"An exciting anthology"

LOVER BEWARE is a collection of stories about lovers who find themselves facing danger together. While the danger comes in many forms, be it assassins, serial killers, or werewolves; these intrepid couples manage to find love while defeating evil.

Magic in the Wind,the opening story, is provided by popular best selling author Christine Feehan, and was a delightfully fresh and entertaining read. Reclusive newcomer Damon Wilder begins to hear whisperings in his neighboring small town about someone named Sarah; the whispers say she is home. He even hears the whispers on the wind. He soon learns the mysterious Sarah is one of several sisters who own the strange old house on the hill that he can see from his window. When Sarah and Damon meet, magic seems to happen, and he finds himself drawn to her. But then danger from his past comes calling... I happily anticipate more stories from this talented author featuring Sarah's other magical sisters . The sense of family and caring was beautiful, the magic was wonderful, and I want more!

Hot August Moon by Katherine Sutcliffe introduces readers to bad-ass, smoking FBI profiler Anna Travelli who is a member of a top secret FBI operation that employs agents with psychic abilities to track down killers. Anna has been assigned to investigate the mutilation murders of a woman and her two children, which may be linked to other murders that point to the work of a serial killer. This will be a particularly difficult case since the three victims were friends of hers, and the man in charge of the case, D.A. Jerry Costos, is the man who broke her heart. This gruesome story is not for the faint of heart. The graphic detail concerning the mutilations made me uncomfortable. Also, the ending still left many loose ends, therefore leading me to believe it's purpose was to set the scene for more books featuring Anna. I can't imagine she will survive long, though, considering her job requires her to secretly put herself in a trance at a murder scene, without a partner to watch her back.

After Midnight by Fiona Brand was the only story of the four that did not contain psychic or paranormal elements. Nevertheless, it was quite good. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was explosive, and dynamic, needing no supernatural assistance. An unsolved murder and rape in a small rural New Zealand town has everyone on edge, including widow Jane O'Reilly. The death of her husband after a long bout with cancer has left her alone on their farm, and she is beginning to feel uneasy. Her closest neighbor has recently returned after an absence of several months, but he is no help since she is actively avoiding the dark, dangerous and too sexy, man. Michael Rider has returned to his farm because he has secretly wanted Jane for a long time. Now that she is free he is determined to find out if she feels the same. But then he is arrested on suspicion of rape and murder...

And finally Only Human by Eileen Wilks brings us Lily Yu, a Chinese American detective investigating a brutal killing that can only be the work of a rogue werewolf. Since the newly legalized clans of Lupi are still secretive and closed to outsiders, Lily is forced to rely on the help of Rule Turner, a charismatic being who also happens to be a prince of his lupus clan. While she is repulsed by his kind, Lily is oddly drawn to Rule and has to keep reminding herself that werewolves are notoriously promiscuous and that she doesn't want to get involved with such a man. Rule agrees to help Lily, both because he wants to find out the identity of the murderer; and because he has a hidden agenda with plans that include the unsuspecting Lily. I enjoyed reading about Lily and her Chinese relatives and customs. Rule was an exciting and appealing hero. My only complaint was that I would have liked to have seen this couple in a full length book- the ending came way too soon!

So, for this reviewer, three hits and one miss make this anthology well worth reading.

Reviewed by Janice Bennett
Posted June 12, 2003

Be Warned...

Four of today's most popular authors push passion and intrigue to the limit in four thrilling original stories

In a sleepy coastal town...
Early retirement turns deadly for a defense expert--until a beautiful woman steps between him and his assassins...

Among women of the night...
An FBI profiler can see into the mind of a French Quarter killer targeting prostitutes-but not into the heart of the detective she must trust with her life...

Between Strangers...
Sometimes one glance is all it takes. And sometimes all it takes is one man to tear apart what fate-and desire-have brought together...

Under the light of the moon...
Investigating a series of grisly murders, a San Diego detective is caught off guard by the enigmatic man helping her find the killer...

Summary

MAGIC IN THE WIND by Christine Feehan.
Oldest of 7 sisters, Sarah Drake has come home. She is mysterious, magical and so different from other women that Damon can't help but be drawn to her. Even the wind seems to whisper her name. Sarah lives with her sisters in the neighboring cliff house and Damon is shocked to find he is attracted to this 'powerful' woman. He is enraged to find she has been assigned to protect him; but even more shocked to learn that his coming has fulfilled an ancient prophecy.

Security genius Damon Wilder hopes to find refuge in the small coastal town. He had been kidnapped, critically wounded and saw his friend murdered and wishes to be left alone to find peace, but death follows him to his new home. Will Sarah and her sisters be able to work their special magic to secure a future for Damon and Sarah?

HOT AUGUST MOON by Katherine Sutcliffe.
FBI Agent Anna Travelli is part of a special Profiler division. Her psi-talents have been developed and she barely regrets leaving New Orleans and her former love, D.A. Jerry Costos. Now she has been called to help find a serial killer and working with him is part of the package. Can they work together without reigniting the fires of love?

ONLY HUMAN by Eileen Wilks.
While investigating serial murders, San Diego detective Lily Yu is forced to accept the aide of Rule Turner, prince of the Werewolf Clan Nokolai. Can she trust him not to follow his own agenda and can she resist their mutual attraction?

AFTER MIDNIGHT by Fiona Brand.
When Jane O'Reilly opened the door to her neighbor, they were both shocked by an undeniable bond. Jane's husband had terminal cancer and she would not abandon her first love. Seven years later, she is a widow and Michael Rider is divorced and has returned to his farm now retired from New Zealand's SAS.