A lovely, well written collection of stories about an aspect of sexuality that is rarely discussed. However, the intro to the book set it up as a means of finding and celebrating community, and yet most of the stories felt joyless and lonely. Characters who could not find lasting community or were stuck with partners who did not understand (or were openly hostile). Brandon Taylor's story was by far the standout of the collection; I'd have read a whole book with those characters.

Most of the stories in this anthology were a miss for me. I felt like the characters and the point of these stories weren’t three-dimensional or have much depth to it. I think a big thing for me was how unclear the line was in some of the stories. I think in any type of relationship, whether it’s sexual, romantic, platonic, etc., communication should always be at the forefront to make sure everything is consensual.

For example, in Reach by Roxanne Gay, the narrator clearly knows and says that their wife does not like oral sex and yet, they do it anyways. The last time they did it, their wife didn’t talk to them for a week. And still, they do it to try to push her to open up about a part of herself she clearly does not want to open up about. This, to me, pushes that line between consensual and non-consensual.

My favorite story was The Lost Performance of the High Priestess of the Temple of Horror by Carmen Maria Machado. I think this story really had an interesting perspective and really explored human sexuality. This one had a complexity and depth to it that the other stories didn’t really have.

All in all, I enjoyed The Cure by Melissa Febos, Safeword by RO Kwon, Oh, Youth by Brandon Taylor, and The Lost Performance of the High Priestess of the Temple of Horror by Carmen Maria Machado.

Anthologies are always hard to review because it is to be expected that some stories are stronger than others- but they also give the opportunity to read a wide variety of takes on a topic- or in this case a variety of stories on different types kink. I went into this pretty blind as to what to expect. I think overall there were some interesting stories- the writing was good- but the actual stories were not for me. I found a lot of the stories to be sad to be honest. And I was not expecting that. But it could be that at the time, after suffering through an entire 2020, that I personally should be focusing on more romance and maybe less on other reads. Because of that I'm going to rate this a 3. It was a good read, with a variety of topics covered, but overall not for me.

Very diverse interesting read. The book is many different stories and different kinks and by different authors. This is definitely not a read for a close minded prudish person. I’m not any of those things and some made me uncomfortable and pushed past my boundaries. Not a vanilla read at all.

I wanted to love this, I wanted this to be a book that would let me discover something new.
Unfortunately this wasn’t it.

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster + NetGalley for the ARC!*

Anthologies are so hard to rate - some of the stories I really enjoyed, others weren't for me but objectively were totally fine and I'd recommend them to people I think would like them, and then a couple I wouldn't recommend. I do believe many of the pieces featured could use a content warning before the piece, rather than just the content warning placed at the beginning of the book.

I saw Roxane Gay and Carmen Maria Machado on this and IMMEDITELY was in.

Kink is described as an “anthology of literary short fiction exploring love and desire, BDSM, and interests across the sexual spectrum.” This collection of short stories was an invitation to stand in the shadows of lascivious romps, relational exploration and varied touch.

What was most compelling to me was this sort of kaleidescopic view of what it means to be human at its innermost core. Sure, there was this tug and pull of pleasure and power in these stories, but beyond that, there was this pulse of vulnerability. In a lot of these stories, broken and wounded things were held to the light. It felt like a chronicle of the mending we seek, and how sometimes we reach for that mending with legs peeled open (or tied up and bent over).

Kink was a conversation in undercurrents. Some of the stories I enjoyed more than others, and there was a point where I had to take a pause from this book because it sort of toed the line for me. But the stories in this anthology did the work of examining and unearthing the twisting dynamics in the spaces of intimacy. This one comes out on February 9th, so keep your eyes peeled!

A somewhat uneven connection that explores the wide world of sexuality and kink. At its best, the stories are interesting and sexy because they connect with something interior to the narrator--even if that's just their experience of the particular kink being explored. However, many stories missed the mark for me in terms of connecting with the situation and/or characters. I found that this collection leaned heavily into BDSM in particular, so it is perhaps not the most wide-ranging in terms of kink.

If I hadn’t seen Roxane Gay’s name attached, I probably never would have requested this ARC. It’s not erotica like the title may imply, but rather literary fiction about the psychology of kink. I rarely read short story collections because they can be so hit and miss, as this collection was. Some of the stories were really interesting, some I skimmed through because I just couldn’t get into them, and one story, Gospodar by Garth Greebwell should not have been included in this collection at all as it very clearly crossed a line and was not at all consensual. The premise of this collection was interesting but it definitely won’t be a re-read.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am a huge fan of erotic and let me just say I was NOT disappointed! I’m this is the very first time I’ve read a book with multiple stories in it so it was different in a good way, and new.
I especially loved the twist with each of the stories - setting wise. It didn’t feel repetitive.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
******
Once again I say that anthologies a weird for me. Some stories are hit and some are definitely miss.

Overall, though, this anthology was kinda a miss for me. The title, I feel, leads to more of an explanation or delving into the entire world of Kink, when instead, this felt rather focused on the world of BDSM. That’s not bad at all, I just didn’t really see much exploration. I also felt that many of the stories read as more conversational, than an actual exploration or explanation of these lifestyles. They felt very much like slices of the daily lives of the people involved, with the occasional tossing in off buzzwords and ideas.

Overall, it was more light reading than anything, and somewhat enjoyable, but I wouldn’t really come back to it. An interesting take, but not engrossing like any kind of book should be.

Kink is a short story anthology covering a host of sex stories. They are woven through different types of sex and identities of people It was eye-opening to other worlds and allowed me to see life through different lens. Some stories were easy to read, others harder due to either the way the story was written or hard to follow.

2.75 stars.

Most of the stories in this collection were a miss for me, unfortunately. I found a lot of them to not have much depth when considered as a short story and the more explicit aspects of most of the stories did not really engage me or feel unique when compared to the collection as a whole. There were a few stories I really enjoyed, in part because they had more meat in terms of a narrative or ideas presented, which include Melissa Febos’s “The Cure,” “Safeword” by R. O. Kwon, “Oh Youth” by Brandon Taylor (the main reason I requested a copy of this and it did not disappoint), and “The Lost Performance of the High Priestess of The Temple of Horror” by Carmen Maria Machado.

I will also mention that I thought Garth Greenwell’s story “Gospodar” pretty clearly crossed the line for me between a consensual interaction with strong power dynamics and rape, which I was not expecting. While I do think it’s important to recognize these nuances, I think perhaps this anthology was not the place to do that given the anthology’s primary goal appears to be to highlight and legitimize BDSM as a sexual practice (which should not include non-consensual sex). I hadn’t seen other reviewers mention it, so I thought it would put in my two sense about that, particularly given that Greenwell is one of the editors of this anthology.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing me with an early copy of this work through Netgalley. Kink: Stories is scheduled to be released on February 9, 2021.

Published: February 9, 2021
Simon & Schuster
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Cure by Melissa Febos

Melissa Febos is an accomplished author. She spent a year working as a professional dominatrix while in college, and that experience has helped shape her perspective. Her writing is reflective of the reader, and her words contain a depth that will impact her audience in different ways.

”It was in New York City! How could one run out of lesbians in New York City?”

I enjoyed the mysteriousness in this story. No names, no messy details. The added ambiguity made the story more sensual. I enjoyed how the main character reclaimed her desire and wants. She took power and made it her own. All too often, we tend to ignore our wants and needs because society tells us our partners' needs matter more. But that isn’t always true.

This story was sexy without being over the top. There were no ridiculous descriptions of appendages, no animalistic thrusting, and moans of pleasure. Our leading lady discovered that being in control, and getting hers, and refusing to allow her feelings to get involved, was the most satisfactory way to reset herself. So that is what she did. Melissa Febos wrote a dynamic character that we can all identify and learn something from. What you take from this story will depend on what you lack. I love the complexity within that.

Best Friendster Date Ever by Alexander Chee

Alexander Chee is an associate professor of English and a talented author. His works have earned him several accolades in his career. He brings a diverse perspective to everything he creates.

“All I was thinking was, The real bottoms, you don’t have to tie them up.”

I haven’t read much sexual/romance written by a man. So this was a relatively new experience for me. I enjoyed the telling of this story. I genuinely appreciate gay relationships when they are portrayed as usual as straight relationships. That validity is deserved, and I respect the author for giving us that.

This story was gentle in discovering what our narrator wants and his acceptance of that within himself. I enjoyed the build to the act and the subtle dominance displayed.

Trust by Larissa Pham

Larissa Pham is a poet, writer of several genres, and a true artist. She creates visual mediums for her audience.

“She considers her instincts, and then the instincts of all living things, all that animals know without being told.”

I enjoyed the use of imagery in this story. Pham captured the complexity of trust and described the feeling of desire without using simplified words. She told vulnerability without being vulnerable, and she creates two imperfect people who were perfect for each other at the moment.

Safeword by R.O. Kwan

R.O. Kwan is a gifted writer who has earned much praise for her work. She has been recognized across several platforms, and she continues to press the boundaries.

“They watched Secretary, and they tried reading Fifty Shades, but soon dropped it; it was so badly written that it made her laugh.”

First, I LOVE that R.O. Kwon straight called Fifty Shades out for the horrible nonsense. Very subtly, no bashing, but straight fact. That made my entire day.

I liked the learning aspect of this story. Spanking is such a fun, sensual form of play, but it requires some knowledge to avoid injuring the receiver. I love that the couple went to a professional dominatrix together and that she was so vivid in her abilities.

I like that this story exposed the fact that many people have kinky desires but don’t necessarily know how to translate that to their partner and that the partner may not know how to move forward. But having a partner willing to learn is fantastic. My favorite story so far.

Canada by Callum Angus

Callum Angus is a trans writer, editor, and independent scholar. He works to bring understanding and acceptance to the trans community, and through his writing, helps create awareness among people.

“I want to erode her stone by stone, make her fall apart.”

I’m not very familiar with a lot of trans romance. But I enjoyed how the explanation of blending was described with Nina wearing Jay’s clothing.

Oh, Youth by Brandon Taylor

Brandon Taylor is a very accomplished writer. His works have been recognized across several platforms. He continues to transcend the divide and brings knowledge to his readers.

“Someone loved him. Someone loved him. Someone loved him.”

I enjoyed the complexity of this story. However, it’s a little sad. Grisha is just looking to be loved. Wanted. Needed. And all he is finding is temporary.

This story dealt with the complexities of being a thrupple, however. Someone always gets feelings, and someone still gets jealous. And because of that dynamic, someone always gets hurt. I just wanted Grisha to get his happy ending.

Impact Play by Peter Mountford

Peter Mountford has written several short stories and two novels. He is a brilliant mind in a lost world.

“But this secret was a tender, special thing, starting to burn now that it was the only one left between the two of them.”

I wish this had been a complete story, full arc. I liked that Gavin was finally embracing who he is and working on getting past the embarrassment. And I enjoyed Pilar, and I would have loved getting to know her better.

Mirror, Mirror by Vanessa Clark

Vanessa Clark is an award-winning author who shines a spotlight on queer romance. She doesn’t shy away from embracing the unknown, and she brings normalcy to a subject that once may have been considered taboo.

“The fantasy that they craved, needed, obsessed over, was just to see it—they hardly needed to touch, or feel.”

I enjoyed this story. I want to get to know Teena more, find how her history. See how she because the fabulously strong, smart, badass in sparkly heels that she is. Clark is a strong writer with a description gift. I was delighted with this story, and I was sad when it ended.

Reach by Roxane Gay

Roxane Gay is a writer, editor, professor, and social commentator. She had written several works that have earned her accolades. She is a bold, smart, dynamic individual who makes the world a better place with her words.

”I want to know the stories of all her scars, but I’m not sure I’m willing to pay the price for that knowledge.”

I enjoyed the depth of this story. The dynamic that worked for this couple. The level of understanding of not accepting secrets but embracing them. Of realizing that to honestly know someone means opening yourself up to a group of vulnerability that you can’t take back. There is deep respect woven throughout this text, and I appreciate it.

Gospodar by Garth Greenwell

Garth Greenwell is an author, poet, literary critic, and educator. He has several published works and writes criticism for The New Yorker and The Atlantic.

”I felt nothing of what I had thought I might think in standing, and I reclaimed nothing, nothing at all returned.”



Scissors by Kim Fu

Kim Fu is a critically acclaimed and highly regarded writer. She has published works in several notable publications.

”Being seen without seeing.”

I liked the mystery and the embracing of the unknown in this story. You almost feel as though you are naked in front of strangers, blindfolded, experiencing the unknown. Being handled, being poked, and prodded. It’s scary, and it’s intense.

The Lost Performance of the High Priestess of the Temple of Horror by Carmen Maria Machado

Carmen Maria Machado is a critically acclaimed short story author and essayist. Her works have been widely published, and she has been highly awarded for her works.

”She shrieked in pain, her eyes glittering with pleasure.”

There was a level of complexity and depth to this story. I enjoyed the concept. The use of language is interesting. There was a complexity level to this story and the mix of uncertainty and longing that made this an exciting read.

The Voyeurs by Zeyn Joukhadar

Zeyn Joukhadar is exceptionally accomplished. He has many publications and is a leading name within his genres.

“Stop looking at me, stop looking at me, stop looking.”

This story was excellent. The idea of people staring at what they don’t understand, as though trans individuals aren’t human and are a foreign concept. Like it’s okay to gawk and stare as though it’s warranted due to a lack of knowledge or acceptable. The kindness and concern shown by Omar are beautiful, despite his inner turmoil with how he feels people view him. This was a charming story.

Retouch/Switch by Cara Hoffman

Cara Hoffman is an accomplished writer who has published several essays and earned much praise for the work she does.

“Your heart a little coffin that you’ve lined for me with satin.”

This story was kind of confusing. But I think that is the point. To focus on the desire to control and make perfect, but then TBR desire to please and behave.

Emotional Technologies by Chris Kraus

Chris Kraus is a renowned author of empowering material that breaks down the barriers and boosts the female momentum.

“Theatricality implies an embarrassing excess of presence, i.e., of sentiment.”

This story is about claiming one's destiny with an open mind and a lack of fear. The level of understanding. It’s a lovely story.

This anthology is well written, well researched. I enjoyed the positive light being displayed regarding kink and the kink community.

I had a rather mixed reaction to this book. Having just finished another great anthology-style collection of short stories (Criptiques, ed. by Caitlin Wood) I came into this with high expectations, especially considering the interesting, provocative subject and the star-studded cast of featured authors. I found myself, unfortunately, disappointed. Not only did most of these stories somehow make such a fascinating and saucy subject as kink almost pedestrian and boring in how clinical the writing sounded, they also felt more like stories you tell a friend over lunch—not really groundbreaking or riveting, but with just enough buzzwords ("kink" "sex") to keep them from completely tuning out. I expected this to be an insightful, reflective collection of essays on kink itself, but it was definitely more of a collection of mildly pearl-clutching at best stories with kink thrown in as an afterthought. I did enjoy some of these stories, but mostly as short stories about moments in different lives. The highlights for me were the pieces by Peter Mountford and Roxanne Gay. For the majority of the book, I was having to force myself to keep reading because of how uninspired and boring the writing was. I really wanted to like this collection, but sadly, the few gems weren't enough to save the entire book for me.

This collection of short stories is on fire. I was excited to receive this ARC from NetGalley to review when I saw the list of writers who contributed - and the writing did not disappoint. These stories were so much more than "Kinky encounters". They are evaluations of humanity and eagle eyes into the human experience many are afraid to admit to and talk about. I would definitely recommend this collection.

Kink is a superb read and compilation of recent fiction writing in the BDSM realm. Definitely a page turner and well worth a read!

Human sexuality is fascinating, so I was eager to jump into this story collection. Like many collections it has stories that were excellent and others that were not. Overall I enjoyed most of them. Only one of the stories left a bad taste in my mouth.

I think that it’s important to note that one of the stories makes mention of incest between 2 children. I didn’t anticipate it and it really ruined that story for me. I had to put the book to the side for a bit after, and had to decide to pick it back up again to give the other stories a chance.

If I had been an editor of this collection I would have either not included this particular story or would have requested a content edit (or at least a warning).

I wouldn’t purchase this book for my own collection for that reason and would not recommend it.

I received a free review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This collection of sharp, diverse, and provocative stories can be best summed up with a quote from Garth Greenwell's piece, "Gospodar." Greenwell writes, "But then there's no fathoming pleasure, the forms it takes or their sources, nothing we can imagine is beyond it; however far beyond the pale of our own desires, for someone it is the intensest desire, the key to the latch of the self, or the promised key, a key that perhaps never turns."

While certainly not for everyone (nearly all these stories contain graphic descriptions of sex), I thoroughly enjoyed this collection edited by R.O. Kwon and Garth Greenwell. I was impressed with the incredibly talented group of writers, some of which are renowned voices like Roxane Gay, Alexander Chee, and Carmen Maria Machado.

My favorite pieces were, "The Cure" by Melissa Febos, a witty and relatable story about old friends and learning to be comfortable with your needs and wants, "Reach" by Roxane Gay, about the complexities of of emotional and physical intimacy in a marriage, "Oh, Youth" by Brandon Taylor, which focused on a young man who makes his living as a companion for an older, wealthy married couple over the supper, and "Safeword" by R.O. Kwon, an unflinching look into a couple exploring BDSM.

Short story collections are hard for me to review most of the time. Some of the stories really held my attention and others were just okay and there were a few that I just didn't finish. I am not sure that this collection as a whole worked well for me, It's not a bad collection as a whole.