While the editor of this fine annual collection, Marcy Sheiner, argues in her introduction that these stories dwell on "the darker side of sex"--revenge, anger, grief--there is a redemptive quality to passion that often outweighs whatever unworthy motives may have inspired the deed. Although there is plenty of frivolous, one-handed reading in this year's edition, many of the pieces included have the hallmarks of literary fiction; they are not merely about a sexual event, but offer a revelation of character through that event. Lisa Glatt's "Waste," Anne Tourney's "Rope Burn," and Susannah Indigo's "The Language of Snakes" would shine in any short story anthology. Yet even the simplest and most graphic stories here can surprise the reader with their casual illuminations. In Tabitha Flyte's "After Loss," for example, a young woman and her brother-in-law stumble into sex after returning from her father's funeral. When she first feels his comforting arms around her, she reflects on how differently men and women embrace: "When I am hugged by a woman I feel that the arms around me say, 'Yes, you can do it, you can.' When I am held by a man I feel that I am being told, 'No, you don't have to do it, you don't.'" A remarkable volume, evidence of the considerable talent being directed toward erotica in recent years. --Regina Marler

San Francisco Bay Guardian
"Gets racier every year."

Book Description
The Best Women's Erotica series is known for its sexual honesty and intensity, presenting stories that tell the truth about women's sexuality in all its variety and emotional depth. Now in its sixth year, with a whole new look, Best Women's Erotica 2005 satisfies even the most sexually voracious reader. Ann Regentin's "Just Passing Through" tells what happens when a woman decides to disguise herself as a gay man and cruise the local gay bar. In Andrea Miller's "Picking Up," a jealous woman listens in on her girlfriend's phone sex job and decides to bring the scene to life. And Alison Tyler's "Evian" is a classic bad-girl tale: a not-so-innocent young woman with a crush on her boss discovers just the right way to heat up their flirtation - while only a kitchen window separates them from his wife.

About the Author
Marcy Sheiner is the editor of the Best Women's Erotica series and Ripe Fruit. She lives in Oakland, CA.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Best Women's Erotica series is known for its sexual honesty and intensity, presenting stories that tell the truth about women's sexuality in all its variety and emotional depth. Now in its sixth year, with a whole new look, Best Women's Erotica 2005 satisfies even the most sexually voracious reader.