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Please, Ma'am: Erotic Stories of Male Submission

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I don't usually review books in which I have stories (it feels somehow wrong). Actually, I never do, but I had to make an exception for Rachel Kramer Bussel's Please, Ma'am.

I poured through the book as soon as it arrived. Of course, I read my story first. I always do that. I don't know why. I guess just to make sure it's there--and doesn't come across as a stinking pile... Anyway, once that was out of the way, I was free to devour the rest of it.

I write femdom and, perhaps more importantly, I read femdom. Let me tell you, there's not a lot of it out there, or at least not a lot that gets my juices flowing. I'm very particular. I am not a fan of the man-hating shrew and I like my femdom to evoke realistic thoughts, feelings and emotions. That doesn't mean it can't be the wildest of sexual fantasy (I love that; I often write that). But it does mean it has to ring true; it has to speak to me of the actual bond between a woman and a man. Not only are these stories well written but they all have that "ring of truth," as well.

The book is full of great stuff. Some of my favorite stories were Teresa Noelle Roberts' "I Live to Serve," Elizabeth Coldwell's "A Maze, and Grace," Remittance Girl's "Inside the Pride," Ariel Graham's "Living Rough," Rachel's own, "Houseboy" and Graydancer's "I'll Do It. For Her."

Teresa Noelle Roberts' story is the perfect introduction to the book. "I Live to Serve" introduces us to what it means to be a sexual and service submissive, both to the submissive man and to his dominant partner. It feels real and gets us ready for what is to come. It introduces the basic nature of male submissives and female dominants, oh yes, and it's very hot. Very hot.

Remittance Girl and Rachel's efforts are stories I'd also classify as realistic. I could easily see these things happening (although "Inside the Pride" reminds me more of my youth, when there was more sex, or at least semi-acceptable sex-between college students and faculty) and Rachel's story, "Houseboy," is maybe a bit of wishful thinking. These are stories that not only do we wish would happen, but that could happen.

Then there's Elizabeth Coldwell's "A Maze, and Grace," a great fantasy. It's not going to happen. Well, maybe--if you knew fabulously wealthy women with manor houses on huge properties... But mmm, mmm, mmm, is it hot! Ariel Graham's Cinderella story, "Living Rough," probably isn't going to happen, either, but don't we all wish it would? Oh, yes, we do.

Graydancer's "I'll Do It. For Her" ends the book. This story, perhaps, rang most true for me. This story proclaims, "This is me. Regardless of my public persona, this is who I am and who I will always be." A perfect ending to a very well-chosen group of stories.

These are only a few of the stories (and, oh yeah, my story, "Pick A Color," is pretty good too.). Explore the rest of the book. Take my word for it, if you're a submissive male, a dominant woman or simply fascinated by the genre, you'll love it.

No matter what your kink or your favorite fantasy, there is probably something for you in Please, Ma'am (provided, of course, that you enjoy the F/m dynamic). Although I didn't love every story in the book (and who does get off on every permutation of kink?) there was plenty to enjoy.

The stories are all told from the male sub's perspective, and have everything from money slavery to gender play, and from being shared to being turned into something as insignificant as furniture. There are experienced subs and forays into new territory, lovers and play partners and one night stands. This book literally has a selection that is as varied and complex as kink itself, and while not all players are sure to love all stories, there WILL be one in here that will heat you up.

Generally I get bored with most erotica. They are not well-rounded or focused enough for my tastes. Either a majority of the stories focus too much on the tiny minute details or have four pages of lead-ons ending with a paragraph or so of the actual goods. Please, Ma'am however is not one of those novels.

Full of stories based on male submission Rachel really picked some interesting stories that left me wishing they were full novels themselves. Nothing was too over the top or too vanilla, just a perfect blend to suit all tastes. Out of all the stories there were only two that left me in a meh state. That really says a lot considering I'm very picky about my erotica.

One of my favorites was titled, "A Charmed Life" by Isabelle Gray, which featured a player (we all know them, they are their own personal self-entitled brown-noser)who basically harasses a seemingly unobtainable woman who wants nothing to do with him... at least until he plays HER game. It really captured my interested and even had me smirking as I imagined just how the story line was playing out.

That is just one of the many great ones. I can't recommend this book enough to anyone wanting a well-rounded novel focused on one theme. If you finish this one and still one more there is another one also compiled by Rachel titled, Yes, Ma'am: Erotic Stories of Male Submission that is just as thrilling.

If male-submission isn't your taste then I recommend both her Please, Sir and Yes, Sir compilations that focus on female submission.

Please Ma'am is as entertaining and sexy as it is educational. The anthology starts off with Teresa Noelle Roberts' "I Live to Serve' about a man serving his woman (or Milady, as he calls her) in the most sexual way. I can see why this tale was selected to open up the collection--I started reading it on a subway and was then a little sorry that I did, if you get my drift. This story is so hot you
could cook a meal by it. Roberts' also excels at characterization and really gets into the mind of her male protagonist, while illustrating how deliciously exciting it is to suffer at the hands of a woman. It is a story that is all about the extreme pleasure of delayed gratification.

I also liked Charlotte Stein's "It's Not Me, It's You" about a man who has a secret office admirer. It's the kind of story that builds up in intensity to a rousing, shall we say, climax.

In Michael Hemmingson's "Paypig," we learn about the surprising practice that is money slavery (where a guy gets off on having women take money from him). I didn't even know this practice existed until I read this book, and I consider myself pretty worldly. It's funny how a practice that can label a girl a golddigger can also be exciting to other men.

Finally Giselle Renarde's "Dressing for Dinner" appealed to me because I am queer, and even though this is a heterosexual erotic story it had enough gender play in it to keep me satisfied: It's all about a guy dressing like a woman to please his butch girlfriend.

Overall, a solid collection that'll have you begging for more.

Please, Ma'am edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel
Release Date: June 1st, 2010
Publisher: Cleis
Page Count: 216
Source: Naked Reader Book Club via EdenFantasys for review

Women Who Rule
"I crave the pain she gives me, but it's more than that... I crave the person she becomes."
-- from "I'll Do It. For Her."

Go ahead, say the words out loud: "Please, Ma'am." If these words make you long for a woman to grab you by the scruff of your neck or control you with one fierce, all-knowing look, then this is the book for you. Whether playing servant, student, or nude model, the submissive men in Please, Ma'am revel in the attention of stern mistresses who know exactly what punishments they need. With stories by Michael Hemmingson, D.L. King, Graydancer, and many more, bestselling erotica editor Rachel Kramer Bussel has gathered together today's best erotic tales of men who crave the cruel intentions of a powerful woman.

What Stephanie Thought: Previously, female dominance was portrayed physically -- with the woman literally being on top (remember my review?). Please Ma'am is just as fierce of a ride, but it covers the more psychological and emotional aspects of the divine mistress.

You wouldn't guess that in dominance, there would be tenderness. Especially in sadism and masochism; tenderness is the last thing you'd expect. But it's all a mind's game, you see. Some people see the practice of dominance and submission as unequal power play and gender condescension. Taking a closer look, it's not like that at all. The reason a woman and a man can endure such debauchery is because in them, is the knowledge that only the strongest can put up with the humiliation. Only the strongest can stand to be beaten and tied up, but still have the dignity to be considered an equal.

Fortunately, there are no whips nor chains in this book; the whipping and blood-drawing of BDSM stories typically makes me queasy. Most of the anthology deals with the type of admiration a submissive male has for his dominant female partner, and the compassion a dominant woman secretly, desirously, has for her surrendering man.

There are many scenes that bring tears to my eyes. It's sublime how much love and passion emerges from both the dominant and submissive parties. It's also perplexing how big of sacrifices lovers are willing to take for each other, to please each other, and that, for me, defines for me what love means. It has nothing to do with physique and societal acceptance; love is a burning connection that has no boundaries, and the controlling hand of Please, Ma'am is what makes it all the more profound.

Stephanie Loves: "I take the pain for her -- no matter how much, how hard -- but I'm not a young man, and sometimes in the face of it my spirit is thrilling but my flesh is meek." -- from Graydancer's "I'll Do It. For Her.", probably one of the most emotionally touching stories I've read, being erotica at that.

Radical Rating: 8 hearts- Would recommend to lots of really good friends.

I found the book to be a great read. I definitly got a few new ideas that I must try on my new submissive:)!

A women with power is sexy. "Please Ma'am: Erotic Stories of Male Submission" is a collection of erotic stories focusing on the men who want to be dominated and controlled by women who want to dominate and control. A fine collection for those who are very much into this sort of thing, "Please Ma'am" is very much worth considering for any erotica collection.

Rachel Kramer Bussel and Cleis Press make an extraordinary team and produce great erotica. Add a glossy and gorgeous cover shot by talented Christine Kessler and you've got the promised makings of a very good book. And a very good book this is too, especially if you like female domination and male submission.

True to formula, Rachel Kramer Bussel collected some hot work from some of today's best writers. "Modern Major General" by Craig J. Sorensen pleases with sexy interplay between boss and bad-boy hire. Entertaining as well as erotic, Heida Champa's "The Crack of the Bat" punishes naughty-boy pro sports player (I'm picturing A-Rod), and D. L. King's "Pick a Color" was a delight. Mm, pedicure sex is h-o-t. Rachel's "Houseboy" plays right into anyone's cleaning fetish with a personal-assistant/houseboy who makes a beautiful woman's (and his own) dreams come true.

If erotic stories about male submission and woman who rule turn you on, this book is a guaranteed win. Especially good for curious folks who want some spicy tales to share with a partner, or sexy bedtime reading (solo).

Hollywood gets it wrong so very often. In dealing with BDSM and fetish, they sample a tiny slice of behavior and use it to (in their minds) tell the whole story. Really, BDSM is all about trust, or as Rachel Kramer Bussel explains in her foreword, "It's about knowing what you want and seeking out a kindred soul to make it happen. It's about giving up one kind of power to gain another." That's too subtle for TV and movies, for the most part, and so it devolves into stereotypes of maniacal women wielding whips at beaten and broken men. The truth is far more interesting.

In her latest collection, a companion to "Please, Sir: Erotic Stories of Female Submission", she find stories that explore all those delightful nooks and crannies of male submission and what it means to yield when you are strong, to submit when society nearly demands that you be on top.

While the whole volume is quality and represents a vivid and interesting cross-section of experience, of course there are some standouts:

In "It's Not Me, It's You" by Charlotte Stein, a man finds a series of notes on his desk at work, from a woman he doesn't know, and finds himself compelled to do each and everything the notes ask of him with increasing abandon and glee.

In "A Charmed Life" by Isabelle Gray, a player of a man finds a seemingly unobtainable woman who instantly figures out what his real story is and how to hold his fickle interest.

In "Inside the Pride" by Remittance Girl, a photography grad student is delighted to get the attention of particularly alluring female professor, even if it means being part of a crowd of like-minded admirers--her "pride".

In "Modern Major General" by Craig J. Sorensen, a seasoned and arrogant software project manager finds himself forced to yield to a younger, smarter manager--and she has some specific ideas about how he can atone for his sexist behavior.

In "Thrift Store Whore" by Sommer Marsden, a woman leads an all-too-willing man through a semi-public makeover and some illicit thrift store sex.

In "Porch Swing" by Dominic Santi, a couple uses some erotic dice to lead them into uncharted waters and a new understanding of the neighbors ... and the pizza girl.

And eventually, in "I'll Do It For Her" by Graydancer, a dominant BDSM practitioner finds the woman he can finally be himself with.

Some folks might say that the key to good erotica is to always play into the stereotypes that an audience wants. If readers are only offered stereotypes is that because they truly want them or merely only what they've been exposed to over the decades.

In femdom erotica the stereotypes are fairly small in number and yet they thoroughly dominant the field. The executive who wants a break. The husband caught cheating. The prostitute with a heart of gold. The evil goddess who terrorizes her slave. Each of these are played on in at least one story in this book which rather disappointed me.

There are other stories that twist on these stereotypes and I was thankful for those. Twists however risk two things. First that you turn off your reader to begin with if she or he doesn't like the stereotypes. Luckily I had to read this for a contest I'm one of the judges for or I would have stopped reading many of these stories. However you also risk turning off other readers later as they realize that that wanking fantasy they enjoy has just been twisted.

Finally I was very pleased to see a few entirely new ideas for the femdom story like the couple who switches or the risk of telling one's spouse that pays off. I think I liked these because they came from possible real-life events and in a work of contemporary erotica -- which is all this book has -- you need that to offer hope to the majority of readers too afraid to take that next step and edge reality toward their fantasies.

Over all this collection turned out better than I had hoped but it was still too stereotyped in many of the very short stories to be outstanding for me.