Second to None is the surprisingly humorous first story in this anthology. Rhyannon Byrd always knows how to turn up the heat on her characters, but this time she really incorporated a lot of tender, comical, and sexy moments in her story to spice up the storyline. The heat between Jason and Remy will fairly singe your skin; they truly burn up the pages together, but it was watching them cautiously unlock each other's hearts and deepest desires that really made me love this story. Ms. Byrd has a talent for writing alpha heroes and spunky heroines and Second to None most definitely lived up to all the expectations I had for a Rhyannon Byrd story. Plenty of heart and plenty of erotic escapades make this story a winner.

Love for Hire by Mardi Ballou
Stephanie Wilson has sworn off any and all contact with men. After dating a true bad apple and having him make off with all her personal belongings and forcing her to sell her art gallery to pay off her creditors, Stephanie has no respect for the male species. When her friend sets her up on three dates for her birthday, Stephanie is angry but resigned to going. She plans to get in and out as quick as possible. However, the third date proves to be the charm. Nick Love is sexy, charming, and makes her blood heat for a totally different reason besides anger. But Stephanie still swears not to get involved, even when, against her instincts, she goes home with Nick and they make love. It's the best night either of them has ever had but Nick has some secrets of his own which don't permit him to get more involved with Stephanie, as much as he wants to. Nick is working with the FBI to break an identity theft ring that involves the dating company Stephanie is using. And there's another connection that will truly make Stephanie cringe away from him in disgust if she finds out. It seems hopeless that these two will ever get a happily-ever-after together, but author Mardi Ballou has some tricks up her sleeve for this couple.

Love for Hire is a quirky story featuring two characters that are down on their luck in different ways, but find that when they come together, some of their unhappiness in life goes away. They make a delightful duo and readers will appreciate how Nick and Stephanie bring out the better traits in each other. Added to their growing relationship is of course a hot sexual tension that adds another layer to their story. Love for Hire is another exceptional story in this anthology.

Tracked Down by Vonna Harper
Carlin Witmer has been hired by Lonato Ray to help him track down someone. Carlin works with track dogs and Lonato is in need of her services to find an important CEO gone missing. It seems like a simple enough job but Lonato has his doubts, and appearances can be most deceptive. Lonato doesn't want Carlin to go with him on the trek, but she insists. Her dog Rio won't work well with anyone but her. Lonato does his best to dissuade her but Carlin insists and so they set off…with a burning sexual attraction between them. In the wilderness, the primal feelings that are growing between them are too hard to ignore and they make passionate love, despite the fact that they've only just met. Both can tell that their attraction is something special however. As the hunt becomes more dangerous and as new clues surface, Lonato finds his concentration torn between his job and his lust for Carlin. Will his distraction cost Carlin her life?

Tracked Down is a very elemental and primitive story. The attraction between Carlin and Lonato seems shocking in its intensity, but yet it fits very well with the characters. They are both intense, strong, and determined people who aren't afraid to go after what they want. Lonato's instincts to protect combined with Carlin's humor and down to earth lifestyle make them a couple that relates well to each other. I found their attraction very deep and loving, even at the beginning. It's obvious that when they give their hearts, they do it with all the passion and force in their bodies. Vonna Harper combines the romance with a tantalizing hunt for the CEO that yields more confusion than answers until the very end. All in all, Tracked Down brings attraction to its most basic level and wows the reader with its earthy tone.

Down and Dirty is truly a sparkling anthology of wit, love, thrills, and sensuality. These three authors have done a wonderful job with their stories and you won't be disappointed if you give this anthology a shot.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Sarah W
September 25, 2005