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Savage Scavenge - Mary Janice Davidson
Set in the far future Savage Scavenge revisits characters introduced in Ms. Davidson’s Beggarman, Thief. Dr. Gladys Loder is a human who sympathizes with the mutants on Earth. She provides free medical care to the ‘Mutes’ who prefer not to be tracked by the government.
Gladys is lonely, considered an outcast by the other humans and not part of the Mute society either. She devises a plan to end her loneliness. Soon after her decision is made Jasper Savage crashes through her third story window. Gladys is convinced that there must be a huge catastrophe afoot due to his untimely and dangerous entrance. Imagine her surprise when she discovers after reaching his apartment that she is the last item on a scavengers list. She has a plan for him to pay her back.
When Savage is shocked with her surprise he will have to face deep seated prejudice and make a decision that will change both of their lives.
Seducing the Saint - Melissa Schroeder
Liberty Wainright has always wanted Brandy St. James, when she can refrain from wanting him dead, that is. The Saint, is anything but saintly. A womanizing mercenary who looks out for number one first and foremost, Saint has always had a soft spot for Liberty. Her morals did not mesh with his skirting the law years ago, so she left. Now she has a problem and needs his help.
Liberty’s father is after a legendary treasure. The Legend of the Snake King. Many have lost their lives on this quest and despite their differences Liberty does not want her father to join the unfound masses.
Liberty and Brady, together again, sparks and quips fly. These two create heat in and out of the bedroom. What would an adventure be without danger at every turn, treachery from within and love?
Carte Blanche - Camille Anthony
To catch a would be assassin Chastity must act the simpering miss and join polite society. Her mentor Liana, a powerful seer who correctly predicted the destruction of Earth, has seen that Chastity must pretend that her father has died from his wounds and allow herself to be placed as a ward under her greedy uncle David.
Charity never expected to meet her dream man while conducting her hunt. precognitive dreams that have occurred since her earliest memories let's her know that Darian Acer, Dare for short, is her destiny. Disinherited and cast out of polite circles Dare is a self claimed rogue and a cad. He does not see the need to meet societies expectations, preferring to live life by his own rules.
These two have met their match in each other. The mighty Dare has finally fallen in love, only to be propositioned by his dream angel to become her equivalent of a mistress. Hmm, let's hope they make this relationship work, before they kill each other off.
Charming the Snake is not an anthology to miss. Although I was lured to this book by the promise of another literary romp with legendary Mary Janice Davidson (who, of course did not disappoint with Savage Scavenge) I discovered two new (to me) authors to add to my ever growing list of 'must reads'. Carte Blanche has to be the best short story that I have read in a long time, Ms. Anthony cleverly combined futuristic fantasy with the ever popular regent theme; polite society and paranormal abilities, for a refreshing and unique story. Dare and Chassy are fire and ice, with a unpredictable future. Equally engrossing was Ms. Schroeder's Seducing the Saint. Libby was a bit straight-laced for my tastes, but Brady complimented her personality perfectly. It is always a pleasure to visit or, in the case of Savage Scavenge, revisit a world of Ms. Davidson's making. Gladys' desire for a child, sans the responsibility of a husband, makes for a racy plot line. Hats off to these three ladies for putting forth their works, to keep myself and countless others entertained.
Reviewed by Joletta Hill
for The Road to Romance
May 5, 2005
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