I’m a good girl, I swear. Visits to the principals’ office happened only when a teacher needed to have a message delivered. The only early contact my backside had been with my father’s steel-toed boot that my mum grabbed to wallop me with after I mouthed off to her (note: major ow!). My interaction with the concept of spanking is limited, but that doesn’t make me any less intrigued by it. Naughty Spanking Stories from A to Z, Volume 2 spends 260 pages exploring the varied attractions and inspiration behind this simple, but emotionally filled, action.

Editor Rachel Kramer Bussel. Photo by Celeste Smith

For me, the first half of the book was much more arousing than the second half. Marilyn Jaye Lewis’ “After Hours” was the perfect voyeuristic and slightly embarrassing way to start of this spank-happy tome. As a fan of thrifting and perusing antiques, “Chippendale Library Chair” by Ashley Lister got my motor running. The spin at the end of the story was a nice touch as well; don’t worry, I won’t spoil it for you here. Being a freelance writer, it is nice to not have a boss breathing down your neck or watching your every move. After working in various offices for over three years, I remember the feeling quite well, but don’t miss it one bit; of course, an editor that analyzes your every word isn’t any better. During all my office days, it is safe to say that I never had a boss like the one in Thomas Roche’s tale titled “Disciplinary Action”.

As one who is naturally dominant, being able to trust my pain and pleasure to the person attached to the knee I’m laid over would be a tough one. The sub in Christopher Pierce’s “Five Bucks a Swat” is an inspiration for all us minor control freaks. By putting his whole being into the hands of another (many others, in this case), he reaches the most orgasmic heights he has ever known. If I were single, I’d be more than open for a naughty romp similar to the one in Nichelle’s “Hit Me with Your Best Shot”. Anyone who respects the talent and complexity of classical music will enjoy “In Perfect Time” by Saskia Walker. What I wouldn’t give to have a maestro like that when I was in high school! If so, maybe I’d still be working on that performing arts career I was after so hard.

What could have been a terrible, manhood-wrecking situation for her husband (”I’m leaving you for your [female] assistant.”) turned into one sneaky and naughty encounter (with more to come, from the sounds of it) in “Karen Leaves Her Husband for the First Time” by Catherine Lundoff. After being in the same relationship for nearly three years, it is quite easy to get bored; that’s my current situation. I have considered writing erotica of my own to spark my creativity in bed. After reading “Longevity” by Gwen Masters, I’m starting to think it is a good idea, along with finding a convenient location to forget where I left them. Maybe my boyfriend would find them and some spanking would ensure (wink). Getting inside the mind of a professional dom is no easy task, whether you be interviewing them or trying to write for their perspective. Ann Blakely does a damn good job of this task in her story titled “Outing Isolde”. Adding in the contrast of a fellow, yet “unsuccessful”, dom added just the right amount of conflict that the story needed.

This is about where the book starts to slow down for me. With only three more personally-arousing stories, that won’t stop me from recommending the book to anyone that has a slight interest in spanking. The fact that the main character in Kristina Wright’s “Perks of the Job” has the same first name as I do has nothing to do with how much I enjoyed the story (ok, maybe 1/16th). Having never been the boss with a corner office, the thought of having that much power makes me mildly randy. Wright does an exception job of turning the tables on the would-be woman in control and giving her just what she “deserves”. As a recovering fashion fiend, “Solemate” by Stan Kent has a special place in my heart (and wallet … and pants). Even though it is one of the longest stories in the book, dirty deeds ensue pretty quickly and don’t stop till they (and you) are satisfied. With a strange childhood and varied fetishes, my butt has been in a psychologists’ office more than once. According to “You Know You Want It” by Tsaurah Litzky, I’m in good company; though I’ll think twice the next time I start rambling with my eyes closed.

It has become customary for anthologies by Pretty Things Press to include a few bonus stories at the end, and this book is no exception. No offense to the editor or the writers, but I can see why these particular four tales were chosen as bonus material and not fodder for the main book itself. I know, that sounds cruel, but hear me out! While the tales are well-written and unique, the arousal factor is limited due to their endings. It felt as though there was a lot left unsaid and unconcluded. The final bonus story, Jen Cross’ “Wages of Pride”, is amusing, though also a royal mind fuck. Trying to keep straight who is male, female, or a mix of both distracted my mind too much to actual get an arousal from the public humiliation at the center of the tale.

Whether the idea of a light spanking makes you raise an eyebrow or you are nursing welts from your last session, this collection has something to help get your heart rate up. As I have come to expect from Pretty Thing Press, their compilation is education and tantalizing at the same time.

After finishing the book last night, I suggested to my boyfriend that we should try spanking. “We did that once and you hated it.” He was right — the first time he struck me on the bum, I turned around and said, “What the hell!?” Keep in mind that was over a year ago and, well, sexual cravings change. How can you read this many tempting stories without wanting to give it a go in your own bedroom? Maybe if he works my butt into shape then I’ll get to do the same to his perfectly taut rump?

[First published online here]