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SHIFTER - Angela Knight, Lora Leigh, Alyssa
Day, Virginia Kantra
Berkley Sensation
ISBN: 978-0-425-22035-1
March 2008
Erotic Paranormal Romance
Mad Dog Love - Angela Knight
Lorezostellar Empire, 2450
Werewolf Rance Conlan has always depended on his strength and unique
nanobot system to survive. But three months ago, slavers managed to
secure a collar around his neck that altered his nanobots, and now
they work against him if he attempts to escape or attack those
enslaving him. When a potential buyer expresses interest in a
werewolf bodyguard, Rance is ready to die trying to escape. When
the buyer turns out to be an intriguing woman, who he senses is more
than she is letting on, Rance is willing to leave Market Station
with the mysterious lady. She is Empress Zarifa and is running for
her life from her villainous fiancé and his father, who plan on
killing her after the marriage to take control of the empire. Rance
agrees to help Zarifa locate the half-brother she is hopes can save
the empire, so he can also help her explore the intense desire that
is arcing between them.
Mad Dog Love is a sci-fi tale filled with adventure and
lust. Both Rance and Zarifa have been victims of deceit, betrayal,
and enslavement. When the passion they share turns into love, both
must decide if they can trust the other. Strong, visual writing and
heroic, likable protagonists are the highlights of this short
story. Where sensuality meets Star Wars, Mad Dog Love is a
gem.
A Jaguar's Kiss - Lora Leigh
Buffalo Gap, Present Day
When Saban Broussard offers Natalie Ricci a job teaching Breed
children, she immediately accepts the position. Natalie did not
expect that she would be assigned a full-time bodyguard, nor would
she have imagined that it would be the handsome Saban. But, as
attracted to him as she is, Saban soon starts wearing on her nerves
with his courteous attention and courtly manners. Natalie finally
lets him know that she is not interested in a relationship after the
destructive and controlling marriage she has recently ended. Saban,
however, knows that he has met his mate, and there is no way that he
will ever let her go. When push comes to shove, Saban must kiss
her, filling Natalie with the mating hormone that will bond them
together for life. Furious, and uncontrollably amorous, Natalie
must not only fight to stay her own person, but also fight the
forces that seek to kidnap a Breed-mated woman for experimentation
to find the secret to destroying all Breeds.
A Jaguar's Kiss is a story filled with Cajun charm and
perilous plots. Saban is an Alpha male bent on conquering his
mate. When flirty seduction fails, domination is his only option.
Natalie is a strong, spitfire woman and the perfect foil to his
attempts at control. Their conversations and passion are red-hot
and filled with fireworks. Excellent writing and plotting keep the
tension high. A Jaguar's Kiss is a terrific tale of danger
and desire.
Shifter's Lady - Alyssa Day
Big Cyprus National Preserve, Florida, Present Day
As she gets ready to leave Atlantis for the first time in her long
life, First Maiden of the Temple of the Nereids Marie looks forward
to seeing her brother Bastien and his new werepanther mate Kat.
When first Bastien, and then Kat must leave to fulfill duties, Marie
is instead left with Kat’s pride brother and pack leader Ethan.
Amorous and aggressive, Ethan is strongly attracted to the sedate
Marie and looking forward to being alone with her. But the latest
in a series of panther deaths interrupts them. When Marie is
threatened by a rival werepanther and Ethan is challenged for pride
leadership, he realizes that she is more than an interest; Marie is
his mate. Ethan is prepared to die to defend Marie and his pack,
but Marie isn’t about to sit idly by while Ethan fights. She will
use her all of her gifts to protect the man she is coming to love.
Shifter’s Lady is a tale of new experiences and love. The
sheltered Marie is amazed and confused by the beauty of the land and
the aggressive shifters that inhabit it. Ethan was betrayed by his
deceased wife and was certain that he would never claim another
mate. The two generate heat and emotion that grows throughout the
story. Strong writing and vivid settings enhance the charm of the
characters. Shifter’s Lady is a sweet and wonderful tale.
Sea Crossing - Virginia Kantra
Sanctuary Island
Ill-used and abused by the headmaster of the school where she
taught, Emma March chose indentured servitude in Canada over life as
his mistress. The sea crossing has been rough, but when the ship
sinks and she begins to drown, Emma is surprised to see a seal
rushing from the depths toward her. Griffith is a selkie warden who
has followed the command of his Lord and brought a teacher for the
young selkies as yet unable to take to the sea. He has chosen well,
having watched her for a very long time, and he hopes that Emma will
take well to life on Sanctuary. Griff is in love with the smart and
righteous woman and wants her to not only stay, but, become his mate
as well.
Sea Crossing is the tale of a ruined woman finding another
chance. Emma is not only smart, she has a rock solid core of ethics
that is hard to maneuver for the simple, straightforward Griffith.
However, Emma has no idea that the inhabitants of the remote island
are shifters, and Griff is hoping that when she finds out she can be
accepting of them. Excellent storytelling and writing highlight
this historical story. Atmospheric and sensuous, Sea Crossing
is a winner.
SHIFTER features a strong line-up of short stories. From science
fiction, fantasy, mythology, and folktale, each tale is strong and
enjoyable. Paranormal fans will love the variety of genre and
shifters. A hands-down winner, SHIFTER is very highly recommended.
Jennell |
