Four
of today’s top paranormal romance authors have contributed a stunning and sensual
story to this anthology.
The
first story, “Darkfest” is by Amanda Ashley. Channa Leigh was a beautiful
young village maiden with a golden voice, but unfortunately sightless. But strangely
enough, she finds she can see whenever she touches a huge shaggy wolf that takes a
mysterious liking to her. Unknown to Channa, the enigmatic and much feared wizard Lord
Darkfest has long been attracted to her, though he doesn’t know why. A frightened but
grateful Channa agrees to spend a year with Darkfest in his gloomy mausoleum of a castle
in return for saving her ailing mother’s life. What will happen to poor Channa? Will
the dark side of this powerful magician overcome him or will there be a happy ending after
all?
Dragons,
castles, wizards and maidens to be rescued – Ms. Ashley’s historical tale
irresistibly reminds the readers of the classic “The Beauty and the Beast” and
has all the charm of the original tale plus a dark brooding side. This as well as some
sensual scenes adds spice for the adult readers. The hero is especially interesting with
his wavering between using his powers for good or for evil, and love plays an important
part in resolving this tricky issue. Utterly spellbinding!
In
“Phantom Lover” by Sherrilyn Kenyon, poor Erin McDaniels feels like she’s
slowly going mad as she has the most violent and peculiar nightmares. Skoti, the ancient
Greek creatures of the nightmares are determined to feed off of Erin even if she’s
destroyed in the process. Fortunately for Erin, an unlikely hero called V’Aidan comes
to her rescue and eroticism springs between them. But he’s forbidden to help her by
the Greek Gods and she will die if he won’t!
Drawing
inspiration from Grecian lores and legends, Ms. Kenyon has created a contemporary tale in
which Greek Gods somehow get involved. Suspense and sexual tension reign as two people
from different times and worlds fall irrevocably in love. The hero in this tale also is a
torn character, ripped between his inherent dark nature and the pure love which he’s
never before experienced. The dilemma and the angst, along with some heavy-duty lovemaking
make this a cryptic and seductive tale. Absolutely necromantic!
Maggie
Shayne’s “Under Her Spell” is a contemporary tale of a modern-day
witch who gets a job consulting for a TV show about witches and gets rapidly involved in
something else! While her suggestions about making the show more authentic are much
appreciated by the show’s creator Alex Quinn, there’s something about this pagan
priestess which has him in knots. Melissa too is attracted to Alex but senses a dark aura
around him. As Alex and Melissa fall in love, the menace grows until it becomes a struggle
of life and death. Can Melissa find the strength and love to save Alex?
Detailed
information about witchcraft, its rituals and beliefs and ways are highlighted and at the
same time, the author also exposes how this ancient way of life has been commercialized
and distorted these days. A battle rages between black and white magic – which’ll
emerge the winner is a mystery to be solved. Magical and seductive,
this story is simply bewitching!
In “A
Wulf’s Curse”, a young lady, Elise, runs away from home to avoid marrying a
repulsive old man and takes refuge in a traveling circus. Animal trainer Sterling Wulf is
stunned, more than a bit aroused as well as irritated to find a veritable Goldilocks
asleep in his bed when he returns to his wagon. Elise surprises him with her sensitivity
as well as her courage, and soon she becomes the darling of the troupe. But Sterling dare
not love her for under an ancient curse, it’ll unleash a monster within him. Will
Elise understand, will love save the day?
Ronda
Thompson’s tale has a circus-flavor to it, what with tigers, snake charmers, belly
dancers and such. There are also many problems to be resolved, jealousies to be dealt with
and understanding to be propounded, the most important of which is of course between bad
boy Sterling and prim ‘n proper Miss Elise. Once again, the hero is a torn character,
with secrets that cannot be shared nor concealed. And love, (and a lot of eroticism) once
again save the day. Incredible!
Reviewed
By Rashmi Srinivas for The Road to Romance
October
28, 2003 |
