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Gotta Have It
Every word counts in each of these stories that get right to the point. Rachel Kramer Bussel has gathered together a plentitude of short, original erotica stories spanning every way you can "get it on" in every kind of setting, with a wild and wide variety of sexual orientation -- quickie sex threesomes, sex toys, public sex, BDSM, fetishes, fantasies and MUCH more. These stories aren’t all about quickie sex, though there’s plenty of that. There are strangers who meet and know right away they must have each other, neighbors, travelmates, coworkers, as well as long-term couples such as those in “After Ten Years” and “Remembering the Wrinkles” who are looking for ways to hold on to that spark. There are stories of sex in libraries, vacation sex, and lots of outdoor sex, in the rain, in the street—all over. There are pecan rolls dripping in caramel, and meals where lovers feast on nothing but each other. There are even a few stories with no actual sex in them at all and readers will have plenty of fun finding them!
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2011
118 people are currently reading
1039 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Kramer Bussel
251 books1,203 followersI'm the editor of the Best Women's Erotica of the Year series and over 70 anthologies including The Big Book of Orgasms and Come Again: Sex Toy Erotica. I've also written a wide range of erotica about everything from French fries to fishnets. I write about books, culture, sexuality and relationships, teach erotica writing workshops and consult with erotica authors and sex writers to help them advance their careers. I read a wide range of genres, from erotica to romance to mystery to memoir to graphic novels and anything that strikes my fancy. See my website for my newsletter with book giveaways and writing samples.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 1, 2011
This is my first time reading anything written or compiled by Rachel Kramer Bussel, so I wasn't sure what to expect – I only knew that there is a lot of mediocre erotica out there. I was pleasantly surprised by this collection of short-short stories. Definitely better than just mediocre.
For the most part, the stories are very well-written. There were a handful that simply didn't do it for me in terms of the author's writing style, but the positives far outweighed the negatives. One of the best things about this collection is that all 69 stories are under 1200 words, so it's easy to pick up and put down when you can't make the time commitment for longer chapters. Not to mention the fact that the heat level rises quickly and gets to the point without any contrived set-up. That's not to say there's no plot or story arc, because there is – another aspect that sets these stories a notch above the rest. I was surprised by the emotional depth encapsulated in so few words in many of the stories.
Regarding the erotic content, there's something for everyone in this collection: light bondage and BDSM play, stranger sex, public sex, the deep bond of long-term partners, and much, much more. Bussel has done an excellent job of structuring the anthology as well. The first story, Seven-Letter Word by Heather Lin, is fun and sexy, and it sets the tone so that you won't want to put the book down after just one story. The last story, Robert Peregrine's Vacation Pictures, has a unique voice that combines the erotic with a touch of humor and leaves you with the desire to flip back through the book the way you'd look back at snapshots from your own favorite vacation to relive all the best parts. The first and last stories are among my favorites, and here are a few others:
Too Wondrous To Measure, by Salome Wild – fun, humorous, and inventive. You'd never expect Godzilla to show up in an erotica anthology, and yet this was one of my favorites by far.
Eat Me, by Marina Saint – It doesn't mean what you think it means. This is for anyone who's ever craved a burger with the same carnal urge as you'd crave your lover's body.
Downpour, by Elle – A sweet story that shows we only get more beautiful, confident, and sexy with age.
Intercept, by Burton Lawrence – Space sex! Need I say more?
Last-Time Lesbian, by Geneva King – This one will make you think, and not just about the sex. It addresses the difficult emotional dynamics in a transgender relationship.
Going Bald, by Craig J. Sorenson – Women can be their own toughest critics when it comes to their bodies, so I loved this story giving a male perspective on the beauty of the female form.
I liked this book so much, I will definitely be checking out other titles from Rachel Kramer Bussel. Highly recommended.
For the most part, the stories are very well-written. There were a handful that simply didn't do it for me in terms of the author's writing style, but the positives far outweighed the negatives. One of the best things about this collection is that all 69 stories are under 1200 words, so it's easy to pick up and put down when you can't make the time commitment for longer chapters. Not to mention the fact that the heat level rises quickly and gets to the point without any contrived set-up. That's not to say there's no plot or story arc, because there is – another aspect that sets these stories a notch above the rest. I was surprised by the emotional depth encapsulated in so few words in many of the stories.
Regarding the erotic content, there's something for everyone in this collection: light bondage and BDSM play, stranger sex, public sex, the deep bond of long-term partners, and much, much more. Bussel has done an excellent job of structuring the anthology as well. The first story, Seven-Letter Word by Heather Lin, is fun and sexy, and it sets the tone so that you won't want to put the book down after just one story. The last story, Robert Peregrine's Vacation Pictures, has a unique voice that combines the erotic with a touch of humor and leaves you with the desire to flip back through the book the way you'd look back at snapshots from your own favorite vacation to relive all the best parts. The first and last stories are among my favorites, and here are a few others:
Too Wondrous To Measure, by Salome Wild – fun, humorous, and inventive. You'd never expect Godzilla to show up in an erotica anthology, and yet this was one of my favorites by far.
Eat Me, by Marina Saint – It doesn't mean what you think it means. This is for anyone who's ever craved a burger with the same carnal urge as you'd crave your lover's body.
Downpour, by Elle – A sweet story that shows we only get more beautiful, confident, and sexy with age.
Intercept, by Burton Lawrence – Space sex! Need I say more?
Last-Time Lesbian, by Geneva King – This one will make you think, and not just about the sex. It addresses the difficult emotional dynamics in a transgender relationship.
Going Bald, by Craig J. Sorenson – Women can be their own toughest critics when it comes to their bodies, so I loved this story giving a male perspective on the beauty of the female form.
I liked this book so much, I will definitely be checking out other titles from Rachel Kramer Bussel. Highly recommended.
January 26, 2011
I enjoyed most of the stories in "Gotta Have It: 69 Stories of Sudden Sex", but a few stand out as real winners, and sadly, one as a total loss in my opinion.
"Too Wondrous to Measure" by Salome Wilde was the one that just made me go "SQWICK" as I found it so unbelievable. I was totally turned off by this one story. Others may find it interesting, but it did nothing for me, except make me question every story that came after it, thinking that there was going to be more "surprises" that would not be enjoyable.
"The Co-Pilot" by Mike Bruno was my first real introduction to M/m erotica. I found it was quite good, for a "quick" story. I would consider reading more M/m erotica if it is as good as this one was.
"Dining in the Dark" made me grin and then laugh. I won't say more, because if I do, I give a huge spoiler. Read it, it's fun.
As my husband said: This book has something for everyone.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for the purpose of reviewing.
"Too Wondrous to Measure" by Salome Wilde was the one that just made me go "SQWICK" as I found it so unbelievable. I was totally turned off by this one story. Others may find it interesting, but it did nothing for me, except make me question every story that came after it, thinking that there was going to be more "surprises" that would not be enjoyable.
"The Co-Pilot" by Mike Bruno was my first real introduction to M/m erotica. I found it was quite good, for a "quick" story. I would consider reading more M/m erotica if it is as good as this one was.
"Dining in the Dark" made me grin and then laugh. I won't say more, because if I do, I give a huge spoiler. Read it, it's fun.
As my husband said: This book has something for everyone.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for the purpose of reviewing.
August 1, 2016
I don't judge people on what turns them on, but I do judge authors by their writing. And this was a collection of some of the worst written short stories I've ever read. You know how people often make fun of the stupid story lines in porn that are designed to get right to the sex? That's every single one of these stories. I don't expect amazing world building or characters with depth, but some of the reasons people give for having sex with strangers or in uncomfortable/unfamiliar situations is beyond ridiculous. On top of that, the writing isn't sexy. It's repetitive and uses some of the most awkward terminology for sex organs I've ever seen.
I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure the narrator actually made the listening of this book even worse than it would have been if I had read the ebook. No inflections and awkward timing paired with outrageous moaning and groaning.
I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure the narrator actually made the listening of this book even worse than it would have been if I had read the ebook. No inflections and awkward timing paired with outrageous moaning and groaning.
June 11, 2011
HOT DAMN!!!!
This book was awesome in that dirty nasty naughty way people sometimes like to be in. From slapping things over the phone for your old man to hear to making bacon on the diningroom table before your dinner guests arrive to some things I just wont mention in this review..lol.. ;) This book is a great quickie for when that is truely the only time you have. Some are instent wet your panties.. others are a slow smoldering heat.. but no matter what your poison is.. this book has it.
This book was awesome in that dirty nasty naughty way people sometimes like to be in. From slapping things over the phone for your old man to hear to making bacon on the diningroom table before your dinner guests arrive to some things I just wont mention in this review..lol.. ;) This book is a great quickie for when that is truely the only time you have. Some are instent wet your panties.. others are a slow smoldering heat.. but no matter what your poison is.. this book has it.
March 23, 2011
Impressive collection of short, hot fiction. Despite the limited word count (1200 words of less), many of these stories showed remarkable depth. Lots of variety, too, in orientation, tone, and approach. Highly recommended
(For a more detailed review, check on Erotica Revealed - http://www.eroticarevealed.com - after April 1st.)
(For a more detailed review, check on Erotica Revealed - http://www.eroticarevealed.com - after April 1st.)
May 28, 2012
A fun collection of quickie sex short stories. There's something for everyone here! Some are raunchy, some are tame, all end much too quickly. There were a few favorites; ones that will certainly become fodder for my fantasies. A great way to heat things up with your partner in bed. Enjoyable read; you should try it! 4 stars.
August 28, 2012
Compiled of 69 short stories, ���Gotta Have It��� has no story over 1200 words. This is just long enough to make the reading pleasurable, but you don���t have to make a commitment. Personally, it was just a bit too much for me, as some of the stories were too pornish or too brutal. Overall, it's not a bad way to send a few days, or nights, of reading enjoyment.
January 28, 2011
Blurb: Who doesn't have time for a quickie? Rachel Kramer Bussel has collected a wide and wild array of original erotica stories by authors who understand exactly how to pique your interest and get you off -- and they do it all in 1,200 words or less. Here are 69 short and steamy ways to get it on. You'll find sex with neighbors and library patrons, travel mates and coworkers, long-term partners and kinksters -- and even one very bold census taker. Perfect for reading aloud, Gotta Have It serves up sex quick and naughty. And who doesn't have time for that?
What Stephanie Thought: Usually I start with praise, but let me start off this review by telling you one thing I didn't like about this anthology. The reason I'm beginning with it is because it's probably the only thing I didn't like, and I want to get it over with. Though these stories were fantastically naughty, they were so short, that they hardly got me "off". I know that's the point of all 69 stories in the book, but still, it's really difficult to be aroused by two pages of a really really brief romp.
Moving on...
This book was the perfect quickie read, as Rachel Kramer Bussel describes. Each story took three minutes to read, tops, and was ideal to read while waiting for water to boil, hair to air-dry, the bus to come...well maybe not that last one (your fellow busmates would look at you funny).
What I LOVED was the writing's precision. Bussel is a top-notch editor and I didn't find a single typo in this collection, like I normally find (in masses) in regular erotic stories (usually since they are independently or self-published). Such a breath of fresh air to be able to read erotica that actually had proper grammar.
I definitely think you vixens would like this one. Quick, intense, and fun! What we all love in good erotica :)
Stephanie Loves: "I find his lips so soft against my own, but the texture of his mouth doesn't match the kisses, so full of thorns. They cannot keep my echoed moans from hiding and slipping from tree to tree. Like our first time, I can't hold back -- I was never good at discretion. I tighten under him as he slows his rhythm. I know I'm able to fall again." From Elise Hepner's Leaves.
Where Stephanie Got It: Directly from Rachel for review.
Radical Rating: 8 hearts- Would recommend to lots of really good friends. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
What Stephanie Thought: Usually I start with praise, but let me start off this review by telling you one thing I didn't like about this anthology. The reason I'm beginning with it is because it's probably the only thing I didn't like, and I want to get it over with. Though these stories were fantastically naughty, they were so short, that they hardly got me "off". I know that's the point of all 69 stories in the book, but still, it's really difficult to be aroused by two pages of a really really brief romp.
Moving on...
This book was the perfect quickie read, as Rachel Kramer Bussel describes. Each story took three minutes to read, tops, and was ideal to read while waiting for water to boil, hair to air-dry, the bus to come...well maybe not that last one (your fellow busmates would look at you funny).
What I LOVED was the writing's precision. Bussel is a top-notch editor and I didn't find a single typo in this collection, like I normally find (in masses) in regular erotic stories (usually since they are independently or self-published). Such a breath of fresh air to be able to read erotica that actually had proper grammar.
I definitely think you vixens would like this one. Quick, intense, and fun! What we all love in good erotica :)
Stephanie Loves: "I find his lips so soft against my own, but the texture of his mouth doesn't match the kisses, so full of thorns. They cannot keep my echoed moans from hiding and slipping from tree to tree. Like our first time, I can't hold back -- I was never good at discretion. I tighten under him as he slows his rhythm. I know I'm able to fall again." From Elise Hepner's Leaves.
Where Stephanie Got It: Directly from Rachel for review.
Radical Rating: 8 hearts- Would recommend to lots of really good friends. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
January 31, 2012
I had won this book through goodreads.
I just couldn't finish this book. The begining was funny and entertaining but as the different stories were told, less and less interested me. Mostly I was shocked by some people's actions and things that turned them on.
This was just something I'm not going to re-read.
I just couldn't finish this book. The begining was funny and entertaining but as the different stories were told, less and less interested me. Mostly I was shocked by some people's actions and things that turned them on.
This was just something I'm not going to re-read.
June 3, 2015
I thought this was going to be a fun book on audible. Unfortunately it was not. The reader's voice was super annoying and it was hard to make the distinction between female and male characters. I don't believe I would read this in hard cover either.
January 24, 2011
Oh my, these are great! Some hot little stories in this book by some great authors. Really loved this collection. Some of them really made me chuckle and others are worth reading again and again.
January 26, 2025
each story is quick and to the "point". No cheesy story to get in the way of why we all read this genre.
July 21, 2011
The variety in this book made me happy, though I could have gone without the godzilla story. I knew from other reviews that it was coming, but I was still surprised.
January 3, 2018
While I'm rather partial to short stories, this trilogy has taught me 1,200 words barely even make an exert of a story. I had many wtf moments while reading this collection, but not a WTF wow, a literal WTF did I just read.
I don't expect character building in work under 3k, I do expect to be titillated, aroused, entertained! Sadly, throughout this book that was the exception not the rule.
Out of 69 contributors, D.L. King, Kay Jaybee & Lolita Lopez were the saving grace of this anthology, for me.
I received this book via a goodreads giveaway draw.
I don't expect character building in work under 3k, I do expect to be titillated, aroused, entertained! Sadly, throughout this book that was the exception not the rule.
Out of 69 contributors, D.L. King, Kay Jaybee & Lolita Lopez were the saving grace of this anthology, for me.
I received this book via a goodreads giveaway draw.
April 2, 2012
I thought this anthology of quickies started off pretty hot and there were a few stories that got me worked up like Special Collections by Fiona Curtis and Wonderland by Madeleine Elayne, but overall there was far too much S and M. Perhaps an anthology dedicated to those stories needs to take place so that the people who write such stories or read them have an outlet because I find it hard to believe that there is a huge population who likes to instill pain to others and that there are people who enjoy such pain as well. Otherwise, there were a few very clever stories that Rachel included in this anthology.
May 11, 2017
These are short stories of sudden sex that will quicken the imagination. Most of them didn't turn me on cause they were too quick and had no story line. There were a couple that were hot- especially the one in the library. So, think of this book as a buffet of different sexual situations and because they were all different locations, types of lovers and tastes probably you'll find one that suits your fantasy!
January 31, 2011
This is a fun book about sex that you have to have right here and right now.
Take a look at the YouTube book trailer and see some of the authors read extracts from their stories.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_9VKT...
I have a story in this anthology but wasn't brave enough to be on the trailer. I admire the people who did it and did it so well.
Take a look at the YouTube book trailer and see some of the authors read extracts from their stories.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_9VKT...
I have a story in this anthology but wasn't brave enough to be on the trailer. I admire the people who did it and did it so well.
February 18, 2017
Hot and steamy interludes in every way imaginable. Short, playful, and titillating stories to entice every type of reader.
August 13, 2018
First of all, I love this concept. It sounds great: sometimes you just want a quickie, right? That's the thing about quickies though: they're of very variable quality, and even when they get the job done, they're usually pretty forgettable once they're over, aren't they? I felt that way about this collection of stories.
Normally with a short story collection I make notes so I can track which ones I liked best, which ones had interesting ideas, etc. I started to do that with this one and gave up. It was taking longer to write the notes - even short ones! - than to read the stories. Alas, that meant that I sped through this book in large chunks when I had the time, and don't even remember when I finished reading it. I certainly didn't come back to this site to review it in a timely fashion!
Luckily, I trust Rachel Kramer Bussel as an editor; with her you're pretty much guaranteed to get a range - both in types of sexuality (straight as well as LGBTQ+) and level of emotion (serious heat to comedic and lighthearted) displayed.
So while I can't fully remember the book...if you find yourself needing some short hot stories to liven up your commute, or in the few minutes before bed when you fall asleep...this is a pretty great solution for that.
Normally with a short story collection I make notes so I can track which ones I liked best, which ones had interesting ideas, etc. I started to do that with this one and gave up. It was taking longer to write the notes - even short ones! - than to read the stories. Alas, that meant that I sped through this book in large chunks when I had the time, and don't even remember when I finished reading it. I certainly didn't come back to this site to review it in a timely fashion!
Luckily, I trust Rachel Kramer Bussel as an editor; with her you're pretty much guaranteed to get a range - both in types of sexuality (straight as well as LGBTQ+) and level of emotion (serious heat to comedic and lighthearted) displayed.
So while I can't fully remember the book...if you find yourself needing some short hot stories to liven up your commute, or in the few minutes before bed when you fall asleep...this is a pretty great solution for that.
September 8, 2021
This isn’t my first collection I’ve read that was edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel, and to be honest, it wasn’t my favorite either. I love so much about this collection – the stories are incredibly short. It’s easy to pick up and read one any time you have a few minutes. In that same breath though, I have to mention that a few were a bit like “you blink, and you missed it.” Many didn’t feel like fleshed out stories, but more like one scene. Things ramp up quickly and end just as abruptly. There is no development in general. Think of it like "sex vignettes."
I also like that, yet again, Bussel has picked a great assortment of stories – there’s a little bit for everyone in there, and for the stories that weren’t my cup of tea, I just skipped them. A few of the stories were really fantastic, many were “meh,” and a couple were not enjoyable at all for me. Quite a few made me double take and wonder what I just read.
I also like that, yet again, Bussel has picked a great assortment of stories – there’s a little bit for everyone in there, and for the stories that weren’t my cup of tea, I just skipped them. A few of the stories were really fantastic, many were “meh,” and a couple were not enjoyable at all for me. Quite a few made me double take and wonder what I just read.
December 19, 2020
A tantalizing collection of short stories. I listened to this as an audiobook, and the female narrator confused me at times when the main character was supposed to be male - since often the stories didn't really introduce who you were "listening" to before it was mentioned that they had a dick... however, getting past that, the stories were all amazingly hot, surprising at times, and mostly written in a way that I really liked. Definitely recommend this!
July 18, 2018
Fun for the occasional change on the ride home, but narrator left a little to be desired.
November 15, 2018
Short stories not a fan
July 29, 2025
Short and Sexy
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