Title: Sex Scratchers Author: Lynne Stanton Publisher: Chronicle Books Publish Date: 2007 Pages: 40 Genres:: Games, Humor Reviewer: L. Raphael

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The phrase "Sex Scratchers" might sound like something you'd learn about in a sex-ed class on the set of High School Musical, but get your mind off of Zac Efron, perv. It's actually the name of a bawdy little bedside book that will either promise you a night of 1,000 positions and countless rounds of oral sex or it'll leave you high and dry, with nothing but a handjob; that is, of course, you're feeling lucky.

This isn't your everyday book of sexual favor coupons. I'm sure that we've all gotten those as a gag gift for a birthday or two, but this one is actually fun to play with. And shouldn't sex be FUN? Sex games run a fine line between being silly and being an organic part of you and your partner's mutual path to orgasm. There's definite cheese factor in a book of "do me/do you" lottery tickets but open up the compact (travel-size even, for gambling on the go) red sparkly cover and 100 cheeky scratch-off cards await boasting games and prizes all can enjoy.

Rip off the cards, pull out your shiniest good-luck penny, and scratch away spoils to use or save that run from a vanilla little peck to a down-and-dirty domination in the position(s) of your choice. Find a clover in Get Lucky and win "a makeout session." Uncover a diagonal line in Bondage Bingo and get ready for "a blindfolded tongue-lashing." Match three in the Mile High Club and redeem your card later for "sex in a public place." Like a little friendly competition? Compete for orgasms in Double Duty. Maybe some of the "prizes" are a bore - a passionate embrace, really? Or a little too vanilla—a sensual massage? Include hot wax in mine, thanks. But it's the variety and knowing that not every card promises pornstar sex that keeps the game titillating.

Although most games are just for one or two, Sex Scratchers would be great to bring to parties. I'm not trying to inspire any orgies - although I'm not going to stop any either - but besides being an obvious bachelorette/bridal shower gift, you could spice up any bash with these cards as witty little favors. For only $8.95, you have 100 different options to determine your guests' sexual destinies. Hand them out to couples as they leave or separate the tickets and leave them in a bowl for singles and swingers to do what's in the stars. Hor douvres, schmor douvres! They'll want seconds of Sex Scratchers.

In one particular night, the cards seemed stacked in my man's favor and I ended up having to give him IOUs for a number of blow jobs and back rubs. I, on the other hand, won a "passionate kiss" and a "firm handshake" But that, my friends, is just luck of the scratch.