Forbidden (The World of Nightwalkers #1)
by Jacquelyn Frank
Blurb:
From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes this
first book in The World of the Nightwalkers—an exciting and sensual new
spin-off series in which the Bodywalkers, an ancient race of the night, battles
the evil forces who prey on them.
The unexpected happens in
an instant. On her way to work, secretary Docia Waverley hurtles into a
crashing crossroads, and she quickly begins to suspect that things will never
be the same. Then, when a tall, blond, muscular stranger intervenes on her
behalf, telling her it is his duty to protect her at all cost, what is just a
feeling turns to proof positive. That is, as long as Docia’s savior doesn't turn out to be a crazed kidnapper.
When Ram finds Docia, he has no doubt that she is his queen. But
as this golden warrior sweeps in to protect her, he feels something more than
body heat every time they touch. He is overwhelmed by a searing connection that
goes deep into the twin souls inside him. A desire rises in him that is
forbidden—this woman is his queen, the mate of his king, his leader, his best
friend. And yet Docia is so vulnerable and attractive that she awakens a hunger
in Ram that is undeniable, a carnal craving he cannot yield to . . . not
without risking the very survival of the Bodywalkers
Review:
I can honestly tell you I had no clue what to expect when I began
this new series by Jacquelyn Frank.
Being a loyal Frank fan I assumed I would love the story like I have
always enjoyed her novels. There is
always such rich imagery and imagination in her worlds. I have read all of her series starting with
the Nightwalkers and was thrilled to begin this spin off series. Before I get into the details about the story
itself I will say that I just loved the Prologue. That little glimpse of past characters and a
small lead-in to the connection between the new and old series, was just what
was needed to whet my interests. Now on
that note, time to tell you what I loved and maybe just liked about the new
Bodywalkers series.
The
story begins with Docia, a sweet but slightly naïve woman walking to work and
arguing on the phone with her older and considerably overprotective
brother. Rather sadly Docia is mortally
injured and travels into the ether where Docia comes face to face with an
unknown entity. This being offers Docia
a simple choice: live or die? Docia of course is not ready to die and jumps
feet first into the unknown, accepting this “ghost” into her body and together
they venture from the ether back to the real world.
When
Docia returns to the world of the living, she is faced with the truth of the
choice she has made. Her soul is slowly
blending with this Bodywalker and expanding her understanding of herself and
the world around her , with the unfortunate side effect of people now out to
kill her. Healing from her ordeal, Docia
escapes her overbearing brother for a brief walk and is attacked by a knife-wielding
thug. Luckily, she has a savior on her
side.
Ram
(inside the body of extremely handsome and virile Vincent) rescues—or kidnaps
depending on viewpoint—Docia and takes her to the safest place he knows, the
local safe house of the Bodywalkers. Believing
that Docia is now housing the spirit of the Queen of the Bodywalkers,
Hatshepsut, Ram is determine that he will protect her from any and all dangers
inside and out of the world of the Bodywalkers, so that she is alive and ready
for the return of the King Menses.
As
they are repeatedly thrown together in extremely intense and terrifying
circumstances, Ram and Docia both feel a sizzle erupting between them. Ram resists the heat he feels for Docia, believing
he is betraying his king and best friends by feeling this way about her. But as time goes by, Docia/Hatshepsut and
Ram/Vincent succumb to their desires and discover a startling truth. Docia isn’t who he thought she was. Dealing
with new truths, captures, escapes and a slightly ditzy Djynn, the H/H face the
changes in their world and the changes within themselves with courage and
aplomb, reminding us that the best solution to any problem we face is our own
will and inner strength.
The
passion between Ram and Docia runs hot as the two of them grow together and
individually. The love connection is
definitely secondary to the changes in the overall world of the Bodywalkers and
the coming of Menses back into the real world.
I will say that when the connection finally sparks, the love scenes are
intense and detailed, as we all expect from Ms. Frank. And definitely don’t
leave you disappointed.
As
a side note, Docia’s brother Jackson is an extremely integral part of this
book, mainly because he’s the Hero of the next book. A good bit of time is spent on Jackson and
how he deals with the details of his missing sister and his relationship with
Marissa, the police psychiatrist in charge of keeping him in line. Normally I don’t care for so many passages in
a book that don’t deal directly with the H/H, but in this case I know that the
buildup was integral to the series and it was so well
written that I didn’t really mind. Plus,
really, the way Forbidden ends for Jackson is worth every second of distraction
from the main storyline.
Overall
a very good story and the beginning to an awesome series. Can’t wait for Forever, book two in this series coming soon and I sincerely hope
that the series continues for a while like the Nightwalkers series did. Another
hit Jackie! Just keep ‘em coming.
No comments:
Post a Comment