BAYOU HEAT (Raphael/Parish) Book #1 by Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright-a review

ABOUT THE NOVELLAS: Released January 2013

RAPHAEL

The brilliant and dangerous diplomat of the Pantera shapeshifters, Raphael has devoted his life to discovering the key to the infertility that is threatening the extinction of his puma race. Creating a vast network of spies worldwide, he never expected to discover that the answer might be beneath his very nose. But when Ashe, a beautiful human female, crosses his path, his most primitive instincts are stirred. Unable to resist, he takes her to his bed, and is shocked when she becomes pregnant with his child. It’s a miracle that might prove to be the salvation of his people, but only if he can keep her safe from the mercenaries determined to kill her.

REVIEW:

RAPHAEL is the first storyline written by Alexandra Ivy for the new release BAYOU HEAT (Raphael/Parish). Like many novellas, Raphael is a very quick read, but there is enough character and world building that the reader doesn’t feel left hanging. The introductory prologue reveals the pertinent information required by the reader to know exactly what is going on. As the storyline develops, circumstances allow the characters to relate their experiences and life changes in a relatively short period of time. We are aware of some of the history of the elusive Pantera shapeshifters and hopefully more will be revealed as each story is released.

PARISH

Untamed and undeniably sexy, Parish, leader of the Pantera hunters, rarely leaves the magic of the Wildlands to deal with the humans he despises. But with the prized and risky Pantera birth on the way, puma shifter, Parish must travel to New Orleans to find and bring back a human doctor. The moment he sees the lovely, talented and all too human Dr. Julia Cabot he cannot resist the wild, potent drive to make her his. Betrayed and destroyed by love, Julia will not let her heart choose her path again. But as she and Parish fight to save the life of an unborn child, a fierce and overwhelming bond develops between them, threatening her frozen heart with the secret hope and ultimate temptation of love and family.

REVIEW:

PARISH is the second storyline (written by Laura Wright) in the new BAYOU HEAT series of novellas. Parish begins quickly on the heels of Raphael. More details involving the history and lore of the Pantera are revealed including some of the political ranking and break down of the Pantera community including Suits, Hunters, Nurturers and a Shaman. We are introduced to some of the other Pantera members whose storylines have yet to be told.

Raphael and Parish read together like a continuous storyline. Raphael and his mate Ashe are expecting and, Parish’s storyline focuses on the need for a human doctor to bring the new life into the world. But like all shapeshifting societies there are those who want to cause harm. And at the end of PARISH we learn that one of their own may be responsible for using dark magic against a mother and her unborn child.

BAYOU HEAT-Raphael and Parish is a wonderful introduction to the BAYOU HEAT series co-written by authors Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright. Each author has submitted their own storyline and the overall feel to the continuous story is smooth and easy flowing. I am looking forward to the next instalment.

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Reviewed by Sandy