How To Be A Wicked Woman [Paperback]

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.

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.

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

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 9 reviews  3.8 out of 5 stars