by Susan S., guest reviewer

Sex and Subterfuge is a compelling novella with likeable characters, palpable emotions, and a great plot.

This is book two in Roman’s- The Dark Desires of the Druids series.

Does it stand alone? Yes. Although, if you read its predecessor Murder and Magick, you’ll learn the events which cause Lucien to flee England. Sex and Subterfuge has brief references to characters from book one: Isadore, Raven, Mac, Corwin, Gareth and Beckett. But, the author does a nice job of explaining their character roles.

Note: The hero Lucien Harrington (Earl of Granville) was also in book one.

Recommendations: Do you like jealous heroes and love triangles? How about sizzling sexual encounters atop of dining room furniture? If you answered yes to either question, you’re going to love this novella. I’m also recommending it, if you enjoy reading paranormal romance, historical, or erotica.

If you’ll remember in Murder and Magick the setting was in England. Well welcome to America! The setting in Sex and Subterfuge takes place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

It’s been more than 130 years since the magickers from Europe and the American magickers have been in contact. So why the devil is Lucien in America! That’s precisely what the heroine (Morgana Blackthorne) intends to find out. When Lucien tells Morgana there are rogue magickers in “her” American community, she is adamant that there isn’t. Until her visions indicate danger of a murderous kind.

Should she trust this new Englishman and give in to her lustful emotions? Or, will she face the danger alone and send this hot Earl packing?

When reading a story, I can usually pick out “one” main character that appeals to me. Usually. In Roman’s novella though, I loved not one, but “three” equally.

Morgana: Is a strong powerful Master with a responsibility to protect her people. Yet, she has moments of weakness and vulnerability.

Lucien: He’s a tall, blond- haired, blue-eyed Englishman; with one “wicked” magickal affinity. Loved him!

James Blackthorne: Gosh, I loved him too! He’s Morgana’s cousin. I found it touching how he protects and looks after her.

The novella didn’t garner five stars for one reason only. I felt the novella should’ve been fleshed out more. Book one gave us blood magick oaths and ancient words of healing. I wanted more of the same in Sex and Subterfuge, and was disappointed when a New Moon Ritual was mentioned, but not described.

The Dark Desires of the Druids is a wonderful series. It’s my intent to read “all” of the remaining books within this series.

Books three and four are currently available for your reading pleasure. Desert and Destiny is the third; Temptations and Treachery is the fourth.

4 Star Rating

Buy: The Dark Desires of the Druids II: Sex and Subterfuge

Erotic Romance, Historical, Paranormal, Ravenous Romance, Fantastica Publication, Copyright 2009, eBook Novella, pages 160.

ISBN# 978-1-60777-107-4.

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Mmm-mmm delicious. I love the plot to this novel, which looks like it will drive the second in the series. I also love the romantic conflict- it’s simply too yummy. Roman certainly has a way with storytelling, twisting and weaving different threads into one cohesive whole. I listened to the audio version of this book and was tempted more than once to click double speed just so I could devour this novel faster. Of course, I didn’t, that would take out half of the fun. Medea Carter Beckett is truly the best narrator Ravenous could have found for the job.

Magickers are being hunted. In the age of the English witch hunts, known as the Great Purification, one man rises above the rest to the head of the assault. Nobody is safe while Corwin continues to breathe. He is clever and charismatic, wooing people to his viewpoint. A bill is in parliament and if the Magickers are to have any hope at all for survival it must pass.

Malcolm Wargrave, earl of Preston, is on the fence. He is neutral and has not taken a stance, either agreement or disagreement to Corwin’s speeches. He is Lady Raven Drake’s lover. They started their affair almost immediately after their mutual friend’s house party began. She was a virgin when they met, and while she gave him her virginity she could never be his as she belonged to another. That and because she kept a secret from Malcolm.

Gareth, Viscount Moore, is Raven’s intended. They are engaged for several purposes. Not only were they well matched as both were Master Magickers, but they also stood as the only defense for their people. As the heirs to two of the very last powerful lines of Magickers, their alliance would create a new line of Masters. Their children would be powerful. United in marriage, their union would be a beacon of hope to their people.

Raven will face the toughest decision of her young life – will she give into her heart or into duty?

Rating: 5 Stars

Buy the audio version here.

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