Rachel Kramer Bussel, ed., Best Bondage Erotica of the Year, Volume 2. Hoboken, NJ; Cleis Press, 2021. ISBN: 9781627783026.
Buy a copy from the publisher here.
No WorldCat record yet (book released on this day. Will update this later).
Genre: fiction, short story collection
Subgenre: erotica, BDSM
Format: e-book galley.
Source: provided by the editor in exchange for an honest review
The editor brings together 19 tales of bondage erotica that offer a bit of everything for all readers. These tales show the range of creativity that bondage practice can display. Bondage can be formal or informal, ornate or simple, use specific items or improvise with common household objects. We see in these stories that very often it is what you do with the items and how well the mind is engaged before, during, and after a scene. As the editor writes in her introduction:
"Whether these bondage scenes take place in bedrooms or more non-traditional venues, what they all have in common is how the players revel in losing one element of movement in favor of all the breathless pleasures that await them" (vii).
As the editor points out, we get diversity of locales and places as well as ranging from homes, restaurants, offices, and even science fiction. You also get diversity of characters from long term couples to casual encounters to polyamorous folks to trios and other arrangements. If you are looking for a collection that is inclusive in the best sense of the word and sex positive, this book is a good choice. The diversity of characters, situations, and scenarios is where the strength of the anthology lies. While I did like some stories better than others, I appreciate the effort and good eye the editor had to put this offering together. This book brings together a broad array of stories, representations, scenes, and people of different forms and expressions.
Another strength in the book is the authors. The writers offers tales rich in imagery and detail, making you feel like are there. Language in the stories is often very evocative. There are some stories in this collection where you just have to sit back and linger a bit, rereading and enjoying that one line just one more time before you move on to the next story. I'll add that at times appearances can be deceiving, but it can be fun when truths are revealed.
Let me take a moment to highlight a favorite for story or two. I am sure you will find your favorites as well as you read the book:
- Veronique Veritas "Escape" is a nice selection to open the book. It is a good story that is very sensual and has a soft pace.
- Page Sage's "Back in the Saddle" was a pretty good story with a warm feel at the end.
- Evan Mora's "Headspace" is a workplace story, a Daddy and his baby girl, told mainly from her point of view. The story builds up nicely with some improvised bondage, and it presents a very romantic scene overall.
- Emma Chaton's "Chef's Special" soon gets interesting and hot. It has some really good lines, and the last line, aside from being a perfect way to close the story, made me laugh a bit as well. I always appreciate erotica that can add a touch of humor here or there.
Overall, this is an excellent anthology of bondage erotica stories. If you read the first volume of this series, you need to pick this one up as well. If you are new to the series, you are in for a treat, and no need to worry if you missed volume 1. This volume stands on its own just fine. This is also a very good book to share with those close to you. I'd say open a good bottle of wine, get the glasses, and get to bed with this book, or just share it in your favorite spot.
For libraries that collect erotica, this is a solid selection. If' you've bought some of the editor's previous books, this is a must add for the library collection.
In the end, I really liked and enjoyed this book I highly recommend it and hope others will enjoy it.
4 out of 5 stars.
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