"Scorching heat burns throughout this erotic tale."

During the Dark Ages, a meek slave is under the control of an old witch, Kalidah. Trina believes she has another name and belongs somewhere else but here in the woods. In an attempt to prevent herself from freezing to death, Trina defiantly adds more twigs to the fire one morning. As she gazes into the fire, the flames appear to take on the forms of tiny dancing humans. Suddenly she is transferred into the flames and one 'flame-folk' entices her into a sensual rhythmic dance of celebration.

Soon after, Kalidah brings Lady Nanon and her servant, Fletcher, to perform a ritual to ensnare a fire spirit using Trina as a sacrifice. As Fletcher falters, Brand is mustered into Trina's world as a mortal and he saves Trina and kills everyone else. Brand is mesmerizing as "the" intoxicating flame-folk dancer. He proceeds to make passionate love to Trina before she sets out for sanctuary with her real family. Brand feels compelled to shadow her on this journey.

FIRE AND ICE is a very enjoyable read with an interesting premise of flame dancing. The connection of fire and heat is very well incorporated into this story of scorching love. I look forward to reading the author's next book in this magical series.

Reviewed by Sharon M. Bressen
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted January 22, 2003

Summary

A Dark Ages erotic fantasy.

Kept as a lowly slave by Kalidah, an old sorceress, Trina learns only what little healing and magic her mistress sees fit to teach her. Her past is a mystery, except that Trina knows "Baraka," as the sorceress calls her, is not her real name. Trina is ignorant of the outside world. She has been warned to keep to herself. The villagers shun her or toss stones at her.

In the early hours of a frigid morning, Trina huddles beside the hearth and stares into the fire. Suddenly, she is able to make out small images, resembling tiny humans, amongst the flames. The "flame-folk" appear to be dancing on the coals, swaying to some mystical rhythm. Still staring into the hearth, Trina abruptly finds herself among them. Rather than being afraid, she embraces the heat that surrounds her. Stepping out and joining the flame-folk in their dance, Trina delights in the acceptance she finds from these spirits. She is drawn to one spirit in particular who shines brighter than the others.

When one of Kalidah's nefarious spells goes awry, that spirit, who calls himself Brand, is released into Trina's world in a mortal body. Brand is delighted to find, in the flesh, the mortal woman who so recently had danced the flames with him. When they are joined as one, he exalts in the myriad sensations of his new body. All too soon for Trina, Brand must return to the spirit realm, and she must leave to search for her family. Although she is now free, Trina must make her way into the world and does not know if she will ever see Brand again.

Brand finds himself joining Trina again and again in her travels, pulled by a bond between them that he doesn't understand. The two of them face danger and self-discovery in their quest to find a way to stay together.

Original release Dreams Unlimited - December 2000