Best Women’s Erotica of the Year, Vol. 4

Female empowerment is the uniting theme in this sexy anthology featuring powerhouse authors such as Megan Hart and Alyssa Cole. The anthology opens with a bang as Mica Kennedy’s “Take the Shot” introduces a plus-size, sensual woman of color posing for a hot photo shoot with her much younger teaching assistant. In the adrenaline-fueled “The Jump” by Rebecca Chase, a woman breaks out of a rut and away from a bad relationship by going tandem skydiving, followed by a little one-on-one time with her jump partner. Quieter but no less intense, “Breathe” by Patricia Elzie shows a young woman exploring her submissive side—and a tickle fetish—with a domme she meets online. “Her Invisible Prison” by Jocelyn Dex takes on a very different challenge as an agoraphobic woman works on conquering her fears with encouragement and sexy rewards from a man in her support group. Whatever her interests or circumstances, every woman in this fantastic and diverse collection is empowered by her steamy adventures. (Dec.)