Rachel Kramer Bussel

Good stuff! Despite not being submissive myself, I found most of these stories pretty darn hot. I love well-written erotica, and some of these stories are masterfully poetic (Silver Fish in the Crystal Pool, my favorite of the bunch). I especially like the emphasis most stories put on the strength and the empowerment of the female submissives, often even as a direct result of their submission (looking at you, In His Control). As a certain other fictional submissive would say, "That which show more yields is not always weak." show less

I received this book from the Librarything Early reviewers program in return for my review. That does not in any way effect content (as can be seen from giveaway books I read and reviewed in the past.)

Serving Him is a series of well written, smart, stories centered on safe, sane, consensual BDSM and power exchange. I often have issues with erotic short stories. Most are filled with graphic sex but dispense with any getting-to-know-you time. Just like in life, that leaves me feeling cheap and show more unfulfilled. But these stories all develop their heroines quickly and well so that I felt engaged with the central character. Did I like all the stories? No. Did I respect the craft of all the stories? I did. A solid choice for those interested in the genre. show less

“Will he stay quiet? Or can I break the noise from him?” – Shanna Germain, “Perfect Bound”

This collection is composed of twenty short stories, averaging nine pages each, written by different authors, including Elizabeth Coldwell, Thomas Roche, Alison Tyler, and Sage Vivant.

Each of the stories are set up rather differently, not only managing to keep the reader’s interest, but also making it possible to read multiple stories in one sitting. Ranging from kidnap play, to meeting with show more a past bully, to simply punishing a naughty lover, the stories tend to be on the lighter side of kinkiness, though the closing story is heavier because of mental play. While most of the stories center on a male-female couple, the partner of either gender could be the top. Two stories have central female-female pairings, and there are some groups with mixed genders. The anthology itself is put together well in terms of story quality and variety.

I thought the stories were just long enough to tantalize with some gripping plot, yet short enough so the actions didn’t become repetitive or dull. The stories all felt very realistic and plausible, and seemed to tap into the emotions of the characters. Not only did the stories vividly describe the spankings themselves, but they also delved deeply into the relationship between the participants.

I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in or turned-on by light kink. show less

AS usual, Ms. Bussel has compiled another extraordinary collection of varied and intriguing erotica. Although I was a bit hesitant at first since domination is usually not my prerogative, I was pleasantly surprised (and aroused) by the works here. In particular, I enjoyed the wide variety of tales and the various "levels" of submission included. "Subbing" by Ms. Bussel was definitely my favorite - particularly for the aspect of unwittingly stumbling across someone you know in an erotic show more encounter. Ms. Bussel has rapidly become one of my favorite erotica writers and editors and her works are consistently arousing, entertaining, and enlightening. Recommended not only as inspiration for solo pleasure, but to share with a partner as well. show less