eXtasy Writers' Tarot Series Reviews

Page One

Added January 3, 2005

PAGE OF SWORDS - Elmwood

Author: Evelyn Starr
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Available At: www.extasybooks.com
Publishing Date: October 2004
Genre: Romance: Contemporary
Format: Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT
Price: $2.00
Author Email/Website: www.geocities.com/evvstarr/
Reviewer: Cyndi Witkus
Rating: 8.5 Gargoyles

The Page of Swords usually brings good news about business mixed with advice to keep one's eyes open. When reversed, the card indicates the questioner may soon have problems to face, including disappointments in business and contract matters.

Pat Cahill was having a rough day and now Herb Garlick was coming onto her. It's 1967 and Pat is trying to get away from her sex crazed boss. Herb manages to catch her, explaining what he's going to do to her when a new voice interrupts and demands her release. It was the owner of the Cavern Lake Park, Maximilian Hanna. He fires Herb and sends him on his way, extending help to Pat. She tries to apologize but is told it isn't her fault.

Maxsie, as he was quietly called, decided to put her somewhere safe as she feared going back to the dorm housing provided by the park. Elmwood, his home, would be a good place for Pat to recover from her assault. She tries everything to get out of going with him, for he's more attractive, more sensual than she's ever dealt with before. Security at the park took a lot of her attention, but Maxsie will not let her go. So, he takes her to Elmwood.

The attraction is on both sides it seems and that Pat was the reason Maxsie had gone to the security office in the first place. Something is definitely between them, but can they give into it with her working for him? Can they have a moment out of time? Or will circumstances take that one moment for them?

Just when I think Evelyn Starr can't write anything better than I've already read, BAM! she hits me with this. Wow. This isn't just a story, this is a story with depths that really touch your core. Back in the 60s, there were no sexual harassment laws and rape victims very rarely came forward. A man like Maximilian was rarer than rare and worth his weight in diamonds. This story hits you both passionately and because the background story and its ramifications get you to think. Really think. In some ways, you find yourself wondering if Pat is right in her thoughts, but on an instinctive level, you know that perhaps, just perhaps, she's correct. Yet, Maxsie is definitely a man beyond time and one I'd love to know more about. This is a fantastic, satisfying read and definitely goes on the keeper shelf with her other books. Simply awesome.

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Added January 3, 2005

KING OF PENTACLES - Terms of Surrender

Author: Fawn Lowery
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Available At: www.extasybooks.com
Publishing Date: October 2004
Genre: Romance: Contemporary
Format: Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT
Price: $2.99
Reviewer: Cyndi Witkus
Rating: 6.75 Gargoyles

The King of Pentacles is known for many things. Many call him the King Midas of the Tarot as all he touches turns to gold. He never seems to fail and gives of his time and resources because he knows it'll come back to him as well.

Kent Solomon waited for April Malloy to speak. She had asked for this meeting and since they were both wealthy and powerful, he had wanted to know why she was there to see him.

April Malloy was nervous. She wanted the land adjacent to his industrial park for a disadvantaged children's home. Though he was a gorgeous man, he had the ability to stop her plans, something she could ill afford. This was important to her. He had to let her bid on the land and not interfere.

Kent knows about the property and he knows he wants the woman. There's something unique about her. So he suggests something unusual in order to settle about the land-- a game of poker. Oh yes, not just a hand of poker, but strip poker. Who will win? What happens when all the cards are down, as are the clothes?

Fawn Lowery has given a new meaning to cutthroat business in this lush tale. Though short, this is a book with character, a satisfying story and love at first sight that's both intense and realistic. Though I wish it had been longer with more depth in the motives behind both Kent and April, Fawn has created a couple I really enjoyed knowing. The story also brought in the King of Pentacles meaning as the ending reveals. (You didn't really expect me to tell you the ending, did you?) Truly a great satisfying quick read, I can say this is one that will probably come back to me when I least expect it.

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