Romantic Fantasy

Reviews of Romantic Fantasy this time. Spent the day doing yardwork. Hope everyone has a great weekend.


Man After Midnight
Devyn Quinn
Kensington Aphrodisia, Apr 2009, $12.95
ISBN: 9780758228512

Guardian of the Light Witch Dani Wallace seduces the hunk who oozes forbidden darkness to her that she cannot resist. However, she is clueless that he is Prince Casedren who comes from an underworld where Lucifer’s offspring thrive. He teaches her passion and demands her surrender as his consort, but though tempted and craving his touch, she refuses to obey his order.

Casedren also refuses to back away as his slightest caress sends her into ecstasy and him with an out of control libido; he knows Dani will be his royal mate once he seduces her soul like he has her body. As they play their gender war of lovemaking and denial, his younger twin tries to usurp the throne from him, but with Dani and the sex magic they create, he believes they can save her world and his realm.

MAN AFTER MIDNIGHT is an excellent romantic fantasy due to the powerful fully developed star-crossed lead lovers. Dani is spirited and brave while Casedren knows what he wants and goes after her. His chip off the old block twin brings skillful sinister malice to a terrific tale that will have readers rooting for the heroes and craving for more entries in the dark paranormal romantic world of Devyn Quinn. Harriet Klausner

Dangerous Ties
Devyn Quinn, Jodi Lynn Copeland and Anya Howard
Kensington Aphrodisia, Apr 2009, $12.95
ISBN: 9780758228741

“Personal Possessions" by Devyn Quinn. During a drug deal, Nikki is shot. When she awakens she is in bed naked with nude hunk Jackson who welcomes her to his Helle.

"Captive Heat," by Jodi Lynn Copeland. The explosion knocked Leia out. When she regains consciousness she finds herself naked and tied down by vines in the underground abode of Sebastian. He plans to wakes up naked, underground and bound with vines as Leia's captor teaches her acceptance as he explores her sensual boundaries

"Liaison" by Anya Howard. Marcel tries to keep his beloved Carina safe from the ancient vampire using a magic collar; while the villagers, as they for ages, perform sexual rites to restrain the evil that resides in their monastery.

These three romantic fantasy novellas are dark well written heated thrillers, but not for everyone as the hunks in the Quinn and Copeland tales teeter on the line between mutually accepted bondage and abuse; on the other hand that also makes them seem plausible as they somewhat remain in character even when they find a love mate. This also leaves the Howard entry different as the lead male is a pure hero fighting a pure evil over the woman he cherishes. Sub-genre fans will enjoy the DANGEROUS TIES that bound the lead characters to one another. Harriet Klausner

Blood of Ambrose
James Enge
Pyr, Apr 21 2009, $15.98
ISBN: 9781591027362

His uncle Lord Urdhven killed his parents leaving the twelve year old heir to the throne of the Empire of Ontil, Lathmar, under his blood-soaked relative’s protection. The frightened pre-teen feels alone, expecting his ambitious Protector to kill him one day if he objects to any decisions. Dismayed and depressed Lathmar has no hope as he knows he is just an expendable puppet.

Everything changes when two of his ancient magical kin arrive at Ontil to raise Lathmar and help him one day regain the throne and depose his odious usurper. Ambrosia is calculating but reachable while her irritable companion Morlock is sinister and frighteningly unreachable. As Lathmar becomes a young man ready to claim his throne from his Protector, Urdhven revises his gory plans for his nephew; as the lad is becoming increasingly rebellious. Lathmar constantly tries to please his beloved relatives who have raised him as if he was their child; which in their mind he is.

BLOOD OF AMBROSE is a strong coming of age fantasy as the key four players in this waltz seem genuine. Urdhven comes across as a combination Lord and Lady Macbeth merged with Hamlet’s uncle while his nephew grows in confidence with maturity and nurturing from his ancient relatives. Although typical of the sub-genre, this excellent tale is worth reading as it’s the lad’s journey that makes for a superb fantasy. Harriet Klausner