Kristina WrightBesprekingen

This is an anthology of sixteen short stories by sixteen different authors. Each story is about 10-15 pages long with each story beginning in a different relationship stage, meaning a few stories start out after the couple is already married, they’ve been friends for a while and decided to move their relationship to the next level or they’re strangers.
While I think some stories are better than others, all of them need another round of edits to correct a typos, missing words and/or passive voice. That’s sad since the editor of this antho is also a participating author and her story is one of the better edited pieces.
Some stories are in first POV and others are in third POV.
The following reviews are my opinions on each story.

The Shortest Day by Nikki Magennis

John and Lucy are married with kids, they have guardianship of Lucy’s elderly mother, and their marriage is on the rocks. They don’t talk, barely look at one another, and they’re just going through the motions of everyday life. I felt very little sympathy for them because I don’t see what they had to complain about. I mean, hire a babysitter and put the mom in a rest home since they’re ill-equipped to take care of her as she needs. I don’t mean to sound cold, but all they did was whine.
2 Stars

A Competitive Marriage by Victoria Blisse

Ian and Mandy are married with two kids. Mandy is trying to lose weight for her sister’s wedding but can’t go walking as normal since it’s snowing outside. She and Ian play a dance game on the Wii and make a competition out of it. Whoever loses must give the other an orgasm. So the story is all about dancing and the loser fulfilling the bet. I like Ian and Mandy, their relationship is loving and playful even with kids in the household, but the story doesn’t have much meat to it. It’s short and cute, but that’s all.
3 Stars

Professional, Knowledgeable and Very Thorough by Annabeth Leong

Tamara owns and works in a garage and she often has to deal with sexist men who think a woman mechanic doesn’t know squat about engines. She meets Randall, a man who knows nothing about cars, so she invites him to return to the garage afterhours so she can give him a step by step rundown on the maintenance she performed on his car. One thing leads to another and sparks fly. I really enjoyed this story, especially the twist at the end. The heat and chemistry between them is spot on. They understand one another, respect each other, and the sexual car metaphors were hilarious. This story is one of my favorites in the antho.
5 Stars

Rules by Emerald

Joyce and Pete have been married for 3 years but they don’t know everything about each other. After she reveals her wild teenage years and he admits to thinking goth girls are hot, she buys herself a purple wig and dons a corset to spice up their love life. Though he thinks she’s absolutely amazing, high class snobs disagree at the hotel they go to. Joyce is such a strong character, Pete loves her no matter what, and I totally respected them. I agree with the author’s message in the story about living one’s life no matter what someone else thinks or dictates. Sometimes you gotta fight for your rights, for respect, and break out of the mold conservative society demands.
4 Stars

More Light by Laila Blake

George and the heroine (the author didn’t name the female lead) are friends and photographers who sneak inside an abandoned building to take photos. There was a lot description about the building that I found boring and I didn’t feel connected to either character. Honestly, George seemed like an ass. Their attraction to one another seemed superficial and temporary. I just didn’t like this story.
1 Star

Stay with Me by Crystal Jordan

Jamie owns and runs her deceased’s husband’s Texas ranch. Cord is a horse trainer, hired on for the summer. They’re attracted to one another but neither acted on it until just days before the handsome cowboy drifter is supposed to mosey his way out of her life. The heat and desire between them sparked the sheets but it didn’t feel like a real connection to me. They jumped in bed together before the reader even knows their back story and it just seemed rushed and sloppy. This short story had the potential to be good but it fell flat.
2 Stars

A Singer Who Doesn’t Sing by Jeanette Grey

The author didn’t give either of her main characters names and I read he and she so many times my eyes blurred together. They meet at bar, have a fun night of sex and move in together a year later. He’s a musician who won’t play the piano and she’s a painter who won’t paint. Their reasons for giving up on their dreams didn’t make sense. Maybe if the author fleshed out the characters, I could’ve connected with them but, as it stands, I just didn’t like the story.
1 Star

Show Me by DR Slaten

Dani and Ian are living together and the story starts right off with sex. The reader knows nothing about them. No back stories, no romance, no love. Just sex. He has a mom whom they plan to visit after playtime, and that’s all I learned about his life.
1 Star

A Perfect Place by Catherine Paulssen

Julie works as a location scout for a movie production company and goes to Hungry to inspect a grand but dilapidated castle. Benedek is the reserved castle owner with a sexy accent. Things heat up quickly between them but I felt their passion for one another. Neither of them seems to be the kind of person who jumps in bed with just anyone so their union is fiery, wild and unexpected to both of them.
4 Stars

Something New by Giselle Renarde

Kim lives at home with her parents to save money for the mortgage she and Elson wants to get after they’re married. He lives alone in a bachelor apartment but she won’t move in with him because her parents think she’s a virgin and she knows they won’t approve of her living with a man before marriage. I have absolutely no respect for Kim and I don’t know why Elson is with her. She’s 32 years old for crying out loud. She can’t even have phone sex with her fiancé in fear her parents might overhear and she can’t masturbate in the privacy of her bedroom because she’s under their roof, but the heroine gets down and dirty with Elson at his place when they’re alone. Just ridiculous.
1 Star

Over a Barrel by Tasmin Flowers

Bonnie slipped on a patch of ice weeks earlier, broke her wrists and is now homebound. Jason, her co-worker and possible usurper of her job, brings paperwork to her home so they can work on a project together. She’s bitter and rude. He’s trying to be nice but he’s straightforward and doesn’t take her crap. There’s lots of animosity between them but I didn’t see any romance. They make peace at the end of the night but it took sex to bring them together.
2 Stars

Tuscarora by Anja Vikarma

Jane inherited a plot of land and house from her deceased uncle, so she leaves her bad husband and relocates to her new property. She constantly thinks of her husband as simply ‘bad husband’ and the reader never learns his name or what made him so bad, other than one sentence when Jane remembers that he called her names. She meets her new neighbor, Beau, as she explores the property and he immediately insults her and the Hindu religion because she practices yoga and likes to chant in Hindi as a calming mechanism as she mediates. While I know he’s joking with her, I don’t like it. Their connection, however, does seem real and heartfelt but I know so little about the characters. Is she even divorced? There was very little to Jane’s back story and nothing about Beau’s from what I can remember.
2 Stars

Big Bully by AM Hartnett

Charlotte is a former child star and now a Hollywood bad girl. She’s about 23 and her tough-as-nails bodyguard, Teal, is double her age. As she strips down to her underwear and jumps in the ocean in November, her so-called friends call the Press but Teal arrives to save her from yet another embarrassing situation before the media arrives. He’s angry and doesn’t take her crap. She hates him, but feels safe with him. Of all the people in her life, she respects him. He takes her back to his place. Though he meant for her to sleep on the couch, Teal changes his mind and decides to teach the brat a lesson. A lesson she’ll never forget. I love this story! The heat between them is incredible and he’s the only one who can see past Charlotte’s bratty exterior to the vulnerable and scared woman beneath. Their connection is chalked full of emotion—pain, happiness and hope—and I feel like this couple is just meant to be.
5 Stars

Going in Alone by Lucy Felthouse

Debbie and Jake met at park where they walk their dogs. While they’ve talked a few times with their playful dogs as their buffers, they’re on their first official date and she’s very nervous. Things go great, however, and they head back to her place. Though this is a classic story of boy meets girl, I enjoyed it because of its simplicity. The characters and their connection to each other felt real.
4 Stars

Closing the Deal by Kelly Maher

Julia and Paul are vacationing for work on the island of St. Thomas. They both like each other but she’s hesitant about starting a relationship with a coworker. The whole story is about Paul trying to get her into bed. I felt blah about these characters. I understand why Julia doesn’t want to date a coworker and I understand why Paul pursues her anyway. He’s in love with her. There’s just no depth to the story.
2 Stars

Whatever It Takes by Kristina Wright

David and his nameless wife have some fun after the kids are in bed for the night. They’ve been married for years and even though they don’t have sex as often as they want due to their busy lives, their love and passion are still strong. Still, I found the story rather boring. While I’m happy I felt the couple’s love for one another, the plot lacked depth. It’s well-written and the most well-edited of all the stories.
3 Stars

The Book Overall – 3 Stars

Disclaimer – I won a print copy of this book in a contest. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

Una colección de 17 apasionantes relatos eróticos y románticos, que recoge lo mejor del género: sexo ardiente y emociones a flor de piel.

I have posted my review of this book on my blog, The Itinerant Librarian. Click on the link to read the review:

Link" http://itinerantlibrarian.blogspot.com/2013/07/booknote-best-erotic-romance-2013...

By the way, I would actually give 4.5 out of 5, but as mentioned previously, not an option here on GoodReads.

The stories run the gambit from ok to excellent.

Kiss and Make Up by Heidi Champa
Make up sex can be so much fun, but I don't know if I'd have forgiven him

Three Nights Before the Wedding by Catherine Paulssen - 4
Bachlerette party has a kinky twist. Shackled in a fancy men's bathroom.

Waiting for Ilya by Teresa Noelle Roberts - 5
Couple anxiously awaiting their adopted son to arrive, accept kinky and parenting can co-exist. Loving, spanking. Nice short

The Beast Within by Emerald - 4
Very touching, BDSM is very light

Name by A.D.R. Forte - 4
BDSM and Spinning gold story twist

Mirror, Mirror by Shanna Germain - 4
Now here's a definite new twist on the Queen

Gretel's Lament by Jeanette Grey - 4
Would that we all had a lover that gave us such a feeling of safety

The Last Dance by Kristina Lloyd - 3
I couldn't figure out which fairy tale this was based on, it really felt like an erotic scene

Rosa Redford by Anya Richards
I want my own Bear, I really liked this happily ever after, I bet it would be good in an extended version

Fog, Flight and Moonlight by Sacchi Green - 4
A little twisty, a touch of D/s although so mild I don't think it will bother anyone

Not sure which fairytale this is from but I still liked it

Gildi and the Unwieldy, Ineffectual Committee of Bears by Jeremy Edwards - 1
I did not like this… I don't ever want to read about weeping hole ever again. I mean REALLY?

Three Times by Justine Elyot - 4
It was clear what direction this story was going but in the fairy tale theme it fit

Frosted Glass by Aurelia T. Evans - 4
I may have understood it better if I knew the original story that inspired it

The Stone Room by A.D.R. Forte - 5
Finding what it is we're looking for…

The Hair is a Net, Woven by Shanna Germain - 3
At the end I didn't quite get it

Ellie and the Shoemaker by Louisa Harte - 5
Rally liked this one.

Gingerbread Man by Carol Hassler - 5
tender, sweet, heartbreaking. Very nice read

Ducking by Craig J. Sorensen - 5
Great woman blossoming story.

The Return by Charlotte Stein - 5
Dreading her husband's return, he isn't the same and she likes it

The Pub Owner's Daugher by Alegra Verde - 4
Was ok for a short, erotic fairy tale

RAchel Kramer Bussel - Our Own Private Champagne Room
I like reading hot scenes from established couples, these two know how to keep the fires hot.

Angela Caperton - Guest Services
Some risks are worth the rewards, leading to hot and steamy elevator, hallway can't wait to get to the hotelroom sex.

Blame it On Facebook by Kate Dominic - 5
It's the fantasy we all have for the one that got away. Sweet and special

He Tends to Me by Justine Elyot - 5
Who knew being sick could be so hot. Very BDSM, D/s

Honey Changes Everything by Emerald - 5
Don't think I'll look at honey the same way ever again.

Till the Storm Breaks by Erobintica - 3
Impromptu ménage

To Be in Clover by Shanna Germain - 5
tender and sweet

Dawn Chorus by Nikki Magennis - 3
Just so not believable or realistic, had some possibilities but when one can't suspend disbelief it's hard to enjoy the story

Cheating Time by Kate Pearce - 5
Smokin' hot!, Some dominance and anal sex

The Draft by Craig J. Sorensen - 3
Struggled to get through this one, started and stopped several times. Had to force to finish.

First Night by Donna George Storey - 4
Prewedding jitters and a little authority can make things get HOT

The Undeciphered Heart - Christine D'Abo - 5
very sweet

Mr. Hartley's Infernal Device by Charlotte Stein - 3
I struggled through this, I started and stopped several times. It vaguely brought to mind the man behind the machine in the Wizard of Oz, it didn't really seem to connect

XOXO: Sweet and Sexy Romance is another fantastic anthology from Cleis Press. Thirty-eight contributions promise something for everyone: Married couples, friends to lovers, reunited lovers, lesbian couples, May-December, interracial couples, kinky sex, and exhibitionism, just to name a few. Not every story was my cup of tea. I found a few to be a little too rushed, others were just weird and didn’t read “romance” to me, but I found some standouts and have every intention of looking into those authors for more of their work.

My top picks:

Midnight by Emerald – For the past six years, this married couple upholds their kinky tradition to ring in their birthdays. Romantic and very sexy.

By the Sea by Angela R. Sargenti – Wow! This story deserves a medal for hottest sexual encounter on a beach! I think this made the list on quite a few reviews. Involves facesitting. This was hot!

Dirty Laundry by Martha Davis – The heroine knows how to manipulate her burly, manly firefighter into doing housework which ends in mutual satisfaction. Hot!

Imagination at Play by Brighton Walsh – A couple fantasizes about a threesome without having to cross that line. Very hot with a dirty talking hero and heroine.

One Hot Wet Night by Veronica Wilde – Two divorcees, a skinny dip and possibly the beginning of a new relationship status. Very sexy read.

Wild Naked Bandits Flee the Square Conspiracy by Nikki Magennis – This was probably the most memorable, even though I have no idea how to sum this up in one sentence. I have no idea if Gabriel was a loon or just really clever at playing one to intrigue a woman. This was engaging, sexy and some parts were hilarious.

“We may have been on the point of being eviscerated by a couple of rabid Alsatians, but for the moment I was as stuffed as a Kalamata olive and thoroughly enjoying myself.”

Very, Very Well by Kristina Wright – This couple gets kinky in a dressing room. Good introduction to the couple and what they’re into sexually. A very hot and steamy read that didn’t feel rushed. A very nice and satisfying read to end the anthology.

Other very enjoyable stories:

Control by A.J. Lyle – On their wedding night, the groom coaxes his blushing bride into submitting.

Friend of the Court by Kelly Rand – In this May to December romance, Koryn was fine with the secret relationship and casual sex with the hot DA, but now she wants more. Can Craig give her what she wants?

Designated Driver by Heidi Champa – A married couple gets adventurous in this sexy tale when they need to sober up before driving home. How will they pass the time?

Ouch! by Lily K. Cho – Sexy, playful retaliation between lovers.

Eighty Cupcakes by Neve Black – A quick shopping trip turns into foreplay and leads to a hot car tryst. Quick and sweetly sexy.

A.M. Wood by Rosalia Zizzo – After twenty years of marriage, this couple still has it. Sensual.

The Distraction by Louise Hooker – A husband helps his wife take her mind off conceiving difficulties. Sweet and romantic.

Puzzle Pieces by Rachel Kramer Bussel – Bending over a jigsaw puzzle leads to some sexy times for this couple. It’s evident how well they know each other and what works so well for them. They just fit. Sensual and sexy.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own, and in no way represent the views or opinions of the publisher/distributor.

Another great anthology from Cleis Press featuring sixteen sizzling stories of passion and romance. All the stories were M/F, involving married couples, work colleagues or boss/employee and strangers. There was a nice blend of stories that got to the good stuff very quickly, and others that had a bit more of a story to them. My favorites were Tuscarora by Anja Vikarma, A Singer Who Doesn't Sing by Jeanette Grey, and More Light by Laila Blake. Other great stories were Over a Barrel by Tamsin Flowers, Stay with Me by Crystal Jordan, The Shortest Day by Nikki Magennis, and Going It Alone by Lucy Felthouse.

Overall I really enjoyed this anthology. I didn't dislike any of the stories, and I'll be reaching for my favorite shorts again in the future.

The Shortest Day by Nikki Magennis

A mother-in-law with dementia, kids and everyday life in general has taken a toll on Lucy and John's marriage. Their sex life is reduced to stolen moments, half unconscious during sleep. What will it take for them to put their marriage first, or is it too late to turn things around? - It was a heartwarming story. I think people can relate to finding themselves in a similar situation. John was a sweetheart; he voiced his concerns but he wasn't accusatory. I thought he handled Lucy's insecurities well and went ahead and took action.

A Competitive Marriage by Victoria Blisse

All is fair in love and video gaming. A married couple gets down and dirty as they try to outdance one another. - Short and funny with a satisfying ending for both of them.

Professional, Knowledgeable and Very Thorough by Annabeth Leong

A female mechanic allows herself to be seduced by a client only to find out that he could ruin her business. Was her trust misplaced, and can she forgive him his duplicity? - Short, sexy, and I liked the bit of drama thrown in.

Rules by Emerald

A woman finds a photo reminding her of her rebellious youth. Her husband liked the goth look she once sported, which leads her to try and recapture those wild times. Purple hair and all. Role-playing fun ensues.- I liked the husband's reaction and that he wasn't ashamed to indulge in some fun regardless of appearances in public.

More Light by Laila Blake

Lights, camera, passion. Two friends discover more than just their mutual passion for photography. - Oh my, this was sensual. I loved the scene setting as these two friends and colleagues turned their cameras on each other. The writing felt artistically beautiful to me.

Stay with Me by Crystal Jordan

Cord Preston can't resist his boss any longer. The beautiful widow has gotten under his skin. She doesn't do flings, but will Cord consider putting down roots for her? - Short and romantic with a side of commanding male in the bedroom.

A Singer Who Doesn't Sing by Jeanette Grey

A writer picks up a musician in a bar. What should have been a one night stand turns into more when their passion sparks the familiar comfort of artistic delights. - I loved this story. It was so sensual and descriptive. I also enjoyed the glimpses into their past, present and future.

Show Me by D.R. Slaten

Dani's boyfriend wants to watch her pleasure herself. - Good, short and sexy story. Her embarrassment afterward was rather amusing.

A Perfect Place by Catherine Paulssen

A location manager gets swept up in the majesty of an old Hungarian castle and the handsome landowner. - For a story involving strangers, it was a little quick, but as a fantasy it was quite good.

Something New by Giselle Renarde

Kim has moved back in with her parents to help her fiance save money for a down payment on their first home. Elson can't wait to get his hands on her again. The little kink it puts in their sex does wonders for their enthusiasm. - Short and hot.

Over a Barrel by Tamsin Flowers

Bonnie can't go to work with both arms in casts. She thinks her colleague, Brian, will use the opportunity to take her job away from her. When he shows up at her house, he gives her other things to think about. - Very enjoyable. I liked the little puffs of humor that sprung up here and there. I'm not sure how easy or sexy it is to have sex when both arms are in thick plaster casts, but the imagery was amusing.

Tuscarora by Anja Vikarma

Jane leaves her abusive husband after inheriting some land from a relative. The freedom and peace aren't the only appealing things about her new surroundings. - Hands down, my favorite story in this anthology. It was a little fast, but it was so romantic and sweet. Their love scene was really sexy.

Big Bully by A.M. Hartnett

A bodyguard falls for his rebellious charge, but first she needs a good spanking for her bad behavior. - I like a gruff, protective alpha male who falls for a soft female, but the heroine acted a little too childish for my liking. Despite my dislike for her, it was still a hot read.

Going It Alone by Lucy Felthouse

Two dog lovers who meet in a park finally have their first date. - Short and to the point. It started out sweet and got hotter.

Closing the Deal by Kelly Maher

After a one night stand with her colleague Paul, Julia ran out on him the next morning. When he finally catches up with her at a conference, he has no intention of letting her get away again so easily. - I liked that Julia didn't make it all that difficult for Paul to catch her.

Whatever It Takes by Kristina Wright

Amidst the chaos of shuttling kids to and from activities and everyday life in general, David and his wife have no problem igniting their spark. - I loved the intensity between these two which made it different from the other married couples in this anthology.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Cleis Press for the purpose of an honest review. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own, and in no way represent the views or opinions of the publisher/distributor.

Now I know why this is called chick lit and guys should not read it. Lesson learned. A 1/5 star read.

For some reason I thought this book would be a collection of stories to read with a partner when looking to inject some romance into your relationship. That's not quite what this is. It's an anthology of nicely written stories, but nothing Earth-shattering and not something everyone is going to be comfortable sharing with a partner. If you're looking for an anthology of erotic stories, this is ok but you'd be better off with Best Erotic Romance edited by Kristina Wright.

I won this for the Early Reviewer Giveaway. Nice short story collection. Nothing fancy, easy read. Quite descriptive =) Definitely not a “lets read at lunch” kind of book. Would I purchase in a store, no. Garage sale or thrift store...sure.

Bedded Bliss is compiled of short stories based on love, romance and of course, sex. Each chapter is based on a relationship issue, and has generally one sex scene near the end. The couples in the stories overcome the obstacles in their relationship, and "make it up" through sex. The book also provides advice on how to keep intimacy active in your relationship, no matter how old one may be. This is a great book to read before bed, especially if you read it aloud with your partner next to you.

What an interesting mix of erotica with a dash of steam. Each of the novella/musings explores the eroticism of melding flesh to machine and the victorian ages fascination with the craft. I enjoyed them immensely.

Short stories, simplistic and predictable, with amateur writing styles. I would never pay money for this book or others like it.

An interesting book - I did like the glimpse into other people's lives aspect - seeing how other couples have dealt with issues like lack of kid-free time, or money stress. However, the way this book is set up, each chapter gives advice, and then follows it up with 'erotic fiction'. I don't think I'm a prude. I often read books and watch movies that are pretty graphic. But maybe I am a little prudish, because some of the words they used don't really do it for me. I think it was more modern porn erotic, rather than what I suppose I would think of as erotic. By which I mean, I suppose that every time I see words like 'fuck' and 'pussy', I find it a little jarring - it takes me out of the moment and doesn't get me in the mood. But I know that a lot of people apparently like that sort of thing, or it wouldn't be so popular. I guess I don't object to that kind of language in, say, Stephen King, because the story isn't meant to make you feel in the mood. It lends credibility, of a sort, when a character who would normally say things like that does.But when the sole purpose of the story is to get you 'in the mood', I find it distracting.

This book was received in return for reviews as a member of librarything.com Early Reviewers group. Each very short erotic story is about three pages long. Some where interesting, some where boring but they were all different. I though about what to say in review of this book for about two months. I didn't really enjoy it. I wanted to consider if the book was just not written in a style I enjoy or if it just has some boring stories. I decided it is both. Three pages is just not long enough to enjoy even very fast hot sex, much less plain boring sex. I can't really recommend this book. It wasn't entertaining or engaging.½

This collection was overall a pretty hot read. It had a variety of situations. Another plus was that these stories felt more honest than other erotica compilations, containing a wide variety of voices as well as a more open variety of partners.

A compilation of stories about married sex, this book was not as graphic as what I look for in an erotic book. Being an (extremely) happily married person, I like to think that other people in long term committed relationships are capable of carrying on an interesting love life, without slipping into the mundane. Some of the tales were cute, some sexually remedial, but all tried to express to some extent, that married persons enjoy getting physical, while trying to use knowledge of your partner as a base for intimacy. There is a reason a first kiss is so intense. It lies in the not knowing. Keeping a long term sexual relationship 'lustful' lies not in the knowing of your partner, but in the surprises you are both capable of delivering romantically. All in all, a cute book, although not very informative.

I personally appreciated how short the stories in this anthology are. Sometimes, you don't have time to read a long, drawn-out "short story" when that story is actually 20 pages long. With xoxo, it's possible to read any of the stories in one sitting; it only took me about an hour to get through half the book! Concision makes a story all the sexier; the subpar stories don't seem to drag on, while the magnificent ones leave a quick, cutting mark.

Below, I've spotlighted four exceptional stories that stood out to me. It was hard picking just a few to feature, but I hope they give you a sense of what this anthology is like!

"Anniversary Wrappings" by Kathleen Tudor
A couple's one-year anniversary starts out with a sweet gift that ends in kinky pleasure. The simplicity of this story really made me connect with each of the characters, and the writing is fluid, readable. The scenario isn't outlandish and ridiculous like a porn plot (which isn't uncommon in erotic anthologies), and is a situation you could totally find yourself in in everyday life.

"Dirty Laundry" by Martha Davis
This one is on the more extreme end because of how aggressive the sex is, but it's SUPER hot. It features ultimate alpha male Josh Moran, whom, even when domesticated, has the ability to start a five-alarm fire. Comforting story not only about spontaneous sex, but also about cohabitation, about making even daily household chores like laundry mind-blowing, as long it's with the one you love.

"Night Moves" by Christine d'Abo
When plagued by incomprehensible night terrors, the protagonist turns to the solace of her husband's arms. In this dark, lingering hour of frenzy, fright, and complete need, the two find each other with familiarity and ease, with practiced hands and experienced hearts. I loved the middle-of-the-night sex scene, but it's the beauty of how well a married couple can know and understand each other d'Abo portrays, that really blew me away.

"Wild Naked Bandits Flee the Square Conspiracy" by Nikki Magennis
1. A mediocre costume party—how the night starts off
2. A wild, skintight leggings-clad bandit—how the night becomes interesting
3. And a thrilling escapade—how our night ends
Narrated in a wry, engaging voice that I immediately liked, this story is hardly a romance—it's spur-of-the-moment, fantastical, and even a little eccentric, but oddly enough, that's what makes it so sweepingly romantic. You would not expect an erotic story about a hookup at a party to be so vivid, so entertaining, but Nikki Magennis's characters exude sex, subtlety, and charm that culminate in a very whimsical roleplay. By far my favorite story in the anthology; five stars for being all of smart, playful, and incredibly comical—in the bests of ways—while still provocative.

Pros: High-quality writing // Each story is only 4-6 pages on average, so very easy to get through them // Lots of variety // Perfect blend of sweet and sensual stories with hot and heavy stories // Each story has something incredibly romantic about it; this isn't just about sex // Read "Wild Naked Bandits Flee the Square Conspiracy" if nothing else!

Cons: A few stories that I didn't like that much

Verdict: This collection of 38 short and sweet stories will both light your heart up and light it on fire. Like a Valentine's Day candy sampler, each is delectable and unique; put together, xoxo: Sweet and Sexy Romance makes for a passionate, completely satisfying treat. The range of subjects and storylines is vast, featuring the kinky and vanilla, the sensual and scorching, the routine and spontaneous, the heterosexual and lesbian... so much variety! You definitely won't grow bored with Kristina Wright's latest anthology because there are so many different types of story to keep you entertained, each with special romantic flair that will make you melt.

Rating: 8 out of 10 hearts (4 stars): An engaging read that will be worth your while; highly recommended.

Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Cleis!).

This book seemed to be a bit juvenile, in my opinion. A conglomeration of stories that at times, seemed like a child wrote them. I would not recommend this book to anyone, unfortunately. When you have a book with tons of stories, it would be nice if at least a couple of the stories were good.

I picked this up thinking the subject was adding "sweet and sexy romance" to one's long-time relationship. Instead, it is short vignettes of soft-porn fictional encounters. It reminded me of the soft-porn magazines my great aunt used to keep around (unbeknownst to my parents): very inappropriate (but racy and interesting) for pre-teens. Now, as an adult, I'd deem it inappropriate and boring. I don't mind sexual encounters when they drive plot and character, but this is not that.