Good choice for lovers of erotic.
356307
Wonderful erotic stories by great storytellers. I love anthologies since it gives me a taste for old favorite authors and introduces me to new ones.
3179975
As a fan of Erotica I found this book to be very tastefully written with more of a Victorian flavor than 21st Century contemporary erotica. I learned some things about reincarnation and past life experiences that I hadn't considered before.

Makes one wonder just what life (and death) are all about.
3401690
Erotic Flashes Reviews
Rating: 4 Flashes

Self's Blossom is a story that should be in the Tate Gallery, were the Tate a gallery for literature as opposed to art.

With this story, you are getting a highly unusual and in-depth style of writing that you don't usually find in the erotica genre. Some people may regard it as abstract, although in truth it is actually very detailed. (Just like many of the paintings in the Tate -- you see where I'm going with this?)

It took me a while to get into this story, and I think it's because when reading erotica, I've become accustomed to an "easy" read -- a book that you can open and, wham-bam, there you are in the story. While some readers may have that experience with this, I can't say that I did at first, and I suspect that most will not. There is an array of back story and character development from page one, and I'm glad I found the patience to stick with it, because I enjoyed the read.

It's the story of Selene. She's an intellectual. She's independent. She's seeking freedom because she's an adventurer at heart. Or at least, that was my interpretation: for me, this was a story about the search for freedom, through sexuality, sensuality and emotions of the heart.

I dare say that not everyone will take to Selene, but she's very real. She's a restless soul, and she is not the "flouncy" kind of heroine you usually get in erotica novels, but can be quite blunt and analytical in her thinking. Yes, it's unusual, but when I got into the story and her character, I found it refreshingly so.

The male lead is likeable and patient, giving her the space she needs to learn and grow throughout the story, but there is a two-way exchange here, and he learns from Selene as well.

This book is prose at its best. The language used is eloquent and intelligent. You won't find crude words or phrases here, but a rhetoric that is closer to that of Charlotte Bronte (yes, I did say Charlotte Bronte -- well, if she wrote erotica that is....) The narrative is highly descriptive and even a little "gothic" in some places. Here's a brief example:

"Each, to the other, became universe god and goddess. After so many times in their pasts when the brakes had been applied, when both had been frozen by reticence, or had their yearnings derided -- the universe's currents now galvanized their bodies. Now words could be uttered in acceptance of total immersion. With their slow speed, they generated maelstroms. Their every part revealed with deep exuberance, two bodies showing themselves as two complete presences."

Maybe it could even be considered poetry.

If you want an easy read that gets to the point, hard-hitting, direct language and a lot of instant action, this book is not for you. If you want a different, eloquent and intelligent erotic story, that indulges in every emotion and thought from the characters, that works towards a specific goal of self discovery, this is the book for you. I urge you to read the sample chapters from eBook retailers. If you can accept that it's a different style of erotica, you will not be disappointed with it.

Note: I received a free copy of this eBook from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
2744648
It IS readable porn.l with a lot of BDSM and bisexuality.  Not for the faint of heart.
508967
I've had this book on my bookshelf to read for a long time.  A while back I was interested in reading some erotica that actually had a storyline and this looked like it would fit the bill.  Then I got distracted by other review books and this sat on my shelf for years.  I picked it up to read something fluffy, sexy, and short.  It was a very well done book; had a good story line, great characters, and very well done sex scenes.

Cassandra Willows is a self-made woman in an era when that is unheard of; she's made a name for herself as one of the most sought after Seamstresses in London.  She has a secret though, she has side business making sensual toys for the aristocracy.  Nathan Manning is the Earl Blackhearth and is still devastated over how Cassandra betrayed him when they were younger.  She promised to run away with him and then never showed.  Now he is determined to make her pay and has decided to blackmail her; she will be his mistress or Nathan will expose her secret side business.

This was a fun and quick historical erotica read.  Additionally there is an excellent back story and a bit of a mystery to be solved as well. The mystery involves Cassandra and Nathan's history and what really happened on the night Cassandra didn't show up.  The mystery is slowly and expertly revealed a piece at a time.

I enjoyed the characters and like that there was a decent story to support the relationship the two main characters developed.  These two characters have a lot of history to support the relationship they end up in.  They have excellent chemistry together and it was fun to read about them.

Cassandra is a wonderful heroine.  She is strong, confident, and not afraid to pursue her own interests and pleasures.  Still at points in the story she is tired and confused and vulnerable...it was a wonderful combination.  Nathan was a wonderful male lead; right from the beginning you can see he loves Cassandra but is confused, hurt and angry at her for what he sees as her betrayal of him.

Despite the whole blackmail thing going on the sex scenes are all consensual.  There are lots and lots of sex scenes in this book.  I expected this to be a bit of a drag and slow the story down but it didn't.  The sex scenes were very creative and very well done. There is actual character development going on during the sex scenes, which kind of surprised me.  There is a wide breadth of types of sex in here; all of it is male/female and monogamous.  It spans bondage, toy usage, food usage, you name it.  They were all tastefully done though and very sensual.

Overall this was an excellent historical erotica.  I liked that there was a plot that drove the story and it was an integral part of the book (not just an excuse for more sex scenes).  The characters were interesting and very well done; they had great chemistry.  The sex scenes were creative and well done, they didn't come off as repetitive or boring.  I haven't read a lot of erotica, but I would definitely recommend this for some interested in the genre.
2595489
This is probably the best written erotic novel I've read. The characters, both male and female have reasonable thoughts and reactions, and are not the carboard characters you usually find. Many of them are conflicted - just like ordinary people and the major problem of all erotica i.e. how did these characters get themselves into this situation where sex dominates their lives, is dealt with in a (sort of!) plausible way. Substantially better written than the Shades of Gray series and at least as good as the Beauty series from Anne Rice.
If you like your erotica literate, this is for you!
1834421
I love reading books by Cynthia Sax--they're erotic with irresistible, vulnerable, offbeat characters. I couldn't put Breaking All the Rules down.
4772853
The Gentlemens Club by Emmanuelle de Maupassant
4 stars
I think that this is the first time that I have read a book that has combined two of my favourite genres, erotica and historical erotic romance. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it has definitely got me wanting to read more from her in the future! The book was well written, the erotic scenes were well balanced and not too over the top. I admit I skimmed over some of the m/m scenes because thats not particularly my thing to read about but from what I read they were again written about really well. I was pretty much enraptured with the writing of this book and I felt like I was there too. The writing within the story was very detailed. I loved that it was set in London during the Victorian era because that just added an edge to it  especially knowing how people in those times viewed these kinds of lifestyles and activities! The story is about Lord McCaulay who visits The Club and finds himself becoming obsessed with Mademoiselle Noir. I did struggle with to make a connection with the characters but I still enjoyed reading about them. The scenes between them were pretty steamy (as expected with an erotic book!) I did find myself wondering about Mademoiselle Noir a bit more than Lord McCaulay  she was quite an intriguing character!
I have to say Im not quite sure I was expecting that ending though!
Overall I thought it was a good read from a new to me author. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book and certainly more from her in the future.
613307
This is a good solid erotic tale.  The emotions were well crafted.  I did think that the husband wife confrontation was underplayed when he called her out.  The book was clearly a build up to the second book and hopefully it will expand further.
3376066
This is one erotic read. Each erotic story will entice you to read the entire book. I became more intrigued after reading the very first chapter, titled: "Appraising Love". By Dante Davidson. "Hot!" And reading the story of one of my most favorite erotic writers, "Marilyn Jaye Lewis" The award winning author of the novella, (Neptune and Surf) Was a plus. These sexy stories are worth the read.
2306875
If you looking for Romance/light Erotica, this book is worth reading.
The characters are believable and the base of the story is not typical.
I liked book one better than book two, it gets a little crazy. I'm glad I read them though.
1229178
Readers looking for a little afternoon delight will get just that with this collection of erotic stories set amidst all your favorite genres.  From menage to historical to paranormal to sci-fi, readers will get quickly caught up in the sensual haze these tales engender with each turn of the page.  Those there's a lack of polish, a bit of incompleteness to some of the stories, I still found myself entertained by these naughty tales and think others will too.

As with any anthology some of the stories I preferred over others.  The first story to catch my attention was The Inlaw and involved the theme of the older woman/younger man and was a favorite for its divorced heroine who dealt with losing a limb and addressed issues of self-image.  Though I would've loved to see her disability dealt with more fully I did enjoy the spunky, strong-willed older heroine and the sexy and playful young man who renewed her faith in herself.  A story that was ultimately over far too soon.  The next story to catch my eye was Night Nurse for its intensely emotional storyline of a dying woman finding her soul mate on her deathbed.  It was heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting in its message of living life to the fullest no matter what the future holds.  It's a powerful message in a small package.  The weakest of the lot, and one I had high hopes for, was Grey Manchester for its deaf hero.  Unfortunately, I felt as though I was dropped into the middle of the story and saw no purpose to the actions of the characters.  The remaining stories though were satisfying and steamy and provided a few hours of escapism.

Readers who enjoy erotic tales will find something to whet their appetite in this collection of stories of various genres and word lengths.  The British slang throughout further set the stories apart and helped immerse me in the erotic world Ms. Kent crafted.  Though it's not a perfect read, it's one I won't soon forget.

3.5 STARS!
3591280
An etertaining and sexy read. It's like 50 Shades of Grey but actually well written and with a juicier plot. The characters are believeable and the narration isn't annoying. Recommended for anyone who's into erotica.
2008209
I would not generally consider myself an erotica fan because I frequently find the situations incredibly unrelatable and too far removed from reality to be properly enjoyed.  I know some people want extreme fantasy, it just usually isn't my cup of tea for written erotica.  While some of the stories are entirely unbelievable (but still hot, don't get me wrong), there are several gems in this compilation that I've already listened to a few times.  I love the variety of couples featured in the stories, from new couples to those who have grown children and are rediscovering each other.  I also greatly appreciate the range of situations; there is a story for everyone in this--sweet to smoldering and all very sexy.

I didn't listen to this with my husband, he's not too keen on non-visual erotica... yet.  But he has definitely benefited from these stories.
4058655
I believe that this was quite a good story.  Maybe stories with this general plot exist elsewhere.  I am new to reading erotica, and this is the first time that I have read this particular type of story.
I think that the author's writing is quite good.  It is a good idea for a story, the plot is very well handled, and the characters were interesting.  There was even a bit of development of the characters.
I liked the author's writing enough that I am going to look for other stories written by her.
I thought that the sex was handled quite well.
2988138
From what I have read of what was allowed, I enjoyed the writing and Alexis's Style. I am an avid reader of Erotica in it's many forms and it is hard to find a writer that can both be descriptive and still maintain tact and decorum. I believe that Alexis has found a true balance between a well written love story and a steamy, pulse building sexual attraction and experience.
2595622
3.5 stars

The first section reads like heated, nifty-esque erotica with a bit of a Domination/submission theme that sizzles rather nicely.  The remainder of the story includes a decent amount of character and a bit of a plot, an interesting-enough exploration of a "straight," tough Jock and a gay accountant, with a bit of intrigue surrounding the pairing of an Alpha wolf/submissive-ish human as well as paranormal politics.  I would love to read a sequel about the wolves, and/or see more exploration of the succubi/incubi characters.