ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT

Having enjoyed popular success with its first two erotic anthologies, Captivated and Fascinated, Brava now releases another showcasing contemporary subjects. In the first offering, Forster's whimsical "Stranger in Her Bed," Kerry, a software tester, meets the man of her dreams in a video game. What happens when he comes to life? Steamier doings are on offer in Devine's "No Mercy." Seven years after their bitter divorce, Regan Torrance's ex returns to Manhattan. Still arrogant and sexy, he wants Regan back, but she wants revenge—or does she? "Satisfy Me," Foster's tale of sexual misunderstanding, begins in smalltown Indiana with three female co-workers discussing the new porn shop across the street. Asia says she's into spanking; she's joking, but a male co-worker with the hots for her overhears and decides that her bottom is the surest path to her heart. Newcomer McKenna deals with raciness on two levels—the usual kind and the Harley kind—in "Something Wild," about flirtation turned obsessive. Burned in love, Annie has taken to the road. The stranger she comes to think of as the Motorcycle Man starts following her cross-country, then declares his intention to fulfill her fantasies. As with many anthologies, execution and effects are mixed. For sheer fun, the best entry is "Satisfy Me"; meanwhile, the repetitive sex scenes and sinister tones of "Something Wild" grow tiresome. All in all, the collection is a pleasant enough diversion for those who like their erotica lite. (Oct.)

Forecast:The three veterans—with a total of 65 novels among them—all have USA Today or New York Times bestsellers under their belts, so this title will have no problem finding a readership.