Best Women's Erotica of the Year (Best Women's Erotica Series Book 1)

by Rachel Kramer Bussel

Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 1, edited by award-winning author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, delivers risky, romantic, heart-pounding thrills. Featuring a diverse range of characters, sexualities and scenarios, these 22 steamy stories revel in erotic adventure, from the sparks between strangers to the knowing caresses of longtime lovers. Women learn "The Ropes," get "Starstruck" and dine with "Two Doms for Dinner." Penned by beloved authors such as L. Marie Adeline and Tiffany Reisz along with newcomers to the genre, these sexy encounters will give you plenty of fantasy fodder to last all year long.

Genres: Erotica, Anthologies, Romance, Fiction, Short Stories, BDSM, Erotic Romance

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2016

About the author

I'm the editor of the Best Women's Erotica of the Year series and over 70 anthologies including The Big Book of Orgasms and Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica. I've also written a wide range of erotica about everything from French fries to fishnets. I write about books, culture, sexuality and relationships, teach erotica writing workshops and consult with erotica authors and sex writers to help them advance their careers. I read a wide range of genres, from erotica to romance to mystery to memoir to graphic novels and anything that strikes my fancy. See my website for my newsletter with book giveaways and writing samples.

Reviews

[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Erotica
Type: Short Stories Anthology
POV: Various
Rating:




Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 1 is a collection of erotic short stories by twenty two authors. It has a good mix of sexual orientations, racial diversities and variety of sex acts. Each story averages at 5%/15-20 minutes reading time. I don't re-read books but I can certainly come back to read my favorite stories in this one.

I read 10 of the stories, and below is the brief summary of it. You can avoid reading if you want to go in totally blind.



★ THE ASSISTANT by Tiffany Reisz ★

Her hips moved in tight circles as Lennon touched her and Jack fucked her.

A boss gave his assistant a long weekend to relax only to have her erotic dream come to life.
✦ 4.5 stars
✦ M/F/M, voyeurism



★ FLYING SOLO by Rachel Kramer Bussel ★

“Call him,” he says, whipping out his phone. “I want him to hear you come.”

A married couple had a pact of having threesome with strangers strictly when traveling only. On a solo trip, she must find someone who could satisfy her while bringing her husband near without being together.
✦ 4.5 stars
✦ F/F/M, M/F, voyeurism



★ THE ROPES by Elise King ★

My hands were raw from gripping the ropes. Somehow all the pain made every sensation more extreme, even the feel of him moving in and out of me.

A woman joined a leadership development training to advance her career ended up conquering her fears in the most pleasurable way.
✦ 4 stars
✦ M/F



★ THE ALTAR OF LAMENTED TOYS by Jessica Taylor for KC Taylor ★

The noise of his hand on my cheek is an omen of terrific sensation to come.

A husband in post apocalyptic world went all the way to grant his wife the pleasure of her favorite toy before the world fell into chaos.
✦ 4 stars
✦ M/F, toys



★ DEMIMONDE by Valerie Alexander ★

Inside the velvet bodice of my dress his fingers go. Into my corset and chemise until he cups my breasts.

It's 1899 in New York and a widow attended a séance that led to an adventure she will never forget.
✦ 4.5 stars
✦ M/F



★ SCENTS & SEXUALITY by Doriana Chase ★

Suddenly, real life gave me a bit of a jolt when Jax, looking inquisitive, tapped on my car window. I wasn’t sure if it was because he had a garden question, or if he’d witnessed me molesting his T-shirt.

A student attracted to the scent of a sexy gardener that led to an unconventional study and "research" method.
✦ 3.5 stars
✦ M/F, M/F/M



★ STARSTRUCK by Lazuli Jones ★

“He came in and sat down a half hour ago. He’s still there. By himself.” Oh fuck. I think my younger self wrote a fanfic that started like that.

A woman reliving her teen crush nostalgia with a 90s has-been actor at Comic Con.
✦ 3.5 stars
✦ M/F



★ ENTER ME by Tabitha Rayne ★

He always chose the perfect words to get me off. I can hear them now, in my mind. The way he wrapped his tongue around words like cunt and cock. I hear every nuance, every inflection, and sear them into my mind.

A woman rediscovering her sensuality after an accident that robbed her of her sense of hearing. The ending was beautiful in non sexual way.
✦ 4.5 stars
✦ Masturbation, M/F



★ WAITING TO PEE by Amy Butcher ★

And it does…when his pee hits directly, accurately, purposefully onto the head of my clit. “Fuck,” I grunt, trying not to move and unable to hold still.

A butch girl formed a "connection" with a trucker while waiting in line for the public restroom.
✦ 4.5 stars
✦ Wet play



★ TWO DOMS FOR DINNER by Dorothy Freed ★

Sir moves behind me, spanking me with the long-handled leather paddle, which makes a loud slapping sound as it strikes. Charles, facing my front, gazes into my eyes as he tweaks my nipples and then amuses himself by lightly slapping my breasts, making them swing back and forth.

A sub had a busy evening entertaining her Dom and his friend.
✦ 3.5
✦ M/F/M




For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Jillyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up

I think that Rachel might have just outdone herself in selecting the stories for this anthology. This is one of the best Cleis Press anthologies that I've had the pleasure to read so far.

As the title and synopsis suggest, these stories are focused on female erotica. There are twenty-two short stories included in this collection, each of them talking about females and sex in some capacity. Honestly, I was blown away by the amount of diversity that spans across these stories. There are young women, middle aged ones, older ones still. There are Asian women and black women and lesbians and those who are in transition, those who are butch and those who are femme. There are dominant women and submissive women. It's a great sampling of different women, and it was a really, really refreshing change of pace. Well done!

These women are found in a variety of different genres, including historical fiction and even post-apocalyptic. I wasn't expecting that, but it was definitely welcome.

There's also a huge amount of variety when it comes to the sex and erotica bit. No matter where your interests lie on a scale from vanilla to kinky, there's a story here that you're sure to enjoy. There's bathroom play, there's BDSM, there's spanking, there's toys, there's voyeurs and exhibition. And then there are stories that are simply two people finding pleasure and passion in one another, no bells and whistles needed. It's a lovely sprinkling of different things.

As this is an anthology, of course there were stories that I enjoyed more than others. I preferred some authors' writing styles, some kinks are not my own, etc. Instead of going over all 22 stories and giving my opinions, I'm going to highlight my four favorites. I know my regular readers are thinking "but you always do three!" I know, I know. But this time I just could not narrow it down. That's how happy I am with BWE. These stories are in no particular order.

The first story I wish to spotlight is called "Demimonde" by Valerie Alexander. This is a historically set short story that features a tall, dark, and handsome man, a seance, and a widower. It had just the right amount of "action" and scene build up, and honestly Ms Alexander knows how to write a man. I'd like one of him please, to go. The next story is called "Ophelia the Second", which is about an understudy, a gorgeous Shakespearean actor, and a passionate night off the stage. I love Shakespeare, and Hamlet is one of my favorite plays, so I loved that incorporation into the story. The third story is called "Starstruck" by Lazuli Jones. I adored this one. This story includes an ebony-skinned actor who once played a hero, a grown up nerdy fan girl, and a convention. I relate to this girl on so many levels, and I have had so many fantasies of meeting my favorite actors/actresses at conventions. I wish this one would happen to me, for sure. The final one is called "Enter Me" by Tabitha Rayne. This one stood out to me, because the female is deaf. It added a really unique dynamic to the story, and I don't think it's anything I've ever read before. It was very well written.

If you're into girls loving men, or each other, and you're looking for a book to warm up those cold February nights, look no further than this collection. You can read it in one go, or take it slow and read each story separately. There's a huge amount of variety, and I wasn't disappointed.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. Thanks, Rachel! This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.

[Angy Potter - Collector of Book Boyfriends · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an anthology of erotic short stories from different authors. I read only two of them—I wish I had time to read the rest, but C'est la vie . Nevertheless, I’m sooooooo in love with the two short, super hot, super erotic, super where-is-my-danm-vibrator stories I read: The Assistant by my beloved Tiffany Reisz, and Flying Solo by Rachel Kramer Bussel. So… here go my reviews:

The Assistant by Tiffany Reisz - 5 stars
I FLOVED Lennon and Ivy’s sexy and kinky adventure. Ivy has worked for Lennon for a couple of years and they have had an ongoing sexual tension since then. One weekend, Lennon told Ivy he was going to a “party” and she was free of work for 3 days, and then is when Ivy decided to go the party and see what happened.

I loved reading this sinners short story. Tiffany’s writing style was as always perfect. I could read anything she writes and I’m 120% sure I WILL LOVE IT!!!

Something really cool happened to me when I was reading it. I was lying in bed, reading my paperback—Yeah! I’m still fangirling for getting a signed paperback from Miss Rachel Kramer Bussel herself, it’s practically my first paperback from Tiffany I hold in my hands, I got the whole #OriginalSinners books last year in the signing at Jen’s Paperback ’s event for the release of The Queen, but the logistics of sending books to Colombia is a little tricky... Anyway, I was reading and I saw this…

Lennon wrote back  thirty seconds later. “Yes, please. Saturday, nine. 152 Riverside Drive. Warn the driver we’ll be dress weird.”

I have a crappy memory for names and such but I was jumping up and down because I remembered Kingsley’s home address! If that makes me a crazy fan, so I’M A CRAZY FAN! Hahaha that is old news, anyway.

So, great Original Sinners short story, kinky, funny, sexy. Overall, 100% recommended.      

Read and excerpt in bestwomenseroticaoftheyear.tumblr.com/

Flying Solo by Rachel Kramer Bussel - 5 stars
This is my first time I read a Rachel’s work, and I really hope it’s not the last. Her writing style was unique, it was my first time I read in that style, it was weird at the beginning but I got used to it pretty quickly. It was like if the female main character was talking directly to the male main character. I ended up loving it.

This was the story of Sunny and her husband. They always had an open relationship and right after they got married, they starting having threesomes with other men and women when they traveled. This short story was all about those sexy times, and the final one was when Sunny had to travel alone. It WAS SO HAWT! Go read it and enjoy it yourself.

Great story, sexy, romantic and awesome. 100% recommended.

Final note:   Both stories I read had sex relationships in all ways, M/F, F/F, M/M (Not explicit, sadly), M/F/M, and M/F/F.SO HOT!

[Emmanuelle Maupassant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this edition, from the editor, Rachel Kramer Bussel.

Readers familiar with Rachel's erotic fiction anthologies know that they are guaranteed a rollercoaster ride. This edition certainly meets the mark, being not only skin-tinglingly exciting but diverse (across ages, ethnicities and writing styles). I read the collection within a weekend, eyes bulging and, inevitably, wobbly-legged: be warned!

'The Altar of Lamented Toys' left quite an impression: a cleverly-woven tale by Jessica Taylor, set in a post-apocalyptic world, in which sex toys once so beloved can no longer be charged. Paying homage to their transportational power, the story is both original and moving.

'Alvin's Night' by Elizabeth Coldwell is masterfully written: the work of an author who has long proven herself in command of her words. Here, we observe the power of the long tease, of role-play and power-play. Her dialogue is faultless; her details crystal shards of anticipation.

On the theme of allowing our desires free reign, there is Tiffany Reisz's 'The Assistant' in which our heroine attends a masked party and, safely behind her veil of anonymity, enters into an encounter more thrilling than she could have imagined:
'She found the prospect arousing, the thought of being passed back and forth between them' and 'Jack had warned her Lennon would be rougher with her than he was. But Jack hadn’t warned her it would feel this good. He was fucking her so hard now she could feel it in her stomach.'
However, she soon realises that she seeks not anonymity but more intimate connection, and her mask is, at last, lifted.

For those daring to enter the dark recesses of a sex dungeon, there is Rose Caraway's 'Carnalarium', in which all pleasure and pain awaits. Here, the true theme is not simply the lure of the forbidden but the agony of parting from a lover, allowing them to be free. Rose's tale explores the nature of 'possession' and of love.

J Crichton and H Keyes' 'Revisiting Youth', set in Tokyo, begins with an opening line commanding of attention: 'Aya went out that night looking to feel.' At first sight, the story is standard fare: an older woman on the prowl picks up two young men and takes them home to play. However, there are deeper themes swimming beneath: notably, how far our sense of emotional and intellectual self (and self-worth) is entwined with our sexual self, and our belief in our desirability. The story navigates smoothly towards its highly charged threesome, ending, at last, with the words: 'Adventures only stop happening when you stop looking for them.'

Ms. Kramer Bussel's own addition to the collection, 'Flying Solo' is both tender and sexually thrilling. We peek through the lens at a marriage, like most others, of mutual love and respect, except that, here, there is some extra spice in the mix. Our happy couple regularly invite a third person into their bed and, in doing so, enhance their understanding of (and admiration for) one another.

Also well-delivered is L. Marie Adeline's 'Matilda's Secret'. Again, we are invited to explore the theme of an older woman's sexual self-esteem, and the complexities of desire v. love. Recruiting men for S.E.C.R.E.T (an agency orchestrating women's sex fantasies) we glimpse 'behind the scenes'.

Another little gem in the anthology is Lazuli Jones' 'Starstruck': what happens when, as a mature woman, you meet your teenage celebrity crush, and he measures up to all those years of hero-worship…

Rachel KB has done an admirable job of collating stories which seek to explore unusual 'edges' within the genre: 'Enter Me' by Tabitha Rayne, is both tender and raw, her heroine redefining her sense of self on having lost her hearing; Dorothy Freed's 'Two Doms for Dinner' features men and a woman in their very much older years; Theda Hudson's 'Lighting the Pyre' tackles loss of sexual libido following cancer treatment; and Rose P Lethe's 'Out of the Ordinary' features a transgender protagonist.

Tara Betts' 'A New Canvas' is a poetic rendering, in which we can feel the artist's pen drawing upon our heroine's skin. Valerie Alexander 'Demimonde' is sexy vignette of a woman's secret fantasies, daring parlour games, and an illicit liaison in her carriage, in 19th century New York.
Jade A. Waters' 'Ophelia the Second' is a subtle journey through the attraction between actors on and off-stage, and Ria Restrepo's 'Restitution' offers a wonderful twist (no spoilers!).

So many stories, and perspectives, each awaiting the reader's own interpretation.

Take to your bed for the weekend, and snuggle down with this anthology.
Just remember that I warned you...

[Ameliah Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suitably Named
This is a jammed packed book full of erotic goodness. It contains twenty two stories by different authors. There are straight couples, lesbians, trans-gendered pairings, some romantic, some BDSM, some quick hook ups and some that may last for years. Some of the stories are tender and beautiful and some just down and dirty. Really there is something for everyone, except male on male. I've included a few of the stories that were most memorable to me.

Ophelia the Second by Jade A Waters is a sweet story. Nat fancies herself Ophelia the second, she is an understudy and desperately in love with Phillip who plays Hamlet. He wishes Dear Nat was in the lead roll. After a show one night Phillip invites Nat home to run lines... Suddenly being the second isn't so bad.

In Rachel Kramer Bussel's Flying Solo we see a woman alone who reminisces about her honeymoon where they picked up a woman to join them. She picks up a man at the airport and go to his hotel. After he is told her husband is fine with them hooking up, he insists she call her husband who listens in on them doing the deed. Very hot.

Star Struck by Lazuli Jones is a gentle story with endless possibilities for a romantic HEA (Happily Ever After) Angela is a huge fan of a 90's superhero show and in particular the character Tecton, her geeky adolescent crush. Now she is in her 40's waiting in line at a sci fi convention to get his autograph. She spots Desmond (aka Tecton) alone in a bar and they begin to have a conversation. She makes him feel special and she begins to see him not as a character but for the man he is. Later in his hotel room its Desmond she is with and not the superhero she use to get off thinking about. He is just as taken with her.

L Marie Adeline brings us Matilda's Secret. A 50 yr old woman trains a 32 yr old man to satisfy the female clients at S.E.C.R.E.T., a place for women to have their fantasies come true. The problem is that Jessie falls in love with Matilda. He leaves when she won't let him into her heart. Several years later hes back and has a young son. After trying to find him a younger woman she gives up and allows herself to love and be loved.

One of my two top favourites is Enter Me by the talented Tabitha Rayne. It is so full of emotions, sad, scared, joy, peace.... A woman who was in a crash is suddenly left deaf feels alone and trapped by the loss. When she is finally intimate with her man she breaks past the fear and can remember hearing him. She is not so trapped anymore. Just serious Awwww factor here!

Finally we have my other favourite Lighting the Pyre by Theda Hudson. This story is very memorable and beautiful. It is also a lesbian tale so that's another big win for me. Brin has beaten breast cancer and gets a tattoo to cover the scars on her chest. She is angry and feels dead inside. With the love and strength of her partner she begins to feel alive and whole again. I just really love this one!

This was a fantastic book with a whole lot to offer. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Nikki "The Crazie Betty" V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I've been sitting on this review for almost two weeks struggling to figure out the best way to do it. I really wanted to try and do a rough mini-review for each of the 22 stories but that is just not gonna happen. I'd be banned from posting reviews, the thing would be so damn long.

I'll start out with this. I LOVE Rachel Kramer Bussel. Every time she comes out with an anthology I'm equal parts excited and nervous. I'm always excited because she has an exceptionally keen eye for well done erotica. I'm always nervous because I know I'm never going to read a RKB anthology and not be faced with some type of scene I'm not sure how to handle. Which I love because she's always opening my eyes to new types of stories and characters that I've never imagined before. I'm now going to bunch together some of the titles into specific groups to tell y'all how I felt about them. I also apologize for not knowing off-hand who the authors of each story was. I don't have my copy with me right now to go and check.

Favorites:
-Date Night
-Flying Solo by Rachel Kramer Bussel
-The Altar of Lamented Toys by Jessica Taylor
-Enter Me by Tabitha Rayne
-The Assistant by Tiffany Reisz
-Demimonde by Valerie Alexander

Took Me By Surprise:
-Alvin's Night by Elizabeth Coldwell
-Waiting to Pee
-Out of the Ordinary by Rose P Lethe

Grabbed My Feels and Wouldn't Let Go:
-The Carnalarium by Rose Caraway
-Lighting the Pyre by Theda Hudson
-Enter Me by Tabitha Rayne (yes I put that in two places on purpose)

I implore you to read this anthology, I would daresay it's one of Rachel's best edited works. I know I'll be going back and reading many of these stories again and again.

Thank you Rachel Kramer Bussel for the signed paperback copy in exchange for my honest review

[Lucy Felthouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Best Women's Erotica series has had an overhaul. There's a new editor - the inimitable Rachel Kramer Bussel, and a slight tweak in the title format, as well as a change of hands for the publisher itself. Best Women's Erotica of the Year Volume 1 was sent to me for review, and I was eager to see if the changes were noticeable.

Bussel's been editing for a long time and obviously knows her stuff, so as I expected, the quality of the stories was high. Granted, there were two or three in there that really didn't do anything for me and I skipped over them altogether, but to me, that's the nature of anthologies. You're unlikely to like every author's writing style or story topic, and it's a personal thing. But the vast majority of the stories were excellent, and of course, very hot. My particular favourites were Jade A. Waters' Ophelia the Second, Heidi Champa's Drawn by Nic and Tabitha Rayne's Enter Me. Other recognisable names between these pages are Valerie Alexander, Elizabeth Coldwell, Rose P. Lethe, Rose Caraway, Dorothy Freed and Tiffany Reisz.

I did notice a few errors throughout, which I'd not noticed in Cleis Press anthologies before. A good proofread would have fixed them easily, so that was a shame.

Overall, though, this is a good collection, and a great way to dip in and find some erotica authors you enjoy, so you can go out and see what else they've written.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

a free copy of the book was given to me by Rachel Kramer Bussel for an honest review

Can I just say wow! This collection of erotic fiction featured the much needed diversity that Dirty Dates was missing. I can't tell you how happy it made me to see a sexy viable man described with dark skin. It literally made me squeal with joy. But the assortment of love interests were not the only reason I loved this volume. The writing was really really good. I found myself wishing that more than half of these stories were full length novels. Everything was unique and intriguing and sexy and awesome. The stories that really struck a cord with me were:

Demimonde by Valerie Alexander
Ophelia the Second by Jade A. Waters
Flying Solo by Rachel Kramer Bussel
Starstruck by Lazuli Jones
Matilda's Secret by L. Marie Adeline
Alvin's Night by Elizabeth Coldwell
Enter Me by Tabitha Rayne
The Wolf at His Door by Deborah Castellano
The Carnalarium by Rose Caraway
Two Doms for Dinner by Dorothy Freed
The Assistant by Tiffany Reisz

I have such high hopes that the second volume will be even better than this one. I have complete faith that Bussel will deliver no less.

[Absynthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding anthology of female-centric erotica. Every story was exceedingly well-written and edited and HAF (hot as f**k). I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves diverse storytelling in their erotica.
My favorite, of course, was Tiffany Reisz's The Assistant. LOVED it!

ARC provided to me by editor & author Rachel Kramer Bussel in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Rachel!

[Ren Puspita · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

A very diverse erotica anthology, written by women and for women. Some short stories is too vanilla for me (despite this entitled as "erotica"), some are "wtf I just read", some make me yawn aka pretty boring and some make me beg for more.

A New Canvas

For a first story, it's pretty yawn for me. Didn't left impression too to make me want to read another. But, hey, this is still the beginning.

Demimonde

Pretty generic historical romance. Didn't find it erotic at all (if you can say that quick tumble in the carriage is erotic), except that the heroine find her awakening. Disappointed that the author didn't explore much to the masquerade debauchery.

Ophelia the Second

Inspired by Hamlet..but this is not Hamlet re-telling. Too simple for me and not erotic at all. Gosh, did I need to continue the rest? Well, I can endure this.

Revisiting Youth
The first diverse story (finally). Set in Japan about widower past her 30 (40 maybe?) and she is Asian as well. Have menage with young men. I like that the author write about love hotel, as a manga reader, I appreciate this, lol.

Date Night
Story is usual but the sex steamy. If you want to spice up your relationship with your husband, that is.

Flying Solo
Wow, just wow. I might be find the first gem. Never read any by Rachel Kramer Bussel (whom happen to be editor of this anthology) and may check her others work. A good combination between 1st PoV and 2nd PoV as well, which is rare. Steamy is another bonus. Very recommended.

Drawn by Nic
A quickie story. Not enough to burn. I have no slightest idea who this Nic is.

The Ropes
Old flames rekindle in the outing. Maybe you may consider to go to company training if it will end you up with your office crush. So hard to imagine they have sex in the height and just by ropes. I keep screaming "what if they fall??"

Starstruck
Another favorites. The heroine is PoC, past her prime (she's about 40-ish), and nerd. I like that finally she can meet her teenage crush and well..have sex with him is a cherry on the top of geeky sundae. Recommended.

The Altar of Lamented Toys
The world might be near its ending, but not your love and passion. You can always find the heat in the hopeless situation. A nice erotic short story in the post-apocalyptic era.

Matilda's Secret
This story maybe part of the author's series, but can be read as stand alone as well. Its also give a nice ending, not just a quick meeting or open ending.

Scents & Sexuality
Well.. a little bit weird for my taste. Just weird (aka I forgot what the story, lol)

Alvin's Night
Very much alike Date Night, but with third party named Alvin. I can said it almost the same with Flying Solo, but just with a little spice aka no actual sex.

Enter Me
This is the first time I read a story about deaf character. The author masterfully write what its feel to can't hear anything, how its affect the character's life. I can relate a bit since my hearing is not good (I'm not deaf, just my right ear is not functioning properly). The story feel melancholy too me, but also hopeful.

The Wolf at His Door
Supposedly to be BDSM story...but..eh..feel vanilla for me

Out of Ordinary
The first story feature transgender character. Took me a little bit to realize one of the characters is trans. It's a nice and steamy story and the author insert some insight how the trans character family treat him with his condition. A little bit sad, tbh.

Lighting the Pyre
A story about breast cancer survivor. Start with her having tattoo and then have outdoor sex with her girlfriend. Some make me confused, like when she using condom? Maybe she used strap-on? :/

Restitution
An artist make a scandal to buzz her new single. I already new that her interrogation is just a cover up, lol

The Carnalarium
A lesbian story, with one girl is commitment phobic, want to leave her lover to travel around the world. I almost irritated by her. Like if she afraid of commitment, why she suddenly act jealous when her girlfriend try to forget her and move on with new lover. The ending is bittersweet but I guess it's perfect for the phobic commitment character. You must deal with the consequences of your choice.

Waiting to Pee
All I can said is..yuck, yuck, gross. The title already said it. Sorry, can't find how the story is erotic!

Two Doms for Dinner
Pretty ho-hum for BDSM short stories. Not enough steam, despite its have two Doms. Just barely scratch the itch.

The Assistant
Save the best for the last! Written by Tiffany Reisz, I know that she will always deliver even with just short story. I must make time to read her Original Sinners series!

I can't said that this is "Best" collection, for some stories is pretty mediocre for me. I guess it's hard to choose 20 stories from hundred stories that meet the editor standards (I know how it feels. Been there done that), and maybe my taste and her is somehow a little bit different. What she or others reader dubbed as erotic is not erotic at all for me (example: Waiting to Pee). BUT, I won't said that this anthology is bad, because I enjoy some of the stories. Its diverse and give some new perspective for me like, a deaf character, PoC, lesbians, trans character and women past her prime age.

[Leela · Rating 5 out of 5]

So here's what's funny about this book. I usually blast through collections of erotica on the first read, eating them like junk food at my left elbow while half my mind is somewhere else, noting where I might want to go back and linger...later.

Not this time.

I read the first story, breathed a "thank you" to the empty room, read the second one, and stopped.

I thought, "this really is literature."

I thought about the stories, for the sake of the stories. I wound them through the fingers of my day, considering characters and motivation.

And sex. That too.

Every story has its steam. Every story has its moments of this into that, tasting, smelling, undulating, yes, of course. It is, after all, erotica.

But there is a grace here, a quality, a depth, a craft of story itself that is often disappointingly missing in the world of the explicitly sexy.

This is erotica in its mature form, erotica grown up and acting its best. It is a delight. It is engaging and even potentially challenging without losing sight of the possibility of getting you off.

I highly recommend it. To savor.
Pairs well with long baths or long train rides, sipped between appointments, or clean sheets and a curious lover or two.

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received in exchange for a honest review.

this set of short stories are titillating and scintillating. Wowza the shower you will need after reading this book. Each story is it’s own tale and they are glorious. A brief look at a few of the amazing stories:

The assistant by tiffany reisz is just yummalusciously delicious. I never thought a assistant would be so bold and brazen but also honorable. And the ending just wow.

A new canvas by Tara betts is very sensual. I mean the way he using her as the canvas in such a delectable and erotic way. Just yumm..

Date night was fascinating and intriguing. The altar of lamented toys was unique and alluring.

Each story adds its own allure and intrigue. Each with a different way of reaching the sensual side of us all and allowing us to see the delicious freedom of erotic acts of desire.

[Annette Oliva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A review copy was provided from the editor in exchange for honest review.

Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 1 is wonderful collection of erotic short stories. This book truly has something for everyone. My personal favorite was The Assistant by Tiffany Reisz. Other stories I enjoyed were Ophelia the Second by Jade A. Waters, Flying Solo by Rachel Kramer Bussel, Date Night by D.R. Slated, Matilda's Secret by L. Marie Adeline,and Enter Me by Tabitha Rayne.

[Beverly Diehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting and varied collection of erotic stories. First I've read that included transgender people in the lead roles, which was awesome. A few acts I hadn't even considered before (and some I considered, and decided, Hell No!) but overall juicy and delicious.

[Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, diverse read of stories. RKB delivers a fantastic selection as always.

[Corrine Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection- very diverse which is fun. I really enjoyed it.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book, I'd give it 3.5 stars. I appreciate the editor's desire to include diversity. Really, I do. I'm a woman of color in my 30's, I don't want to read about young virginal blondes. This collection had white women, black women, a woman in Japan, a Latina pop star, a woman in a relationship with a trans man, a recently deaf woman, a woman with a mastectomy who is rediscovering her libido after beating cancer, young women, women in their 40's, 50's, even 60's. That was refreshing.

BUT - but... I hate to say this, OMG... A lot of the stories felt like affirmative action stories. Like that's why they were favored & made the cut. Or more like token diversity stories, you know. Like when white sitcoms or films have a token character who is not important to the plot. Some of these token protagonists did nothing to strengthen the collection. But maybe that's just me expecting too much. Because I crave these relatable characters so badly, maybe I expect more from them than I do the typical busty young white ladies. Maybe it's like when you get so excited about a film you're going to go see, because it's the kind you've always wanted to find and watch, that it can never live up to the hype you've created about it.

I dunno. I also just think this particular editor has tastes very different from mine. Because in the intro, she praises Amy Butcher's "Waiting to Pee" as "one of the most provocative stories I've ever published, one I plan to reread often." Well, that story literally made me sick to my stomach. I felt nauseous reading it, in a way I haven't since I was a preteen and read one of Anne Rice's descriptions of swallowing blood that was a bit too vividly detailed for me. The story features an outdoor park bathroom (the kind I avoid like the plague, you know they always stink and are full of flies), yellow piss, a dirty trucker, and vomiting. If that's your thing, you'll love it.

***

This is the detailed part, so SPOILERS warning!


The rest of the stories I disliked were just basic and boring, so I didn't hate them. The stories I loved, I REALLY loved, and I've read them over and over again. I was glad to have found them. These would be:

Tara Betts "A New Canvas" - beautifully written story, black characters with an established connection (friends with sexual tension acting on it for the first time, hot!), and the male had tattoos & dreadlocks and was an artist. Swoon.

"The Alter of Lamented Toys" by Jessica Taylor, a post apocalyptic story about husband and wife keeping that spark alive without the regular availability of electricity they previously relied on to watch porn and charge vibrators. I loved everything about it, every sentence.

"Enter Me" by Tabitha Rayne, the story of a woman who lost her hearing in an accident and is adjusting to sex with her man. It got me hot, and it made me cry. I went through a full range of emotions within a few words that a lot of novels don't even make me feel.

Rose P. Lethe's "Out of the Ordinary" which features a blue-green silicone tentacle dildo. This one surprised me. I'm actually terrified of animals with tentacles, and disgusted by them, so I initially skipped over this one when I saw that pop up. But I'm glad I gave it a chance. You really get a sense of their relationship, it's so well-crafted in how you learn things slowly from bits of conversation. I felt the love between the couple, a woman and her boyfriend who is trans, and you know this without the author telling you "he was trans."

"The Carnalarium" by Rose Caraway, a story about a breakup between a lesbian couple. A story of letting go, told in a unique setting - a popular sex dungeon. I LOVE Rose. She is one of my favorite erotica writers, and I was not disappointed.

"The Assistant" by Tiffany Reisz. Not your typical office romance! This story referenced Pink Floyd, Eminem, Pride and Prejudice, and the Stanley Kubrick film Eyes Wide Shut. How can you not love it? It had some light kink, a sex party in a mansion, and a lot of intensity, that passion of finally getting to sleep with someone you've had a crush on forever. This made me want to check out the author's books, and I definitely will.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Robin
Book provided by the publisher for review
Originally posted at Romancing the Book

Overall this wasn’t a bad anthology with some stories being way to short while others weren’t short enough. There is a little bit of everything for almost everyone. Warning the sexual content runs from mild to explicit.

A New Canvas by Tara Betts- Take an artist and a beautiful girl and you have ready-made canvas. This was a story that could have been stretched. I found this to be very erotic and sensual. Troy and Angela are attracted to each other but are with other people so they stay at just being friends. Until they end up at her apartment and discuss his new art technique and ideas he is working on. I think being Troy’s canvas would be rather fun…

Demimonde by Valerie Alexander-Do you remember going to or having a séance? I remember how fun they were. In this short story set in 1899 these cousins go to this séance where Elizabeth really doesn’t want to be. She is widowed and is just along as chaperone for her cousin Ora. Elizabeth is in for a very sensuous night. Six years is a long time to go without the touch of a man. While the lights are out Theo who helps with the séance takes a bit of liberty with Elizabeth. Let’s say things get a little heated leaving Elizabeth wanting more. And there is more to come. Very hot! I think a séance is in order.

Ophelia the Second by Jade A. Waters-Nat is playing the understudy to Ophelia in Hamlet Nat can’t help but notice how blue Philip’s eyes are. She has a big crush on Philip as not only Philip but Hamlet but finds him to be unattainable. They are friends ending up at Philips to go over lines. She knows hers and his backwards and forwards. A slight brush of the hand here, a caress there and suddenly Nat finds that she has a chance with Philip. She doesn’t have to doubt never being a good enough Ophelia because Philip prefers Ophelia the Second.
This is a sensual story with fun characters and oh how running lines sounds heavenly.

Revisiting Youth by J. Crichton and H. Keyes-What happens when things just aren’t happening in the sex department in your married life? For Aya she knew she needed to do something. I take it this happens close to a college as she leaves the comfort of restaurant and bars with people more her age she ends up down the street in a place with a much younger crowd. As she watches this one table she envies the young girl who is crowded by a table of guys. She makes a comment a couple of the guys end up coming and sharing her table. A night of sex for the three of them that leaves all satisfied. Be careful what you wish for. Wasn’t really into this story but I could see this happening and working. I didn’t like it for reasons I care not to divulge.

Date Night by D.R. Slaten-I always enjoy stories of couples enjoying a good date. What a way to keep things from going stale in your marriage. Getting to have your fantasies fulfilled while enjoying hot steamy sex with the one person you love. Forbidden sex in the restaurant bathroom with a total stranger (well okay he is your husband but let’s pretend). Let’s just say very HOT! I must be doing something wrong because my date nights don’t turn out fulfilling a fantasy. I will have to change that on the next date.

[Kristine (The Writer's Inkwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Posted originally on my blog:
The Writer's Inkwell

The great thing anthologies is that you get the opportunity to read some of your favorite authors, while discovering new ones in the process. When I was first asked to review this book, I was super excited because it features one of my favorite erotica writers, Tiffany Reisz. But this amazing book is filled with so many great pieces of erotica I’m not sure I could really pick a favorite. So many people associate erotica with oversexualized kinky people, but they don’t realize that it truly encompasses the entire spectrum of human sexuality. It’s also assumed that because a story has kink to it, it couldn’t possibly be about real love. But that’s not true and there are several stories in this anthology that prove it.

I think Rachel did a phenomenal job compiling together all of these stories. Each one is great as a stand alone and yet, all of them work well in this book. The other great thing with a book like this is that you can find a little of everything for everyone. From loving couples who enjoy trying to spice their relationship up with a “date” night, to a leadership building excursion that turns hot and kinky, you are bound to find at least one (though I assume it will be more) story to enjoy. After all, there’s nothing wrong with adding some spice and kink to your romantic life, right?

I would definitely recommend this book as a must read and I look forward to seeing how many of you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Reviewer’s note: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Disclosure: The editor generously gave me a review copy of this book. My enthusiasm, however, is entirely my own.]

Don't mind the clunky, one-too-many-words retitling of the Best Women's Erotica series, this anthology kicks off the new phase of the series with a bang, filled with stories that are both hot and endlessly creative.

Jessica Taylor's post-apocalyptic "The Altar Of Lamented Toys" stands out as a particularly wonderful bit of adventurous storytelling that reaches for more than just something to diddle yourself to without losing sight of being something to diddle yourself to.

Tabitha Rayne's "Enter Me", which deals directly with the complications of trying to find space for one's sexuality while struggling with PTSD, was the most delightful surprise of the book and especially wonderful for me on a personal level.

And maybe I was reading too quickly in my excitement and missed a part where the protagonist of Theda Hudson's "Lighting The Pyre" adjusts her strap-on, but I ask the question only because a trans woman in a feminist erotica anthology is as rare and delightful as a four-leaf clover. (And if she is, it's all the more delightful for being a story in which her transness isn't the point of her character or her story. Basically, if I'm wrong I'm happy being wrong is what I'm saying.)

Not every story is perfect, of course, but an anthology has to be reviewed as the average of its collected stories, and this anthology sets that bar fantastically high. This right here is what I want from an erotica anthology.

[Julia Rist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, when you open up this compilation you don't know what you are gonna get...but trust me, it will be delicious. Rachel Kramer Bussel has carefully assembled a collection that offers variety of voices, settings, and premises, while ensuring a consistency of quality writing from both well-known and new writers.

"The Altar of Lamented Toys", set in a dystopian future, is the salted caramel to be enjoyed as it slowly melts in your mouth, one layer of flavour at a time. The authors (yes, two of them) skilfully weave in worldbuilding details, and add a sprinkle of sea salt (the face slapping) that makes the sweetness of the relationship more moving.

"The Carnaliarium" is the premium cream wrapped in foil. No breakup has been more beautiful than this one, set up in the unlikely stage of a dungeon.

"Waiting to Pee" is a white chocolate/coconut melt: not everybody's favourite, but readers willing to go beyond their comfort zone will be rewarded with a carefully crafted set up, and a likeable protagonist.

Kramer Bussel's story, "Flying Solo", about a couple seducing strangers, is another quality offering...a dark chocolate and nut cluster of quality ingredients, with descriptions rich in feelings, and a joi de vivre that jumps off the page.

Sit down, open the box...and enjoy.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

22 short stories by women I haven't heard of. Except one. Tiffany Reisz. Her story, The Assistant, is why I bought the book. The other 21 I liked with varying degrees from 3 to 9. Hers was a 10. Totally worth the 99 cents I paid for this book!

[Roxanna Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

From one hot story to another a real page turner. Rachel Kramer Bussel did it again, she's given us the crème de la crème of Erotica to entice our senses, ignite the inferno and let our imagination run wild.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for sending me a copy in exchange for a review.

A two-for-one deal: an erotica collection that both turns you on and makes you think. I especially appreciated the breadth of the collection.

[Cyrene Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uncaged Book Reviews:

A collection of very sensual and erotic stories featuring all sorts of people and situations. To a couple who bring strangers back to their bedroom, to an older woman fresh from divorce wanting to feel loved and be alive again. Set in all different time periods. I’m sure there something for everyone in this book. I found it to be a rather enlightening and hot read. Reviewed by Jennifer

[LaGina · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a loyal reader of Rachels work I am once again not disappointed with my read. With 22 stories in this collection there is something for everyone. I am lucky enough to have a nice collection of Rachles work on my bookshelf but sadly this isnt one of them. I will have to change that.

[BobbyH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really sexy stories in this collection, especially liked 'Date Night'..have done that myself !! If you don't, or can't, be bothered reading a full length novella, then these short stories can be just the ticket..I like 'em any road up.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want your engine to rev up fast and slip into the mood? This collection will do it. Whew. Talk about Sexy Saturdays! I don't know why it took me so long to get to this book. Yes, 6 years ago, Ms. Bussel gave me a copy for review. Shame on me for letting this get lost in the shuffle of the evil day job. As some of you may recall, this year, 2022 is my year in clearing out my years-old backlog of the book requests from authors directly. I am glad I picked this one to read because it is a treasure.

To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot hot hot

These stories where more than I imagined, some funny, some just plain erotic. They were simply like a box of mixed chocolates I could not decide which one I liked the best.