bookdrgn's review
4.0
A good collection of steamy scenes.
Playing a cello/piano naked...hot.
There were a few one handed reads
Playing a cello/piano naked...hot.
There were a few one handed reads
krin's review against another edition
4.0
I really have to get into a different headspace to enjoy an anthology. Also, I needed to remind myself that erotica =/= romance (i.e., not all these pairings are going to end the story together.) Finally, these are not really stories I wanted to sit down and read back to back. It's a lot of . . . well . . . erotica. (Which, obviously I signed up for when I requested the ARC.)
Anyway, I am really glad I ended up reading this book. While not all the stories worked for me, most of the them did in some way. The theme of this anthology was "play" - with a broad definition. The stories were varied but I was still able to see the connection to the theme. There were stories that were more romantic and moving, some that were more imaginative and inventive, some a little dark and strange. I was delightfully surprised to see how queer many of the stories were. Also, there seems to be varied representation among the authors which was also really nice to see.
Overall, I'd recommend picking up this book and selecting a story to enjoy every now and then between books.
I received a digital Advanced Review Copy from NetGalley and Cleis Press in exchange for an honest review.
Anyway, I am really glad I ended up reading this book. While not all the stories worked for me, most of the them did in some way. The theme of this anthology was "play" - with a broad definition. The stories were varied but I was still able to see the connection to the theme. There were stories that were more romantic and moving, some that were more imaginative and inventive, some a little dark and strange. I was delightfully surprised to see how queer many of the stories were. Also, there seems to be varied representation among the authors which was also really nice to see.
Overall, I'd recommend picking up this book and selecting a story to enjoy every now and then between books.
I received a digital Advanced Review Copy from NetGalley and Cleis Press in exchange for an honest review.
teesbookjourney's review
4.0
If you are new to erotica this collection of short stories is great - it gives what it needs to give to be erotica & there are a lot of different types that you can for sure find what makes you happy
I love most of the stories - they had just enough details and the sex was rightfully spicy. If you like more a more sofer erotic it was here - a rougher - it was also here
and if you liked a particular author you can then explore their collection - This is a great way to dip your toes in and try out authors and tropes
I love most of the stories - they had just enough details and the sex was rightfully spicy. If you like more a more sofer erotic it was here - a rougher - it was also here
and if you liked a particular author you can then explore their collection - This is a great way to dip your toes in and try out authors and tropes
bisexualwentworth's review against another edition
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
I honestly enjoyed most of this one. The stories span a wide range of genres and vibes, so there's something for everyone. The opening story was definitely one of the strongest. The alien one was absolutely wild. I enjoyed the diversity of perspectives, genres, character dynamics, and types of sex. There were threesomes and LARPing situations and nonhuman characters. There were contemporary, historical, and fantasy settings. There were a couple sapphic and trans characters. There was a woman dom in an orgy situation (actually one of the better stories, I think). Obviously none of these stories have developed characters or settings or anything like that, but I was impressed with several authors' ability to create a vibrant world and then write a fun sex scene and then leave it at that.
Anyway, if all you want is a short sexy story with a bit of fun window-dressing (and then another one and another one and another one), definitely give this anthology a go.
I honestly enjoyed most of this one. The stories span a wide range of genres and vibes, so there's something for everyone. The opening story was definitely one of the strongest. The alien one was absolutely wild. I enjoyed the diversity of perspectives, genres, character dynamics, and types of sex. There were threesomes and LARPing situations and nonhuman characters. There were contemporary, historical, and fantasy settings. There were a couple sapphic and trans characters. There was a woman dom in an orgy situation (actually one of the better stories, I think). Obviously none of these stories have developed characters or settings or anything like that, but I was impressed with several authors' ability to create a vibrant world and then write a fun sex scene and then leave it at that.
Anyway, if all you want is a short sexy story with a bit of fun window-dressing (and then another one and another one and another one), definitely give this anthology a go.
half2happy's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Well, I have never reviewed a series of short stories. I struggled a little, not with the content, but feeling like I needed to review each of them individually (which has sort of been done below the spoiler tag. The spoilers are mostly theme, not so much for content, and generally I really enjoyed the series. I really REALLY enjoyed a few of them and found a few tropes that rub me the wrong way.
<u>Until The Last Note Plays</u>
musicians, starting series out with a bang, nailed it, get my cheesy puns done. 4/5 gives this musician some ideas but not much vibrato
<u>The Devil Take You</u>
regency, really nails my recent readings/cravings with spicy dialogue that feels more authentic
<u>Ars Amandi</u>
LARP, not a larper so not sure how true this rings to the community. appreciate the open world concept and going with the flow
<u>Embracing Against the Rules</u>
fantasy, more curious about the overall concept than the execution of this story. gratuitous and heavy handed, loathe the phrase "ropes of" male ejaculate.
<u>It Feels Good</u>
realism, spectacular dialogue and pacing. feels both lusty and loving. my fave so far by a long shot.
<u>Drag</u>
realism, but so so so so much more. as an outsider to any club nightlife this seemed accurate and respectful while incredibly hot and authentic.
<u>Frenzy</u>
occult, where to even start? who hasnt felt the need to abandon all inhibitions and find spiritual renewal?
<u>Happy Now?</u>
realism, super deep backstory for a short story. more plot, pace, and teasing than expected.
<u>The Luv Sub</u>
<u>sci fi, well now i have a new phrase to loathe: spools of male ejaculate. why is it this word we feel we must dance around?
<u>Out of This World</u>
sci fi, maybe i have impossible standards in this genre but more angel/demon fantasy than actual sci fi, previous was better.
<u>So Many Ways to Win</u>
kink, we are in fact all winners who read this story and a very happy early birthday to me.
<u>Whenever You Need Me</u>
sci fi, an incredible take on the potential future of robotics and runs the gauntlet of emotional range.
<u>Desire Blooms</u>
realism, adore the setting and curious concept but lacked a little conviction.
<u>The Mid-Autumn Moon</u>
kink, but more and not what i was expecting given how familial it starts.
<u>Checkmate</u>
fantasy, the queen's gambit sparked a chess craze but this took an unexpected turn into an inferno.
<u>Capturing the Storm</u>
realism, surface level and could spend a paragraph more in exploring the characters before they get naked.
<u>How Real Are You?</u>
fantasy, excellent story alternating between establishing the character and layering on risk.
<u>The Reset Button</u>
realism, luxuriates in a luxury vacation but kind of a miss.
<u>Bursting His Bubble</u>
kink, starts off in the action and makes no apologies with just the right mix of detail and supporting info. behold actual character growth!
<u>Character Work</u>
realism, fantastic concept that has me questioning every television pairing i ever shipped.
<u>Ludamus</u>
kink, the first/second person approach threw me and felt like a strange way to end the collection.
Spoiler
<u>Until The Last Note Plays</u>
musicians, starting series out with a bang, nailed it, get my cheesy puns done. 4/5 gives this musician some ideas but not much vibrato
<u>The Devil Take You</u>
regency, really nails my recent readings/cravings with spicy dialogue that feels more authentic
<u>Ars Amandi</u>
LARP, not a larper so not sure how true this rings to the community. appreciate the open world concept and going with the flow
<u>Embracing Against the Rules</u>
fantasy, more curious about the overall concept than the execution of this story. gratuitous and heavy handed, loathe the phrase "ropes of" male ejaculate.
<u>It Feels Good</u>
realism, spectacular dialogue and pacing. feels both lusty and loving. my fave so far by a long shot.
<u>Drag</u>
realism, but so so so so much more. as an outsider to any club nightlife this seemed accurate and respectful while incredibly hot and authentic.
<u>Frenzy</u>
occult, where to even start? who hasnt felt the need to abandon all inhibitions and find spiritual renewal?
<u>Happy Now?</u>
realism, super deep backstory for a short story. more plot, pace, and teasing than expected.
<u>The Luv Sub</u>
<u>sci fi, well now i have a new phrase to loathe: spools of male ejaculate. why is it this word we feel we must dance around?
<u>Out of This World</u>
sci fi, maybe i have impossible standards in this genre but more angel/demon fantasy than actual sci fi, previous was better.
<u>So Many Ways to Win</u>
kink, we are in fact all winners who read this story and a very happy early birthday to me.
<u>Whenever You Need Me</u>
sci fi, an incredible take on the potential future of robotics and runs the gauntlet of emotional range.
<u>Desire Blooms</u>
realism, adore the setting and curious concept but lacked a little conviction.
<u>The Mid-Autumn Moon</u>
kink, but more and not what i was expecting given how familial it starts.
<u>Checkmate</u>
fantasy, the queen's gambit sparked a chess craze but this took an unexpected turn into an inferno.
<u>Capturing the Storm</u>
realism, surface level and could spend a paragraph more in exploring the characters before they get naked.
<u>How Real Are You?</u>
fantasy, excellent story alternating between establishing the character and layering on risk.
<u>The Reset Button</u>
realism, luxuriates in a luxury vacation but kind of a miss.
<u>Bursting His Bubble</u>
kink, starts off in the action and makes no apologies with just the right mix of detail and supporting info. behold actual character growth!
<u>Character Work</u>
realism, fantastic concept that has me questioning every television pairing i ever shipped.
<u>Ludamus</u>
kink, the first/second person approach threw me and felt like a strange way to end the collection.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
samplatinum's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
noellelovesbooks's review
3.75
The short erotic stories in this book...are sure to keep you warm at night. 🔥
We get couples trying to spice up the bedroom, long-distance couples using technology to connect, crushes finding out the feelings mutual, and so much more!
I love that we get a mix of contemporary/futuristic/paranormal/etc and a variety of strangers, new lovers, and long-time loves within these pages.
If you're new to erotica or just getting into it...this is a great book for you to pick up!
*I received an ARC, ahead of release, through Netgalley*
We get couples trying to spice up the bedroom, long-distance couples using technology to connect, crushes finding out the feelings mutual, and so much more!
I love that we get a mix of contemporary/futuristic/paranormal/etc and a variety of strangers, new lovers, and long-time loves within these pages.
If you're new to erotica or just getting into it...this is a great book for you to pick up!
*I received an ARC, ahead of release, through Netgalley*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity and Infertility
More...