I’ve read a few books from editor Alison Tyler’s Erotic Alphabet series now and am a big fan. Each small book is built around a central theme, in this case jealousy, and Tyler does a great job of selecting a variety of stories that cover every side of the book’s focus.

J is for Jealousy is one I have to admit I enjoyed more than I thought I would. Maybe I have a yearning for the dyke drama of my younger days, or perhaps I just miss the power of that green monster we’ve all struggled with. Either way, this old married lady found herself drawn into each story of passion, longing and pain. Tyler describes the book best in the introduction:

The authors in this collection have delved into that hurt, that damaged bruise-colored emotion, and have managed somehow to squeeze pleasure from the pain.

Anyone who has known the sting of denial or lusted after something that doesn’t belong to them will find hints of themselves in these sexy stories.

Surprisingly, one of my favorites was Couch Surfing by Thomas S. Roche. I typically wouldn’t get off to the idea of a dude living on his ex-girlfriend’s couch and lusting after her roommate, but the writing is exquisite and I found myself rooting for him as he longs after this girl. Roche captures the pure essence of unrequited desire in this hot short story.

So far, this is my favorite book in the Erotic Alphabet collection because the stories are hot and it even made me think a little bit. Three books into the series, I’m starting to think you can’t go wrong with these naughty little books!

Add this excellent book to your collection!

Oh, and if you’re looking for a cool gift, check out Alphabet Erotica. It’s a little book of postcards modeled after the book covers for the entire series A-Z! It’s totally rad and everyone loves getting mail!