Instructional yet erotic, Hot Sex: How to Do It provides listeners with a vast panorama of sexual possibilities and knowledge that can help anyone achieve a healthy and sensational sex life. More than just a typical “how-to” guide, Tracey Cox (pseudonym?), explains everything on the topic of sex from the basics (foreplay, masturbation, oral sex) to the advance tactics used by successful sex adventurers everywhere. The acts are balanced out with a significant dosage of education and explanation on topics such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraceptives, sexual complications, and body image.

The author’s matter-of-fact style provides listeners with a welcoming environment to understand and better educate themselves on topics to which they may not know a lot about. Her nonchalant approach, while comforting, also makes things come across as easier than they may be. Approaching and discussing with a partner about sexual preferences and potential new ideas can be very hard and stressful, no matter how subtly one does it. The fear of rejection or repulsion for being interested in a sex act that your partner isn’t can create new issues between two lovers, and at times Cox seems to ignore this point. For the most part, Cox leaves moral judgments for other books and concentrates on the positive aspects of sex. Though she does manifest a heterosexual monogamous bias at times, she does leave room and respect for people with other sexual points of view.

Extensive in its range of topics, this audiobook can be best absorbed through small doses, perhaps listening to only a chapter at a time. Any more than that and the listener may get a bit overwhelmed, particular when Cox gets down and dirty with tactics, positions, and ideas. Cox provides a great deal of information on the topics of sex and sexuality.

The use of British and Australian slang adds bemusement and a light-hearted tone that is only magnified by Fiona Macleod, the English-accented narrator. Her animated voice plays a full range of projections from the serious to coy to full-fledged excitement at the prospect of an orgasm. The smooth rolling sounds from her throat pitched in a foreign accent even add a bit of eroticism to the text. Female characterizations stand out as her one minor fault. Throughout the audiobook, various people Cox interviewed are quoted. With the males, MacLeod’s voice distinctly deepens, and it’s apparent that she is quoting someone. The same can’t be said for females. Sometimes she captures a different narrative voice to indicate a quote from a female, but other times, listeners might be confused as to whether it is her speaking directly or another person.

However, true audiobook fiends may find fault with the sound quality of this production. While excellently narrated, the sound quality did not receive as much attention and nuance. More than the usual amount of page turns can be heard throughout this audiobook, which reveals some sloppy sound editing. In addition, Macleod has the pesky habit of clicking her tongue when starting to read or starting a new segment or chapter. Again, if it were only a few, one could ignore them, but her clicking proves prominent throughout the audiobook.

Despite the fault derived from this critic, Hot Sex still should be a must-listen - not just for those interested or already with a decent breadth of sexual knowledge, but also for people who shy from sex. Cox’s ability to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere to discuss sex in a frank and appealing manner could entice and encourage manner reluctant or guilt-ridden people to give serious address to their sexuality.