DON'T TEMPT THE PHOENIX - C. J. England

La Grande Mort

Mardi Gras - (PUBLISHER CLOSED

ISBN – (10): 1-934329-39-8

ISBN – (13): 978-1-934329-39-9

March 2007

Erotic Paranormal Romance

Heat Index: Cajun HOT

Tennessee, New York, Paradise - Present Day

In the Beginning all was pure and Yahweh, or God,  was pleased. Then, Eve tempted Adam and convinced all the rest of creation to join her in rebellion by eating the forbidden fruit. All but one creature, the Phoenix, fell to sin. For his faithfulness, Yahweh blessed the Phoenix with a beautiful, walled home and all his needs were met.

At the end of each millennium, the Phoenix obeyed his Lord and submitted himself to fire and re-birth and all was well. But, Milcham, or Phoenix, was lonely so Yahweh laid out a plan for him to go among men in a human form and find a mate. If she agrees to face the fire with him, both will receive immortality. But Satan, the Ancient One, had other ideas. His own plan was to tempt Milcham into being disloyal to the Creator. With certain rules in place, Yahweh agreed to test Phoenix.

Hired to read cards at the Phoenix Carnival, Aithne was at one time her brother's familiar and main source of nourishment. Aidan is a vampire, though not by choice. Aithne now has her freedom since Aidan has married Dawn. But, Aithne still has some of the paranormal abilities that she got from Aidan.

It has been impossible for Aithne to avoid thinking about her handsome boss, Milcham Phoenix. She is also acutely aware that he has been looking at her with more than passing interest. Is it possible that Milcham and Aithne are twin-flames...soulmates?

His failed attempts to lead Milcham astray have left Satan more determined than ever to trip up the Phoenix. With only a month to go before Milcham must renew, Satan decides to destroy Aithne. However, by calling her a witch because of her gifts, Milcham may drive Aithne away all by himself.

In spite of his suspicions, Milcham cannot stay away from her as circumstances bring them into each other's arms. Plus, they have a little help from Jonathan, who is a werewolf, and Alexander, who talks to spirits. On one wild night, Milcham and Aithne discover more than one way to enjoy a midway ride. <g> But will finding out what Aithne is send Milcham running back to his Paradise alone?

DON'T TEMPT THE PHOENIX reads like an old legend. The writing is prosaic, almost poetic, and never dull. The lovemaking is tongue-wagging inventive and out-of-breath sensual. This book is the most delightful premise I have come across all year. There's danger, hurt, life-threatening situations, and a seriously dark past for Aithne. C.J. England has a deft touch in keeping the readers on the edge-of-your-seat, “will-they-won’t-they have a happy ending”, and had this reviewer yelling at the monitor with all the suspense. I give DON'T TEMPT THE PHOENIX the RRTE’s highest recommendation possible, La Grande Mort.

Maggie Anderson