Smoldering Embers

Reviewed by Kevin R. Tipple

Smoldering Embers By Cynthia Perkins, M.ED. (c) 2002
IUniverse

ARC
Rating: *****

With a subtitle of "Hot Erotic Stories And Sex Tips To Light A Couple's Fire" this is one book that was both a pleasure to read as well as review. It isn't too often that one book combines erotic stories along with practical caring information and is able to work in both areas. This book manages to do that and much more.

The book is split into two parts with almost two thirds of the book devoted to erotic fiction. The stories are written from the first person viewpoint and are set on different levels of experience with acceptance of fantasy a major component. The stories through fiction tell tales of solo masturbation, role-playing, oral pleasures, toys, and many more. The stories are split with half of them coming from a male first person viewpoint and the other half coming from a female viewpoint.

All the stories feature a strong element of romance. While character development is limited because they are short, the stories are very well written and would appeal strongly to both partners in a relationship. For example, in "Divine Oral pleasures" a wife shows up at her husband's conference with seduction on her mind. She soon pleasures him orally and then later, receives the same loving treatment from her grateful husband.

The last third of the book is devoted to going beyond the basics with the idea of improving the relationship sexually and spiritually. While the advice is for the most part, basic common sense advice (appreciate your partner, men if you want oral you must be clean) it is written in a compassionate caring tone of acceptance. Embrace change and if a particular change does not work for both partners then try something else. The author also includes several links to website for more information on the topics covered.

As noted in the introduction, this book is specifically designed for couples in a monogamous relationship that are seeking to keep things erotic. Lets face it fellow married folks-sometimes things do tend to get a little boring. It is easy to slip into a trap of always doing the same thing. The author using her long experience in the field has created an incredible book featuring erotica, romance and plain advice in order to keep things going. You can always use a little help and this is the book to go for help as well as a highly enjoyable read.