BIJOU’S BONDS - Anh Leod

Torrid Tarot: Nine of Swords

Ellora’s Cave - www.ellorascave.com

ISBN: 978-1-41991-223-8

October 2007

Erotic Paranormal Romance -- Single title

Rated: S-ensuous

Centralia and Cherry Blossom, towns in the United States - Present day

When Bijou’s Nana gives her a tarot card reading, the nine of swords comes up, representing sadness, despair, shame and disgrace. Nana is just about to reveal the rest of the card’s meaning when a call comes. Some of the youths of the Brotherhood of the Dog (her werewolf pack) cornered the Alpha of their longtime enemies, the Legion (another werewolf pack). Now they plan to shame Magnus, and as the pack historian, Bijou needs to watch.

Magnus Pompey can’t believe he allowed these scruffy pups to trap him, damn those Brotherhood mutts and their ability to change shapes at will. Tied to a cross, he’s shocked and upset to see their historian, Bijou, appear. Then they make it clear, he’s to be shamed. With the current unstable situation in his pack, shaming could result in his death as he’ll surely be challenged. Fighting to get away, Bijou uses her sensual skills to weaken him, allowing the youths to mark him. But Magnus and Bijou are both in for a surprise, because the marks show up on Bijou as well. It’s magic, mate magic. Bijou has just participated in shaming her own true mate.

In a world where mates are destined, not chosen, two enemies will have to come together if they’re going to survive. But can they look past their own desires to unite?

Poor Bijou. A scholar at heart, all she wants is to study her clan’s ancient scrolls, discover if the myths of their long lost magic are true, and see if they can re-attain that power. Physically she has a hard time resisting Magnus, but mentally, she’s willing to do just about anything, including endangering their health to continue researching in the Brotherhood’s secret vault. Magnus isn’t any more thrilled than Bijou about the match. Sure she’s sexy and strong, but frankly he’s got enough worries on his plate right now without adding a disgruntled mate to the menu. Magnus has only led his pack for a year, since his father’s “accidental” death, and he’s well aware that there are those just waiting for him to display weakness. The combination of the shaming and a Brotherhood mate will thrill them. Stubborn, smart, and determined to get their way, the pair come to an agreement, they’ll separate for six months, during which time Bijou will study and Magnus will try to solidify his leadership position. It sounds like a reasonable agreement, but in making it, Bijou and Magnus may have just signed their death warrants.

Nana is a clan elder, mysterious and wise, she could be a dangerous woman to cross. Barkley, Nana’s son, is also adviser to King, their Alpha. King is wise and strong, like all Alphas should be, but will he make the right decisions when it comes to Bijou and Magnus? Duke is Bijou’s younger brother, he’s also one of the youths who captured Magnus. Asta is one of Bijou’s older brothers, will he stand with his sister if a stand must be made? Magnus’s uncle Julian was once Alpha of their clan and he’d like nothing better than for his son, Brutus, to hold the position. But would Julian kill for his son, then again, who says Brutus won’t fight for it himself?

There’s drama aplenty in this fabulous story with its wonderful blend of action, deception, danger and romance. Though connected to LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN (July 2007), BIJOU’S BONDS is a completely standalone read. If you love werewolves, you’ll enjoy this book and all of the well-developed characters who inhabit its entertaining plotline. Get your copy of BIJOU’S BONDS today.

Lori Ann