Reviewed by Jim Lyon
Story rank: 4
Kink: 4
Perhaps because as readers we have been weaned on fiction with plots, character development and conflict, we generally expect the same from erotic books, despite the fact that our primary motivation for reading them is to become aroused by experiencing some form of sexual scenario vicariously. This particular intellectual hypocrisy isn’t quite as prevalent in short erotic stories, probably since even in mainstream literature short stories often are no more than vignettes in which all the standard story elements of novels are not present or necessary. Ariane Arborene’s Two Cuckolding FemDom Stories unapologetically embraces the no-frills approach to erotica but does it in an entirely different medium: sound – it is an audio book, one of the first in this genre and possibly a harbinger of a new trend in erotica enjoyment for those with a taste for kink.
The stories in this audio book will likely be best enjoyed by listeners predisposed to either femdom or cuckolding sensibilities. Aficionados of such stories are in for a treat; not only are these stories well written and deliciously erotic, but the sultry and provocative narration by Holly Jackson is spot on.
The first tale begins with a romantic dinner between a mistress and her lover for the evening, during which they are served by her husband while he wears only his humiliation and a skimpy apron. The flirting and repartee orchestrated by the woman as the meal progresses succeeds at tormenting the cuckold before inevitably the diners follow up their meal with some erotic naughtiness as their distraught server is forced to watch. This punishment is in response to the husband interviewing for a new job in the U.K. without asking his wife whether or not she wants to leave Manhattan for London – his lack of deference to her has violated the essence of their female-led relationship.
The second story is considerably longer and more complex. The action takes place at a freewheeling rock concert after party attended by a dominant woman and her submissive mate. Due to a real or imagined dalliance between the man and another woman, his wife is determined to demonstrate her displeasure by openly hooking up with several younger and more virile partygoers. At one point the man is forced to watch her have sex with the lead guitarist. However, the ultimate humiliation occurs when he functions as a bottom to a male top while cleaning up evidence of his wife’s sexual exploits in a decidedly submissive fashion.
When asked about her writing style, Ms. Arborene had the following to say: “I am writing a particular kind of erotica where my goal is to turn on my readers without much time spent on plot. I know there are people in the world without erotic fulfillment in their lives and if I can bring them that quick erotic pleasure, that’s my goal. A scene that they can put themselves into… that is what I want to give them.”
She definitely has a refreshingly honest approach to creating erotica for people on the go. Enjoying erotica in e-book format is often referred to jokingly as reading with one hand. Expanding upon that same train of thought then, listening to erotic audio books is reading hands free. You can’t stop progress.