I'm the type of person who wants to know why people tick, and I was really interested in discovering why people have the kinks that they do. Everyone is different, and has their thing they're into, and sometimes it's wildly different than someone else. I enjoyed getting to learn about the history of certain kinks, such as feet, spanking, orgies, etc. However, I draw the line at the mention of - and an entire chapter dedicated to - cannibalism. That's NOT a kink. In fact, it's quite the opposite. It's just wrong and illegal and a long list of other reasons why this should NOT have been included in a book that's not only about exploring the history of kinks, but trying to garner acceptance. In what world would we be condoning or accepting cannibalism? I'm not sure how this author got away with a whole chapter on cannibalism and how it is a perfectly normal and acceptable kink, but it's in there. I wanted to vomit, reading her try to justify this horrid act, and she used Armie Hammer and his disgusting deeds to further prove her point. Newsflash... he hurt people with his "cannibalism kink" and this is so not okay and nor is her writing about it and trying to pass it off as something lots of people are into for funsies. Absolutely NOT. Also, her only "credentials" are that she herself was/is a sex worker and she hosts a podcast talking about kinks. She really has NO authority to be speaking on kinks, their history, or anything else in this realm.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tina Horn, and Hachette Books for an eARC of this book.

“You don’t owe anyone an explanation of why you’re into that”

This book dives into the world of kinks. It discusses various kinks from spanking, fisting, CNC to orgies. It explores people’s different tastes in a non judgmental way.

The author being a sex worker definitely gives a different perspective into the world of kinks. This is an insider’s view. Someone who has experienced so many different scenarios and situations in the BDSM/sex world.

I actually learned about some kinks I have never heard of. I also got more insight into kinks that I have heard of but didn’t know much about. Then I felt less embarrassed of ashamed of some of the kinks I do have or want to try. It’s completely non judgmental, a safe space and educational.

Also, I love how sex positive it is. Especially sex work. Because “sex work is REAL work”. There was still an air of feminism without straying away from the fact that women can also enjoy sex and all the kinky things without losing their feminist side.

My one and only “negative” (I wouldn’t even call it that) feedback is that I felt some parts were slightly redundant. Some things were repeated throughout the chapter that I didn’t think needed to be.

Otherwise, I really enjoyed reading this. I have a whole new insight and outlook into the world of sex, BDSM, kinks, etc.
The author has opened my eyes and allowed me to feel less ashamed of trying new things and talking to my partner about them.

I really liked this book. I love reading nonfiction books about things I don't know a lot about so I can learn about different things and I think this book was a great way to learn because the information was provided in a way that was easy to follow and understand but also was informative.

I’ve always been fascinated by kink and its history, and this book is a great dive into that. Written well and answering all my questions.

Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like, an exploration of why people are attracted to specific erotic tastes, from spanking to orgies. No judgment here. Really, none. The author is a sex worker and has seen/done nearly everything.

The book started as a podcast that is, sadly, on hiatus after advertisers pulled out in the wake of COVID and while the book is interesting, it can only cover a few topics, while a podcast, well, sky’s the limit, and one could have experts for each. I’m guessing it was really interesting. And sometimes the book got a little dry. Do you see what I did there?

Overall, a general theme is that people like what they are told or think is taboo, or they like things when there is some obstacle in the way of having them. And that’s very general, but there’s seems to be a bit of those things in each of the topics covered here. I was just disappointed there was nothing on Furries. What’s the deal with Furries? If you think you might like this book you probably will find you liked it OK.