Jade Compton is the sheriff's daughter, and in this installment of the Compass Girls series, she works in the local bar. In her mid-twenties, she feels that life is passing her by. She keeps meeting the same people she's always known, and they're just as dumb as before. She doesn't have a boyfriend, though her pal Liam Harrison is a good friend, and she resents all the sleeping around and public quarrelling that goes on around her.

SUMMER FLING happens when the air is hot and heavy, when t-shirts stick to skin and even racing on a motorbike doesn't cool tempers. Jade kisses Liam in frustration at being stuck on the Compass Ranch. She realises she's made a mistake - why ruin a friendship? Jade doesn't do fancy hairstyles and makeup, and that's the way Liam likes to see her on the Circle H Ranch where he raises rodeo stock. He's not keen to ruin a friendship either.

Jade doesn't want a relationship. Maybe she doesn't want another tie to town, making it easier if she does decide to leave. She's well known to be stubborn-as-a-mule, with a kick like one if she's riled. Liam lost a girlfriend in the past, and he finds it hard to readjust. He's also into some BDSM and isn't sure if this would be acceptable. If he could only convince Jade to try some, he hopes they could make a romance last.

SUMMER FLING by Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon is an adult story, which features strong language and some hot, sweaty people. Summer brings the threat of bushfires, skinny dipping and plenty of hard work. I'm not sure that people actually set out rules before entering a relationship, and I don't feel comfortable when the man hits the woman, even in play. Read as an erotic fantasy, however, there is plenty of excitement and the lady is anything but submissive or a victim. Liam also meets the hard reality of dating the protective sheriff's daughter.

If you've enjoyed the other books in the Compass Girls series by Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon you're probably eagerly anticipating the wedding at the end of SUMMER FLING, as familiar characters tie up strands of their stories. SUMMER FLING is a lively, sexy read in the same vein.