X: The Erotic Treasury

by Susie Bright

If there's only room for one book on your bedside table, this should be it.

The reigning mistress of erotica, Susie Bright, has expertly chosen 40 of the hottest stories ever written: breathtaking new stories as well as the most sought-after stories from The Best American Erotica series. Designed in a "gotta-touch-it" slipcase with a cloth-covered book, the package cultivates the quality and taboo satisfaction of the stories themselves. Luminaries like Carol Queen and Robert Olen Butler contribute to the stories about all kinds of lovers: heartbreakers, foxes, maniacs, romanticists, hell-raisers, and utter bandits. This delicious collection is certain to satisfy.

Genres: Erotica, Short Stories, Anthologies, Sexuality, Fiction, Adult

367 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2008

About the author

Susannah "Susie" Bright (also known as Susie Sexpert) is a writer, speaker, teacher, audio-show host, performer, all on the subject of sexuality. She is one of the first writers/activists referred to as a sex-positive feminist.

Reviews

[Solar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this as an audiobook years ago and listened to a story here or there whenever I wanted something naughty in my ears for a run or before bed. As a collection, of course, the quality and style and subject matter are going to vary from story to story. That said, there are a few odd choices in this collection that utterly mystify me. They're clumsily written or, in one case, more like a Tales from the Crypt episode than anything I'd consider erotica. The parrot story, in particular, was such a buzzkill that I, a professed sex junkie, lost my interest in the act for the rest of the day.

On the other hand, there were one or two stories that I loved, or at least had my buttons pushed in spite of the circumstances. It's a lot like a candy sampler. A little something for everyone (please tell me if you're the person the parrot story revved up, I want to meet you and ask questions) but also, definitely, containing coconut.

[Brianna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Closer to porn than erotica. Not my cup of tea.

[Angelina · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first started this book, I was riveted by the edgy nature of the stories. Here, I mused, I had a collection of erotica that suited my tastes.

Unfortunately, as I've progressed through the book, the quality and believability (something important for fantasy-building) of the stories quickly went downhill. I find myself reluctant to pick the book up again because I'm tired of a feeling of, "what?", or, worse, "what the f#%k?!" when all I really want is a feeling of biblio-inspired sexual pleasure.

Maybe I'll pick this book up again. Maybe I won't. But one thing is certain: ultimately, it could not deliver.

[Кат · Rating 1 out of 5]

This anthology left me cold for the most part. The “erotica” was not very erotic.

So many stories felt like abandoned work that the authors dusted off and submitted because there was nothing better to offer; as if they were not even trying to submit quality work.

A few stories were nice or sweet or funny. Unfortunately the mediocre, the “meh”, and the bad outweigh the ok stuff.

SKIP THE STORY ABOUT THE MAN WITH MONKEYS “Must Bite” ….. eww gross.

Several times I debated whether or not to forget trying to finish this book; but since it wasn’t completely horrible, I did manage to finish reading.

If I could, I would give 1 1/2 stars because the disappointing stories outweigh the better stories.

[Robert Hudder · Rating 4 out of 5]

One handed readers can be a tough one. So many are really obvious and trite, some are ridonculous while others are stuff you have read elsewhere.

This batch of stories ranges all over in terms of kinks, persuasions and innovation. Very few, if any, are the standard ba-donk a donk. There are several that are worth a re read for more than the porn-y aspects.

Lots of fun.

[Rosie Dempsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am probably the worst person to rate erotica. I read erotica for humorous purposes. Don't get me wrong; I had a great deal of fun reading this book. But that's mostly because I laughed the entire time. Sex is inherently difficult to write about, especially for erotica writers, who need to distinguish themselves against ever other erotica writer who exists. They therefore use phrases like "cock meat" and "fiddled with my clit" so they don't have to use the hackneyed "rubbed my sex" or "quivering member." It's really only one or the other. Do you see why I find this genre humorous?

There were definitely some well written things in here, although my favorites were mostly for their writing style, and probably contained the least actual sex in the anthology. For example, one was about a woman who encounters a psycho-esque hotel, has sex with the owners, then one thing leads to another and she kills someone, and you realize she's a murderess on the run. Another one is narrated by a parrot in love with his owner, but by dint of being a parrot, can't really tell her that. Those were funny. The rest were lonely women who encounter mysterious strangers and timid men who meet manic pixie dream girls.

So I can't rate this for quality because I thought it was funny, and I understand it's a unique reaction here. Please excuse my asexuality.

[Anika · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was more miss than hit. It was more porn than erotic and there were some interesting deviations. WTH was the parrot story? It was neither porn nor erotica so I struggle to see why it was included.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got a different book from the library by this author and couldn't handle it; too graphic. Will stick to historical fiction with a touch of romance.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love working somewhere that sold this for $1.00.. sweet baby Jesus..lol

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an anthology, which means there will be stuff you like and stuff that leaves you cold. Get it on a Kindle, technology's guilty pleasure enabler.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of erotica has a little something for everyone. I enjoyed every story; I may have even learned a few things.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy sexy book

Very hot and sexy book!! Loved reading this book!! Looking forward to reading more by Susie Bright!! Very very hot and sexy book!!!