Donna Boyd - Charlotte Boyett-Compo - Elizabeth Boyle
Boyd, Donna - PROMISE, THE (Avon Hardcover - 10/99) (3+)
Donna Boyd has been compared to Anne Rice, but I didn't find
this comparison to be accurate, even though both authors write compelling stories. They are only similar in the fact that Ms. Boyd has developed the werewolf into a complex, intelligent being, much like Ms. Rice's elevation of the vampire.
In THE PASSION, the first book of the series, werewolves are no longer a species acting on animal instincts; they have evolved along the lines of human beings, with the same ambitions and life structures. They actually consider themselves superior to humans. THE PASSION refers to the communication that occurs between werewolves, an especially strict monogamous race, during mating. Communication that promotes an exchange of emotions, ideas, hopes, and fears. THE PROMISE continues this story with another branch of the family, presenting a struggle of power, humanity, and love.
Nicholas Devonocroix, the son and heir to the werewolf empire, plans to issue an Edict of Separation that will completely part werewolves and humans. Humans will become fully aware of the werewolf and they will no longer live in harmony with one another. Nicholas is severely burned when his airplane is bombed in an assassination attempt, but he survives the crash and is brought back to health by his rescuer, Hannah North. Found with Nicholas in the wreckage is his father's manuscript of their family history and the forbidden love between werewolves and humans. As he recovers from his injuries, two stories come to light in THE PROMISE: the forbidden liaison between Nicholas and Hannah, werewolf and human; and the tale of Matiese Devoncroix and Brianna from the manuscript Hannah is reading—also a forbidden love between werewolf and human. Both stories unfold with the werewolves' fight for dominance over the humans and their struggle for kinship among the werewolves. The last battle is reserved for the two couples who must reject everything in their separate worlds to be together.
THE PROMISE definitely stands alone, but it is much more enjoyable if you read the first book in the series, THE PASSION. Although THE PROMISE is an utterly fascinating novel, do not expect a love story with a happy-ever-after ending. This is a dark story about the love of life, the love of family, and the love of soul mates—but the story is not yet finished. There must be a third installment to bind all the pieces together; then, perhaps, we will have a happy ending. ~Vicki Patterson for Bookbug on the Web
Boyett-Compo, Charlotte - KEEPER OF THE WIND, THE
(Commonwealth - 1995) (3+)
This book, the first in a nine-book series called the "WindLegends Saga," is being marketed as "dark fantasy." Although it breaks a few romance novel conventions, it reminds me very much of a medieval romance, apart from the salty language.
Conar McGregor is an arrogant, young prince who seems to enjoy a good fight. When he is set upon by thieves, his life is saved by a mysterious benefactor, whom Conar believes is a young boy. He soon finds out that he has been rescued by a beautiful young woman named Liza, and she insists that they travel together. He falls deeply in love with her, but he is already promised in an arranged marriage that cannot be put aside.
There are glimpses of the abuse Conar suffered as a child from the evil High Priest of the Domination (who is obsessed with him), and hints of Liza's magical powers, which she uses to help keep that evil at bay. Although THE KEEPER OF THE WIND is a fantasy, at the heart of the book is a love story that will satisfy romance fans, too. The ending hints at things to come and leaves the reader anxious for the next book in the series! ~Karen Witkowski for Bookbug on the Web
Boyle, Elizabeth - BRAZEN TEMPTRESS (Dell - 6/99) (4)
Setting: London, 1813
The crew and female captain of the privateer ship Retribution have been captured and sentenced to hang. While watching the prisoners being led out of the courtroom, the Lord Admiral and his cohort, Captain Johnston, discuss the importance of capturing another infamous pirate, de Ryes. But his capture poses some difficulty because, even though de Ryes is said to be a member of the ton, no one knows what he looks like. Upon hearing his name mentioned, the condemned captain turns and informs the two men that only she can identify the pirate—she used to be his wife!
Maureen Hawthorne feels nothing but hatred for de Ryes. Eight years ago, he charmed his way into her father's privateer alliance...only to betray them all and cause her father's death. Maureen will do anything to see him hang, so she strikes a deal with the Lord Admiral. She will participate in the London Season in order to identify de Ryes; and in exchange for her services, she, along with her men and her ship, will be allowed to go free. Setting the plan in motion, Maureen is sent to the home of Captain Johnston and his wife Mary to begin her transformation into a "lady."
A month later, Julien D'Artiers arrives at Almack's for another dull social function. He is surrounded by young women and their mothers who both fear and anticipate his attentions because he is handsome and charming, mysterious, wealthy, and quite the rogue. Julien singles out a group of young misses to wile away the evening, and the question of love and marriage eventually comes up. He reluctantly admits to having loved only once in his life, and that love had been lost to drowning. Glancing up and noticing a new arrival, Julien is astounded to see a woman who looks exactly like his late wife! But he had witnessed Maureen's fall into the churning sea. He shudders, recalling that image...and how her eyes had blazed with hatred for him. If she had, indeed, survived, she could expose him for what he really is—an American privateer and spy; and he wasn't about to let that happen.
Elizabeth Boyle has added a new twist to a familiar theme, creating an action-packed tale that will grab your attention from the very first page. The hero and heroine are strong, independent characters who have lost much due to betrayal and misunderstandings; and throughout the book there are flashbacks to the beginning of their relationship and the events that led up to their estrangement. This story continues the Brazen series, but even though the main characters from the previous books (Julien's sisters and their husbands) make a brief appearance, BRAZEN TEMPTRESS stands by itself. Ms. Boyle blends romance with high-sea adventure and the world of aristocrats to give readers a captivating and sensual "love lost, love found" story. ~Sharon Laird for Bookbug on the Web
NEXT PAGE
Background provided by Judi's Doodlings
Copyright © 1997-1999 Bookbug on the Web