BOOK REVIEW - "Women In Lust"

BOOK REVIEW - "Women In Lust"
Edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel

Official Website
Purchase on Amazon 

This month, I'm honored to be participating in the virtual book tour for Women In Lust, the latest collection of short stories from Editor/Author Rachel Kramer Bussell.  It features 20 stories from various authors including one from the editor herself.

The introduction begins:

   "Lust. It’s one of those four-letter words that trips off the
   tongue. When I say it out loud, it makes my lips want to
   curve into a smile. Lust is more than simple arousal; it is the
   force that makes us not just turned on, but craving a certain
   person (or people)..."

I like that definition and this collection certainly delivers smiles among other things.  From duct tape and spanking to cowboys and naughty professors with a nice bowl of pudding to finish it off.  Toss in a variety of women, each experiencing that craving in their own way and you've got yourself a very arousing read.  I caught myself repeatedly imagining myself in the scenarios that played out, and making notes of things that we need to try...


One of my favorites was 'Ode To A Masturbator' by Aimee Herman.  It pairs a frustrated husband with a voyeuristic neighbor.  A quick journey through the woman's mind and her own lust driven on by the fact that she will be moving soon lead to to her inevitable (well, in an erotic story anyway) discovery and subsequent adventure.  I'm not sure what made this story stick in my head, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.


I'd have to say that the editor has done it again.  If you're looking for an arousing, quick read that will set your imagination in motion, Women In Lust is a great choice.  With no shortage of lust and a wide variety of stories, there's something to suit ever fan of erotic fiction's taste.


(Although, I received an advance copy of Women In Lust from the editor to review it for her virtual book tour, the opinions here are my own, and were not influenced by Rachel Kramer Bussell in any way)

BOOK REVIEW - "Yes, Sir"

Time to dive head first into a book review.

Yes, Sir: Erotic Stories Of Female Submission
Edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel

Rachel Kramer Bussel is an author and the editor of over 30 anthologies. In 'Yes, Sir' she has gathered eighteen short stories from various authors in addition to one of her own, 'Make Me'. As the book's title infers, the stories all center around submissive females and, with the exception of one, dominant males.

The writing styles are varied, but none are what I would consider hardcore BDSM or 'intense'. I found them be more romantic and intellectual as a whole. That's not to say they aren't erotic, but the focus is on getting inside the mind of the bottom. What is it that makes them want or need to submit? What pleasure do they get from giving up control and how can doing so actually make them feel empowered?

I've read some comments from others who felt that this book didn't live up to their expectations.  If you're looking for the standard porn story 'emotionless man ties up girl, smacks her around and abuses her with six of his friends while she feigns terror' or a 'how-to guide to BDSM' with a list of scenarios to act out, you will be disappointed. These stories, while not lacking in sex, seem to deal more with the women realizing, coming to terms with, and narrating their feelings about what being submissive means to them.  My personal favorites were "How Bad Do You Want It" by Gwen Masters and "The Editor" by Amanda Earl. 

I will say, however, that I found I could not read this like a standard novel or even anthologies that I am used to. The stories are very short, and don't lend themselves to being read in quick succession.  My advice is to take your time. As you finish each one, ask yourself some questions and really take the time to answer honestly.

"What parts turned me on?"

"What parts didn't?"

"What parts am I indifferent to?"

"Could I see myself in this situation in fantasy? In real life?"

When you finish the book, think about your answers. Go back and reread your favorites. You may surprise yourself. If nothing else, you will hopefully have gained some awareness of the submissive mindset, even if it doesn't apply to you directly.

Of course, all this advice assumes you actually purchase the book. If the topic of D/s even remotely interests you, I would recommend it.  As I said, my only wish was that the stories would have been slightly longer.  That said, 'Yes, Sir' was a fun, quick read and well worth the money. I will definitely be adding more anthologies by this editor to my Kindle in the future.

PRODUCT REVIEW - Silicone Tee Probe

Time for our first try at a toy review!

Product: Silicone Tee Probe
Manufacturer: California Exotic Novelties
Weight: 1.6 oz
Insertable Length: 4.25"
Width at Largest Point: 0.85"
Girth at Largest Point: 3"
Material(s): Silicone
Colors: Blue, Purple, Pink, Translucent
Price (09-05-11): $7.72

CONSTRUCTION

The Tee Probe is a slender, tapered plug with a flanged base to prevent over insertion.  Two finger holes in the base make it easy to grip.  The silicone material is soft and smooth with a firm, yet pliable feel, completely nontoxic and phthalate free.  Cleaning is simple with soap and water, toy cleaning solutions, or by boiling.

USE
Both women and men can enjoy the Tee Probe alone or with a partner.  The slim shape is beginner friendly, non threatening to nearly everyone, and just right to be pleasurable without discomfort.  If you've explored with fingers before, you'll find the sensation similar.  As with any toy intended for anal play, make sure you use plenty of lube and go slowly.  Use care choosing a lube that is compatible with silicone toys (NEVER use silicone based lubes with silicone toys).

How you use the probe is up to you.  Some people enjoy the in and out sensation.  Others will prefer the feeling of fullness when it is left in.  Either technique can be used during foreplay, oral sex, or intercourse.  The flared shape and large flat base do a great job of keeping it in, hands free.  The base also makes it compatible with some harnesses. 

The same techniques apply if you're flying solo.  Tease yourself or just insert it fully and leave both hands free for other things.  Also, although the shorter length and lack of suction cup base present a challenge, it's definitely possible to ride and grind on the probe while masturbating.  Try it in the shower (just be careful not to let the lube wash off).

PROS
Slim, non threatening size great for anal beginners
Smooth, durable, and easy to clean silicone material
Flared shape for hands free play

Large base

Low price

CONS

This toy is definitely aimed at back door beginners and those who prefer the small size.  If you are more 'experienced', you may not find the sensation strong enough.

SUMMARY

Big fun in a small package with a tiny price.  If you're new to anal play and ready to experiment, this is the toy to get.  The Tee Probe is an all around winner in my book and will be staying in OurToyBox.

5 out of 5

(This review is based solely on my personal experiences.  No compensation, monetary or otherwise, was provided by any individual or company for it)

Hello's

Hello, and welcome to the OurToyBox blog.  We're slowly getting things moving and diving into the world of blogging.  As a 40ish couple with very busy lives, most of our time is divided between our full time jobs and chasing our combined tribe of seven children.  

The plan, if you can call it that, for this blog is to review and discuss all things related to adult toys.  You might see a post about our new favorite plaything or advice on bringing toys into your own bedroom.  Hopefully, you'll find something of interest and follow along with us.

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