"Telepathy is fun, but story needed to be longer."

Just when Isabelle Pentriss thought that things had hit rock bottom -- she was unemployed and not skilled at anything, except reading people telepathically -- she finds a job-wanted ad stating that a female empathy was wanted on the planet Fortuna. Knowing that it was better to try for the empath job than to be unemployed, she decided to go for it.

Arriving on Fortuna, she expected strong competition for the job. She never expected to be seduced by the prince, to find herself acknowledged as the prince's mate, to have a murder to solve and to adjust to a society that accepted, and even encouraged, sex in public.

I was excited when I read the premise to Empath Wanted. I have always loved telepathic characters, and the unique avenues that are open to the writer. Sadly, I found this story didn't live up to the possibilities.

It had a rushed quality to it, which I think a longer story would smooth out. The mystery Isabelle had to solve was a very important one, as a possible war was hinging on several murders that had been committed, yet it was pushed too far to the background. It almost didn't seem to matter except as a justification for needing an empath. I know that this is romantica and not a murder mystery, but the fact that this storyline was chosen should have caused it to be dealt with a bit more, instead of shoved to the last few pages of the book.

The characters felt a bit flat to me; the secondary characters of the prince's cousin and the leader of the royal guard almost stole the story. They were more fleshed out, as scenes with them had more than sex to them. I felt there wasn't development to the relationship between the prince and Isabelle. Despite his assurances that he loves her, the prince never really took the time to get to know Isabelle enough to truly know anything about her other than the chemistry between them in bed. I think that if this novel were fleshed out a bit more, it would be a great read, but as it stands, I was disappointed.

Reviewed by Michelle Houston
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted July 21, 2003

Summary

It's the year 2037 and unemployed empath Isabelle Pentriss from Earth answers a job advertisement on the planet Fortuna--a planet where she's shocked to discover nudity and sex are openly enjoyed in complete freedom.

Three Fortunian males soon heatedly pursue her: a drop-dead gorgeous prince who claims Isabelle is his prophesized bonded mate; his cousin, an Adonis who woos with wicked smiles and stolen kisses; and the commander of the royal guard, who invokes the bond challenge--one full day and night spent in his company...alone together. Choices, choices.

All these men, a new job, AND a murder mystery to solve with her psychic skills. Oh my, Isabelle will be a very busy girl indeed.

Rating: NC17.