Ellora’s Cave, erotic romance, May 2006 (print edition)
Connections to: Witches Knot book #2, follows Triad

A Touch of Fae returns us to the Charvez witches of New Orleans, with the focus on empath Em Charvez. Em is seeking a fae book tied to her family’s Compact with Freya. She wants to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. Fae warrior Con MacNessa has the same goal, and has been following Em —and falling for her—for months without her knowing it. As soon as his Queen gives him permission to make contact, he moves into Em’s life and her bed in a passionate storm.

The chemistry between Em and Con is explosive and explicit (duh, it’s an Ellora’s Cave book!). No less compelling, though, is their emotional connection—the way they stand with each other against any and all opposition, whether from their own families, the fae court, or the bad guys, is beautiful and seamless. So too is the touching way Em learns to have faith in Con, the one man in the world she can’t read with her skills.

I only have one quibble with this book (besides the fact that it was over before I wanted it to be): Con’s been tailing Em for months, so why is he surprised to learn that her brother-in-law is his old friend Aiden? If there was an explanation for this, I missed it.

Otherwise, this book was just about perfect: great sex, clear emotion, and a coherent plot. Lauren Dane clearly recognizes that erotica can do more than just titillate. I also give her kudos for not lining up her sequel characters like ducks in a carnival game. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m so tired of opening a new book and seeing X number of siblings and realizing that they are all sequel fodder. In the case of the Charvez family, I know there are more books, but it’s not obvious who the leads are, and in my current contrary mood, that suits me just fine.

One final comment: the way Em revived Con? Priceless. *g*

1/2

Review ©2006 by Riley Merrick