FIENDISH PLEASURES

Review

FIENDISH PLEASURES - Jill Knowles

ISBN: 978-1-59632-587-6

December 2007

Erotic Contemporary Romance

Franklin’s Bend, the Present

There’s something fishy going on in the small town of Franklin’s Bend. Normally, the town’s resident mages, witches, ghouls, elves, imps, werewolves, fiends, dragons, trolls and gremlins all live together harmoniously; but now, someone is using their magical powers to cause murder and mayhem. Shockingly, no one can sniff out the killer, not even Josie Reynolds, a seer and powerful psychic.

Walker Morgan, the new marshal of Franklin’s Bend, is frustrated that he is having such a difficult time solving the town’s first real crime. Although he didn’t know the victim personally, he wants to find the killer pronto because using magic to harm someone is punishable by death. His grim determination guides his days and is second only to Josie, his cutie pie next door neighbor. Walker is ecstatic to finally work with Josie and is hoping to get to know her better while solving the case. Josie is blissfully ignorant of the fact that Walker is a fiend and he hopes that when she finds out about him she won’t run from his differences.

Walker and Josie are incredible characters who make the best lovers. Josie sees auras and has the power to visually step back into the past to replay events. She is highly attracted to Walker and doesn’t hesitate to act on her feelings. Walker hides his true characteristics underneath his human façade. But when he shows what he really is, everyone steps out of his way. I still can’t get over the fact that his hair is sentient! It has a mind of its own and is actually repulsed by dirt. Wait until you read about what he can do with his hair…I will never look at thick hair strands the same!

Secondary characters play large roles in FIENDISH PLEASURES. Brenda Leaflorn, Walker’s Senior Deputy, is a beautiful half elf who has tons of untapped power. She has the body of a goddess and drives a gnarly Harley. Rex Evans is the werewolf Chief of Police who finally backs down from Walker when he realizes that the fiend would make an extremely powerful enemy. Even Mokey, Walker’s pet poodle, is not what he seems. Underneath his exterior lies a blood-thirsty hellhound. The murder and the other attacks add suspense that will keep you guessing until the very end and even then, your suspicions will be wrong. Josie and Walker’s relationship adds spice that is secondary to the plot, but still leaves you gasping for more.

FIENDISH PLEASURES is much more than an erotic novel. It is full of interesting paranormal creatures who fight to save their town. At times, the mish-mash of characters is a bit overwhelming, as this is the first time I have read a book so full of every sort of other-worldly creature imaginable. However, Jill Knowles does not delve into each of the character’s extraordinary talents and only give us brief introductions. So, although it may take some time, readers will adjust to the fantastical world of Franklin’s Bend and come to appreciate it for its uniqueness.

FIENDISH PLEASURES is a fun e-book that I enjoyed and highly recommend. Readers will be immediately ensconced in the imaginative writing of Ms. Knowles and will look forward to reading the next one.

Ariel Summer