"Seductive fantasy world with a delicious shapechaging hero"

Jenise is in the unique position of being the one person sitting between the power-hungry Karpon and the throne of her small kingdom. As she has no real interest in ruling, this doesn't seem to be that much of a problem. Unfortunately, the only way she can see to getting herself out of line for the throne is to lose the one thing the law says she must have -- her virginity.

Karpon has plotted his own future, however, and it includes having the lovely Jenise lose her virginity and then, in a show of sympathy, taking her as his bride. Having won the people of the kingdom over by his beneficent spirit, he can rule in peace.

Neither of them can foresee how Gian Ren, Guardian of the Mist, will change both their lives forever. He is the Familiar that Karpon has procured to rid Jenise of her virginity, and all he knows is that he has to return to his home. Karpon knows too much about his race and their world, and his plans must be brought to a halt. Then the beautiful princess Jenise comes to him, and he realizes that escape is going to be harder than he thought, for Jenise is his mate and he's the only one who can rescue her from Karpon's clutches.

Gian Ren, like most of his kind, is sexy as hell, strong, and dedicated to the uninhibited pursuit of pleasure. Jenise is a perfect match for him. Most of the book is preoccupied with their flight from Jenise's kingdom and their adventures as they reach the Familiar world of M'yan, but that doesn't mean that they don't have time to explore each other -- body and mind -- thoroughly. As per usual with Joy's books, the characterization is keen and enticing. Gian Ren is one of the best heroes out there... and one of the rarest as a man who shape-shifts into a cat! (Isn't that just delicious?)

MINE TO TAKE is the third book in Joy's very popular Matrix of Destiny series, and the second to feature one of those most seductive of creatures -- the Familiar -- as the hero. Return readers of the series are treated to a more in-depth view of the fascinating world of the shape-changing Familiar. Those new to the world that was first introduced in Joy's KNIGHT OF A TRILLION STARS can enjoy the story as well, no doubt finding as much enjoyment in the world of M'yan as any veteran reader.

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted September 13, 2002