"a wonderful collection of stories"
The Last Guardian by Isabo Kelly Neeko is a K'ali Guardian and the last one still alive.
The Soul Eater wants what Neeko protects, the essence of a
goddess. Neeko will do everything possible to keep the
vial safe, but she needs help from Gehan. Centuries ago, Gehan made a deal with the Trickster god to
save his people. His people feared his power and cast him
out. He lives alone at the end of the forest. Gehan has
dreamt of Neeko, but never thought to hold her in his arms. Neeko knows Gehan is an honorable man and can trust him.
If they defeat the Soul Eater, they may have a chance for
happiness. Ms. Kelly has written a haunting mythology of good vs.
evil. The magic grabs you from the start and doesn't let
go until you find out how it all turns out. The Farmer's Boy and the Southern Princess by C.
Mitchell O'Neal An old man tells the story of the stars to a boy. The Royal Astronomer asked the farmer boy to help capture
the Blue Lady who rides the white steed. Once the boy lays
eyes on the Blue Lady (or the Southern Princess,) he knows
he cannot betray her. He vows to keep her safe, but when
he saves her, he condemns another. Mr. O'Neal has written a sweet fairytale of sacrifice and
love. I truly enjoyed how the tale spun its magic like a
folktale of old. An Assassin's Education by Denise Frost Genevra is hired to murder Willem of Ged, but she fails.
Bran from the House of Swords captures her. Bran is also a shaman. To teach Genevra a lesson, he marks
her with a spell. For one year she will do penance for her
attempted murder. This is one of my favorite stories. Ms. Frost's tale is
about a woman who learns what friendship, loyalty, and self-
worth means through lessons of self-control, hard work and
love. I liked how Ms. Frost shows how each lesson
strengthens Genevra's self-esteem until she blossoms into a
beautiful woman, who finally finds her place in the world.
Well done, Ms. Frost. A New Life by Mary Ann Chulick On Averit, the wealthy are constantly targeted for their
land and for their business connections. They need a
bodyguard at all times. Adrienne is a doppelganger (look alike) guard, trained to
kill if necessary to keep her "sheep" or aristocrat alive. Milla Juarez is an aristocrat who wants to go to medical
school and lead a normal life where no one is out to kill
her. Milla is invited to a party and insists Adrienne go in her
stead. She meets Tas Vertaine, Milla's fiancé. She is
supposed to be Milla, but she can't stop thinking of Tas
and wishing his sweet teasing and sensuous looks were meant
for her. If Milla has her way, Adrienne and she will have a chance
for their dreams to come true. Ms. Chulick has created a sci-fi fairytale of happily-ever-
after. You won't be disappointed. Miracle on the Sea of Blue Death by Karen Pleines
Sterba Ota Stempl, the First Responder and his wingcat, Blesk set
out to save the love of his life from freezing to death. Blesk is an intelligent creature who can communicate
telepathically with humans. I love cats and an intelligent
wingcat intrigued me. Ms. Sterba's tale may be short, but
in no way lacks in humor and charm. I would like to read
more about this world. Attraction of Otherness by Joyce Ellen Armond Holly Kean must make the Findley homicide evidence
disappear, but special agent, Max Zeller makes it his duty
to stop her. As far as Holly knows, the "others" are evil, and yet she's
drawn to them, wanting to know more about who they are. If
only she could trust what they tell her, but everything
they say is a lie. Only thing she is sure of: they hate
humans and their goal is to kill them all. Holly's sensor tells her Max is an "other", but there is
something different about him, but can she trust him or is
he just better at lying. Ms. Armond's story has the potential for a series. I was
so into the story, that I wished there was more. What
happens in Florida and where do Holly and Max go after that
one wonderful kiss? In these few pages, Ms. Armond brought
a whole world alive. Cooley's Panther by Jody Wallace Cooley's next-door neighbor, Evan is a hunk, but he's
antisocial and his yard is a complete mess. However, when
Cooley spots a panther in Evan's yard, she is determined to
find out why he's hiding a wildcat in his house. Evan wishes his nosey neighbor would leave him alone, but
there she is sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. He
is annoyed until he realizes she likes to go barefooted
just like he does. Intrigued, he takes a closer look at
his annoying neighbor. I loved this story, a brooding man with a secret and one
determined woman to find out what it is. Well done, Ms.
Wallace. Seduction in Blue by Julianne Wells Passed over for a promotion at work, Alexandra decides to
take a vacation in Greece , hoping to find an adventure.
Instead, she finds herself drawn to a bookstore and to one
book in particular. Hoping for better lighting to read,
she takes her chosen book and ventures outside the shop.
What she finds is another world and one handsome man
wanting to lavish her with attention. However, is he truly
all she's ever wanted? This is a story of realizing what true love is and waiting
for just the right someone. This is definitely a chick-lit
story with erotic love scenes. Ms. Wells knows how to
tantalize the senses. With Heart to Hear by Frances Robertson Elise is an unusual woman for 1860, England. Her interests
are with botany and zoology and she keeps an extensive book
of her findings. With some persuasion, she sets out on a
trip by herself and sets up camp to examine the flora. When
she crosses a bridge, she enters into the world of Faerie
passion. Garth chose to live in sorrow, but then Elise entered his
world. He comes alive and showers her with attention so
erotic and intense, he is sure she will be his forever. Elise must decide if she can sacrifice who she is to be
with Garth or if there is a way for their love to bloom and
flourish in the real world. Ms. Robertson cleverly spins a magical historical with hope
for an everlasting love. Sum3 is a wonderful collection of stories: Contemporary,
mythical, fantasy, science fiction, urban fantasy,
historical and erotic—whatever your passion may be you'll
enter another world where love awaits. Reviewed by: Karen
Michelle Nutt, author
Reviewed by Karen Michelle Nutt
Posted December 8, 2007
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