I have to say I was very intrigued when I received this book; Love At First Sting, a collection of short stories edited by Alison Taylor. I enjoy reading naughty stories, having written some myself! I am also just starting to explore my wilder side, so these tales of pain and punishment felt like good research for future fantasies for me too. With that expectation, I jumped right into reading it.

One thing I like about short story collections is that they let you sample a little from column 'A' and a little from column 'B.' They require no deep commitment from you (the reader). I think sexual fantasies are especially suited for this kind of treatment, and these made me very pleased.

I am hesitant to describe too much of each story, as I don't want to spoil the way each fantasy will unfold for you. Suffice to say, I found them very sexy! The stories range in setup, with some tops being men, some women. Some encounters are based in the hetero world, some in the gay and lesbian. Each one I found to be well written and very steamy too. They are crafted like little adventures, not only into the lifestyle of bondage and discipline, but into environments each of us may wonder about, but have yet, or may not be allowed yet, to explore.

Since I am just exploring myself, I found these stories instructional into how I can begin framing my own fantasies. I was also surprised at how aroused I became from some of the stories that I didn't think would do for to me, given their content. I never expected to get turned on by a story of humiliation set in a dyke bar, between a baby boi and her Daddy, yet after reading it, I found myself to be quite dripping and had to avail myself of a little 'me' time. After that story, I made sure to read only when one of my play pals was in the nearby vicinity!

I have to admit it did take me time to read this book. I liked delving into each story.

The wide range of stories left me with stronger connections to some of the stories over others, but this is to be expected from a large collection. Being new to 'the scene,' I quite enjoyed this book, but I think the variety would appeal to those who are well versed in the art of restraining, or being restrained by, their lovers. All in all, a very sexy read!