"The Notebooks of Madame B: Seduction" by Madame B

Pros: Each story has a nice buildup to its encounter.
Cons: Not every story will appeal equally to the reader.
Rating: 4.0 out of 5

Review book courtesy of Penguin Group

“Seduction” is the third installment in Madame B’s notebooks, along with Ecstasy and Desire. Another collection of short stories, it focuses on the process of seduction leading up to a sexual encounter. As in the other two books, the stories cover a range of situations and encounters.

Reading these three books has given me a lot of insight into just how much of a range there really is in the world of erotic literature; my experience is admittedly small but I am really amazed at the breadth of human sexuality that a reader can find. And while not everything I’ve read has been my cup of tea, it’s fascinating to experience something so personal from someone else’s perspective. That was one of the reasons that I enjoyed “Seduction” so much; I got to read about not only the sexual encounters but to feel the tug and pull between two people that leads to intimacy.

I really loved that the encounters in the book weren’t just between strangers; some were between people who have known each other for years, or happen between lovers. There is so much variation in the book, from the situations described to differing styles of sexuality. I rather doubt that every reader will love every story, but even the less-prevalent sexual practices are handled in  a very respectful manner.

As I’ve been reading these collections, I have noticed that word choices are distinctly British at times, and it tends to distract me from what I’m reading. That’s not meant to be a negative point in any means, but if as a reader you’re not used to some of the British terms, it may take you a while to get used to seeing them. It feels like a good fit for some stories, such as the one set in Paris, but when I interpret a setting as American in my head, it can be jarring to see terms that most Americans don’t use.

The stories in this volume, as in the others, are all from a woman’s perspective. The women in these stories are all articulate, making it easy to enter into their sensual experiences, but at times I found myself wondering what their partners were thinking and experiencing. (Admittedly, though, I was reading more than one story at a time, and so that may have had something to do with it.)

Although not everything in each of her collections may appeal to everyone, Madame B has done an amazing job of portraying many different styles of sexuality in a respectful way. Her stories in “Seduction” also give the reader a nice sensual buildup to the encounters between the characters. This is a book that I can see individuals or couples enjoying, and maybe encouraging a little discussion or experimentation. I definitely enjoyed this volume, because watching the buildup makes the eventual culmination more satisfying. A large part of erotica to me is about the dance, and Madame B does an excellent job in leading us through it.