At the risk of sounding like a crazy fangirl, I love Jaci Burton. I do. When I first came up, she was one of the authors I used to watch and learn from. She’s a professional. She’s a wonderful writer. She’s so good and connected to her readers and she’s a great example and a fabulous source of knowledge and inspiration to newbie writers.
So it’s just not hard at all for me to read her books and Riding Temptation was more than just a fun read, I think, of all her books across all the genres she writes in, this one is my favorite.
Blurb: He’s a biker working undercover for the Feds. She has reasons of her own for joining the Wild Riders. Together, they’re burning up the asphalt and tearing headlong into danger and passion…
The guys always thought of Jessie as their kid sister, except Diaz Delgado. The past few years he’s been watching her—and Jessie’s glad somebody is. Delgado’s dark good looks and killer body have tempted her since day one. Diaz’s unbrotherly urges have been hard to fight but the last thing he wants is to hurt Jessie. But when they both go undercover with killer survivalists, he knows it’ll be hard to keep his distance—especially when the mission takes a risky turn. Now Diaz has no choice but to open himself up to the one woman strong enough to take him on
In Riding Temptation, Jaci takes us back to her Wild Riders (she introduced this group of sexy biker government agents in Riding Wild, the first book in the series). This time we get Diaz and Jessie - in a friends to lovers story that pushes all the right buttons. Jessie has been the kid they all sort of thought of as the baby sister. But she’s grown up now and wants to be a real part of the Wild Riders - and she’s never thought of Diaz as anything like a brother.
Diaz is one of those broody heroes - dark, past filled with scars and he’s afraid he’ll harm Jessie even though his feelings for her grow each time they’re together. A mission throws them into very close quarters and soon enough they’ve both finally given in to the passion they’ve felt. But he tries to keep his emotional distance and she’s hurt that he pushes her away.
Burton’s skills with sexual and romantic chemistry shine in Riding Temptation. Diaz is burning up the pages hot and Jessie is not a stupid heroine who takes a lot of guff or who does dumb stuff. She recognizes her mistakes but she pushes Diaz and Spence to listen to her opinion on things as well.
The overall mystery plot is well done, the pacing in tandem with the romance makes the book flow well (it’s hard to balance all that!). Riding Temptation is a great read and it’s a fabulous example of what erotic romance can be - not all sex but the sex is hot, well plotted story outside the romance and paced in a fashion that delivers a very satisfying package.
There’s a reason why you see readers talking about her so often as a great read - Riding Temptation is just more proof that Jaci Burton will be around in five years, and ten.
CONTEST: because I loved this book so much I’m going to run a contest to give away a copy shipped directly from Amazon.com to the lucky winner. All you need to do is comment here with your favorite contemporary read so far of 2008 and I’ll choose a winner at random on Monday October 6 at noon pacific.
It has to be A Virgin River Christmas (I was lucky enough to read an ARC) by Robyn Carr. It was a wonderful way to get back to VR.
by Ann M. October 4th, 2008 at 2:19 pmLOL Geesh you couldn’t go for something easy like: If you had to choose between your children…? Okay, excluding everything Y.A., paranormal, etc., it’s still a toss up between WHAT LOOKS LIKE CRAZY by Charlotte Hughes–such vivid characters and wonderful, wacky hijinx; and BLIND SUBMISSION by Debra Ginsberg–such an interesting premise and who in the book world can resist a novel about publishing?
by catie October 4th, 2008 at 2:57 pmLauren — I’m reading this one now…loving it! :)
by Mad October 4th, 2008 at 3:01 pmGreat contest and great book! I’ve read it as well, and put up a review on my blog.
Good luck everyone!
by Valerie Tibbs October 4th, 2008 at 3:08 pmI love this one im reading , an ARC by Maya Banks called BE WITH ME…its so awesome
I recommend it highly…and I also have to say Lauren, I truly adored your book “Standoff”-that was a fantabulous book as well 
by april s October 4th, 2008 at 3:20 pmLots of great books out lately, if I had to narrow it down to one, it would be Wild
by Cathy M October 4th, 2008 at 3:41 pmCard by Lora Leigh.
Awwww Lauren…you made me all weepy, dammit.
Thank you for this. I really appreciate it. I think you are so talented and your opinion really means something to me.
Mwah!
by Jaci Burton October 4th, 2008 at 4:17 pmI’m so excited about this book being out Jaci!!!
It’s really hard to just pick one……I’ve read a lot this year and to be honest I’ve loved everything I’ve read so far……..print and ebook so……..
I’m just starting Promises Reveal by Sarah McCarty so I’m going to pick it……..I love everything she has written so far and have waited forever to finally get to read the Rev’s story!!
by Blanche October 4th, 2008 at 4:43 pmokay so not an easy pick.
I really loved The Vampire Queen’s Servant and Mark of the Vampire Queen both by Joey W. Hill.
Also really enjoyed the last two Nauti Boys series by Lora Leigh
but if you are talking ebooks I just read Into the Lair by Maya Banks and loved it completely.
by Larena Wirum October 4th, 2008 at 4:55 pmPlease don’t enter me in the contest Lauren because my copy is on the way.
I just had to to say, Jaci is truly an awesome, gifted writer.
One of my favourite reads so far this year is ‘Nothing Personal’, by Jaci.
Lea
by Lea October 4th, 2008 at 4:56 pmTough choice, but one I recently enjoyed a lot was Hidden Agendas by Lora Leigh.
I love Jaci’s Demon Hunters series (The Darkest Touch is out at the end of the month–can’t wait for that one!) but I don’t think I’ve read any of her contemporary single titles.
by Cynthya October 4th, 2008 at 5:41 pmOk since this dates, I won’t enter the contest either,
But the book that will always linger in my mind is the one we SNUCK in reading at our Churches (youth camp) summer retreat many, many moons ago!
Harold Robbins
“Goodbye Janette”
I did however just ADD “Riding Temptation” to my NEXT order list.
Dana
by Dana October 4th, 2008 at 5:43 pmThis was so hard! Have to agree A Virgin River Christmas was awesome, but since that was already used I think I have to go with a romantic suspense Cain and Abel by Michelle Perry.
If you need some runner ups I have several!
Sandi
P.S. what a nice offer to give away Riding Temptation. I think it has a great cover!
by Sandi October 4th, 2008 at 6:02 pmmy favorite contemp that I’ve read this year would have to be wild card by Lora leigh.
by pamk October 4th, 2008 at 8:47 pmLove both of you … Lauren and Jaci, one of my inspirations to write. my fav read of 2008 is…. geez i dont know… lol i read to much i would have to say. Nauti Dreams by Lora Leigh……..
hope you all have a great night… :)
by Erika Sharp October 4th, 2008 at 10:31 pmi like the rogue angel book series by alex archer
by tami blackroze October 5th, 2008 at 12:55 amthe art of desire by sheri whitefeather
by kim h October 5th, 2008 at 2:44 amI don’t read very many contemporaries, but I am reading Trial by Fire by Jo Davis and I love what I have read so far. I can see this being one of my top books for 2008!
by AmyC October 5th, 2008 at 3:54 amOh gosh - favorite contemporary read of 2008 thus far?? You know what, it seems like eons ago - but just back in February - then the next few months. All of Susan Lyons’ “Awesome Foursome” books - Champagne Rules, Hot in Here, Touch Me, and She’s on Top. Otherwise - a few more… um Kresley Cole’s series, and possibly Dangerous Secrets by Lisa Marie Rice. And honestly? Your novella in the Spice anthology, Lauren. I really, really loved Stripped.
by limecello October 5th, 2008 at 7:36 amFavorite contemporary book so far of 2008??? Lets see it would have to a toss up between Nauti Dreams and Wild Card by Lora Leigh
by jessi October 5th, 2008 at 7:51 amLove Jaci’s Burton’s Demon Hunters; looking forward to ‘The Darkest Touch’ later this month. Have not read ‘Riding Temptation’, but am sure I would enjoy it as much as her other stories.
by Shari C October 5th, 2008 at 8:38 amWild Card by Lora Leigh
by Crystal B. October 5th, 2008 at 11:24 amMy favorite contemporary book of 2008? It’s a tie between Riding Wild by Jaci Burton & No Control by Shannon K. Butcher. They were both great books!
by annalisa October 5th, 2008 at 11:51 amAddicted to Love by Lori Wilde - I really liked that book!
by Wendy October 5th, 2008 at 3:53 pmI received an ARC from Elizabeth Scott for FREE PASS. I really enjoyed it and reccommend it. I think it releases in December.
by Teresa W. October 5th, 2008 at 4:23 pmI haven’t read a whole lot of contemporary this year…I have been on a paranormal kick lately.
I am really truly not saying this to be a kiss up, but it would have to between Taking Chase by well, you or Riding Wild by Jaci. I absolutely loved those Chase brothers and I have been eagerly anticipating the release of Riding Temptation…which sounds as great as I have been expecting.
Keeping my fingers crossed!
by Lori T October 5th, 2008 at 4:53 pmI love this series! Jaci’s books are great! I just read an arc of Be With Me by Maya Banks. It was really good.
by Amy S. October 5th, 2008 at 7:33 pmI am stuck on memoir’s at the moment
by deb October 5th, 2008 at 7:56 pmHER LAST DEATH: A Memoir by
Susanna Sonnenberg.
I love Jaci Burton as well…I have to say my favorite contemporary of 2008 was The Fortune Hunter by Jasmine Haynes. I’m looking forward to Undercover in December!
by Tracy Lenz-Pessin October 5th, 2008 at 8:17 pmGood morning,
I’ve had to think on this one as most it seems I read lately are paranormal or SF Romance.
I’ll pick ‘Stay With Me’ by Maya Banks. Loved, Loved this one!
Have a great day ladies,
by Susan October 6th, 2008 at 8:17 amSusan
I have Jaci’s book on my wish list :)
My fave contemporary read this year? Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas. Loved that book!
by Lori G. Armstrong October 6th, 2008 at 8:50 amHmm… Beth Ciotta’s Jinxed–it’s the start of a great series :) And yes, as Limecello said, that Vegas anthology was incredibly good, too! Might be time for a re-read…
by Fedora October 6th, 2008 at 9:01 am