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Saturday, August 27, 2011

2 in 1 Novellas: Dark Magic and Hunting Kat

It's time for another edition of "2 in 1 novellas". Today I have 2 more from Carina Press.

First up is Dark Magic:

Author: Rebecca York
Publisher: Carina Press ( August 2011)

Marrying her father's barbaric enemy for political gain is not the future that Princess Devon imagines for herself. She prefers escaping into the world of magic and legend described in books—books that suggest just how a princess could take the safety of a kingdom into her own hands.

When Devon awakens one night to find the mysterious Galladar in her chamber, the lines between myth and reality begin to blur. Before he disappears into the night, the two share an intimate encounter that leaves her determined to follow her heart.

Devon leaves the castle on a quest to find the mythical dragon who can free her kingdom forever and release her from her father's plan. She's prepared to do whatever it takes to make her future her own. However, when she finds Galladar again, will she be forced to choose between her kingdom and her happiness?


Dark magic is a great fantasy novella. I'm not normally into reading dragon stories, but this one had a nice twist. Devon is a compassionate princess and really cares for the people of her kingdom. She decides to sacrifice herself to the resident dragon in hopes that he will bring peace to the land. Before leaving, she meets Galladar who ignites a passion in her that she never knew existed. On her quest, she discovers the truth of just who the mysterious stranger is and what he wants from her. I liked the dragon mythology in this one. The dragon is almost vampire-like which is something I haven't read before. It is a very quick and satisfying read. I definitely recommend it.


Next up is Hunting Kat:

Author:PJ Schynder
Publisher: Carina Press (July 2011)

As a mercenary, Kat Darah doesn't have to pass for a normal human. On the edge of the solar system, she's just another biped. Most of the time.

Nearing the end of his military tour, Lt. Christopher Rygard debates the idea of hanging up his uniform for good. Looking for answers at the bottom of a glass of scotch, he meets Kat. One shared night of mutual desire seems harmless. But when their tryst is interrupted by attackers hunting Rygard, Kat must reveal her other form, the predator beneath the human façade.

Together they embark on a dangerous mission—a race against time to meet the enemy's demands, while trying to deny the passion between them. Rygard is faced with a terrible choice in the face of duty: Report the existence of a human turned shape-shifter. Or forget he ever met her.

I enjoyed Hunting Kat. Both Kat and Rygard are likable characters. Their sex scenes are very steamy. I liked that Kat was tough but showed a vulnerable side as well. The only thing that I had a little hard time believing is that after going through all that Kat went through, she wold allow herself to have sex with a complete stranger. I was really happy with the ending as it was totally believable. While not exactly a HEA, it was satisfying. I hope the author follows up with a sequel!

--Kari

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