Gwen’s review of Wild, Wicked, & Wanton by Jaci Burton
Contemporary erotic romance published by Berkley Heat 1 May 07

This book will be released 1 May, and is made up of three related stories about three female friends.  It describes how they find their core selves and the loves of their lives.  As should all such journey’s, their journeys of self-discovery come by way of some turbulence in otherwise safe, normal lives. 

I was supposed to review another book before this one, but I couldn’t resist the teasers I was reading.  All three women experience personal fantasies of mine and I just had to see how it all played out.

The story I liked the most, and that I felt was most emotionally developed, was the middle one – Wicked.  That story made me cross and recross my legs several times while reading; all three stories were very erotic (in a good way), but that middle one had me sweating.  I’m a real sucker for a good alpha male, and this story has one of the best alphas I’ve read in a very long while.  What I liked the most about this story was how the male lead helped the female lead work thru her emotional baggage – he never gave up on her.  I suppose we all wish that for ourselves or our daughters – someone who will love them no matter what.

Jaci does a very good job of speaking from three different perspectives, remaining true to her characters’ personalities and foibles.  In fact, I think she was able to speak best from the men’s POV’s (always refreshing in a romance author).  I was really glad when they got their HEA’s and felt that everyone deserved it.  Jaci’s writing style was fluid and kept me involved, with none of the plot wandering I’ve read recently while the characters work through one dilemma or another.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and this view into three different, rather risqué practices.  I recommend buying it, if only for the gorgeous cover art, but also for reading with your significant other.  It will give you a nice kickstart to the evening (afternoon?  my!  how wild/wicked/wanton of you!)!

Grade: B+

Here’s the book blurb:

They’re inseparable best friends who delight in sharing their wildest secrets and dares. But their latest bet is the boldest one of all: each must sleep with whomever the other two have chosen for her. And come back with every juicy detail...

WILD
Abby married the town bad boy. And he lived up to his reputation, bedding any woman who let her guard down. She swore off men for good, but never counted on a pair of sexy veterinarians who are fulfilling a desire of their own.

WICKED
Blaire is the town heartbreaker. Afraid to commit, she’s broken off three engagements. Yet there’s one man she never had the courage to bed. The one man she really loved. But now, the decision is out her hands.

WANTON
Callie is the sensible one….but beneath it all she’s a true romantic, with the broken heart to prove it. Now her long-dormant fantasies may be getting a workout. A new man enters her life and everything about him is irresistible.

Read an excerpt.