Screw The Roses, Send Me the Thorns - book discontinued by Mystic Rose Books - review by RosesThorns

I love that this book is co-written by a male/female couple. I really enjoy their sense of humor and what seems to me, to be an extensive knowledge base. Between the two of them Molly and Philip have more than 20 years of experience in kink/BDSM. They also have had the distinct benefit of having recieved training from people in the SM community with internationally recognized expertise.

This is a really good book for people who are just starting to explore BDSM. It is full of amazing information with a nice touch of humor with out being dumb or sounding condescending. It is co-written by an D/s couple. I really enjoyed that it was well written and well worded. It is geared towards a Male Dominant/Female submissive, which is both good and bad I suppose. While that is their dynamic, they also recognize that there are lots of other dynamics including gay/lesbian couples. The first few chapters are must reads, but then goes into more of a 'how to' style book. There is also a pretty decent glossary in the back along with some resources.

This is an excerpt from the begining of the book:

"How to use this book:
In the first two chapeters we introduce SM and offer a basic explanaation of its practice. Some topics may seem fantastic, frightening or unlikely to the novice. We ask you to read them with an open mind; within are keys that can reveal new worlds of sensation and experience.
Chapters three and four discuss finding partners, forming relationships, and sexual attitudes that work well in SM sexuality.
Chapters six through ten are practical "how-to's." You can skip around these various topics to find tidbits to tickle your fancy.
Chapters eleven and twelve discuss the most paradoxical and elusive elements of SM; the eroticism of pain and humiliation.
We conclude with chapter 13, a survery of dungeon equipment, decoration, and furnishing. Here you will find examples of SM toys and plans for making your own goodies.
As we mentioned above, there is an extensive glossary and several appendices that you may find helpful."


I have to admit that there is VERY little that I didn't like about this book. I have to say that about the only thing I didn't like was that it seemed a bit dated to me. It's first printing was in 1995 (wow that's 15 years ago... Good job guys!) I loved this book.

The cover is a wonderful bright blue, with what I think is a very tasteful, sexy photo. The font isn't super fancy and the background is a bit busy but all in all its tasteful and attractive.

I like the lay out of the chapters and glossary content. Its easy to follow, whether you want to read front to back or read through the first few chapters then use the rest as a "How To" manual.

This is just a great book. I have lent my copy out to many friends who have mentioned interst in BDSM, including my partner. I am that impressed with it.

I really love this book. I got my first copy shortly after turning 17. It was a safe, useful, informative guide to a lifestyle that I was just starting to explore. I recently bought a new copy to share with my boyfriend who is more on the vanilla side of the spectrum, He also found it wonderfully helpful. Hell I even recently lent it to a younger curious friend, I am waiting to hear back from her on what she thought (and hoping to get my book back!)

I spent a few hours thinking on this book today before I started re-working this review, trying to decide if I have a favorite chapter... favorite excerpt... Anything... and I am struggleing to pick a favorite. I love all of this book. The first chapter is a great one as it goes over what SM is and what the roles mean to them (authors). I was able to connect with them and I read through this, and felt that I was no longer 'abnormal' I also enjoyed the Making your own toys section of Chapter 13 along with "Ouch.....Mmmmm!" Experienceing pain as pleasure in Chapter 11. The Glossary is a wonderful resource as well. There is also an appendix with a statement on Domestic Violence, which I find to be note worthy because of the great misunderstandings about SM.