Rowena Cherry, Forced Mate Review

Overall Rating

Forced Mate
Rowena Cherry
Lovespell, Nov 2004, $5.99,320pp
ISBN: 0505526018

Prince Tarrant-Arragon of the Tigran Empire always gets his way; so when he selected his bride, he expected nothing less than her capitulation. If she refused, he would take her anyway because the future of his empire rested on his mating with the last known virgin Djinni.

Djinni-Vera is the daughter of Tarrant's rival, Djetthro-Jason (earthlings call him J. J.) and an Englishwoman. Her sire has raised her to detest Prince Tarrant-Arragon. What he fails to tell his daughter is that he, J. J., has plans to usurp the throne from his cousin Tarrant, the rightful prince.

Tarrant abducts Vera as a tool to accomplish his objective of solidifying his hold on the empire and thwarting his enemy, J. J. To his shock, he finds he likes his defiant Forced Mate. To Vera's even greater jolt, her new husband is arrogant but kind and caring; and his retinue, instead of fearing him, seems to like and respect him. She is torn between believing her father, the head of the noble Saurian Knights, and her husband as to whether Tarrant is savior or tyrant.

Forced Mate is a terrific science fiction tale that uses humor to forward the exciting plot. The storyline includes elements of a suspense thriller and romance but never loses its essence as a galaxy empire tale. Still, the key to Rowena Beaumont Cherry's fine story is the believability of the cast. Fans will believe in these seven-foot (non-NBA) hunks from space and wish the best for the delightful "half-breed", Djinni-Vera. This excellent romantic sci-fi thriller calls for a sequel or two as several other players deserve to have their story told.

Harriet Klausner