Molly Weatherfield is the author of "Carrie's Story," the prequel to "Safe Word." Once again, she has written an exciting modern BDSM novel. Her writing style is intelligent and engaging. Her characters are written wtih great depth and dimension. Carrie is a sexual submissive but a strong, smart woman. I think many subs will identify with this concept.

"Safe Word" begins a year after "Carrie's Story" ends. Jonathan and Carrie meet in a pre-arranged location after she is freed from her year of servitude. The story alternates between present-day (Carrie and Jonathan in a French hotel) and the previous year. The year is covered by Carrie and Jonathan "telling stories" to each other of what they've been up to (or been PUT up to) over that time period. I found this style to be much less engrossing than a chronological novel.

Anyone who enjoyed "Carrie's Story" would enjoy this book. Definitely read that one first. This book will make no sense to you with out the back story. The BDSM and sort-of-vanilla sex in this book is still entertaining, but without the story of Carrie and Jonathan, it's just sex.

The sex in this book is inclusive of genders and sexual orientation, with both male and female dominants and submissives. There are also same-gender sexual encounters, and not just hetero-sex. Most of Carrie's story this time is pony play and her pony training. If this isn't your thing, you might not like this book as much. I found "Carrie's Story" to be much more erotic and exciting, because of this.

"Safe Word" is a quality trade paperback by Cleis Press, and like all of their books, is well made. The cover is a glossy black and white photo of a naked ass with hands cuffed atop it, so this is NOT discreet at all. The cover proclaims Safe Word to be "an erotic S/M novel" in bright red letters. Again, not so discreet. HOWEVER, this book is small enough to carry in your purse, backpack, or briefcase, and the cover is flexible. Bend it back and read away, public pervs!