The Master and The Muses by Amanda McIntyre

Publisher:  Spice/Harlequin
Pages:  416

(Release Date: June 1, 2010)

From the Cover:   Icon, rebel, unabashed romantic...with a single look, painter Thomas Rodin conveys the ecstasy of creativity-the pleasures awaiting the woman who can fuel his artistry. As fate would have it, he finds that inspiration not in one woman but three: an apprentice milliner, a prostitute and the daughter of a stableman. What follows are three transcendent tales of women bewitched by a master of seduction-a slave as much to his art as to his boundless passion.

***May Contain Spoilers (though I try to avoid spoilers, beware)***

Thomas Rodin is a man of many talents and many pleasures.  He finds it hard to refuse himself, after all he is the master of his domain, the master artisan.  He's passionate to a fault with his muses, trying to be what they all want as they try to conform to his life.  He is a true artist, able to see the beauty in the world around him, as well as the not so pretty world that in reality, he must live in.  The Royal Academy has seen him as a thorn in their side for far too long, not that they were ever tolerant of someone who resides outside the bounds of proper society.  But, no one likes to be criticized, least of all Thomas.  He's always been a bit disdainful of the Academy, but in reality, he'd like nothing more than the acceptance of that snobbish crowd, to gain their respect.  In doing so, he may have to grow up to be the man that his muses need him to be.

The Master and The Muses by Amanda McIntyre is a book told in three inter weaving stories centered around the artist Thomas Rodin and his muses.  The muses are the women that inspire Thomas to be more than he is, to create an everlasting portrait of life, love, and he hopes, future happiness.

The Book of Helen:  Helen is a red-headed muse who is not at all of the temperament described by her red locks.  She timid, raised to be a refined lady, steady fast in her beliefs, but young enough to be tempted by fate.  William Rodin is what fate brings to her door.  He's spies the young beauty realizing she would be a perfect muse for his ever searching brother.  But, can William let Thomas possess what he most desires?

The Book of Sara:  Sara is a headstrong raven-haired beauty who is willing to do whatever it takes to make her own way in the world.  Even if it means leaving the quiet comfort of her uncle's farm to explore the city and what it has to offer.  Little does she know that on her adventure to the Globe Theater, she's playing into fate's hands as well.  Upon meeting the rakish Mr. Rodin, she is destined to become his next muse.  But she has always desired an adventure, can she takes want fate offers without asking for more?

The Book of Grace:  Grace is one of the lost souls, misused and taken for granted.  She's stolen away as a young child to be bought and sold for the pleasure of a cruel master.  When an escape from her life is seen, she grabs it, even if it means a life on the streets.  But she's strong and smart, able to live by her wits and her body if necessary.  Thomas Rodin is what fate brings to Grace's door, but will he be enough for this lost soul or will he refuse what is before him in his need to bring new muses into his life, denying that he might have one true muse?

The Master and The Muses was an enjoyable read full of erotic romance, intertwined lives, and the mysteries of the artist and of life.  As I began to read The Master and The Muses, I wasn't at all sure if I was going to be able to tolerate Mr. Thomas Rodin and his attitudes.  He was a kind and gentle man, but a rogue and a user of women.  He never raised a hand in anger, never abused the women who became his muses, but as he grew tired of their affections, he left them to their own devices to find love and life.  He wasn't a bad man, just a man who liked women, wanted women to like him, and in his own way, he made sure each of his muses had their desires fulfilled, even if it wasn't by him.  By the end of the book, I once again loved Thomas with his wild little boy ways, tantrums, and wild passions.  There is no other way to describe Thomas except as a man governed by his passions.  The one revolving character throughout the book is Grace, she's the glue of the story, holding the pieces together.  But, she comes to realize that unless Thomas can give as much as he expects to receive, then she'll have to learn to live without him.

The Master and The Muses is very much an enjoyable read with many twists and turns.  The erotica is told sometimes with humor of the unexpected and always told as a love story.  It is a red hot romance, both fun and sophisticated.  The cover art of this book is probably one of the best I've seen in a while, it depicts Thomas Rodin almost perfectly especially his eyes and tousled curls.  I recommend this book to lovers of historical romance who don't mind steam with their romance.  This is definitely a tale told with erotica, so be prepared for the level of sensuality.  If you haven't tried Amanda McIntyre, give this book a try, it was well worth my time.  For a little taste of Thomas and what's in store for his muses, click here.  If you'd like to pre-order this book, click here or at Amazon, here.

Here's a peek at the awesome book trailer.



I received this book from Spice/Harlequin and Net Galley for review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Rampant by Saskia Walker

Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises / Harlequin Spice
Pages: 368

(Release Date:  April 1, 2010)

 From the Cover:  Possession is only half the fun…

The moment she arrives at her rented vacation cottage nestled in Scotland, Zoë Daniels feels it—an arousal so powerful she's compelled to surrender to the unusually forceful carnal desires…with nearly anyone who crosses her path. Crawford Logan, the boat builder with the wayward grin. The devilish restaurateur Cain Davot, who seems to know more about Zoë than he lets on. And even her sexy neighbor Grayson Murdoch, whose eyes delve deep into her soul as he explores every inch of her body.

Yet there's something unsettling about the way the locals watch her, something eerie about these overwhelming encounters. Zoë knows she's not quite in control of herself and begins to wonder if there's any truth to the legend of Annabel McGraw, a powerful, promiscuous eighteenth-century witch who once owned the cottage, and whose spirit t is rumored to affect anyone who stays there. Zoë doesn't t believe in anything that even hints at the occult, but t now strange visions are turning frightening…and only y one man's touch can bring her back to earth.

Zoë Daniels is a Londoner who works in a high powered law office, and she keeps the whole thing running.  She's good at what she does, but she needs a vacation, in fact her body demands it.  Her sister, Gina, finds a cabin in a remote location far from the everyday pressures of her life in Carbrey, Scotland, a little place known to the locals as Her Haven.  It's said to be inhabited by the ghost of a witch, and Zoë can feel the pull of magic as soon as she enters the cabin, if she wasn't a skeptic, if she thought it was real.  But, soon enough, it proves to be.

Grayson Murdoch, outsider in the community, who has purchased the adjoining cabin.  He has moved to the community to find out more about Her Haven and it's mysterious ghost in the visage of Annabel McGraw as well as to keep tabs on the local coven master, Cain Davot who is rumored to be involved in at least one death.  It is also rumored that Cain is very powerful warlock and that he may be trying to resurrect the spirit of his lost lover, Annabel, hung and burned during the hunt for witches, long ago.  All he needs is a willing (or even unwilling) body.

When Gray meets Zoë, it makes Annabel's spirit come alive, as well as Zoë's long denied need for passion.  What scares her is not knowing if Annabel is the only reason for Gray's passion or if Zoë is the true object of his desire?

Rampant by Saskia Walker was a steamy hot quick read.  It tells the story of a young woman, Zoë Daniels, in need of a much deserved rest, and she hasn't quite dealt with the death of her mother three years previous.  Her mother dabbled slightly in the occult, more of a hippie, and Zoë remembers all to well picking up and leaving, off the chase the next ghost story.  When she arrives at Her Haven, one of her first experiences in the mysterious reflection of Annabel McGraw in her mirror.  She soon discovers that Grayson Murdoch, the extremely sexy prof that lives next door, would like nothing better than to have entrance into Her Haven to try to see the ghost for himself.  But Annabel has other plans for the two newest inhabitants of Carbrey, and when the spirit moves them, the pages heat up.  Cain Davot is not what he appears to be, having made a deal with the dark side, and he's infecting the local coven with his madness.  He'd like nothing better than be bring Annabel back, but again, Annabel has other plans, and revenge is in the works.

Rampant was a hot spicy read, with steam that stings the fingers, even blush worthy in places on my part, as the pages flew by.  There is something for everyone found in the pages, ghosts, psychic energy, witches, warlock, and magic that zinged from page to page.  There was also some graphic language as well as being sexually graphic with a tiny bit of M/M and  F/F, so if that bothers you, you might want to try something else.  It does tell an engaging story of love found and happiness sought that continues through out the story.  I recommend this novel to all lovers of steamy graphic romance, I do not believe you will be disappointed.

I received this arc ebook from Net Galley and Harlequin Enterprises.  The opinions expressed are my own.

A Review In The Works....Coming Soon

Sinful by Charlotte Featherston
Publisher:  Spice/Harlequin

Many of my followers may remember my review of Addicted by Charlotte Featherstone, the story moved me, made me love the characters, and it gained a spot on my keepers shelf.  Recently, I was offered an opportunity to read Wallingford's story in Sinful.  Well, I didn't question the opportunity, and I'm so glad that I took the time to enjoy another keeper.  The book doesn't release until May, so I'll be posting my review closer to the begin of April, but I wanted to post the cover art.  It's beautifully done and complements the story told in the pages.  Charlotte once again holds nothing back and gives a stellar performance, the reader receives a wonderful story.  I can't wait to share it with you.  Please come back to get a taste of what is to be Sinful.