Review of THE LORD OF ILLUSION

THE LORD OF ILLUSION may be purchased here.

THE LORD OF ILLUSION
Kathryne Kennedy

Drystan Hawkes, who has elf blood, has been raised in Wales to save him from a possible death sentence at the hands of the Elf Lords.   The Elf Lords rule England with an iron fist and bring children with elf blood to test them.  If the children are too powerful, they are killed, so that they won't be a threat to the Elf Lords.  When Drystan gets a vision of the woman, who may be the key to opening the portal to Elfhame and possibly sending the Elf Lords back, he knows he must find her.  Camille Ashton, the slave from Drystan's visions, is in a precarious position, when Drystan arrives and saves her.  This is only the beginning of the adventure for these two.

Filled with magic, action, adventure, and complex characters, THE LORD OF ILLUSION brings to conclusion Ms. Kennedy's wonderful fantasy series.  Drystan is determined to prove himself more than a scholar and to find Camille, whom he has fallen in love with through his visions.  Camille, who has known great struggle and degradation, finds it hard to trust Drystan, at first, but his true character shines through, and she grows to love him.  The secondary characters, many of whom appeared in previous books, capture your heart.   I, especially, love the dragons.

All in all,  THE LORD OF ILLUSION is a fitting conclusion to an enjoyable fantasy series. 

Review of STUD

STUD may be purchased here.

STUD
Cheryl Brooks

Tarq Zulveidione, one of the few Zetithians left after their planet was destroyed,travels around impregnating women, in order to help his species continue.  Lucinda Force is trapped working in her father's cafe, when Tarq walks in.  Lucinda has seen Tarq's ads about having his children and getting much pleasure in return, and she is intrigued.  Lucinda sees Tarq as her chance to have children and escape the stifling presence of her father and family.

STUD is a very entertaining science fiction romance with an interesting premise, and multi-faceted characters.  Although I haven't read the other books in this series, I had no trouble catching the gist of the book.  While the beginning felt a little slow, after Lucinda runs away from her family,the pace picks up and a great adventure commences,  Tarq is one of the most lovable heroes, that I have ever encountered,  I was apprehensive that Tarq would come across as a gigolo with a big ego.  However, there is nothing further from the truth, Tarq is handsome, appealing and strong but has insecurities, which make him all the more lovable.  Lucinda, who has been put down all her life, also, has insecurities, which make her think Tarq couldn't possibly want her.  These two must overcome their insecurities, as well as, many dangers to be together.

Overall, STUD is a great read, and I will be awaiting the next book in this series with great anticipation,

Review of COMPULSIVELY, MR. DARCY

COMPULSIVELY, MR. DARCY may be purchased here.


COMPULSIVELY, MR. DARCY
Nina Benneton

Fitzwilliam Darcy, a wealthy businessman and company owner, goes to Vietnam with his friend, Charles Bingley, to help Charles' sister adopt a child.  When Charles is injured Darcy tries to oversee his care, but comes into conflict with Dr. Elizabeth Bennett, who is wearing surgeon's garb.   After this incident, Elizabeth and Darcy meet again, but Darcy doesn't recognize her.  Elizabeth thinks Darcy pompous and demanding and mistakes the relationship between Charles and Darcy,  Later, George Wickham arrives to cause havoc.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is my favorite book, and I love reading the different versions of it.  COMPULSIVELY, MR. DARCY is a modern retelling of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, which kept me thoroughly entertained.  Mr. Darcy didn't seem quite as arrogant and pompous as the orginal Mr.Darcy, however, this Mr. Darcy has many good qualitities,foremost among them, his protectiveness of those he loves.  The fact that Darcy has OCD makes him all the more likeable and humanizes him to a great degree.  While this Darcy doesn't take the original's place in my heart, I found myself falling a little for him, nevertheless.  Elizabeth makes a great match for Darcy, because she is intelligent, lively, and understands his disorder.  These two make a great couple, and I really enjoyed their courtship.  Perhaps my favorite character in this book is computer-hacking, militant, Mary Bennett.  The sense of family, that is enjoyed in the original version, is continued in this version.  When tragedy strikes, the Bennett family and Darcy pull together.

All in all, COMPULSIVELY, MR. DARCY is an entertaining modernization of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.