Annie Windsor Reviews

Page Four

Added June 11, 2004

Arda Book 3: The Captain's Fancy

Author: Annie Windsor
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Available At: www.ellorascave.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Romance: Erotic/Science Fiction/Futuristic/Fantasy
Format: Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT
Price: $6.20
ISBN: 1-84360-675-5
Author Email/Website: www.anniewindsor.com
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

She was ready for her turn. Ever since her older brothers Ki and Fari had found their shannas (soulmates), Krysta Tul'Mar wanted to find her sha, to know completeness. Granted, she loved every minute of her shared psi-bond with her brothers and their mates, but she longed to find her soulmate, to make their circle six as it should be. She only hoped when the time came her sha would be able to handle her.

A warrior from the ruling family, Krysta knew it was difficult for men to feel confidant or even see her as woman. But now wasn't the time to be worrying about such things. Arda was under attack from the Outlanders, Ardani citizens who followed the ancient ways and were constantly prophesying Arda's destruction. And what a perfect time for them to attack…the Sailmaster was away and the Sailkeeper was still in the throes of Ardani mating fever. She races to Camford and lands her speeder near the forest, needing to be near her sisters, to know they are protected and safe. Moments after landing, her vessel is boarded by two hulking Outlanders, her second is killed, her psi abilities are blocked and she is taken prisoner.

Darkyn Weil knew his destiny. As leader of the People as the Outlanders called themselves, he'd studied the ancient texts and was prepared for the sacrifice required to save not only his people but the universe as well. Like all of the People, he had a smooth stone in the middle of his chest. Legend said at one time the stones were all different colors, but now they were all black. His stone would only turn once he found his shanna, once he met her his stone would shine a brilliant yellow like the leaders of old. As much as he longed to find his shanna, to know the completeness it would bring, he also didn't want to find her. To find her, claim her and then lose her when Barung attacked and he gave up his life? Better to not know her than risk choosing her over the universe.

Unfortunately, fate had other plans. From the moment his cousins showed him the prisoner they had taken in battle, he fell headlong into Ardani mating fever. The woman before him was, without a doubt, his shanna.

Krysta couldn't believe it. Darkyn Weil was her sha? The very man who spoke out against her brothers and raided the chimera herds? To her great delight, Darkyn is everything she has ever wanted in a man. But there is more to a relationship than just unbelievable sex; there is also love and trust.

Neither can deny they care deeply for the other. Trust is a different story. Darkyn doesn't trust her not to call to her brothers for aid, and Krysta finds it hard to trust him when he won't allow the contact. Will they be able to earn the other's trust and work together to save their people? Or will convincing her brothers she is truly happy and only with Darkyn's help can they save their homeland, be their biggest obstacle?

I have been a fan of Annie Windsor from the moment I picked up Arda: The Sailmaster's Woman. Her writing continues to improve with each subsequent novel and The Captain's Fancy is one of her best. There is a sense of urgency, desperation, and above all, love motivating the characters. This heightens, not only the reader's awareness and affections for the characters, but also the depth of emotion the characters reveal, experience and live. The Captain's Fancy is highly erotic and sensuous, heartwarming and at times, heart-wrenching.

I stand in awe of Ms. Windsor's gift and am extremely thankful she chose to share it with the world. Arda: The Captain's Fancy was and is my favorite of her novels to date. I highly recommend this keeper; you don't want to miss it.

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Added April 1, 2004

Malediction

novella in Cajun Nights

Author: Annie Windsor
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Available At: www.ellorascave.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Romance: Erotic/Paranormal/Anthology
Format: Ebook download in Mobipocket/PDF/HTML/LIT
Price: $7.99
ISBN: 1-84360-665-8
Author Email/Website: www.anniewindsor.com
Reviewer: Lisa Lambrecht

Deep in the Atchafalaya Basin, where mysteries where abound, and the inhabitants (human or not) believed in the Gods that ruled this world, there was one woman who all others feared, who was able to talk with the Gods and do their bidding: the Mam'bo. One God, Ms. Charlotte, came to Mam'bo Rubie and forewarned her that soon three men would come to her seeking her help and that she was not to turn them away. Each of their stories is told in this anthology, Cajun Nights.

Chank Arceneaux's ability to get into any predator's mind made him a much-needed man at the FBI. With his help, the FBI had been able to catch alot of evil men who preyed on all those weaker than them. Chank was born in the Bayou and the last of his kind. Chank vows never to marry or have children to pass on this curse he was born with.

Kiri Auckland worked for the crimes division in the FBI using her "special psychic talents" to locate the evil predators in society. Somehow something went wrong in her current case. A very evil being was out there killing people and performing Voudon (VooDoo) rituals. She thought she got into his head and located him but found that she sent the agents to the wrong place.

Reluctantly Kiri teams up with Chank in order to hopefully fight and destroy this evil non-human being who for some unknown reason was after them. The more they were in each other's company they both felt an attraction that was hard to resist. With the help of the mam'bo and the Gods will they be able to defeat the evil hunting them? Will they be able to find a way to be together for all time?

Malediction is a very intriguing, action-packed story that will keep readers on their toes throughout the whole story. Author Annie Windsor did a wonderful job in creating a story that is very unique, filled with hot sex, and in creating very likeable characters that you can identify with. I also liked it that the heroine in this story is not the Barbie doll type in looks. She is full figured, of strong character and one that can definitely take care of herself. The hero is sexy, strong and very honorable. His strong attraction to the heroine was just amazing.

The Cajun Nights anthology is filled with three terrific stories and one I very highly recommend.

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