Nauti and Wild Anthology
By: Lora Leigh & Jaci Burton
Coming August 3, 2010
Publisher: Berkley HeatYou’ve seen them. Looking for trouble, and looking irresistible, riding into town, straddling 73 cubic inches of throbbing horsepower.
Boys so bad it takes a special kind of woman to satisfy them.
But some women are made for high speed handling…
Nauti Kisses
Lora Leigh, the New York Times bestselling author of Nauti Intentions and Nauti Dreams revisits that sultry and “sinfully good”* Southern landscape with a story of a good girl gone bad–and doing it for all the hottest reasons. But she’s not the only one going down that road…
Riding The Edge
Jaci Burton, the national bestselling author of Riding Wild and Riding Temptation, lets loose in a story of a hot biker hired to keep an eye on the reckless daughter of a Nevada senator. She’s hooked up with a rival biker gang–a dangerous move that makes the wild beauty more vulnerable than she imagined…
Nauti and Wild – My Thoughts
New York Times Bestselling Author Lora Leigh indicates in the dedication of this novella that it is the finale of her “Nauti” series of stories. I’m late to the party. lol In fact, this is the first Lora Leigh book I’ve read despite the fact there are a number of her books languishing here in the stacks and on my e-reader. I will say, that even though I haven’t read the series I think “Nauti Kisses” can be enjoyed as a standalone because I had no problem following the story.
John Calvin Walker Jr. is a member of an affluent Boston family and a successful lawyer in his father’s law firm. John is engaged to Boston socialite Marlena, a gold digging bitch from hell who cheats on him with his soon to be ex best friend Gerard. While the passion in John and Marlena’s relationship has been waning for some time he was unaware of her betrayal until it is revealed by Sierra Lucas a lovely fey like woman who he has known all his life. John has long suppressed a physical attraction for Sierra because his father is her godfather and he sees his feelings as highly inappropriate.
After a nasty confrontation with Marlena and Gerard, John retreats to his penthouse apartment where he proceeds to get thoroughly sloshed. Sierra turns up at his door to offer support and one thing leads to another. After a passionate encounter John passes out cold. Mortified and heartbroken Sierra exits the scene and refuses to return John’s calls or see him following their tryst.
Fast forward a year and readers find John has returned to his family’s roots in Kentucky and made his home on the “Nauti Wet Dreams” a two story houseboat that he moors on Lake Cumberland. John feels at peace for the most part, but Sierra and what he remembers of their night together (which isn’t much) is never far from his thoughts. Then he gets a call from his father indicating that Sierra is in hospital recovering after a brutal and vicious attack, and she is asking for John. John Walker Sr. is convinced the attempt on Sierra’s life was premeditated and her assailant will find her and finish what he started unless they are able to hide and protect her. It is under these unfortunate circumstances that John and Sierra are reunited.
“John couldn’t handle the emotions rising inside him at the moment, the thought of the attempt that had been made to hurt her. To destroy her. The pure anger. The need to go to his knees before her and kiss every inch of bruised flesh, to beg for her forgiveness for not being there to protect her. The need to demand explanations, to beg that she stay, to simply hold her, was tearing him apart.
He’d never had so many emotions surging through him. For a man that prided himself on his control, he was growing close to losing it. Because despite the bruises, he wanted her.
Nauti & Wild © Lora Leigh
I’ve read a lot of reviews of Ms. Leigh’s books and from what I’ve gleaned she is known for penning exceptionally strong Alpha heroes and sensual, sexually explicit love scenes into her suspenseful stories. “Nauti Kisses”, fits the bill. John Walker is one strong Alpha who feels an overwhelming need to protect ‘his woman’, he doesn’t just make love to Sierra, he consumes her and she him. As in,’get out the ice water and fan’ while reading this one if you intend to. Ms. Leigh also wrote plenty of conflict into Sierra and John’s story which amplifies the sexual tension exponentially.
“Nauti Kisses”, isn’t just steamy sex. Sierra and John are drawn into an undercover investigation of one of the largest crime families in the nation. The story is suspenseful with an action packed conclusion that had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I don’t think followers of Ms. Leigh’s “Nauti” series will be disappointed because the MacKay brothers make appearances and assist John to protect Sierra from a cunning and lethal adversary.
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Heat Level: Like I said above – get out the ice water and fan!
“Riding the Edge” by Jaci Burton
As any of you know who have visited here in the past, I’m a huge fan of National Best Selling Author Jaci Burton’s work and especially her “Wild Riders” series which was my favorite romantic suspense series of 2009. I’ve been waiting impatiently for this novella and for “Riding the Night” which is to be published in September. I’ve always found that Ms. Burton does her homework when writing her books and she is especially knowledgeable about motorcycle enthusiasts because she and her husband own a Harley motorcycle and attend rallies etc.. She therefore understands the psyche of the men and women who enjoy motorcycles as a hobby or choose to join “the life”. I’ve read all 3 of the Wild Riders stories and Ms. Burton writes a good foundation into the narrative of “Riding the Edge” so IMHO readers would have no difficulty enjoying this novella as a standalone.
The Wild Riders are a group of covert US government operatives recruited from the streets as young, in trouble youths by General Grange Lee. Members of the team work deep undercover on assignments suited to their history and ability to infiltrate many criminal elements with chameleon like efficiency. This is Rick Benetti’s story and he is none too happy when given what he considers a babysitting assignment to find a Nevada Senator’s daughter who is thought to have joined the Hellraisers biker gang. Rick had a history with the Hellraisers 10 years previously and would have gone to prison if not for Grange’s intervention. Rick therefore reluctantly rides to Las Vegas where a bike rally is being held and his cousin Bo is leader of the gang. Rick has to insinuate himself back into his old life as a Hellraiser to find the senator’s daughter. His assignment, however, turns into much more then babysitting. And, Ava Vargas, is the exact opposite of what he is expecting.
Ava is a graduate student who has just finished her Master’s in Social Work, and is planning to her complete Doctoral thesis when she finds the right college and program. She is brilliant, kind, intuitive, and worried sick about her best friend Lacey who abandoned college and her graduate studies to be with Bo and the Hellraisers. Ava is determined to find out if Lacey is okay and try to persuade her to return to her studies. Lacey however has no intention of leaving Bo, in fact she appears to have undergone a complete personality change which further alarms Ava.
Rick quite easily gains Bo and the gang’s trust again and Ava literally falls into his lap when she is paired with him to ride for the duration of the weekend rally. Ava is quite surprised by Rick when they are introduced.
“Hey, Ava.” Rick held out his hand. Polite, too. She hadn’t expected that. She slid her hand in his and felt the sizzle of . . . something electric and very warm.
“Nice to meet you, Rick.”
“This is just perfect, isn’t it?” Lacey said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “I was hoping you would find someone to ride with. With Bo’s cousin here, you have a seat now.”
“Yes. Perfect.” Ava couldn’t help staring at Rick. She supposed she had these preconceived notions of bikers. Dirty, scruffy, mean, and scary looking. None of those characteristics fit Rick. Or, for that matter, Lacey’s boyfriend, Bo, who was tall, lean, and very attractive. He resembled his cousin in many ways.”
Nauti & Wild © Jaci Burton
It doesn’t take long for Rick to figure out that Ava is quite out of her element with the Hellraisers and he can’t understand what she is doing there. As he is unsure of her involvement with the gang and must maintain his cover he has to be very careful how he elicits information regarding why she is hanging out with the Hellraisers. Try as he might, Rick can’t stop himself from being attracted to Ava, and despite his covert status things heat up between them.
This is a story of opposites attract. Rick endured a horrific childhood, being bounced from foster home to foster home. He has no love of social workers and considers them ‘do gooders’. Rick is a very strong, independent guy. He lives at the Wild Riders compound enjoying his anonymity and a no strings attached life with respect to relationships. Ava is a serious, meticulous, hard working graduate student who is immersed in academia. IMHO Ms. Burton’s characterization of these two people is perfect. The sexual tension just crackles and it is further amplified by the conflict related to their backgrounds and situation.
Ms. Burton is known for penning off the charts hot love scenes in her erotic romances and “Riding the Edge” is no exception. Rick, needless to say, is sexually experienced, he shows the somewhat inexperienced Ava new heights of pleasure. Sensuality permeates the love scenes of this story. There is a scene with exhibitionism, voyeurism and an orgy, however I have to say in keeping with Ms. Burton’s style I did not find it offensive in the least and it was woven perfectly into the narrative.
Rick’s assignment takes an unexpected turn when he discovers his cousin is importing and trafficking cocaine. Rick is then tasked with the dangerous and difficult mission of discovering who the supplier is and how Bo is moving the drugs into the country, in addition to keeping Ava safe. Ms. Burton pens a clever, suspenseful plot twist into conclusion of “Riding the Edge”, and I was certainly kept on the ‘edge’ of my seat.
The question is can Rick give up his no strings attached lifestyle to be with Ava? Or will he let her go?
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Heat Level: The fan keeps humming and another glass of ice water is required. *g*
I found “Nauti and Wild” compulsively readable and will look forward to reading more from both these authors. Many thanks to Jaci Burton for submitting “Nauti and Wild” for review.
Other Reviews:
Goodreads
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Great review, Lea. Thanks for the giveaway. Have a great day.
Oh, I'm needing the fan and icecubes just by reading your review Lea
I'm a fan of the Nauti series and I didn't know this novella was about Sierra *YAY* John walker sounds like my kind of hero *shivers* Me wants him go nauti, oh yes indeed. Now Jaci Burtons series is known to me, have read one of two novels in her Wild Riders series and really enjoyed them too. I don't think this twofer can go wrong for me! 
Please count me in!
When I first heard about this book with BOTH L.Leigh and J.Burton I thought it was a romance readers wet dream! *wink*
I LOVE L.L's Nauti series and could not put them down. And everything I've read by J.Burton has been scorchingly wonderful, so this book is a must read for me!
MsM
OOooh..I can't wait to review this one. I am a Jaci Burton virgin. I am going to read it soon!!
(don't enter me
Not entering – just here to make sure Tori hasn't been overcome by exhaust fumes! I don't think that closet is ventilated well enough to have a motorcycle in it.
Great review! I so love both of these series! Two of my favorite authors together, just awesome!
Thanks Lea!
Amy M
Two of my favourite authors – in ONE book…can't go wrong. A must buy for me (or if I win the contest)
Jill
Great review.I'm glad to hear both stories can be read as stand alones as I have not read either series.But hear great things about them.
Thanks for the chance to win this.
Great review – these are two of my favorite authors, and this book has been on my wish list for a while. :>]
~Lindy
Fantastic review Lea! I love Lora's Nauti books and Jaci's Wild Riders! Can't wait to read this book!
Awesome review, I am so excited about this book! LL is one of my altime fav's and I try to read anything and everything she comes out with.
bookjunkie@ymail.com
WOW – great review. I am so looking forward to this book. Jaci's series is my favorite also!
It sounds really good, please enter me.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I have loved all of the Nauti stories and the Wild Rider series- really looking forward to this book! Thanks for the contest.
I really enjoyed the post. Both of these stories look very good. Also two very good authors that I read. Who can ask for more
Please put my name in the hat!!
reat review. I would love to win this one.
I am in love with both series and can't wait for the newest installments.
Separately, these two ladies rock with their word weaving abilities. To have them together in one sitting is awesome!
You definitely have to invest more time in Lora Reading.
I love the Nauti series by Lora Leigh, and I'm glad there is another installment. I like Jaci Burton stories too, so this will be one awesome read!!
Oh yeah! definitely count me in. Ice water & fan? woohoo! lol. Thanks for the awesome reviews.
Hi Lea!
thanks for the review – I loved reading it and now I can't wait to read the book for myself… please count me in for the giveaway!!
greetings, Ina
I love both these authors…. I haven't gotten to the Nauti series yet – but they are in my TBR. Jaci's I read right away!
Great review! The Nauti series is one of my faves! And I've got all the Wild Riders but haven't read them yet. Need to get to that definitely!
Great review. I've read all the books (so far) in both of these series and they are great!
Kristina
Great review! I'm a fan of both Authors, and so excited about the giveway. Thanks for the chance!
Great review! This looks like a great book and I'm looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
rocket_kay at hotmail dot com
I'm pretty darn excited for this book. I was originally bummed that the release date was pushed back. Thanks for the review! I'm excited to read it. Lora Leigh and Jaci Burton…woo! What a great pairing!
Great review. Nauti and Wild sounds good. Thank you for the giveaway.
Hi Lea
Excellent review as always. These are 2 of my fave series and authors. So glad they rated a 5 as I'm looking forward to this anthology.
Very much looking forward to this!!! Thanks for the chance to win!
Loved your review. I have been trying to find out more info about Nauti Kisses. I am so excited to read that story.
Jaci's book is just icing on the cake.
I would love to win a copy.
thanks.
Sad that this is the last Nauti
One of my fave LL series!
Can't wait to read both stories!
Great review.
How exciting, Lea! Thanks for the contest!
Lea, excellent review. *standing up and applaudes* Five star, I must get my hands on this. I enjoy the writing of both authors and have followed their series in this book. They are two of my favorites.
They do pen some of the best love scenes, and of course, one needs to have a pitcher of drinks right next to you when reading. hehehe
Thank you for the giveaway and the chance to win this book.
armiefox at yahoo dot com
Two of my favorite authors together in one book, you can't beat that. Thanks for the contest, Lea.
I'd love to win the antho!! I <3 both authors!
I have been reading both series and enjoy them both. I can wait
OMG I really want this book! Lora Leigh AND Jaci Burton…guaranteed melt the panties down book! LOL
And with the heatwave, no one will notice the need for another fan, a glass of icewater and a bag of icecubes.
Tried for an hour to leave comment glad I kept at it!! Counting the days to the release have the whole series its my weekness! Excellent writing and plots totally hooked.
For those who have not read a one I feel sorry for all your missing out on!!!! They are fun and addictive. To much wonderful stuff to say so I had better stop now.
Debbie
I enjoy both authors books immensely.
Whew! Great excerpt!
I've just finished a reread of Riding Wild (after reading Riding Temptation). Haven't yet read Riding on Instinct, but I'll get there.
Meanwhile, I really appreciate your review of Nauti and Wild. I can tell this is gonna be a one-handed read from beginning to end!
I read all of Lora Leigh's nauti stories. They are the best.
lorettaC
This sounds like a wonderful read – thanks for the chance!
I'm very excited about this!! I can't wait to read this book!
I loved reading your reviews and I can't wait to get my hands on this hot book!
Great review! I've been waiting on this book, it has two of my fave authors in it. Thanks for the chance to win Lea!
I would love to be entered. Thank you for the contest.
two of my favorite authros in one. Darn right i'd love to win ths one. Great review.
Hi ya,
The Lora Leigh books are very popular in Australia!! We are eagerly awaiting our copies to come into the store!! I would love to be entered into your contest!!
Thank you
Tarran
This is already on my buylist – two of my fave authors in one book – it's a no brainer *grin*
*hugs*
Anna
Wow! Hi Everyone and welcome to the contest. Thank you so much for your nice comments and interest in the anthology. I hope whoever wins will enjoy it as much as I did.
I'll try and say a hi and welcome to everyone before the contest closes on Friday!
Thank you again and GOOD LUCK. *g*
Wow! I love both of these authors. I can't wait to read this one. It's on my TBB list, just in case I don't win.
I'm sssssooooo wanting this book! These two authors together is a match made in heaven. And your review makes me want it even more than I did before.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
Thanks for the awesome giveaway. I've read Jaci's books but have Lora Leigh's in my TBR mountain. So this gives me a good excuse to catch up.
This is one of my most anticipated reads this summer. I would have added it to my wish list if just one of the two amazing authors were in it, but BOTH of them together….it's almost too good to be true.
Thanks for the review…it just wants to make me read it even sooner
Been waiting on this one!! Great review, I can't wait to read it. Please enter me for it.
I follow on gfc
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Oh gosh, this is an awesome giveaway Lea!! Great review!!!!!
**pushes Leontine over from hogging the fan!** Girl you sure do know how to deliver an awesome review!
alliwantandmorebooks{at} gmail.com
Both these stories sound amazing (and amazingly hot!), and I've never read either of the series, so I'm looking forward to them! Thanks for the chance to win.
Great reviews!! Can't wait to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!
~ Savonna
Great review! I love Lora Leigh, but haven't read anything by Jaci Burton… but I bet she's great!!
minnchica(dot)bookpusher(at)gmail.com
These two are my all time favortite authors – I wouldn't be able to choose between them. Both series are fantastic! Can't wait!
I am the proud owner of all the books in both series and can't wait to read this one..
WOW What a steamy, screaming review!! I haven't read any of Jaci 's or Lora'sbooks yet but I'm going to now!!
I've been routed here via Laurie Damron's site and then Jaci's.
I'll be back. Great review. Thanks for the chance to win!!
johnslake at usa dot com
great review, cant wait to read it.
I've been hearing alot about this one, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com
Hi Lea!
Great review, both sound solidly awesome! I haven't read Jaci Burton's Wild Riders yet, but it sounds great. I have read Lora Leigh, and steamy goodness, lol!!
Can't wait to give it a try.
Dottie
WOW! Great reviews! I am so looking forward to this one. Count me in. And the cover…*swoon*
Love it!!! Would love a free copy.
oh please enter me in the contest – that sounds great
I would love to win this book! Count me in for sure.
cwilliams127 at gmail dot com
I love the Nauti series and the Riding series. I can't wait to get my hands on this book!!!!
I love Lora Leigh!
Thanks for the contest!
books that require an extra glass of water to cool off are right up my alley! i would love to win a copy!
meaghan_koci (at) yahoo (dot) com
Hi Everyone!
Thank you all so much for such an amazing turnout for this giveaway!
I so enjoyed this anthology and am just delighted that so many of you are interested in the story. I was going to try and say hi to everyone but am running a little short on time here. lol!
Just know I appreciate each and every one of your comments and Good Luck to you all!
Thanks again
Lea
This sounds like a rocking anthology and I can not wait until it release date
Sonya
This sounds like a great anthology. I love Lora Leigh's books. I haven't read anything by Jaci Burton yet but I have been wanting to.
This is very Nauti
Count me in Lea !
The excerpt was great!!! I like that there was a fey in the book!
barbs562 at gmail dot com
These two authors are always on top of their game so I can't wait to read this book!
Wow great reviews!! I am new to Jaci Burton but she is on my WL!!
Please count me in!!
Great Review! I'm looking foward to reading it.
Great review. Sound like a hot one. Please accept my entry. Thanks!
gevin13{at}gmail[dot}com
Wonderful review, Lea! Two of my favorite authors, one book on my long,long wishlist.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Oh, me, me, me, ***see waving hand*** I would really like to win this book. Chris sent me this direction and I love your blog.
Thanks!
Love the cover!
I read a lot of Lora Leigh books and I enjoyed them so I would love to read her story and also try Jaci Burton – I heard really good reviews about her books.
Everything about this novel is intriguing! Cover, story, title and your review! Nauti and Wild is now on my summer must read list! Love to win a copy, and forgo waiting for it at the library.
Thank you.
terrymac1a at hotmail dot com
With your and the talk I've heard tells me that this is one to check out. Looking forward to it.
This sounds like my kind of story. Please count me in!
Two truly talented authors in one book…that is awesome!! It's a keeper for sure. I really want this one on my shelf!!!!
Valerie
valb0302@yahoo.com
in Germany
Entries for the contest are now closed! Thank you for such overwhelming support and good luck to everyone!!