This exciting story keeps the reader entertained until the end. I liked Thea and was rooting for her and Blade to become one. But sometimes I wished she would smack him when he acted arrogant. Still they left a lasting impression in this heated romantic read.

Candy Hearts #3: Bonds of Justice: One Kiss
Mai patiently waits for her contact while stuck on an asteroid. All she needs is the correct code words and responses to pass on the information. When someone enters, professing to be the contact, she accepts the responses then hands over the information. She is shocked when another enters and relays the same words. Now she knows something is amiss. Vik has been the only partner in Mai’s life. He learns she is on the asteroid and in a different disguise, someone unknown to Mai, pays her a visit. She has waited for Vik to return to her and when she spies this grubby man, there is something familiar about him. After all these years, this man awakened sensations inside her. Will Vik finally confess his real identity?

This is such a sweet story. The expressions of Mai and Vik can be sensed by the reader. One can almost share in their love for the other and the disguise with Vik was cleverly done. Great premise, and delightful characters, in a story I adored.

Bonds of Justice 2: Rapture
Zara Kevlar is a slave with the Tubarian slave ship, who may have just received her freedom when the ship is attacked. Kyros believes of all the spacecrafts, this one is the lowest of vessels. Even with his Tac cruiser, the Tubarian had speed. He finds Zara and releases her from the bonds. Before he takes her to his ship, he tries to destroy the containers of Rapture, a vile drug. He must destroy all the vials before someone else gets the secret. Others would only use the drug, and sell it, even reproduce it. He notices that Zara is in torment and tries to release her pain. There is no time to find the anecdote. Once Zara is on Kyros’ ship, can she prove her worth, and become a part of the team?

I really enjoyed this read. It moved at a fast speed while not losing the readers attention. I was captivated by Zara and Kyros. This is one read that shouldn’t be missed.

Bonds of Justice 3: Dragen’s Fire
A couple is missing and it is up to Julliet to locate them. She must make sure no other employees disappear. In the midst of searching, she is suddenly fired upon, making her wonder what is happening. Dragen hears that Healing Water needs assistance. He never imagined running into his mate, nor learning that she has been shot at, and a couple is missing, or a kidnapper is in their midst. He must make Julliet understand they were meant to be together while trying to sort out the mess that has spiraled at the center.

This is another segment with intense action and charismatic characters that hook the reader and keeps them glued until the conclusion. I was mesmerized with this story and found it quite fascinating.

Bonds of Justice 4: Steele Trap
Pandora would like nothing more than to reconcile with ex-husband, Steele Kevlar. Just when things seem to be going well for them, she receives a clear-cut hologram implicating he has been disloyal. Then she receives word that his transporter has been destroyed and he could be dead. She refuses to believe such. Steele is a botanist searching for an unusual plant. While on his search he is given an android that reminds him so much of Pandora. He can only hope that when he can return home, Pandora will see they can rekindle the love they had lost.

I love Pandora and her spunk. She also shares in much compassion when she has thoughts on Steele. I believe of all the stories this one might have touched me more than the others, especially when Pandora believes she has lost Steele. The reader can scope out the real feelings of love, despair, and hope within the characters in this moving read.

Elayne S. Venton spins tales that engage the reader. The stories are hot and steamy. She is a great storyteller and creates characters that have loads of chemistry and are feisty and robust. With fast-paced action at every turn, the reader will feel like they are on a speeding roller coaster with non-stop twists and turns. Bonds of Justice not only is loaded in erotic pleasures and hot, steamy love affairs, but explores the feelings, and depth of the characters. I found the stories quite interesting, and very unique. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Ms. Evan matched the awesome characters together.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Linda L.
September 11, 2008