I was in Portland on business and Powells books has the best erotica section of any bookstore I know. I make it to Portland every couple of years and I always head to Powells. Their erotica section is by the front of the store. There's something so intimate and vulnerable about looking through hundreds of books for what might turn me on. I usually pick about 20, and then go sit somewhere, with the books cover-down so the passing kids don't see anything too shocking, and read a few pages from each until I have a sense of what I might like. (Unfortunately, the most prolific editor of anthologies has taste SO different from my own, I really dislike her collections--Alison Tyler. BORING!)
No one has ever hit on me there; I wonder if there's an unspoken rule. There I am with dozens of kinky erotica books. But I don't look kink. Nevertheless, it seems to me the perfect setting for a naughty story.
Anyway, I got a book this time: The Siren by Tiffany Ruisz. I cannot recommend this book enough. It is the first kinky book since Safe Word that I've just fallen into. The lead heroine is smart as a whip, but understands the downsides as well as the highs. Reading the book, I'm so very clear that I'm not a masochist and that being submissive can be dangerous; I've been right to be careful, even if I've been too careful. Part of me wants to fall into that world. But I'm beginning to think it will never happen. MaxEarnest was the closest I got to being able to fall. And we wanted to fall different ways.
But pick up the book. It is a great, kinky read.
