Author Julie Kenner continues the Protector series
with yet another delightful addition.
Here’s a little background – Protectors are descendants of
Zeus and other mythical Greek Gods, with superhuman powers, which they use to protect
ordinary mortals like us. Aphrodite’s magical belt has been missing for centuries. In
the previous book ‘Aphrodite’s Kiss’, the center stone of the belt
was recovered and world calamity was averted. But in this book, ‘Aphrodite’s
Passion’, the Protector Council detects the belt itself and Hale is assigned to
recover it, with half-sister Zoe as his backup. The belt, which has the power to render
its wearer irresistible to mortals, is badly desired by the villainous Hieronymous
(Hale’s dastardly uncle) in order to fulfill his ambitions of world domination. But
Aphrodite, knowing the belt’s allure, had made it such that only if its owner gives
the belt away freely, will it retain its properties. Under dishonest circumstances, it
will destroy itself and the person trying to steal it.
Hale isn’t very disturbed upon learning this as telekinesis,
turning invisible and moving at superhuman speed are not his only powers! He’s
so gorgeous looking that he’s been doing undercover work in the mortal world as a
sexy and gorgeous romance novel cover model and experience has taught him that he’s
irresistible to mortal women! And as such, he’s confident that he can easily seduce
Tracy Tannin, the belt’s very ordinary looking owner, into easily giving him the
belt. Mordichai, Hieronymous’ good looking and shape-shifting son, who’s
desperate to win his father’s approval, is also on the very same mission. Unaware of
all these machinations, Tracy who trains animals for Hollywood, innocently wears the belt
and suddenly finds herself the center of attention of some of the most gorgeous men in the
world, including her secret fantasy man, cover model Hale! When Hale realizes that
he’s developing tender feelings for Tracy, he’s feels certain that the belt is
working its enchantment upon him, for he’s just not ready to fall for a mortal like
his dad and get his heart broken! What will happen when Tracy realizes the truth?
Meanwhile villains of literally all shapes and forms are out to get the belt, by hook or
crook, from an unsuspecting Tracy!
Julie Kenner works her enchantment again and the readers will be
firmly caught up in the irresistible lure of ‘Aphrodite’s Passion’,
the second book in her Protector series! Though not necessary, it’s however
recommended that the readers read this series in order, for the premise of these stories
become clear that way. Gorgeous and sexy Hale can almost certainly be visualized as a
hunky John de Salvo or a macho Fabio, and Tracy is certainly lucky to be the focus of all
his considerable charm and sex appeal! And he’s a superhero to boot! Ordinary Tracy
has it all, along with Aphrodite’s magical girdle.
This wild and wonderful story has ample romance, sensuality in spades
and eroticism enough to satisfy even the most dedicated romance reader. Add a hint of
mystery, a pinch of suspense and a dash of the paranormal to it, and the story becomes a
gourmet dish, fit for discriminating readers everywhere. The story is good, the plot very
well developed, the characters are realistic (for superheroes!) and convincing, and the
pace is fast and furious. Julie Kenner and her Protector series are certainly to watch out
for!
Reviewed By Rashmi Srinivas for The Road to Romance
May 1, 2003 |
