Reviews

Lelo Ella [review]

Posted by

0

First Impressions 

The Lelo Ella seems to be a classic beginner’s favorite among the sex blogging world, as far as G-spot toys go. It’s created by a reputable manufacturer of non-porous & body-safe sex toys. It’s relatively inexpensive, despite the fact that Lelo is considered a “luxury” brand. It’s not as intimidating as the rigid steel of the njoy Pure Wand. And the curve is very pronounced, made to effortlessly provide direct G-spot stimulation — without vibration. With everyone gushing (both literally & figuratively) over the Lelo Ella, I simply couldn’t resist trying it out for myself.

DSC03205Description

Like all Lelo products, the Ella comes packaged in multiple layers. On the outside is a thin cardboard box, featuring an elegant photo of the “pleasure object” and some basic product descriptions. Inside is another, much sturdier (and plain) cardboard box that is perfect for long-term storage. Also included is a storage/travel pouch, a user manual, and an authenticity card for warranty purposes.

The first thing I noticed about the Lelo Ella was just how small it is. At only 7″ long and under an inch & a half at its widest point, it is certainly a petite piece of sexual equipment. However, one of the most appealing things about this toy is that it’s double-sided. One end is slim and tapered for easy insertion and warm-up. The other end features the beloved curve and flattened tip for focused G-spot stimulation.

As per usual, the Ella is made from Lelo’s fabulous velvety silicone. Although Lelo products are hit-or-miss with me, this is the one facet about them that I am never disappointed with. It’s matte, provides little-to-no drag during use, and magically doesn’t attract dust, lint, or hair. (Honestly, I sometimes just like touching it or rubbing it over my body; it’s that awesome.)

Because it’s made from silicone, the Lelo Ella is considered a soft toy. However, when compared with other silicone toys, it’s very firm. There is no squish to the Ella and only a slight amount of flexibility along its “neck.” For many people, this is very important in G-spot toys because it provides stronger pressure.

It’s also important to note that while the Ella is seamless, there is a small ‘LELO’ imprint on each side. Although this isn’t noticeable during use, it does like to collect a lot of lubricant and bodily fluids, requiring more focused cleaning.

ExperienceLelo Ella + pouch

Unfortunately, my experience with the Ella did not live up to the hype. I did not have a sudden G-spot epiphany, mastering this controversial spot and swearing by its magical powers. I certainly did not experience a G-spot orgasm. No, to put it simply: the Lelo Ella did not ‘wow’ me.

The Tapered Side: I will admit that the small and sleek tapered end does offer a nice warm-up before the more awkward-to-insert G-spot end or other, larger toys. It also appears to fit my vaginal anatomy quite nicely, making it feel very comfortable and natural to insert. Unfortunately, the fact remains that it is small, straight, and boring. Even the beautiful & gentle swell near the middle doesn’t provide much pleasure for me (compared with other toys). The absolute worst part, however, is that I actually have to be cautious when using this end. It’s just pointy enough to be painful if I get too enthusiastic with my thrusts.

The G-spot Side: I wish I could say that using the G-spot end is less of a lackluster (and potentially painful) experience for me…but unfortunately, that would be a lie. Sure, it does find the right spot — and sometimes even produces pleasurable sensations that help lead to orgasm. But my first time using the Lelo Ella was so horrible that my vagina just can’t trust it. It’s the only time a sex toy has almost sent me into a panic, because it was causing me pain and I couldn’t seem to remove it without that pain getting worse.

For me, the problem appears to be in the curve. It’s simply too drastic and “hook-like” for my anatomy. Insertion is often uncomfortable, motion is highly restricted or else it gets hooked behind my pubic bone, and removal is almost always a difficult and/or painful experience. (Although I have discovered that turning it so that the hook faces one of my legs makes this a little easier.)  

The Bottom Line: If I want G-spot stimulation, I reach for a different toy. The bulbous head of the Tantus G-spot is able to provide the right amount of stimulation, without getting hooked behind my pubic bone. It allows me to thrust as much and as quickly as I want, which is how I experience the most pleasure. I also just recently purchased the Jopen Key Comet II. Its gentle & swooping curve instantly finds my G-spot and the vibrations counteract my inability to thrust with it. The Lelo Ella forces me to change the way that I masturbate, and it’s not remarkable enough to make up for it.

Lelo Ella

Suggestion

A lot of people really love the Lelo Ella. If you know that your anatomy allows for drastic curves without getting uncomfortably hooked behind your pubic bone, or it you don’t require thrusting or vibration for pleasurable G-spot stimulation, this toy could be a good purchase for you. At the very least, it is a quality product that is both body-safe and affordable. However, if you’re like me, I suggest saving your money for a toy that will better match your anatomy and/or masturbation style.

2star

Pros: made from Lelo’s fabulous silicone (non-porous & body safe), affordable & high quality, curved design & flattened tip reach the G-spot without much effort

Cons: “hook-like” curve can catch behind one’s pubic bone and/or make insertion & removal uncomfortable or even painful, tapered end can feel too pointy, both of these issues can prevent thrusting or large movements

If you would like to purchase the Lelo Ella, you can do so through my affiliates, Shevibe or Peepshow Toys. In addition to black, the Ella also comes in white & rose. 

Penthouse Variations on Oral

Penthouse Variations on Oral [review]

Posted by

2

A huge “Thanks!” to Cleis Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. You can order Penthouse Variations on Oral directly from Cleis Press’ product page or from other book retailers, such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

…Oral sex isn’t something to be rushed through or performed out of some sort of duty. –Barbara Pizio, Executive Editor of Penthouse Variations

Penthouse Variations on OralReleased in October 2014, Penthouse Variations on Oral is the first in a series of erotica
published by Cleis Press and Penthouse Variations magazine. Having next-to-no
experience with Penthouse, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect with this anthology. To be honest, I kind of feared that it would be ‘all blow jobs, all the time.’ But… Cleis Press is one of my absolute favorite erotic publishers, and they are responsible for such a wide variety of quality fiction & nonfiction that I was excited to read and review this new book for them.

Thankfully…

Penthouse Variations on Oral was not a work of purely male fantasy and pleasure. The 22 stories are evenly split between male & female authors/narrators. Cunnilingus and fellatio both get their fair share of attention, and both acts are equally enjoyed by everyone involved. There were also a lot of good examples for not only communicating with a partner by telling them what you desire/enjoy but also, like in Screaming Orgasm by Chloe Parker, by directly showing them. Overall, I appreciated the normalcy and enthusiasm with which these characters approached oral sex.

There were also a few passages with, what I consider to be, exceptional (and rather hot) erotica writing.

And each time she told me what to do, I granted her request, because each of her demands mirrored my own desire as well. The desire to please her, to thrill her, to hear her scream when the pleasure broke within her and those walls came tumbling down. –Secret Appetites by Adam Vane

Unfortunately…

I felt that skillful writing was the exception rather than the rule among the authors in this anthology. Most distracting for me was the prevalence of ridiculous sexual metaphors. (If you’ve read my reviews for erotica before, then you know that this is my biggest pet peeve.) Petals, berries, pearls, and nectar were everywhere! Oral sex was related to food, eating, and being hungry until I lost my appetite. (I may have also screamed out “Cannibals!” when author William McLoughlin wrote that his characters were “eating each other…literally” in Icing on the Cake.)

Other prime examples? Thanks to a rather strange metaphor by Gary Holmes in Deep Hunger, I can now say that I have yelled “Your cum is lava!” at my partner. I had to momentarily stop reading Elisa Nolan’s Mouth to Mouth in order to text the terrifying phrase, “buzz-sawing my clitoris.” And Peter Berman’s Cabin Fever sent me into a fit of giggles with, “I vacuumed up her free-flowing honey.” Indeed, I was more amused by this selection of erotica than I was aroused by it.

But beyond the fact that the writing lacked a certain elegance…There was simply no variety to these stories. You may be thinking, “It is a book entirely about oral sex. What more do you want?!” However, if you’re going to make an entire anthology about one topic (oral sex), shouldn’t you find a way to keep things interesting? Shouldn’t you try to approach your topic from several angles, so that every single story doesn’t blend into the next? This is the grand mistake of Penthouse Variations on Oral.

The entire collection can best be described as vanilla & heteronormative. There are absolutely no gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans characters in any of the stories. When you do get physical descriptions of the straight and cisgender characters, words like “thin,” “lean,” and “tanned” are plentiful. They are cookie-cutter depictions of stereotypical beauty standards — and nothing more. There is also a surprising lack of casual sex partners. The majority of stories feature couples, a few follow co-workers who have had their eye on each other, and even some of the stories that start with casual sex end in “finding love.” Talk about conventional.

As for the erotic scenes that these characters engage in? After just a few stories, it was painfully obvious that I was going to be stuck with the same 4 sex acts: cunnilingus, fellatio, 69, and penis-in-vagina intercourse. The most risqué activity that these characters ever engage in is a little outdoor sex/exhibitionism and manual or oral anal stimulation. (Oh, and there was that one time when toe-sucking got included, and I got way too excited that maybe it was the sign of a foot fetish. Anything to break up the monotony!) Perhaps it’s due to my love of fetish/BDSM erotica, but I simply found this collection boring.

My advice…

If you’re really into male/female oral sex with no frills and no deviations from “the norm,” this could be the book for you. (I’d still recommend not reading more than a couple stories at a time, though, so they don’t start blending together.) Otherwise, I’d suggest sticking with some of Cleis Press’ other erotic anthologies.

1star

Tantus G-Spot Vibrator

Tantus G-Spot Vibrator [review]

Posted by

0

Description

Tantus G-Spot VibratorThe shape is what intrigued me most about the Tantus G-Spot Vibrator. Made specifically for G-spot stimulation, the toy features a prominent bulbous head with a rather gentle curve. For additional stimulation to the vaginal entrance, there is also a slight dip located a little lower than halfway down the shaft. (For someone with a shallow G-spot, this feature may go unexplored.) Although not huge by any means, the toy is on the larger end of average. It has a near-constant diameter of 1.5″ and an insertable length of 7″.

Anyone who is familiar with Tantus products will know that although this toy is labeled as a “vibrator,” it’s really just a vibrating dildo. That is, it has a hole in the base that will accommodate a vibrating bullet. Tantus provides a basic silver bullet that can be used with any of their “vibrators.” However, it is a pretty standard size and can easily be swapped with many other vibrating bullets.

The G-spot Vibrator was one of my first Tantus products, and the very first thing that I noticed is just how hefty it is! It’s 100% high-quality silicone — and it is thick, firm, and heavy. Attempting to “squish” the silicone anywhere other than the hollow base is practically impossible. And although the toy definitely flexes, touching one end to the other is out of the question. The silicone itself is shimmery, but has a matte finish that creates a lot of drag if not sufficiently lubricated. The good news is that it attracts a very small amount of dust, lint, and hair.

Tantus G-Spot VibratorI ordered my G-Spot Vibrator some time ago, when the pink color option was still available as a Closeout item. (It appears that it’s now only being produced in purple.) Therefore, I believe that I got what is now considered the “old style” Tantus packaging. Despite some design differences, both packaging styles have a lot of similarities. Tantus is very good at keeping their packaging gender-neutral & surprisingly nonsexual. It’s a simple plastic clamshell design— focused on basic transportation, not long-term storage. With partial transparency, it is not ideal for those worried about discretion, but it does provide a nice glimpse of the toy before opening.

Experience

Tantus G-Spot VibratorThe shape of the Tantus G-Spot Vibrator is just as awesome as I had hoped it would be. The rounded head effortlessly locates my G-spot, and the curve is not so intense that it “catches” on my pubic bone when thrusting. If you prefer idle pressure for G-Spot stimulation, the silicone is firm enough to apply adequate amounts — but obviously not as unforgiving as materials like metal or glass. For this reason, it could be a good alternative for individuals who want to experience G-spot pressure, but who typically enjoy soft sex toys.

I do suggest that you have a bottle of long-lasting lubricant nearby, as this particular silicone blend creates a lot of drag and can feel rather dry. Also, because of its size and shape (namely the bulbous head), insertion can be a little difficult if you are accustomed to smaller sex toys. Warming up with other, smaller or more tapered toys can help with this. However, I still commonly experience a brief moment of discomfort as the head “pops” past my vaginal opening. This discomfort is very mild, and the pleasurable sensations that I experience once my body adjusts to the toy totally make up for it.

Tantus G-Spot VibratorAs far as vibration intensity goes, the one-speed Tantus bullet is okay — but nothing outstanding. The silicone is very thick and while vibrations can still be felt in the tip, they are definitely muffled. I suggest a super powerful bullet, like the We-Vibe Tango, if vibration is what you’re after. If you’ve never owned a toy with a hole for a vibrating bullet, be aware that insertion is easy…but removal can be a pain. Adding a small amount of lubricant to the hole and/or the bullet can help, but to be honest, I usually just forgo the vibration capability altogether. It is an awesome toy — even as a simple dildo, and I usually don’t consider added vibrations to be worth the hassle.

Would I suggest the Tantus G-Spot Vibrator?

Definitely! While I have yet to experience female ejaculation, or an orgasm from G-spot stimulation alone, the Tantus G-Spot Vibrator was my first toy that made it seem like a real possibility. It may not be one of Tantus’s most talked about products, but it is one of my personal favorites.

Unfortunately, the G-Spot Vibrator is no longer available at a Closeout price through Tantus‘s website. And I will admit that at $85.96, it is a little steep for someone on a budget. However, there are cheaper options: Shevibe offers this toy for only $72.99, and Pink Cherry currently has it on sale for an extremely reasonable $38!

4stars

Pros: made from Tantus’s premium silicone (non-porous & body safe), bulbous head is perfect for G-spot stimulation, has a hole in the base for the option of adding a vibrating bullet

Cons: silicone creates a lot of drag, may be too soft for someone who enjoys rigid toys for G-spot stimulation, insertion may be uncomfortable for some because of size/shape, price can be steep if not on sale

Tantus Ripple

Tantus Ripple – Small [review]

Posted by

0

If I’m being perfectly honest, I have never found anal pleasure to be really pleasurable. It’s always been more of a mental turn-on: the feeling of submission and vulnerability that comes from being the receptive partner, the slight taboo of anal play in general. But as far as pure physical pleasure goes? Meh. It’s okay. At least that’s how I felt before trying the Tantus Ripple.

Description

Tantus RippleThe Tantus Ripple is a slender toy with 4 rounded “bead-like” shapes that gradually increase in size. The new model also has a very thick, round base to prevent it from accidentally getting sucked inside the rectum. (Because a trip to the emergency room to get something removed from your butt is never fun.) Made from one solid piece of Tantus’s premium silicone, this toy is completely body-safe and non-porous. Obviously, porosity is a very serious concern for anal toys because of the potential for bacteria growth. The Ripple can be cleaned with soap and water, wiped down with a 10% bleach solution, boiled, or even put in the top rack of a dishwasher. It offers a great safe alternative to traditional anal beads, many of which are made from questionable material and/or connected with an impossible-to-clean cloth string.

The Ripple comes in two sizes: large and small. The large has a diameter ranging from 0.8″ to 1.5″ with a total length of 6.85″. The small has a diameter ranging from 0.5″ to 1″ with a total length of 4.95″. My review will be based on the small, because that is the only size that I have personal experience with.

Review

Tantus RippleDespite some previous anal play, I still consider myself a novice — especially in the size department. I’m meticulous about toy dimensions, because I know that even a plug that is considered “small” can cause me some mild discomfort at its widest point. The small Ripple, however, is entirely unthreatening. In fact, the most difficult part about insertion is not about size — but flexibility. Although the silicone itself is rather firm, the toy is so narrow that it bends easily. Once lubricant is added, you have a very slippery toy that does not stand up to pressure. The easiest method of insertion seems to be to hold the Ripple very close to the first “bead,” so that you can firmly guide the tip into your body. After that, controlling the toy by holding onto the base becomes much easier.

Because of its rippled shape, but overall very small size, this toy begs to be moved. If you’re looking for an anal plug that will give you a feeling of “fullness,” the small Tantus Ripple will almost certainly not satisfy you. Even when paired with an insertable vaginal vibrator or worn during PIV intercourse, it may not provide any additional pleasurable sensation. It’s simply too unobtrusive. Also, if you enjoy wearing anal plugs during your daily routine, the large round base can make sitting and walking a little awkward and uncomfortable.

No, the real joy of the Tantus Ripple is in the sensation you get from thrusting — especially since the shiny silicone stays lubricated very well and does not create any drag. (It does, however, attract a lot of dust and hair in storage.) The varying sizes of the bead-shaped forms provide a lot of stimulation, especially near the opening of the anus. For me, it created a very pleasurable full-body tingling sensation that was almost epiphanic in a “So this is why people like butt play!” sort of way. Still, I can see how someone else might consider this sensation overwhelming or maybe even irritating. Instead of a constant thrusting, some individuals may prefer to wait until the moment of climax to remove the Ripple, or simply allow it to naturally be pushed out of the body during orgasm.

Tantus RippleWould I suggest the Tantus Ripple?

Yes, yes, yes! I believe that the small Tantus Ripple is a truly fantastic toy for anal beginners. It’s body-safe, it’s very small and unthreatening, and the different sizes of the ripples allow for a person to test their physical limits while also safely stopping at any time. Plus, with a larger version of the same toy on the market, there’s always the opportunity to move up when you’re ready for bigger plugs.

Best of all, the Tantus Ripple offers very high quality at a reasonable price. Through Shevibe‘s website, you can purchase the Ripple Small for $29.99 and the Large for $35.99. (Both sizes have the color options of black or midnight purple.) Ordering the standard colors directly from Tantus‘s website is a little more expensive. But if you are interested in the small size & comfortable with receiving a random color, you can save even more money by ordering through Tantus’s grab bag section for only $16.99! At that price, it’s totally worth a try if you’re even the tiniest bit curious about the “anal bead” sensation. You can also find the Ripple in both sizes at Peepshow Toys.

Tantus Ripple

Pros: non-porous & body safe silicone, thick round base, perfect size for beginners, very affordable options

Cons: may not be ideal for individuals who prefer “fullness” to active anal stimulation

4stars

Sex Soundtrack: BDSM

Posted by

0

Work has been very stressful for the past couple of weeks, and while I finally feel like I’m making some progress on that front, I’m still trying to spend most of my free-time on relaxing activities. I’ve started working on a more substantial post for next week, but in the meantime, I figured I would try something a little different and share some of my favorite songs about BDSM.

“In Your Room” by Depeche Mode

“In your room
Where souls disappear
Only you exist here
Will you lead me to your armchair
Or leave me lying here
Your favourite innocence
Your favourite prize
Your favourite smile
Your favorite slave”

A list like this just wouldn’t be complete without Depeche Mode. Although “Master & Servant” usually gets top spot on every BDSM music list, several of their other songs have an overlying theme of sexual power dynamics as well. And while I love “Master & Servant” for everyday listening, I enjoy the slow and sensual feel of “In Your Room” much more for actual intimacy.

“Discipline” by Nine Inch Nails

“I see you left a mark
Up and down my skin
I don’t know where I end
And where you begin

I need your discipline”

Trent Reznor certainly knows how to create powerful sex music. And while “Closer” usually gets all the attention, elements of Dominance & submission can be found in quite a few other songs as well — whether in a sexual context or not. “Discipline” is a recent favorite of mine, because if interpreted as being about D/s, the focus falls on the emotional side of a relationship rather than the purely physical/sexual.

“I’m Your Man” by Leonard Cohen

“If you want a lover 
I’ll do anything you ask me to 
And if you want another kind of love 
I’ll wear a mask for you”

Okay, I know that this song doesn’t have the kinkiest lyrics. But thanks to the movie Secretary, it will always make me think of James Spader as Mr. E. Edward Grey and send shivers down my spine. Plus, Cohen’s voice is so gravelly and deep that you can practically feel it reverberating through your body, which is an awful nice touch.

“Pain Makes You Beautiful” by Judybats

“No sorrow tied
Tied to my hurting you
To the compromising position to all the painful things I do

Pain makes you beautiful
I give you what you want, the pain and the pleasure”

I accidentally stumbled upon this song recently… and I became a little bit obsessed with it. It’s such a peppy, upbeat tune that really seems to embody the playful nature of BDSM and the connection between partners. This song doesn’t make it seem like it’s dark or taboo — just another way for people to enjoy themselves sexually. (Although there is a line about “not being good for you” that I wrinkle my nose at and choose to ignore.)

“The Power is Mine” by Lords of Acid

“Dance the dance of lovers
I don’t need no other
To ride the waves of pleasure and pain
Come on boy obey me
Lick my boots to please me
Maybe I will loosen your chains”

With the exception of the classic “Venus in Furs” by Velvet Underground, I don’t know of many songs about female dominance. I love the dual points of perspective in this song — switching between the submissive male’s spoken word and the more sensual & hypnotic dominant female. And although Lords of Acid are somewhat known for their raunchy sexual lyrics, this song is surprisingly clean for the subject matter.

“Little Whip” by Danzig

“You crawl across the floor
On your hands and knees
To seek revelation
Little whip
I pull you up
I grab your hair
I give you hope
Little whip”

Danzig is no stranger to incorporating BDSM into his lyrics and music videos. In fact, the video for “Wicked Pussycat” was what first caught my attention about him. And while his wailing certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, this song is incredibly sexy if you enjoy it (or can at least look past it). The way that it starts out so seductively slow is simply perfect.

Others:

“Games” by Ayria

“Monologue” by She Wants Revenge (A lot of their other songs have the same dark, sexual feel to them.)

“Breath Control” by Recoil (Obligatory Warning: Breath play can be very dangerous.)

“S&M” by Rihanna

“Fun with Ropes” by The Go Go’s 

“I Wanna Be Your Dog” by Iggy Pop & The Stooges

“Hurricane” by 30 Seconds to Mars (For the video more so than the lyrics.)

Tell me: What are your favorite BDSM songs? I love discovering more to add to my playlist!