Donna Michaels- LOTFM

“Don’t tell me you’re still mad?” Silence. “Come on. All I wanted was a ride to the planet where you were already heading.” Xandra sighed. “Jeez. Whoever claimed women are moody obviously never met you.”

A string of curses assaulted her ears before a large fist pounded a switch. The sound of metal scraping metal registered in her brain a moment before cold, hard shackles clamped her wrists and ankles to her seat. Tight.

“W-what are you doing?” She tugged and then tugged again, steel restraints biting into her skin. It was no use. She was immobile.

Darius remained silent.

She tried to lift her fingers to shock the metal and short the system, but there wasn’t enough room. Her throat dried. What now?

Autopilot button flicked on, he unstrapped himself and stood. Alarm raced down her spine. Why was he standing? There was no need for him to stand. Stay calm. Don’t panic. When he stopped in front of her and folded those massive arms across his chest her pulse didn’t understand calm. She looked up and gasped. Okay, now you can panic. An icy gray gaze squeezed her heart like a royal corset to her ribs.

Her fingers sought the knives sheathed at her wrists. No good. The shackles prevented access to them, too. What about magic? She chewed her lip. No. That’d only render him unconscious and she’d still be stuck in the chair.

“Give it up, Princess.” His cold tone frosted the air and tripped her heart. “You’re at my mercy now.”

Void of all emotion, the face of an outlaw stared down at her. She swallowed.

Had she misjudged him?

“That’s right, Princess, you should fear me.” He grasped her wrist restraints and leaned in.

Heart hammering, she shrank back, but not from fright. His scent and warmth washed over her, bringing her to life with a delicious shiver. Gray eyes narrowed. He missed nothing.

Darn her body for betraying her mind. It responded to his nearness like an animal in heat. What was wrong with her? The stranger could be about to kill her and all she could think about was pressing into his hard muscles.

She closed her eyes. If she hadn’t witnessed him softening when Braedon spoke of Halo, Xandra would’ve sworn Darius only cared about Darius. But he had softened. Her eyes flew open. He won’t harm me.

Hot breath tingled her face. She gripped the arms of the chair and stared, mesmerized. He was so virile, so dangerous, so...sexy. Awareness ripped through her, peaking her nipples while her underlace dampened. Never had she experienced such a physical rush. She was losing control…fast.

She could use her magic on him, but didn’t. She wanted to break eye contact, but couldn’t. After what seemed like an eternity, he looked away. That brought no relief. Her chest warmed under his gaze and nipples hardened further. She had to end this.

But when he looked up, all thoughts of stopping flew into space like dust off the second moon. Eyes no longer frosty blazed with desire and ravaged her face. No man had ever looked at her with so much hunger. Saliva pooled in her mouth.

He was going to kiss her.

* * * * * * *

Diana~ http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.asp?ReviewId=3342
Rating: 5 Hearts/Reviewer Top Pick

Ms. Michaels surely doesn’t disappoint with this new novel. This was her first attempt at writing a Sci-fi story and she passed with flying colors. It was a wonderfully entertaining read for me and her character development left me falling in love with Xandra and her mystery man. The author has successfully crossed over to the Sci-fi genre without any complications and I assure you that this book is definitely a winner to be picked up. Congratulations, Ms. Michaels, on spreading your wings and venturing down an unknown path in writing this Sci-fi novel. You’re hard work and dedicated writing talent has now etched a place for you in the Sci-fi industry.

Sally~ http://blog.lyndacoker.net/2009/07/01/wrdf-review-of-legend-of-the-fourth-moon-the-mark-of-goren-by-donna-michaels.aspx
Rating: Entertaining/Engaging

As a Science Fiction/Fantasy this story was intriguing and satisfying with several sub-plots keeping the pages turning to find out what happens next. The heroine, Xandra Monocerros, is a beautiful headstrong princess in true fairytale style, and she has powers which come in handy. I enjoyed the fact that everyone seemed to have different powers or gifts, it made for a nice variety. The outlaw hero was also dashingly handsome with a dark presence and a mysterious past. He has a delicious bad guy/good guy persona which teases the reader along.

The story and characters were well described and developed with a wonderful variety of good and despicably evil. A very nice job with a happily ever after finish, which Donna keeps us guessing about right to the very end.