Brown Sugar: A Collection of Erotic Black Fiction

by Carol Taylor (editor)

This rich and diverse collection of Black erotica brings together eighteen original short stories by America’s premier Black authors—Sapphire, Natasha Tarpley, Leone Ross, Pamela Sneed, and many more.

The stories showcased in this collection cover the full spectrum of Black experience and identity as they reveal sexuality, sensuality, and romance in all their forms. Steamy, playful, and romantic, this joyous anthology embraces the ardor and passion of Black love and desire. Featuring both well-established authors and promising new writers, this one-of-a-kind collection represents the past, present, and future of Black literature at its pleasurable and outrageous best.

Genres: Erotica, Fiction, Smut, Short Stories, Romance, African American

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2001

About the author

Carol Taylor, a former Random House book editor, has been in book publishing for over 18 years and has worked with many of today's top black writers. The author of 8 books, among them the best-selling, BROWN SUGAR erotic series: BROWN SUGAR, BROWN SUGAR 2: GREAT ONE NIGHT STANDS, BROWN SUGAR 3: WHEN OPPOSITES ATTRACT, BROWN SUGAR 4: SECRET DESIRES and WANDERLUST: EROTIC TRAVEL TALES Her debut novel, THE EX CHRONICLES, was published in 2010, the sequel THE EX CHRONICLES: PLAN B (May 2013), and THE EX CHRONICLES: EVERYTHING CHANGES (February 2014) was published in INSIGNIFICANT OTHERS, a 4-book novella series, featuring a new book every 6 months. She also teaches Writing and Editing at New York University and City College. She lives in New York. Find her at insignificantothersbooks.blogspot.com or on twitter.com/iobooks

Reviews

[Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good. There were some stories where I was just a little confused about the gender of the narrator. I have a few favorites in the book, including the first one; Oh So Good! It's a definite must read. I'm glad I got the chance to put my head into this book.

[Danielle Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeply intimate capturing the sensual essence of black love and sexuality ranging from a diverse crop of contexts, emotions, and themes amassing the complexity of human relationships.

Although there were a few stories I did not like at all, some uncomfortable even, the ones that were good warrant 4 stars.

[C3.C3]

this book blew my mond. at first i did not understand but then when i really looked deep in it i finally got it..

[Sikoka Frett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this series as it introduced me to a genre of writing that would forever change how I read and how I write.

[Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I have to say the title, “Brown Sugar” is so alluring and amazing!!!

When I first picked up "Brown Sugar," I did so with a hint of reluctance, carrying my preconceived judgments based on past experiences with romance and erotic literature. I half-expected it to be cringe-worthy, lacking depth, and challenging to read. However, I am delighted to admit that I was pleasantly surprised.

One, this book, is a great example of great writing, fantasy, and what erotica should be. And, to have it written and written for Black people is even more amazing. As I delved into the book, I quickly realized that it embodies what great writing in the realms of fantasy and erotica should be. What's even more remarkable is that it caters to Black readers, adding an extra layer of significance. One of the book's standout qualities is its ability to provide a fresh and unexpected experience with each story. Unlike some collections where stories tend to blend into one another, "Brown Sugar" keeps you on your toes, offering unique beginnings and unpredictable plot twists.

Black erotica is undoubtedly an overlooked yet essential genre. It serves as a form of healing, as it provides a platform for conversations and explorations that are not commonly discussed within our community. "Brown Sugar" was a healing journey for me as a Black individual, allowing me to contemplate the role of pleasure and erotica in my life from a positive perspective.
It's a book that offers both entertainment and enlightenment.


An important critique:
Where the book fell short of being perfect were the descriptions of skin tones. In some of the stories, there appeared to be subtle undertones of colorism and a preference for lighter skin. It was unclear whether this perspective stemmed from the characters' viewpoints or the author's own bias.

[Librarian Jawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treat yo'self.

[NeicyxT · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting collection of books from different perspectives and views. A broad range of writings but i definitely put it down for a few weeks and didn’t feel inspired to pick it back up.