Pure Sex: WITH "Bet" AND "Slow Hand" AND "Crib" [Paperback]

This book is hot enough to come with a warning on the back cover, for good reason. It sizzles from the first page to the last.*****

THE BET by Lucinda Betts - Zoe Lauterbon is determined to get the promotion that is up for grabs at the investment firm she works for. She has worked impossibly hard and meets all requirements, but unfortunately, so has co-worker Phillip Kingdom. Phillip suggests a friendly bet with Zoe as to who will get the promotion - his bonus to her if she is promoted versus Zoe being his sex slave for twenty-four hours should he get the promotion - she agrees. The "good old boy" mentality of their company all but guarantees Phillip the win. After the two spend their twenty-four hours together, a very heated day and night, Zoe begins to think that maybe she didn't lose after all.***** Phillip and Zoe are well-written as competitive co-workers with an attraction to each other, but neither could have guessed just how that competition would play out when they left the office.*****

SLOW HAND by Bonnie Edwards - When Teri Branton finds herself at the altar without a groom, she decides to take their pleasure cruise honeymoon by herself. When she sees Captain Jared McKay, she begins to think that this trip just might be a pleasure cruise after all, especially without her cheater of a fiancé! From the first time Jared touched her, she felt an undeniable energy between them, one that deserves a closer, thorough, hands-on investigation. When Jared first spies Teri making her way alone onto his boat, he assumes that her groom can't be far behind. When he discovers that she has boarded his boat intending to take the cruise alone, his interest is peaked. Once he touches her and they both feel an unmistakable "zing" he wonders about the McKay family curse. Supposedly this zing is present from the first moment you touch your one true love. Despite the obvious attraction, Jared was burned in a prior relationship and is wary of taking the chance on a romantic future with Teri.***** The romance between Teri and Jared sizzles from the beginning, and is very sweet. They are just plain nice, and so perfect for each other; readers will be rooting for them to admit their true feelings for each other and take a chance on love.*****

THE CRIB by Sasha White - Private Investigator Alexis "Lexy" Signorino has come back home to find a killer. A member of Lexy's family has been falsely accused and she is determined to prove his innocence, going undercover as a waitress in the family bar. When Devon Kaye becomes a part of that investigation, Lexy can't help but wonder whether their heated attraction is something that she should fear or embrace. When the real killer is exposed and Lexy learns that Devon isn't who she thought, she feels betrayed. Will she be able to put past hurts and heartache in the past and start living her life for herself?***** This story is written first person, typically not my first choice, but it is excellently written, with an abundance of edge and grit, not your typical "boy meets girl" romance. Although Ms. White's story doesn't have the expected "happily-ever-after" ending, there is a hint of something more between the characters and I would very much like to read more of these characters and a continuation of their story.***** This is an incredibly erotic anthology with stories ranging from sassy and sexy to down and dirty. It's a book you won't want to miss if you enjoy and appreciate sensually charged romance.

COURTESY LAURIE/ROMANCE JUNKIES

(The Crib by Sasha White) Sasha White comes on the erotica scene with a strong voice in this sizzling tale. When one of her family is accused of murder, Lexy Signorina returns home to prove their innocence. Lexy goes undercover, posing as a waitress, hoping to be bait to catching a killer. Only she runs into Devon Kaye, super sexy stud. White is a riveting writer, truly working in the medium of the short story that is beyond a new writer. This story spells star on the rise. Dark, sexy, fascinating.

The second story I read was (The Bet by Lucinda Betts). Zoe is line for a promotion. Only trouble, co-worker Phillip Kingdom is up for the same promotions, pitting them against each other. To complicate matters, Phillip toss down the gauntlet -- if Zoe win the promotions, she gets Phillips Bonus. If he wins, Zoe has to be his sex slave for a day. You can see this one coming a mile off, but buckle up baby, it gets bumpy! A great story done with flash and style.

The Last of the trio of tales from Kensington's Aphodisia line is (Slow Hand by Bonnie Edwards) Teri Branton was left at the alter. But hey, she's not about to lose out on the honeymoon she paid for. She meets Captain Jared Mackay onboard the cruise ship and he finds the brideless groom tempting. It seaboard romance as the Love Boat never gave you!!

All in all, three very satisfying tales that go snap, crackle, pop!

The Bet by Lucinda Betts

Co-workers Phillip Kingdom and Zoe Lauterbon are both in line for the same promotion. Zoe, the top earner, is sure the promotion is hers, but knowing how the company works, Phillip isn't as sure. Seeing his chance to get closer to the reserved Zoe, Phillip proposes a friendly wager. If Zoe is promoted, she wins Phillip's very substantial bonus. If the promotion is Phillip's, Zoe will be his sex slave for twenty-four hours. Of course Phillip wins, but does Zoe really lose?

The Bet is a deliciously sexy story. Zoe and Phillip are wonderful characters that compliment each other. Zoe is a strong, capable woman who has lost touch with her sensual side in a male dominated profession. With a firm, but caring hand, Phillip helps Zoe reconnect. Watching these two explore their sexual and emotional boundaries had me squirming in my seat with pure delight! This is my first Lucinda Betts story, and I am eager for more.

Slow Hand by Bonnie Edwards

Ditched at the altar, New Yorker Teri Branton doesn't let her lack of a husband get in the way of her honeymoon. It is already paid for, and Teri might as well enjoy a week at sea. Maybe she'll find a pirate! Captain Jared MacKay is intrigued by his groom-less passenger and when he feels the zing that all MacKay men feel when touching their true love, he is a bit disconcerted. Teri, however, is a temptation he can't ignore. Besides, Jared doesn't really believe in the MacKay "curse." People don't fall in love at first touch, or do they? After a week of sexy fun, will city-girl Teri want to be captured for good?

Slow Hand is a sizzling hot and fun adventure. Teri and Jared are engaging characters that don't need the Caribbean sun to heat things up. I loved their mix of sweet and sexy. In addition to the sensual allure, there is also good development of the their emotional side. There were a couple of awkward phrasings, which wanted to pull me out of the sexy mood, but the strength of the story drew me immediately back. Slow Hand is a satisfying erotic tale that will leave you with a smile.

The Crib by Sasha White

When one of her surrogate family is falsely accused of murder, Private Investigator Alexis "Lexy" Signorino heads back home to investigate. Posing as a waitress looking for a good time, Lexy hopes to catch the killer. When Lexy meets the silent, but super-sexy Devon Kaye, she thinks she might have her man...just maybe not the killer.

Wow! How did Ms. White pack such a gritty, intense tale into so few pages? Although not normally a fan of first person, The Crib threw me into Lexy's head and made me feel and experience the story. Lexy is a wonderful combination of tough and vulnerable, not to mention sexy. I just love smart, strong heroines! Not knowing Devon's full story helped ratchet up the heat and build suspense. Their chemistry was positively explosive. Perfect for a sequel, I can't wait to see more of Lexy and Devon. At times dark and raw, The Crib is a fascinating erotic read. I look forward to more Sasha White!

Aphrodisia truly knows how to deliver a great anthology. No weak links here! With three strong stories, Pure Sex is a sure bet for lovers of erotic romance.

Cheryl

Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed