Wicked Firsts

Covert Affairs #2

by Elisabeth Naughton

Six New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors bring you six all-new contemporary and super sexy suspense stories of first loves, first attractions, first temptations, first times and first obsessions.

First Exposure by Elisabeth Naughton

A film that could make her career. A weekend that will change her life…

When actress Avery Scott’s assistant goes missing researching a role for Avery at an exclusive adults-only resort, Avery finds herself with only one choice: travel to the resort herself and look for clues. She hires an elite operative from Aegis Security to accompany her. She just doesn’t expect to get former undercover FBI agent Cade Blackwell—the man who ripped out her teenage heart twelve years before. One weekend at the sexiest resort in the world with the only man she’s ever loved will expose her to more than just a kinky new lifestyle. It’ll expose her to numerous wicked firsts that will test every ounce of her self-control. And if she’s not careful, she could lose her heart—and her life—in the process.

First Rapture by Alexandra Ivy

Madison Philips has only one reason to return to Las Vegas: Luc Angeli. The tall, dark bad boy took her virginity on her eighteenth birthday and then walked away, now she’s back, and ready for revenge. Luc Angeli spent his youth trying to earn the approval of his philandering father. Now he’s his own man, but there’s still something missing from his life. He doesn’t know what it is until he catches sight of Madison across a balcony. Suddenly he knows this woman is what he’s been searching for, and this time he’s not walking away.

First Taste of Darkness by Cynthia Eden

Hot sex. No regrets. Jess Delaney has spent her life playing the role of the good-girl. On a trip to Vegas, she decides to walk on the wild side when she meets mysterious Blake Landon. Rich, powerful, and carrying plenty of secrets, Blake is unlike any man she has ever met before. But as the passion burns between them, danger waits in the darkness…a danger that may just claim Jess’s life…

First Ink by Laura Wright

Rush... Women in his bed, celebs and rockers in his chair, life is pretty freaking swell. Then she walks back into it again. Not for pleasure, but for pain. For Ink. A bleeding heart to match the one she left him with five years ago.

Addison... She can’t forget him or the pain she caused him. All she has is a hope for redemption. But it’ll only work if he lets her inside his exclusive world, under his famous artist’s needle and into his bed—once again.

First Surrender by Katie Reus

He’s dangerous, sexy, and everything she wants. And he’s about to make his claim…

Hayden, the dangerously sexy, tattooed ex-SEAL is one of the best friends Sierra has ever had—and the main star in her wildest fantasies. But he doesn’t see her that way. And she’d die of embarrassment if he found out she was still a virgin.

Hayden’s struggled to keep his attraction to the beautiful, dark haired casino chef a secret. But when an attacker targets Sierra, Hayden’s protective instincts go into overdrive. With the attraction between them burning out of control, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her and make her his.

First Temptation by Joan Swan

Counterterrorist agent Taft Walker is up for the challenge of posing as an adult store owner with a new female undercover partner who is also a sex-toy virgin. At least until he sees the real woman beneath her tough façade.

Border Patrol Agent Zoe Brooks is ready to get off the front lines. She’s willing to tolerate a swaggering partner like Taft for a new opportunity. But she’s not prepared for the way he understands her deepest, sexiest desires.

Genres: Romance, Anthologies, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Erotica, Contemporary, Erotic Romance

ebook

First published August 19, 2013

About the author

Before topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—award winning author Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A voracious reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Elisabeth now writes full-time.

Though primarily known for her romantic suspense work, Elisabeth has penned over thirty books and continues to write in multiple genres, including paranormal romance and contemporary romance. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have earned several award nominations, including three prestigious RITA® nominations from Romance Writers of America. In 2017, REPRESSED, the first book in her Deadly Secrets series, won the RITA® for best romantic suspense.

Elisabeth's work has been praised by the Chicago Tribune as being filled with "deadly intrigue, high adrenaline action, and scorchingly hot passion.” Kirkus calls her "a writer talented enough at weaving a yarn to get her readers ensnared in it.” When not dreaming up new stories, Elisabeth can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home, wrangling two cats, or chasing after one very rambunctious Dalmatian.

Learn more about Elisabeth and her books at www.ElisabethNaughton.com.

Reviews

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars – Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense Anthology

This is a surprisingly good collection of novellas, especially for the .99 cent introductory sale price. I liked all the stories, which is rare for a compilation like this.

My favorites were FIRST TASTE OF DARKNESS by Cynthia Eden and FIRST SURRENDER by Katie Reus.

[Luli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Puedes encontrar esta reseña en español al final.


These stories common denominator: Lots of hot sex in a few pages.

First Exposure
4,5 stars.
Romantic suspense. Too much sex bordering on erotica. Second chance romance. The author relayed on melodrama to give us some not-sex-related feelings. I liked the MC´s.


First Rapture
Second chance romance. They were teenagers when they met. Not for me.


First Taste of Darkness
2 stars.
Romantic suspense.

OverTheTopness in all its splendor.

This is a super short story but :
There are 3 or 4 super loooooong sex scenes.
There are 3 separations without explanations (but a lot of drama that never comes to anything).
There are scenes where the heroine feels 4 or 5 orgasms In A Row.
Really, I think it's nothing short of amazing to pack so much in such a short story.

First Ink
A second chance romance because they were YA when they first met. Nor for me.


First Surrender
3 stars.
Romantic suspense.

I liked the MC´s and I liked their previous history. The one that happens off-page. The author goes right for the sex and told us about their previous feelings. A pity, because with a little less sex and a lot more off-bed time it could have been a pretty fantastic novella.


First Temptation
Maybe to read.


***

El punto en común de estas historias: Mucho sexo en pocas páginas.

First Exposure
4,5 estrellas.
Suspense romántico. Demasiado sexo, casi rozando lo erótico. Un romance de segundas oportunidades. La autora ha usado el melodrama para darnos algún sentimiento fuera del sexo. Me gustaron los protas.


First Rapture
Romance de segundas oportunidades. Eran adolescents cuando se conocieron. Paso.


First Taste of Darkness
2 estrellas.
Suspense romántico.
Exagerada (o cómo pasarse no sé cuántos pueblos).

Esta es una historia super corta, pero:
Tiene 3 ó 4 escenas de sexo larguííííísimas.
Tiene 3 (¡!) separaciones sin explicaciones (pero con un montón de drama que se queda en nada)
Hay una escena en la que la prota tiene 4 ó 5 orgasmos seguidos.
Vaya, es asombroso todo lo que esta autora ha conseguido empacar en una historia tan corta.

First Ink
Un romance de segundas oportunidades porque los protas eran adolescents cuando se conocieron. Paso.


First Surrender
3 estrellas.
Suspense romántico.

Me han gustado los protas y me ha encantado su historia anterior, la que ocurre fuera de página. La autora salta directamente al sexo y nos cuenta sobre sus sentimientos anteriores. Una pena porque con bastante menos sexo y bastante más tiempo fuera de la cama, esta historia hubiese sido fabulosa.


First Temptation
Ya veré.

[Robin Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Wicked Firsts” has 6 stories by 6 AMAZING authors! It is impossible for me to name a favorite story in this bundle. They’re all equally awesome! Each had me falling in love with the men and each had me wishing I was the women. I’m a huge fan of alpha males and alpha women. I honestly don’t care for weak women in books. They can play the damsel in distress, but I need to see they’re strong too. Scarlett O’hara is the prime example of that and those are the types of heroines I look for in books. Soft and feminine yet strong enough to keep their Alpha men in line and to be equals. That’s why I love all of these authors and stories. They represent all of that and more. To do each story justice, I’ll do mini reviews on each, in the order they are in the bundle.


The Review:

First Exposure

Avery’s life is turned upside down when she goes to Aegis Security looking for help to find her missing assistant, Melody, and instead finds an ex-lover who broke her heart years before. She’s also harboring a secret that she’s held in all this time and the pain and anger make it difficult to open her heart back up to Cade.

Cade has requested this assignment, because he still loves Avery and wants another chance to make her see he’s changed and was a fool for ever leaving her. But he has secrets of his own, that may very well ruin their chances. Together they go to the last place Melody was seen, a sex resort, where she was doing research for Avery’s upcoming film. They have to pretend to be a couple in love, which is hard, because of their past, yet easy because of the feelings they still have. No matter how much Avery tries to avoid intimate situations with Cade, she has no choice but to play the role of her life, meanwhile protecting her heart and saving Melody.



“Massage class. That’s easy enough.” A grin spread across his face. “My shoulders could use a rubdown.”

Instead of the irritated look he expected in response to his smart-ass remark, nervousness crossed Avery’s girl-next-door features, and she looked back down at her papers.

“What’s wrong with a massage class?” he asked

“There’s only one listed.”

Curious, Cade crossed the room with drink in hand, glanced down at the picture in the brochure she was pointing toward, and felt every muscle in his body surge to attention.

Listed amongst the activities the resort offered were the words: Erotic Instructional Couples Massage.




Poor Avery, it must be horrible having to place your hands on that gorgeous, muscular body and run your hands up and down his….well…some things a lady never tells…nor a reviewer.

This is a little taste of the Aegis Security series and I can’t wait to start reading them all! You can also read “Acapulco Heat” the novella that started it all, in the “Bodyguards in Bed” anthology.

I LOVED the scene in the back room. It was hot and an unexpected surprise. (Again, a reviewer never tells.) That really pushed me to give the max rating, so I give “First Exposure” by Elisabeth Naughton

5 Stars



First Rapture

Madison has had a crush on Luc, for years and she’s invited him to her 18th birthday party, specifically to lose her virginity to him. He doesn’t show up till the party is over and he’s stretched out on her bed. After the best sex of her life(well…at the time we/she doesn’t realize this will be) she confesses her love for him. Which scares the heck out of him and he bolts, which shames her into leaving town.

She is the rags to riches story, she grew up poor and her parents were just egg/sperm donors. She had to raise herself and despite all of the odds, after 8 years, she is finally successful and rich. She also decides it’s high time she exorcise the Dark Angel(aka Luc Angeli) from her mind and her dreams. He’s affected her so much she can’t orgasm with anyone else.(That must’ve been some SERIOUSLY amazing sex!) So she goes back to Las Vegas, to hunt him down and pull a sexual hit and run, which she feels he did to her.

Luc is the son of a rich daddy, but he sets out to make it on his own and create his own success…which he does. He’s been a playboy, but now he’s wanting to settle down. But he can’t get Maddy out of his mind. The young girl who rocked his world.




“I apologize for not being the man you needed me to be when I took your virginity, but truthfully, I can’t be sorry that I made love to you,” he admitted, his voice thick. “It’s a night that’s branded into my memory.”




(Et tu Luc? Bet he still had orgasms with other lovers though.)




“You were right.” She nipped the lobe of his ear. “There’s always been an attraction between us, and I’m no longer that girl looking for Prince Charming. Why shouldn’t we have some fun?”

She felt him stiffen at her teasing words. Had she managed to wound him? No, that would be ridiculous.

As if to prove his point, Luc nuzzled his lips along her jaw. “I’ll have my car—”

“No need,” she interrupted. “I have a room.”




That a girl! Be prepared when you plan on seducing the only man who can give you orgasms!

Honestly, I really loved this story. I liked how Madison took an embarrassing situation and used it to become someone she could be proud of. I also liked how the story pointed out how something we do as kids can make or break us as adults. It was real. We’ve all wanted to(or done) the revenge screw. It’s human nature and I like that Alexandra Ivy brings that to us…makes us look into that reality mirror.

She didn’t just bring a love story to us, she brought back some personal memories and for that I give “First Rapture” by Alexandra Ivy

5 Stars



First Taste of Darkness

Aaaah….the good girl gone bad story. I LOVE these! Why? Because I’ve always been classified as the “good girl” and to be quite honest…it sometimes sucks. Not so much now that I’m an adult, but still…I know the stress of feeling like you have to be good all the time, when deep down you know there is something naughty lurking and waiting for that moment to attack! Rawr!!




He kissed her again. Drove his tongue past her lips and had her moaning.

Blake Landon knew how to kiss. The guy was a master.

The dress’s straps slid down her arms. Goosebumps rose on her flesh. It was going to happen. She was taking this moment, taking him , and Jess wasn’t going to be the good girl any longer.

When in Vegas—




Sadly it takes a devastating event to unlock the tigress in Jess, but when it comes out, she takes no prisoners and Blake fights like heck to avoid that trap in more ways then one.




His teeth scored her flesh. Right then, he wanted to mark her. This woman, with her wild passion and those gorgeous eyes— she was his.

For the night. Just the night. He never kept a lover longer than that.

But they had all night.

He lowered Jess to her feet. Backed away a few steps. They needed to be clear. “Just tonight…” He barely recognized the hard growl of his voice.

She jerked a bit, and her eyes widened. “Th-that’s all I want.”




HA!! Don’t go thinking you’re all that Blake! She just wants to use you for sex too!

I loved the fact as the story progressed, her tigress and the good girl merged and a whole new Jess was reborn, but most of all I loved the fact that she accepted both sides of herself. She didn’t run scared back to being the good girl or go crazy and become a bed hopper. She also forced Blake to come to some realizations about himself, which for any woman who has been around a man who has morphed himself into something different, someone BETTER, they don’t do this willingly or easily.

This was an awesome story, but also because I have a touch of that good girl syndrome, I give “First Taste of Darkness” by Cynthia Eden

5 Stars



First Ink

“First Ink” is the first story in Laura Wright’s Wicked Ink Chronicles and I’m ooooh so glad she’s not stopping with this one.

Ok, confession time. I know I said I didn’t have any favorite stories, but I do have a favorite leading man and Rush did it for me. From the second Laura Wright brought him into the story, until the very end and even as I sit here, I was…I AM…hooked on Rush. Maybe it’s the bad a$$ tattoo artist with a sensitive heart? Not sure. But I’m in love.

Once again, we’re taken to a teenager’s mistake and how it’s affecting her as an adult. I truly do enjoy these life lessons and the memories it brings up. The would’ve, could’ve, should’ve done something different moments.

Addison made the stupid and oh so common mistake of dumping someone who was great for her, for someone she assumed would be better for her. Rush was the great someone. He was her best friend, he loved her and she lied to him. She said she was too sick to go to homecoming with him. She went with another guy. He found out when he went to her house and she wasn’t there.




Thing was, I cared for her. I’d opened up a can of Campbell’s, and brought it over to her house. The chick who answered the door was really forthcoming with the information, grinned when she said it and everything.

The Campbell’s had gone into the bushes and I’d gone to the school.




HE BROUGHT SOUP FOR HER!! How sweet is that!!?? One thing led to another once he got to the school and he left town and never looked back. She at least came around to her senses that night, but it was too late. He was gone. She tried for years to get him to talk to her so she could apologize, but he avoided her like the plague.

Can you blame him? He brought soup!!

Finally she gets her opportunity. He’s tattooing at a convention, something he never does. For his last tattoo, he’s asking for an “ink virgin”(aka, someone who has never had a tattoo) so Addison’s friend Lisa raises her hand and she’s chosen. At the last minute she pretends she’s pregnant, so Rush can’t tattoo her, but she nominates Addison. Rush immediately recognizes her and decides to do it as long as he can put it where he wants on her body and put any design he wants. You have to read the book to find out where he puts what. I had a few ideas, but I had to keep reminding myself she was young and stupid when she broke his heart…but it was pretty hard.




He’s so sexy, all that muscle and all that ink pressed up against me. I want him. All of him. Him inside me, him behind me, on top of me. So deep he can’t get out, ever, not until he forgives me.




Well…if that’s how it’s going to work…RUSH PLEASE FORGIVE HER! He’s mine!

Ok…I have another confession. Remember how I said I wasn’t sure why I was hooked on Rush? Well…I kinda DO know the moment that made me think…this Bad Boy is oh so good. But I can’t tell you, you have to read this story and find out for yourself. I’ll just say Rush’s kitchen is pretty dang hot and for that I’m giving “First Ink” by Laura Wright

5 SMOKIN’ HOT Stars!! (Hmm….maybe I had a favorite out of this bundle after all.:)



First Surrender

Okay, this story was just so flipping sweet. I loved it. I know some might think a 22 yr old virgin is absurd, but guess what…it DOES happen…and that’s what I love about this story. It’s explained, it’s plausible, it makes sense.

I love Sierra. She’s as sweet as apple pie, with a dash of naughty. She’s just been waiting for the right guy to come along and that man is Hayden. Hot, sexy, sweet Hayden. He’s an ex Seal, who was a jerk when Sierra first met him. She told him off with a smile. He was enthralled with her after that and the feelings were mutual. But it took her getting attacked for him to step up and make his move. Because of her past relationships and interactions with men, she didn’t feel like she’d ever be good enough to capture Hayden’s attention, so she drooled from afar. He did the same.




Hayden’s big hands skimmed down to the hem of her tank -top. For a moment he teased the bottom of it before slowly pushing it up. She swallowed hard when reality set in that he’d be seeing her naked soon. Unlike her gorgeous sister and mother, she hadn’t gotten any height or their amazing genes. And she definitely wasn’t like the tall, lithe women she’d seen hanging onto Hayden at the casino.




Those are real fears of most women. It wasn’t just “Look at me I’m a Sex Goddess!” It was soul bearing and honest. I loved this about Sierra.




Sierra felt a moment of insecurity at being completely naked in front of him, but it vanished when his big body shuddered.

Actually shuddered as he tracked her from her feet up to her face.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmured before pressing his hands on the inside of her knees, urging her to spread her thighs wider.

Part of her wanted to cover herself, but with Hayden kneeling in between her legs looking hungry for her, she savored being on display for him. She knew what he was going to do, could see the determined look in his eyes, but nothing prepared her for when he buried his face between her thighs.




Well played Hayden….well played!

This story is a little hard to review, not because it’s bad or boring, but because it’s so sweet, so innocent, yet passionate. They make love. They don’t just have wild, screw me against the walls, sex(don’t get me wrong, I love that as much as the next girl) but it touches your heart too.

Whoever laid these stories out in “Wicked Firsts” was very smart indeed. Why you ask? Because you come off Rush, feeling like you’ve just went on the biggest roller coaster ever, to going through the tunnel of love with the person who holds your heart and soul in their hands. It’s hardcore sex, then cuddling afterwards. It feeds our bodies and our souls.

This story is the launch novella for Katie Reus’ new series “The Serafina: Sin City Series”, a spin-off from her popular “Red Stone Security” series. I haven’t personally read the Red Stone Series yet, but I fully intend to. Katie Reus has gained a new fan. :-)

Because of the afterglow I had from reading “First Surrender” by Katie Reus I give this story

5 Stars



First Temptation

Okay…let me just say “HECK YEAH!” This was the perfect story to follow “First Surrender” and to end the “Wicked Firsts” bundle. Joan Swan, took us out with a bang and oh what a bang! “First Temptation” is a novella from her series “Covert Affairs”

This book was everything I love to see in romance stories. A tough woman, who can kick drug cartel butt, yet who oozes so much sex appeal she could be a stripper. A hot sexy guy who tries to be an overbearing Alpha, but then realizes he can stand with her or against her.

Zoe is trying to get away from her current job as a Border Patrol Agent. She wants to try something different and if she’s honest with herself, she wants to run from the guilt she has after one of her teammates is killed. She goes to a meeting after a rough night of chasing down drug runners, to discuss a possible undercover job and it’s there she meets Taft.




“Hey, boss.” The man’s voice vibrated in a smooth, rich timbre that made Zoe want to close her eyes. “Looking good. How’s your girl?”

No, Zoe definitely didn’t know this man. She would never forget a voice like that. It curled through her body like the first sip of her hot coffee, tingling down her chest and spreading through her belly.

She was either really, really tired or this guy was really, really yummy.

As Mr. Yum talked to Rio, Zoe glanced up, appreciating an overall build as delicious as his abs and his voice put together, but his face was blocked by the brim of her uniform ball cap. Just as well. This was not the day to meet a hot guy—



The undercover job requires them to pretend to be a couple who run a sex shop. When Taft gives her the once over, all he sees is a tomboyish looking woman, with no curves, bad attitude and no sex appeal. He refuses to work with her. Zoe takes it upon herself to change his mind.




He was going to send Brooks over the edge . Then maybe he’d get a hot partner he could authentically get it on with.

He leaned over and glanced beneath the table, then sat up with a heavy sigh. “Baby, you couldn’t sex yourself up enough to fit into a store like that if you worked at it for a month.”

Her fork hit the plate again . But this time it hadn’t fallen. She’d thrown it. “Oh, you don’t think so?”

“Okay,” Rio broke in, “hold on—”

“Nope,” Taft said to Zoe, ignoring Rio. He shoved the rest of the muffin into his mouth. “I know so.”

She slid sideways out of her chair and stood. Instead of storming out like he expected, she held his gaze and rolled her shoulders in a slow shrug. The oddly sensual move made her jacket fall off her shoulders. But the look in her eyes was what hinted that Taft was about to eat his words.




And boy does he! I loved seeing Zoe bounce between both sides of her personality, from kick your butt to grab your butt. And the sex…omg…the sex. One word. Stairs. That’s just a few of the reasons I give “First Temptation” by Joan Swan

5 Sizzling Stars!


~Robin (Book Reads and Reviews)

[Beate · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is rare to find six very good novellas by six very different authors in one anthology. To say I've been enchanted by each and every story, is to put it mildly.

The name for the anthology, Wicked Firsts, is very fitting. These stories are wicked in every sexy sense you can think of, and each story has a "first" experience for its characters.

First Exposure by Elisabeth Naughton
4 stars

The anthology kicks off with a high paced plot that nearly has one of the characters killed. The sexual tension between the characters is intense enough to have anyone reaching for ice cold water. And when Avery and Cade finally do hook up, it is wicked hot.

First Rapture by Alexandra Ivy
3 1/2 stars

I have fallen completely in love with Alexandra Ivy's writing. She always manages to pull me right into her world in just a few paragraphs. First Rapture is no different like that. The chemistry between Madison and Luc is so good, and feels so real, you just want them to have the most wicked sex in the history of sex, though the sex ends up a little on the vanilla side of things.

Madison is out to take revenge on Luc for breaking her heart when she was 18. They hook up, it's explosive, and she runs away. This could easily have been an un-happily ever after ending. But Luc, stupid in love with Madison, chases her down and convinces her to give him a new chance. Even if he's based out of Las Vegas, and Madison is in New York City, they make it work. Or rather, Luc makes some sacrifices to make sure their relationship works.

First Taste Of Darkness by Cynthia Eden
4 stars

Getting shot at can make any girl run in the other direction of a really hot guy. It doesn't matter how sexy he is, a bullet will chase a girl away. At least Jess is trying to run away from the bullets raining down around her and her one night stand, Blake.

But Blake, rich and spoiled, has taken a fancy to Jess, and refuses to let her slip away. He takes her with him to a different location, and proceeds to seduce her. Their hook-up is hot, and their first few days are action packed. Ms Eden manages to pack a lot of punch into a short novella. I was at the edge of my seat, anxious to find out what would happen with Jess and Blake.

First Ink by Laura Wright
4 1/2 stars

Ms Wright has taken a real shine to hot guys and tattoos, and that makes me a very happy girl. It is rare to read a story where you're sympathetic to a character, and at the same time you resent them just a little. Addison is such a character. I both hated her and loved her. I hated her for what she had done to Rush when they were teens, and I loved her for not having a moments peace of mind until she could apologize to Rush.

but most of all I loved Rush for giving Addison a real hard time. She deserved it. Rush is this sexy tattoo artist, wanted by women and admired by men. I kept thinking I want a Rush all to myself.

I love the setup of how the meet again. I love the explosive chemistry between the characters. And I found it amusing that his tattoo shop and his skills as the bad ass artist is featured in all six novellas.

First Surrender by Katie Reus
4 stars

This story literally takes off with a bang. Both Hayden and Sierra have been in love with the other for ages, and when there's an attempt to kidnap/kill Sierra, Hayden wakes up and claims her for himself. I knew who the bad guy was from the moment he was introduced, making this story a little predictable. But true to the anthology title - Wicked - the characters have amazing chemistry in the bedroom.

First Temptation by Joan Swan
5 stars

This story is a little different to the others as it doesn't take place in Las Vegas.

Border Patrol Agent Zoe Brook, and Counterterrorist Agent Taft Walker are hot from the get go. They go undercover, working in a sextoy shop. Their attempts at running the store are both sexy and funny. As they prepared to walk into the devil's den, so to speak, and all the way to the very end, I was almost biting my nails. I just had no clue where the author was going, and I was more than surprised by some of the twists in this one.

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual with anthologies, they are a mixed bag of "goodies". Depending on your tastes, you'll like one, none or all of them. I guess it will be a mix of this, as you clearly are a fan of cont romance if you buy it.
Here's my take.

First Exposure by EN. Ms Naughton is a great author, but I can't say I like this novella. My idea of romance or romantic interest is different. I'm someone who believes in second chances, but also believes strongly that they should be earned. (And I don't mind a bit of groveling to get it...)
In this story, the guy abandoned the heroine because he decided she needed a better life. So he disappeared in the middle of the night and later sent annulment papers. She was pregnant. So at 18 she had to make a life for her self on her own, after the painful experience of a stillbirth. Twelve years later, after fame, she is still unable to live and basically she pines away. This kind of story leaves me angry and sad, because this is what we are told is romance. Pining away for 12 years is not love to me. It's a mental condition that needs to be treated. Nor I can stand the fact that at the end we, as women, are depicted as sex-starved and sex-driven. Because, the moment she sees him, her pussy gets wet and 10 minutes later they are shagging. Sigh. And guess what? In these twelve years he did keep living, he married, has a child, but hey he never forgot her. WTF?
The novella is full of cliché (to the point that I'm confusing with an other book I read, Fully Engaged) and the plot is on the unbelievable scale. Personally I don't like the meddling friend characters, as I believe that no one has any right to it. There's no justification for meddling, not even "love".

Alexandra Ivy's novella. Where have I read this story? He screwed her badly years ago. She's still into him and pines away. Can't really live without him (She can't orgasm you see...), and as soon as she sees him again: sex fest. And a meddling friend..Oh yes. It was the previous story. Oh but the plot is different. ...girls, girls, girls, do we really want this?
Rinse and repeat.


The third novella is by the Grand Dame, Miss Eden herself. It's a pure Harlequinesque novella (the good girl and the billionaire bad boy), but at least it's different from the first two. It's not up to par with her usual standards in RS, the plot is way too self-evident. It's still a pleasure to read.

First Ink by Laura Wright is cute. It's again a second chance romance, but at least this time she's the one who screwed him over. They come together out of guilt at least. She wants to apologize. He's no intention of letting her. The ink bed does the rest.

First Surrender by Katie Reus. Romance at the most classical. Ex-seal and the virgin chef he works with. Cute too, I only wish romance author would study a bit of anatomy. If during sex your hero plays her with three fingers, you are already deflowering her, lady. There's no need for the usual spiel. Have you actually watched a man's hand? Does it seem small to you? Sorry, reader pals, this is what I noticed most in this story...
If you have read her other cont, there's a cameo from an other couple.

First Temptation by Joan Swan. I would have liked this more with a different twist on the plot. The idea is pretty good, or it would have been with an other story. She's a border patrol cop and has to face a lot of bias. The hero is very biased toward her. In a longer story and with a different plot I would have liked to see him bashed :D
With this time frame and the set they all came out as unprofessional :D (Undercover in a sex shop... imagine ladies...).


None of these novellas is bad, none though is particularly good or outstanding. A few of them quote each other (which is always a bit weird to me).
I had believed that each of them was the prequel of a new series, but this is true only of a couple of them. Will I read the full books? No, I don't think so. Even if wicked ink is a temptation...

[Sugar Skull Confessions · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Exposure - 3 stars. I liked the story, believable, but it kind of needed more heat.

First Rapture - 2.5 stars. The story was a bit weird, we have Madison that somehow i couldn't agree with her revenge and yet i totally understood but for very different reasons than her.

First Taste of Darkness - 3.5 stars. I love Cynthia Eden, i love her deadly series. i liked the story, the plot, the characters, but since it was short, it felt rushed, i've read short stories before that manage to not feel rushed.

First Ink - 4.5 stars. I don't know if it's because all the stories in this bundle mentioned the hero in this story that created a build up for me, but i loved Rush, i don't know what he has but, he was hot and steamy. The story didn't feel "rushed" but it will be great to see the rest of the series.

First Surrender - 4 stars. Hayden was hot hot hot....i loved his affection to Sierra and their chemistry.

First Temptation - 5 stars. This story even though it was short, it include everything for me. Humor, Sexyness, Protectiveness, Suspense, Romance. I loved both the hero and the heroine, it was like a match made in heaven. Highly recommended.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all the stories!!!!

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only rating for Katie Reus Story - First Surrender

[Wendy *Sebella Blue* Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an anthology of erotic romantic suspense. I will give a brief review of all the stories and then a final overall review.

First Exposure by Elisabeth Naughton

This is the story of Avery Scott, an all American actress, in search of her missing friend/assistant. The PI firm she hires assigns Cade Blackwell to her case. Avery and Cade have a history, a case of first love gone very, very wrong. The trail leads them to a swingers resort in Jamaica. It doesn't take a genius to see where this one goes.

First Exposure set the tone for the rest of the anthology. Hot, hot, hot! Most of the story is set at an adults only resort where ANYTHING goes. I enjoyed this portion of the book. Avery and Cade were believable characters, although I would definitely have made Cade grovel.... A LOT. His overall demeanor in the beginning had me looking for my cast iron skillet. I would have liked to have seen Avery rub her success in Cade's face just a little. My vengeful wishes aside, this was a good example of a sweet story peppered with some very steamy sex.

First Rapture by Alexandra Ivy

Madison Phillips had a teenage crush on Luc Angeli that she made no secret about. On the night Luc finally gives in to Madison's crush, he leaves before the sweat had dried on their satisfied skin. Crushed and heartbroken, Madison has spent the following years dreaming of getting her pound of flesh and now she is ready to collect.

I love a good revenge story and if that story has great sex well all the better. Once again however, The heroine, Madison is not quite as vicious as I would have liked. I mean, if a guy takes your virginity and then says basically "Have a nice life", well, I would have been out for blood, or even better, his prized body parts. Luc is repentant, to a degree. He decides he wants Madison back in his life and then goes about ensuing his desire. Hmmm, too easy.
There is also the meddlesome best friend ( I am not a fan of these), who decides Madison doesn't know what's best for herself. Despite these minor glitches, Alexandra Ivy still spins a good tale and provided the reader with a good tale.

First Taste of Darkness by Cynthia Eden

Jess Delaney has recently found out her fiancé was not the faithful soul he should have been. Heartbroken she decides to have a wild night in Vegas. She catches the eye of Blake Landon, a big fish in the Vegas scene. Always fearful of gold diggers, Blake is captivated by Jess's innocence. Jess gets caught in Blake's world of high finance and those who would try to take what Blake has built.

This was an action packed story with great suspense and intrigue. Still managing to be an extremely sexy story, this section of the anthology had a truly enjoyable thread of mystery and as the title states, darkness. Jess was truly a fish out of water in this book. The world in which she finds herself is completely foreign and catches her flat footed. I completely believed the characters and there reactions to their circumstances. I would definitely have bought this book as a stand alone.

First Ink by Laura Wright

Rush Merrick was one of the most sought after tattoo artist in the country. He has a waiting list a mile long and numbers many celebrities among his clients. Addison is the one that broke his young heart in a very public and humiliating way. After years of regretting her actions, Addison shows up at Rush's shop for a tat and maybe forgiveness.

When I first started this book I discovered it was written in first person, and I was all like "No, Laura, No!". Then I discovered it was written from both POV's. This was an awesome surprise. One of the reasons I'm not a fan of first person perspective is not knowing why the other characters react the way they do. Laura dealt with this issue spectacularly. With her signature hotness, Laura spins the story of heartbreak, reunion and redemption with a master's touch. Rush was a totally sympathetic, but droolworthy hero. Addison not so much. Can you tell I'm a heroaphile? Addison does redeem herself in a most public way, which saved her IMHO. Once again, Laura Wright hits it out of the park.

First Surrender by Katie Reus

At 22 years of age, Sierra is head chef at one of the top chefs in Vegas, an amazing achievement for one so young. She has had a major crush on the new head of security , Hayden, almost from the moment they met. Now best friends, neither realizes that they both want to move from he friend zone to the bedroom.

I really liked all the books in this anthology and adore all the writers and their talent, but this was hands down my favorite story. I love a friends to lovers theme. I was totally into Hayden and Sierra's story and was sorry the book was so short, and shock of all shocks, I had not one single complaint about Sierra. First Surrender moves quickly without leaving important details behind. There were great secondary characters and a compelling tale in which the sex was an extra spice and not the entire dish. If I wasn't already a fan of Katie's, this book would have tipped the scales.

First Temptation by Joan Swan

Zoe Brooks is a much respected Border Patrol Supervisor, but she is looking for a change. With a chance to work undercover on the capture of one of the biggest drug and weapons smugglers, she sees her chance. From the moment he laid eyes on the butch female, Taft Walker made no bones about the fact that he didn't believe Zoe had the chops to work this case. He made no effort at diplomacy and told her point blank that she wasn't woman enough to play the femme fatale. Boy, did he have that one wrong.

It has to be obvious by now that I am all about the heroes. That being said..... I would have clocked Taft soon after opening his mouth. He did wind up eating his words, and then decided he wanted to get Zoe in the sack, no strings attached. Zoe handles the situation professionally, and with great aplomb. She is just as blunt with Taft about her " not with her co-workers" policy. Their journey together was sexy, danger filled, and with a great underlying humor. There is a very sexy pole dancing scene that proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Zoe was most assuredly all woman. All in all this was a truly enjoyable ending to this anthology.

This is a set of stories that I really, really regret was not in print. I would have paid the extra money in a heartbeat. To have all these amazing authors in one place is beyond the measly amount one would pay. While I did like some tales better than others, it's like comparing diamonds and sapphires, I wouldn't sneeze at either one. These are stories I will read and reread over and over and is a "must have" for lovers of erotic romance. Brava, ladies, brava.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review does not cover all of the novellas in the anthology but only a few:

•••••••

REVIEW: FIRST INK is the first storyline and introductory novella in Laura Wright’s contemporary new adult Wicked Ink Chronicles focusing on the men and women of Wicked Ink Tattoo Studio. This is Addison and Rush’s story. Rush is the tattoo artist and owner of Wicked Ink and Addison is the woman that broke his heart.

The storyline follows Addison as she ventures to Vegas to confront Rush-her childhood friend, high school crush and the man with whom she has always been in love. But five years earlier, Addison pushed Rush away on the night of their high school homecoming dance and the next day Rush packed his bags and left. Five years of trying to contact Rush-to explain what had happened-has left Addison with a heavy heart. Had she truly destroyed any possibility of forgiveness from the man she has always loved?

The storyline is written from two different first person POVs-Addison and Rush. The novella is fast paced as the couple is quick to pick up where they left off years before but there is still the elephant in the room-what really happened and why? You can feel the anxiety and tension; the longing and the love. Addison has come to Vegas to apologize and in the end we are still not aware of the entire story.

We are introduced to Addison’s friend Lisa and Rush’s co-worker Vincent- there is some early confrontation between the couple’s friends and a possibility of another building storyline.

First Ink is the introductory storyline and, in my opinion, one that ends with many unanswered questions. Addison and Rush’s story feels incomplete and I hope that Laura still has much more story to tell.

Laura has always had the ability to pull the reader into the story and First Ink is no exception. It is a story of first loves, second chances and forgiveness.


•••••••••••


FIRST SURRENDER is the first storyline in the Red Stone Security (RSS) spinoff series The Serafina: Sin City by Katie Reus. By way of connection, Katie has spun off the series with Wyatt and Iris Christiansen from book six (Breaking Her Rules) in her RSS series thus giving the series a sense familiarity. Wyatt owns The Serafina Hotel and Iris is the head of security. First Surrender is the introductory storyline and the premise and feel is similar to her RSS series.

The storyline focuses on Sierra, the head chef for The Serafina Hotel and Hayden-the man who has wanted Sierra since the first night they met. Their backstory is similar to many of Katie’s novels where the leading couple has known each other in the past or have a recent history. But for Sierra, who has loved Hayden from afar, she has no idea that the man has feelings or wants something more. And in true romantic suspense fashion, Sierra will become the target of an obsessive stalker and Hayden will use everything in his power to keep her safe and in his arms.

Sierra is a strong young woman who does not put up with Hayden’s alpha male instincts and contrast that to the Hayden’s overzealous need to protect Sierra-there is a bit of a power play both in public and in the bedroom. But in the end, it is all about the love and sensuality between two people who have been dancing around each other for over a year.

The novella is a quick read; fast paced friends to lovers story of suspense and romance, and there is never any hesitation between our leading couple. They know what they want and there is no holding back when Hayden makes his feelings known therefore the relationship is very quick to develop. The sex scenes are hot and sensual, romantic and sweet.

If you are a fan of Katie Reus’s Red Stone Security series than you will love her new Sin City series. There is a familiarity to the storyline and one that sets the series in a new direction.

[Eva Millien · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wicked Firsts Box set is a great collection of wonderful authors that is full of suspense, romance and steamy sex.

All six stories have great plots that full of intrigue and action that engage the reader from the beginning of each one. The reader certainly won’t be bored with the twists and turns in each tale.

The characters are all strong believable characters that draw you further into the story and supporting characters that add depth and character to each book.

All the couples in the stories have lots of chemistry and emotional drama along with lots of hot and steamy sex that burn up the pages and leave the readers wanting more.

In Elisabeth Naughton’s First Exposure, Avery is exposed to the kinky side of sex while dealing with missing friends and her past relationship Cade, her partner. The suspense builds as together they learn just what is going on at that resort.

In Alexandra Ivy’s First Rapture, Madison returns to Vegas to confront her Wicked First and to get closure and maybe a little revenge. The romance and suspense builds when Luc plans put a major kink in her plans.

In Cynthia Eden’s First Taste of Darkness, the action starts off right at the beginning and doesn’t stop as the good girl Jess decides to take her first walk on the dark side. Things don’t go her way when rich and powerful Blake’s past comes back to haunt him putting both their lives in danger.

In Laura Wright’s First Ink, Addison returns to Vegas to try to get over the wrong she done to her one and only love. She allows Rush a famous tattoo artist to give her first wicked tattoo just so he will listen, but because of the past, neither knows where they really stand with each other even thought their attraction is just as strong as before.

In Katie Reus’ First Surrender, Sierra struggles to keep her attraction to Hayden secret, but finds out that he is just as attracted to her when a friend betrays them and endangers Sierra’s life. Can Hayden handle being her wicked first lover.

In Joan Swan’s First Temptation, Counterterrorist Agent Taft Walker agrees to partner with Border Patrol Agent, Zoe Brooks on her first wicked undercover assignment to capture a member of the Cartel. The suspense builds as they try to carry out their assignment while fighting their red hot chemistry.

Overall, this is an awesome set of books by six wonderful authors, that kept me thoroughly entertained and on the edge of my seat. I only had one disappointment with this box set and that was I wish they all would have been longer.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Exposure: Great story about rekindled love. When Avery looks for help finding a missing friend, the last person she expects to find is Cade, the man who broke her heart. Forced to work together, the two have no choice but to admit that they still have feelings for each other. Old sparks are reignited and they eventually get their happy ending.
First Rapture: I liked this story because it started out as Madison looking for revenge against Luc and ending up getting more than she bargained for. Luc wants Madison back and he'll do anything to get her.
First Taste of Darkness: When Jess goes looking for a one night stand in Vegas to ease her broken heart, she ends up smack in the middle of something bigger than she ever imagined. She decides to take a chance on the dangerous Blake Landon and ends up falling for him. But Blake has something precious stolen from him, and Jess is set up to take the fall. Will the truth come out before it's too late? You'll have to read and find out.
First Ink: One word comes to mind. HOT. I absolutely loved this peek into Addison and Rush. Sometimes things aren't always what they seem to be. For years Rush believed that Addison had left him and broke his heart. But now there's a chance to find out what really happened when Addison ends up in Rush's tattoo chair to get her "first ink." Addison just wants the chance to make up for the past and puts herself in Rush's hands hoping that she can find redemption. Sparks fly while Rush has Addison in his chair and the two realize that redemption might not be so hard to find after all.
First Surrender: Sierra and Hayden like each other but are afraid to admit it to each other. When Sierra is targeted in the casino where she works and Hayden runs security, the two are forced together to keep Sierra safe. Being so close to each other eventually brings out the truth, but they have to survive first.
First Temptation: Wow. This was a great story. Zoe and Taft are such a riot together. I loved the characters and the storyline. Hope to see more of them in the future.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Exposure **3 stars**

Good enough story that I have added some of the authors books to my TBR. I like both the H/h. Good second chance love story with a bit of suspense thrown in there. Wraps up a little too quickly, but that is to be expected since it is part of this book full of shorts. I think this would've made a great full length book.

First Rapture **2.5**

This was just okay. I always want more story, so I don't know why I read these shorts. I think I just like to tease myself...LOL


First Taste of Darkness **5 stars**

This has been the best so far. I don't think I've never not liked something that Ms. Eden has written. I just love a good story about a bad boy trying to go good.

First Ink. **2.5 stars**

I'm just reading along and BOOM the story is over??? I know these are just short pieces, but damn I'm not sure there was enough for me to decide about the author.


First Surrender. **4 stars**/

I believe this is the start of a new series for this author. Im looking forward to reading the full lenght books in her new series. I liked the authors voice so much, I went out and bought one of her books. Looking forward to finishing this book so I can start on it


First Temptation. **4 stars**
Really great story, enough so that I bought the 1st book in the Covert Series. Very enjoyable steamy romantic suspense.

[Loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this is a collection of hot and combustible novellas!

[Bobbi Romans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved each one. Was perfect for being busy and on the go. I was able to read one, stop, get some things done, and as a treat, start the next one.

[Jujubee]

First Exposure (Aegis 0.5) Elisabeth Naughton
First Rapture (The Rapture 01) Alexandra Ivy
First Taste of Darkness Cynthia Eden
First Ink Wicked Ink Chronicles 01) Laura Wright
First Surrender (The Serafina: Sin City 01) Katie Reus
First Temptation (Covert Affairs 01.2) Joan Swan

[Andrea Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Firsts

This is a combination of "Firsts" in various series by various authors. The one constant is each main character has been inked by the same tattoo artist, Rush Merrick. These are great novellas and several I am interested in reading the rest of the series.

[Corina · Rating 5 out of 5]

great short stories

[Bego · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only read Cynthia Eden's and really liked it.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIRST EXPOSURE by Elisabeth Naughton – This is the 2nd novella about the Aegis Security team. When Avery Scott’s, who is a movie star, assistant goes missing after she went to a adult only resort on a fact finding mission for a part for Avery, she enlist the help of Aegis Security to try and help her find out what happened to her. What Avery didn’t count on was the man being assigned to go with her undercover would be her childhood love, Cade Blackwell, she hasn’t seen in more than 12 years. He’s broke more than her heart when he left her all those years ago and she’s never quite recovered. You could feel the chemistry coming from these two from their first meeting and even though Avery fought it being on an island surrounded by sex in all forms made it impossible to not give in. In their search for her assistant, Cade realizes that something far worse than they thought is going on and Avery is already on their radar.
I really liked both of these characters and the story had equal parts of suspense, sexy loving and angst. I look forward to the full length books in this series coming out next year.

FIRST RAPTURE by Alexandra Ivy – Madison Philips went from a childhood of being poor and having a neglectful mother who slept around to a successful business woman. But she’s never forgotten the man she gave her virginity to on her 18th birthday, Luc Angeli, who gave her the best and worst night of her life that night when she dubbed him the Dark Angel after he broke her heart. She’s now returning home for the first time in 8 years to have revenge sex with Luc Angeli to get him out of her system once and for all.
Luc Angeli for years tried to live up to a image his father, who ran a casino empire, wanted him to be. That consisted of a lot of bed hopping with women. Now he’s walked away from that life and is running his own real estate company. But when he’s see’s Maddy he knows she is the one he should have never walked away from.
But can Maddy just let go of 8 years of hate against the man who broke her heart.. Great sexy read that answers the question you can you never forget your first.

FIRST TASTE OF DARKNESS by Cynthia Eden – Not your traditional hero but still uber sexy. Jess Delaney is in Vegas for her honeymoon minus a cheating groom. She’s always lived her life on the straight and narrow and for once wants to have a little fun in Sin City. She immediately catches the eye of multi hotel and casino owner Blake Landon. On their way up to the penthouse bullets start flying. There is a good bit of action and mystery in this one that even though its short it’s still satisfying.

FIRST INK by Laura Wright – Move over MC Club books Wicked Ink is moving in. Rush Merrick is one of the most sought after tattoo artist. Every woman wants to be with him and men want to be inked by him. But Rush had his heart ripped out 5 years ago by his childhood sweetheart and he’s refused to talk to her since. Addison regretted immediately what she had done to Rush and has thought about it every day for 5 years needing to explain and apologize but Rush refuses her letters and calls. With her friend along for support she shows up at a convention he is working hoping to be able to finally speak to him. She gets that talk and a lot more. You couldn’t help but fall in love with Rush from the moment you met him. He’s the epitome of cool.. Looks like this is the first in what’s going to be a series. I can’t wait to read more and hopefully find out what really went down between Addison’s friend and one of Rush co-workers.

FIRST SURRENDER by Katie Reus – For fan’s of Katie’s Red Stone series this is the first in a spin off series. Its centered around the people that work at a hotel in Vegas. Sierra is the head chef at the Serafina casino. She has been in love with ex Navy Seal Hayden since they first met when he joined the hotel’s security staff. But she thinks he only likes her as a friend and she has settled for that. When she is attacked in the parking garage leaving work Hayden can no longer hide his attraction to Sierra and his alpha man personality comes out to both protect her and in the bedroom. Being a short novella the mystery was solved pretty quick but all the characters – main and supporting were intriguing and I look forward to reading Hayden’s brother’s book.

FIRST TEMPTATION by Joan Swan – What do you get when you mix a tough border control agent and a Counterterrorist agent who have to go undercover in a sex shop to catch someone who’s helping terrorist? An extremely funny and very hot and steamy read. Oh there is plenty of action too to get your heart pumping along with the all the sex toys  And as a added bonus Rio from Intimate Enemies is Taft’s boss and running the op. I loved all the stories in this book and didn’t have a favorite until I read the last one – First Temptations. Looking forward to more in the Covert Affairs series.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Firsts was a wicked good read. This box set contains six stand-alone stories/novellas. Each one is between five and twelve chapters. The theme is “firsts”. First lovers reunited; first tattoo; first undercover assignment, etc. The other common thread in most of them is that either the hero or heroine has a tattoo – designed or inked by Rush Merrick. All of the stories contain some hot, sexy action between the hero/heroine. I tried not to give any spoilers in my review.

First Exposure by Elizabeth Naughton features Avery and Cade. Avery is a prominent Hollywood actress whose assistant has gone missing researching an assignment at a sex resort. Avery hires a security agency to help her locate her assistant and the agent assigned to be her “pretend” husband on the trip is none other than Cade, her first love. Avery and Cade have a lot of past and secrets to work through. Avery’s anger at Cade is much easier to understand when she confronts him with an event in this past. Parts of this story were heart wrenching but it was worth it to discover whether they could let go the past and find a future together.

First Rapture by Alexandra Ivy is about a Maddy being reunited with her first love. Maddy shares herself with Luc on her eighteenth birthday. She tells him she loves him and he walks away. Maddy leaves the next day with her heartbroken. She gets her big break in New York as a model and starts her own agency. She, however, is unable to have a committed relationship with another man due to her issues with Luc leaving her. She returns to Vegas eight years later with a plan to have revenge sex with Luc so she can move on with her life. Luc realizes that Maddy is the best thing that ever happened to him – and works to win her back.

First Taste of Darkness by Cynthia Eden is set in Las Vegas. Jess is jilted by her fiancé but goes on her honeymoon to Vegas anyway, alone. She goes to a Club where she encounters Blake (who owns half the real estate in Vegas). Blake is only good at one night stands and Jess is just looking for a walk on the wild side – she needs to shed her good girl image – so they hook up for the night. Needless to say Blake is not all that he seems and after an attempt on his life he and Jess hook up at another of his hotels. There are some misunderstandings –a kidnapping – and a friend who isn’t really a friend -- but it was a quick read with some good suspense.

First Ink by Laura Wright is a first person POV story. The chapters go back and forth between Addy’s POV and Rush’s POV. Although this does not work for every story it worked well for this one. You could get both POV while still maintain the storyline. Addy dumped Rush at the homecoming dance in front of the entire school, causing Rush to leave town the next day. Over the years Addy has tries to apologize but Rush will not return her calls, letters or e-mails. Finally she attends a convention where Rush is the featured tattoo artist and by a little deception manages to be selected to be tattooed. Addy works to talk to Rush and break down his defenses about the way she treated him in school. I don’t normally like a switching POV story but it really worked for this one.

First Surrender by Katie Reus is a spin-off her of her Red Stone Security Series. Sierra and Hayden are buddies. Hayden has harbored a secret lust for Sierra for almost a year, Sierra feels the same way but each are afraid to let the other know and lost their friendship. When Sierra is attacked at work Hayden gets his chance to get her to himself and “make his move”. There is a short appearance by Iris and Wyatt, which tied the story into Red Stone. This was a quick read with some suspense.

First Temptation by Joan Swan is about a border patrol agent on her first undercover assignment. All I can say is wow do Zoe ad Taft have some kind of chemistry. They start out antagonist towards one another but that morphs into something super-hot and it’s not anger. The story takes place quite quickly – a matter of days and therefore the relationship develops quite quickly also – but what else can you do when you’re working undercover in a sex toy store?

[Djg · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

First Exposure by Elisabeth Naughton
Famous Actress wants to find her assistant who disappeared while researching at a Private Resort for sexually adventurous couples. She hires Aegis Security agency to help her and is paired with Cade Blackwell who just happed to be her first love. Some things were implausible like her not recognizing him at first and the suspense plot was flimsy but the sexual tension was great and the love scenes scorching.
The characters were likable if not fully developed but it was an enjoyable read.

First Rapture by Alexandra Ivy
Maddy was from the wrong side of the track but she always wanted Luc. On her 18th birthday he took her virginity then walked away from her. Now, 6 years later she's been a famous model and not owns her own agency and is wildly successful (I'm rolling my eyes at this). She wants closer in the form of making Luc want her so she can be the one to walk out on him. The characters were sketchily developed but I have to say I wound up really liking this story. It ended up being surprisingly sweet. Hot love scenes.

First Taste of Darkness by Cynthia Eden
Now, Cynthia is my girl. I'm a big fan of her writing style so I'm predisposed to like anything she writes.
Left-at-the-alter Jess is in Vegas for a fling. She wants to forget finding her fiancé and best friend together just before the wedding and sexy rich hotel owner Blake is just the man to do the job. Problem is, bullets start flying just when things are heating up.
Things happen fast, maybe a little too fast and the villain was a bit obvious. But the signature humor and amazingly hot love scenes are pure C.E.

First Ink by Laura Wright
Wow. This is the one I didn't expect to like but, Wow. Rush, a tattoo artist (really, really famous) is confronted by his first love Addison. She did something unforgivable which separated them. For 5 years she's wanted to gain his forgiveness.
I just really didn't expect to like these two characters so much. There is angst but there is nothing predictable about how they deal (and I mean that in a positive way).
Don't want to spoil but what Addison does at the end of the book had my heart melting. I felt they were so worthy of each other.
Minor points, again, it seems unrealistic that he would be so famous so quickly and the ending was abrupt. But it just made me want to have more of these two.

First Surrender by Katie Reus
Loved this. Just F-ing loved this. So sweet and hot and characters I could like so much.
Friends and work colleagues Hayden (security guy) and Sierra (chef) have been hanging out for a year. They both work at a successful Las Vegas Hotel. Both carrying a torch, neither has had the courage to act on their attraction. An attack on Sierra brings all of Hayden's feelings out of hiding.
I wanted more of this couple. I really wish this was a full length story.
I have a book or two by this author in my TBR queue and I'm going to have to move them up to the top.

First Temptation by Joan Swan
Again, thought I wouldn't like this but wound up enjoying it. Zoe is a border patrol agent, my first thought is "Great, another kick-butt h who is actually a biatch and a shrew screaming that she doesn't need a man" but Zoe is probably one of the only independent h's I've read who is able to be strong and sensible at the same time.
Taft started out as not so great H material but I think that was the point. He absolutely improved as the story progressed.
They are thrown together on an undercover operation and their love scenes were some of the hottest in this anthology (and that is saying something).

It's rare to get an anthology and really like all the stories. Wicked Firsts is just that.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by book....

First Exposure

Second chance story with a mystery to solve and a little danger. I have to say I'm not a fan of the heroine's character. She pines for the boy that left her years ado and can't move on despite the fact that she has tried counseling to do just that, and then wants the man the second she lays eyes on him. Her character makes women seem weak. Cade's character is good except for the reason he left her in the first place. That just makes him foolish.

The writing style really pulls you into the story. The plot is good with a missing assistant and a plan to go undercover hoping to find her. I'm having a hard time settling on a rating for this one mostly because Avery's weak character drags it down for me.
3.5/5

First Rapture

He's the bad boy that walked away thinking it was the best for both of them. She is the girl he walked away from after she confessed her love.

Now she's back for revenge and to get over him, and he just wants a second chance.

Quick read that will leave you fanning yourself. It's sweet that Luc couldn't get over Maddy, but sad he didn't go after her years ago. Maddy's quest for revenge is just pitiful and cruel. If a woman tells a guy she loves him and he walk out, get over the idiot and move on. Just saying.
4/5

First Taste of Darkness

Suspense and steam from start to finish. Instant attraction and gunfire starts his blazing romance off with a bang. !(Har har) Very short novella, but packed with action that will keep you on the edge of your seat right up to the end. Love the HEA on this one.

5/5

First Ink

Second chance story with a HEA ending. It's a bit crass for my tastes, but other than that a great story. Love the ink Rush gives Ady.
3.5/5

First Surrender
Extremely short novella with steam, action, and a great HEA. I actually read this one once before, but didn't do a review at the time (whoops). Let me just tell you that I remembered the kitchen scene at the end before I retread the book. Love Katie's other books, but with this one I just wish the story was longer so you could really sink into it. Also, while the heroine is described as strong (and yes I understand she is attacked) Sierra's character comes off as a weak & terrified female based on her responses/reactions in the story. We don't get to see her strike back or fight to protect herself in such a short novella.
4/5

First Temptation
Smoking hot and full of action. This novella has a great HEA, a strong hero and heroine, and plenty of suspense to keep the pages turning.
5/5

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for this one!
Six New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors bring you six all-new contemporary and super sexy suspense stories of first loves, first attractions, first temptations, first times and first obsessions


I love Elisabeth Naughton! currently reading first exposure, and it's brilliant. I love how these characters have history, and I LOVE the references to another book she wrote.
I'm 53% done with Wicked Firsts: I've read the bayou heat books by Alexandra Ivy and loved them. this was a little longer, First Rapture, and now I soooooooooooo need more of this author, in the longer books!! First Taste of Darkness....short yes but it didn't grab me quite as much as the first two books. lots of hot sex and very active packed but just didn't quite do it for me x
First Ink was very short, a lttle different as written in the first person tense, me, i but it kept fliiping from him and her. not bad, but far too short!
First Surrender, loved it! action, danger, a long time for wanting then, boom! explosive sex! wicked, truely wicked!
First Tempation was, by far, my favourtie story. Counterterrorist agent Taft Walker is up for the challenge of posing as an adult store owner with a new female undercover partner who is also a sex-toy virgin. At least until he sees the real woman beneath her tough façade.

Border Patrol Agent Zoe Brooks is ready to get off the front lines. She’s willing to tolerate a swaggering partner like Taft for a new opportunity. But she’s not prepared for the way he understands her deepest, sexiest desires. he doesnt think she's up to the job, she proves him wrong! without gushing, i really loved it. not read books by Joan Swan before but i'll keep an eye out for them.

this was 99p when i got it, and stll is at time of writing 25/8/13. i think these box sets are such good bargains!

ps, i forgot to say, each and every book refers to a tattoo place in Vegas, called Wicked Ink, except First Ink, who IS the tattoo artist at Wicked Ink. love how, even though spread across the whole of the states, each book has some reference to it

[MsChris1161 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elisabeth Naughton's FIRST EXPOSURE - Excellent well-written story. The chemistry between Cade Blackwell and Avery Scott is explosive. Sexy, intense, sensual, and most of all emotional. You don't doubt from their first reaction to seeing each other again that the bond between them is as strong as it ever was. *5 stars.

Alexandra Ivy's FIRST RAPTURE - Sexy second chance story. Luc was Madison's "first" but he panicked and walked out on her afterward. She never got over the humiliation or how she felt for him. Eight years later she goes back to Vegas hoping to purge the memory of him and their night together with a little revenge sex. Problem is he also has regrets and never got over it. Luc isn't ready to lose her again. *4.5 stars

Cynthia Eden's FIRST TASTE of DARKNESS - This keeps your attention from start to finish with non-stop action and plot twists. Blake and Jess find plenty of time for steamy sex and falling hard for each other between trying to find Blake's would be killer and his accomplice. *3 stars

Laura Wright's FIRST INK - 17 year old Addison broke her boyfriend, Rush's heart back in high school when she stood him up to go out with a jock instead. She realizes her mistake the next day but he's already gone. Five years later she finally has a chance to apologize and tell him how much she still loves him and him alone. Very sensual and sexy story of a love that was meant to be. *4 stars

Katie Reus's FIRST SURRENDER - Fantastic friends to lovers story. Hayden and Sierra just needed the push of a crisis to admit they were crazy about each other! Hayden is a very sexy, alpha, protective man who does what it takes to keep the love of his life safe! Looking forward to the his brother Jay's story! *3.5 stars

Joan Swan's FIRST TEMPTATION - This was a really well written story of two undercover officers who from their first meeting the sparks of sexual tension fly off them there is so much chemistry. Loved Zoe and Taft together! Loved the banter, the dangerous storyline, the plot twists, the character detail, and their steamy hot sexy times! *5 stars

[Natasna · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok so this was an interesting bundle SPOILERS...
First Exposure..I liked this story it had a plot and a HEA. There was some sexual tension between the two characters seeing as though they knew each other from the past. I think that with that tension it made it better and it was a relief when they finally got back together, and the setting helped it also..I mean a sexy resort for couples looking to have a great time!!!

First Rapture..this is all about revenge..Madison wanted to make Luc pay for taking her virginity and then leaving her like it was nothing. I must admit she did get it but then her feeling got in the way and it was no longer about revenge. She actually had feeling for him and he had feeling for her as well.

First Taste of Darkness...Talk about taking a trip to Vegas that you will not forget..being shot at finding a hot guy that is supposed to be your one night stand and jeez...Come to find out he was a jewelry thief and people want what he has and they are willing to kill him and the people around him for it. A one night stand turns into a love hate relationship and she is scared for her life, she doesn't want to get hurt again.

First Ink...CAN I GET A TATTOO..LOL

First Surrender..Hot ex-seal and a famous chef once again in Vegas..I swear I need to take a trip there again.. when she is attacked in the hotels garage going to her car it sets of his possessiveness and all he wants to do is protect her and get he in bed. She is hesitates because she is still a virgin at the age of 22 and he is about 10 years older than her. But once they s[end a night together they cant get enough of each other.

First Temptation..A sex toy shop undercover operation and two hot steamy characters that start off on the wrong foot..HOT HOT.. They go undercover to take down the drug cartel all the while there is a hit out on her and she will not let them get away with it even if it may cost her her life.

[Kay_Vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I have been reading a ton of the Katie Reus novellas and short stories and for the bargain intro price this seemed like a easy pick up. It was less money that a lot of her stories on Amazon and there were a bunch of different authors to try in this PNR (leaning probably more to erotic than romance) anthology.

I liked Reus' story a lot but the stand out to me is "First Ink" by Laura Wright. The author's note at the end expressed how much fun the she had writing the characters of Addison and especially of Rush, and I think that really comes through when reading the novella. It sort of reminded me of the "Kitten-tiger & the Monk" a Disillusionists novella by Carolyn Crane in the "Wild Things" anthology, although this is not in any kind of UF world like that one.

Besides firsts, tattoos and Las Vegas (at least getting a mention) seem to be the themes of the collection. The first and last stories seemed like they had the most potential to move into the territory of "yuck I just didn't want to know that" but both actually didn't cross the line into icky extremes (only sort of hinted at that line) even with their sex club and sex toy shop settings.

As with most anthologies some of the stories are better than others but none of these were really below a 3 stars for the genre in my opinion. I mean none are the next great American novel but for sexy PNR the quality of all of them was good and some were even kind of touching (uh no pun intended there).

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

First Exposure by Elisabeth Naughton - 1 Star
Avery goes to a couples sex vacation with old flame turned security agent Cade to find out what happened to her assistant...Avery and Cade just annoyed me so i couldn't get into it.

First Rapture by Alexandra Ivy - 3 Stars
Madison returns to Vegas to exact revenge on the guy who humiliated her but finds she still harbors feelings for him...This was a pretty good read but Madison was ridiculous, so he was a jerk, get over it.

First Taste of Darkness by Cynthia Eden - 4 Stars
Jess gets more than she bargains for when she enters the dangerous world of former jewel thief Blake Landon...I thought this was suspenseful, sexy and entertaining

First Ink by Laura Wright - 2 Stars
Addison wants to make things right with her former boyfriend Rush...This story wasn't bed but I found the sex scenes to be kind of awkward.

First Surrender by Katie Reus - 1 Star
An attempt on Sierra's life finally gives Hayden the push to confess his feelings, but he also needs to keep her safe...I just didn't feel their connection and the language of the sex scenes seemed unnatural.

First Temptation by Joan Swan - 1 Star
Agent Zoe Brooks goes undercover with the sexy Taft Walker...Taft was a complete tool bag that only consented to work with Zoe when he saw that she was hot, he didn't seem to have much respect for her at all.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second anthology where I actually read all of the stories (the other one was the authors' first collection.)
I've read quite a bit of Alexandra Ivy, Elisabeth Naughton, and Laura Wright, but I'm still getting to know Katie Reus, Joan Swan, and Cynthia Eden. I'm quite impressed with the last three authors and would definitely read their works again.

Do I have a favorite story? I don't think so. They were all quite good in their own ways (even if they could have been about a hundred pages longer each!) But I must admit that I am completely intrigued with Laura Wright's new series- all those tattoos, oh wait, tongue tracers.

Do I recommend this anthology? Yes! You should jump on the chance to read this- it's one of the few that has stories that are completely readable. And if you get it while it's on sale for $.99, you're basically stealing it. :)

Should you try this even if you've never read any of the authors? Yes! This is a GREAT way to get a feel for six authors who have totally different writing styles. You may just find yourself with some new authors that you'll be stalking, erm following (yeah, I have them on facebook and tend to read most of what they say). :)

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great bundle, each story was just the right length for a quick read of a couple hours or less. I'd read all the authors previously except Katie Reus and Joan Swan, and I was only disappointed in Ms Reus's story. It was short, seemed too rushed, and I just couldn't seem to get involved with the characters. But, the price is perfect (if it stays at 99 cents) so I recommend it.
Cynthia Eden's story surprised me the most, mainly in the first page or 2 and the ending, compared to what the description stated. Laura Wright's characters I really felt for, and who doesn't love a hot tattoo artist. Elisabeth Naughton never disappoints and I loved Cade. Same for Alexandra Ivy's story, a woman trying to be the one that walks away from the guy instead, trying to be strong, even though she's never gotten over Luc. And Joan Swan's story has made me a convert, great characters, good story twist, sexy, and I can't wait to read some of her other stories.