Personally, I can’t say no to a dominant woman. There’s an irresistible allure when a woman exerts her authority. Whether it’s a lover who takes control in the bedroom, or an editor insisting on a revised deadline. If it’s a woman in a superior position: I squirm. And usually in a good way.
Which is only one of the reasons why I got such immense pleasure from She’s on Top.
She’s on Top, Rachel Kramer Bussel’s latest collection of 18 tantalising tales, introduces the reader to women who wield, damsels who dominate and babes who were born to bully.
Donna George Storey, “Suit and Tie,” begins the anthology with her trademark brand of hard-hitting panache and style. A single-minded protagonist; an easily manipulated boss; and a story that’s hot enough to melt icecaps. Debra Hyde, “By a Firm Hand,” gives a gloriously gratuitous glimpse into the marital bliss that can only come when a committed disciplinarian weds a not-too reluctant sub. Saskia Walker, as stimulating and wicked as always with “Inner Vixen,” shows how one woman discovers her dominant nature and learns to use it to best effect.
The quality of writing, as in all Rachel’s anthologies, is second to none. Rachel has recruited some of erotica’s top talent and produced a compilation of stories that can’t fail to arouse.
Teresa Noelle Roberts takes her readers to the cutting edge of female domination with “Mark of Ownership.” Her story balances the credible relationship of a couple drifting apart but suggests that, hopefully, there are some things that might last forever. Kathleen Bradean, “City Lights,” introduces a beautifully dominant businesswoman and reveals how easily a woman can manipulate her husband.
Lisabet Sarai, “Shades of Red,” is a story of a lady wielding the whip in the Amsterdam red light district. Lisabet shines when she’s writing about the power play between strong women and the men who worship at their feet. “Shades of Red” shows she can combine an eloquent narrative with a streak of naughty fun.
There are too many highlights in this book to mention them all. Rachel has included her own deviant take on female power play with “His Just Rewards.” Alison Tyler, whose imagination must have more twists than a Slinky, raises the intriguing question “Why Can’t I Be You?”The final story in the anthology, “The Queening Chair,” comes from the inimitable Kate Dominic. Kate shows how a dominant woman deserves to be treated and she does it with a style and aplomb that make mere men tremble with their desire to satisfy those they revere.
If you like short erotic fiction with powerful women and humbled men, this is the anthology you have to have. And if, like me, you like dominant women: you won’t be able to say no.
She’s on Top edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel
(Cleis Press; February 28, 2007; ISBN-10: 1573442690)
Available at Amazon.com / Amazon UK
© 2007 Ashley Lister. All rights reserved.
