"A Calculated Seduction" is one of Melissa Schroeder's stories that's hard to categorize. It's certainly spicier than most romance novels, but doesn't quite tip the scales on the erotica side for me. It does, however, resonate with Schroeder's humorous voice and a sweet, simple, yet still sensual plot.

Dulcy has less than a year left until she'll receive her inheritance and can finally set up her charitable foundation. Until then, she'll keep working at her job at the boot maker even if her sweet old boss did bring in his hunky, but dour nephew to run the place.

Ethan can't figure out exactly what it is about Dulcy that keeps him up, in every way, all the time. Especially since she's his prime suspect for the embezzlement going on at his uncle's company! Now if he can just think with his BIG head long enough, he's sure he can find the real culprit because Dulcy is just too sweet for it to be her.

Even with a well-used plot, Schroeder brings enough heat and humor to keep me reading. This is one of her older releases (2004) and is pretty short (160 pages, trade paperback size) but still one I'll put on my keeper shelf for a hot, quick pick-me-up. ( )