"Sexy Paranormal Erotica--With a Message"

Cassy Thompson inherited the powerful Talisman from her grandmother Maud as the old woman was dying. Her mother told her to refuse the mysterious gift that could bring love--or disaster. Then Cassy meets Chandler Raven, and the sensual dreams start with a vengeance. Memories invade the present, and Cassy starts to remember her family's history. The Talisman is driving her to have sex with Chandler, but why? What does it want and, more importantly, can she stop it? It seems that Cassy is doomed to 'disaster', unless she and Chandler can figure out what's going on!

THE TALISMAN is loosely connected to Lee's popular "Bloodlust" series, though it isn't really about vampires. It is a multicultural romance (black heroine, white hero) which, of itself, wouldn't be remarkable, but Lee is somewhat heavy-handed with the prejudice theme--if you find 'morals' in your reading objectionable, this is definitely a book to watch out for. The sex is, however, completely hot. The way that the memories of the former lovers emerge--through Cassy and Chandler's lovemaking--is exquisitely portrayed and very believable. As a romance, it's wonderful. The story is complicated, but not cliché, and emotional without being melodramatic. Of course, a main part of what keeps them apart is the racial concern (both their own and that of their families) but Lee also uses racial tension as a key to the talisman's mystery. Despite dwelling on the interracial tension of the romance, THE TALISMAN is a great paranormal erotic story.

Sensuality Level: This novel has been rated NC-17 by the publisher. It contains a lot of anal sex.

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted August 14, 2003