Contemporary
Wicked Pleasure
By Natasha Smith
Apr 10, 2008 - 5:01:31 AM

Jaci Wright grew up in the same Oklahoma town as the Falladay twins, Chase and Cameron. The men were a few years older than Jaci but that didn’t stop her from yearning for Cameron Falladay with all the innocence of a girl’s first crush. As she grew older, the yearning turned to love and while she thought she was old enough and ready to accept what Cameron wanted from her, she balked and ran. Seven years later, Jaci is finished running. Her career has brought her back into contact with these handsome and wicked twins and Jaci knows exactly what she is getting into this time. 

Cameron Falladay had no choice but to grow up quickly. Holding himself responsible for keeping Chase out of harm’s way, Cameron doesn’t allow anyone into his heart. Once long ago, a tiny auburn haired waif promised she would wait for him forever. Cameron decides with one look at the grown up and mature Jaci that she is his for the taking. And takes her he does. With his brother by his side, Cam shows Jaci every wicked and sexually enticing thing she missed by running seven years ago.

Cameron and Jaci begin their forbidden affair with their eyes open – and Chase waiting in the wings. While the society in which they move usually turns a blind eye, there are some who don’t. Tales are told, gossip is whispered, and while Jaci strives to not let vicious rumors and innuendos bother her, she can’t help but hear what others are saying. Loving Cameron as much as she does, Jaci doesn’t want to give up what they have together. Will Cameron be able to give her what she needs? And what she needs is his heart and his love – forever.

Every time I pick up a Lora Leigh book, I admittedly have high expectations that I won’t be able to put it down. WICKED PLEASURE delivered such an experience. The next seven hours of my life were spent completely engrossed in this tale. From reading Ms. Leigh’s early Bound Hearts novels released through Ellora’s Cave, I knew to expect a marvelously written storyline with dynamically portrayed characters.

Cameron Falladay is one of the most complex male characters I have ever experienced. The victim of a horrible, mind numbing past, he spends the consecutive years after reaching adulthood striving to get over and away from anything that reminded him of his youth. The only bright point in his life?  His memories of Jaci Wright. She alone made him feel whole, and once he realizes this he stops running. Jaci Wright is beautifully written as well. Shy, hesitant, but completely in love with Cameron, she is willing to accept what parts of himself he is able to give. Is she submissive? Not in the least. Jaci is smart and knows that deep down inside Cam loves her. She just had to find the way to make him realize his feelings. Her fortitude and unconditional love is what amazed me the most. 

As the ninth installment to Lora Leigh’s Bound Hearts series, WICKED PLEASURE lives up to its title. Wicked, intense, suspenseful – this book has it all and more! From beginning to end I was carried away and exposed to emotions that I can’t even describe. Just know that Cameron and Jaci’s story is one that shouldn’t be missed. Even if no other installments have been read, WICKED PLEASURE is a standalone and can be read out of order. Readers won’t want to miss a word of this tempting and provocative novel. 

WICKED PLEASURE will release from St. Martin’s on May 13, 2008. My copy is already pre-ordered and paid for!