Alpha Wolf: Westervelt #5

Alpha Wolf
Rebecca Royce
Westervelt, book five
ebook
Published by Liquid Silver
ISBN 9781595787927

Michael Kane arrives in New Orleans in search of his missing sister. Although he does not find her, he does, in fact, find his mate. She is a shifter, a member of the pack of wolf shifters who, until recently, hid his sister from Michael's father Kendrick Kane. But Scarlett Knoll is not like any other wolf-shifter Michael has ever met and Michael realizes quickly that it won't be a fast courtship to win the heart of the lady he has waited over two hundred years to meet.

Latent, which means that her wolf never presented, Scarlett has been beaten and abused by a wolf pack that has been led for years by dysfunctional Alphas bent on power instead of protection. When she meets Michael, she instinctually knows he's her mate. However, she expects him to abandon her for someone else who is capable of shifting.

Left with no other choice, Michael will have to teach the wolves in the New Orleans pack how real Alpha shifters behave, while showing his mate he is a man of his word.

We've finally made it off the island. Yay!! ...only to land in New Orleans. Fuck. And with even weaker weres, too. Double fucked. Though seriously, I am glad to be off the island. That place can only be burned down so many times.

Michael, eldest of the Westervelt brothers, waits in a bar for a member of the local pack. In walks a female but she's not just any female. She's his mate. His very injured mate. We're talking Rihanna-post-Chris-Brown here. She can barely speak but her sense of smell is still strong and she proceeds to apologize for being his mate and informing him that the magic can be removed.

Michael is flabbergasted. And mad. Angry mad.

Scarlett is... well, pathetic. Albeit with good reason. She's been abused, raped, and dominated in every sense of the word. The males of the pack are equally ridiculous. They've been trained to shift and drop to the ground as a sign of apology. I could picture it all too well and it's hilarious!

My favorite part was probably when Michael's wolf tried to communicate with Scarlett's dormant wolf. It took control of Michael's body, leaned into Scarlett, stared into her eyes, and asked 'Why are you hiding?' Oh yeah, freaky.

By the end, Michael has not only saved Scarlett's life and very soul, he also buys her a freakin' car! And she goes completely OCD over it. LOL.

We also end up home again on the island. Where it burns. AGAIN! 3 out of 5 stars.


My Blogs Posts

Her Wolf: Book 1
Summer's Wolf: Book 2
Wolf Reborn: Book 3
Wolf's Magic: Book 4

Amazon Links

The Wolven: Keepers #3

The Wolven
Keepers, book three
Deborah LeBlanc
Mass Market Paperback, 288 pages
Published December 1st 2010 by Harlequin
ISBN13 9780373618484

Someone—or something—is systematically murdering the members of Danyon Stone's werewolf pack. As Alpha, he knows that finding and punishing the murderous entity is his responsibility, and he's not about to rest until he sees justice done. But to stop the slayings he has to accept help from the most unlikely source— a wickedly sensual mortal woman.

Mystic-shop owner Shauna MacDonald has a special interest in the recent string of otherworldly deaths. As the Keeper of the werewolves, it's her duty to guard and protect the packs. Working by Danyon's side to stop an unknown killer— and trying to deny the potency of their illicit attraction—poses a threat to her heart unlike any she's ever known, and if she becomes the killer's next target, it could be the death of her...

First off, Danyon has some weak ass weres in his pack. Comic relief is one thing, but daaaamn, Paul and Andrea were something else altogether. I didn't expect the darkness in which these book delved into. Especially this one. Banjo was downright crazy freaky... and Shauna nearly getting raped- woah. Not a whole lot of details but enough to make you take a long breath before carrying on to the next page. 3 out of 5 stars.

The Shifters: Keepers #2

The Shifters
Alexandra Sokoloff
The Keepers, book two
Mass Market Paperback, 288 pages
Published November 1st 2010 by Harlequin
ISBN 9780373618460

Charged with overseeing the shapeshifters of New Orleans, Caitlin MacDonald has her reasons for being wary of their kind. So when charismatic bounty-hunting shifter Ryder Malloy blows into town claiming to be on the trail of a horde of malevolent entities called Walk-Ins, Caitlin has no reason to trust him—with her city or her heart. But as tourists start dropping dead from supernatural possession, Cait must team with Ryder to navigate his shadowy, ephemeral world…

Fiercely independent, Ryder usually hunts alone—but this case requires an exception. To prevent a supernatural massacre, he needs the beautiful Keeper on his side—and, if possible, even closer. In his world, appearances can be deceiving and deadly. And the only way they'll survive is if this woman who tempts him like no other trusts in him completely...

Each book in this series is written by a different author. The Keepers, book one, is by Heather Graham and The Wolven, book three, is by Deborah LeBlanc. I skipped book one in this series because it stars a vampire and I'm just not in the mood for a vamp romance. Another reason for the jump.. I think Ryder's kinda cute. Although I pictured the character from the pages quite differently. Another plus? Cait doesn't care for vampires any more than I do. Of course, she's got something against anyone who's an Other. Including Ryder.

Ryder Mallory is a true shifter. He can take the form of any living person, or pet. Such a trait I often associate with the horror genre and with soul possession and living bodies jackknifing in the middle of the streets, it doesn't hit that far off the mark. But this story does have it's romantic appeal. And thankfully, it's not an incredibly unbelievable one. There's no radical end with a declaration of undying love or any of that. Just two people who want to give their feelings a chance. And getting there, from where they were, it says a lot. Cait didn't even consider Ryder a 'person'.

Ryder does have his faults though. Way too many of those moments where he answers to her vibes instead of her words. But the cast as a whole is great. They easily look beyond their personal issues with one another, partner up, and get to work. Loved Fiona's role in this one. Big sister definitely knew best. And we get a good first look at baby sister, Shauna, and, Danyon, the alpha of the West Bank pack.

The last time I read a book where drug use was so prominent and abundant it was L.A. Banks' Crimson Moon series. (I miss Hunter) Strangely enough, that too was centered in New Orleans. There's quite a stereotype developing inside my mind.

I liked this one. But I can't say that it invoked all that much emotion from me even though Ryder's loner quality got the biggest rise. Cait's tarot reading.. very nice. 3 out of 5 stars.

The Omega: A Cedarville Novella

The Omega
A Cedarville Novella
Cynthia Carole
Kindle Edition
Published May 5th 2010 by Purple Sword Publications, LLC
ASIN B003MAK5K0

Can she betray the only man she’s ever loved to save her son? Or has this omega been pushed too far…

In the werewolf pack, the omega comes last. Leslie understood early in life that to fight back only brought her violence and pain. She learned to obey her father, the packmaster, in all things, even betraying her lover on his orders. But now, he has pushed her too far, and Leslie must turn to the exiled alpha she once wronged and see if he will trust her one last time.

Leslie and Chris embark on a dark and nightmarish race through the underworld of werewolves, vampires, and even the mysterious fae to save their son… but is it all just another betrayal?

My first trip to Cedarville was through The Alpha. My second, The Windigo. Both pretty good reads that totally left me interested and willing to come back for more. And holy hopping crickets, batman! It was good!! It's probably, and very likely, the best of the three.

FYI- Chris is the brother of the heroine of The Alpha. Leslie is the daughter of the pack Alpha, and stepdaughter to Chris' mother. This pack has issues galore!

Four years ago, something happened between Leslie and Chris. There was a night of passion and a betrayal on Leslie's part. Together they have a son Chris knows nothing about and Chris has lived as an outcast of his former pack since then. But now, Leslie needs him and they discover upon reuniting, that during that one night years ago, their wolves bonded, and mated.

I didn't care for the cryptic and vague first part of the book that kept their past clouded in mystery. But when the author does decide to let go, she drops it like a hot plate. Suddenly, everything is out in the open and it's a tidal wave of daaaamn's as the past comes back to completely topple the main characters.

"You're not going alone, and you're not going to beg."
"I'd do anything for my son." She crossed her arms.
"Yes, I know. Except tell his father he exists—"

I gotta say, the Fae in Cedarville have some seriously freaky powers. Chris, too, was a surprise. I do love my storybook lawyers. No way did I see the dragon possession though. I think that was my favorite. My only complaint would be that I really would have liked more interaction between Chris and his son, Elliot. 4 out of 5 stars.

But a werewolf didn't fall because of one punch, even one that would have shattered the jaw of a human. He stumbled back, his mouth bleeding, and Chris knew the rule of fighting for dominance. You didn't wait. It was like coming after a witness on the stand—the follow up question was far more important than the initial set up. And you never let your opponent get time to settle their thoughts or regain their balance. He slammed the man with his other fist, then grabbed him by the hair and rammed his head into his raised knee. The thunk of bone on bone was loud in the hallway.

He stepped back, shaking his hand where his knuckles hurt. "And that's just my opening argument," he said with a glare. "Wait until you hear the rest."

Links to my other reviews from this series:

Passions Recalled: Forbidden Passions #2

Passions Recalled
Forbidden Passions, book two
Loribelle Hunt
ebook
Published December 7th 2010 by Samhain Publishing
ISBN 9781609283032


She ran straight into love’s arms…and he isn’t letting her go a second time.

When his mate and his father died in a freak accident, Jason Leonidas left home and became a park ranger in the Florida Panhandle. The distance and solitude suit him. After all, the less he cares, the less he hurts.

As a hurricane bears down on the coast, he races to secure and evacuate the park before conditions worsen. Just as that point of no return passes he discovers an injured and unconscious visitor. Celeste Lykaios, his mate…who died over a year ago.

Truth has turned Celeste’s world upside down. Not only did her family lie to Jason about her survival, they lied to her about his abandonment. And the new boyfriend she’d trusted is trying to kill her. Her only hope was to race into the teeth of the storm to find Jason. She almost made it.

As she and Jason unravel the betrayal that split them apart, the ragged strands reconnect, forming a fragile hope that their love can be salvaged. Out in the storm, the killer waits for a chance to make Celeste the stunning finale in a plan to overthrow the Lycan alpha…

This book has been previously published and has been revised from its previous release.

Warning: This book contains smokin’ makeup sex, a hot leopard shifter, a deadly hurricane, and one deranged killer.

So... you're a human female who has just witnessed your best friend murder a woman with his bare hands, your family confessed that your mate has spent the last year thinking you were dead, you're about to lose your deceased father's land, and there's a deranged shifter after you. It's a hurricane season, so what's the natural response to your situation? Go to the beach!

The heroine's thought process in this story didn't make a whole lot of sense to me at first. That's a pretty wacky thing to do given the predicament. Then, I couldn't figure out why the blurb referred to the killer as her boyfriend... amnesia of course! 3 out of 5 stars.

Book one review: Stolen Passions

Baby, Don't Lose My Number: Fated #2

Baby, Don't Lose My Number
Fated, book two
Karen Erickson
ebook
Published December 21st 2010 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
ISBN 9781609283049

In these uncertain times, Mia Skinner’s Blackberry is her lifeline to independence…and a twenty-four/seven chain to her overbearing boss. When she loses it on a girls’ night out, it’s a disaster with pink slip written all over it—until she takes a chance and calls her number. And ends up talking to Mr. Sexiest-Voice-Alive.

The moment Jacob Miller lays eyes on the phone’s beautiful owner, a bolt of lust makes him want to make a sexy mess of her tidy outfit and perfectly straight hair. Which is a good sign. It means he’s almost fully recovered from a near-debilitating construction accident. Perhaps a little horizontal healing will get him back on his feet for good.

As their passion burns bright and hot, a funny thing happens. Mia’s ignoring her phone—and Jake’s the one itching to get back to work. But he’s building a plan that’ll let her hang up on her increasingly creepy boss for good. If Mia’s willing to meet him in the middle.

Warning: Delicious, toe-curling sex including a lusty scene in a truck flying down the freeway. A hero whose greatest thrill is lavishing all his attention upon the woman he wants more than anything in the world.

I am quite the fan of this Fated series from Karen Erickson. The first, Under My Umbrella, was a romantic's dream and this one did its predecessor proud. Love, love, LOVED Jake. He is the ideal man. Everything that went through his head in meeting and getting to know Mia is exactly what I feel every woman should want buzzing around inside the skull of a potential partner. Yays for Jake.

It's sappy romance at its finest. The end though, jumps full into cheesy-land. 4 out of 5 stars.


Book one review: Under My Umbrella (My 200th read of 2010)

Black Cat

Black Cat
Cat Johnson

ebook
Published 2006 by Linden Bay Romance
Freebie from AllRomanceEbooks.com

Lar has existed as a cat for a thousand years, with all the discomforts and indignities that go along with it. But when he is adopted by Belinda and gets a look into her life, can his curse finally be coming to an end?

Everything about this story I loved. Except the end.

Lar is on the verge of death when a witch rescues him, albeit for very selfish reasons. She wants pleasure, and he's meant to give it to her. When Lar refuses, she turns him into a housecat, cursed to endure the form for, unbeknownst to him, a thousand years.

He survives, eventually making it the New World where time passes and he becomes acquainted with such things as Playboy and that awful, dreadful hour of The View. I lol'ed. Meanwhile, Belinda's relationship with her boyfriend is a major failure so she adopts a cat to escape the loneliness of nights when he's out of town working.

It's cute. It's short. It fits the bill. All it needed was a more convincing ending. 3 out of 5 stars.

Changing Tides

Changing Tides
Sandra Sookoo
ebook, 50 pages
Published October 26th 2010 by Liquid Silver Books
ISBN 97815957


Born of water. Neadra is an Undine, yet the thought of being in any body of water besides her bathtub terrifies her. In Strange Hollow, she lives on the side a the mountain, content and out of harm’s way, even as she yearns to be understood for her fears and loved in spite of them.

Drawn to water. Caelan, a water dragon from the wilds of Ireland, has been shunned by his clan for his inability to shift and terrorize. Lonely for too long, he meets Neadra one moonlit night and becomes enchanted by her kindness and her unique beauty, but how could anyone love him if he has no heroic ability whatsoever?

Threatened by water. When late spring rains, coupled with warm temperatures, melt much of the snow pack on Mt. Mitchell, a flood sweeps through the outskirts of Strange Hollow, putting Neadra’s life in danger. Caelan fights his way to get to her, pulling out the hero he never thought he could be while she, in turn, works through her fears to find him. Only through acceptance of the world around them and of each other will they find the life they’ve always wanted.

I was recommended, to a certain degree, this book by Redd who thought it would appeal to my romantic side. Her little note about it is here as it was her 300th read of 2010. Congrats, btw!

If she needed a hero, he was applying for the job.

Fair warning, I'm about to be picky.

So in the very, very traditional sense of dragons, and I'm talking about the galiant knight defeating the fire-breather and saving the day, then okay, I can see the whole pillaging and raping side of being a dragon shifter. But um.. he's a water dragon. Did water dragons ever... fuck shit up like their sky dwelling brethren?

Even with that said, I liked Caelan's dragon more than I liked Caelan the man. Little things did it really. Especially the comment he made about there being a difference between flirting and being friendly. The difference is a fine line that I don't believe many people have the sight capabilities of noticing. And I'm pretty damn sure he was all over crossing that line.

Naedra's afraid of the water but we never find out why. It just comes and goes. She didn't freak out at all when the flood was dragging her ass down main street.

As far as the lovey-dovey stuff goes, with Caelan being a forever kind of guy and wanting to prove himself to his mate- I was all about that. The crap that surrounded it, I could have lived without. 3 out of 5 stars.

Declan & Tori: Hunters #1

Declan & Tori
Shiloh Walker
The Hunters, book one
ebook, 127 pages
Published October 16th 2003 by Ellora's Cave Publishing Inc.
ISBN 9781843606635

She was just doing her job, tracking down a nutcase who was stalking a young dancer. And then the unspeakable and impossible happened. She was bitten.

A newly turned vampire, Tori is alone and starving and she doesn't know what to do. But she knows who to turn to-gorgeous, mouthwatering Declan-a police detective who has a few secrets of his own.

I am not, by any means, a fan of vampires. Whether they sparkle, burst into dust, explode into light, or any other of the imaginative twists forced upon the folkloric race. So I made a huge mistake by prematurely committing myself to reading this series. It proves -yet again- that just before I absolutely adore an author, it doesn't mean I can tolerate everything he/she puts out.

This was just the oh-so-wrong book for me, so my review -0 out of 5 stars- has nothing to do with the writing or anything of that nature but directed moreso to the substance therein. I was determined to finish but by the end I was left growly, pissed off, disgusted, and in desperate need of a palette cleanser.

What's the worst death possible for a shifter? Cuz I'm dealing that out to Declan. Tenfold.

First of all, I don't care for wolf shifters that like to be fed from. Secondly, there is no talking out your muzzle when in wolf form. And thirdly, there is no damn sharing! Declan went from 1) She's mine. Don't touch -to- 2)Okay, I'll share, but her ass is mine -to- 3)Okay, you can have her ass now -to finally- 4) You fuck her. I'll watch.

Are you freaking kidding me!? No. No. No. Share your wives all you want. There is no sharing mates!

Despite the things I did like... the vulgarity and the teaching that for the sake of the world some people do in fact deserve to die... there was way too much that left me reeling. Near the middle I thought sure, I could read this. It's tolerable. Wrong! It completely spiraled downhill from there.

And yet, if you like menage, paranormal exhibitionism/voyeurism, casual sex, borderline bestiality, and a wolf who claims 'Mine' but doesn't do a damn thing about proving it... then this is a book for you. Me? I have no interest whatsoever in continuing the series and even less interest in ever reading another word about Eli.

As I said, 0 out of 5 stars.

Finding Destiny: Sons of Destiny novellas

Finding Destiny
Jean Johnson
Sons of Destiny novellas
Paperback, 352 pages
Published January 4th 2011 by Berkley Trade
ISBN 0425238628 (ISBN13: 9780425238622)


The slave...Chanson, a privileged Arbran dyara, discovers an unexpected connection with the excitingly different Eduor, a bracingly sexy war-slave who desires his freedom.

The knight...The Arbran diplomat Sir Zeilas must turn the Guildaran people from former enemies into allies. But in the case of their intriguingly beautiful leader, perhaps something more intimate is in order.

The mage...Gabria never expected to become a Guildaran envoy to Aurul. But the most stunning surprise was what waited for her in His Majesty's winter palace-and why.

The pirate...Captain Ellett would do anything for his king-even hunt down the pirates plaguing the Jenodan Isles. But he never counted on the seductive powers of the pirate's captain-beautiful, tempestuous, and impossible to resist.

Although this is advertised on Goodreads as book nine, it's actually a collection of four novellas set in the same world as the Sons of Destiny series. Shifting Plains was also set in the same world but just like this, it's a standalone book. However, the novellas inside spill from one to another so they each come together as one fitting tale.

SUNDARA

By the grace of the gods, Eduor's owner coughs herself to death whilst waiting out a sandstorm on Sundarin soil which, according to Sundara law, gifts Eduor his freedom from slavery.

With aid from a traveling knight, Sir Zeilas, Eduor finds himself in the desert village home of the dyara, Chanson, a woman who can manipulate the waters. Her responsibility is great and she is all business about it. Passion and attraction are the very last things to start sparking between these two. But time passes and a respect blossoms. And a fondness. And finally, we hit the Adult chapter. The one glitch, however, is that Eduor has spent the last two years as a slave and much of it was being forced to provide oral sex. And before that he was expected to accept such from the concubines of his father's house. So... he doesn't like being ordered about in the bedroom and he doesn't like women kneeling at him at all. And yeah, he freaks a little when it happens.

And that's not where his shortcomings end either. But it does finish rather well. I suppose. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

GUILDARA

Sir Zeilas, on quest for his king to secure an alliance with Guildara, falls in love with the land's Consul-in-Chief, Marta. Meanwhile, a neighboring kingdom is pulling forces to rise up and conquer the small nation.

Straight up, I did not care so much for this story. I'm not into machinery and there's a fuckton of it in this one. Zeilas bored me and Marta was just blah. The best part for me was likely Fireleaf, Zealis' enchanted Steed. And maybe Gabira, the Sub-Consul, and Ellett, the Mage-Captain of Aurul. But they're the focus of the final two stories. For this, 1 out of 5 stars.

AURUL

In Guildara, Marta received a prophetic message that they somewhat were able to translate. Gabria, however, was not privy to the discussion and now she finds herself promised in marriage to Devin, the Seer-King of Aurul. Not just the king, but the god whom manifests in his body.

How's that for freaky? Her first interaction with her husband-to-be was while he was possessed by Aurul's deity. During which, the god unveiled that she had been chosen not just to be pleasured by his host, but chosen for He himself as well. And that He would give her a son that would one day be the new Seer-King.

Aurul is a kingdom ruled by tradition and religion. For the first three days of their marriage, Devin and Gabria are meant to get to know one another emotionally. The three days that follow that are designated to be used for getting to know one another sexually. Finally, somebody has gotten the order right!

This one just about saved the book for me. Devin is a sweetie (and an abstinent one to boot!) and Gabria actually earned a bit of my respect. Despite the circumstances she's found herself in, she won't allow anyone to take away what's meaningful to her. Not servants. Not her new husband. Nor even his god. 4 out of 5 stars.

JENODAN ISLES

PIRATES!

Suul, god of Aurul, has spoken and his message has brought about a mission for Ellett, the Mage-Captain of Seer-King Devin's forces.

Ellett has been sent aboard ship with an assumed identity to await the pirates that have been plaguing Aurul's ships. What he finds is a woman capable of great powers leading her band on a quest of restitution against Aurul. She proclaims a man that Ellett knows to be very much dead has been acting as ambassador from Aurul to her people for some time. So there's a bit of a misunderstanding setting the stage for this last story. And so, they duel!

I liked this one. Out of all four, this one reminded me the best of the world of the Sons of Destiny what with the mages and the truth stones. Can't say it was my favorite though. 3 out of 5 stars.

I will have faith in my God... I will have faith in His prophecy... I will be bored out of my wits...

Finding Destiny, 3 out of 5 stars overall.

Last Call

Last Call
Olivia Brynn
ebook
Published January 3rd 2010 by Liquid Silver Books
ISBN 9781595787965

Eric Layton is used to being awakened by the phone. Firefighters are always on call.

When his phone rings in the middle of the night, he’s halfway to the door before he realizes that it isn’t his chief calling him in for an out-of-control fire. The woman on the other end, however, is a little out of control, and in fact a lot drunk. Before he can explain that he’s not her brother, her cell phone cuts out. His conscience won’t let him leave the woman waiting, but is he prepared for the chemistry that flares once the stranger climbs into his truck?

In Last Call, Joanne suffers a day straight out of hell when her boyfriend/boss both dumps and fires her all in one swift shot. On the advice of her older brother, she drowns her pain in liquor and ends up in bed with a very sexy, very sweet guy named Eric all because of drunk dialing. Nothing happens at first. Until she wakes up, sobering only slightly, and urgently needs to feel like a woman.

What else is a guy to do when a beautiful blonde takes his cock into her mouth?

So yeah, this one rubbed some serious blisters into my moral code. Joanne acted like a slut and Eric is most definitely a whore. I don't give a damn what thoughts processed the morning after.

I suspected Eric would be staying the night from the blurb, but foolishly had hoped the sex would be saved for the following night. After they knew each other. Nope. Not happening here. And yet, the sex is wicked hot. 3 out of 5 stars.

Spellweaver: Nine Kingdoms #5

Spellweaver
Lynn Kurland
Nine Kingdoms #5
Paperback, 368 pages
Published January 4th 2011 by Berkley Publishing Group
ISBN13: 9780425238639

Sarah of Doìre is finished with mages, magic, and the mayhem caused by both. Her quest to find her brother and stop his terrible spells has failed, her future lies in ruins, and her trust in Ruith shattered. What she wants is peace, safety, and a quiet place to weave. And all that stands between her and that dream is a collection of black mages suddenly hunting her, her own sense of do-gooding, and a past she knows nothing about... yet.

Ruitneadh of Ceangail has managed to ignore the magic in his veins for a score of years, hiding in the mountains until aiding Sarah with her ill-fated quest forced him into places where his past was impossible to deny. Now, faced with an ever-increasing number of former enemies knowing he’s alive and wanting his power, his choice is to accept his birthright and gather all his father’s spells together so he can destroy them, or turn away and allow the Nine Kingdoms to be overcome by his father’s evil.

Sarah reluctantly agrees to help Ruith, though she’s fairly sure she’ll do so at the peril of her life... and her heart.

At the end of book one (or four, depending on how you look at it), Ruith and Sarah suffered a capture in which Sarah was taken and Ruith was left tied to a tree. Despite the parting it doesn't take long for our heroes to find their way back to each other. Exactly twenty-one pages to be precise. But a happy reunion they do not have. For one, this is the first time being together wherein Sarah knows the truth of his identity, and secondly, Ruith is acting like a boor. All in the name of protection that is, though Sarah is very much in the dark about that. Still... the woman's pissed.

She shivered. "And just what sort of hell is His Royal Highness deigning to take me to?"
"One that leads to paradise," he promised. "And please stop calling me that."
"'Tis what you are."
"Not any longer, and there are other ways you could wound me that would hurt less."
She looked up at him seriously. "Do you think I want it to hurt less, Ruith?"

Oooo, FACE!

I was a tad confused shortly after that as Sarah kept talking about just walking away and becoming some anonymous woman. I mean, Hello! What happened to the quest of thwarting your brother's evil plot? And honestly, there's a lot of moments where you're left wondering what and why. Although, during such madness, I did enjoy the conversation she and Ruith shared with Solleirr, a very powerful mage who once had romantic interest in Ruith's mother. And really enjoyed finding Runach, one of Ruith's long lost brothers. The garden though, a place that would slay him or welcome him, took the cake in the what the hell were you thinking category.

I couldn't recall when exactly Ruith realized his love for Sarah but he's very aware of it in this book so all bets lie on it being some time in Tapestry of Spells. In this installment, he is very much wanting to earn Sarah's favor although he sucks pretty bad at it for most of the book. Not at all like his childhood friend (and hero of the first three books) Mochriadhemiach. But Ruith does have his charms and is quite good to Sarah when he puts a mind to it.

"I wish I'd never gone inside in the first place."
"You can blame that fully on me," he said in a low voice. "I should have left you behind, but I didn't because I am an idiot. Because I thought I needed you to find the spells. Because I thought you'd be safer with me than with Fransiscus. Because I am, again, a fool of the first water."
She almost managed a smile. "That's more than you've said to me in a fortnight."
"You told me to keep my mouth shut."

Of course, Sarah is one wacky, unobtainable female who's convinced that once the world knows of Ruith's still living existence, the women will flock and he'll want nothing more to do with her.

"I want you to court other women."
His mouth fell open. "I will not."
"Then I want you to meet other women."
"I've met other women," he said, beginning to sound faintly exasperated. "I don't want to meet any more."
"And they should be princesses."
He looked at her as if she'd lost all sense. She wasn't entirely sure she hadn't. A blindingly handsome man had professed... well, he'd professed something, and she wasn't swooning with pleasure?
Perhaps she was the one who was mad.
Ruith began to scowl. "And then will you be satisfied?"
She pursed her lips. "You're humoring me."
"You're damned right I'm humoring you!"

They go on to negotiate ten princesses. Which gets amended each and every time Ruith screws up. Quite the hagglers those two. The story itself though is one of two souls wanting to be no less than they are, and finding it difficult to rise to the challenge. One desiring magic she will never possess, and the other fearful of what magic he does. It's a beautiful love story -an imaginative fantasy- and I can't wait to see how the last one ends because this baby had a doosey. We discover the truth of Sarah's parentage.... Miach had the *best* entrance as he guest appeared... Finally got a kiss between our hero and his lady love... and a grandfather was reunited with his youngest grandson. Wooh. 4 out of 5 stars.

The children of Gair & Sarait:
Keir, Runach, Brogach, Gille, Eglach, Ruithneadh, and daughter, Mhorghain.

Other books in the series: (The story of Morgan (Ruith's sister))
Star of the Morning, book one
The Mage's Daughter, book two
Princess of the Sword, book three

Ruith's story, book four:

Wish List: January 2011

January 3

January 4

January 4

January 18

January 18

January 25