DECADENT

Author: Shayla Black ISBN: 9780425217214 10/2007 CONTEMPORARY/EROTIC Publisher: BERKLEY HEAT

Two men are better than one. How can a virgin seeking happily-ever-after with a hot pop star who has a penchant for threesomes win her fantasy man? Kimber Edgington desperately needs a plan to convince Jesse McCall, who's been her friend and secret crush since they spent a summer together as teenagers, that they are meant for each other. But all the tabloid stories about his sexual escapades make her feel oh-so inadequate. Determined to prove she's woman enough for Jesse, Kimber turns to bodyguard Deke Trenton for sexual education. Bold and brash, Deke warns Kimber that playing with him is playing with fire. But he can't bear to imagine the innocent beauty in someone else's arms. So Deke and his super-sexy friend, Luc, take Kimber under their wings and dangerously close to the edge of ecstasy. Though she's saved herself for Jesse, Kimber soon learns, he's not the man adept at stoking her aching, endless need. That's Deke, and he can't resist when Kimber begs for more-and more.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Shayla Black's book, DECADENT, is the hot and sexy sequel to her much enjoyed book, WICKED TIES. In DECADENT we meet virginal Kimber Edgington, who is in love with singer Jessie McCall. Jessie is known for his sexual exploits, especially threesomes. Kimber knows that if she hopes to keep him happy, she needs to gain experience. She turns to the only other man that she knows that also enjoys this type of sex, Deke Trenton, a former employee of her father. What she does not know is that Deke left working for her father because of his increasing attraction for Kimber. Add to the mix Deke's gorgeous room-mate, Luc, and here is an explosive combination of the most delicious kind. Hot sex, strong emotions and a suspense-filled storyline make for never a dull moment.

I found Kimber quite interesting. She is willing to do anything to be able to please and keep the man she thinks she loves. Her plan to gain sexual experience seems a little cold, but her interactions with Deke are filled with plenty of heat. In many ways Kimber is naïve, and this is seen by the way she handles her relationships. She does not consider that while using Deke to gain experience, her emotions just might get involved. She is soon to learn several important lessons.

I loved Deke. Definitely an alpha male, he is that wonderful combination of danger and gorgeous looks that make you want to submit to his every command. Sometimes Deke seems too rough and arrogant. I think a lot of his attitude comes from him just trying to protect his heart. As passion explodes between Kimber and Deke, Luc is there to push their buttons. He knows how to antagonize them into acting impulsively. Luc stands back and reaps the rewards as the sparks fly all around him

DECADENT is a very erotic book and is best for readers that enjoy a lot of hot and highly imaginative sex. There were also some seriously suspense-filled moments, as danger seems to stalk Kimber. DECADENT by Shayla Black is a definite keeper that left me anxiously awaiting the author's next book.

Anita Hartsell