"A sensual and sensitive futuristic romance you will not want to miss!"
If you loved THE ALLIANCE, you will be delighted to learn
that at long last Patricia Waddell had penned a wonderful
new futuristic romance. WHISPERS IN THE STARS
combines the
familiar elements of a politically arranged marriage
between a man and woman with opposing goals, and a soul
deep connection that refuses to be allayed by their
differences. Zara the young and beautiful queen of the simple, peaceful,
agrarian world of Nubria had every reason to be anxious
about the bridegroom the Union Council had demanded she wed
for her refusal to divulge the location of the rebel
soldiers that had crash landed on her planet. Still she
could not regret the promise she had made, or the action
she'd taken which had broken a pact and ended Nubria's
tradition of neutrality. It was an action that would change
her world and her culture forever. For the first time
Nubria would have a king, a warrior king, who would bring
foreign concepts and unwanted technology to his new home. Nubria had been a matriarchal society from its very
beginnings. Zara had not inherited the throne by virtue of
her lineage alone. Like every Nubrian queen before her, she
had "the gift", the ability to plug into the emotions of
others, by using her mind. Her rule was based more on their
faith, rather than politics. She was the High Priestess as
much as ruler. But her future husband would expect her
loyalty as his right. He would expect her to divulge the
location of the surviving rebels. They were doomed to be
hopelessly at odds. For Zara a promise given is a promise
kept. As Logan and the other members of his party of
Galactic Guards approach, she cannot help but attempt to
forge a link to discover what she can about the man to whom
she'd be forever bound. What she discovered was a man of mind-blowing strength,
and determination. She could detect no evil in him. It was
enough. There was hope. She could not afford to leave the
pathway open. Their link was a two way road, and if Logan
ever suspected its existence he might attempt to use it to
uncover her secrets. Logan had no qualms regarding his marriage. He merely
wanted it accomplished quickly. It was just another duty
for the Commander of the Galactic Guard, a necessary step
in his ultimate goal to ferret out the rebel traitors and
bring them to justice. He had been born and bred for the
military. No mere woman would stand in his way. This
mission was personal for him. The rebel leader had once
been his friend and a member of the Galactic Guard.
The traitor Keelan's lust for power had depleted the
Union's resources and its strength. The long civil
insurrection had left their federation vulnerable to
attack, by the evil Pharmon Empire. He planned to build a
watchtower on Nubria, to fortify the Union's eastern most
border. There would be no debate, no resistance. Logan soon realizes his error, for his bride is as
determined as she is beautiful. She fully intends to
resist
his plans, if not the man himself. Their chemistry is clear
from the moment their eyes meet, and their physical bond
transcends all of Logan's considerable previous experience.
Zara is more than agreeable in his arms, but
when it comes to his point of view, he has greatly
overestimated his powers of persuasion. Though Logan is frustrated by her conflicting loyalties, he
chalks it up to naivety, due to her sheltered existence. An
off-world visit convinces Zara of the reality of a Pharmon
threat, but not to reveal her own secrets. If only she
could find a way to make him understand that he is chasing
at shadows, that the rebel threat he envisions does not
exist, without breaking her promise. But to do so she must
open his heart, teach him to trust, and to love. To do so
she must place her trust in him. It would take a leap...of
faith. I love a good battle of the sexes, especially when the
opponents are equally well armed. Zara is strong,
intelligent, honorable and unyielding in her faith. Logan
is strong, determined, and extremely passionate. Though
their goals are at odds, both realize almost immediately
that what passes between them in their most private moments
is more than mere lust. It is a bond as unique and precious
as Nubria itself. Once again Patricia Waddell has taken two
minds that are diametrically opposed, peeled away the
layers of pain and doubt, to reveal a pair of soul mates
whose devotion will touch your heart. WHISPERS IN THE STARS
is a highly sensual romance that I heartily recommend. Copyright © 2002
Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch
Posted September 14, 2002
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