Jordan LaRousse and Samantha Sade, the editors of the lovely online erotica magazine Oysters & Chocolate, have compiled a print edition of twenty delicious tales of erotica. The subtitle of the collection is All New Erotic Stories of Every Flavor and to satisfy that requirement, the stories are divided into four clever categories: Vanilla (sweet and romantic), Dirty Martini (sex with a twist), Licorice Whips (BDSM) and Oysters (lesbian). This erotic “menu” provides a banquet of decadent delights for the reader. The anthology runs the gamut from tantalizing vignettes to richly detailed character driven stories for a satisfying four-course meal to please the most discriminating reader.
Humor and longing mesh quite nicely in Terry Pray’s “His Desk,” a romantic story of unrequited work place lust which opens the collection. It contrasts nicely with “Human” by Jeremy Edwards, which approaches the topic from the masculine perspective. The theme of lust and longing threads its way throughout the anthology with the protagonist in Jordana Winters’ “Please, Sir” taking matters into her own hands to get what she wants from her best male friend.
Aimee Herman’s quirky but sexy “In the Dentist’s Chair” provides an amusing glimpse into one woman’s dental fantasy while “Abroad” by Chelsea Comeau is a slice of life scene that rings true in both the emotions and the sex. “Cherries” by Alice Sturdivant is a sensual treat combining food and masturbation for a stunning combination you can almost taste.
Neve Black’s “Rusty Nail” delves into the psychology of BDSM as the protagonist goes from academic researcher to enthusiastic participant. In “The Sound of Revenge” by Gwen Masters, the demise of a bad relationship leads to vengeful closure and sexual fulfillment for the protagonist. “Daisy: The Cook, The Housekeeper, and the Maid” by Kay Jaybee has a Victorian feel with naughty kitchen escapades using all manner of utensils—and vegetables.
Two stories in particular stand out for their memorable characterizations. Callie Byrne’s “His Belt” demonstrates the passion and jealousy to be found in a committed relationship. Byrne builds the sexual tension to a satisfying crescendo that leaves the reader feeling like the voyeur at the keyhole. “Mars With Mars and Venus” by Alana Noel Voth is a raw, poignant scene of three strangers who become lovers, friends and soul mates in the course of one long night. Beautifully written, this is the kind of emotionally charged story that raises the bar for erotica.
All of the stories in this collection deserve recognition for being sensual, well-written gems of erotic fiction. It’s clear the pieces were chosen to complement each other and that attention to detail makes for a well-rounded — and thoroughly delightful — collection. This is erotica to tease your mind as well as your naughty bits and the editors have done an excellent job of selecting works that represent the very best in literary erotica.
Oysters & Chocolate: All New Erotic Stories of Every Flavor
(NAL Trade, May 2009); ISBN-10: 0451226828)
Available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
© 2009 Kristina Wright. All rights reserved.
