Best Women's Erotica of the Year, Volume 1

There is so much utter garbage out there, erotic "books" that are nothing more than amateurs writing out their fantasies in 4 or 5 chapters, then writing a "sequel" with 4 more chapters, then eventually selling a "whole series" using that same formula. The characters are predictable and boring and the plots don't really tell much of a story. They end up being poorly written porn, and frankly, you almost wish they wouldn't bother with the prose, just get on with the action.Ms. Bussel has done a fairly good job finding the better material in this collection. They are still just short stories, but there's some genuine creative writing here. The prose is done well, and even the descriptions of sex are above par. Personally, I prefer a little more detail, we're in the age where we don't need to be shy about descriptions, and I don't mind a slight bit more vulgarity, but the authors seem to find a reasonable balance that keeps it from getting pulp.There are multiple genres, from classic romance to futuristic post-apocalyptic (clever story), and even outright fantasy, that you're sure to find something you like. But that's also the downside, it's all short stories, so you'll also find a lot you're not really into. I guess it's like any other buffet. The dishes you like are done well, and hopefully that's enough to satisfy you considering there were lots of other dishes you passed on.That said, I've yet to find the truly AMAZING erotica story that captures my attention throughout, without sounding like it was written by a repressed housewife or horny 24-year-old boy.

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.

I am a long-time reader of the Best Women's Erotica Series, and have all the books since 2009. I was nervous how the collection would look under a new editor, and unfortunately, some of my fears were confirmed. This collection does have some great things going for it: lots of queer representation, authors and characters of color, and some interesting kinks. However, as a whole, I found the stories to be not as well written or as well-paced as I've come to expect from this series. There were no stand-out stories, and less of the literary or fantastical elements that have showed up in past collections. Many of the stories felt as though they hadn't been edited thoroughly, and some of them were more of what I would expect from a garden-variety erotic story from a newsgroup or webpage. I enjoyed it enough to read the entire book, but it's probably not a re-read for me. Not sure I'll keep buying the collections under the new editorship.

A thrilling and fun collection, this book includes terrific stories that present readers with a variety of perspectives, settings, preferences, attitudes & turn ons, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves the title "Best" Women's Erotica of the Year.Though it might seem ridiculously academic to comment on the quality of the writing itself in a book of erotica, the quality of writing itself was a turn on! Personally I often feel erotica can be cringe-worthy--unbelievable scenarios, silly people and unlikely reactions. But the characters in these stories were strong (not in a cheesy "you go girl!" type way, but true their goals and desires), the storylines were genuinely interesting, and the sex--yes, the hot and steamy sex--was great. It felt like a revelation!Editor Rachel Kramer Bussel deserves great praise for putting together such a joyous and heart-thumping anthology, including a wide swath of writers who are only similar in their celebration of the female libido!

Kept my interest up. Enjoyed most of the stories.

Rachel's anthologies are always a fun place spend your imagination! I always give away books after reading, the last person I gave this collection of stories to said after reading the first story "it made my pussy clench & throb"...*Rachel's contribution of FLYING SOLO: is the best of her work I've read yet. The amazing way she changes the narrative vocabulary from 1st to 2nd to 3rd person is intriguing.*MATILDA'S Secret is a great tale full of twisting surprises all of unexpected fun*SCENTS & SEXUALITY is lots of enjoyment true to it's title*ALVIN'S NIGHT: Ms. Coldwell is rapidly becoming a favorite author of mine*THE ALTAR OF LAMENTED TOYS: perhaps this is the only one I just didn't get?

All right, I'll admit it, I'm a Rose Caraway fan.In my opinion, no one does the narration of an erotic story better than Rose. I've been listening to her for years now, first on the Kiss Me Quick's and Sexy Librarian podcasts, then on her ever expanding catalog of audio books. Each one has been better than the last.Rachel Kramer Bussel has edited many fine anthologies, and this is one of the finest I've ever read. The combination of these stories and Rose's voice makes for an unbeatable combination. I'm a guy, but I felt sucked right into these stories. They made my morning and evening commutes wonderful experiences.

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.

Very good book. Some beautifully written stories. Genuinely erotic and genuinely good reading, which is not always the case with erotica. I will be reading more of this author's books

It's ok

Ok mediocre writing

ike 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.

Story's are good but too short, just when you get involved in the story and it's getting interesting it's over