Broadly Bound: A review of THE BDSM GLBTQ erotica anthology

First, I need to get something out of the way. If you are expecting a sex-filled opus, this is not it. That being said, Broadly Bound contains some of the most believable characters and quality writing of any erotica anthology that I have ever read.

 

Broadly Bound, as an anthology of BDSM GLBTQ erotica, is surprising in a number of ways. The writing is of high quality across the board. While there are some stories that are more captivating than others, it can’t be denied that Beth Wylde, Syd McGinley, D.L. King, Kathleen Bradean, and Cassandra Gold all have a gift. Their characters seem to come alive in the first page of each of their stories and by the end of the book you feel like a voyeur who was doing some live-action peeping. The quality of authenticity is an added benefit when the stories are steamy… erotica is so much more erotic when it is believable. However, in some of the book’s longer set-ups, this quality can lead you to think you are reading GLBTQ literature rather than erotica. There is one story in particular that exemplifies this fact. In Syd McGinley’s The Leash has Two Ends, the character of Jake, a war veteran, is so tangible that you can actually feel the mental anguish he and his “boy” experience dealing with Jake’s PTSD. The good thing is that it is so well-written you can also feel the lashes as the boy gets whipped by his “Sir”. Trust by Cassandra Gold also offers up this sense of delayed gratification. The thing is, when reading erotica your audience doesn’t mind waiting for dinner as long as you serve appetizers first. These two stories in particular leave you hungry for way too long. On the other hand, Family by D.L. King and Opening Night by Kathleen Bradean start you off with some enticing aperitifs. From the very beginning of both those stories you become more than a little intrigued and develop an almost anxious anticipation as you finish each page. Opening Night in particular is worth reading the entire book for. It is mysterious, sexy, kinky, original, and so much more. Bradean’s characters make you want them to come to life in your bedroom so you can either watch or join in.

 

Apart from the talented writing, those into BDSM will appreciate the knowledge level displayed throughout the book. There is also a welcome assortment of sexual roles, orientations and equipment. These writers know BDSM and they know the GLBTQ community. The variety offered in Broadly Bound is a welcome change from narrowly categorized erotica. The characters in the book include gay, lesbian, bisexual, and even some gender ambiguity.

 

This book needs to be approached without any preconceived notions. Do not expect a quickie from Broadly Bound-think of the stories as long-term relationships with amazing partners and mind-blowing sex. Sure, there might be a lot of talking, eating, movie watching, grocery shopping and other non-sexually related activities but afterwards your partner straps you to a St. Andrew’s cross for a nice, long session.

 

Beth Wylde has compiled an inclusive anthology that celebrates the diversity of sexual appetites that comprises the human condition. She should be commended for recognizing that not all of us like only one flavor of ice cream…some of us like them all.

 

You can purchase Broadly Bound at: phaze.com/