Title: Best Bisexual Women's Erotica Author: Cara Bruce, editor Publisher: Cleis Press Publish Date: 2006 Pages: 187 Genres:: Bisexual, Compilation, Fantasy, Fetishes, Fiction Reviewer: B.I. Laureano

Rating:

I’m a big fan of anthologies. I think they give a good taste of different writing styles in good bite-size pieces. Usually if there is a story that’s not so great, I can find another story that more than makes up for it. It is rare when an anthology is less than exceptional, and I found one here with Best Bisexual Women’s Erotica.

The Best Bisexual Women’s Erotica definitely sparks my interest. Unfortunately, it does not hold my interest. Don’t get me wrong; I read every single story and can tell you about each of them. However, I didn’t enjoy the read as much as I had hoped. For example, I thought the writing was rushed by almost all of the authors. Plus, when I can find more than two typos I start to get annoyed. Isn’t that what the editing process is about? Finally, there were several stories where the authors wrote about various forms of domestic violence, sexual assault, and non-consensual encounters that definitely made me uncomfortable, and not in a good way.

More so, my problem is that although a diverse look at bisexuality among women was sought, most of the stories came off as the protagonists cheating on their primary partners versus their partner recognizing and building with their bisexual partner. The editor, Cara Bruce, mentions the stereotypes about bisexual women in her introduction and discusses how there is an idea of bisexual women having their cake and eating it too. I get that, but I have to say there wasn’t but a handful of stories that I would actually want to read again, experience for myself, or share with a partner.

So,let’s focus on the positive shall we? Elise Tanner’s “Party of One” is the kind of bisexual women’s erotica that I need more of! Not only is the protagonist in a partnered relationship, but her primary partner gives her a birthday present that confirms they are the best partners for one another. Not only is the birthday present a romp with a man who she does not know, but also her partner is watching from a distance to provide an added level of safety and comfort for the protagonist. Plus, the action is hot.

If you enjoy reading about the work of massage therapists/sex workers,you’ll enjoy the exploits in Ariel Hart’s “Hands,” where her protagonists tells herself “it’s all about the hands” and I couldn’t agree more. Lynn A. Powers’ “Thwack!” is about a phone sex operator who gets even with her cheating lover and has some fun with BDSM play.

Unfortunately, that’s all the good stories this anthology has to offer. Out of the 20, these are the best, and not just in comparison to the poor stories; these stories stand alone as good erotic reading. I’d read more stories by these authors as they produce quality erotica that inspires and relaxes me.

If this is the best that’s out there for bisexual women, I’ve got to admit I’m embarrassed. It can’t be this bad for us, can it? I won’t believe it. I’ve got hope that the next batch of erotica for women by women will be better. So if you are reading this and happen to be an aspiring writer, there is work to be done!