How to Be a "Wicked" Woman

Rating:
Summary: Wickedly Funny
Review: How To Be A "Wicked" Woman has three hot and steamy stories by MaryJanice Davidson, Jamie Denton and Susanna Carr.

The Wicked Witch Of The West Side by MaryJanice Davidson has Jeannie Desjardin as a no holds bar editor. Jeannie is given a new author to work with, Hope Desiree. Not happy with this assignment, she goes off to meet with Hope. She is floored when she meets Hope aka Steven McCord. As Jeannie works with Steve she has found the one man that isn't afraid of her. MaryJanice Davidson writes a funny, witty, sensual story.

Instruction In Seduction by Jamie Denton has officer Jackson Hunt agreeing to help his partner Eden Matthews learn to be a better lover. But what started out as a simple favor turns out to be so much more. Jackson isn't the only one giving lessons in seduction. He has to break through Eden's walls to get her to see their future as a couple. Jamie Denton's story is so sensual and emotional it will be hard to forget.

In Wicked Ways by Susanna Carr, Peyton Lovejoy is trying to land a big contract to help save her company Lovejoy's Unmentionables. She is going to places out of her comfort zone, strip joints, pool halls to impress the clients. Peyton has been calling the library help line for advice. Mike Ryder is in town to help his sister find the missing library funds. As his cover he is answering the help line. What follows once Peyton and Mike meet is hysterical and steamy. Susanna Carr writes a humorous and tantalizing story


Rating:
Summary: A-Must Read for all Wicked Women (and those who want to be)
Review: I bought this book after taking a quick peek at the first chapter of Mary Janice Davidson's "The Wicked Witch of The West Side." I laughed out load at the bookstore and knew that this would be a hilarious read-and I was not disappointed!

I loved Davidson's contribution to this anthology. I've never read any of her books, but have heard of this author. Her heroine, Jeannie Desjardin is a NY Publisher with a no-holds bar attitude with the truth; she tells it like it is, and does not mince words too get that across. I loved her! Her sarcastic remarks and you-can't-handle-it-well-tough attitude is a refreshing change from the books I've read this summer. I laughed as Jeannie finds out that the best selling romance author she gets assigned to, Hope Desiree is really the hunky stud Steven McCord she salivates for. Although the storyline was great and the interaction between Jeannie and Steve (aka Hope) was superbly written, I felt cheated out of their story. Yes, I know, because it is an antholgy, word count prevents authors from completely expanding on their stories. But in this case, I felt that the story happened too fast. Maybe I've been spoiled with reading novels this past summer, and I'm not used to the fast pace of novellas, but I wished the story didn't end so suddenly. I wouldn't mind reading more of Jeannie and the wise cracks that come out of her mouth, and how her realtionship with her step-father and co-workers, as well as Steve develop. But all in all, it was a great story.

The second story, Jamie Denton's "Instruction in Seduction" is a story about police officers Eden Matthews and her partner, Jackson Hunt. Eden, after having been dumped again blackmails her partner Jackson into helping her find the vixen within. Jackson, secretly in love with Eden, agrees and their friendship changes drastically. Written very well, the tone was playful and yet, approached the theme of a woman facing her inner demons with sensitivity. The seductions scene was by far one of the steamiest I've read. Strong characters, enjoyable storyline, I didn't think this story was boring, contrary to the other review.

The last story in this anthology is by Susanna Carr, titled "Wicked Ways." This is by far my favorite of the three. Peyton Lovejoy meets Mike Ryder via the library's 24-hour hotline. Peyton intrigues Mike as day by day she calls the hotline looking for answers to questions (how long should a lap dance be) that have him thinking of giving her the answers-hands-on. The characters are diferent as night and day: Payton, with her obssession of following the rules; and Mike, well the only rule Mike follows is his. The story takes you on a wild ride of sexual encounters and high-jinx adventures-all courtesy of Payton, who wants to prove that she is a wild wicked woman, and Mike, helping her get out of the chaos she starts. I loved the bathtub scene by way-had me laughing in stitches! Who would want to do the naughty in a public place?? But like Davidson's, I wish it would have been a little longer. I enjoyed reading it and wouldn't have minded reading more of it. I guess, I'll have to get a novel by the author to see if she writes other stories as well as she did with this.

Having never read a book by all three authors, I was glad I enjoyed the book (wouldn't you hate paying $14 for a book you want to chuck after reading the first few pages?). If you're looking for a comedic romance story, this is a great book to read. All three stories proved enjoyable, the different approach each author took to set their stories helped in making the reader just want to turn the page for more. Now, this isn't erotica (although the sex scenes in the stories were scorching hot) so if you're thinking of buying this book for hot, insatiable sex in a variety of ways, with a variety of people, this is not the book for you-buy a erotica anthology (Bertice Small's "Captivated" comes to mind). The stories, although all focus on a female lead either looking for her inner vampness, or knows she has it and isn't afraid to use it, centers on the female and male characters connecting not only physically, but emotionally too. In two of the stories, it is the male who makes the decision to move their relationship into a deeply committed one, and it is the females who must face their fears and realize that loving someone means that it's alright to let that person in and let them see all the scars and insecurities; that together their love can overcome.

Rating:
Summary: MaryJanice Davidson Shines/Other Stories Are BORING
Review: I recommend that you buy this book for MaryJanice Davidson's "The Wicked Witch of the West Side". Typical of her other stories, it is funny with a lovable, wacky heroine. I adored the heroine Jeannie - it was refreshing to read from the perspective of an un-PC, rude, in-your-face herione. I especially appreciated that the hero fell in love with her for the exact same reasons that I enjoyed reading about her. A word of caution - I would not describe the story as hot (especially compared to Undercover), but it is a very enjoyable, light read.

"Instruction in Seduction" by Jamie Denton was a very heavy, inconsistent, and boring story filled with cliches. Eden, the heroine, was neglected, abused, and told that she was a dud in bed (how familiar is this one?). She manipulates Jackson, the hero, into providing her personal love lessons, but she has no interest in him otherwise. Jackson secretly loves Eden, so he agrees to the lessons with the hope it will develop into something more. Poor character development, predictable plot lines, and awkward writing prevent this story from developing any type of sizzle or tension. Read Robin Schone's The Tutor if this storyline appeals to you, but don't bother with this one. I give it 1 star.

"Wicked Ways" is hands-down one of the worst 'steamy' love stories I have ever read. The plot is totally unbelievable. Peyton, the heroine, is a very modest, chaste member of the community who happens to own a lingerie factory in the middle of nowhere. In order to bring in more business, she entertains some risque business clients. She is forced to call the library hotline to receive advice on appropriate behaviour in bars, strip clubs, etc... What person in their right mind would call the library hotline for that type of information????? Due to the lack of a cohesive, believable plot, I rate it one star.



Rating:
Summary: Davidson's novella is a "wicked" good read!
Review: I was told that MaryJanice Davidson's novella in this anthology was great. And it is great. The Wicked Witch of the West Side is about a no-nonsense New York publishing editor who finds out that Hope Desiree, the publishing house's best-selling romance author, is actually Steven McCord -- a former police officer and total hottie. Jeannie has to get him to finish up his latest novel. What transpires is a sexy love story that is also hilarious and full of Davidson's signature quips. What a great opening to this anthology. The other two novellas -- Instruction in Seduction by Jamie Denton and Wicked Ways by Susanna Carr -- are not as memorable as Davidson's offering. Denton's story about an uninhibited cop who teaches his co-worker how to be a bad girl in the sack was pretty good if a bit cliché. And Carr's tale about a woman who decides to change her image to help her career and love life has its scenes full of steam but, like Denton's novella, the plot is a bit stale and not unlike so many Brava stories I have read for a while.

All in all, this is a fun book to read while you are traveling to work or if you're in the bargain for some cute chick-lit-slash-romance. MaryJanice Davidson is one of the best romance authors out there and I admit that am partial to her work. Her sharp dialogue and crisp narration make her stories special to me. However, I love her novels more than her novellas and I look forward to reading one soon. As for the other two authors, they are good in what they do. I am not impressed with their offerings because they are not unlike the other stuff other Brava authors have released. Their themes are too repetitious. I have read a lot of Brava anthologies and most of the stories within said anthologies have a "been there, done that" feel to them. Davidson is the exception. Her stuff is quite creative most of the time. Anyway, as said earlier, read this as a fun, no-fuss read and if you don't mind the woman-who-has-been-hurt-before-and-the-gorgeous-man-who-rescues-her theme in Denton's novella.

Rating:
Summary: DIY Wicked
Review: MaryJanice Davidson's "The Wicked Witch of the West Side" is imaginative and funny with a very different kind of heroine and a lot of sizzle.

Jeannie Desjardin is used to being called a bitch. As a hard nosed romance editor, she doesn't mind the title, as long as her authors get their work in on time. Jeannie expects no less from her new assignment, Anderson and Son's best selling author, Hope Desiree. But when she finds out Hope Desiree is actually Steven McCord, she gets a whole lot more than just a book out of the deal.

Jamie Denton's "Instruction in Seduction" was a bit more dramatic than the others. Heavy sizzle is incorporated into the story of a confused woman struggling not to make the same relationship mistakes her mother did.

When Officer Eden Matthews is told the reason for her latest break-up is that she's bad in bed, she decides to do something about it. Books and articles are great for research, but Eden wants an instructor is the fine art of lovemaking. Who better to teach her the ropes than her partner and mentor, Officer Jackson Hunt. But Jackson has more than just a few nights of naughty moves on his lesson plan, he expects her to learn how to love - him.

Susanna Carr's "Wicked Ways" is a great idea for a story. With plenty of laughs and a very steamy phone sex scene, it is a sexy ending to a wonderful book.

Friends of the Library committee chairman, Peyton Lovejoy, wants to change the image of her women's lingerie company "Unmentionables" from wearable to wicked. But let's face it. Peyton doesn't know a Jell-O shot from a Jell-O mold. When she calls the Library Answer Hotline, she finds not only answers, but a very sexy voice. With help from Mike Ryder, Peyton learns all about the ways to be wicked and a whole lot more.





Rating:
Summary: Another fantastic Brava Anthology
Review: THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST SIDE by MaryJanice Davidson

Jeannie Desjardin has a tough job as an editor. Her boss, Bob Anderson, frowns when she tells him she's swamped, underpaid, and under-laid. Her boss describes Jeannie as near genius, poor social skills, and an uncontrollable temper. Despite her adamancy over her too-full workload, her boss assigns her a new author, a woman Jeannie is sure she'll despise. Now she's assigned another author who has missed her latest deadline. But Jeannie is in for the surprise of her life. Hope Desiree is a pseudonym for the yummy Steven McCord. Oh, how Steven just loves his loud-mouthed new editor. Yeah, she's an intense bitch, but she'll be his, and he'll have her no other way.

Reader beware: I was riding in a cab while reading this novella and had to put the book away, as I was laughing out loud more than once! Yes, MaryJanice Davidson writes with such a hilarious flair that I couldn't wait to get to my destination to pick this book up again and finish it!

INSTRUCTION IN SEDUCTION by Jamie Denton

Eden Matthews has been dumped by her latest boyfriend, who claims she is lousy in bed. She needs to practice on learning how to please a man, and who better than her partner Jackson Hunt, who's been fantasizing about her for the better part of a year. However, they are partners at the Sheriff Department, and if they change the dynamics of their relationship, they won't be able to continue working together.

This may have started as no-strings attached, but this emotionally-riveting story reveals so much more. Understanding Eden's reticence does not come easy for Jackson Hunt, but his loyalty and devotion run deep. This is one powerful novella by Jamie Denton that you won't want to miss. The sensual seduction-by way of instruction-is rich and deep on a level of sensuality that it almost comes through the pages. Women, you don't want to miss Jackson's seven levels of ultimate pleasure and the resulting emotional impact it carries.

WICKED WAYS by Susanna Carr

Peyton Lovejoy knows she's in deep. For over a week, she's been calling the library she's affiliated with New Answer Hotline. After speaking with the hotline operator several times, his voice is affecting her deeply. However, their first meeting face-to-face, with a simple handshake, nearly causes her to explode into a ball of flames. Peyton is the president of Our Friends of the Library group, while Mike Ryder is posing undercover investigating possible embezzlement. Unbeknownst to Peyton, she is Mike's primary suspect. This ought to get interesting real quick, because Mike is just as aware of Peyton as she is him.

In the meantime, Peyton is suffering from her nerd status and is quite embarrassed by some of the intense questions she asked Mike. But he doesn't know it was her-yet. Can she boost herself a bit, become a wicked woman so that Mike won't connect her to the woman asking explicit questions, thereby guessing her naiveté? How will Peyton turn herself into a scandalous woman overnight? Read Carr's delightful addition to this anthology and you'll be certain to find out.

HOW TO BE A WICKED WOMAN is another fantastic anthology by Kensington Brava. The Brava editors sure know how to put the right authors together in order to create successful anthologies. In this one here, you have a truly wicked woman, who is not about to change her ways, a woman who's tough, but not so wicked, and a woman who'd love to project a wicked image. This tantalizing package was released in August, but be sure to pick it up if you haven't already, as it is too good to pass up.

(For Sizzling Romances, September, 2004)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: Three excellent stories. I bought it because of Mary Janice Davidson, but was pleasantly surprised by the other two authors.
I read it in one evening. A keeper!