A Watch of Nightingales by Sahara Kelly
Paranormal novella eBook published 4 May 07 by Ellora’s Cave Presents
This novella by Sahara Kelly is named for a group of nightingales – similar to a bevey of quail, a kettle of nighhawks, a murder of crows, or an exaltation of larks (LOVE that one). It is about an author who has disturbing dreams about a man she’s never met, but loves. It is set in modern day New England, with brief forays into regency England. Can I just say I think this is the best eBook cover I’ve ever seen? It’s beautiful artwork and the look on the man’s face is just SMOLDERING! This is how good they can be, folks, unlike others out there that shall remain nameless.
Here’s the book blurb:
Dreams! Sometimes passionate, sometimes poignant, for romance writer Marianne Donovan they’re a heated adventure — seasoned with a dash of agony. They take her on a nightly voyage of desire into the arms of a wonderful Regency lover. But Marianne’s dreams always end the same way. With the song of a nightingale and the terrible death of Captain Christian Lawrence.She needs help, both in understanding what is going on in her mind and in dealing with the pain of losing Christian every damn night. Dr. Jake Corvo and his wife Renny are her last resort, pointing her onto a path that will lead to the truth. A path overshadowed by history, passion and tragedy — and haunted by that sound. The bittersweet song of a nightingale.None of them know that far away there’s a man writing music. His creativity lies in his mind, his symphony is taking shape on paper — and the music he hears is in his soul. A faint but distinct melody — one that comes from the throat of a nightingale…
This novella started very promising. The plot has an interesting premise – girl dreams about past lives and loves, consistent elements are a nightingale and a man with blue eyes. Oh and mind-blowing sex, of which we learn quite a lot from her narrative with a couple of ‘ologists. What, you say? She spills her guts about her dream sex life to a couple of complete strangers, complete with how his cock feels? Why yes. Don’t you? Gahhhh! Sahara had me until then.
I would have liked this novella a lot more if the erotic scenes hadn’t felt like they were as useful as a pimple on a model’s nose. And to sit and talk about the MOST intimate details of an erotic dream with a complete stranger felt very odd.
It was an interesting little novella. I just didn’t buy into a few of the elements it contained.
Grade:Â D
I did read a book, Natasha Mostert’s Windwalker, with similar elements, but while it’s from Tor’s Paranormal Romance line, not everyone would consider the ending a HEA. I did love it though.
Sahara is hit and miss for me. Often more hit than miss. I totally agree with you on the cover.
yummy
Hi Gwen, thanks so much for reading my story and posting your thoughts. With so many great books out there these days, it’s always an honor to see comments on one of mine. And yes, it is a splendid cover…I’m passing your praise along to the Ellora’s Cave Art Department. They do a wonderful job.
I’m sorry the story didn’t satisfy you as much as you would have liked. It’s often hard reading the second book in a series (the first was An Unkindness of Ravens)…but given your opinions, well, maybe something else of mine might suit you better. And you probably won’t want to catch the last one, coming in June (title: A Siege of Herons). Just a thought there. LOL
Again, thank you for taking the time to post…I learn a lot from every review, every discussion of my writing – whether good or bad. In this case, I didn’t manage to lure you in to my tale. Perhaps sometime in the future another of my stories will work better for you. I do hope so.
Sincerely,
Sahara Kelly
Sahara – I will definitely try again. There was just that one element – her sharing her sex dreams with strangers – that turned me off.
Thanks for taking the time to respond to the review! It’s always interesting to me how authors respond to a not great review. I’m awfully glad you took it in the spirit it was intended.