I have to admit, I am not a big reader of erotic novels. Having an aunt who writes for Mills and Boon means that I am quite familiar with the soft-core stories of Italian mistresses and billionaires’ wives, but my first real introduction to the less softly lit world of erotica was when I took my first Ann Summers book home from work – True Stories as Told to Madame B.

I’m going to skim over my reading of the book itself – that would probably give too much of an insight into my private life - but as you can see from the covers, they’re pretty hardcore. They’re the kind of book that you would happily pick up in an Ann Summers shop or online, but might be less comfortable browsing in a Borders. If I had any bedroom furniture, I might keep one in a drawer near my bed. But I don’t (see Room to Read), and I’m not about to leave it lying around for friends to find when they come over.

So while I was perfectly happy to read it at home (although my boyfriend was less encouraged), I took it back to work as soon as I was done, and I can’t really see myself reading it on the tube, in a restaurant, in the park… in any public place, for that matter. And I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in this. Hands up anyone who fancies reading Down and Dirty while a sweaty city worker peers over your shoulder?

It seemed like a completely natural next step, therefore, when someone suggested that we produce audio versions of the book. What a great idea! Download the short stories on to your MP3 player and you can be titillated in public without anyone being the wiser. You can sit on the bus and listen to seductive tales of anonymity, toys, even food, if that’s your thing. All the x-rated action, none of the embarrassment (although there might still be some of the blushing).

Katie - Digital Marketing Exec