Lesbian Lust - book by Cleis Press Inc. - review by nolongerhere

First, an admission, I’m not a lesbian. I’m married to a wonderful man and I’ve never been with a woman. That said, I love erotica, think women are beautiful, and maybe have a little curious streak in me. I decided to give this book a try and I wasn’t disappointed. I received it in the mail, busted open the packaging, and tore through the pages in one night. I couldn’t put it down.

Lesbian Lust was published by Cleis Press in 2010 and was edited by Sacchi Green, a longtime LGBT advocate and Lambda Literary award-winning writer of provocative, insightful, and tantalizing erotica. This mixture of erotic literature features both experienced writers and those newer to the trade.

Lesbian Lust is a collection of eighteen short stories written by eighteen different authors. The stories are typically 10-15 pages long. What I loved about this collection was that there is something for every reader. I don’t want to spoil, but here are some examples. For the woman who lives for romance and sweet stories revolving around love, 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl,' by Jade Melisande is an excellent read. For those craving a bit of roughness, BDSM, and fisting, 'August Crazies,' by Miel Rose weaves a robust tale of subs and Sirs sure to arouse and leave pain sluts wet and salivating. This collection has tales of one-night stands, of wives cheating on their husbands, craving the touch that only a woman can provide, and lustful friendships being transformed into love. I especially enjoyed 'The Office Grind', by R.G. Emmanuelle in which a female executive shows her male colleagues how to be efficient and multi-task office affairs…So hot!

'Canvas,' by Kenzie Mayer was the only story that didn’t really excite, stimulate, or interest me. Perhaps others will enjoy it more than I did. It seemed that within this story the characters were not the main focus, and it seemed discombobulated and choppy. Aside from this, I enjoyed everything else. I can find no other faults with this collection.

The collection is appropriately closed by a story written by editor Sacchi Green. 'Danger' was my personal favorite. It involves a riot at a gay bar and some hot anonymous fucking. A connection deeper than was expected and a bond between lovers emerged that left me with goose bumps. Being a nurse myself, this story really hit home for me and made me appreciate those I love in my life as well as those who fight for our country.

These stories highlight women of different ages, races, and professions. Both short-term and long-term relationships, no strings-attached fucking, and women who aren’t ready to acknowledge their love for women all appear in this collection. Tops, bottoms, daddies, femmes, butches, and bois are all featured as well. If you’ve always had a fantasy about a pregnant lady, you’re in luck, that’s in here too. The dialogue was believable, although some of the situations were more suited to fantasy than reality. Obviously, we should all practice safe sex in real life, but it was not mentioned in these stories. However, it is fantasy, so I didn't mind. The dialogue is explicit in some stories, possibly too much for some readers, but I found it arousing. This explicitness is tempered with other stories featured mild, comforting, and soft language that highlighted love and relationships rather than sex.

There are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person narratives within this collection. I feel it is targeted towards lesbians, bisexual women, or ladies who are curious. These stories feel like the equivalent of video pornography that is made for women rather than men; they emphasize emotions, love, and the strength of women. However, men should not be discouraged from reading if they are interested.

The cover features two women intertwined in a passionate embrace, the shadows in the photo leave just the right amount to the imagination, and I found it to be artistically tasteful. It’s very seductive. Feel free to judge this book by its cover!

The book seems to be of quality materials and is firmly bound. The layout is easy to read, and the font is appropriately sized. The language is understandable, yet graphic and descriptive. The table of contents can easily direct readers to their favorite stories.

Still love this book, have loaned it to a couple friends and they all agreed it was a fun read and very well written. I have re-read a few stories when I'm in the mood and I still can't stop turning pages.