xoxo: Sweet and Sexy Romance

Omg this a sexy sexy book!!! Loved reading it!!! So good hot and sexy sexy!! Looking forward to reading more sexy books!!!

The stories are amazingly cheesy, and there's very little "sexy" in it. Or rather, it's what a teenage girl might find sexy.

I personally appreciated how short the stories in this anthology are. Sometimes, you don't have time to read a long, drawn-out "short story" when that story is actually 20 pages long. With xoxo, it's possible to read any of the stories in one sitting; it only took me about an hour to get through half the book! Concision makes a story all the sexier; the subpar stories don't seem to drag on, while the magnificent ones leave a quick, cutting mark.Below, I've spotlighted four exceptional stories that stood out to me. It was hard picking just a few to feature, but I hope they give you a sense of what this anthology is like!"Anniversary Wrappings" by Kathleen TudorA couple's one-year anniversary starts out with a sweet gift that ends in kinky pleasure. The simplicity of this story really made me connect with each of the characters, and the writing is fluid, readable. The scenario isn't outlandish and ridiculous like a porn plot (which isn't uncommon in erotic anthologies), and is a situation you could totally find yourself in in everyday life."Dirty Laundry" by Martha DavisThis one is on the more extreme end because of how aggressive the sex is, but it's SUPER hot. It features ultimate alpha male Josh Moran, whom, even when domesticated, has the ability to start a five-alarm fire. Comforting story not only about spontaneous sex, but also about cohabitation, about making even daily household chores like laundry mind-blowing, as long it's with the one you love."Night Moves" by Christine d'AboWhen plagued by incomprehensible night terrors, the protagonist turns to the solace of her husband's arms. In this dark, lingering hour of frenzy, fright, and complete need, the two find each other with familiarity and ease, with practiced hands and experienced hearts. I loved the middle-of-the-night sex scene, but it's the beauty of how well a married couple can know and understand each other d'Abo portrays, that really blew me away."Wild Naked Bandits Flee the Square Conspiracy" by Nikki Magennis1. A mediocre costume party—how the night starts off2. A wild, skintight leggings-clad bandit—how the night becomes interesting3. And a thrilling escapade—how our night endsNarrated in a wry, engaging voice that I immediately liked, this story is hardly a romance—it's spur-of-the-moment, fantastical, and even a little eccentric, but oddly enough, that's what makes it so sweepingly romantic. You would not expect an erotic story about a hookup at a party to be so vivid, so entertaining, but Nikki Magennis's characters exude sex, subtlety, and charm that culminate in a very whimsical roleplay. By far my favorite story in the anthology; five stars for being all of smart, playful, and incredibly comical—in the bests of ways—while still provocative.Pros: High-quality writing // Each story is only 4-6 pages on average, so very easy to get through them // Lots of variety // Perfect blend of sweet and sensual stories with hot and heavy stories // Each story has something incredibly romantic about it; this isn't just about sex // Read "Wild Naked Bandits Flee the Square Conspiracy" if nothing else!Cons: A few stories that I didn't like that muchVerdict: This collection of 38 short and sweet stories will both light your heart up and light it on fire. Like a Valentine's Day candy sampler, each is delectable and unique; put together, xoxo: Sweet and Sexy Romance makes for a passionate, completely satisfying treat. The range of subjects and storylines is vast, featuring the kinky and vanilla, the sensual and scorching, the routine and spontaneous, the heterosexual and lesbian... so much variety! You definitely won't grow bored with Kristina Wright's latest anthology because there are so many different types of story to keep you entertained, each with special romantic flair that will make you melt.Rating: 8 out of 10 hearts (4 stars): An engaging read that will be worth your while; highly recommended.Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Cleis!).

XOXO: Sweet and Sexy Romance is another fantastic anthology from Cleis Press. Thirty-eight contributions promise something for everyone: Married couples, friends to lovers, reunited lovers, lesbian couples, May-December, interracial couples, kinky sex, and exhibitionism, just to name a few. Not every story was my cup of tea. I found a few to be a little too rushed, others were just weird and didn’t read “romance” to me, but I found some standouts and have every intention of looking into those authors for more of their work.My top picks:Midnight by Emerald – For the past six years, this married couple upholds their kinky tradition to ring in their birthdays. Romantic and very sexy.By the Sea by Angela R. Sargenti – Wow! This story deserves a medal for hottest sexual encounter on a beach! I think this made the list on quite a few reviews.Dirty Laundry by Martha Davis – The heroine knows how to manipulate her burly, manly firefighter into doing housework which ends in mutual satisfaction. Hot!Imagination at Play by Brighton Walsh – A couple fantasizes about a threesome without having to cross that line. Very hot with a dirty talking hero and heroine.One Hot Wet Night by Veronica Wilde – Two divorcees, a skinny dip and possibly the beginning of a new relationship status. Very sexy read.Wild Naked Bandits Flee the Square Conspiracy by Nikki Magennis – This was probably the most memorable, even though I have no idea how to sum this up in one sentence. I have no idea if Gabriel was a loon or just really clever at playing one to intrigue a woman. This was engaging, sexy and some parts were hilarious.Very, Very Well by Kristina Wright – This couple gets kinky in a dressing room. Good introduction to the couple and what they’re into sexually. A very hot and steamy read that didn’t feel rushed. A very nice and satisfying read to end the anthology.Other very enjoyable stories:Control by A.J. Lyle – On their wedding night, the groom coaxes his blushing bride into submitting.Friend of the Court by Kelly Rand – In this May to December romance, Koryn was fine with the secret relationship and casual sex with the hot DA, but now she wants more. Can Craig give her what she wants?Designated Driver by Heidi Champa – A married couple gets adventurous in this sexy tale when they need to sober up before driving home. How will they pass the time?Ouch! by Lily K. Cho – Sexy, playful retaliation between lovers.Eighty Cupcakes by Neve Black – A quick shopping trip turns into foreplay and leads to a hot car tryst. Quick and sweetly sexy.A.M. Wood by Rosalia Zizzo – After twenty years of marriage, this couple still has it. Sensual.The Distraction by Louise Hooker – A husband helps his wife take her mind off conceiving difficulties. Sweet and romantic.Puzzle Pieces by Rachel Kramer Bussel – Bending over a jigsaw puzzle leads to some sexy times for this couple. It’s evident how well they know each other and what works so well for them. They just fit. Sensual and sexy.Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own, and in no way represent the views or opinions of the publisher/distributor.

The introduction to this book described the stories as sweet and romantic like candy hearts on Valentine's Day. Mmm... After reading them, I'm not sure if I totally agree. Yes, they are all that, but they're more than that, too. The sweet can be captured by candy hearts, but it fails the sexy bits. How would I describe the stories in this anthology? Like the bottle of flavored spray lubricant I once bought in an adult novelty store that heated up on contact with skin. Yeah, that's it! The stories in this book are a sweet, cherry-flavored naughty lube that warms you up and makes you hungry for more.