The Princess and the Outlaw

by Jean Roberta

The women awaiting you in these pages might be fierce Amazons in ancient Greece, maidens and princesses of the medieval era, ingenues like Alice awaiting new and more sensual adventures beyond the rabbit hole, or outlaws and pirates. But each and every one is open to the delights and passions of flesh and fantasy. Most of the couplings are with other women--friends, confidantes, instructors, lovers--but the wealth of erotic encounters is not solely confined to the Sapphic. These are, after all, a selection of erotist Jean Roberta's finer historical short tales. So do not fear a bit of prick for the open petals which may be parted by another woman's hand. Embrace what we all have down below, what we choose to expose and explore.

Genres: Queer, Historical, Short Stories, Anthologies

176 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2013

About the author

"Jean Roberta" (identified this way in most of her published work) was born long ago and far away. She now lives on the Canadian prairies with her female partner (married since 2010). Approximately 100 of Jean's stories have appeared in print anthologies, including the "Best Women's Erotica" and "Best Lesbian Erotica" series & numerous other collections from Cleis Press. Her historical novella, The Flight of the Black Swan, is available in several formats from Lethe Press, including an audiobook. One of her stories was turned into a short film, and her talk on the history of censorship in Chapters bookstore was televised on the community channel.

Reviews

[Corrie]

Reading this bundle of 11 stories by Jean Roberta was a real treat. The stories were very diverse and mostly historical, beautifully written and eventhough some are myth or fairytale they all had a very authentic feel about them. Not all stories had happy endings either.

The heroines in her stories may be conquerors or fallen victim, but they are always strong women. They are all survivors (well... mostly).

Amazon warriors, prostitutes, outlaws, Queens, Goddesses, mothers. In The Princess and the outlaw they all get a starring role. You need this book in your collection.

f/f, m/f explicit
themes: warrior women, deflouering, torture, myth and fairytale, survivors, it's not all beer and skittles, power play, a lover scourned, Jewish, I love the cover.
4.8 stars

[Zander Vyne]

Wow. Jean Roberta's bio says she's an English instructor at a university, and it really shows here (in a good way!). It's no wonder her stories have been published in over 100 publications either - they are that good.

Whether the stories center on Amazon warriors and their secret admirers, or medieval princesses; no matter if they are set in ancient Greece or witch-hunter Salem, MA . . . there's an edge to the writing that harkens back to another era. These stories seem like classics, fables, and fairy tales. I found myself drawn right into the familiar framework of the stories that made the erotic content all the more interesting and powerful.

Favorites? Hubris, the tale of an Amazon warrior and the girl whose fascination turns into a way of life that is so eloquently explained that I wondered how Jean managed to immerse herself in the ancient, fantasy world so deeply that her words read like they came from a real diary.

Sister Mary Agnes because I've always had a hot spot for erotica that toys with the church. In this one, we meet a nun and a convent full of women harboring secrets that prove to be the undoing for some, and the salvation for others.

Soul Search for its language and for taking on a disturbing era in American history and making it hot.

The World Turned Upside Down for its mystery and character development and surprise ending.

One of the things I admire most about what's presented here is how none of the stories are preachy, yet most share a good message about acceptance and freedom to be the sexual beings we are. The writing is clean and crisp and a pleasure to read.

I'm thrilled I was given a copy for review and happy to give this my highest rating.