She's On Top - erotic fiction by Cleis Press Inc. - review by Mr. & Mrs. Peg

She’s On Top is a scorching anthology about men who cede control in exchange for intense pleasure delivered by the hand (and other devices) of strong women. Personally, I can't think of a better subject to write about.

Rachel Kramer Bussel, SexIs Magazine contributor and erotica author extraordinaire, edited the anthology and provides the introduction. In her opening to the book, Ms. Bussel describes the relationship between top and bottom, the transfer of power associated with gender roles, and why these situations capture our imagination and set fire to our loins.

Stories included in She's On Top include:
Suit and Tie by Donna George Storey – This story gets right to one of the most common scenarios in stories of male submission: a powerful man giving himself over to a subordinate with her own dominant streak. Even though the plotline may seem cliché, this piece remains enjoyable, engaging and exciting.

His Just Reward by Rachel Kramer Bussel – This story starts out with a whole lot of promise. In my mind I had this story going somewhere incredibly hot. Oddly, the story takes a sad turn and I felt kind of let down. It is extremely well crafted, it just left me hanging and begging for more….which is kind of appropriate. Read the story and you will know why.

Why Can't I Be You by Alison Tyler – This is a short and not so sweet tale of a woman who wants more than to just reverse roles, she wants to swap identities. Her man is more than willing to accommodate her request and her strapon. Nothing not to like here!

Room 2201 by N.T. Morley – I read this while traveling. It left me hoping that somewhere in my hotel there is was a room 2201, or at least a room where the goings-on described in the story were being played out. This pushed more than a few of my buttons in the most delicious of ways.

City Lights by Kathleen Bradean – Anonymity turns to humiliation when a man is topped in front of an undraped high-rise window facing out into the big city, and his boss's apartment, somewhere in the darkness. Who has witnessed him getting his just deserts? Will he ever know?

Ottoman Empire by Noelle Keely – While some activities in this story may blur the line between the roles of top and bottom, one thing is clear: this empress knows what she wants as she ascends her throne; and she isn't afraid to take it.

The Queening Chair by Kate Dominic – We love chair sex. In fact, we have a special chair made for the sole purpose of playing. It isn't a queening chair, though. Given the intense pleasure this lady derives from her time in the hot seat, I may just have to get spend a little more time in the woodshop. As a bonus, she not only tops her slaves, but manages to exert he will on her untoppable husband as well.

Working Late by Adrea Dale – A man gets topped via his webcam in this quick and dirty tale. While sitting at work after hours, he is pleasuring himself at his mistress's behest. He begs her to let him stop when he realizes someone else in the office. To his surprise, his mistress suggests a change in management might be in order.

Shades of Red by Lisabet Sarai – In this adventurous tale centered around a flogging, there is little doubt as to who is on top and who her bottom is. What the reader is left pondering is whose marks will last the longest.

Feeder by Adelaide Clark – Food fetish anyone? This story is the one (and there always is at least one) that we just didn't care for. I guess we just couldn't connect with the theme. Give it a try though; maybe it is your cup of tea.

Penelope the Punisher by Stan Kent – Okay, maybe there are two. Actually, this story is well written and has an interesting fantasy flair to it. What I think separates this story from the rest of the book is that it is written by a man. At least the penname is a man's and that different perspective bleeds through. What ruined this story for me is that Penelope assumes this “Mummy” role over her bottom and chastises him as a child. I just find that creepy. Absent that, I might have really enjoyed this story.


The Mistress Meets Her Match by Kristina Wright – This story from EdenFantasys contributor Kristina Wright is a complex read exploring the psyche of the female top. The rhythm of the storytelling is excellent, kind of like a good mind-fucking.

By a Firm Hand by Debra Hyde – This is another great humiliation tale. He made a mess playing with her undergarments. She caught him and metes out his punishment on their back deck…with the neighbors next store. Welcome to the suburbs! We loved it.


I used to wonder why I like to be a bottom on occasion. The thing I kept coming back to is at the core of many of the stories in She's On Top: a strong desire to give up control and get away from my responsibilities in life and my profession. In time, though, I came to a completely different conclusion: it is about trust and pleasure. Much like many of the men in this book, I completely trust that Mrs. Peg won't really hurt me….at least in a way that last. And, simply, it feels good. Whatever the reason, it sure is hot to read about!

Still a sizzler. These stories can be enjoyed over and over again either by yourself or with your lover. Personally, I never get tired of a tale where She's On Top!