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Butch Bait (Vol. One): An Anthology of Butch4Butch Desire
A diverse, trans-inclusive collection of works, BUTCH BAIT delivers you butch4butch, stud4stud, and masc4masc desire inspired by the nostalgic lesbian and sapphic zines of the 70's through early 2000's. Ranging from sensual self portraits to supernatural fiction, odes to butch love to nasty erotica, gnc lesbian culture plus gorgeous works of art, BUTCH BAIT is a shameless celebration of a dynamic still sometimes treated as taboo. Sexy, gritty, sometimes bittersweet, and often surprisingly tender, there is something for every butch and butch-lover between these pages.
- GenresLesbian
ebook
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
MJ Marlowe
7 books4 followersResiding on the east coast as an author of erotica, horror and dark romance, MJ Marlowe (They/Them) figures if writing doesn’t work out, they’re happy to become a local legend of the forest. Catch them lurking on Instagram . For business inquiries, please email them at authormjmarlowe@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 12, 2026
Hell yeah butch4butch!!! The world needs more butches, and it needs loads more butches kissing other butches.
This anthology has a real zine vibe. It's a good mix of short story, poetry, photography, and essay. I loved the variety. I loved the dykery. I loved the authenticity. I loved the gender spectrum of it all.
Homing Instinct by Phoenix Mendoza was my favorite, if I had to pick.
Absolutely huge-brained stuff from the editors to compile this collection. Thank you for your service, and I look forward to future volumes.
This anthology has a real zine vibe. It's a good mix of short story, poetry, photography, and essay. I loved the variety. I loved the dykery. I loved the authenticity. I loved the gender spectrum of it all.
Homing Instinct by Phoenix Mendoza was my favorite, if I had to pick.
Absolutely huge-brained stuff from the editors to compile this collection. Thank you for your service, and I look forward to future volumes.
May 6, 2026
Butch bait was a gorgeous written exploration of the butch identify that never held itself back. It reached right into my own little butch heart and made me feel so seen and welcome. I am blown away by the work in this truly.
Butch is not a phase! Some truths really do earn permanence!
Thank you to the editors for compiling this together it was much needed
Butch is not a phase! Some truths really do earn permanence!
Thank you to the editors for compiling this together it was much needed
May 12, 2026
A beautiful, sexy, and deeply touching collection. The art and stories felt so raw and personal, it made me cry more than once.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Butch Bait Volume One begins with a sweet and to-the-point introduction by MJ Marlowe that sets the tone well for the rest of the volume.
For the rest of my review, I will touch on some of the entries in particular, then add an overall statement at the end. I focused mainly on the short stories as I am a prose writer myself. However, the images and visual pieces of art work well alongside the written pieces. They reinforce and emphasize the main theme of how varied being butch can be.
"to my butches" by AL Redare: This is a perfect opening piece as it reads almost like a thesis statement that is supported by the other pieces that follow it. The repetition of "to the butch" multiple times emphasizes the many ways in which one can be butch alongside all the butches that Redare has encountered in Redare's life.
Half-Mile High Club by Jo Kalamik: great title, love the implications of the many different ways to be butch (was the Bear a bulldyke or a leather daddy, or neither?). Martie also deftly describes the two worlds of queer women and queer men and the gendered expectations within.
Dancing Souls by pluto: A lush, gorgeous piece that packs so much emotion and love into only one page.
OVER, UNDER by T. Rossmaur: A scorcher! The comparison of a religious experience to that of being affirmed of one's gender and sexuality was so on point (especially given that Naomi's ex confined her to certain set roles and expectations as "the butch one").
Leather and Lace by Felix Lilly: Love the symbolism and motif of "leather and lace" not only representing Rowan and Ash, but also different versions of masculinity that don't have to be opposing forces. The pace is quite fast, which is understandable for a short story. However, I'd love to see a more fleshed out version that has time to linger on the little moments in Rowan and Ash's relationship.
Four Butches I Have Lusted After (And Two I Actually Fucked) by Anonymous: I love how open and raw this piece is. The conversational nature of it feels super relatable. I've gone through similar experiences, and I'm sure many who will read this could say the same. Also, the references to pop culture and technology were especially relatable to me (I'm pretty sure the author and I are around the same age).
Hand Me My Carabiner by Nyx and Hex of EnbyDykes: It was truly fascinating to read Nyx and Hex's story and how their content has evolved over the years to reflect their authentic selves. The portraits of them are stunning and heartwarming. You can tell by their expressions how happy and affirmed they are together.
Yearling by August Osteen: I did not expect there to be a story with werewolves in this anthology, but man, I am so on board for it. It's a brilliant metaphor for transitioning. It also echoes the sentiment of homophobes that queer and trans people are "monsters," but here, it's reclaimed and celebrated.
The Sauna by Lex Bound: This was written so lovingly and highlights the great bonds that can develop between butches of different generations.
Homing Instincts by Phoenix Mendoza: This was such a privilege to read. The significance of Rex's mom's death leading to a new life for Rex and the reader shines throughout the piece. Mendoza truly captures the nuance in discussions of being queer, family acceptance, and expectations of being butch.
Overall, I highly recommend Butch Bait Volume One. It is a diverse look into the butch experience that I've never really read before. The world needs more books like this, and I can't wait to read more in Volume 2 (and maybe submit something myself if submissions are reopened or there's going to be a Volume 3 :D).
Butch Bait Volume One begins with a sweet and to-the-point introduction by MJ Marlowe that sets the tone well for the rest of the volume.
For the rest of my review, I will touch on some of the entries in particular, then add an overall statement at the end. I focused mainly on the short stories as I am a prose writer myself. However, the images and visual pieces of art work well alongside the written pieces. They reinforce and emphasize the main theme of how varied being butch can be.
"to my butches" by AL Redare: This is a perfect opening piece as it reads almost like a thesis statement that is supported by the other pieces that follow it. The repetition of "to the butch" multiple times emphasizes the many ways in which one can be butch alongside all the butches that Redare has encountered in Redare's life.
Half-Mile High Club by Jo Kalamik: great title, love the implications of the many different ways to be butch (was the Bear a bulldyke or a leather daddy, or neither?). Martie also deftly describes the two worlds of queer women and queer men and the gendered expectations within.
Dancing Souls by pluto: A lush, gorgeous piece that packs so much emotion and love into only one page.
OVER, UNDER by T. Rossmaur: A scorcher! The comparison of a religious experience to that of being affirmed of one's gender and sexuality was so on point (especially given that Naomi's ex confined her to certain set roles and expectations as "the butch one").
Leather and Lace by Felix Lilly: Love the symbolism and motif of "leather and lace" not only representing Rowan and Ash, but also different versions of masculinity that don't have to be opposing forces. The pace is quite fast, which is understandable for a short story. However, I'd love to see a more fleshed out version that has time to linger on the little moments in Rowan and Ash's relationship.
Four Butches I Have Lusted After (And Two I Actually Fucked) by Anonymous: I love how open and raw this piece is. The conversational nature of it feels super relatable. I've gone through similar experiences, and I'm sure many who will read this could say the same. Also, the references to pop culture and technology were especially relatable to me (I'm pretty sure the author and I are around the same age).
Hand Me My Carabiner by Nyx and Hex of EnbyDykes: It was truly fascinating to read Nyx and Hex's story and how their content has evolved over the years to reflect their authentic selves. The portraits of them are stunning and heartwarming. You can tell by their expressions how happy and affirmed they are together.
Yearling by August Osteen: I did not expect there to be a story with werewolves in this anthology, but man, I am so on board for it. It's a brilliant metaphor for transitioning. It also echoes the sentiment of homophobes that queer and trans people are "monsters," but here, it's reclaimed and celebrated.
The Sauna by Lex Bound: This was written so lovingly and highlights the great bonds that can develop between butches of different generations.
Homing Instincts by Phoenix Mendoza: This was such a privilege to read. The significance of Rex's mom's death leading to a new life for Rex and the reader shines throughout the piece. Mendoza truly captures the nuance in discussions of being queer, family acceptance, and expectations of being butch.
Overall, I highly recommend Butch Bait Volume One. It is a diverse look into the butch experience that I've never really read before. The world needs more books like this, and I can't wait to read more in Volume 2 (and maybe submit something myself if submissions are reopened or there's going to be a Volume 3 :D).
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 rounded up
I’m here for the butches!
I’m thankful I was able to read and review an arc of Butch Bait. The stories, poems, and photography in this anthology all hit in their own way. They all have their own feeling, flavor, vibe. There is a lot of diversity blended through the work and within the authors and artists.
I made many highlights throughout. But *dancing souls by pluto* has stuck with me since I read it a couple days ago. He wove a poem(?) of beautiful acceptance, identity, with such a depth of feeling that I want to memorize it so I can recite it at will.
All of the pieces in the anthology are interesting and valuable. Some of them would be enhanced if they were a smidge longer.
Thank you everyone for the opportunity to read your art!
I’m here for the butches!
I’m thankful I was able to read and review an arc of Butch Bait. The stories, poems, and photography in this anthology all hit in their own way. They all have their own feeling, flavor, vibe. There is a lot of diversity blended through the work and within the authors and artists.
I made many highlights throughout. But *dancing souls by pluto* has stuck with me since I read it a couple days ago. He wove a poem(?) of beautiful acceptance, identity, with such a depth of feeling that I want to memorize it so I can recite it at will.
All of the pieces in the anthology are interesting and valuable. Some of them would be enhanced if they were a smidge longer.
Thank you everyone for the opportunity to read your art!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC of this zine in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I would recommend this zine. I learned about it back when it was open for submissions and I thought it was a cool idea. I’m glad to see it coming to fruition. I really liked the way it mixes short stories, poems, art and photography. It makes for a more varied reading experience than a traditional short story collection.
I’m not really qualified to judge the art, photography or poetry, but I thought the best short story in the collection was “Homing Instincts” by Phoenix Mendoza. I was a little bored by some of the other short stories which were more straightforward porn without plot, but I think that says more about me than it does the quality of the stories themselves.
Overall, I would recommend this zine. I learned about it back when it was open for submissions and I thought it was a cool idea. I’m glad to see it coming to fruition. I really liked the way it mixes short stories, poems, art and photography. It makes for a more varied reading experience than a traditional short story collection.
I’m not really qualified to judge the art, photography or poetry, but I thought the best short story in the collection was “Homing Instincts” by Phoenix Mendoza. I was a little bored by some of the other short stories which were more straightforward porn without plot, but I think that says more about me than it does the quality of the stories themselves.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5☆. I love anthologies. This was a great read. I mean, what's not to like? Queerness? Transness? Wonderful creative writing? I enjoyed every story, poem, piece of artwork, creative photography.
It's sexy, it's spicy, it's shameless, it's kinky, ... simply gorgeous, and I'm so here for it. Can't wait for the next volume!
One of my top favorite story is "Leather and Lace", honestly, for me, nothing can top speculative writing. That's my soft spot. I absolutely devoured it, and read it a second time because it was that good.
Every single thing or aspect about this anthology deserves 5 stars rating. 10 out 10.
It's sexy, it's spicy, it's shameless, it's kinky, ... simply gorgeous, and I'm so here for it. Can't wait for the next volume!
One of my top favorite story is "Leather and Lace", honestly, for me, nothing can top speculative writing. That's my soft spot. I absolutely devoured it, and read it a second time because it was that good.
Every single thing or aspect about this anthology deserves 5 stars rating. 10 out 10.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**4.5 stars**
yes, sir ! whatever you want. 🫡
everyone who knows me knows all i ever want is more butch4butch, and upon receiving it, i have been rocking back and forth in the corner in pure joy. every story, drawing, poem, and photo was so utterly amazing. reading this the once wasn't enough, i need to reread this every day until the amazement fades away (it will take a while). the love and joy from each artist was so prevalent and i need a physical copy like . now.
thank you to the author for the eARC. i'm very excited for future volumes to come.
yes, sir ! whatever you want. 🫡
everyone who knows me knows all i ever want is more butch4butch, and upon receiving it, i have been rocking back and forth in the corner in pure joy. every story, drawing, poem, and photo was so utterly amazing. reading this the once wasn't enough, i need to reread this every day until the amazement fades away (it will take a while). the love and joy from each artist was so prevalent and i need a physical copy like . now.
thank you to the author for the eARC. i'm very excited for future volumes to come.
May 8, 2026
I received an eARC of this anthology in exchange for an honest review.
I was really excited to read this! I enjoyed the majority of the works but there were a few that didn't speak to me (just a me thing, not anything about the creators!) I did notice a few spelling errors throughout the arc but hopefully they can get cleaned up before publication. I hope there will be more volumes in the future. Thank you!
I was really excited to read this! I enjoyed the majority of the works but there were a few that didn't speak to me (just a me thing, not anything about the creators!) I did notice a few spelling errors throughout the arc but hopefully they can get cleaned up before publication. I hope there will be more volumes in the future. Thank you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely phenomenal. Unparalleled. Unapologetically authentic and erotic. And I simply cannot say enough good things about it. So grateful to have gotten an ARC for this because it allowed me time to peruse and enjoy and savor the delightful butch works featured. I'm going to be rereading this from cover to cover for a while, for sure.
May 7, 2026
Received an advanced reader copy from the publisher.
This is such a great project. The collection is well selected and put together!! Butch Anthologies are few and far between, and Butch Bait exceeds in every way. I can’t wait for more, and for a physical copy of this title.
This is such a great project. The collection is well selected and put together!! Butch Anthologies are few and far between, and Butch Bait exceeds in every way. I can’t wait for more, and for a physical copy of this title.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A beautiful and sexy love letter to butches! The artwork and photography are gorgeous and the written pieces are fantastic. I loved the layout as well.
May 6, 2026
Hot, tender, beautiful, handsome, soft, twirling my hair and kicking my feet over this!!!!! I want to wipe my mind and read it again for the first time! I can’t wait for Vol 2!!
May 6, 2026
I'm especially biased since I'm in this and so SO obsessed with each piece, but 10/1o, 5 stars, a round of applause, and a chorus of carabiner clanking. Read this NEOW
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews