Round 2, Match D results!

With this post, we have our four semi-finalists!

Here are the Match D stories, in case you missed them.

• Judge 1: Oh wow! Both stories are good so this one is a tough call. I do, however, vote for story 2 for packing a tad more of the evasive heat without even truly putting it out there! *fans self*
• Judge 2: I vote for story 2. Why? Because the writer "shows" instead of just "telling." I don't care if the sex was hot. Tell me why, and how, and how far. And leave me with that sense of "what the fuck just happened"?
• Judge 3: This one was very close for me, but I found story one just slightly ahead. Good job. My vote is for story one.
• Judge 4: More great writing. Kudos to both authors. I'll vote for Story 1. It was fun, and I liked the twist at the end.
• Judge 5: Two more nice stories. Both were sexy and elements of surprise, but I think I liked the story arc of the first story better. I liked the idea of them having such explosive chemistry together that Nick would drive through the night just to see her again. My vote goes to story one.
• Judge 6: Once again, a difficult decision. Both stories were well written and full of humor. While story two once again demonstrated the devotion Xander and Michael have for each other (I loved getting a part two to their story!), my vote goes to story one for the surprise twist that they were new lovers. Very sexy!
• Judge 7: Fabulous - another round with two more great stories. I salute both authors for their excellent work. Story 1 has plenty of heat and a smidgen of BDSM. My favorite line is - “Now let’s get the rest of those clothes off you so I can give you the spanking that you almost certainly deserve." He quickly figured out the way to her sex is to spank her ass. Story 2 - Is a continuation of one of the author's earlier Hot-Off submissions and I'm impressed with how she tied the two stories together. I expected there to be some repeat sex in the elevator, but the tease was still nicely done. It's a tough decision and I don't have a clear reason, but I vote for Story 1.
• Judge 8: Voting for story 2. Very hot. I love the theme of keeping an established relationship spicy!

Story 1: 5 votes
Story 2: 3 votes

Etta Stark, author of Story 1, goes through to the the semis! Many, many thanks to Sessha Batto for another wonderful story! Look for the first semi-final round, between Tara Crescent and Will LaForge, in a just a little while!

Round 2, Match C results

Things keep getting tenser, and hotter. Only one match to go in this round, and then we'll have our four semi-finalists!

Here are the Match C stories, in case you missed them.

• Judge 1: These stories are both excellent and hot. Really hot. It's hard to choose one over the other. I'll go with Story 1, though Story 2 was wonderful. I like the twist at the end of Story 1. It's wry and clever. Great work on the part of both authors. I wish I could vote for everyone!
• Judge 2: As always, I'm pleased by the quality of writing in both stories. Story one left me wanting more. My vote is for story one. Great job!
• Judge 3: What great stories this week. Story two felt unique to me with several unexpected components (F/F, beauty salon, photography) and I enjoyed the visuals it provoked. I am voting for story one because it really had everything I am looking for in these short stories. It grabbed me right from the start and did a great job of leading the reader to the excitement happening in that car. The end comment/twist was a perfect ending to a sexy story. Great job to both authors, but my vote goes to story one.
• Judge 4: I loved story 1 - hot, hot, hot! Gorgeous word imagery with the red sign of the hotel flashing in rhythm with Dave's mouth. Story 2 was fun as well, but in the hotness department, I'm going to go with story 1.
• Judge 5: Wow. Fantastic. Outstanding. Every round so far has gifted us with great stories, but this round is my favorite. I tip my hat to both authors - simply outstanding. Story 1 is absolutely dripping with heat. I really like the way the author gave us a sizzling opening scene, a middle that provided the back-story and then looped back at the end for the 'climax'. Excellent. Story 2 drew me in and sent my imagination whirling. I know someone who could be Cora and I could visualize her making the same verbal gaffes. This story was engaging and left me wondering if Cora would take the bait and find out what else Zoey could do with her hands. Zoey actually reminded me of a character from the TV show - 'The L Word'. This is a tough decision and I debated on flipping a coin to decide, but I vote for Story 2. I liked the what happens next ending...??
• Judge 6: Both stories are quite hot, though I find story 1 to be a little less about the implied sex and more about the hot and heavy - which worked its magic. My vote is for story 1.
• Judge 7: While I loved the tease of Story 2, as far as hotness, Story 1 had it and then a tease.
• Judge 8: Voting for Story 1. I love how the relationship took a little time to develop. I also liked the unexpected theme that ran through the story. Story 2 was well written and had interesting developments.

Story 1: 7 votes

Story 2: 1 vote

Justine Hollander, author of Story 1, goes through to the the semis! Many, many thanks to Adaline Raine for another wonderful story, and many thanks to the judges!

Round 2 Match B results

As far as I can tell, the stories in the Hot-Off just keep getting better! In case you missed it, here's the story post. http://hotoffstories.blogspot.com/2015/01/round-2-match-b-tara-crescent-vs-kiki.html

• Judge 1: Story 1 was super duper hot! I loved the focus being turned around to be about  Mistress Maeve's fantasy!
• Judge 2: Story 1 is hot right off the mark. Story 2 is intriguing, makes you wonder, think. It's a difficult choice because both stories are so well done, both are an enjoyable read, and both pack some heat in their individual, and quite different ways. As one who prefers a bit more of the straight up and out there, my vote goes to story 1 for its incredible hotness!
• Judge 3: Both stories were excellent this week. And, as Emily pointed out, quite different. It's very hard to choose which one to vote for, but I'll choose #2. I enjoyed the word-pictures, the graceful flow of the prose, and the misty sexuality. I wish there was more!
• Judge 4: Both stories are well written. Story 1 really got my juices flowing though. My vote is for Story 1.
• Judge 5: This was a really hard choice but story one because of the lively dialogue. Story two is very, very well written and descriptive. Story one just pushed all my buttons. Great job!
• Judge 6: Oh my goodness... Two stories that quickly drew me in and made me want more. Both were exceptionally written. My vote goes with story number one. While story two was rich in atmosphere and romance, story one was playful, sexy, and the promise of kinky night of mfm excites the hell out of me! Bravo to both authors
• Judge 7: Voting for Story 1. It was very naughty - I liked it. Story 2 was very descriptive, visual and well written.
• Judge 8: Both stories, while very different in style, were excellent. The second story was unique and held a poetic beauty in the words and images it provoked. Still, I believe I enjoyed story one better. It was faster paced with a full story thread that kept me looking forward to what was coming. The chemistry between characters was even there, a hard thing to do with 500 words. I'm voting for story one.
• Judge 9: Wow, another tough choice. Brava to both of this round’s authors - exceptional job Ladies. I found myself aroused by the content of Story 1 and could easily picture the characters and setting(s), as well as empathize with their described feelings. I liked Story 2 for its creativity and ability to stir my emotions. I love the notion of a ghostly entity revisiting the location of a love making scene. I've felt that way, when I am revisiting a place where I've been with someone before and it's like standing outside yourself, watching as an observer, remembering... With much back and forth over-thinking, I choose Story 1 for the BDSM aspect and the heat factor.
• Judge 10: Both stories were great, but I had to chose Story 1. I love the idea of a Domme, even if she is being submissive for a time. 

Story 1: 9 votes
Story 2: 1 vote

Tara Crescent, author of Story 1, goes through to the third round--the semis! The judges were unanimous, and I agree wholeheartedly, that Kiki Howell's story was absolutely wonderful. It made me want to give a special award for emotion evoked in a hot context. Many thanks to Kiki for two incredible stories in Rounds 1 and 2!

Round 2, Match A results

Round 2 started off with two amazing stories, and the voting was correspondingly close!

• Judge 1: Both stories were incredibly hot but I have to go with story one because it is more creative. I love that the couple is engaging in super steamy acts and unknowingly being exobishionists with a man stroking his cock on the other side of the wall. It adds another level to their playful passion, with just a tiny amount of creep. The second story is great but it's typical. She's getting punished, he's spanking her, then they are having sex... just doesn't stand out enough for me. Well done authors!
• Judge 2: I enjoyed both stories. I loved the love and connection of Robert and Julianna in story two. It was a good scene, but I think I'm voting for story 1 because of it's unique angle of having it at the Bates hotel and having Norman as a creepy voyeur. It had me guessing what was coming next and wrapped up as a nice little mini story. My vote goes to story one.
• Judge 3: The stories this week were of very similar quality and kinkiness, though the plots were utterly different. I'll place my vote for story #1. I found it very clever and twisty.
• Judge 4: Fantastic start to round two, both stories original and well written. Story one gets my vote. Norman Bates' lust leapt from the page and into my heart!
• Judge 5: Both stories are intriguing, and both clearly use the required word, *hotel*, but it's my opinion story two meets the heat just a little more. 
• Judge 6: Two hot stories! If I had to pick, I'd pick story 1 for the 'I do wonder what's going to happen next' factor.
• Judge 7: I enjoyed both stories very much. The subject matter of the second was far more appealing to me but I must give it to #1 for the writing style.
• Judge 8: Honestly, I can't decide! But I guess if going on just hotness, I'd have to go with spanking, Story 2.
• Judge 9: Voting for story number 2. I do love me some Daddy! Impressive that the story was both hot and playful in 500 words. I was totally sucked in.

Story 1: 6 votes
Story 2: 3 votes

Will LaForge, author of the Hitchcockian Story 1, goes through into Round 3 aka the Semi-Finals! Many, many thanks to Meredith O'Reilly for her incredible stories in both Round 1 and Round 2!

Round 1, Match H results

Two wonderful MM stories to finish off the first round! Many thanks for them to Nya and Sessha!

• Judge 1: Thanks to both authors. The second story really captivated me from the start. I go with Story 2. Great job. 
• Judge 2: These stories only get more difficult to choose from! Both have that wow factor of hot, hot, hot! The word play in story one caused so much tension to build, while story two was descriptive and clear, almost as if it'd picked up where story one left off, in a way. As hard as this is, there's just something about story one that says, "choose me," so number one it is!
• Judge 3: I'm voting for Story 2. Both stories were very hot and well done. But, I preferred story 2 because of the tenderness in it. I think it's so sweet that one partner was helping out the other one get over his fear of elevators. :-)
• Judge 4: Story One was well written but it was too scary for me to read and I just couldn't finish it. It was too much for me. Sorry. Story Two on the other hand was hot and had an amazing ending. I love that it was his partner/boyfriend the whole time. Very well written! Both authors can do wonders with just 500 words!
• Judge 5: I'm almost speechless, which believe it or not, doesn't happen to me often. Wow, these two stories sent a rush straight from overwhelmed brain straight to my groin. Kudos to both authors for these well written shorts. Story 1 is cloaked in mystery and intrigue. There is so much going on I had to re-read the story a third time to pick up little nuances I missed the first time. I was left with a huge craving to read more and find out what the heck happened next. Bravo. Story 2 was pure heat and I loved the surprise ending. The scene in a glass elevator was extremely erotic and I'm sure a LOT of people have entertained the fantasy of elevator sex. What an innovative way to cure a phobia and I applaud the author for creativity. It's a tough decision, but I vote for Story 2 based on pure heat. The sex in an elevator fantasy is a personal fav of mine.
• Judge 6: I feel what was left vague in Story 1 made it hotter, as the mind went where the mind wanted to go, leaving the reader a bit breathless with their own desires.Sometimes, it's what not said, I guess.
• Judge 7: Voting for Story 2. I love that it was an established relationship and still hot!
• Judge 8: I liked the imagery of the first story. I enjoyed the second story more. I could feel the fear of the elevator and the short scene was a cute glimpse into their relationship. Loved the loathing comment. My vote goes to story two.
• Judge 9: Such amazing stories to wrap up Round one. Story one was incredibly unique in both writing and content - fear, arousal and shame leapt from the page leaving me unsettled and in awe. Story two gets my vote though, for both the impeccable writing and the flow of the story. Again, the descriptions detailed his fear and excitement exquisitely, and what first appears to be non-con is suddenly a love story. Not a big fan of the 'death box' myself - I might have to look into this particular brand of therapy.

Story 1: 2 votes
Story 2: 7 votes

Sessha Batto, author of story 2, goes through into round 2! Congratulations to both writers for such incredible stories, and for making the judges lives so difficult. Many thanks as always to the judges for their thoughtful comments.

Round 1, Match G results

I have to say that when I decided to take the plunge and try organizing this thing, I had no idea just how good the stories were going to be! Yet another week with two fantastic stories, and we've still got one more match to go in the first round!

• Judge 1: I feel like a judge on American Idol where every contestant is a potential super star. Reading these stories is like opening a box of chocolates, I never know what I'm going to get, just that every story will be good.This round was just good as all the previous ones, both stories are well written and they drew me in. Story 1 brought me to attention right way with the morning after one-night stand intro and I was able to easily visualize the scene. The dialogue was engaging and left me wanting to know about what happened next when the spanking started. Story 2 made me laugh aloud at the image of the Dominant with mashed potatoes dripping down his face. My next reaction was one of incredulity that the submissive in the story would react in such a way. I immediately wanted to know about their relationship and the boundaries they'd agreed to. All of my reactions made the story a fun read. In the end, my vote goes to Story 1. Story 1 left me wanting to know more about the couple.
• Judge 2: I'm going to go with Story 1 because in this instance, comparing the two stories, the fun of it made it hotter, the subject matter didn't require the depth of character that the subject matter of Story 2 required but just wasn't capable of within a 500 word limit.
• Judge 3: Both very hot stories, loved them both. Voting for story number two because it was hot and included some humor as well.
• Judge 4: Both stories this week excelled in character development despite the constraint of 500 words. My vote goes to story number one, though, for making me squirm and leaving me wishing for so much more.
• Judge 5: I'll vote for story 1. I find wild monkey sex (even in the past tense) to be pretty hot. The story was well-written, with good character development, despite the short length. I enjoyed their by-play and the way he teased her about the dungeon. Story 2 was also well-written. I anticipated the way the scene would go, and sometimes that's comforting.
• Judge 6: This was torture, plain and simple. Both stories were SOOOO good! Why am I being forced to choose?! Seriously, if it were up to me, this would be called a tie because each story was equally well written. But, since this is a contest, I have to pick Story 1. Story 2 was so fantastic too! I especially loved the cuddle scene after her punishment. To both authors, these stories were very well written! :-)
• Judge 7: Oh wow.... I honestly don't know which one to pick. Story 1 is just incredibly hot with the mention of a night filled with sex and not much getting to know you along with the new intrigue of a cane and her ass but Story 2 is so witty! I love that the heroine has thrown mashed potatoes and wound up in the corner about to be getting a very sore bottom. My goodness... I don't know which one to pick. I have to vote for Story 2....the tenderness there and his caring for her won me over. Two very very good stories. Well done, authors!
• Judge 8: Such decisions. Both were hot and exciting. I would be happy with either one winning, but I think I'll go with story #1 with my vote. Great job ladies.
• Judge 9: Both stories were great! Both contained the *hot* bdsm element, and both had the promise of so much more heat yet to come. This made it truly a hard choice, however, I will vote for number two as just slightly more - made so by some very vivid descriptions. I could literally *see* what was occurring. Nicely done!
• Judge 10: These both were great but I really found story one to be fun AND hot! Story 1 for me. Thanks!

Story 1: 7 votes
Story 2: 3 votes

Etta Stark, author of Story 1, goes on to Round 2! Thanks so much to Sarah, for a wonderful, wonderful story, and to the indefatigable judges for their votes and comments.

The stories for the final Match of Round 1 will go live at 1AM Eastern US time tomorrow!

Round 1, Match F results!

Just like two weeks ago, it's very clear that although the final vote ends up a little lop-sided, the stories were a lot more evenly matched than the tally suggests!

• Judge 1: I loved story number 1 so so so much!! I would buy an entire book based on that one excerpt! I need to know what happens next!! So well written and expressed and it drew me in I was so sad when it ended!!
• Judge 2: Both stories had great pacing and a wonderful sense of suspense. But I'm going to have to go with story 1 as the hotter of the two! The promise of Eldrin's punishment certainly left me all hot and bothered.
• Judge 3: Whew, this is a tough decision. I followed the advice, read each story - stepped away, came back today to read them again and I'm still torn. Each story is unique, well written and both leave me wanting more, which is a good thing. Story 1 has a paranormal, fairy tale quality to it and Story 2 is very much contemporary. Neither story is particularly erotic, but that's ok - my interest was still piqued. I see potentially more questions to be answered with Story 1, so my vote is for Story 1.
• Judge 4: I love how varied these stories are! Both stories were very evenly matched. Both had a solid story line, and both made me want to know more. If I was forced to pick one story,I'd give it to story 1 - because I'm a bit of a sucker for magic in stories. But it's really only by a hair - the second story was the more emotional read.
• Judge 5: Interesting that both stories had an element of dreaming or mystery. I liked how both drew me in, making me wonder what would happen next. It was close, but I'm voting for story one because it left me wanting to see more. Is love to know what her punishment will be. Well done to both authors.
• Judge 6: Wow! A tough choice - both stories are interesting and unique. My vote goes to Story 1. I liked the descriptiveness of the potion store and the mystery of what was to come.
• Judge 7: Oh wow. Two incredibly descriptive and powerful stories. Both drew me in very quickly. The first created a dream-like haze, where magic is real, and anything can happen. When the decrepit old man transforms and his hands lay claim to her with the threat or punishment, alarm turned quickly into excitement. The second story, too, created a rich atmosphere. Each step closer to the destination ratcheted up the anticipation and mystery, and in the moment they first see each other, the emotions were beautifully portrayed. The last passage was especially endearing, confirming that love knows no boundaries. A very tough vote to cast, but my vote goes to story number two.
• Judge 8: Both stories were great once again. However, since I can only pick one, I chose Story 7. I liked the mystery of the story and the promise of a punishment.
• Judge 9: My vote goes to Story #2. Story #1 got off to a great start, and I can definitely see how if you were into spanking, you'd find it hot. The characters are well written as well. Story #2 had good character development and foreshadowing. You just knew the partner in the house was going to be worth meeting. I liked the ending. It was snappy and different. Both were so good that I had trouble choosing. Good work, authors!
• Judge 10: Both stories contain a mysterious element, and both elude to a certain romance overtone. Both were a pleasure to read, but if I had to choose which one may just tingle my senses just a little bit more, it'd have to be number one for it's hint of naughty punishments to come in the story.

Story 1: 8 votes.

Story 2: 2 votes.

Adaline Raine goes through into Round 2, where she will face Justine Hollander! A huge thank you to JS Morbius for contributing Story 2, and another one to the fantastic judges who are really making this thing go by taking their job so seriously, and making thoughtful decisions accompanied by even more thoughtful comments!