Bad Boys Over Easy

I started reading Bad Boys Over Easy this afternoon, and I gobbled it right up (so to speak). Two of the stories are exceptional and one is good. This is the perfect weekend read: 4 out of 5.

Erin McCarthy's "Fuzzy Logic" starts the anthology. I've long been a fan of McCarthy's writing, and "Fuzzy Logic" doesn't disappoint. Lucas is surprised when a package of sex toys shows up on his doorstep. He's even more fascinated when he learns they belong to his tenant, Ashley, the woman he's wanted for years.

I love romances where one of the characters carries a torch for another, and I also adore beta heroes. "Fuzzy Logic" uses both of these elements, along with an interesting heroine, which makes it a treat to read. Ashley and Lucas are very hot together. One thing I can count on with McCarthy--all of her stories and characters are different and compelling. This story rates 4.5 out of 5.

"The Cupid Curse" is a paranormal romance by Jen Nicholas. Val (short for Valentine) writes a letter to Cupid to find her soul mate. Cupid sends a novice named Gideon to deal with the matter. A gust of wind sends Gideon's love-arrow (this is not a euphemism) astray; it ends up hitting Gideon himself.

This is a fun story as long as you don't take it too seriously. The main problem with it is that it relies too heavily on the "destined love" principle--once Gideon is hit by the arrow, he's destined to love Val, and she's destined to love him in return. I don't have an issue with the destined-love idea except when it offers an easy way to get a couple together without having them spend much time falling in love. That's the case here: 3 out of 5.

Jordan Summers's "Mesmerized" is the third story and ends the anthology on a high note. Amanda is a skilled hypnotist, and Derek is a journalist determined to expose her as a fraud. Derek jumps at the chance to participate in Amanda's on-stage act, but when it's over, he seems to be still hypnotized.

The still-hypnotized element seems far-fetched, but I can go along with far-fetched plots if I enjoy the characters. I enjoyed reading about Derek and Amanda. I was engrossed in their story: 4 out of 5. I've now read two stories by Summers, and she's quite good. I look forward to reading more of her stories.

Alyssa