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Sinful Pleasures
Sinful Press invites you to lose yourself in Sinful Pleasures.
Join us as we weave our way from mainstream erotic romance to surreal sex-filled dreamscapes and everything in between, created by some of the best new and established voices in the erotica genre.
List of authors:
Janine Ashbless
Ella Scandal
Sonni de Soto
Jo Henny Wolf
Lily Harlem
Lady Divine
Gail Williams
Samantha MacLeod
Tony Fyler
Ellie Barker
Lisa McCarthy
Join us as we weave our way from mainstream erotic romance to surreal sex-filled dreamscapes and everything in between, created by some of the best new and established voices in the erotica genre.
List of authors:
Janine Ashbless
Ella Scandal
Sonni de Soto
Jo Henny Wolf
Lily Harlem
Lady Divine
Gail Williams
Samantha MacLeod
Tony Fyler
Ellie Barker
Lisa McCarthy
- GenresAnthologiesErotica
260 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Janine Ashbless
67 books134 followersJanine Ashbless is a British author of erotica and hot romantic adventure. Janine likes best to write paranormal- and dark-fantasy-themed fiction and has a lifelong interest in mythology, folklore and history.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 7, 2017
To be honest, I was, at first, going to take a pass on this anthology of eleven short erotic stories. I felt that, while the collection does feature three or four truly brilliant stories—as fine as anything I’ve read in an age—overall, this is a pretty uneven book, the remaining seven stories ranging from nice-if-not-great, to cloyingly mediocre, to please-get-me-the-hell-out-of-this. In the end, I’ve decided to recommend the book, because what’s good here is too good to ignore.
These four stories are worth the price of the book:
The Pier by Night by Janine Ashbless. What makes this story stand out is its sustained ambiance, always in the service of inner truth. The setting, strikingly described, perfectly mirrors the main character’s sense of wonder, emotional uncertainty, and awakening desire. Nobody is better at evoking that rich, vivid atmosphere in which readers may dream, and Ashbless is here at the very top of her form.
The Black Orchid by Jo Henry Wolf. This marvelous erotic horror story is at once luminous in its language and darkly ominous in its mood. The setting is contemporary, the characters rough-edged and less-than forthcoming about their motives. This is steamy (in more ways than one), highly intelligent, and creepily Lovecraftian (or perhaps more aptly Barker-esque) in its final reveal. I found myself bursting forth in sheer delight after reading this tale, like one of the plants in Wolf’s mysterious greenhouse.
Lazy Sunday by Tony Flyer. This lyrical tale of nostalgia and enduring love is a little masterpiece. Virtually every note is pitch-perfect. Emotions are mirrored in unforgettable poetic imagery—and poetry itself plays an essential role in the main characters’ history. The structure is fairly simple, yet so admirably taut as to defy mundane analysis. Flyer is most certainly an author to be watched and anticipated.
The Dream Weaver by Ella Scandal, as the title suggests, evokes colorful dream imagery, yet not in the tired conventional way one might expect. Well-written, and imaginatively conceived to the most pleasing of ends.
These four stories are worth the price of the book:
The Pier by Night by Janine Ashbless. What makes this story stand out is its sustained ambiance, always in the service of inner truth. The setting, strikingly described, perfectly mirrors the main character’s sense of wonder, emotional uncertainty, and awakening desire. Nobody is better at evoking that rich, vivid atmosphere in which readers may dream, and Ashbless is here at the very top of her form.
The Black Orchid by Jo Henry Wolf. This marvelous erotic horror story is at once luminous in its language and darkly ominous in its mood. The setting is contemporary, the characters rough-edged and less-than forthcoming about their motives. This is steamy (in more ways than one), highly intelligent, and creepily Lovecraftian (or perhaps more aptly Barker-esque) in its final reveal. I found myself bursting forth in sheer delight after reading this tale, like one of the plants in Wolf’s mysterious greenhouse.
Lazy Sunday by Tony Flyer. This lyrical tale of nostalgia and enduring love is a little masterpiece. Virtually every note is pitch-perfect. Emotions are mirrored in unforgettable poetic imagery—and poetry itself plays an essential role in the main characters’ history. The structure is fairly simple, yet so admirably taut as to defy mundane analysis. Flyer is most certainly an author to be watched and anticipated.
The Dream Weaver by Ella Scandal, as the title suggests, evokes colorful dream imagery, yet not in the tired conventional way one might expect. Well-written, and imaginatively conceived to the most pleasing of ends.
August 17, 2017
4.5
I'll start by saying that I was given a copy of Sinful Pleasures free with the hope that wrote an honest review, which I did!
Usually I have issues with erotica anthologies. Compilers take quantity over quality and more often than not the stories are too short for any sort of development or meaning. I actually won't buy erotica collections anymore after being disturbed by some stories. This collection had none of those problems--and for that I am grateful!
As is the case with any anthology, some stories truly stood out for me, like "Lazy Sunday," "Fireworks," and "The Black Orchid." And others failed to hit the mark simply because I wasn't the right reader for them. Others fell somewhere in between. I was disappointed that there were only two stories in the entire collection featuring POC, and they were two of three stories not depicting a hetero-normative relationship. I guess I'm happy the lesbians and trans ladies were represented at all?
Overall I walked away happy with Sinful Pleasures. I would read something from Sinful Press again.
I'll start by saying that I was given a copy of Sinful Pleasures free with the hope that wrote an honest review, which I did!
Usually I have issues with erotica anthologies. Compilers take quantity over quality and more often than not the stories are too short for any sort of development or meaning. I actually won't buy erotica collections anymore after being disturbed by some stories. This collection had none of those problems--and for that I am grateful!
As is the case with any anthology, some stories truly stood out for me, like "Lazy Sunday," "Fireworks," and "The Black Orchid." And others failed to hit the mark simply because I wasn't the right reader for them. Others fell somewhere in between. I was disappointed that there were only two stories in the entire collection featuring POC, and they were two of three stories not depicting a hetero-normative relationship. I guess I'm happy the lesbians and trans ladies were represented at all?
Overall I walked away happy with Sinful Pleasures. I would read something from Sinful Press again.
August 9, 2017
Sinful Pleasures consists of eleven steamy short stories. The good thing about short stories about sex is that things don't get stale and repetitious. Of course there's probably going to be at least one you don't like but all in all it's fun to read something different and get a glimpse inside someone else's imagination. I really enjoyed The Dream Feeder - I thought it was well-written. The story was weird but in a good way; it was creative. I also enjoyed On The Line - I thought the writing was really good and I liked the two young characters who were inexperienced with each other but were a little bit bolder through the phone. And I also enjoyed Lazy Sunday - there was a lot of depth to their relationship. They don't take what they have for granted, and they're spontaneous and fun even after fifteen years together. And I love that cover!
Thank you to Sinful Press and LibraryThing.
Thank you to Sinful Press and LibraryThing.
August 8, 2017
With this anthology, Sinful Press have drawn together eleven quite varied stories of different lengths, all engaging, erotic and imaginative. The stories include some which are plausibly real-life, one which hints at being a horror story, and another which is almost paranormal.
I always find it difficult reviewing anthologies, because it seems unfair for me to pick out my favourite story. I know fully well that it’s my personal choice, and others would say another is their favourite. And I think they’re all good. But “The Pier By Night” by Janine Ashbless was the one which struck me most, at several levels.
I always find it difficult reviewing anthologies, because it seems unfair for me to pick out my favourite story. I know fully well that it’s my personal choice, and others would say another is their favourite. And I think they’re all good. But “The Pier By Night” by Janine Ashbless was the one which struck me most, at several levels.
August 17, 2017
I received this book in exchange for a fair review.
If you are looking for short sexy scenes that don't focus on character development then this book is for you.
The authors start with giving the characters a little background and then they move right into a story that will curl your toes. All the scenes included are short and sweet (or naughty). It won't take you long to read simply because once you read one, you will want to read them all.
Overall, I will give this book 3 out of 5 stars because the content is definitely intriguing. I wish some of these scenes were longer so I had something to finish the story instead of just hanging after each one.
If you are looking for short sexy scenes that don't focus on character development then this book is for you.
The authors start with giving the characters a little background and then they move right into a story that will curl your toes. All the scenes included are short and sweet (or naughty). It won't take you long to read simply because once you read one, you will want to read them all.
Overall, I will give this book 3 out of 5 stars because the content is definitely intriguing. I wish some of these scenes were longer so I had something to finish the story instead of just hanging after each one.
September 6, 2017
This anthology offers a wide range of variety, a very eclectic but enjoyable assortment of stories.
The highlights for me:
Lady Divine's The Man in the Mask paints a picture that is as thrilling as it is intriguing. I love how this author, in a few well-chosen words, creates an atmosphere that sucks you right into the story and lets you really LIVE it. The imagery is so vivid, and the sense of urgency you get throughout only adds to the mystery, which then culminates in a twist you did not see coming. Looking forward to reading more by Lady Divine!
On Selkie Beach by Samantha McLeod appeals to the fairy tale lover in me. I really enjoyed this erotic take on Scottish folklore and would welcome a sequel or a second story in the same vein by this author.
Miss Blue Hair by Ellie Barker is a fun read, as you get to peel away the many layers of Nikolas' mystery woman and it's a journey full of wonderment.
Fireworks by Lily Harlem and The Butterfly Waltz by Lisa McCarthy both have the same theme, and both are beautifully written and come to a satisfying conclusion.
The Black Orchid by Jo Henny Wolf is as brilliantly written as it is disturbing.
On The Line by Sonni de Soto is beautifully sensual, and I enjoyed it to the highest.
The rest of the stories were less to my taste, I'm sorry to say. The worst of the bunch, though, was definitely Taking It. I couldn't even get a few pages far without bile rising in my throat. I love a good BDSM story as much as the next person, but I like it safe, sane and consensual. And this story is none of those three. It is sexual harassment pure and simple, made all the worse by the boss threatening to fire the subordinate if they don't obey their every word. That's just revolting. And restricting someone to the point they can barely breathe is not sexy at all. It's dangerous. Please take this kind of poisonous trash out of what is otherwise a wonderful anthology. It doesn't belong there at all, and that is why I gave this collection of stories four stars instead of five.
The highlights for me:
Lady Divine's The Man in the Mask paints a picture that is as thrilling as it is intriguing. I love how this author, in a few well-chosen words, creates an atmosphere that sucks you right into the story and lets you really LIVE it. The imagery is so vivid, and the sense of urgency you get throughout only adds to the mystery, which then culminates in a twist you did not see coming. Looking forward to reading more by Lady Divine!
On Selkie Beach by Samantha McLeod appeals to the fairy tale lover in me. I really enjoyed this erotic take on Scottish folklore and would welcome a sequel or a second story in the same vein by this author.
Miss Blue Hair by Ellie Barker is a fun read, as you get to peel away the many layers of Nikolas' mystery woman and it's a journey full of wonderment.
Fireworks by Lily Harlem and The Butterfly Waltz by Lisa McCarthy both have the same theme, and both are beautifully written and come to a satisfying conclusion.
The Black Orchid by Jo Henny Wolf is as brilliantly written as it is disturbing.
On The Line by Sonni de Soto is beautifully sensual, and I enjoyed it to the highest.
The rest of the stories were less to my taste, I'm sorry to say. The worst of the bunch, though, was definitely Taking It. I couldn't even get a few pages far without bile rising in my throat. I love a good BDSM story as much as the next person, but I like it safe, sane and consensual. And this story is none of those three. It is sexual harassment pure and simple, made all the worse by the boss threatening to fire the subordinate if they don't obey their every word. That's just revolting. And restricting someone to the point they can barely breathe is not sexy at all. It's dangerous. Please take this kind of poisonous trash out of what is otherwise a wonderful anthology. It doesn't belong there at all, and that is why I gave this collection of stories four stars instead of five.
October 1, 2017
I was gifted this book by one of the story’s authors in exchange for an honest review. Sinful Pleasures is an anthology with a variety of short stories, some which I enjoyed and some I did not. To rightfully review this book, I’ll give a brief overview of each one. Regardless of your tastes, this anthology likely has something for you!
The Pier By Night: DNF, the “illicit romance” of infidelity is not my cup of tea. 0/5
The Dream Feeder: This paranormal sex dream one woman shares with her lover is definitely unique, certainly not your average erotica involving fascinating (and fully animate) flowers. 3/5
On The Line: Two students have awkward phone sex to break themselves out of the rut in their relationship, going from tentative questions to describing a spanking scene. 2/5
The Black Orchid: A killer visits a greenhouse, and the creepy sex scene that ensues is as twisted as it is intense. 4/5
Fireworks: Alice takes control in the bedroom to remind her ever-busy boyfriend how little time they spend together, and how much he’s missing… 3/5
The Man in the Mask: Two men, a masked identity, “I give, you take”. A scorching hot rendezvous during a party with a fantastic twist at the end. Definitely the highlight of the anthology. 5/5
Taking It: DNF. This story is about harassment and abuse. Nothing about it is close to sexy. Less than 0/5
On Selkie Beach: What can I say? I’m always a sucker for anything Scottish. Fairy tales meet hot beach sex in this tale. 3/5
Lazy Sunday: The title says it all - fluffy smut between two lovers. 3/5
Miss Blue Hair: A guy goes to a bar and hooks up with a trans woman. Oh, and they’re both spies. 3/5
The Butterfly Waltz: DNF. Bad husband/boyfriend trope gets old. 0/5
The Pier By Night: DNF, the “illicit romance” of infidelity is not my cup of tea. 0/5
The Dream Feeder: This paranormal sex dream one woman shares with her lover is definitely unique, certainly not your average erotica involving fascinating (and fully animate) flowers. 3/5
On The Line: Two students have awkward phone sex to break themselves out of the rut in their relationship, going from tentative questions to describing a spanking scene. 2/5
The Black Orchid: A killer visits a greenhouse, and the creepy sex scene that ensues is as twisted as it is intense. 4/5
Fireworks: Alice takes control in the bedroom to remind her ever-busy boyfriend how little time they spend together, and how much he’s missing… 3/5
The Man in the Mask: Two men, a masked identity, “I give, you take”. A scorching hot rendezvous during a party with a fantastic twist at the end. Definitely the highlight of the anthology. 5/5
Taking It: DNF. This story is about harassment and abuse. Nothing about it is close to sexy. Less than 0/5
On Selkie Beach: What can I say? I’m always a sucker for anything Scottish. Fairy tales meet hot beach sex in this tale. 3/5
Lazy Sunday: The title says it all - fluffy smut between two lovers. 3/5
Miss Blue Hair: A guy goes to a bar and hooks up with a trans woman. Oh, and they’re both spies. 3/5
The Butterfly Waltz: DNF. Bad husband/boyfriend trope gets old. 0/5
August 30, 2017
There is something for everyone in this is a wonderful collection of varied erotic stories covering male/female, male/male, female/female and male/trans couples.
There is a deliciously forbidden encounter between a married man and a married woman who are neglected by their busy spouses at a conference in The Pier at Night.
In The Dream Feeder two female lovers take a sexy dreamy odyssey.
Two students find a kinky way to break out of a relationship rut in On The Line.
In The Black Orchid, a hitman has a steamy encounter in a greenhouse while on the hunt for a killer. He'll be lucky to get out alive, though.
A day at the beach gives a woman ideas on how to add some excitement to her relationship in Fireworks.
In the Man in The Mask, a straight-laced husband gets a kinky birthday present from his husband.
In Taking It, a submissive employee finds that falling in love with her new boss/Master might not be a good idea.
On Selkie Beach, an American tourist visits a Scottish Island and has a sexy encounter with a legend come to life.
Discover poetry in erotic motion and memories in Lazy Sunday.
A young man takes a blue-haired seductress home and gets more than he bargained for in Miss Blue Hair.
A neglected wife takes sexy matters into her hands and finally gets her man in The Butterfly Waltz.
My absolutely favourite has to be The Pier At Night. It has the shortest sexual encounter but it sizzled with the illicit and with so much yearning that my heart raced throughout. It's a story I will happily read again and again.
Every story in this anthology deserves to be here and I enjoyed them all. Happy to recommend to lovers of erotica.
4.5 Lovebites
There is a deliciously forbidden encounter between a married man and a married woman who are neglected by their busy spouses at a conference in The Pier at Night.
In The Dream Feeder two female lovers take a sexy dreamy odyssey.
Two students find a kinky way to break out of a relationship rut in On The Line.
In The Black Orchid, a hitman has a steamy encounter in a greenhouse while on the hunt for a killer. He'll be lucky to get out alive, though.
A day at the beach gives a woman ideas on how to add some excitement to her relationship in Fireworks.
In the Man in The Mask, a straight-laced husband gets a kinky birthday present from his husband.
In Taking It, a submissive employee finds that falling in love with her new boss/Master might not be a good idea.
On Selkie Beach, an American tourist visits a Scottish Island and has a sexy encounter with a legend come to life.
Discover poetry in erotic motion and memories in Lazy Sunday.
A young man takes a blue-haired seductress home and gets more than he bargained for in Miss Blue Hair.
A neglected wife takes sexy matters into her hands and finally gets her man in The Butterfly Waltz.
My absolutely favourite has to be The Pier At Night. It has the shortest sexual encounter but it sizzled with the illicit and with so much yearning that my heart raced throughout. It's a story I will happily read again and again.
Every story in this anthology deserves to be here and I enjoyed them all. Happy to recommend to lovers of erotica.
4.5 Lovebites
October 23, 2017
This is a book of short stories of erotica and sex, but is not pornographic. More than 10 short stories by different authors tell about people's passions. Scenarios include an orchid greenhouse, two bedrooms, an office, outside by the water. If you just want a few minutes of reading excitement during your day, (or night), pick up Sinful Pleasures.
September 14, 2017
So-so stories, not very imaginative or creative. Better written than your average erotica compilation.
November 1, 2017
Awesome collection of short stories! Each one had me glued to the text! Only downfall to this book was that I ran out of stories lol
February 20, 2018
I was presented with this book for an honest review through Library Thing.
I like that this erotic anthology includes different kinds of relationships. The stories were soft and sensual. As with any anthology I liked some stories better than others. The Black Orchid, The Pier By Night, Taking It and Butterfly Waltz turned out to be my favorites. I was surprised I enjoyed the two m/m stories included in this collection. I think it had a lot to do with the intriguing storylines.
What I liked the most about this book was the hazy question most of the stories leave behind. What happened after the curtain closes? Did he call or come back in six months or seven years? Did they start an affair? Did they try harder to fix their relationships? It's as if the reader was the proverbial "fly on the wall" and got a peek into some ones life and then got swatted before they could see more. Drat!
Maybe this is not the most tasteful analogy to use in reference to erotica but the book didn't fire up all the pistons. Something was lacking. It was warm, not hot or sizzling.
I like that this erotic anthology includes different kinds of relationships. The stories were soft and sensual. As with any anthology I liked some stories better than others. The Black Orchid, The Pier By Night, Taking It and Butterfly Waltz turned out to be my favorites. I was surprised I enjoyed the two m/m stories included in this collection. I think it had a lot to do with the intriguing storylines.
What I liked the most about this book was the hazy question most of the stories leave behind. What happened after the curtain closes? Did he call or come back in six months or seven years? Did they start an affair? Did they try harder to fix their relationships? It's as if the reader was the proverbial "fly on the wall" and got a peek into some ones life and then got swatted before they could see more. Drat!
Maybe this is not the most tasteful analogy to use in reference to erotica but the book didn't fire up all the pistons. Something was lacking. It was warm, not hot or sizzling.
November 11, 2017
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
Fireworks is a short story by Lily Harlem from the Sinful Pleasures anthology where one woman decides to take control of her lacklustre love and sex life.
Alice and Julian are away at a beach resort where Julian is attending a work-related conference and Alice is having a little downtime enjoying the beach. While Alice and Julian care deeply for each other, Alice is feeling neglected with Julian being constantly occupied with work. Instead of moping around about it, Alice decides to take charge to add some zing back into their love and sex life. What follows is Alice trying her hand at being a dominatrix which is gently handled by Ms Harlem. Since the whole dominatrix thing does not appeal to me, I am glad that this was not a hard core deep dive into the lifestyle but more Alice taking the lead and making some changes to the rut their life has fallen into. That said, I have to admit I was a heck of a lot more comfortable when Julian had enough of Alice's teasing and took control.
Fireworks is a short, fun and sexy read, and like most of Ms Harlem's work, I enjoyed it a great deal.
See more from Deanna's World
Fireworks is a short story by Lily Harlem from the Sinful Pleasures anthology where one woman decides to take control of her lacklustre love and sex life.
Alice and Julian are away at a beach resort where Julian is attending a work-related conference and Alice is having a little downtime enjoying the beach. While Alice and Julian care deeply for each other, Alice is feeling neglected with Julian being constantly occupied with work. Instead of moping around about it, Alice decides to take charge to add some zing back into their love and sex life. What follows is Alice trying her hand at being a dominatrix which is gently handled by Ms Harlem. Since the whole dominatrix thing does not appeal to me, I am glad that this was not a hard core deep dive into the lifestyle but more Alice taking the lead and making some changes to the rut their life has fallen into. That said, I have to admit I was a heck of a lot more comfortable when Julian had enough of Alice's teasing and took control.
Fireworks is a short, fun and sexy read, and like most of Ms Harlem's work, I enjoyed it a great deal.
See more from Deanna's World
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