Best Gay Erotica of the Year, Volume 3

In this fine anthology of original erotica, 17 authors explore the many varieties of gay male lust. While most are set in the present day, a handful explore other times and places, such as Richard May’s gentle centuries-spanning vampire tale, “Hemoglobin”; Karl Taggart’s spine-tingling “Ghostly Affair”; and Kenzie Matthews’s “Emissary,” a futuristic look at an alien negotiator whose race literally lives for sex. T.R. Verten looks at the secret lives of Hollywood celebrities in “Red Carpet Jitters,” a married couple spices up the routine with a three-way in “Ugly-Sexy” by Gregory L. Norris, and a wedding brings two friends closer together in Rhidian Brenig Jones’s “Shame the Devil.” Most of the stories are solidly satisfying, their sensual components ranging from mild to thoroughly raunchy. Landon Dixon’s “Hard Case” is a rare misfire, a parodic look at a manipulative private detective that’s full of over-the-top euphemisms and distractingly bad imagery. Otherwise, this collection has plenty of range in tone, theme, kink, and emotional connection. These family men, lonely scientists, eager bartenders, and curious frat brothers all work hard for their happy endings, which will make readers happy too. (Dec.)