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In the first story contained in this anthology, “The Wicked Witch of the West Side”, Jeannie Desjardin, the most competent editor in publishing industry is also the most hated thanks to her poor social skills, volatile temper and unflinching honesty towards one and all. But even her customary vociferous grumpiness comes to stuttering halt when she discovers that Hope Desiree, their number one romance author, is in real life a hunky ex-cop named Steven McCord. Attraction between them is immediate and fiery. But will Jeannie's usual caustic self drive Steve away or are there good things in their future?
With this story, author MaryJanice Davidson cements her reputation as an author who’s par mistress at combining irreverent wit, non-stop humor and tender romance. Jeannie’s sure to make the readers laugh their heads-off with her hectoring while Steven makes an admirable hero with his level-headedness and courage to face the truth. Their perverse romance together is a sheer delight for the enthralled and amused readers. Davidson’s story which also takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the publishing industry as well as romance conventions, is very enjoyable to say the least.
In “Instruction in Seduction” by Jamie Denton, as the title suggests, Officer Eden Matthews asks her partner Jackson Hunt to teach her all about the ways of seduction as she’s tired of getting dumped all the time. At first reluctant to spoil their friendship, Jackson soon gets in the mood especially when he finds in Eden a very hot, willing and inventive pupil. While Eden is ready to trust her body to him, she isn’t as willing with her heart and that’s the one thing Jackson desires most of all. In the end, who’ll win this erotic game of love and passion?
Jamie Denton’s hot and steamy tale is sure to leave the readers breathless even as the romance blossoming between Eden and Jackson is certain to capture the readers’ collective tender hearts. With a narrative that instructs as well as inspires, Denton does a great job of crafting characters who struggle to overcome their personal demons and inner insecurities. Even in this short story, the author reveals how love is the product of understanding and acceptance, a fact that's sure to make this story live long in the readers’ memories.
In “Wicked Ways” by Susanna Carr, lingerie heiress Peyton Lovejoy struggles to update and sex up her newly inherited company’s as well as her own. To help answer all the questions during Peyton’s quest to discover her wild side is hottie librarian Mike. Working undercover to catch the person embezzling library funds, Mike realizes he’s never faced a suspect like the alluring and artless Peyton with her highly naughty phone calls and true innocence. While the passion and heat between them is volcanic and undeniable, the fact remains that they’re on opposite sides of the game. What will happen next?
Susanna Carr certainly knows how to keep her readers as well the characters guessing in this highly intriguing, sensual and suspenseful story of hers. While naughty dialogues keep the sexual tension soaring, the sweetly developing romance between the main protagonists and thoughtful characterizations are an added bonus that make the tale a treat to read. There’re plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, whether it’s due to Mike’s Nancy Drew-wannabe sister or the trouble Peyton keeps getting into most unwittingly. A sizzling tale to warm the heart as well as set the pulse pounding, ‘Wicked Ways’ is indeed compelling.
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As the title of this anthology implies, each of these three stories has a plucky leading lady whose life’s turned upside down in a manner most erotic when she decides to take a walk on the wild side. Davidson, Denton and Carr bring their own individual styles to the stories and make it appealing to all even as the emotions and tangled lives of the characters keep the readers mesmerized. Love, lust, sensuality and overall humor make this collection of stories an absolutely hot and exciting, gem of a read.
Reviewed by Rashmi Srinivas
for The Road to Romance
June 22, 2004
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