ASCENSION - Lauren Dane

The Cherchez Clan, Book 1

Ellora’s Cave - www.ellorascave.com

ISBN: 978-14199-1006-1

June 2007

Erotic Paranormal Romance with M/M interaction and ménage

Rated E-rotic

Washington, United States - Present day

This has been the week to end all weeks. First Kari Warner is viciously attacked by a dog, then she’s kidnapped by some crazy people who expect her to believe that they’re werewolves - oh, and by the way, she’s going to be one soon too. Then there’s Andreas Phinney, the leader of the crazies who insists that she’s his Mate, the Alpha-bitch his pack needs. Oh, did I mention that the crazy people are not in fact crazy, that they have just demonstrated that they can change into wolves? I didn’t? Hmm, well, then I also may have forgotten to mention that there is at least one wolf who doesn’t want Kari to be with Andreas. Oh, and there is definitely death in the pack’s future. Sound interesting? It really is!

Andreas Phinney is deeply upset by the rude way that Kari was brought into the pack; he planned to woo her gently and then break the news of his “furry” status to his destined Mate. But, accidents happen, and the pack member who messed up seems very sorry for his actions. Andreas will just have to use his considerable charm to convince Kari that she belongs by his side.

ASCENSION is a fascinating introduction into the lives, loves, and loyalties of the Cherchez Clan. Kari is thoroughly annoyed by the recent happenings in her life, but what’s even more annoying is the irresistible urge she feels to snuggle into Andreas and soak in his yummy scent. What kind of cologne does the man wear anyway? Once she comes to accept that the sexy, kind, rich, and apparently wonderful man wants her (and really, why would a woman argue with someone like that?) the Alpha-bitch that’s just been waiting to be born comes to the fore, nobody better get between this woman and her man. Andreas has been looking forward to meeting his mate and raising the next generation of the Cherchez Clan. What he didn’t expect were all of the feelings that Kari brings out in him. Even though it’s irrational, he finds himself aggravated when Kari doesn’t immediately accept that she belongs with him, he just wants her to realize the inevitable and join him in the happy future he envisions for them both. It’s a new experience being around someone who doesn’t defer to his every whim, and surprisingly, it only makes Kari more appealing to him. Watch out world, ’cause once this Alpha pair gets together, nothing is going to stop them. Oh, and yeah, their chemistry and the sex scenes in this book are out of this world, Yay Lauren!

Being that this is the beginning of a new series, you would expect to meet some memorable secondary characters in ASCENSION and you won’t be disappointed. Dr. Elaine Kennedy, who cares for Kari in the hospital, is also a pack member. Laurent Cole is one of Andreas’s Lieutenants, bodyguards and best friends, a dangerous man, but one you want on your side. Phillip with the sky blue eyes and strawberry blonde braid is appointed Kari’s bodyguard. Anna is an incredibly talented cook who takes wonderful care of those she claims as family. Sean, Andreas’s brother, is also his Second. Skyler Andrews is a trusted advisor to Andreas and also a source of humor when it’s needed. Andreas’s cousin Michael is the one who botched up Kari’s change, and he shows remorse almost immediately. Jack is Kari’s brother, a cop from Boston, and he’s not a man to fool with.

Oh there are so many interesting characters I’d like to tell you about, plot points I’m tempted to reveal, but, I can’t, so, go on already, get a copy of ASCENSION! :-)  It’s a fabulous choice for your summer reading.

Lori Ann