I must say, Tetrik was very sexy, and even with all that sex appeal, he wasn't once a jerk to Mora. That was a particularly enjoyable part of Warlord's Destiny. Mora herself, despite her self-consciousness, wasn't the type to just accept whatever she was give, something I found admirable. I did have some qualms about the group foreplay (including oral) that occurred, but it was very hot. Very kinky, but very hot. And afterwards, when Mora and Tetrik were alone, things were even more carnal, but on a much more personal level between them. The only thing that kept me from loving this story was the ending, which could've done with a few more chapters. But it was also realistic, and almost sweet. Perhaps I'll get to see more stories in that setting. Either way, Warlord's Destiny was a pretty good erotic romance.

Love Me Tomorrow by Sally Painter
The aliens invaded earth, taking care to steal the Blue Crystal beforehand. It was Earth's one defense against hostile invaders, and without it, humanity has been reduced to a few millions hiding in underground tunnels across the world. Shalene is a Commander in what's left of the military, and she knows it's only a matter of time before humanity is exterminated. With those under her command, she decides to attack the Demrons, the lizard-like aliens, again, but is surprised to find a human traitor amongst them on the first attack. But it's an even bigger surprise to find that the human is actually another race of alien, and one who seems to share a strange bond with her.

I've read one book by Ms. Painter, and enjoyed it. And with this short story, I expected the same. So it surprised me when I really enjoyed the sci-fi, but stumbled over the romance. The sci-fi plot was really good, and kept me reading to see what would happen. The sense of action and anticipation were top notch. I found the initial lovemaking between Shalene and Mecah to be sensual, but the following love scenes didn't seem like they belonged in the story. One of them, later in the story, had Shalene telling Mecah they should get going, while he insisted they have sex, despite danger and a number of other reasons for hurry. She gave in, and afterwards, he wanted to stay where they were for several more hours. The actions of both characters were irritating and even with some explanation in the story, still seemed completely out of character (considering their training) and a little foolish. However, barring that, Love Me Tomorrow was a good sci-fi story that kept me reading more intensely than I'd have thought.

Secrets of the Wind by Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Chastain is a Riezell Guardian, a highly trained individual that is usually used as a bodyguard. She's also a bit frustrated with her lover, who is always well in control of himself. She wants to be taken roughly, and with passion. But it has no bearing on her next assignment, guarding the royal heir of Gaelachuan. It's a surprise because Guardians usually do not take assignments from the Caitliceachs, even though they are allies. And because Ruan, the heir, refuses guards on the premise that he can take care of himself, Chastain has to pretend to be something else in order to get close to him. And it comes as a bigger surprise to find out that his mother is actually being a matchmaker, insisting that she and Ruan are fated as mates.

I'm new to Ms. Boyett-Compo's work, and have only read one or two of her stories, which I liked. I expected, from that, to have a very hot story with strong characters. And Chastain and Ruan were definitely strong characters, both in body, mind and personality. Even when Ruan was acting a bit dumb, in a manly way, I liked him. He was very masculine and a good match for a woman like Chastain. The sex wasn't as hot as I'd hoped, but it wasn't lacking in any way either. My one problem with this story was a sense of misogyny that permeated Ruan's actions. I dismissed it concerning women he slept with casually, even though I didn't like that facet of his personality, but when he acted the same with Chastain, and she seemed rather fine with it a few times, I really found the ending not quite as good as it could have been. The one thing that stands out starkly in my mind is a point when he wraps his hands around her neck, and she allows it meekly. It didn't fit with her personality, and didn't look good for Ruan, even though he did nothing more. However, between the pace and interesting push behind the romance, I didn't dislike Secrets of the Wind. It was easy to read, and, barring those few flaws, a pretty good story.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Tara Black
June 20, 2005