Ace’s Wild

McCarty’s entertaining seventh Hell’s Eight historical (after Caden’s Vow) sizzles with sensuality in 1860s Texas. Petunia Wayfield is the one and only schoolteacher of Simple, Tex. She can’t resist the charms of local gambler Ace Parker, and their constant sparring quickly becomes more like verbal foreplay. Ace is happy to flirt with the virginal schoolmarm. When Petunia falls into a catatonic state, only Ace’s caress can bring her back, and the connection goes both ways: despite Pet’s innocence, her simple touch affects Ace more than the practiced hand of the most jaded courtesan. Soon the ne’er-do-well is starting to think about settling down, though he thinks he’s not good enough for sweet Pet. While not rich with historical details, this fast-paced novel will appeal to those who appreciate graphic, tender sex scenes. Agent: Roberta Brown, Roberta Brown Literary Agency. (Feb.)