"Smart, sexy, sizzling!!"

Kathleen Nance is another of the superstars emerging for Dorchester Publishing. Dorchester gives their writers the room to grow and write what they want, and its producing some of the brightest and freshest voices in romance today. Kathleen Nance has two very original lines running in a cycle of 3 and 2...three books that are about Djinns (and these are not I Dream of Jeannie genies!!) and two about the Immortals, then back the magical world of the Djinns.

The Immortals is one original concept. These are the "children", descendants of the Ancient Greek/Roman Gods. Set in modern day. Zeus, Hera and gang were actually from another planet, but were rebel-rousers, so were banished ages ago to Earth. Naturally with their powers they were accepted as Gods. But times are a changing. Zeus, now "Zeke", owner of a fireworks firm, is aging (think Sean Connery - lol), and he is looking back on life with many regrets. All the children of alliances with him are troubled, unable to find true love unless they mate with a child descended from another Auld God's line. He is also sorry for all these problems the many romances caused between Hera and him. So he has decided to play matchmakers for the children of his line, determined to see them happy, and maybe at the same time, mend the troubles between Hera and himself.

In the last book in this line, THE WARRIOR, we met sexy Dia Trelawny - a magician - and Hugh Pendragon, a Soul Seeker. Though minor characters, both were scene stealers and created such sparks off each other, I could not wait for this book. And I was NOT disappointed!

Hugh uses his soul-seeking powers to be a manhunter for the police only since meeting Dia his powers are blocked. He needs two cuff bracelets to use the power - though he is not aware of it - one ruby and one opal. Blackmailed by the Goddess Demeter, Dia unknowingly helped switch the opal in one cuff during a magic show. Now Hugh is troubled with nightmares and unable to call upon the sight to help him in his work and he fears it is driving him slowly insane. Somehow, he knows Dia holds to key. He comes to realize that he can access the visions when he is in physical contact with her.

But Dia, though drawn deeply to Hugh, resists because the women of her family always end in disaster where romance comes into play. And her growing need for Hugh begs the question, is she willing to sacrifice her career for the love she is not sure she can trust? Will Hugh still love her when he knows she is a criminal with him being a hunter? Hera and Zeus arrive on the scene knowing Hugh is the man for Dia, but Demeter has other plans, so it is up to the duo to put things right. Add in Hugh's butler, Ronald, his jewellery stealing dog, Cerberus, Dia's twin nephews and twin nieces, a missing sister and it all spells super fun and sizzling romance.

The writing is excellent, with well-painted characters, full of depth and emotion. It is vital, sensual and it will capture you from the very start and keep you hooked the whole time, unable to put it down. Kathleen's romance is high priority, but her sex scenes sizzle, they scorch, and you cannot wait for another in the Immortal series. However, I really think SOUL SEEKER is Nance's best work so far. It grabbed my heart and stayed with me long after I put the book down. When a book stays in my mind months later, I KNOW it is a special book. SOUL SEEKER is just that level of a book.

I cannot wait for the next one in the Immortal Series, but it just does not get any better than this. Kathleen's voice and craft just grows with each novel showing she is a fresh talent and a guaranteed super read.

Reviewed by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Posted April 3, 2003

Summary

Stuck with her sister's two sets of teenage twins and a magic show about to go on tour, Dia Trelawny needs help fast. Her irresponsible sibling has disappeared as inexplicably as a rabbit in a hat, but Dia has learned of a man who specializes in finding missing persons, no matter how lost. Hugh Pendragon's piercing green eyes appear to look right into Dia's soul, reading her anxiety about her sister, her unexpected attraction to him. Dark and mysterious, he seems a creature of moonbeams and nighttime, while she lives in the spotlight. But as he draws her into his web of seduction, she wonders which of them is the true magician. She may be a mistress of illusion, but Hugh has performed real magic in bringing her heart back from the dead. Love Spell Book Club selection!