"A passable duo of short stories"

In Prisoner of Love, Elaine is taken prisoner to be sold as a slave. On the day of the slave auction, she is rescued by a mysterious stranger. When she discovers this stranger is actually a good friend of her brother, sent to rescue her, she again has hope. She has been infatuated with Jake ever since her brother introduced them ten years ago. He too, is very attracted to Elaine and what follows her rescue is several days of sexual bliss, as they indulge their passion for one another. But is their passion enough to bring their love to fruition so they can be together for always?

This was a fair story, but not one of the best this reviewer has read. There is vivid description, giving the reader a feel for the surroundings as well as the physical passion between Jake and Elaine. However, it is a bit too unrealistic for this reviewer to fully be engrossed. Elaine just happened to be taken prisoner on her vacation, and Jake just happened to rescue her several days before it is over. She conveniently falls in love and forces him to admit his, all before her vacation is over. Too much in this story fits too perfectly to make one feel it could be real. Also, though readers are made aware of Elaine's long time crush and resulting love for Jake, there just doesn't seem to be enough between them, besides the physical, to make a permanent relationship plausible.

In Violet Love, Silana has been captured by a soldier from an enemy world. For a long time, she had been key in her people's fight against the enemy. While the two journey to a base for her trial, they come to know each other as individuals, rather then as one from an enemy race. Their passion grows and love develops, but will it be enough to sustain them once they make it back to civilization?

This story was told in first person, from the perspective of the hero. His name is never mentioned, nor is there any kind of physical description. However, Silana is described brilliantly, so the reader can envision what she looks like. The tenderness that grows between these two characters can be felt and understood. It is interesting how the story is resolved. This reviewer was surprised, not expecting the ending to be as it was.

The second story in this duo was considerably better then the first, however, more could be done to captivate readers. This author has talent, of that there is no doubt, but it needs more development. As Ms. Batten-Carew continues to write, her skill will likely grow and at a later date, she could become a wonderful writer. In this work however, her skill seems raw, and is not yet strong enough to engross this reviewer. Neither story was quite strong enough for an emotional investment in the telling.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, May 2004. All rights reserved.

Reviewed by Kelley Hartsell
Courtesy Love Romances
Posted August 15, 2004

"Violet Love" is a futuristic short story. "Prisoner of Love" is a contemporary short story.

Summary

Prisoner of Love

Elaine is rescued from slave traders by a mysterious desert man. His tenderness and deep concern for her safety win her heart, but is she as safe in his arms as she thinks? Especially when she finds out he is absolute master of his own kingdom and she is totally at his mercy?

Violet Love

Jacob has spent years chasing Silana, the notorious guerilla terrorist, across space. Now that she is his prisoner, he learns more about her than he wants to know -- she is a strong, compassionate woman doing what she must to protect her people. He finds himself doing the unthinkable -- falling in love with an enemy agent. He holds her life in his hands, yet he knows his own life is nothing without her.