BITTER WINE - Theolyn Boese
The Ta’e’sha Caesurae, Book 1
Connected to The Ta’e’sha Chronicles
Loose Id - www.loose-id.com
ISBN: 978-1-59632-728-3
August 2008
Erotic Paranormal Romance - Ménage, BDSM and M/M interaction – Short Story

The Dark Queen (a ship somewhere in space) - Present day

It’s been over a year since Ruri was taken from Earth to be the wife of a handsome (if misguided) Ta’e’shian male named Kiger. It was a bad decision as Ruri is considered, even by those who love her, as, to say the least, tempestuous. Those who don’t like her use far less flattering terms. No surprise then, that she reacted in ways that were destructive, and even dangerous, at least to Kiger who received more than a few injuries during one of Ruri’s fits of anger. It’s a shame then, that after all the bitterness and fighting, Ruri has discovered she actually likes Kiger. Poor Ruri. Granted, she hasn’t been the best wife ever, but finding out Kiger took her advice and found a lover (a Ta’e’shian male named Hadri) by accidentally walking in on them in flagrante delicto, is somewhat cruel. So, it comes as something of a shock to Ruri to discover that she’s as attracted to Hadri as she is to Kiger. If you think that’s a surprise, wait ‘til she finds out Hadri wants her just as badly as he wants Kiger and he’s prepared to do anything to have them both.


BITTER WINE takes characters previously introduced in The Ta’e’sha Chronicles series and allows readers to get to know them much better. I must admit that before this book, I didn’t much like Ruri. But, as with most people, it just takes a look at the layers underneath the surface to make her actions, as terrible as they’ve been, make sense. Ruri isn’t the type to take any slight lying down and being taken against her will from a life she enjoyed, her family and friends, well, even if she was a calm, easygoing woman, I’d expect some kind of negative reaction. Her hurt and pain caused her to make bad decisions, but time (and some new friends) have helped to heal her wounds. Kiger is a loving, tender man. Though he picked Ruri as his bride against the advice of others aboard the Dark Queen, his heart is true and if they can come to some understanding, they should be very happy together. Hadri is a bit of an enigma. If plotting were an art form, he’d be a very rich man. Now, don’t let that make you think he’s bad, he’s just a schemer, and sometimes, that’s a good thing. He’s got a good heart and an intriguing back story.

As expected in a short story, secondary characters aren’t many. However, Ruri’s familiar, Shrayne, (did I mention Ruri is a witch?) must be mentioned. Shrayne’s support of Ruri, and advice to the men in her lives, is important. Also integral to the story is Sya’tia, a Ta’e’shian woman who found her mates in SHARDS OF THE MIND. Though I wouldn’t go so far as to call Sya’tia and Ruri friends, I would say that their relationship is important and helps move things in a positive direction.

Though this is the first in The Ta’e’sha Caesurae series and stands completely on its own, I would still advise readers to first check out the two books in The Ta’e’sha Chronicles to get a more complete picture of where Ruri, Kiger and Hadri’s story begins. Misunderstandings, deep emotion, some very hot sex scenes and, happily, characters who make you root for them despite their misdeeds, make BITTER WINE a can’t miss read. Stop by Loose Id and get your copy today.

Lori Ann