Discipline. Penance. Order. A Sanctuary priest's life revolves around such things. But when Sagan is taken captive and thrust into the Alaskan wilderness, he encounters a woman who challenges his faith and his self-control. Valera is a natural born witch who almost lost herself to the lure of dark magic. By rights, Sagan should shun her, but convention will count for nothing in the face of a passion that could change the world of the Shadowdwellers forever....
As Chancellor of the Shadowdwellers, Malaya's first duty is to her people. Her bodyguard, Guin, knows this only too well. For tradition's sake, Malaya must marry, and the thought of this lush, vibrant, woman in a loveless union is impossible for him to bear. Guin loves Malaya-not as a subject loves his queen, but as a man craves a woman. And even if he cannot keep her, he'll show her everything she stands to lose....
©2009 Jacquelyn Frank (P)2012 Tantor
"Frank exercises her own unique brand of spicy sensuality and blends it seamlessly into the dangerous political drama. Passion, intrigue and betrayal mix it up for devastating results!" (Romantic Times)
bookworm
"A PLEASURE TO LISTEN TO"
First let me say, yes this has 2 stories in 1 book however the characters mentioned in the first (shorter) story return towards the end of the second story so it's vital to get their backgrounds to show us the who, what and why magic is used (I'm not going to spoil it for you) but please bear this in mind.
J.F's books are like taking a ride on Disneyland's Space Mountain for the first time - you just don't know what's coming next - there's a lot of "oooohs" "aaarghhhs" and "ahhhhs" to be had. Plenty of interesting characters enrich a paranormal world that's lived mainly in the shadows where plots and sub plots are thrown in to a great story that'll keep you enthralled. Both stories have romance and sex but the second story is more intense and hotter.
Worth a credit? If you're a fan of sexy fantasy/romance listens (with handsome hunky alpha men - let's face it girls, and sorry boys, but if we're going to dream then let's dream big!) then JF's books are a must have for your library - so that's a big fat YES. However, they're not really stand alone books so do yourself a favour and download EVERYTHING available by this talented gifted author ........ then if you can - sit back, forget everything and enjoy.
"Glad I tried it!"
If you enjoy Frank's rich and complex characters, you will enjoy this book. She introduced a few new characters as well as embellished a few of the standards. I enjoy "meeting" each player with their particular twists and motivations. In this particular book there was less interweaving of characters and that was a disappointment, but the fleshing out this culture with Frank's prose is facinating.
Tristen. I would like to learn more of his past. He was a hot, self sacrificing underdog who wins. Yea!
I have not listened to other pieces.
It kept me entertained.
"False Advertising"
No one. This book is a rip-off. It was advertised as a novel. However, in reality it was a short story with an abrupt end and then with no delicate transition it went into a completely different story that was simply a teaser plot for spin-off future books. The story (if you can call it that) was clunky and awkward with no cohesive plot, just false advertising about one. I typically enjoy this series but I think I'll pass on future installments.
After feeling ripped-off by this book, not likely.
Decent narrator, but not much material to work with.
Extreme disappointment, disgust, and a feeling that I had just wasted hours of my life on a crappy book.
Do yourself a favor and don't waste your time or money on this book.
I spin my own wool and knit. Listening to audiobooks while I craft is one of my favorite things. I'm hooked.
"A Novella and a Book, oh my!"
I was so very happy that this release came as a novella and a book as the next installments in the Shadowdweller series. So often we are forced to buy a separate anthology just to hear one novella in a series we are following, and that irks me. In Pleasure, we are given a novella first (appx 3 hours long) and then a book.
In the novella: Sagan, a penance priest for the Shadowdwellers disappeared after an altercation with the evil villianess Acadian in the last book in this series, Rapture. He was presumed dead, but on the way to whatever torture Acadian had planned for him, he's rescued by Valera, a human magic user. Magic users are usually the arch enemy of all the Nightwalker races, including the Shadowdwellers. This novella is short, and I will admit the deep affection did seem a trifle rushed, but overall, I bought it.
In the longer story (at over 8 hours, I'd call it a book in itself), the queen Malaya and her bodyguard Guin are the focus. We've had hints of this relationship going beyond the professional, at least on Guin's side, in the previous books. This was a well told and action packed love story. Again, the villain Acadian is still at large and up to her old tricks. Guin and Malaya are torn between their feelings and their duties. I found it a satisfying and well told love story, with plenty twists and turn on the way to their happily ever after. Acadian if finally revealed, and at least a part of the story arc is tied up.
Kirsten Potter did a great job with the narration. Well worth my credit!
"I enjoyed the mix"
I enjoyed the mix of story lines in this installment. Quick plot and steamy interactions. Can't wait for more!