percival_whyborne's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
4.75
bedroominarles's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
j_joyous's review against another edition
medium-paced
2.5
As a non-binary queer person who generally enjoys sex and reading horny romance novels—hell, even fanfiction—it crushes me to rate this anthology series so low.
The introduction starts out by promising a diverse exploration of gender and sexual expression that is so rarely found in erotica. And while yes, each story does tick the box of at least one non-cishet character, most of them failed to hold my interest long enough to feel even a moment of excitement. I was also surprised at how confusing and oddly edited the collection was as a whole with most of the stories spending way too much time on world-building and not nearly enough on getting down to business.
Rather than continue to harp on what I didn't enjoy, I'll choose to focus on gems that gave me some new authors to keep tabs on:
• Only the Good Die Young by Ash Riley | A couple pulls off a heist with nice banter/chemistry
• Stray by MJ Moreo | Incredibly cute cat boy roleplay scenario
• Redgum by Ash Orlando | BDSM + camping trip
• The Devil You Blow by Rien Grey | Devil/angel transmasc couple hooking up at the gym
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
kennethwade's review
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
2.75
This anthology of transgender and non-binary erotica was, as most anthologies are, a mixed bag. A lot of the stories were compelling in one way but lacking in another. Many of them left me wanting more of the intriguing plot and less of the boring sex scenes, which is exactly the opposite of what a reader wants in an anthology of erotica. I don’t regret reading this but I’m not going to be recommending it to anyone.
Some of the highlights for me were “Only the Good Die Young” by Ash Reilly and “The Devil You Blow” by Rien Gray. The lowlights were “Better by Half Elf” by Sally Bend, “Stray” by MJ Moreo, and “Past Midnight Before Dawn” by Anne Staggs.
Some of the highlights for me were “Only the Good Die Young” by Ash Reilly and “The Devil You Blow” by Rien Gray. The lowlights were “Better by Half Elf” by Sally Bend, “Stray” by MJ Moreo, and “Past Midnight Before Dawn” by Anne Staggs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
qace90's review
fast-paced
4.75
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
I was looking forward to this anthology because Chace Verity, one of the contributing authors, is one of my all time favorite authors, but I’m happy to say I enjoyed every story in this anthology, where only Chace and Rien Gray were familiar-to-me authors. I’m going to describe this book as a sexy hug because it’s so affirming and lovely and sweet, while also being extremely sexy and arousing, a perfect blend. There is something so intrinsically queer in every story, and that fills my heart with such joy. I loved all the different gender expressions and the different iterations of kink and the various ways characters interacted with their bodies. I really had a lot of fun with this anthology, and I’m so extremely glad it exists, and hope many folks needing more trans and nonbinary erotica in their life find it and enjoy it as well!
I was looking forward to this anthology because Chace Verity, one of the contributing authors, is one of my all time favorite authors, but I’m happy to say I enjoyed every story in this anthology, where only Chace and Rien Gray were familiar-to-me authors. I’m going to describe this book as a sexy hug because it’s so affirming and lovely and sweet, while also being extremely sexy and arousing, a perfect blend. There is something so intrinsically queer in every story, and that fills my heart with such joy. I loved all the different gender expressions and the different iterations of kink and the various ways characters interacted with their bodies. I really had a lot of fun with this anthology, and I’m so extremely glad it exists, and hope many folks needing more trans and nonbinary erotica in their life find it and enjoy it as well!
littlebookterror's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
So.
How „good“ smut is obviously mainly determined by personal preferences. How many details you want, which words are used, if/which kinks are included, the interplay between characters – there really isn't an exact formula. For short stories, there are some general guidelines to help make them good. Not too explosition-heavy, use your word count wisely, sparse but effective worldbuilding...
Therefore, I was surprised at how... average this anthology is.
First, so many of these pieces feel rushed which is just not the experience you want to have while reading. Second, I don't feel many of these stories were actually that erotic. Maybe it's my bias but I have read some incredible pieces by queer authors, some even included in here, that were better than what was presented in this. There was no place to feel sexy because of often quite terrible writing.
Many of the authors do not have any titles listed on Goodreads which only supports my assumption that they have written few if any short stories before...
Aside from the queer rep, we don't have much other diversity.
The POV characters are usually, thin white, and conventionally attractive (or the narrative simply does not contradict my assumption). The body types are all pretty similar and characters seem to easily pass if they want to. There are few characters of colour. There is no religious or disabled character. And many of these stories tended towards having the trans AFAB person on the bottom which is not really that groundbreaking?
For an anthology like this, I wish there had been content notes in the back for every story since I am of the opinion that your hard limit should not be a surprise. It would have been so easy to include the list of kinks.
A full breakdown of the stories, couples and my opinion behind these spoilers.
Idle Hands & Dirty Minds by Jaymie Wagner | ★★★✩✩
(f/f/f, two witches summon a succubus)
A little bit of a mixed start. Sarah and Dina had great chemistry together and I loved the lighthearted atmosphere but I felt like the sex came in the way of the plot which is the opposite of the problem I want.
Welcome Aboard by Quenby | ★★★✩✩
(x/x/x, kinky pirates welcoming a friend back into their midst)
This one had a lot going on, mostly to its detriment. I was not really feeling the established dynamic at play, I would have needed a bit more info on their relationship for that but it still works for this escapist fantasy if a little juvenile.
Only the Good Die Young by Ash Reilly | ★★★✩✩
(f/x, planning and executing a heist with your bratty lover)
Maybe a little too heavy on the non-sexual plot? Or maybe I just loved their teasing so much I wanted it to be a stronger focus.
This Fragile Little Affair by Kelvin Sparks | ★★★★✩
(f/m, another private meeting in the library)
Okay, this one really got to me – I love it when a couple has different sexual needs and both choices are treated with respect. Adding in this frenemies/colleagues setup that had them sniping at each other? Ticked all my boxes.
Past Midnight, Before Dawn by Anne Stagg | ★✩✩✩✩
(m/x, comfort sex)
This was so exposition-heavy. This did not read like an established couple being comfortable with one another but like a 101 class on communication. The author overexplained every little detail as if we would not pick up on it otherwise. The tonal shift was also terrible, starting a short story with a nightmare about queer-related fears only to go straight to sex is – a choice.
I read this one twice because it has explicit ace rep but, uh, Stagg did not convey what I think this was supposed to be.
The Earth Within Me by Lilith Hill | ★★✩✩✩
(m/x, rope play with a ghost)
To quote the story: this felt like a bad movie.
Stray by M.J. Moréo | ★✩✩✩✩
(m/m, roleplay in the forest)
I could not get lost in the fantasy because the author had to remind me every two pages that yes, this was all negotiated beforehand. I understood it the first time, thanks.
The setup was so elaborate but the end result is, once again, time. Why not do actual catboys.
The Devil You Blow by Rien Gray | ★★★★✩
(m/m, gym buddies, fuck buddies)
I should not have been afraid cause I can count on Gray to actually deliver what this anthology promises: great smut. There is actual buildup, the small wordcount used wisely to create tension and
Something's Happening by Mx. Nillin Lore | ★✩✩✩✩
(f/x, the partner is going through a furry transformation)
The entire flashback could have been cut to actual give us the monsterfucking we were promised? I am confused, how did this happen.
The fact that this was written by the editor explains a lot.
redgum by Ash Orlando | ★★★★✩
(m/x, kinky camping getaway)
a pretty good mix of background information that grounded the story and emotions without treating the reader like an idiot.
The Pink Lady Bar And Social Club by Sam McAuliff | ★★✩✩✩
(m/f, time travel to a speakeasy)
Boring. Where was the passion?
Didn't help that this has two things I actively dislike.
Immersed by Chace Verity | ★★★✩✩
(f/f, meeting a mermaid)
This is exactly what I expected from them but you can tell this is either too short or too long. It does not really fit in this book.
Better By Half-Elf by Sally Bend | ★✩✩✩✩
(f/x, a public sex show)
This has way too much unnecessary worldbuilding, the most confusing/graphic depiction of a sex change and a gender reveal as shock factor. This is what I would point to when trying to explain to people that simply including sex into your story does not make it erotic. Ironic.
Forbidden Fruit by Sienna Saint-Cyr | ★✩✩✩✩
(x/x, tentacle rape fantasy turned reality)
Why build tension when the main character could just go shopping instead. And I am begging for author to learn how to make negotiation sexy. It's possible, I swear!
This CW is also incorrect because CNC actually means the partner will stop. If this alien can't, why are we discussing safewords and why did the author not commit to their premise.
The asexual comment in this one is fine?
Sex With Your Ex by Quinn Rhodes | ★★★✩✩
(m/x/m, negotiated hatefuck)
Nothing mindblowing but it could have been worse.
When I hear #ownvoices trans erotica, I do not expect a 101 guide on safe sex practices and the basics of transitioning, hormones and such. I do not expect so many other things that the erotic content takes a backseat.
Aside from Ash Orlando, Rien Gray and maybe Kelvin Sparks, the other authors really missed the point of this.
I received an advanced reading copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
How „good“ smut is obviously mainly determined by personal preferences. How many details you want, which words are used, if/which kinks are included, the interplay between characters – there really isn't an exact formula. For short stories, there are some general guidelines to help make them good. Not too explosition-heavy, use your word count wisely, sparse but effective worldbuilding...
Therefore, I was surprised at how... average this anthology is.
First, so many of these pieces feel rushed which is just not the experience you want to have while reading. Second, I don't feel many of these stories were actually that erotic. Maybe it's my bias but I have read some incredible pieces by queer authors, some even included in here, that were better than what was presented in this. There was no place to feel sexy because of often quite terrible writing.
Many of the authors do not have any titles listed on Goodreads which only supports my assumption that they have written few if any short stories before...
Aside from the queer rep, we don't have much other diversity.
The POV characters are usually, thin white, and conventionally attractive (or the narrative simply does not contradict my assumption). The body types are all pretty similar and characters seem to easily pass if they want to. There are few characters of colour. There is no religious or disabled character. And many of these stories tended towards having the trans AFAB person on the bottom which is not really that groundbreaking?
For an anthology like this, I wish there had been content notes in the back for every story since I am of the opinion that your hard limit should not be a surprise. It would have been so easy to include the list of kinks.
A full breakdown of the stories, couples and my opinion behind these spoilers.
Spoiler
Idle Hands & Dirty Minds by Jaymie Wagner | ★★★✩✩
(f/f/f, two witches summon a succubus)
A little bit of a mixed start. Sarah and Dina had great chemistry together and I loved the lighthearted atmosphere but I felt like the sex came in the way of the plot which is the opposite of the problem I want.
Welcome Aboard by Quenby | ★★★✩✩
(x/x/x, kinky pirates welcoming a friend back into their midst)
This one had a lot going on, mostly to its detriment. I was not really feeling the established dynamic at play, I would have needed a bit more info on their relationship for that but it still works for this escapist fantasy if a little juvenile.
Only the Good Die Young by Ash Reilly | ★★★✩✩
(f/x, planning and executing a heist with your bratty lover)
Maybe a little too heavy on the non-sexual plot? Or maybe I just loved their teasing so much I wanted it to be a stronger focus.
This Fragile Little Affair by Kelvin Sparks | ★★★★✩
(f/m, another private meeting in the library)
Okay, this one really got to me – I love it when a couple has different sexual needs and both choices are treated with respect. Adding in this frenemies/colleagues setup that had them sniping at each other? Ticked all my boxes.
Past Midnight, Before Dawn by Anne Stagg | ★✩✩✩✩
(m/x, comfort sex)
This was so exposition-heavy. This did not read like an established couple being comfortable with one another but like a 101 class on communication. The author overexplained every little detail as if we would not pick up on it otherwise. The tonal shift was also terrible, starting a short story with a nightmare about queer-related fears only to go straight to sex is – a choice.
I read this one twice because it has explicit ace rep but, uh, Stagg did not convey what I think this was supposed to be.
The Earth Within Me by Lilith Hill | ★★✩✩✩
(m/x, rope play with a ghost)
To quote the story: this felt like a bad movie.
Stray by M.J. Moréo | ★✩✩✩✩
(m/m, roleplay in the forest)
I could not get lost in the fantasy because the author had to remind me every two pages that yes, this was all negotiated beforehand. I understood it the first time, thanks.
The setup was so elaborate but the end result is, once again, time. Why not do actual catboys.
The Devil You Blow by Rien Gray | ★★★★✩
(m/m, gym buddies, fuck buddies)
I should not have been afraid cause I can count on Gray to actually deliver what this anthology promises: great smut. There is actual buildup, the small wordcount used wisely to create tension and
Something's Happening by Mx. Nillin Lore | ★✩✩✩✩
(f/x, the partner is going through a furry transformation)
The entire flashback could have been cut to actual give us the monsterfucking we were promised? I am confused, how did this happen.
The fact that this was written by the editor explains a lot.
redgum by Ash Orlando | ★★★★✩
(m/x, kinky camping getaway)
a pretty good mix of background information that grounded the story and emotions without treating the reader like an idiot.
The Pink Lady Bar And Social Club by Sam McAuliff | ★★✩✩✩
(m/f, time travel to a speakeasy)
Boring. Where was the passion?
Didn't help that this has two things I actively dislike.
Immersed by Chace Verity | ★★★✩✩
(f/f, meeting a mermaid)
This is exactly what I expected from them but you can tell this is either too short or too long. It does not really fit in this book.
Better By Half-Elf by Sally Bend | ★✩✩✩✩
(f/x, a public sex show)
This has way too much unnecessary worldbuilding, the most confusing/graphic depiction of a sex change and a gender reveal as shock factor. This is what I would point to when trying to explain to people that simply including sex into your story does not make it erotic. Ironic.
Forbidden Fruit by Sienna Saint-Cyr | ★✩✩✩✩
(x/x, tentacle rape fantasy turned reality)
Why build tension when the main character could just go shopping instead. And I am begging for author to learn how to make negotiation sexy. It's possible, I swear!
This CW is also incorrect because CNC actually means the partner will stop. If this alien can't, why are we discussing safewords and why did the author not commit to their premise.
The asexual comment in this one is fine?
Sex With Your Ex by Quinn Rhodes | ★★★✩✩
(m/x/m, negotiated hatefuck)
Nothing mindblowing but it could have been worse.
When I hear #ownvoices trans erotica, I do not expect a 101 guide on safe sex practices and the basics of transitioning, hormones and such. I do not expect so many other things that the erotic content takes a backseat.
Aside from Ash Orlando, Rien Gray and maybe Kelvin Sparks, the other authors really missed the point of this.
I received an advanced reading copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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