Romance Book Reviews
Page One of TwoThe Pleasure Master by Nina Bangs
Love Spell, June, 2001.Paperback, 358 pages.
ISBN: 0505524457
Subgenre: Time Travel
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
New York hairdresser Kathy Bartlett is not feeling the
Christmas spirit in the least. Her ex-husband is suing
her, and all of her recent dates have been disaster. When her
car breaks down on Christmas Eve after she finishes
buying toys for the local children's shelter, she feels the
whole experience just proves her philosophy: men and
cars have a lot in common. They have great form, no function
and tend to overheat at inopportune moments.
Jokingly, she tells the toy she just bought that she wishes
for warmth, convenience and a subservient man. Before
you can say "Back to the Future," Kathy has been transported
back in time to 1542 Scotland with her strange toy, which
she names Peter. Peter quotes famous lines from movies, and
is much more than he seems. Kathy immediately
meets Ian Ross and his two brothers who are vying to
take over as the next Pleasure Master of the small town (the
last Pleasure Master is retiring as he had the misfortune
to fall in love and get married). Women come from
miles around to obtain the services of the Pleasure Master
who is legendary for his incredible seductive powers and
sexual prowess. In order to win the contest, the Pleasure Master
must seduce Kathy, but she's only interested in getting back
to 2001 and her clients who desperately need her help to
avoid bad hair days.
The Pleasure Master is an irreverent, sexy and hilarious romp through 1542, Scotland. Kathy, the hairdresser who never travels anywhere without a butane-powered curling iron and some good mousse, is a feisty and funny heroine who is a perfect foil for the seductive Ian. Peter, the toy who spouts off appropriate movie lines adds to the fun. Author Nina Bangs has done a fabulous job of creating a funny, sexy and off-beat romance that time travel aficionados will absolutely relish.
Ritual of Proof by Dara Joy
William Morrow, June, 2001.Hardcover, 368 pages.
ISBN: 0380978342
Subgenre: Fantasy
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
The planet Forus was founded hundreds of years ago
by female colonists from a place called Originpoint, whose
society sounded a great deal like Regency-period England.
But the founders wanted no part of a ton where the women
made debuts and hoped to snag a rich husband. In the
new world, women are the rulers and men are the
sheltered veils whose virtue must be protected until
they are properly "fastened" to a She-Lord who will
pay a large bedprice for an eligible male. Men are
valued in this society only for their looks or their property.
Handsome Jorlan Reynard with his black hair, aqua eyes,
and fantastic family wealth is the catch of the season, an idea
which he finds totally repulsive. He longs for a world where
men and women are equal partners.
Powerful She-lord Green Tamryn has never felt the need to take
a name-bearer, until she meets Jorlan, the grandson of Anya, an old friend.
Much to the fury of her arch-rival, the odious and ruthless Claudine,
Green makes an offer for Jorlan, which Anya accepts. Attracted
to Green, but furious at being treated like property, Jorlan
is duly married to Green. As Green and Jorlan get to know each other,
they are swept up into a world of treachery, discovery and
a primal passion which could destroy their entire society.
Dara Joy is a remarkable and unique talent. Ritual of Proof is a clever parody of Regency England, with complete role reversal. The world of Forus is a mysterious one, indeed, and Joy excels at creating magical, fantastic surroundings. The storyline is filled with sensuality, passion and excitement, and the unique world of Forus is simply enthralling. Dara Joy has a unique spin on the traditional romance tale, and the additional fantasy elements make for truly gripping reading. She is definitely an author to watch.
Romance Reviews
Page One | Page Two
Return to Book Reviews Index
Return to the July 2001 issue of The IWJ.
More from Writers Write