I love reading erotica and especially love anthologies. A well-crafted novel is always appreciated but there is a distinct pleasure in the quick short read. As editor, Rachel Kramer Bussel puts together some of the best erotic anthologies out there. She is a personal favorite both as editor and as author.
Anything For You- Erotica For Kinky Couples is a BDSM smorgasbord. Rather than limiting it to just one branch of kink, as other anthologies have, this book gives you a wide variety to choose from such as spanking, male submission, female submission, voyeurism, bondage, oral sex and more. There are 19 sexy stories by 19 amazing authors. I was already familiar with some of the authors (Sinclair Sexsmith, Teresa Noelle Roberts, Emerald, Elizabeth Coldwell and our esteemed editor) but some were brand new to me. Having different authors means each story is different in their own way. Some are thrilling in their fast paced heat while others percolate slowly then deliver a satisfying ending.
Each author takes their time to craft a story. Short stories in other books often plunge straight in spending less time developing the relationships and more on the sexy action. This book, as are others in Bussel’s collections, take its time to establish the world they are going to play in. Sometimes the lead up to the climax can take most of the story. The authors take the time to let you get to know the characters, their background story and the status of their relationship. Whether you are new to BDSM or an established kinkster, it’s nice to see the characters communicate and try to anticipate each other’s wants and needs. The stories find the connection between the couples very important. It’s not an endless supply of meaning less one-night stands or emotionless coupling. Even the one-nighters share some intimacy.
There is a so much variety to be found here. Different types of D/s relationships are explored. There are Masters and Sirs, slaves and pets. Some live the D/s lifestyle on a daily basis and others who do it only for fun. Some are first timers and others are established in a lifestyle. There are skillful switches, strong unwavering tops and supplicating bottoms. Lots of fun toys are mentioned by name and used properly. There is also lots of variety in the venues. You’ll find every thing from a simple living room, a darkened roof, an airplane and an animal care hospital. There is a nice representation of couples here too. Some have only just met, some have been doing this fairly routinely and others are old hands at it. You’ll also find a great mixture of genders and sexual preferences. I particularly like the stories in which a wish or fantasy is fulfilled. Caring lovers who have listened to or anticipated their partner’s desires and orchestrated a day or night to remember.
Anthologies are not only a great source of subject variety but also stories from many different points of view. Short stories can be easily shared with a lover, a quick read before bedtime or a moment of inspiration when you are enjoying a little alone time. They could ignite ideas or simply a reassurance there are other kinky couples just like you. You may not like every one of them but with this many great writers to chose from you’ll find more than a few to enjoy. I found a variety of tasty bites with many different flavors.
