovery is always good and this book helps you do it without going to extremes (Sutton) or trashy (cheap porn movies).

Very easy reading,with a lot of practical,hands on advice.....she brings a loving approach to playtime,and gives real life stories to show you how it can really be-some are really erotic,and some a little humorous..
Loved this book,and continually refer back to it...

This book was very thorough and precise. Mistress Claudia did an awesome job writing this book. She takes the reader through step by step procedures into domination. I love how she uses her own experiences in this book to further define the point. She also gives insight on varies BDSM and D & s activities. Not only is this book educational, but it's funny as well. I found myself laughing several times while reading it.

If I had anything bad to say about this book it would be Ms Varrin statement that all Dommes secretly wish to be spanked. I totally disagree with this statement. Then again, Ms Varrin use to be a submissive so I see why she would say that. But a natural dominant woman would never have the urge to be spanked.

This is a great book and I would suggestion it to any Domina that wish to explore this lifestyle.