LOVER'S TALISMAN - Ashleigh Raine
Talisman Bay, Book 1
Samhain - www.samhainpublishing.com
ISBN: 1-59998-853-4
January 2008
Rating: Red Hot!
Erotic Paranormal Romance

Talisman Bay, Central California - Present Day

Stephan Rashleigh is known as one of Talisman Bay’s most eligible bachelors. But he is also part of an undercover group called the Shadow Walkers. Along with his brother Marlin and their friends, Ryan, Jake, Fiero, and Dusty (who also make up the Talisman Bay bachelors), they roam the city at night protecting their community from evil such as vampires and demons who are out for blood to feed their hunger. After another night of demon killing, Stephan needs some down time and goes to a strip club called Silver Twilight for a few drinks. But as he watches Mariah, the erotic dancer on stage, Stephan feels like an electric shot has gone throughout his body.

Mariah loves to dance but keeps the hungry, lust-filled patrons at a distance. She enjoys the power she has over them but can’t find the time or energy for a passionate affair. As she is walking home one night, she is attacked by something inhuman. Stephan comes to her aid and, when she awakens in his home, she is one angry woman! She quickly leaves, even though she should have thanked Stephan for saving her. Now he wants her more than ever.

When Mariah returns to her home, her best friend and roommate, Twyla, is there to hear her story. Of course Twyla thinks Mariah is crazy because she knows all about those rich and mysterious men and wouldn’t have minded being in Mariah’s place. But as Twyla leaves to go on a job interview, Mariah will find herself asking Stephan for help because Twyla has been kidnapped by the ultimate enemy of the Shadow Walkers. Mariah feels immense guilt because she was the intended victim, not Twyla. Now Stephan must protect Mariah and find Twyla before she is tortured and killed. But as time is running out for Mariah’s friend, she and Stephan are also becoming closer to the point that Stephan wants to make Mariah his mate, although his work makes it impossible for her to remain safe.

Ashleigh Raine has written one action packed paranormal with hot sex, incredible men, and a villain that will make you squirm in your seat. I wasn’t sure what to think of it when I started reading LOVER'S TALISMAN, but I am so glad I kept reading till the very end. Mariah and Stephan scorch up the pages with their lovemaking even though they both think they will not have a future together. Everything works against them, including some brotherly advice Marlin gives to Stephan against a romance with Mariah because of the loss of his true love.

What I enjoyed most is the character of Twyla. This is not some wilting violet. Twyla can kick some major butt like the rest of these men, and the situation she finds herself in should make for a scary read, but her humor and smart mouth will have you cheering and laughing at the same time. She even has a romance with one of the baddies called Freeze who is expected to torture her to get answers from her; but his torture is not painful at all but a very delicious way to go, especially from Twyla’s point of view.

Because this is the first book in this new on-going series, I am sure we will see the other Shadow Walkers with books of their own, and most definitely Twyla’s, because her relationship with Freeze is far from over. And Freeze is one character who will not leave you out in the cold. He is the very opposite of his name.

There is so much happening in LOVER’S TALISMAN that to mention everything would be a major spoiler. What I can tell you is that magic, lust, romance, and action make for a most excellent read by Ashleigh Raine, and I will be right there to read the next story in her new Talisman Bay series.

Kate Garrabrant