Safeword: Mayday

Safeword #10

by Candace Blevins

Heather’s soul soars when she’s hang-gliding, skydiving, kayaking, or piloting a helicopter during search and rescue missions. She’s taken the term adrenaline junkie to a whole new level. However, she’s never enjoyed sex and never had an orgasm.

Instead of giving up on her, Kyle, a long-time friend who convinces her to be more , brings an experienced Dom in to help. Marcus explains she only enjoys extreme sports, so she needs to try extreme sex since the normal kind hasn’t worked. Marcus is all Dom, and helps Kyle bring Heather alive sexually.

Just when Heather thinks she has everything figured out, she learns the details of how it worked when the two men shared a girlfriend for years while they were in college.


Mayday can be read as a stand-alone.

** This is book one of a duet, and it ends with a Happy For Now, and not on a cliffhanger. The second book is live, so no waiting in between.

Genres: BDSM, Erotica, Romance, Menage

Unknown Binding

Published June 21, 2023

About the author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Candace Blevins writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, epic fantasy contemporary BDSM romance, and two kick-ass motorcycle club series. She’s published more than fifty books. Candace lives with her husband of twenty-four years and their two teenaged daughters. The family’s beloved, goofy, retired racing greyhounds are usually at her side as she writes, quietly keeping her company. Or sometimes not so quietly.

Her urban fantasy series, Only Human, gives us a world where weredragons, werewolves, werelions, three different species of vampires, and a variety of other mythological beings exist.

Candace's various paranormal romance series are all sister series to the Only Human series, and give some secondary characters their happily ever after.

Her Dark(ish) Faerie Tale series gives us a close-up and personal look at Queen Mab, and her Dark Underbelly series is, as you’d expect, dark and (if you’re a little twisted) oh-so-yummy.

Her contemporary Safeword series gives us characters who happen to have some extreme kinks. Relationships can be difficult enough without throwing power exchange into the mix, and her books show characters who care enough about each other to fight to make the relationship work. Each couple in the Safeword series gives the reader a different take on the lifestyle.

You can visit Candace on the web at candaceblevins.com. Feel free to friend her on Facebook at facebook.com/candacesblevins and Goodreads at goodreads.com/CandaceBlevins. You can also join facebook.com/groups/CandacesKinksters to get sneak peeks into what she's writing now, images that inspire her, and the occasional juicy teaser.

Stay up to date on Candace’s newest releases, and get exclusive excerpts by joining her mailing list at http://bit.ly/cb-new-release.

Only Human series, urban fantasy
• Only Human
• An Unhuman Journey
• Of Humans and Monsters
• Defining Human
• Edge of Humanity
• Infinitely Human
• Unhuman Acts

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club
• Duke
• Brain
• Bash Volume I
• Bash Volume II
• Bash Volume III
• Horse
• Gonzo
• Nix
• Ghost
• Bud
• Razor
• Bubbles
• McGyver

The Birmingham RTMC
• Bobcat
• Dementor
• Frost
• Squatch

Cat out of Hell, series, paranormal romance:
• Cat out of Hell Volume I
• Cat out of Hell Volume II
• Cat out of Hell Volume III

The Dark Underbelly of The Chattanooga Supernaturals
• Pride (A short story featuring The Lion King)
• Indentured Freedom: Owned by the Vampire
• Leashed
• An Elegant Weapon

A Dark(ish) Faerie Tale
• Slave
• Lady
• Consort
• Queen

A Paranormal Halloween, paranormal romance
• Hallowed Destiny – Forged by Darkness
• Unhallowed Murder
• Countdown to Murder
• Unholy Murder

Pleasure Times Four Christmas series, ménage/RH paranormal romance
• Unexpected Gifts
• The Gift
• Present Tense
• Imperfect Gifts

Chattanooga Supernaturals series, paranormal romance:
• The Dragon King
• Riding the Storm
• Acceptable Risk
• Careful What You Ask For
• Uncaged
• Cocky Queen

The Safeword series, intense BDSM contemporary romance
• Safeword Rainbow
• Safeword: Davenport
• Safewords: Davenport and Chiffon
• Safeword: Quinacridone
• Safeword: Matte
• Safeword: Matte – In Training
• No Safeword: Matte – The Honeymoon
• No Safeword: Matte – Happily Ever After
• Safeword: Arabesque
• Safeword: Mayday (TBA)

Reviews

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for the author and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. There are very intense BDSM scenes in this book and there is a lot of power exchange. I love the attention to detail this author has. Her characters negotiate, talk (sometimes it seems to be too much, but that's a good thing, right?) and then renegotiate, all before stepping into the dungeon (or where ever).

Heather is aware that she has sensory issues, but works around them when needed. I admire Marcus for knowing what he wants in his personal life and working to get there, the same for Kyle, even though his wants are vastly different. There are lots of emotions to be felt and dealt with. I think the best aspect is that these three main characters have a strong moral code. They are all mature adults who are self-aware and know what they want in life. They truly live within the guidelines of RACK (risk-aware consensual kink).

I'm looking forward to the second book in the duet and I hope my guess of who could be their fourth is correct.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was quite the journey! What I loved about this story is that, you thought you could figure out how things would play out, but then something happened, and things pivoted. This was an exciting exploration of finding what you want. All three characters seem to know themselves so well, and then they keep finding new things out. It was hot, it was scary, it was owie, and it was kept your heart pumping. I was right there for every experience and emotional nuance, as they meshed their lives together <3

[Jeanny · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 50% I didn’t find any of the characters all that interesting. Nothing wrong with any of them I was just incredibly apathetic 😑.
I’m a fan of the author but not of this series. This is book 1 of 2 (maybe 3 🤷🏻‍♀️) so it ends on a cliffhanger.

[Leslie OBrien]

Candace Blevins has a new Safeword book (well, duet) and I could not be more excited. While I LOVE her paranormal stories, I find equal (okay, sometimes more) enjoyment from her contemporary stories because she’s so brilliant with her character development and interactions. In Safeword: Mayday, we meet Heather, an adrenaline junkie, who is missing out on an important aspect of her life. Orgasms. Okay, that’s being trite. There’s much more to it (buy and read the book). I absolutely loved how Kyle didn’t give up on her AND how he was willing to ignore those parts of himself that gave HIM pleasure in his desire to help her. And then there’s Marcus. Kyle’s bestfriend, psychiatrist, and an experienced Top. With his calm demeanor, knowledge and experience, he’s able to come up with some ideas to help Heather get out of her head and soar with both pleasure and pain, much like she does when hang gliding, jumping out of planes, and scaling mountaintops. Between Kyle and Marcus, they introduce Heather to the more pleasurable aspects of life that she’d long given up hope of ever experiencing and it’s fabulous. I loved the power dynamics that exist between the trio as well as those they chose to mingle with, the depth of communication they have with each other, and the level of deviousness that Marcus can reach, which was downright delightful in all the fun and naughty ways. I cannot fully express how much I enjoy Ms. Blevins characters and their relationships. Whether it’s human, shifters, gods, demons, vampires or well, anything, I adore their interactions and they absolutely make the story for me in every way.

[Terri Mandigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this spicy read

If you enjoy reading about alternative lifestyles, this book is a must read! But be forwarned, it will make you hot and bothered so I would suggest reading it in private 😊😊.

[Christine Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book by this author and I must say this was an amazing book. I loved the dynamic of the three and how he was able to help her to be more responsive to the men and their actions. I loved every minute of the book

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The newest Safeword book from Candace Blevins once again brings you an adventure in relationships that rely on straight forward communication while adding in the spice of power exchange. I love how her stories build and weave characters that are relatable while leading you into their world. Another hit for me! It’s hard to be patient waiting for the next story from Candace.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, this is the Candace Blevins that I fell in love with years ago. I always did and always will adore her Safeword series. Safeword: Mayday gave me everything that I was looking for and then a little bit extra. Please, don’t get me wrong, I enjoy all of her series but the Safeword series will always be near and dear to my heart. Heather, Kyle and Marcus are wonderful together. They learn how to bring a woman who is convinced she is asexual to the utter of ecstasy. She always thought that she needed the adrenaline rush of extreme activities and vanilla just didn’t do anything for her. She loves Kyle but always felt that she would lose him because of her asexual feelings. Enter Marcus. Now, she is not only fulfilled but understands a lot more about Kyle, his feelings and her feelings. But, she does have to come to terms with her feelings for Marcus as well. There are a lot of land mines that the trio have to have to negotiate their way through. They also have to come to terms that Marcus wants a full-time slave and figure out how that will work into the dynamic between the three of them.

There is so much going on within this story. Heather dealing with her sensory issues and learning her place in the bedroom (playroom). Kyle wanting to serve and please Heather. Marcus, the psychiatrist, needing a slave but more than willing to share his love with his best friend Kyle and Heather. The three of them learning, discussing (to death sometimes), negotiating and re-negotiating their positions in their relationship. The character development throughout the story was wonderful. You know and understand Heather, how she was raised and why she has the sensory issues. It was beautiful watching her work her way through the issues. Kyle is a doctor but his need to serve and pleasure Heather is bone deep. He has his issues with Heather and her extreme activities but is working his way through them. And Marcus is the mentor and the rock that holds them all together. But, how will it change if/when he finds his slave and pulls a fourth into the group? I know who I want the fourth to be but we shall have to wait and see in Safeword: Mayday – Adding Their Fourth.

I was totally drawn into this story and the way Candace Blevins brings to life the BDSM world. She is masterful in her storytelling, character building and word flow. There wasn’t any down time throughout the story and I am looking forward to the second book in this Duet.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Book Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read the Safeword series and this one was absolutely fabulous. An amazing story of romance, self discovery, kink and journey finding your own place in non-traditional relationship. It felt like when you give in and risk yourself you get so much more in return.
I loved, really loved the dynamic between characters, their interaction and power play into being free with each other. I loved how both men were completely sure in their roles and adding her to the puzzle just clicked.
Heather was one hell of a woman, and I must say lucky - having a lovely Kyle by her side who was so persistent and he introduced her to kink where she literally blossom. I enjoyed watching her transformation from resigning to being almost frigid (because of her sensory issues) to blooming into a Goddess when Marcus comes into play. He knew how to play her strings and I utterly enjoyed their time together. It was freeing and wonderfully written so the reader could go through all the emotions. And Marcus - damn that Man, that sadistic Dom was HOT and smart and overall amazing. I think I had a little crush on him :D Despite the scenes and the kink from Ms. Blevins that are always spicy hot there is always a wonderful and emotional story there too. Here it was about a journey into unknown, about self-discovery and overcoming her "issues" where finding and revealing parts of herself results in something amazing.

[zoegrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This story has to be one of the best ways to introduce a Polyamorous relationship! i tried it, and it didn't work out at the time when it should have been the best time. Anyway, this was beautiful! I love them all!! Especially, Heather, she's really had to get to know herself through her years. She's got an amazing Mom!

Kyle is a beautiful man! In all ways. And his love for Heather is without boundaries! Marcus is also beautiful in his sadistic ways! He's just what Heather has been needing!! To be introduced to pain sensations has helped her be able to be more sexualized. And be able to give Kyle what he really desires. She's come into her own as a Dom masochist! Their relationship of 3 has really come together. Now if Marcus could only find his slave! They'd be the foursome they hope to be!

One of the things I love best about Candace Blevins is that she really investigates her subjects. Being in the lifestyle she has a lot of knowledge, but there's always something you need more information about. This one is the therapist talk. It's intense and (I think) correct in what is said. It makes Marcus really look like a mind reading Dom! LMAO Add his ability to read a person because he's a therapist and he's spot on. It's unnerving. LOL I can laugh because I'm not part of it.

Love your stories Candace!! I'm always glad that a new one has come out. And two one after the other! Excellent!!!! No waiting!!

Enjoy!!!

[Titania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather doesn't really enjoy sex but she loves Kyle. Lyle knows Heather needs more than he is giving and thinks he has a way to satisfy her but can she accept it?
Safeword Mayday is the latest story by Candace Blevins. I can honestly say this story had unexpected twists. I had a roadmap in my head as to how I thought it would go and was surprised by where Ms. Blevins ultimately took us. Not that I hated where we went only that it took a minute for me to adjust to the journey.
I loved getting to know Heather, Kyle and Marcus. Ms. Blevins always does a wonderful job of crafting likable and believable characters and this was no exception. Heather has issues but is remarkably self aware. I love that she learns to accept her needs are satisfied by two different men. I loved seeing her expand her sexuality. The sexuality she didn't even know she had. I love her journey into understanding the man she loved. It was easy and it wasn't quick but really seeing Kyle felt organic.
Adding Marcus to the equation felt necessary. It felt like Marcus made the relationship between Kyle and Heather better even while you hope that Marcus would've fulfilled as well. I want for Marcus to find what he needs because I like the threesome that is growing.
I thoroughly enjoyed the journey Ms. Blevins has taken us on so far and look forward to what she has in store for us next.

[Daria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safeword Mayday, 6/8/23 5 stars

I don't think there is a story that Candace has written that I didn't like. The Safeword Rainbow was my very first read of hers and I've been hooked ever since. The newest addition Mayday doesn't disappoint, it's layered with emotions and personalities.

To know yourself, then to don't know yourself is definitely an eye-opener. So we have this high-energy extreme junky, that isn't a fan of well... yeah. The sweetest BF that can't make it happen and takes a big step to get help, then the Dr. who just may have what they all need.

To reach "the" goal everyone will have to be willing to learn and give of themselves. But hmm what is the goal really? and of course, nothing is without risk, and a bit of soul searching that is what makes Ms. B' story so enjoyable to read. Emotion, thought-provoking, sexy.

You know you have a good thing and want to do anything to keep that good thing, the most important thing to you is your plus' feelings, you've been alone and just maybe the time to be alone is at its end. All these things the writer has weaved together in a fab story. Grab your copy and get ready to meet the One in charge, the trainee, and the one that serves. Enjoy.

[Evita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad to get back into the Safeword series, one of my absolute favorite that Ms. Blevins writes.

This was such a complex story, Heather and Kyle just starting a relationship. But Heather has doubts of keeping sweet Kyle as she has never had an orgasm and even though he tries, it’s just not there. She loves her life, the term adrenaline junkie is a great way to describe her but alas, not in the bedroom….yet.

When Marcus agrees to mentor them, their world is turned upside down. This is what she needed in order to feel and fly.

Amazing story with amazing characters. I really enjoyed seeing the lifestyle through their eyes, especially Heather’s since she is new to it and I can’t wait for the next book when maybe a fourth will join their dynamic

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace Blevins really does know how to create fascinating characters and then weave then into intense, edgy, erotic tales. Safeword Mayday is, in essence, a woman's journey into BDSM from novice to practicing Dom and sometime bottom. Heather is an accomplished extreme sports enthusiast; adrenaline junkie if you will. Hence, coupled with her sensory disorder, the lighter side of BDSM does not work for Heather. Marcus mentors her as she navigates a world she knows nothing about and finds to be unnerving at times. By her side throughout is Kyle, the man she loves and whose role may surprise you. These three slowly become a ménage and merge their lives with the possibility of adding a fourth. That seemingly will play out in the sequel. I personally can't.

[Jaycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The requisite strong, capable FMC as in any Candace Blevins book, but with a major twist that is both fascinating and frightening. Frightening in terms of how a reader will feel for the FMC and her well-being. Not that she hasn't learned how to look after herself in almost every way...

Cue the relationship that shows her she can change what give and take means, while finding that a soft place to land can be felt to the core.

This is the master class I've come to expect from this author in terms of relationship building with real-world human backgrounds, foibles, conditions and needs, set in a fictional romance.

[Mystisith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was PACKED! With awesome stuff!
First book from this series and from this author for me. She obviously knows what she's writing about. My negotiation kink is absolutely sated and there are so many other favorite tropes, I feel like someone scanned my brain, lol.
I would consider this book intermediate/advanced level in lifestyle. It would probably be overwhelming for a beginner or someone simply curious. Because really, I've rarely read content that was so accurate and immersive.
Meanie cliffhanger! I need the follow up now! I have guesses on what is going to happen next... I suppose that will give me time to catch up and start from the beginning.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace Blevins books are highly emotional. They are not cookie cutter these characters are dealing with real life issues and it can tear you apart emotionally. She has such a bright voice that really manages to bring these characters to life.
We have a new member and I think the way the new person came in and added to their relationship was great. I like how the characters all stand alone yet also work together.
Don’t miss this new story of Heather and Kyle. You’ll want more and luckily Belvins plans to build on this.

[Coccibelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing, well-written, and intense

This author knows how to write interesting, compelling, and complex characters. Even though it's a long book, it was engaging.

What I enjoyed about this book:
-another representation of an adopted woman from Asia. I liked how realistic the attachment issues were represented and her other condition.
- I love how this author mainly writes independent, succesful, and strong female leads.
-I love the communication within the poly group, how therapy is promoted, how they all need to work on themselves to deal with traumas. I love the respect they have for each others.
-I like how the poly group relationship was explained, because I was sceptical how this relationship would work.
-some cameos with Eric and Ranger. I would have love cameos with Sam and Ethan, my favorite couple! They were only mentioned briefly. I love how all her books are intertwined in the same universe.

I am looking forward to know who is their fourth and how she will changed their dynamics, because for me, they seems more like a couple with a service top than a trouple. I hope nobody will be a homewrecker. For me, this book presented an introduction to the characters and their new dynamic. I am eager to know more about their journey.

I recommend this book to readers who like poly group and intense kink.

[Greyling54 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to this book for 10 years, ever since Candace put some of it up on Patreon. I'm so glad she finally got back to it and I look forward to its completion next month, with Finding their Fourth. The story is excellent and the kink is imaginative and extreme. The characters are remarkably good at communicating with each other so the relationship can work. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[LaGina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read for Candace Blevins. This review is my own opinion and I was not paid or forced to write this review. Heather was an Xtreme adventurer and I loved the attention to detail. I was able to picture the book playing out in my mind as I was reading it. The characters are relatable and seem like they could be your friend or neighbor. I hope to read more about some of the other characters as well.

[Pat Orendorff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Blevins took peripheral people from her other books and she gave us a terrific one with fully fleshed out characters for us to enjoy.
I adored her previous Safeword books and this is no different.
Once I started I couldn't stop. Drawn in at the beginning, I had to feel what they felt and I did.
When you open this book you won't be able to put it down either.

[Cheri Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an compelling read, I am already reading it again.

I voluntarily agreed to review an ARC of this book. I love the characters( I really like Heather) and the non traditional love story being told. I found the adventure sports aspects were a great mix with BDSM themes. I can easily recommend this book to mature readers.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Candace Blevins has worked her magic on this latest addition to the series. The character work and story line were well written and kept me hooked from beginning to end. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Sha Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while

It took me a while to read through this book. The scenes were so imaginative that I read slower to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Candace’s writing was so vivid it was like I had a movie running through my head as I read. It was so worth the time it took me to read.

[Gab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who do you turn to when you need help with a problem near and dear to your heart?
Your best friend of course!
And so starts an exploration that quickly takes off and tsunamis you along into a maelstrom of carnal delights that take your breath away.
Literally...

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I eagerly anticipated this book because one of the book blurbs caught my attention and had me stunned in an epiphany. Heather is our main character who is an adrenaline junkie. What is dangerous for her is that she feels very little pain. The explanations why make me sad. I also have a bit of background regarding the author so this story is even more sad for me in some ways. Getting back to the lightbulb going off in my head, Heather struggles with sex being "meh". When she encounters Marcus, her boyfriend's best friend - "Marcus explains she only enjoys extreme sports, so she needs to try extreme sex". I felt stunned when I read this line. I had to read it several times.

To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website





* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Tee Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite of the Safeword series. I really like Heather and Kyle and that he loves her no matter what. So glad to see them get there HEA. I know it had to be hard for him and her at first but she has came a long way and found what works for her. I like Marcus in this story but wonder how much like Tyler he will be in the next. Tyler choose someone who didn't quite fit his wants but then he still wants the slave. I never could see the love for Viv that she apparently has for him, one just an object.

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Gives me Major ick merging finances (I don’t see why sexual and/or romantic partners have to eventually cohabitate) but that’s a me thing. The Ruby section could have been left out - slowed everything down and I almost DNFed. Would recommend.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. It was hard to put down.
The romance was enthralling and all consuming at times. The steam factor HOTT!
This had a cast of captivating characters. Nothing felt forced and I was fond of the twists and surprises that helped the novel not be predictable.

[Thea™]