Just Erotic Romance Reviews

Sex Toys have been around for centuries and in many areas of the world. They were used in Greece, many areas of the Middle East and Asia. In the mid east some of the earliest toys were fashioned out of dried camel dung and coated with a hard resin presumably to control odor and the toy from crumbling. A popular toy today Ben-Wa balls have origins from Asia. In ancient Greece dildos were called “Olisbos”. An Olisbo was fashioned out of many materials such as wood, leather or stone. A great deal of lubrication was required for the Olisbos and around the Mediterranean the chosen lubrication was Olive Oil. “ Dildo” evolved from a combination of two words “Olisbo” and “Diletto”. Diletto is the Spanish word for delight. The evolution of a lifelike rubber dildo did not occur until the 19th century. An American Doctor introduced the first electric vibrator in 1869 he patented a steam-powered massager.

There has not always been a stigma attached to adult toys. Vibrators have been around for many years. At one time the use of vibrators was advised to treat a woman’s disease called “female hysteria”. Some of the symptoms were excessive vaginal lubrication and having sexual fantasies. Having normal sexual feelings at one time was thought to be a mental disorder. The cure given by Doctors was massaging the vaginal lips of the patient until relief was gained through “paroxysm” or orgasm. Gives a whole new meaning of Doctor-patient relations. Spas in the mid 1800’s provided a variety of alternatives. The industrial revolution and development of steam-powered machines also influence the advent of steam powered vibrating devices. One of which was the “Steely Dan”, the 1970’s rock band inspirational namesake.

Vibrators were made more available through catalogs such as Sears in 1918. One of the vibrators was advertised as “a very satisfactory aid every woman appreciates”. In a 1921 issue of “Hearts” magazine men were urged to purchase vibrators with a guarantee to keep their wives “young and pretty” and free from the dreaded female hysteria.

The use of vibrators in pornography in the 1930’s led to the stigma attached to these toys today. No longer were the devises allowed to be advertised in an open forum. Sales declined as the devises were no longer socially acceptable. The ease of the Social stigma of the use of toys began with the sexual revolution of the 70’s. Today you can purchase a variety of toys with a variety of uses. There are still certain restrictions about where and what types of toys are available to individuals. The openness of society will hopefully lead to most of us not being ashamed to say we are the owners of a vibrator.

I was first introduced to toys in 1991 by Susan Johnson's book "FORBIDDEN". One of the most erotic scenes from “Forbidden” involved the use of a glass dildo that the hero Etienne Martel (Duc De Vec) used on the heroine Daisy Black. Thus my journey into the seldom-discussed world of Erotica began.

Erotica or romantica has helped increase the popularity of adult toys. I asked two groups of readers and surprisingly the responses were similar. I asked the members of a very active newsgroup and the members of an author’s forum. They feel that the use of toys needs to be appropriate and should enhance the story. Fay a poster on the forum said, “As long as they are used tastefully I enjoy toys used in stories“. Angie an active member of many groups and forums said the use of toys in a book “peaked her interest.” While the use of toys in erotica is not a deciding factor in the purchasing of a book it does add a certain spice. It was even said by more than one that because of the use of toys in erotica they were more open and comfortable about owning the toys. Vikky at the Ellora’s Cave Group said ” I had one toy before I started reading romantica/erotica. I was too embarrassed to even look on line for a toy. However, the use of them in these stories, how and when they are used, has gotten rid of the embarrassment ....“

The use of sex toys in Erotica should enhance the readers’ experience. Veronica Chadwick, co-author of the soon to be released “Moving Violations” from Ellora’s Cave, when asked about what the use of toys could add to a story said, ”Oh so many things. They can add a sense of adventure to the story. It can help define the nature of the characters. It can also add fun and a sense of freedom, not to mention lots of spice and heat!” Dee S. Knight popular Liquid Silver Author said, “I think they add a good contrast in feelings between being on one's own and having a loving partner. I mean the physical satisfaction of sharing lovemaking compared to taking care of yourself is pretty great, but nothing compared to the emotional satisfaction. That's how I plan to use the experience.”

Would an author’s love of sex toys influence her writing? Lora Leigh Author of the highly popular August Brothers series and the critically acclaimed Legacy series said when asked about if the use of toys in her books influenced her writing “Hmm, I think its more that my love of toys influences my writing. I know how erotic it can be to play with them as well. How certain one can increase certain sexual feelings or atmospheres. From submission to sexual tigress, according to the toy you're using.” While toys are an enjoyable addition Ellora’s Cave Author Shelby Morgan states, “Personally, I love toys. They're not a must have, but every culture's had their own specialties, and I like to see them used creatively....”

While Sex toys of all kinds are losing the stigma attached, the Internet has allowed readers and authors to communicate openly and educate. Popular author Lora Leigh recently opened her own internet Adult Toy website Dreams by Night www.dreamsbynight.com when asked what prompted her new venture Ms. Leigh responded, “Most of the influence came from readers asking which I thought was best to get of this or that, that they had found in my books. Many of the women hadn't bought these toys online, who wrote me. So I wanted to provide an area where they could get just the toys I was using in my books or planned to use. Toys that I knew would pleasure, and add that extra element that I enjoy myself.”

In our high tech world today you can choose from the popular pocket rocket vibrator to the Rabbit, a combination of dildo and vibrator. There are cum bullets and butt plugs as well as numerous web sites to use your purchasing power. We have come a long way baby from the “Olisbo” and the “Steely Dan”.

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