Sandy M’s review of Seduce Me in Flames (Three Worlds Series, Book 2) by Jacquelyn Frank
Paranormal Romance published by Ballantine Books 26 Jul 11
I’d been thinking, after reading and reviewing the first book in this series, that while I like it all so far, I’m not going to enjoy it as much as I do the Shadowdwellers series. But this newest book is changing my mind about that. It’s the world of the Shadowdwellers, the use of dreams, along with the characters that make that series so fascinating to me. In this series it’s the characters and their abilities that keep me reading till the early hours of the morning.
Ender is an Interplanetary Military officer, one who likes to play with incendiary devices and blow things up. He’s part of an elite team who are first responders to any and all major events throughout the Three Worlds. His current mission is to rescue the heir to the Allyan throne, a princess who has been incarcerated one way or another her entire life. His way of getting into the “prison” where Ambrea is being held is priceless. Between fighting guards and getting purposely laser stunned, he winks at his intended target and feigns injury. Ambrea is nearly just as stunned at the whole enactment, all without being literally shot.
When she learns her emperor father has died, Ambrea has a momentary hope that her life may improve. Her brother has ascended the throne, even though Ambrea herself, as the oldest living offspring, should be empress. That moment passes instantly when her sibling and uncle end up imprisoning her just as her father had always done. That’s when her life makes a sudden and very unexpected turn as she puts her fate into the hands of a stranger. That decision is the best of her life, and she is now on her way to the future her birth intended for her.
Though we learn about Ender’s extraordinary ability in the prologue, we truly get to know him and all about his fiery “curse” along with Ambrea as she discovers more about the man who rescued her. His fear is that he will injure Ambrea once they begin to acknowledge their feelings for each other. But she puts all her faith in this man and knows he would never harm her, and she begins to chip away at his fear, giving him options on how to harness his power, giving him the control over it he’s never had. And all of this is occurring as Ambrea begins the precarious balance of ruling her people while keeping her uncle under her thumb.
We also get to catch up with the rest of the IM team, including the Chosen Ones who were introduced in the first book. In fact, I like that they’re now included in missions so that we find out more about their abilities and how they work. I like the teamwork and the relationships Ms. Frank has developed with these characters. They are easy with one another, teasing and laughing, but when Bronse, their leader, calls them together for a mission, they’re all work, their synchronicity seamless and flawless.
I also like that Ender and Ambrea talk to one another. There’s not a big misunderstanding going on, and their trust in each other is solid, even despite their differences in station, let alone their worlds. When Ender’s powers finally fully emerge, it’s all quite impressive, especially more so because he’s kept it a secret all his life, even from his teammates. Of course, there’s plenty left open with the secondary characters for future books, and after reading this story, I’m really looking forward to more in this series.
Grade: A
Summary:
ICY RECEPTION
Ambrea Vas Allay is the rightful heir to the throne of Allay. But when she is summoned home from exile, she discovers that her father, who had executed her mother, has died. Her young half-brother, controlled by their uncle, has taken power. Ambrea is torn by an impossible choice: renounce the crown or waste away in prison. The last thing she expects is to be liberated by a huge, tattooed Tarian—or to feel a searing passion for her mysterious rescuer.
SMOLDERING DECEPTION
Rush “Ender” Blakely loves being part of the elite force of the Interplanetary Militia and the mission to save the princess of Allay. But the tough Tarian hides a fiery secret—a blazing power that makes him literally too hot to handle. He must be crazy to carry a torch for this strong, beautiful princess—when any intimacy between them is bound to be explosive.
BLAZING INSURRECTION
As Ambrea steels herself to take back the throne, does she dare entrust this scorching stranger with the fate of an empire—and, even more so, with her heart?
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
