Lamplighter by D.M. Cornish

Lamplighter
Monster Blood Tattoo, Book 2
D. M. Cornish
Putnam
May 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-399-24639-5

From the publisher’s site:
Orphan Rossamünd Bookchild has been sworn into the Emperor’s service—his duty is to light the lamps along the Emperor’s highways and protect travelers from the ferocious bogles that live in the wild. But he’s found it no easier to fit in with the lamplighters than he did with the foundlings—always too small and too meek—and his loneliness continues no matter how hard he tries to succeed.

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But when a haughty young girl, a member of a suspiciously regarded society of all-women teratologists— monster hunters—is forced upon the lamplighters for training, Rossamünd is no longer the most despised soul around. As Rossamünd begins to make new friends in the dangerous world of the Half-Continent, he also seems to make more enemies, finding himself pushed toward a destiny that he could never have imagined.

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My thoughts:
Having left Madam Opera’s Estimable Marine Society for Foundling Boys and Girls, Rossamünd Bookchild traveled to Winstermill to begin his apprenticeship to become a Lamplighter. Having arrived a week late, he began his time there with the name Master Come-lately, given to him by Grinrod, his Lamplighter Sergeant. With that, any hope that Rossamünd had to begin his time as a lamplighter with many friends are quickly dashed, so he begins his new job of lighting the lamps and battling monsters.

After helping to save the Lady Dolours group of teratologists from an attack, the lamplighters learn that one of the young girls, Threnody, is insisting on becoming a lamplighter. Lamplighter-Sergeant Grinrod does his best to be confrontational and refuse the addition of a female prentice, but in the end Threnody, who comes from a noble family, remains.

With little choice, Rossamünd is forced to keep Threnody close. A torturous beginning for him, but as they train along with the other prentices a friendship begins to form. Her rude and forceful behavior eventually softens to some degree, and Rossamünd finds himself opening up about some of his moments prior to arriving at Winstermill. Thenody of course finds it hard to believe, especially when Europe, the Brandon Rose, pays a visit.

As they endeavor to do their job while fighting the monsters continues, the loyal Rossamünd makes a few unlikely allies, some powerful enemies and continues to mature with his responsibilities.

This is the second book in Monster Blood Tattoo, and is as wonderfully fascinating as the first. D. M. Cornish does an amazing job of building this creative fantasy world and sharing that vision with readers. The characters are well-defined and are made more so by the drawings within the book. The scenery throughout is vividly described, and the storyline is multilayered and edged in mystery. Lamplighter is an enchanting journey filled with monsters, dangerous adventures and a young man finding his own niche in a world that may have otherwise passed him by. Written with young adults in mind, the Monster Blood Tattoo series will easily be enjoyed by adults as well.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

If Wishing Made It So by Lucy Finn

If Wishing Made It So
Lucy Finn
Signet Eclipse
July 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-22459-0

From the back cover:
Sometimes love needs a touch of magic...

Once voted the girl most-likely-to-succeed, Hildy Caldwell is now the one in the biggest rut. She has let her world get very small: a tiny cottage in rural Pennsylvania, two cats, and a ho-hum job. As for love? Nobody has ever measured up to her football hero high school sweetheart. If only she could meet him again . . .

Knowing that's wishful thinking, Hildy splurges on a summer rental on Long Beach Island, one of the Jersey shore's prettiest spots. There, she hopes the wind might blow a handsome man her way. Instead, she finds an abandoned bottle-with a two-thousand-year-old, meddlesome genie inside! Magic and mayhem follow, along with what Hildy's been wishing for: a meeting with the man she has never stopped loving.

With the genie's help, Hildy's dreams might come true. But spells and enchantment have a dark and dangerous side. And Hildy could lose everything-unless she finds out that true love is the best kind of magic.

My thoughts:
After a recent break-up confirms her bad luck with men, Hildy Caldwell packs her suitcase and heads to the Jersey shore for her summer off from teaching. Her ten year class reunion is quickly approaching, and Hildy’s realized that she’s still hung up on her high school sweetheart. Finding a genie in a bottle might be fun, and making a wish to be with the man you love could be perfect, but sometimes what you wish for is a far cry from what you may get. Hildy’s treasure turns troublesome when its previous owner wants it back and has no plans to walk away.

This was the first book I’ve read by Ms. Finn, and it was such a good time that it won’t be my last. If Wishing Made It So is an adventure brimming with non-stop action and the magic of discovering true love. The heroine is your average twenty-something reevaluating her life when magic flips her quiet world upside down. This fast-moving read has danger, humor and a fairy tale romance that’s sure to entertain.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

The Velvet Chair by Jennifer Stevenson

The Velvet Chair
Book 2
Jennifer Stevenson
Ballantine Books
May 20, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-345-48669-1

Working as a fraud investigator in Chicago keeps Jewel Heiss busy with bizarre crimes. While she’s not fond of the department she’s stuck in, she’s finally been given a partner. Clay being an ex-con might not have been her first choice, but his checkered past comes in handy more often than not.

When Clay Dawes refuses to help his father’s girlfriend he and Jewel find themselves going undercover in his father’s home. What they’re after is the Venus Machine, a chair reported to intensify beauty making the subject who has used it irresistible to those around them. Their job is to investigate the fraud and shut down any talk of magic.

Randy, the sex demon, is still by Jewel’s side and hoping for a permanent release from his curse. He also manages to get them all into some pretty risky situations. Between the three of them they’ll have to prevent public knowledge of the Venus Machine and find a way to prove that its magic is really just the power of suggestion.

In this second Jewel Heiss installment, Jewel returns with Clay and Randy in an undercover adventure that’s sometimes dangerous, often laced with sexual tension and always filled with magic. Ms. Stevenson gives readers a wonderful follow-up story, turning up the heat with more lusty moments and humorous escapades. The Velvet Chair is a steamy romp and a great time with this amusing trio. Book three, The Bearskin Rug, is scheduled for release on June 24, 2008.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

The Brass Bed by Jennifer Stevenson

The Brass Bed
Book 1
Jennifer Stevenson
Ballantine Books
April 29, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-345-48668-4

Jewel Heiss works for the Chicago Department of Consumer Services where she investigates fraud and tries to keep a lid on the magical things that go on around town. Her boss thinks his wife, Nina, is cheating on him and wants Jewel to find the proof. Not the kind of case she wants to be involved in, but in the process she’ll investigate the sex therapist Nina’s seeing because Jewel is sure he’s a con.

Giving in to her friend’s demands, Jewel agrees to a session with Clay, the therapist. What she gets out of the experience is Randy, a demon lover who attaches himself to her as her sex slave.

When his mistress used her magic and cursed him for being a lousy lover, Randy found himself trapped in a brass bed. He’s been stuck there since 1811. The deal is that he has to satisfy 100 women to gain his freedom and it’s taken him nearly 200 hundred years to get there. He was lucky that someone like Clay finally came along and made good use of the bed or he may have been stuck forever. Still, something hasn’t gone as planned and Randy has little choice but to rely on Jewel to help him work things out.

This is the first book in a new fantasy series with Jewel Heiss and while the over-all plot was enjoyable there were a few points that were difficult to get past. The biggest were Jewel’s boss who cheats on his wife, and the wife who accepts the cheating as a relatively tolerable part of life. While they were secondary characters their presence was strong enough that it cast a dark shadow over what is otherwise a lighthearted and humorous read. Ms. Stevenson has created an interesting world for her characters and the storyline for The Brass Bed is basically a fun one. Jewel, Clay and Randy are an entertaining trio that share chemistry, lust and crazy capers. I’m looking forward to their next adventure in The Velvet Chair.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter

The Darkest Kiss
Lords of the Underworld, Book 2
Gena Showalter
HQN
June 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-373-77232-2

After opening dimOuniak (Pandora’s Box), made of bones from a goddess to hold the spirits of demons, Lucien was forced to accept the demon of Death inside himself as punishment. He’s a Lord of the Underworld, scarred from self inflicted wounds and charged with escorting souls into the afterlife. Lucien keeps to himself and is content with the negative effect his appearance has on women. Then Anya comes along, and her single minded pursuit has him rethinking his most recent orders to kill her.

Anya is the Goddess of Anarchy, and lives with a curse that has made her unwilling to do more than flirt and tease men. Her sights are set on Lucien, and there’s little he can do to deter her from her goal. While Cronus, the new king of gods, hounds her for the special key she possesses, Anya assists the Lords of the Underworld in searching for powerful artifacts that could lead to Pandora’s Box.

In this second installment of the Lords of the Underworld, readers explore Lucien’s past and changing future as Anya insinuates herself by his side. Lucien is closed off and brooding with his curse to bear. Anya is outgoing, sarcastic and desperate for Lucien’s affections. Ms. Showalter has a fabulous style all her own, and really knows how to unfold a story at a steady pace. While there were some distracting moments with Anya’s over-the-top behavior, The Darkest Kiss is well-written, entertaining and wonderfully steamy. To enjoy the full effect of this series, readers should start from the beginning.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Don't Hex With Texas by Shanna Swendson

Don’t Hex With Texas
Katie Chandler, Book 4
Shanna Swendson
Ballantine Books
April 29, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-345-49293-7

Katie Chandler thought she was doing the right thing by leaving her job and the man she cared about behind. Far from Manhattan, she returns to her hometown of Cobb, Texas where life is generally quiet. While she missed her job at Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc., Katie thought her absence would help to keep Owen safe. Her boss, Merlin, seemed to agree. Little did she know that something was brewing in her hometown, and someone she knows could be deeply involved.

Owen Palmer is a powerful wizard who’s at war against darker magic. He’s been busy tracking down Idris, a wizard who poses a dangerous threat. When Katie’s hometown is in magic induced trouble, Owen betrays his orders and heads down to help. What he discovers could be a real problem. While he manages to find assistance from some unexpected sources, he’ll still have to rely on their honor in keeping their promises. Not such an easy thing to do when so many lives are on the line.

This is the fourth installment in the Katie Chandler series. In this magical world wizards can be charming, gargoyles make fabulous bodyguards, and what most of the world sees is rarely what’s there. Don’t Hex With Texas is fun, witty and delightfully entertaining. Ms. Swendson weaves fantasy, fairytales and her own creative magic into the storyline, making this series simply unique.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

A Kiss Before the Apocalypse by Thomas E. Sniegoski

A Kiss Before the Apocalypse
Thomas E. Sniegoski
ROC
May 6, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-46205-3

Remy Chandler is a Boston P.I. with an amazing history. Once part of the Seraphim, the angel Remiel chose to give up his place in Heaven and live among the humans on Earth. Like most men Remy fell in love with a beautiful woman and married. Now Madeline’s life is approaching the end as she fights a deadly disease.

Hired to follow a cheating husband, Remy finds himself the witness to a murder/suicide, but the fatal wounds don’t actually claim their lives. His fears are confirmed when Nathanuel, accompanied by three other Seraphim, asks for his help in locating Israfil, the Angel of Death.

Souls are not being claimed, so those who should be dead are left to linger. Sacred scrolls are missing, and if opened they will unleash the four Horsemen and bring the Apocalypse. A battle rages, its instigators intent on destroying mankind for their selfish purposes. With one of the fallen by his side, and the power of an angel within, Remy becomes the planet’s only hope.

Blurring the lines between good and evil, A Kiss Before the Apocalypse will keep readers riveted until the very end. This is an emotional journey that’s sometimes filled with sadness, but once it begins you won’t want to walk away. Mr. Sniegoski defines the hero in a way that makes him very real and thoroughly human. While the supernatural plays a large and detailed role, much of Remy’s decisions come from his human heart as opposed to the angel’s intellect and strength that he keeps locked away. Fast-moving, well-written and wonderfully enchanting, this is one that fantasy readers won’t want to miss.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs

Oh. My. Gods.
Tera Lynn Childs
Dutton – Penguin Group USA
May 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-525-47942-0

Phoebe Castro has worked hard to be one of the best in cross-country running, and doing what she loves most will pay off in the form of a scholarship. Attending USC with her best friends Cesca and Nola is just a year away. Unfortunately for Phoebe, her mother has different plans.

Returning from a family reunion in Greece, Phoebe’s mom has a surprise that will turn Phoebe’s world upside down. She’s fallen in love with Damian Petrolas, the headmaster of an exclusive academy on the Greek island of Serfopoula. If that weren’t enough of a shock, Phoebe’s told that they’ll be moving there and the students are all descendants of Greek gods with inherited powers, leaving Phoebe as the only normal in attendance.

Phoebe’s only hope for getting off of the island is to get her scholarship, but with a stepsister who’s out to make her miserable, life has definitely taken more than one turn for the worst. Her new friends Nicole and Troy make life at the academy bearable, and her crush on the gorgeous Griffin Blake is a tempting distraction, but Phoebe knows that everything hinges on the decisions she’ll have to make. Her future is in her own hands.

Oh. My. Gods. is a fabulously fun visit with the descendants of Greek mythology. Phoebe is your average high school student with dreams of college before her life is suddenly changed forever. Ms. Childs plucks readers from their everyday lives and drops them onto a mysterious island where the myths of ancient gods are alive and well in their modern day offspring. Oh. My. Gods. is a witty, well-defined and realistically imagined escape for teens and adults who enjoy a romantic fantasy.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

Ink Exchange
The World of Wicked Lovely, Book 2
Melissa Marr
Harper – Teen
April 29, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-06-121468-4

Leslie is leading a less than pleasant life. With her mother gone and her father living in a bottle, this 17 year old is left to fend for herself against her brother and the drug dealing friends he uses her to appease. This is a side of Leslie that she tries to keep hidden, even from her best friend Aislinn.

Deciding to do something for herself, Leslie saves the pay and tips from her job as a waitress to get a tattoo. The ink that draws her in is an elaborate design that with bind her to a darkness that Leslie knows nothing about.

While she briefly gains the confidence and strength she seeks, Leslie’s new ink will draw her further into a world where the forbidden attention of Niall, a man sworn to the Summer King, may be the only chance she has to escape. In the end it will be more than escape she needs to see her through; it’s her sense of survival that will give her the strength to do something that no mortal before her has ever accomplished.

Ink Exchange is the second installment in The World of Wicked Lovely. Leslie has no knowledge of the world that her best friend has become a part of, and that act of protection on Aislinn’s part may leave Leslie at risk to lose her mortal life. Ms. Marr takes readers to the darker side of the faeries and shows how blurred the line that separates the dark and light really is. This is a well-detailed escape into a fantasy where worlds overlap, survival is the greatest of strengths and things aren’t nearly as clear as they appear to be. Dark, dangerous and wonderfully wicked, Ink Exchange thoroughly entertains and teases readers with a taste of unlikely heroes that will leave them wanting more of the same. Leslie’s story is an enchanting edition to The World of Wicked Lovely and will appeal to teens and adults alike.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Marseguro by Edward Willett

Marseguro
Edward Willett
DAW Books Inc.
February 5, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-7564-0464-2

When Victor Hansen left Earth in order to see his people survive, he took the race of modified humans he had created with him. They named the planet they colonized, Marseguro, and the landlings and water-dwelling Selkies strove to live in harmony. Here on the new world, the religious beliefs of the Avatar would no longer threaten the Selkies who were deemed abominations on Earth. While most of the unmodified humans among them were in support of the freedom, there was a small faction who continued to follow the Avatar’s beliefs behind closed doors. Chris Keating’s family was among those few, and his hatred towards the Selkies prompts him to set off a distress beacon that alerts those on Earth to their location.

Richard Hansen is the grandson of Victor, and has spent his time searching for the location of his grandfather and his people. Raised on Earth under the Avatar’s teachings, Richard believes the worst of Victor and wants to help cleanse Marseguro of the Selkies. What he didn’t realize when he turned over the colony’s location, was that there would be little hope for anyone inhabiting the planet. Now, torn between duty and what he’s now seen to be true, Richard must decide where his loyalties lay. His decision could mean the difference between survival and death for all who call Marseguro home.

Marseguro is a creative tale in science fiction. Having been raised to see the worst in Selkies, Chris Keating finds what he believes will be the solution to purifying Marseguro. Richard Hansen starts his journey pleased with discovering the location of his grandfather’s people, but as the assault begins he finds himself questioning his beliefs. Mr. Willett blends science fiction with heavy religious beliefs into a well-written storyline that’s filled with dramatic scenery and character detail. Sci-fi and fantasy fans should find this story full and entertaining.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay

Ysabel
Guy Gavriel Kay
ROC
February 5, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-46190-2

Ned Marriner is a Canadian teenager on a photo-shoot with his father in France. As the team sets up outside the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral of Aix-en-Provence, Ned retreats inside where he meets an American exchange student, Kate Wenger. A self proclaimed history geek, Kate has the answers to most any question about the surrounding area. The two come across a strange man who, initially unwilling, sets off a chain of events that drags them into a recurring story that has continued through the centuries. As the story unfolds around them, they soon realize that the stranger they’ve met has a rival and each man plays a powerful role in what’s to come.

When Ned gets a phone call from the mysterious aunt he’s never met, he learns that there is more to his own family’s history than he’d ever been told. As the stakes grow ever higher, and one of the team becomes further entangled in the story, it’s clear that the men seek the favor of Ysabel, the woman they love. Neither man is able to break free of the part they play in her game. With the help of his family and friends, Ned will embark on a frightening journey to save a life and hope to learn how he fits into Ysabel’s story.

Ysabel is an intriguing fantasy that takes a piece of the past and enables it to play out in today’s time and space. Ned begins his visit to France as an average teenage boy, but quickly learns that his family’s secrets play a large role in the deep connection he finds with Ysabel’s story. Mr. Kay tells a fabulous tale with such great detail that it enables readers to experience the unfolding drama along with his characters. The beautiful scenery, the edge of your seat suspense and a soul-deep longing that has endured the tests of time are all carefully pieced together to create one incredible story.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Immortal by Traci L. Slatton

Immortal
Traci L. Slatton
Delta – Bantam Dell
January 29, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-385-33974-2

With no memory of his parents, the life Luca remembers begins as an abandoned young boy on the streets of Florence, Italy. It’s apparent early on that Luca is different from other children. He barely ages, he doesn’t take ill, and his differences label Luca a sorcerer and witch.

Betrayed by a boy he considered a friend, Luca finds himself in the clutches of Silvano, a cruel man who beats him and sells his body to the men who frequent his brothel. Silvano holds Luca with the promise of information and the threat to use it against him as one of the many torments he inflicts. It’s his love of art and his desire to learn that comfort Luca through the long days until he finds freedom once again.

During his early years, Luca meets the artist Giotto di Bondone and later Leonardo di Vinci and Sandro Botticelli. His interest in their talents makes his years bearable as Luca continues to pursue the mystery of his heritage, religion, love and the art of alchemy.

Through plagues and war, enemies and friends, Luca remains strong, until a loss he can’t bear sends him over the edge. In grief, madness and the eventual acceptance, Luca will gain the answers he’s spent his long life chasing, but the cost to get there will be much higher than he ever imagined.

With a touch of the paranormal, Immortal is a historical novel of love, religion and the mysteries of life. On his own from a young age, Luca survives much worse than life on the streets before achieving his lifelong goals. Ms. Slatton does an amazing job of drawing readers into her story with remarkable detail and passionate characters. The unique plot and vivid description of Florence and the surrounding area adds beauty to what would have otherwise been a dark story. A lengthy tale, but well worth every moment spent reading it.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Into the Mist by Elizabeth Sinclair

Into the Mist
Elizabeth Sinclair
Medallion Press, Inc.
January 28, 2008
ISBN# 978-1933836-42-3

When she first stumbles into the library bloodied and confused, Carrie Henderson has no recollection of who she is or what’s happened to leave her out in the middle of a snow storm. Irma is there is greet her along with her family, and they soon guide her to Renaissance. A place where Carrie can heal and come to terms with the terrible shock she’s has as she begins to remember her past.

Dr. Frank Donovan has a past that haunts him every minute of the day. Emanuel, the elder of Renaissance, believes that Frank can be healed. He’s allowed Frank’s entrance to their village to help him see that the loss he suffered was not his fault.

Together, with the healers of Renaissance, Carrie and Frank will lend each other the support and caring they need to move on in a positive direction. They may even find the love in their hearts to set them free from the past.

Into the Mist is the sequel to Miracle in the Mist. Carrie is emotionally crushed by the abuse she witnessed, and trusting a man is the furthest thing from her mind. Frank is living each day feeling untrustworthy and avoiding entanglements. From the moment they meet the memories that haunt them begin to fade, and something new begins to bloom. Ms. Sinclair tells a beautiful tale that starts with some of the most devastating experiences in life and steadily flows into a loving romance. A fantasy that’s sweet, magical and wonderfully enchanting.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Queen of Dragons by Shana Abé

Queen of Dragons
Thief Series (Drákon), Book 3
Shana Abé
Bantam Books
December 26, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-553-80528-4

Kimber Langford, the Earl of Chasen, is the Alpha of their drákon tribe and does his best to ensure the safety of his people. The drákon are a race that has the gift to Turn, and while they live most of their lives as human they also have the ability to transform into smoke and dragon. Surprised to learn of the existence of a drákon princess, Maricara of the Zaharen, Kimber begins correspondence and offers help to the young drákon and her brother. Maricara denies needing help, and instead chooses to travel from Transylvania to England to deliver a message in person.

Upon her arrival, Maricara warns of the Others that are hunting the drákon. While Kimber finds the story hard to believe, he soon learns firsthand that what Maricara says is true as members of his own tribe have disappeared. In the face of impending battle, they must find a way to join together and save the drákon race from their enemy. For Kimber, he will also try to prove to the princess that his interest in her runs much deeper than she believes. Until he does, there is little hope that she’ll remain where he wants her, right by his side.

Queen of Dragons is the third book in the drákon Thief Series. While having been married and widowed at a very early age, Maricara’s youth shines through in her free spirit. Kimber wants to tame her for himself, but he’s about to find that this fiery female dragon won’t be caught until she’s ready. Ms. Abé has created a splendid fantasy world and led readers through a tension filled journey. As her dragons live and love, the threat of discovery forces the drákon into a fight for survival. In order to really enjoy this story, it would be best if readers had a better understanding of the background and started the series by reading The Smoke Thief and The Dream Thief beforehand.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Heat of the Night by Sylvia Day

Heat of the Night
Dream Guardians, Book 2
Sylvia Day
Red – Avon – Harper Collins
January 2, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-06-123103-2

When the Guardian’s homeworld was invaded by Nightmares, they were forced to flee into a conduit plane, the Twilight, between their dimension and that of the human’s. The Nightmares are a race of shadowy parasites that the Elite Warriors, like Connor Bruce, continue to battle. When Connor suspects that the Elders can no longer be trusted, he and his team make plans for him to hop a stream into the human world by using a Medium to do it. There he’ll meet up with Aidan Cross who left the Twilight to live with the woman he loves. Lyssa also happens to be special, the one they call the Key, and her survival is essential.

Arriving at Aidan and Lyssa’s home, Connor meets their friend Stacey who is house sitting while they are away. Stacey works at Lyssa’s veterinary practice and is a single mother. Her son is away on a ski trip with his father, and while she usually makes the worst choices in men like her ex, she can’t help the instant attraction to Conner. As the danger grows around them, Conner must share the truth about himself, putting Stacey further into harms way. Now Conner will not only have to continue his mission, but protect Stacey and her family at all costs. The Elders are looking after their own best interests and continuing to grow in power, anyone who crosses them is expendable.

Heat of the Night is the second book in the Dream Guardians series. Stacey has had enough trouble with men to last her a lifetime, but meeting Connor slowly melts the wall that she has erected to protect herself. Connor has lived for centuries and never had an interest in settling down, but meeting Stacey has made him crave what he’s always denied himself before. Ms. Day knows how to spin a tantalizing tale and in this intriguing fantasy world she easily captures the reader’s attention. Action, suspense and love are just some of the elements that make this book sizzle. A sexy warrior, a willing woman, and their scorching sexual encounters will leave readers looking forward to their next steamy visit with the Dream Guardians.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews