FOR THOSE IN NEED
The Mammoth book of Best New Erotica volume six is one to read in bed. Technically, this is the 13th edition of the book, as earlier compilations were individually titled. Edited by Maxim Jakubowski, the tome brings you into contact with up and coming writers who are filled with fresh ideas. This eclectic collection of stories offers something for everyone, from stories for the timid and shy to the amorous and sexually liberated. Both sides of the spectrum are represented creatively enough: those who are new to the game will have their imaginations easily teased, whereas those self-proclaimed libertines amongst us will find many a moment of fine reminiscing.
“The Exchange” by Robert Buckley is about three college friends who have recently become reunited. The tale plays on our deepest and most vulnerable emotions—love, fear, our inadequacies, and (the biggest players of them all) jealousy and envy. The central conceit is exactly what one would expect: partner swapping. The main characters—Danny, Mercy, and Greg—are college buddies who haven’t seen each other in years. While hanging out one afternoon, Mercy and Greg spill all the juicy details about how the swapping works to Danny and his wife Ann. And Ann, though reticent with her own husband, becomes intrigued and accepts an invitation for a swap. One weekend, they share a suite in a hotel located in the touristy part of town and, though they don’t see each other until they swap to return home, doors are left open and ears get a healthy dose of moans and groans from opposite ends of the suite. Suffice it say, jealousy runs rampant and Danny releases his rage in a sexual frenzy.
“Five Girls,” by Riain Grey, is a composite of five short and sweet descriptions of important and crucial life points shared between females. It’s a slow ascension of experiences with sexual partners of the same sex. The first episode describes fear of self, the ambiguity of whether or not the main character is bi-sexual or a strict lesbian. With each scenario, the lead character becomes more comfortable with who she is, what she wants, and subsequently learns to accept her needs and desires. As a result, her acceptance of self allows her to feel and enjoy the touch of both male and female domination of physical and emotional pleasure without experiencing any guilt for her desires.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, my favorite of the lurid omnibus is “Pennsylvania Hotel, 7th Avenue, New York” by Lisette Ashton. There’s everything you’d ever want in this story, from restraints to the filling of every orifice of the body. When I came to the end of this one, I also found myself at the end of my chair. This story made me realize two things: 1) A female just got me super excited, and 2) I need to be in a relationship more than ever. This woman set a sultry mood and created the highest sense of erotic pleasure; an orgasm from a seduction, using only words. After reading the story, I wanted to shake Ms. Ashton’s hand and say, “Thank you.” If I ever get the chance to meet her, you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll pick her brain for more.
In the end, this collection of stories is a must read. It’s good for all demographics: the ones having sex regularly—good for you—and those of us who find ourselves in this situation these days: sitting in a restaurant after dinner, staring at a fancy dessert cart, hoping to find something that will satisfy those carnal cravings. If you’re lucky enough to be getting the real thing, you probably won’t appreciate this book as much as I did, but, nonetheless, every tale is fresh, well-told and captivating, which, in truth, is all any of us should need. 
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