"Purrfect Set of Remarkable Cat Tales"
CAT O'NINE TALES is a special anthology edition of nine
delectable stories of romance and the kitty cats that play
critical parts in helping their humans recognize that one
special person they need in their life! BAD CAT - MacGillivray tackles an archaic law from Destin,
Florida stating, "Any dog or cat which attacks and bites a
person, or another animal without provocation, shall be
deemed a 'bad dog or 'bad cat' and the owner shall pay
civil penalty of one hundred dollars". By using that law as the basis of the first story in this
wonderful anthology, MacGillivray uses a part Scottish
wildcat, Auggie, to drive owner Katlyn's very sexy
neighbor, Ian Giles out of his mind. Once Auggie brought
over the fence to meet his sexy owner, then it's up to
Katlyn to bring him to his knees. Or was it the other way
around? Either way, the reader probably won't care because
Auggie, the 'bad cat' knew what he was doing! This was
funny and very hot and steamy! GETTING IT IN THE END -- Romance writer Catlynne Falconer
and her half Scottish wildcat Jack attend the Writers
Renfaire in York, England. There they run into the one man
Catlynne hates, book reviewer James Douglas Kinloch. He has
trashed every one of Catlynne's romance books and despite
their physical attraction she only wants to distance
herself from him -- but she never expected him to look like
every gorgeous hero she'd ever dreamed of. Obviously, MacGillivray's original cat character Jack is
not going to let two people who should be together, let a
difference of opinion ruin what he deems to be a match made
in heaven. Jack the once finicky cat picks out James to
join his family and James is more than willing to chase and
win over the very sexy and highly desirable author he'd
trashed. Passionate confrontations end up sexy and very
steamy when Ms. MacGillivray let's her imagination and
originality run loose. DOUBLE, DOUBLE, TOIL AND TROUBLE --Setting her story in her
beloved Scotland the two protagonists are Gillian Grant and
Cian MacKinnon who are being observed by their centuries
old forebears. Both are besotted with one another but
stubborn pride rules Gillian and Cian needs to somehow
break down her defenses in letting go of the age old feud. MacGillivray sets a warm and poignant tale in this
contemporary story complete with ghosts from the past, as
well as one very fat cat called Basil. Her leads are very
much attracted to one another but because of Cian
inheriting the Castle Dunnascaul -- which legend says was
supposed to revert back to the Grants; Gillian, who
inherited the caretakers cottage, was going to make Cian's
life as miserable as possible in spite of the chemistry
that flamed between them. The ghostly presence and
observations of their grandparents belief leant a
heartwarming touch to this romance. RIDER IN THE STORM -- Ciara MacIain had stopped living
seven years ago when her beloved fiancé Derek had died in
an automobile accident. On the anniversary of his death she
found herself traveling down the same road at the same time
of that long ago fateful night and like déjà vu spotted
another red sports car plunged off the side of the road in
the exact same spot. This story had an almost mystic tone. The driver of the car
was not Ciara's beloved Derek, but Roarke Fraser Devlin, a
tall dark handsome man who Ciara sensed a peculiar
familiarity about him. Earlier Ciara had made a wish on the
`blue moon' and she thought that it inspired the feeling of
recognition but could it have ignited her very soul? Would
her heart recognize his? Awesome imagery, heart tugging
intensity this was simply beautiful. Warning -- have tissues
nearby for this one! DEVIL IN SPURS -- The 'Devil in Spurs' was the name given to
a mysterious rogue highwayman, who by day was a foppish yet
politically powerful nobleman, Desdein Deshaunt, the
Marquis de Fournier. Unfortunately, Desdein's beloved
brother had been mistakenly arrested as the 'devil in
spurs' by an enemy that had years ago shot and killed their
father. Desdein had to devise a plan to save his brother
and take revenge on his enemy. Specifically by kidnapping
and holding his enemies daughter hostage... only his hostage
would be the one to capture his heart. In this dashing and emotional tale, the author depicts Lady
Ashlyn Findlater perfectly as a forlorn young lady whose
only experience of being loved was through the
companionship of her beloved and aging cat Cyril. Ashlyn
wasn't concerned for herself about being carried off by the
highwayman but would fight to the death before leaving her
cat behind. In using Ashlyn's vulnerability from being
neglected by her father, the author made it easy for
Desdein to feel protective towards her as the ice around
his own heart began to melt. For it was Desdein's feeling
of sympathy that allowed him to see into her heart. Even
though he was masked Ashlyn recognized Desdein by his eyes.
Her only concern was that if she were to die, or be
ravished (which she was actually hoping for) that Cyril be
taken care of. Delightfully sensual, and emotional are the
first words that come to mind when describing this very
special love story. ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A HULAHOOP...AND A MOTHER --
Take one precocious five year old angel, a devastatingly
handsome dad, a sexy ballet teacher, one fat cat, a pony,
and a blizzard - tuck them away in a snug cabin in the
country and you'll have all the ingredients needed to make
one magical Christmas where everyone's wish comes true. MacGillivray once again proves whether writing a long
Medieval or Contemporary she is entirely up to the
challenge of packing a wallop of entertainment into a short
story! I had a smile on my face from beginning to end with
this delightful tale. Who wouldn't want to be snowbound
with a handsome guy with a sexy name like Keon Challenger.
Keon's daughter Allison captured your heart immediately,
and along with Leslie and her pets, you'll find yourself
enchanted. Be they human or animal, MacGillivray
continually creates characters that worm their way into the
readers heart. BLUE CHRISTMAS CAT --
After 15 years away Rhys St. John, who was Dara Seaforth's
first and only love has come back home, wealthy and as
handsome as ever. As she faces the prospect of Christmas
alone she's particularly miserable since her beloved kitty
Dexter had died. Rhys had come back to declare his love
for Dara but if looks could kill, he'd be dead. Instead,
he's out searching for his unruly cat Elvis who's run away
in the midst of a snow storm. At least Rhys could track
him by following Elvis' tracks... tracks that led straight to
Dara's door. This was really cute, with the author naming the cat Elvis
and using the background lyrics from Elvis Presley's
song "Blue Christmas" to give more substance to the story.
Not that she needed it mind you with Rhys being a truly
wonderful take charge kind of guy. After a fifteen year
absence most could wonder why this guy could even 'think'
he had a shot with a woman he'd left behind, but the author
tied it all up by having Dara a romance author herself. By
reading all of her romance novels, Rhys knew he had a
chance, because even he could see, that all her heroes were
based on him. Along with the smug cat who just might have
been a reincarnation of Dexter -- well, you'll just have to
read this and form your own opinion. I have mine but I'm
not saying! CHICKEN WHAT DU HELL -- Remy (aka Royce Torqhill Remington
Kinross, the 13th Marquis of Dunmoor and Seafeld) and his
cat Bubba were not scoring points with the gifts Bubba was
dropping off at their beautiful neighbor Catonia's house.
Although Bubba, who kept bumping his head in adoration of
Catonia's beautiful boob seemed to be getting a lot further
along in the romance department than his master; Remy was
bound and determined to change that right quick! What a wonderful and amusing story. Next to RIDER IN THE
STORM, I think this had to be one of my favorites. I
absolutely adored Bubba the cat, whom Remy thought must
have been a 'rogue' in another life and been turned into a
cat by a jealous witch -- he seemed so human and was getting
all those booby caresses! Remy when he turned on his Cajun
accent was a sensual delight, with his wonderfully
delicious 'pick-up' lines. All the characters were well-
developed and this short story simmered with sensuality. A VERY SPECIAL MAN -- Lately, Desdemona "Dezzy" Vashon has
been having some very erotic and perfectly sultry dreams.
The fact that she wakes up each morning with the blankets
on the floor and rather exposed has her confiding in her
cat Simon. What Dezzy has no way of knowing is that Simon
is really a man, trapped inside a cat's body. Simon knows
Dezzy is the only one who can break the curse -- with just
the right amount of persuasion! Wrapping up this cleverly conceived and positively
entertaining anthology of romances featuring some very
special felines, award winning author Deborah MacGillivray
manages to offer up a modicum of different genres where
kitty cats are oftentimes the real heroes! One thing for
sure, no matter how long or short the story, all ends will
be tied up nicely while delivered in well-written sparkling
prose, including humorous and titillating dialogs, and
steamy sensual encounters. This would make the purrfect
gift for the cat-lovers on your Christmas list.
Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau
Posted December 11, 2007
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