Best Lesbian Erotica of the Year, Volume 4

Stories so hot you cannot read them all at once...sizzling.

Do you know what I love about erotica anthologies? I never just open the first page and start reading. I flip through the book and just randomly start at a story. This time I started with a fabulous story by Dorothy Freed called “Adventure in Palm Springs”. Freed gives us hope that when we get older that desire will still call us and fire the blood. It all starts with a scarf, a stroke of the arm, and a chance on desire. A belief that we can have more. My heart is stirring just sitting here typing this remembering the story and that is how good Freed is and that is just the first story I read.

The Best Lesbian Erotica of the Year Volume 4 (Cleis Press, 9781627782951, 2019) edited by Sinclair Sexsmith is returning just in time for the holidays! Cozy up by the fire with a glass of wine and some hot erotic this season! This time around, Sexsmith has concocted the perfect mix of erotic tales! It's inclusive. It's raunchy. It pushes the limits and goes beyond the traditional lesbian erotica tropes.

Written by a refreshing group of individuals of various genders and sexualities, this arousing anthology explores identities and stories beyond the usual lesbian erotica. A diverse group of multi-talented authors explore a myriad of erotic delights: from fruit to silk scarves to spanking to whips, from the cozy home to the leather dungeon to the wrong side of the tracks. Award-winning editor Sinclair Sexsmith has put together a collection of varied sensual textures and flavors, but they all explore what it feels like to step fully into one's own power, and feel deeply into one's own body.

“Brunch Service” will never be the same again after you read Tobi Hill-Meyer's story. Holy sugar. I want more of this story. I want to know what happens after the party between Celia and Lora. Hill-Meyer utilizes this short story to illuminate some of the issues transwomen have and at the same time illustrate sexual happiness. I was quite happy to be there (laugh).

The funny thing is the story that I identified the most with is the first story in the anthology. Grace goes to a pansexual speed dating event in “Do Tell” by Foster Joy. Grace meets different types of people and we hear her thoughts on each individual. Grace picks a transwoman for Round Two and it is a very good time indeed. I wish we had this type of event in my area because I would go to it in a heartbeat! I probably would have picked Anastacia too.

If stories that explore diverse identities written by a refreshing group of individuals of various genders and sexualities are what you seek, you will find it in Best Lesbian Erotica of the Year, Volume 4. ✶✶✶✶✶

I received an ARC of this book from Cleis Press and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.