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Bound by Ink
Craving Flight
Tzipporah Berger is thirty-seven and single, which is practically unheard of in the Orthodox Jewish community she now calls home. Her increasing religiosity and need for kink may have broken up her first marriage, but she’s decided it’s time to try again. And the rabbi’s wife has just the man in mind.
Elan Klein is the neighborhood butcher whose intimidating size and gruff manner hint at a deliciously forceful personality. But BDSM isn’t exactly something you discuss during an Orthodox courtship. Will a marriage to Elan solidify her place in the community that she loves and provide the domination and pain Tzipporah craves or will she forever have to rely on flights of fancy to satisfy her needs?
Craving Flight is a novella written for the Goodreads BDSM Group's Bring Out Your Kink writing event. Members provided a photo and letter to inspire writers to create an original story and writers picked the prompt that spoke to them most. It will be available exclusively to BDSM Group Members on September 7th and to the general public on September 21st. And best of all? It will be free! Join the BDSM group now to see the prompt that inspired the story (prompt 16)!
Elan Klein is the neighborhood butcher whose intimidating size and gruff manner hint at a deliciously forceful personality. But BDSM isn’t exactly something you discuss during an Orthodox courtship. Will a marriage to Elan solidify her place in the community that she loves and provide the domination and pain Tzipporah craves or will she forever have to rely on flights of fancy to satisfy her needs?
Craving Flight is a novella written for the Goodreads BDSM Group's Bring Out Your Kink writing event. Members provided a photo and letter to inspire writers to create an original story and writers picked the prompt that spoke to them most. It will be available exclusively to BDSM Group Members on September 7th and to the general public on September 21st. And best of all? It will be free! Join the BDSM group now to see the prompt that inspired the story (prompt 16)!
148 pages, ebook
First published September 16, 2015
37 people are currently reading
828 people want to read
About the author
Tamsen Parker
41 books391 followersTamsen Parker is a stay-at-home mom by day, erotic romance writer by naptime. She lives with her family outside of Boston, where she tweets too much, sleeps too little and is always in the middle of a book. Aside from good food, sweet rieslings and gin cocktails, she has a fondness for monograms and subway maps. She should really start drinking coffee.
You can sign up for her newsletter here to find out about her latest release, sales, or other goings on: http://bit.ly/1Bry07O
You can sign up for her newsletter here to find out about her latest release, sales, or other goings on: http://bit.ly/1Bry07O
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
June 15, 2023
3.5 Stars, Rounded Up
This is an arranged marriage romance against the backdrop of a Jewish Orthodox community...with an added BDSM element to boot (cause why not, right?) and I really enjoyed it.
I thought Tzipporah and Elan's story was really unique and compelling, although I do think it could have been longer and their relationship a little more fleshed out. I will say that I think my expectations might have been a little bloated from some reviews I read (which is why I typically avoid reading too many before tackling a book as I tend to get too excited). But I digress.
Regardless, I really enjoyed this and am now on the hunt for more romance with religious elements like this.
This is an arranged marriage romance against the backdrop of a Jewish Orthodox community...with an added BDSM element to boot (cause why not, right?) and I really enjoyed it.
I thought Tzipporah and Elan's story was really unique and compelling, although I do think it could have been longer and their relationship a little more fleshed out. I will say that I think my expectations might have been a little bloated from some reviews I read (which is why I typically avoid reading too many before tackling a book as I tend to get too excited). But I digress.
Regardless, I really enjoyed this and am now on the hunt for more romance with religious elements like this.
June 12, 2023
4.5 Fly For Me Stars ⭐
Please…I beg you to unwind my scarves, take down my hair, bind me in the literal and figurative ropes of your dominion with shibari and pain, so that I may finally fly free.
After her divorce 5 years prior, Tzipporah is ready to embrace what she's been needing. The first is to pursue Judaism that she has yearned for spiritually. Slowly she has been integrating herself into a Jewish community and lifestyle that feels right. Now Tzipporah is ready to take a husband.
A marriage instigated by the rabbi's wife, yet there's reasoning to the pairing. And Tzipporah is secretly pleased with the candidate; widower Elan Klein, her kosher butcher. A man true to his faith and commitments. It just leaves one minor detail that he will encourage her to disclose in their marriage bed.
“Is there anything else you want from me?”
“I want you to come. I want you to use me, finish inside of me. Let me know I please you.”
“You do, Tzipporah, you do.”
Little Bird has a secret kink. A need for pain and restraint. And a good husband should be there to tend to his wife's needs. Elan certainly can. However this is more than kinky sex. It's about learning to trust and love a stranger by allowing faith to provide courage while pursuing happiness with a serve of pleasure.
This story completely fascinated me. Reading Craving Flight was like being an uninvited guest in someone's bedroom. It was deliciously kinky and an intriguing view into a religious couple's marriage. Following the life of a woman who never really fits in but desperately wants to. It was an erotic experience.
Please…I beg you to unwind my scarves, take down my hair, bind me in the literal and figurative ropes of your dominion with shibari and pain, so that I may finally fly free.
After her divorce 5 years prior, Tzipporah is ready to embrace what she's been needing. The first is to pursue Judaism that she has yearned for spiritually. Slowly she has been integrating herself into a Jewish community and lifestyle that feels right. Now Tzipporah is ready to take a husband.
A marriage instigated by the rabbi's wife, yet there's reasoning to the pairing. And Tzipporah is secretly pleased with the candidate; widower Elan Klein, her kosher butcher. A man true to his faith and commitments. It just leaves one minor detail that he will encourage her to disclose in their marriage bed.
“Is there anything else you want from me?”
“I want you to come. I want you to use me, finish inside of me. Let me know I please you.”
“You do, Tzipporah, you do.”
Little Bird has a secret kink. A need for pain and restraint. And a good husband should be there to tend to his wife's needs. Elan certainly can. However this is more than kinky sex. It's about learning to trust and love a stranger by allowing faith to provide courage while pursuing happiness with a serve of pleasure.
This story completely fascinated me. Reading Craving Flight was like being an uninvited guest in someone's bedroom. It was deliciously kinky and an intriguing view into a religious couple's marriage. Following the life of a woman who never really fits in but desperately wants to. It was an erotic experience.
September 22, 2015
Genre: Erotica (BDSM)
Type: Standalone Novella
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Tziporrah Berger was a born again Jew. After a failed marriage to a cheating husband, she decided to be an Orthodox Jew and joined their community much to her parents’ disapproval.
Elan Klein was a widower. After two years of losing his wife, he had been dodging the community pressure to get a new wife. When it comes to religion, they were like day and night, but neither realized they actually had one particular thing in common.
This book was written as part of BDSM, a Goodreads group event where the author developed a story based on a prompt (of a photo and a letter) that spoke to them the most. Craving Flight was based on a prompt by a religious woman with kink tendencies.
Tziporrah was a torn woman. The choices she made forced her to feel like she didn’t belong anywhere. Being ba’alat teshuva (a newly religious person) she had a he had hard time with always feeling inadequate to Elan and his ultra religious family, even though professional she was a respected university professor.
Elan reminded me of Tom Hardy's character in his movie Lawless – a terse, hulking man who prefer to grunt a respond than actually talking. He was a frum (born and raised Orthodox Jew) from a highly religious family. Though religious, he wasn’t as rigid as them.
I became good friends with Google while reading this book because I had to search for many unfamiliar words related to Jewish religion/culture. I didn’t realize there was a glossary at the end of the book. But, that’s actually one of my favorite thing about this book – learning about culture and religion. It made me feel worldly haha!
If you think them being religious make it dull in the bedroom think again. This is a BDSM book after all. There were plenty of sexy scenes and one of my favorite was the one after her niddah (a period when husband and wife can’t touch because she’s menstruating). There was rawness in their needs. Oh, the candle scene was smoldering too.
Craving Flight is a story of a woman’s journey into self discovery while embracing who she really is on the inside. It was an interesting look at how one balances emotional and physical needs.
Note 1:
Craving Flight is available for free. If you purchase before the price change, the author will donate it to The Network/La Red, a survivor-led, social justice organization that works to end partner abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, BDSM, polyamorous, and queer communities
Note 2:
Special thanks to Shanny who helped enlightening me on some aspect of the culture.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone Novella
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Tziporrah Berger was a born again Jew. After a failed marriage to a cheating husband, she decided to be an Orthodox Jew and joined their community much to her parents’ disapproval.
Elan Klein was a widower. After two years of losing his wife, he had been dodging the community pressure to get a new wife. When it comes to religion, they were like day and night, but neither realized they actually had one particular thing in common.
This book was written as part of BDSM, a Goodreads group event where the author developed a story based on a prompt (of a photo and a letter) that spoke to them the most. Craving Flight was based on a prompt by a religious woman with kink tendencies.
Too religious for one set of parents, not enough for the other. Will I never make anyone happy?
Tziporrah was a torn woman. The choices she made forced her to feel like she didn’t belong anywhere. Being ba’alat teshuva (a newly religious person) she had a he had hard time with always feeling inadequate to Elan and his ultra religious family, even though professional she was a respected university professor.
He looks powerful and virile and I have the urge to get on my knees for him. Perhaps someday he’ll command me to.
Elan reminded me of Tom Hardy's character in his movie Lawless – a terse, hulking man who prefer to grunt a respond than actually talking. He was a frum (born and raised Orthodox Jew) from a highly religious family. Though religious, he wasn’t as rigid as them.
I became good friends with Google while reading this book because I had to search for many unfamiliar words related to Jewish religion/culture. I didn’t realize there was a glossary at the end of the book. But, that’s actually one of my favorite thing about this book – learning about culture and religion. It made me feel worldly haha!
If you think them being religious make it dull in the bedroom think again. This is a BDSM book after all. There were plenty of sexy scenes and one of my favorite was the one after her niddah (a period when husband and wife can’t touch because she’s menstruating). There was rawness in their needs. Oh, the candle scene was smoldering too.
Craving Flight is a story of a woman’s journey into self discovery while embracing who she really is on the inside. It was an interesting look at how one balances emotional and physical needs.
Note 1:
Craving Flight is available for free. If you purchase before the price change, the author will donate it to The Network/La Red, a survivor-led, social justice organization that works to end partner abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, BDSM, polyamorous, and queer communities
Note 2:
Special thanks to Shanny who helped enlightening me on some aspect of the culture.
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
June 15, 2023
I have very conflicting feelings about this story. I enjoyed reading it, but I also craved a little more emotional depth outside the bedroom.
The juxtaposition of the FMC being a college professor, while also trying to immerse herself into the restrictive culture of Orthodox Judaism was fascinating. It felt very taboo to have a couple in this religion practicing BDSM. I am not a fan of caning and flogging, so this kind of pain during intimacy was hard to read.
Widower MMC
Divorced FMC
Arranged marriage
Detailed descriptions of religious practices
No intimacy before wedding night
BDSM
Light drama
HEA
What I loved in this story was the aspects around how they met and their arranged marriage. I also really loved the final chapter with her husband speaking such beautiful truths.
My over analyzing reading brain wanted to know how an Orthodox man, brought up in a very strict household, was able to learn how to be a Dom.
The juxtaposition of the FMC being a college professor, while also trying to immerse herself into the restrictive culture of Orthodox Judaism was fascinating. It felt very taboo to have a couple in this religion practicing BDSM. I am not a fan of caning and flogging, so this kind of pain during intimacy was hard to read.
Widower MMC
Divorced FMC
Arranged marriage
Detailed descriptions of religious practices
No intimacy before wedding night
BDSM
Light drama
HEA
What I loved in this story was the aspects around how they met and their arranged marriage. I also really loved the final chapter with her husband speaking such beautiful truths.
My over analyzing reading brain wanted to know how an Orthodox man, brought up in a very strict household, was able to learn how to be a Dom.
September 27, 2016
3.5* STARS!! -Re-read 2x-
I really wanna cry. I mean, positive cry. Craving Flight was very unique kind of erotica that I've never read before. Written beautifully and torment my inner bitch. Poetic words with nice flow. Part of the religious side was really surprised me. I thought it was impossible for a while and I just couldn't wrap the Orthodox Jew in my mind with this story. Tamsen Parker really bring a whole new level kink mixed with religious background. There were many rules and I don't think I can follow if it's real.
Through some tradition, Tziporrah and Elan met several times and married. Their connection felt so raw. Tziporrah has kinky side that needs to be hurt when having sex. Surprisingly, Elan has no problem with it. They live their lives like usual in the outside. I loved how they respect her in any aspect. But in bedroom, Elan has full control and always in command. Even they don't have label as BDSM, it felt so different. There is no Dominant or submissive but their vibe and chemistry told otherwise.
Craving Flight was a light novel with emotionally intense yet erotic. It makes me think even we're religious people, our bedroom is still could have different taste. Whether you're kinky or not. I loved their journey in so many forms even the hardest part. Their sex scenes was very erotic yet soothing, not dictated. There is no rush and it was very sexy and enjoyable.
I wouldn't categorize Craving Flight as romantic story because they have some unfinished business in the end. There was lack of communication between them outside the bedroom. They never talk about their feeling towards each other. Their marriage was based on respect and religious aspect. I hardly think that's because love and affection. However, I'm still curious about how Elan know all of this kinky shit? :p So... Is it a happily ever after? For me, it's just a fresh start for Tziporrah and Elan. They still have long journey to express their love for each other.
"... Out there, we live as a man and wife, as equals. In here, though... this is a different matter. We'll have our own little contract that says you've signed yourself over to me and my wished. You're going to call me master."
I really wanna cry. I mean, positive cry. Craving Flight was very unique kind of erotica that I've never read before. Written beautifully and torment my inner bitch. Poetic words with nice flow. Part of the religious side was really surprised me. I thought it was impossible for a while and I just couldn't wrap the Orthodox Jew in my mind with this story. Tamsen Parker really bring a whole new level kink mixed with religious background. There were many rules and I don't think I can follow if it's real.
"I'm going to silence all that noise. The only things you're going to be thinking of is me. Your only concern is pleasing me. Do you understand?"
"Yes, master."
Through some tradition, Tziporrah and Elan met several times and married. Their connection felt so raw. Tziporrah has kinky side that needs to be hurt when having sex. Surprisingly, Elan has no problem with it. They live their lives like usual in the outside. I loved how they respect her in any aspect. But in bedroom, Elan has full control and always in command. Even they don't have label as BDSM, it felt so different. There is no Dominant or submissive but their vibe and chemistry told otherwise.
"Stay still. You're mine to do with as I please and I want you to keep your hands above your head. And don't close your legs. Open for me. Always open for me."
Craving Flight was a light novel with emotionally intense yet erotic. It makes me think even we're religious people, our bedroom is still could have different taste. Whether you're kinky or not. I loved their journey in so many forms even the hardest part. Their sex scenes was very erotic yet soothing, not dictated. There is no rush and it was very sexy and enjoyable.
I wouldn't categorize Craving Flight as romantic story because they have some unfinished business in the end. There was lack of communication between them outside the bedroom. They never talk about their feeling towards each other. Their marriage was based on respect and religious aspect. I hardly think that's because love and affection. However, I'm still curious about how Elan know all of this kinky shit? :p So... Is it a happily ever after? For me, it's just a fresh start for Tziporrah and Elan. They still have long journey to express their love for each other.
September 22, 2015
Master, that was quite excited. We should do some more... I'll always be ready for you... :-D
"Spread your wings, little bird. I’m going to make you fly."
"Spread your wings, little bird. I’m going to make you fly."
October 7, 2018
Tziporrah and Elan are another hit pair by Tamsen Parker!
To say this story is unique is an understatement! It's rare for me to read a book involving some heavy erotica mixed with religion, but yet again Tamsen blows readers's expectations out of the water.
You can tell this is one of Tamsen's earlier novels - it's written beautifully, but it's not as awesome as her newer ones. Her skill has grown so much, that if you haven't read some of her newer readers, please pick it up after this book! This novel was fantastic, but her skill is continually growing.
To pick apart this book, it's an emotional roller coaster full of romance, self doubt and change. In so few pages, Tamsen is able to weave some fantastic story telling to introduce us to a woman who seems so down on herself. She finds her religion, gets married and tries to live the life she wants to - yet it's just not that perfect. I felt so strongly for this woman, and at times I hated Elan with a passion. He slowly grows on you, but I still felt frustrated with some of his behaviour. I would love to see Tzipporah grow more, but in under 200 pages Tamsen did a fantastic job of growing her character.
BDSM is a big part of this novel (and it seems to have more sex scenes in it than most erotica books I've read, percentage wise anyways). The romance isn't as big of a focus as the BDSM and strange relationship the main couple have. That being said, I liked that it was so different and wasn't just focused on some heavy romance. While I was frustrated with some of the situations, that just showed up skilled Tamsen is as a writer. She made me feel so passionately for Tzipporah which many other writers struggle to do.
Overall, I liked this book! It's unique and made me think. Also, everytime Elan said "little bird" it killed me a little on the inside because it seems so cute!
Five out of five stars.
To say this story is unique is an understatement! It's rare for me to read a book involving some heavy erotica mixed with religion, but yet again Tamsen blows readers's expectations out of the water.
You can tell this is one of Tamsen's earlier novels - it's written beautifully, but it's not as awesome as her newer ones. Her skill has grown so much, that if you haven't read some of her newer readers, please pick it up after this book! This novel was fantastic, but her skill is continually growing.
To pick apart this book, it's an emotional roller coaster full of romance, self doubt and change. In so few pages, Tamsen is able to weave some fantastic story telling to introduce us to a woman who seems so down on herself. She finds her religion, gets married and tries to live the life she wants to - yet it's just not that perfect. I felt so strongly for this woman, and at times I hated Elan with a passion. He slowly grows on you, but I still felt frustrated with some of his behaviour. I would love to see Tzipporah grow more, but in under 200 pages Tamsen did a fantastic job of growing her character.
BDSM is a big part of this novel (and it seems to have more sex scenes in it than most erotica books I've read, percentage wise anyways). The romance isn't as big of a focus as the BDSM and strange relationship the main couple have. That being said, I liked that it was so different and wasn't just focused on some heavy romance. While I was frustrated with some of the situations, that just showed up skilled Tamsen is as a writer. She made me feel so passionately for Tzipporah which many other writers struggle to do.
Overall, I liked this book! It's unique and made me think. Also, everytime Elan said "little bird" it killed me a little on the inside because it seems so cute!
Five out of five stars.
March 30, 2016
When I first saw this prompt, I was skeptical. How could anyone write a piece with the way it is set up? Then I read a little bit of Ms. Parker's story. Wait, we are mixing Orthodox Jewish with BDSM? Is she blood nuts? What is she writing? This is a disaster waiting to happen. I stand corrected. Religion and kink can go hand in hand.
Within the first two chapters, I'm completely hooked. The terminology is all unfamiliar to me as I did not have any close Jewish friends growing up. Nor do I now. Some of the concepts I am aware of from a periphery standpoint. This story may just be a little glimpse into the life of an Orthodox Jewish, and it is an eye opening one. I learned more about a culture and religion than I thought I would - both from a secular and non-secular standpoint.
From a religious stand point, Ms. Parker does a phenomenal job of showing how religion can also be a way of life and culture. To be the outsider is not easy. I teared up as I read the trials Tzipporah goes through to be accepted. She is always the outsider and never good enough. Yet she finds a man who accept her not only for her religious beliefs, but for her kink! Oh my word the kink in here is so romantically erotic and so moving. The intimacy and connection between husband and wife here is divine. It is a form of domestic discipline mixed with D/s religious overtones and rituals. These all tie in so beautifully and Ms. Parker blends them into a spectacular and alluring life. She shows all the good and bad and still tempers it with a loving hand. I am impressed with this story and absolutely love it.
This is a well written story with good character development, excellent world building and a lovely plot. Highly recommended to kinky readers who think religion and kink do not mix. In this case, it does so well
Within the first two chapters, I'm completely hooked. The terminology is all unfamiliar to me as I did not have any close Jewish friends growing up. Nor do I now. Some of the concepts I am aware of from a periphery standpoint. This story may just be a little glimpse into the life of an Orthodox Jewish, and it is an eye opening one. I learned more about a culture and religion than I thought I would - both from a secular and non-secular standpoint.
From a religious stand point, Ms. Parker does a phenomenal job of showing how religion can also be a way of life and culture. To be the outsider is not easy. I teared up as I read the trials Tzipporah goes through to be accepted. She is always the outsider and never good enough. Yet she finds a man who accept her not only for her religious beliefs, but for her kink! Oh my word the kink in here is so romantically erotic and so moving. The intimacy and connection between husband and wife here is divine. It is a form of domestic discipline mixed with D/s religious overtones and rituals. These all tie in so beautifully and Ms. Parker blends them into a spectacular and alluring life. She shows all the good and bad and still tempers it with a loving hand. I am impressed with this story and absolutely love it.
This is a well written story with good character development, excellent world building and a lovely plot. Highly recommended to kinky readers who think religion and kink do not mix. In this case, it does so well
Read
September 21, 2015I first experienced this story as one of Tamsen's beta readers, and its exquisite writing and emotional intensity floored me. I read so much romance and erotica that some books go by in a blur. But Craving Flight made me slow down, made me savor the language and the intimacy and the fascinating glimpse into a world so unlike my own, and yet no different in the end in the needs of its people. I love this story so much. I don't star-rate books anymore, but if I did, Craving Flight would get ALL the stars. :)
ETA: I just read a review of this book by Eleanor at The Book Hammock and she said all the things I'm not good enough at reviewing to say, especially: "Tamsen Parker wrote an accurate depiction of extremely orthodox religious life and incorporated into it unorthodox lifestyle. She did it beautifully and passionately and it shows – in the descriptions, the terminology and the delicate way the interpersonal relationships in this culture is written."
ETA: I just read a review of this book by Eleanor at The Book Hammock and she said all the things I'm not good enough at reviewing to say, especially: "Tamsen Parker wrote an accurate depiction of extremely orthodox religious life and incorporated into it unorthodox lifestyle. She did it beautifully and passionately and it shows – in the descriptions, the terminology and the delicate way the interpersonal relationships in this culture is written."
September 25, 2015
I LOVED the heroine's journey in this book - her struggle with the details of being Orthodox Jewish and her absolute devotion to it. Well done.
Also BDSM aspects - fit in the relationship well..but honestly I was more intrigued by the relationship outside the bedroom and heroine's relationship with the community
Full review coming
Also BDSM aspects - fit in the relationship well..but honestly I was more intrigued by the relationship outside the bedroom and heroine's relationship with the community
Full review coming
October 15, 2015
http://bookslifewine.com/r-craving-fl...
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
Tamika,
You know I haven't posted a lot of full reviews here but I decided to post this entire review because I LOVED this book. I...can't really say it's up your alley but I really enjoyed it.
_______________
This book. This one is something special.
I learned about Craving Flight via the BDSM group on Goodreads - and I ignored it. Books with any kind of focus on religion (or politics) are not my thing. I dislike being preached to - even if I agree with the writer's POV - and most books that focus on religion have a rather preachy aspect.
Then I read a very positive review and decided to take the plunge (it is free, after all).
WOW.
I wasn't expecting this book at all but I loved basically everything about it.
My biggest fear was unrealized: there is no preaching in Craving Flight. The religious aspect of Craving Flight was handled in a way that I hope other authors take note of. The religious aspects were discussed and described in ways that were focused on the characters and how their faith informed their lives. *Deep Breath of Fresh Air*
The MCs are both Jewish Orthodox - but the heroine, Tzipporah, is Ba'alat Teeshuva - a person who was born Jewish but was not raised as observant who later becomes observant. This is a pretty big issue in the Orthodox Jewish community that Tzipporah lives in. The other people who live around Tzipporah have lived their entire lives as Orthodox and thus look down on Tzipporah's bumbling as she tries to make the day to day activity of living Orthodox a second nature.
I honestly think the fact that Tzipporah's Ba'alat Teeshuva status is what made Craving Flight work so well for me. I had the chance to see not only how Tzipporah practiced her faith but I was able to see how Tzipporah's faith affected her daily behaviors and how she saw the world. Tzipporah has to struggle with her faith and her life within that faith - and that struggle made her very real to me.
Tzipporah is a pretty classic "isolated heroine" - her parents are distant due to her becoming Orthodox, she has a single friend and she has no real outside activities besides her work. 95% of the entirety of the book is spent within the walls of Elan and Tzipporah's martial apartment. Tzipporah is also an outsider (which makes her even more relatable). She is separated from her family by her observances to her faith. She is separated from her community because she is a newcomer, newly observant and unmarried.
Tzipporah is very religious but she's also very kinky. I love that! She's very private but she knows herself and knows she wants to be dominated and so she seeks that. I love that so much. She made no apologies for who she was and what she liked. As another reader mentioned, Tzipporah is far from an exhibitionist. She is so private that being in her head felt like I was eavesdropping somewhat.
Elan, on the other hand, is a bit of a mystery. He is Orthodox and was raised that way as well as widowed. Elan's mystery stays intact throughout Craving Flight - he isn't a big talker and he doesn't seem too inclined to discuss his past (at least on page).
Elan is a (almost too perfect) match for Tzipporah sexually. He is a dominate and he's very proficient in Shibari. From the first sexual encounter the two had (after marriage, of course), Elan is aware of Tzipporah's submissive nature. He instructs her to call him Master (while engaging in sex) and he immediately ties her up. The sex scene between the two was both super sweet and hot BUT I have to wonder how Elan learned so much about Shibari. Tzipporah never asks him about it but I sure wanted to, lol. Not only is Elan extremely proficient in Shibari, he also has a pretty wide variety of ropes as well as other hidden implements in their bedroom. I have to believe that Elan shared this sexual activity with his deceased wife, Rivka, but this is never discussed.
Honestly, the only issues I had with Craving Flight was Elan. Specifically the lack of conversation and detail the reader gets from/about Elan. I wanted to know more about how Elan felt and what he thought (and how learned Shibari). I think that getting a little more about Elan would have softened some of the blow of the BigMis at the end. I wanted to smack Elan for (a lot) more than a few seconds - I felt he expected a lot from Tzipporah while giving very little (except sexually). I would say more but I don't want to spoiler any of the book or the ending.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed Craving Flight! I heartily recommend it (and I've already done so). I do plan to try more of this author's works in the future.
RECOMMENDED!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars
Tamika,
You know I haven't posted a lot of full reviews here but I decided to post this entire review because I LOVED this book. I...can't really say it's up your alley but I really enjoyed it.
_______________
This book. This one is something special.
I learned about Craving Flight via the BDSM group on Goodreads - and I ignored it. Books with any kind of focus on religion (or politics) are not my thing. I dislike being preached to - even if I agree with the writer's POV - and most books that focus on religion have a rather preachy aspect.
Then I read a very positive review and decided to take the plunge (it is free, after all).
WOW.
I wasn't expecting this book at all but I loved basically everything about it.
My biggest fear was unrealized: there is no preaching in Craving Flight. The religious aspect of Craving Flight was handled in a way that I hope other authors take note of. The religious aspects were discussed and described in ways that were focused on the characters and how their faith informed their lives. *Deep Breath of Fresh Air*
The MCs are both Jewish Orthodox - but the heroine, Tzipporah, is Ba'alat Teeshuva - a person who was born Jewish but was not raised as observant who later becomes observant. This is a pretty big issue in the Orthodox Jewish community that Tzipporah lives in. The other people who live around Tzipporah have lived their entire lives as Orthodox and thus look down on Tzipporah's bumbling as she tries to make the day to day activity of living Orthodox a second nature.
I honestly think the fact that Tzipporah's Ba'alat Teeshuva status is what made Craving Flight work so well for me. I had the chance to see not only how Tzipporah practiced her faith but I was able to see how Tzipporah's faith affected her daily behaviors and how she saw the world. Tzipporah has to struggle with her faith and her life within that faith - and that struggle made her very real to me.
Tzipporah is a pretty classic "isolated heroine" - her parents are distant due to her becoming Orthodox, she has a single friend and she has no real outside activities besides her work. 95% of the entirety of the book is spent within the walls of Elan and Tzipporah's martial apartment. Tzipporah is also an outsider (which makes her even more relatable). She is separated from her family by her observances to her faith. She is separated from her community because she is a newcomer, newly observant and unmarried.
Tzipporah is very religious but she's also very kinky. I love that! She's very private but she knows herself and knows she wants to be dominated and so she seeks that. I love that so much. She made no apologies for who she was and what she liked. As another reader mentioned, Tzipporah is far from an exhibitionist. She is so private that being in her head felt like I was eavesdropping somewhat.
Elan, on the other hand, is a bit of a mystery. He is Orthodox and was raised that way as well as widowed. Elan's mystery stays intact throughout Craving Flight - he isn't a big talker and he doesn't seem too inclined to discuss his past (at least on page).
Elan is a (almost too perfect) match for Tzipporah sexually. He is a dominate and he's very proficient in Shibari. From the first sexual encounter the two had (after marriage, of course), Elan is aware of Tzipporah's submissive nature. He instructs her to call him Master (while engaging in sex) and he immediately ties her up. The sex scene between the two was both super sweet and hot BUT I have to wonder how Elan learned so much about Shibari. Tzipporah never asks him about it but I sure wanted to, lol. Not only is Elan extremely proficient in Shibari, he also has a pretty wide variety of ropes as well as other hidden implements in their bedroom. I have to believe that Elan shared this sexual activity with his deceased wife, Rivka, but this is never discussed.
Honestly, the only issues I had with Craving Flight was Elan. Specifically the lack of conversation and detail the reader gets from/about Elan. I wanted to know more about how Elan felt and what he thought (and how learned Shibari). I think that getting a little more about Elan would have softened some of the blow of the BigMis at the end. I wanted to smack Elan for (a lot) more than a few seconds - I felt he expected a lot from Tzipporah while giving very little (except sexually). I would say more but I don't want to spoiler any of the book or the ending.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed Craving Flight! I heartily recommend it (and I've already done so). I do plan to try more of this author's works in the future.
RECOMMENDED!
December 13, 2018
I wanted more. I still want more.
Craving Flight was a unique and immersive tale that kept me riveted from start to finish. When different authors often reimagine the same tropes, a multi-faceted exploration of BDSM in a marriage of convenience between two strangers in an Orthodox Jewish community will inevitability stand out. Yet Craving Flight stands out for more than its originality. If not for the fairly hasty resolution and the teasing-but-ultimately-glossing-over certain intriguing aspects, it would have been a 5 star read.
Because Elan’s speech to Tzipporah in her classroom?
I'm not one to clamor for revising and expanding novellas into novels, but here I clamor! I wanted more of Tzipporah's life, as I was enthralled by the juxtaposition of her professorial career with her transformation from non-observant to devout with her need to submit. I wanted more of the blossoming relationship with Elan, who remained something of a mystery but displayed such tenderness and insecurity. For years, Tzipporah felt as though she straddled two worlds. She seeks acceptance, release, a sense of belonging, and she finds that with Elan. Their connection had remarkable moments but ultimately felt curtailed. While none of the BDSM scenes would have felt repetitive in a novel, here some could have been swapped for more of the aforementioned development or dissecting Elan (because I NEED to know more about how "Master" came into being).
I'm not religious, but I don't mind reading about religion as long as the tone isn't overtly "preachy". While I can't judge the accuracy of the depictions here, it was certainly accessible. Even if religious themes generally turn one off, I think that the references were tolerable.
Craving Flight was a beautiful, and highly recommended, story.
Read for SBTB October – December 2018 Quarterly Challenge: A book with a Jewish main character.
Craving Flight was a unique and immersive tale that kept me riveted from start to finish. When different authors often reimagine the same tropes, a multi-faceted exploration of BDSM in a marriage of convenience between two strangers in an Orthodox Jewish community will inevitability stand out. Yet Craving Flight stands out for more than its originality. If not for the fairly hasty resolution and the teasing-but-ultimately-glossing-over certain intriguing aspects, it would have been a 5 star read.
Because Elan’s speech to Tzipporah in her classroom?
I'm not one to clamor for revising and expanding novellas into novels, but here I clamor! I wanted more of Tzipporah's life, as I was enthralled by the juxtaposition of her professorial career with her transformation from non-observant to devout with her need to submit. I wanted more of the blossoming relationship with Elan, who remained something of a mystery but displayed such tenderness and insecurity. For years, Tzipporah felt as though she straddled two worlds. She seeks acceptance, release, a sense of belonging, and she finds that with Elan. Their connection had remarkable moments but ultimately felt curtailed. While none of the BDSM scenes would have felt repetitive in a novel, here some could have been swapped for more of the aforementioned development or dissecting Elan (because I NEED to know more about how "Master" came into being).
I'm not religious, but I don't mind reading about religion as long as the tone isn't overtly "preachy". While I can't judge the accuracy of the depictions here, it was certainly accessible. Even if religious themes generally turn one off, I think that the references were tolerable.
Craving Flight was a beautiful, and highly recommended, story.
Read for SBTB October – December 2018 Quarterly Challenge: A book with a Jewish main character.
September 15, 2015
Tamsen Parker knows how to research. BDSM erotica is written by many authors, and not few of them hit the nail on the head, doing a fabulous job. But when an author is writing a world that’s about a complete 180 from their own, culturally and traditionally, and hits all the little nuances – I’d say she knows her research skills.
Judaism is on one hand – very complex, and on the other – very very simple. The religion itself, probably just as all old religions, is plain. It’s based on honest and sometimes naïve values and on the purest form of worshipping God. Then you have all the years following the origin of Judaism, and all the additional rules and traditions that make it, to outsider (and more often than not – insiders) seem like it was dropped from outer-space.
You’re probably wondering why I’m babbling about religion when reviewing a BDSM novella. Well… first of all – I’m Jewish and as one who’s as far from religion as possible in my culture, I still know a lot about it and am mostly fascinated with the little intricacies of it. Secondly, I’m a professional reader and the combination of BDSM and the insanely closed off lifestyle Orthodox Jews lead – it just made me have to read this story.
Tzipporah and Elan’s story is unique in so many ways I’m not even going to try and touch them all. I’m also not going to explain the traditions and reasoning behind everything in this story. If you’re interested (and you should be) just read it. It’s worth your two hours. I promise.
For them both, their marriage is a second round. Elan is a widower and Tzipporah is a divorcee (a huge no-no, btw, in their culture). Yet, they’re matched together and somehow, they hit it off.
I was mesmerized by Tzipporah’s openness when asked what she likes. I was beyond shocked that Elan was more than willing to provide her with her heart’s desire. I was astonished by the easiness they both experienced delving into their physical relationship. But that’s not the point in the story.
The point is breaking past the emotional barrier of their relationship. Of each of them not truly believing they deserve the other, or is enough for the other. I think that in this – Tzipporah’s efforts were brilliant, even if a little unorthodox.
Their love is felt through the words from the very first scene of them together, and it just grows and grows throughout the story.
I feel myself lucky to get to read amazing novellas so often. I’ve said it before, but this is a case where stressing my thought on novellas is important: reading a novella where a reader gets a complete experience is rare. Creating a world, explaining the aspects of it (even through the actual plot) and plotting an emotional story is no easy feat when writing a novel. So when an author manages to do that with a novella – it’s amazing and notable.
I want to give a little spoiler, which isn’t really a spoiler, but still – Tzippora in Hebrew is derived from the word Tzipor (=bird). Knowing this little fact made me swoon at various parts in the story. I really wish it for you as well.
Tamsen Parker wrote an accurate depiction of extremely orthodox religious life and incorporated into it unorthodox lifestyle. She did it beautifully and passionately and it shows – in the descriptions, the terminology and the delicate way the interpersonal relationships in this culture is written.
Judaism is on one hand – very complex, and on the other – very very simple. The religion itself, probably just as all old religions, is plain. It’s based on honest and sometimes naïve values and on the purest form of worshipping God. Then you have all the years following the origin of Judaism, and all the additional rules and traditions that make it, to outsider (and more often than not – insiders) seem like it was dropped from outer-space.
You’re probably wondering why I’m babbling about religion when reviewing a BDSM novella. Well… first of all – I’m Jewish and as one who’s as far from religion as possible in my culture, I still know a lot about it and am mostly fascinated with the little intricacies of it. Secondly, I’m a professional reader and the combination of BDSM and the insanely closed off lifestyle Orthodox Jews lead – it just made me have to read this story.
Tzipporah and Elan’s story is unique in so many ways I’m not even going to try and touch them all. I’m also not going to explain the traditions and reasoning behind everything in this story. If you’re interested (and you should be) just read it. It’s worth your two hours. I promise.
For them both, their marriage is a second round. Elan is a widower and Tzipporah is a divorcee (a huge no-no, btw, in their culture). Yet, they’re matched together and somehow, they hit it off.
I was mesmerized by Tzipporah’s openness when asked what she likes. I was beyond shocked that Elan was more than willing to provide her with her heart’s desire. I was astonished by the easiness they both experienced delving into their physical relationship. But that’s not the point in the story.
The point is breaking past the emotional barrier of their relationship. Of each of them not truly believing they deserve the other, or is enough for the other. I think that in this – Tzipporah’s efforts were brilliant, even if a little unorthodox.
Their love is felt through the words from the very first scene of them together, and it just grows and grows throughout the story.
I feel myself lucky to get to read amazing novellas so often. I’ve said it before, but this is a case where stressing my thought on novellas is important: reading a novella where a reader gets a complete experience is rare. Creating a world, explaining the aspects of it (even through the actual plot) and plotting an emotional story is no easy feat when writing a novel. So when an author manages to do that with a novella – it’s amazing and notable.
I want to give a little spoiler, which isn’t really a spoiler, but still – Tzippora in Hebrew is derived from the word Tzipor (=bird). Knowing this little fact made me swoon at various parts in the story. I really wish it for you as well.
Tamsen Parker wrote an accurate depiction of extremely orthodox religious life and incorporated into it unorthodox lifestyle. She did it beautifully and passionately and it shows – in the descriptions, the terminology and the delicate way the interpersonal relationships in this culture is written.
November 4, 2025
I was intrigued and captivated by this story, but I was also left bereft. I was left with a sense of longing for information. For me, this wasn't just a sexual awakening story. It was a story of acceptance, community, family and religious beliefs as well. And as much as I enjoyed Tzipporah's sexual awakening, I was left out in the cold with the rest. And all of those things are what made Tzipporah who she was. Tamsen Parker made a point of making the story in only Tzipporah's POV so her struggles with community and family and religion were brought into the story at different times, but they were never explored and/or resolved. So the story lost a lot of impact for me in that respect. The one thing that did make this story stand out was the sexual exploration. It was beautifully depicted and so was the growth of Elan and Tzipporah, both sexually and emotionally. For that alone, the story deserves high marks.
So basically my point is this ... short stories should be not only short in length, but also concise in subject matter. In my opinion, this story had entirely too much subject matter left unresolved, which lessened the initial impact the story made.
So basically my point is this ... short stories should be not only short in length, but also concise in subject matter. In my opinion, this story had entirely too much subject matter left unresolved, which lessened the initial impact the story made.
February 18, 2020
Tzipporah recently joined an Orthodox Jewish community, choosing to live her faith as closely to the rules as she can. She's also ready, five years after her divorce from her secular husband who also belittled her sexual needs, to find a husband. Her friend and the rabbi's wife leads her to consider the butcher, Elan, who is even more conservative than she is, and a widower.
They suit, and are quickly married, and find they share more than just their faith in common. What follows is an erotic and inspiration exploration of a love that grows through both BDSM and mutual respect.
Absolutely beautiful and stunning. I've never read a book like this before. Highly recommend.
*I won a copy from the author*
They suit, and are quickly married, and find they share more than just their faith in common. What follows is an erotic and inspiration exploration of a love that grows through both BDSM and mutual respect.
Absolutely beautiful and stunning. I've never read a book like this before. Highly recommend.
*I won a copy from the author*
October 13, 2015
1st person, told entirely from the heroines POV. Yummy D/s story with some delicious wax play!!
Thank you to the author for taking part in the writing event. I'm sure the story prompter will enjoy the story you have penned.
Thank you to the author for taking part in the writing event. I'm sure the story prompter will enjoy the story you have penned.
January 30, 2016
Review
I am not a huge fan of BDSM Romance but I am always willing to read any love story that promises to be good no matter what the sub genre.
I was drawn to this book because of the setting in a contemporary Orthodox Jewish Community. We don't get that setting much.
The heroine is a professor who has made the long transition from being raised a secular Jew to a deeply observant woman in the Orthodox tradition of the faith. The hero was born and raised to the Orthodox way of life.
I swooped up a book in this cultural reality because I love explorations of characters through the kinds of dimensions devout faith can bring particularly when it promises to be complex and human. However, I also was drawn to this book because a Catholic friend of mine converted to Reformed Judaism over the past several years and my adopted mother (an early 20's adoption after my mother had passed) is Jewish and was formally observant Orthodox Jew after marrying a man who moved toward that practice of the faith during their marriage and now she is back to her Reformed roots which make up the base of our family gatherings.
I think it is important to note that Orthodox Judaism is not monolithic and the writer does a good job creating this community and its traditions around Jewish Law.
This said, I loved the details of how hard it is to hold on to all the details of observant Orthodox practice. My mother has many funny stories about her errors and arguing about when the first star is seen. I loved the clear presentation that a modest dress tradition unlike the Puritan viewpoint does not make sex a thing of bodily sin. Oh, no. Really good stuff on the joy of keeping certain things that the larger culture just gives away only for your lover and the natural building of sexual tension that comes with times of separation.
Here is a fun blog which discuss just how more than okay sex is in this tradition (within a MF marriage) and includes meeting with a teacher before marriage who tells the husband it is his duty to please his wife.
So, the BDSM elements really work in the book within this context and I love the depth of characters who are part of a sub culture. devout, and kinky.
The heroine is a wonderful character who is both practical, smart, and vulnerable. We are only in her head so until we get a wonderful declaration from the very taciturn Elan at the end book we don't know much of the hero's emotionial life.
I believed in the of love story and it is very hot and moving.
I would have liked a world more interactive with other characters. The heroine has the rabbi's wife and the hero his family (which is not a great relationship). The heroine is isolated: from her family because of her increased religiosity and her relative newness to the shul (temple). It is lonely world for both of them.
I really loved the book but would have liked the hero's point of view and a rounder world. I would have liked Elan's revelation of how he become such a badass Dom (and he is very competent and awesome with his ropes as well as in his studies and his work. Yum).
I hope we get another book in this world!
September 22, 2015
4.5 stars
Such a beautiful erotic love story about the dichotomy between a woman's faith and her sexual needs. While the romance and sexual scenes are extremely hot and erotic, I think I enjoyed more the heroine's personal thoughts on her journey into becoming Orthodox and the external and internal issues she dealt with. She imparts such emotion and longing into her voice as she tells us her hopes, dreams, and desires for her life and marriage. I will def. keep my eye out for more from Tamsen Parker in the future.
Such a beautiful erotic love story about the dichotomy between a woman's faith and her sexual needs. While the romance and sexual scenes are extremely hot and erotic, I think I enjoyed more the heroine's personal thoughts on her journey into becoming Orthodox and the external and internal issues she dealt with. She imparts such emotion and longing into her voice as she tells us her hopes, dreams, and desires for her life and marriage. I will def. keep my eye out for more from Tamsen Parker in the future.
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July 1, 2023
This has been on my TBR for years so I’m glad to have finally read it. This is a short, kinky book about an orthodox Jewish couple exploring BDSM lol so that was wild. It’s also a goodreads writing prompt and it reads as such. You’re kind of dropped into the story, the religious elements aren’t explained much and being so unfamiliar with it personally it was a little confusing. I just thought it could’ve been fleshed out a bit more. I also didn’t find their emotional connection very strong and things wrapped up very quickly, but overall it was a kind of interesting, quick read.
October 12, 2015
So first of all: this book was free. I mean, seriously, for the price of nothing, it's an absolute bargain. As it's Tamsen Parker and she might be a bit of a genius i would have paid many of my hard earned pounds to purchase it. This was a brilliantly refreshing premise. Tzipporah, the heroine, is a divorced religious studies professor with a predilection for BDSM. She's also newly orthodox Jewish (she's Jewish, but not raised orthodox) to boot and her faith is an enormous part of her life. Her life is every bit as complicated as all that makes it sound. There are some contradictions in there - how can someone be part of a faith which appears to marginalise and separate women and yet also be a strong and independent woman with thoughts and desires all her own. These issues are touched on and they made me think, but the book is constrained (and not in a good way, more on that later) by its length. Nonetheless Parker doesn't dumb down the concepts or the themes or the difficulties. I had to do a lot of googling to make sure I understood what she was talking about with some of the terms [working knowledge of Judaism: less than zero, working knowledge of BDSM concepts: relatively high - that's what reading 21st century erotica will do for you]. Tzipporah's journey from single orthodox Jewish woman with a sub mentality to married orthodox Jewish woman with a sub mentality powers this novel and it is very, very interesting and intriguing to read. There's a romance in this story too, but for me, it took a back seat to Tzipporah's own journey. Her husband, Elan, is sort of a blank character, a means for Tzipporah to grow. The book is first person POV, so that's somewhat unsurprising. However, if the novel had been longer more could have been done with him. I would've liked to have known more about him and who he is and particularly how he came to be involved in kink. That's sort of the big pink elephant in the room. Tzipporah's complete dumb luck at marrying an orthodox Jewish man (because the marriage is, essentially, arranged) who happens to be into what she's into and immediately knows what he's doing. I suspended my disbelief but kept wishing there had been more plot and character development. That's why this book loses a star, probably one and a half stars in truth. It's great, but I wanted more. Obligatory sex mention: I think if the romance had been better and Elan more of a character in his own right I would've found it hotter. That said, go read it, it's so, so interesting [and free, hello!].
July 8, 2017
This was a powerful yet quiet book. Intriguing. Absorbing. Moving. I felt like I learned a lot about Orthodox Judaism and a strict adherence to a belief system with which I have only a glancing familiarity. Make that for both Judaism and the BDSM life-style. This book managed to combine the two in a way that felt believable to me, largely because the main characters were so complex. In fact, it was this set-up that made me download this freebie six months ago in the first place. Happily, this book was beautiful and emotional - a love story to its core, despite feeling like it might not go there.
"Not to mention that in my personal life, I left a man and a life I didn't find satisfying and found another. Brainwashed and subservient my butt."
I was convinced Tzipporah was brave for laying bare her observant religious beliefs in a secular world. I liked how she managed to reveal this same bravery to others in her insular, religious community, including her husband, Elan. This story is told from her perspective, so Elan remains largely enigmatic, very different from her in life experience and background, and this greatly enhances the dominion of the narrative.
If you enjoy books by authors such as Charlotte Stein or Mary Ann Rivers, I think you will like the personal intensity found in this novella by Tamsen Parker. The climactic, tension-filled, inevitable clash had me on the edge of my seat, plus the epilogue was a joy. I would certainly read more from this author that engages another romance (hopefully not BDSM) within Fiona's and Elan's Orthodox community in Forest Park. I was far more intrigued with the Orthodox community than the BDSM angle. This Catholic-raised Midwesterner from a small town was just sinking in the atmosphere. That is the hallmark of an exceptionally well-written novella.
Book source: Amazon freebie.
"Not to mention that in my personal life, I left a man and a life I didn't find satisfying and found another. Brainwashed and subservient my butt."
I was convinced Tzipporah was brave for laying bare her observant religious beliefs in a secular world. I liked how she managed to reveal this same bravery to others in her insular, religious community, including her husband, Elan. This story is told from her perspective, so Elan remains largely enigmatic, very different from her in life experience and background, and this greatly enhances the dominion of the narrative.
If you enjoy books by authors such as Charlotte Stein or Mary Ann Rivers, I think you will like the personal intensity found in this novella by Tamsen Parker. The climactic, tension-filled, inevitable clash had me on the edge of my seat, plus the epilogue was a joy. I would certainly read more from this author that engages another romance (hopefully not BDSM) within Fiona's and Elan's Orthodox community in Forest Park. I was far more intrigued with the Orthodox community than the BDSM angle. This Catholic-raised Midwesterner from a small town was just sinking in the atmosphere. That is the hallmark of an exceptionally well-written novella.
Book source: Amazon freebie.
May 7, 2016
This story is an intriguing juxtaposition of religious strictures and kink, wrapped up in a touching and sexy romance between Elan and Tzipporah. I really enjoyed how the story played out, and felt like I learned a lot about Jewish Orthodoxy (in a most unorthodox place!). Each of these characters brought unique things to the relationship that begins as a kind of arranged marriage but becomes one of love and acceptance. Tzipporah is rightly concerned about sharing her BDSM type desires with her new husband, but Elan is able to easily read her desires and give her what she needs, and in turn what he needs as well. The sex scenes between them are super hot as they navigate their new married life, but more importantly, they also develop the non-sexual intimacy needed for a happy marriage. I appreciated the difficulties Tzipporah had in maintaining the orthodox culture she had chosen in a non-orthodox world. Overall, it was a story that kept me entranced from start to finish. 5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
September 14, 2015
Forget a passport - it won't grant you access to this amazingly detailed, worldbuilding novella. The story doesn't take place in a figment of an author's imagination world either. Everything about this is tangible in the most elusive of ways.
Considerable care is taken to honor the intricacies of the ethereal (for me) world of orthodox Judaism while exploring the more banal inner workings of the characters. It's not heavy on the BDSM side; it's not light on the intensity. It's a very nice balance actually that pulled me in right from the start. There is an emotional quality to the story that is universal.
Did I love everything about it? No, not really. If I'd read this without the benefit of knowing the background inspiration, I might have rated this differently, who knows. As it is, for me, this is a stellar example of some mighty fine writing though, and I enjoyed the emotional see-saw this had me riding.
Thank you BDSM GR group for the challenge that inspired this novella! And thank you, Blue, for pointing it out to me!!
Considerable care is taken to honor the intricacies of the ethereal (for me) world of orthodox Judaism while exploring the more banal inner workings of the characters. It's not heavy on the BDSM side; it's not light on the intensity. It's a very nice balance actually that pulled me in right from the start. There is an emotional quality to the story that is universal.
Did I love everything about it? No, not really. If I'd read this without the benefit of knowing the background inspiration, I might have rated this differently, who knows. As it is, for me, this is a stellar example of some mighty fine writing though, and I enjoyed the emotional see-saw this had me riding.
Thank you BDSM GR group for the challenge that inspired this novella! And thank you, Blue, for pointing it out to me!!
September 25, 2015
I remember many years ago hearing a rabbi say, "If someone tells you, 'This is what Jews believe!', move quickly in the opposite direction."
There are many misconceptions about What Jews Believe, or what they practice, even (or especially) within their own community, so I approached this story with some trepidation.
To my relief and pleasure, Ms. Parker got it right. The tension between the BT & FFB communities, the misunderstanding and anger that can develop in families when someone becomes more observant and Shomer Shabbat, the difficulty in communication in a society where men and women have very different, but no less worthy, spheres of interaction--it's all here.
More importantly for the purposes of the tale, there's an emphasis on the joyous interaction that can happen within the boundaries of marriage and observance of niddut (separation for part of the month). Too many authors writing about religious societies only focus on their perception of restriction and repression.
In this regard, Tzipporah (literally, "Birdie") is an excellent narrator. She teaches a comparative religion class at a university and emphasizes the commonality of religious practice. But her secret longings have made the divorcee hesitant to marry again, even though she wants a family to have a full life within her Orthodox community.
Elan is the neighborhood butcher and when his name is mentioned to Tzipporah, something clicks. He excites her, but it's not until their wedding night that she broaches the subject of her desire for BDSM as a sub, and this is where one sees that Elan's her b'shert (destined mate), for he has the same desires as a Dom. Talk about a match made in Heaven!
The novella is thoughtful, complex, and erotic. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could. The only reason I didn't give it a full five stars is the crisis at the end seemed a little rushed--I would have enjoyed a bit more pacing to bring the story to its full conclusion, but the author may have been constrained by the limits of the novella framework.
Nonetheless, I heartily recommend this tale. In fact, I'd love to see it in the kalla class curriculum, though I know that's unlikely to occur.[g]
There are many misconceptions about What Jews Believe, or what they practice, even (or especially) within their own community, so I approached this story with some trepidation.
To my relief and pleasure, Ms. Parker got it right. The tension between the BT & FFB communities, the misunderstanding and anger that can develop in families when someone becomes more observant and Shomer Shabbat, the difficulty in communication in a society where men and women have very different, but no less worthy, spheres of interaction--it's all here.
More importantly for the purposes of the tale, there's an emphasis on the joyous interaction that can happen within the boundaries of marriage and observance of niddut (separation for part of the month). Too many authors writing about religious societies only focus on their perception of restriction and repression.
In this regard, Tzipporah (literally, "Birdie") is an excellent narrator. She teaches a comparative religion class at a university and emphasizes the commonality of religious practice. But her secret longings have made the divorcee hesitant to marry again, even though she wants a family to have a full life within her Orthodox community.
Elan is the neighborhood butcher and when his name is mentioned to Tzipporah, something clicks. He excites her, but it's not until their wedding night that she broaches the subject of her desire for BDSM as a sub, and this is where one sees that Elan's her b'shert (destined mate), for he has the same desires as a Dom. Talk about a match made in Heaven!
The novella is thoughtful, complex, and erotic. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could. The only reason I didn't give it a full five stars is the crisis at the end seemed a little rushed--I would have enjoyed a bit more pacing to bring the story to its full conclusion, but the author may have been constrained by the limits of the novella framework.
Nonetheless, I heartily recommend this tale. In fact, I'd love to see it in the kalla class curriculum, though I know that's unlikely to occur.[g]
October 3, 2015
I see this novella was written in response to a "kink" challenge. Brava to the author for attempting to center a sort of BDSM story around an Orthodox Jewish lifestyle.
The bad news is that for me, this was mainly a fail. I mean, there was this very compelling story about a Jewish woman who goes from a secular lifestyle to an Orthodox Jewish lifestyle. Tzipporah is a relative newcomer to a community where most of the denizens were raised Orthodox, and she is aware not only of her "mistakes" in trying to remember and maintain all the strict rules of Orthodox Judaism--something that her "frum from birth" neighbors already have down pat--but of her status as "outsider".
I really liked *that* story. The one where she marries this guy, and we see her in an intimate relationship that is governed by strict protocol. Wow--I wanted to see more of that story!
Unfortunately, it all fell apart with the ropes/spankings/candle wax dripping intimate scenes--why, I felt that the author had taken some Ronin/Amery scenes from Lorelei James' Bound and just plopped them into the novella, just changing the names to Elan (or "Master," oy vez) and Tzipporah. There was a total disconnect for me. I found these passages ridiculous. Not only that, but I did not buy that reasonably pious Elan had no problem inflicting pain on Tzipporah, and that in fact he seemed quite knowledgeable in the use of floggers, candle wax, Shibari (rope bondage), etc. Jeez, I'm laughing as I write this, it was just so bizarre. How does a man who has lived his life in this strict, insular community obtain all of this BDSM knowledge and the tools?
I know, I know, incorporating BDSM was part of the challenge. But come on...
The good news is I liked Tamsen Parker's writing style as far as the story *outside* of the sex stuff goes. And if she would rip out all the silly sex and recraft this book into a story about two Orthodox Jewish adults (late 30s), one frum (but a bit open-minded and rebellious, ie Elan) all of his life, the other newly "converted", getting married, being intimate (but in a believable way!) and learning to find a love that "meets in the middle", I would totally be all over that.
The bad news is that for me, this was mainly a fail. I mean, there was this very compelling story about a Jewish woman who goes from a secular lifestyle to an Orthodox Jewish lifestyle. Tzipporah is a relative newcomer to a community where most of the denizens were raised Orthodox, and she is aware not only of her "mistakes" in trying to remember and maintain all the strict rules of Orthodox Judaism--something that her "frum from birth" neighbors already have down pat--but of her status as "outsider".
I really liked *that* story. The one where she marries this guy, and we see her in an intimate relationship that is governed by strict protocol. Wow--I wanted to see more of that story!
Unfortunately, it all fell apart with the ropes/spankings/candle wax dripping intimate scenes--why, I felt that the author had taken some Ronin/Amery scenes from Lorelei James' Bound and just plopped them into the novella, just changing the names to Elan (or "Master," oy vez) and Tzipporah. There was a total disconnect for me. I found these passages ridiculous. Not only that, but I did not buy that reasonably pious Elan had no problem inflicting pain on Tzipporah, and that in fact he seemed quite knowledgeable in the use of floggers, candle wax, Shibari (rope bondage), etc. Jeez, I'm laughing as I write this, it was just so bizarre. How does a man who has lived his life in this strict, insular community obtain all of this BDSM knowledge and the tools?
I know, I know, incorporating BDSM was part of the challenge. But come on...
The good news is I liked Tamsen Parker's writing style as far as the story *outside* of the sex stuff goes. And if she would rip out all the silly sex and recraft this book into a story about two Orthodox Jewish adults (late 30s), one frum (but a bit open-minded and rebellious, ie Elan) all of his life, the other newly "converted", getting married, being intimate (but in a believable way!) and learning to find a love that "meets in the middle", I would totally be all over that.
January 19, 2016
4.5/5
Really a fantastic new erotic romance author for me. This novella had a fairytalish quality to me, it was beautifully written and touching. Go try it for yourself, it's free on Amazon. As soon as I finish with my current urgent reads I'm buying Personal Geography from this author. There was a snippet of it in the end of Craving Flight, and I am dying to know more. Very much recommended!
Really a fantastic new erotic romance author for me. This novella had a fairytalish quality to me, it was beautifully written and touching. Go try it for yourself, it's free on Amazon. As soon as I finish with my current urgent reads I'm buying Personal Geography from this author. There was a snippet of it in the end of Craving Flight, and I am dying to know more. Very much recommended!
February 26, 2016
I was insanely curious about this erotic romance by Tamsen Parker that defies some expectations of Orthodox Jewish people in NYC while still immersing the reader in the culture, and yes, affirming some other expectations. In Craving Flight, Tzipporah Berger covets a lover who will dominate her, but she also craves acceptance from the cautious Orthodox community she's joined on her journey towards Orthodox Judaism from secularism.
As a religions professor, Tzipporah mentions at one point that Judaism, Islam, and Christianity have a lot in common, and I enjoyed reading the similarities, e.g. the tichel and hijab. Tzipporah wears the tichel while single and married, rather than only when she is married as is the custom in her community, in a way similar to the practice of hijab and I've thought about wearing my scarf in a similar shape from time to time. She talks about her borders of privacy being different because they include the knees, etc. in a way I understood. The dietary restrictions and the aunties -bubbes here- matchmaking was familiar, the tight-knit but gossiping community. So I enjoyed learning while reading. (Although she was so hard on her parents for not adopting her traditions!)
On the other hand, Tzipporah and the man she's arranged to marry, Elan, do not connect, except sexually, and Elan both distances himself from her and judges her for most of the book, which hurts her more than once because she tries so hard to please him and grow closer to him. We do not much see Elan's perspective or receive any hints that he isn't as cold as he seems. They only resolve this near the end, and while their reconciliation was moving, I ultimately thought this snippet (NSFW) at the author's blog with Elan and Tzipporah together months later was more romantic because it portrays a loving couple.
Flight wasn't sexy to me either, since most of their bedroom romps involved almost entirely "pain play" -by reader request- and very cerebral play, at that. There was no discussion of arousal or bodily feelings. In fact, since Elan and Tzipporah don't know each other well, Elan's orders their first night together seem very brusque, especially since they haven't discussed Tzipporah's proclivities at this point in their relationship. Emotional maladjustment or detachment isn't the same as D/S. Imagine if you were arranged after four, tight-lipped meetings or trying to get some strange, as the kids say, and your prospective lover ordered you to "sit" and "stay" with a serious face? Elan's very serious. Maybe out of self-preservation, i.e. "I don't want to be in a bad marriage," Tzipporah extrapolates this rudeness to D/S in her fantasies, imagining him as a dom. She does try to salvage the marriage for a long time, though to her credit, she acknowledges when it's failing.
All that said, I'd read this if, like me, you're interested to read a quite thoughtful, well-written romance about an Orthodox couple who are very 2016. ;) Four stars.
As a religions professor, Tzipporah mentions at one point that Judaism, Islam, and Christianity have a lot in common, and I enjoyed reading the similarities, e.g. the tichel and hijab. Tzipporah wears the tichel while single and married, rather than only when she is married as is the custom in her community, in a way similar to the practice of hijab and I've thought about wearing my scarf in a similar shape from time to time. She talks about her borders of privacy being different because they include the knees, etc. in a way I understood. The dietary restrictions and the aunties -bubbes here- matchmaking was familiar, the tight-knit but gossiping community. So I enjoyed learning while reading. (Although she was so hard on her parents for not adopting her traditions!)
On the other hand, Tzipporah and the man she's arranged to marry, Elan, do not connect, except sexually, and Elan both distances himself from her and judges her for most of the book, which hurts her more than once because she tries so hard to please him and grow closer to him. We do not much see Elan's perspective or receive any hints that he isn't as cold as he seems. They only resolve this near the end, and while their reconciliation was moving, I ultimately thought this snippet (NSFW) at the author's blog with Elan and Tzipporah together months later was more romantic because it portrays a loving couple.
Flight wasn't sexy to me either, since most of their bedroom romps involved almost entirely "pain play" -by reader request- and very cerebral play, at that. There was no discussion of arousal or bodily feelings. In fact, since Elan and Tzipporah don't know each other well, Elan's orders their first night together seem very brusque, especially since they haven't discussed Tzipporah's proclivities at this point in their relationship. Emotional maladjustment or detachment isn't the same as D/S. Imagine if you were arranged after four, tight-lipped meetings or trying to get some strange, as the kids say, and your prospective lover ordered you to "sit" and "stay" with a serious face? Elan's very serious. Maybe out of self-preservation, i.e. "I don't want to be in a bad marriage," Tzipporah extrapolates this rudeness to D/S in her fantasies, imagining him as a dom. She does try to salvage the marriage for a long time, though to her credit, she acknowledges when it's failing.
All that said, I'd read this if, like me, you're interested to read a quite thoughtful, well-written romance about an Orthodox couple who are very 2016. ;) Four stars.
September 26, 2015
I was immediately intrigued when I read the prompt and blurb for this story. There's a theme regarding a religion that I don't know much about, and for that reason alone I was interested. But coupling kink with the Orthodox Jewish lifestyle? Those two things would seem to be at the opposite ends of the spectrum, so I really wanted to check this out.
Tzipporah is a thirty-something religious studies professor. She's dedicated to her faith, and is still learning the tenets of her religion. She's not quite accepted by her new community. She's divorced and an outsider. I found her interactions with others of her faith fascinating, like a glimpse into a secret world.
She's basically setup with Elan, the butcher. He's a widower, and without much courting they marry, in what I'd almost consider an arranged marriage. Somehow, they are super compatible in bed which makes for some very sexy bedroom scenes. But their relationship outside the bedroom is strained by their strict religious practices and Tzipporah's acceptance by Elan's family.
In just a few pages, Tamsen Parker does a fabulous job of creating two characters that just grabbed my interest. When the tensions in their relationship comes to a head, the question becomes whether their marriage can survive or will they crash and burn before they even get to know each other.
For me, this was one of the best erotic romances I have read this year. Tamsen Parker blends the elements of romance, kink, religion, and community into a lovely romance that is still in my head two weeks after reading it. i loved the characters, the view into this secret world, and mostly the way Tzipporah's and Elan's relationship developed by the end of the story.
Recommended.
Tzipporah is a thirty-something religious studies professor. She's dedicated to her faith, and is still learning the tenets of her religion. She's not quite accepted by her new community. She's divorced and an outsider. I found her interactions with others of her faith fascinating, like a glimpse into a secret world.
She's basically setup with Elan, the butcher. He's a widower, and without much courting they marry, in what I'd almost consider an arranged marriage. Somehow, they are super compatible in bed which makes for some very sexy bedroom scenes. But their relationship outside the bedroom is strained by their strict religious practices and Tzipporah's acceptance by Elan's family.
In just a few pages, Tamsen Parker does a fabulous job of creating two characters that just grabbed my interest. When the tensions in their relationship comes to a head, the question becomes whether their marriage can survive or will they crash and burn before they even get to know each other.
For me, this was one of the best erotic romances I have read this year. Tamsen Parker blends the elements of romance, kink, religion, and community into a lovely romance that is still in my head two weeks after reading it. i loved the characters, the view into this secret world, and mostly the way Tzipporah's and Elan's relationship developed by the end of the story.
Recommended.
October 4, 2015
I have to say Craving Flight semi-falls into a category of books I tend to avoid. You'll find plenty of erotic reads on my TBR list, but stories containing religion aren't something you'll find there; purely because I'm not of a religious disposition and they aren't books I seek to read. But, Tamsen Parker is an author whose work I've enjoyed before and I love her writing style, so I decided to give it a crack.
I'd certainly say this has a more romantic feel than her previous books; Tzipporah and Elan are older, have both been married before, and their journey is one of discovery. Told from Tzipporah's POV, she is trying to find the balance between her faith, her arranged marriage and her sexual needs. And whilst heartwarming and enlightening as to the Orthordox Jewish faith, it holds plenty of kink.
Whilst you'll still not find a ream of religious aspect books, erotic or otherwise on my shelves, this was another great read from Tamsen and whilst it's fairly short, it's well paced and hits the spot.
Copy generously received courtesy of the author for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I'd certainly say this has a more romantic feel than her previous books; Tzipporah and Elan are older, have both been married before, and their journey is one of discovery. Told from Tzipporah's POV, she is trying to find the balance between her faith, her arranged marriage and her sexual needs. And whilst heartwarming and enlightening as to the Orthordox Jewish faith, it holds plenty of kink.
Whilst you'll still not find a ream of religious aspect books, erotic or otherwise on my shelves, this was another great read from Tamsen and whilst it's fairly short, it's well paced and hits the spot.
Copy generously received courtesy of the author for an honest and unbiased opinion.
October 5, 2015
The story in Craving Flight is centered on Tzipporah, a 37 year old college professor who has deliberately and intentionally changed her life in order to follow the desires of her heart. Her first marriage failed, in part because of her desire for deepened involvement in her faith and in part because of her desire for kink in her relationship. She now finds herself living as a single woman in an Orthodox Jewish community, where Bina, the rabbi's wife, is more than happy to play matchmaker for her.
Elan, the widowed butcher, is really the only man on Bina's list who appeals to Tzipporah. He is intimidating and gruff, a man of few words who was raised in the community since birth, but despite their differences, the pair engages in a traditional Orthodox courtship and is soon wed. Whether this new relationship will bring Tzipporah what she is seeking is the question, and Tamsen Parker takes us on a thoughtful, emotional, erotic journey to find the answer.
Craving Flight is a beautifully written love story, an emotionally evocative contemporary erotic romance that does not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommend to lovers of erotic romances that contain a healthy dose of kink!
Elan, the widowed butcher, is really the only man on Bina's list who appeals to Tzipporah. He is intimidating and gruff, a man of few words who was raised in the community since birth, but despite their differences, the pair engages in a traditional Orthodox courtship and is soon wed. Whether this new relationship will bring Tzipporah what she is seeking is the question, and Tamsen Parker takes us on a thoughtful, emotional, erotic journey to find the answer.
Craving Flight is a beautifully written love story, an emotionally evocative contemporary erotic romance that does not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommend to lovers of erotic romances that contain a healthy dose of kink!
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