I knew instantly that I wanted to Women in Bed: Nine Stories, from the description of the book in the first email newsletter I received from Net Galley: "...nine stories that thematically address variations of love, love of self, family, and sexual relationships. From loneliness and isolation, desperation and rejection to need and passion, forgiveness and, finally, to love found." I was drawn to the book with my curiosity piqued on what the stories would be like. So I read it. And I loved it. I loved how each story had an unique character whose emotions were so real and raw. It featured women whose motivations weren't easy to pin down, who had layers of complexity to them and a refreshing realness. Reading the stories was an emotional roller coaster, with tales of love that swooped and swelled while others of loneliness and detachment held grace with the unforgiving and uncomfortable reality of emotional plateau. I appreciated this book on so many levels. It is very powerful and gutsy; sharing both the dark and the light of true emotions with equal honesty. I highly recommend checking it out. 5 of out 5 stars.