Romance Book Reviews

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Spellbound by Kathleen Nance
Love Spell, June, 2003
Paperback, 364 pages
ISBN: 0505524864
Subgenre: Paranormal
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

Spellbound
by Kathleen Nance

Madeline Fairbanks is a talented dancer, but has suffered from debilitating stage fright ever since her childhood. Her current job in public relations is a torment to her because of her fear of performing in public; if she doesn't solve the problem soon, she's going to lose her job. To make her life more complicated, she has agreed to housesit for her eccentric friend who warns her that there will be a houseguest to look after. The houseguest turns out to be a handsome djinn -- and not just any djinn. Zayne is magical, of course, but he certainly doesn't grant wishes or live in a lamp. He is also the Minstrel of Kaf -- his music holds his world together. And he is on Earth to find his mate, who must be a fantastic singer, to complement his music. Unfortunately, Madeline is tone deaf. Still, sparks fly whenever they are together and Zayne may be the one person that can help Madeline solve the mystery of her mother's strange illness and her father's disappearance.

Kathleen Nance enthralls once again in this magical, sexy romance. The world of the djinn, Kaf, is a fascinating place, one that readers are sure to want to see more of. But the author makes New Orleans seem like a magical place, as well. The interactions between Zayne and Madeline are very well-written. This is the perfect book for lovers of fantasy romance.

Traveler by Melanie Jackson
Love Spell, August, 2003
Paperback, 342 pages
ISBN: 050552533X
Subgenre: Paranormal
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

Traveler
by Melanie Jackson

Io Cyphre is an undercover agent for HUG, Humans Under Ground. In her first serious assignment, she's sent to Goblin Town (a grimly fascinating alternate reality version of Detroit) to find out more about the Goblin Fruit, which is addicting and killing humans at an alarming pace. Since the Goblins arrived from France (described in a very funny backstory) America begrudgingly gave them asylum and they are now insidiously working their way into mainstream society. Io's co-agent on this mission is Jonathan "Jack" Frost, a dangerous death fey who is also a legendary operative. As Io and Jack delve deeper into the goblin's underground headquarters, they discover shocking secrets that could spell the end of humankind.

Like Laurell K. Hamilton, Melanie Jackson takes romance to a different, darker place with results that are both edgy and entertaining. In this first book of her new Wildside series, Jackson raises the bar for the genre. There is magic, passion and gritty crime drama, all set against a vivid and disturbing background. This is an imaginative and well-imagined story that should earn Melanie Jackson a large following.

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Spellbound by Kathleen Nance

Traveler by Melanie Jackson