I’ve had a pretty great year, but with deadlines looming, I’m a stress-case right now and the day didn’t start well. I woke up to snow outside and cat-hairballs on the inside. But then I found this little gem in my inbox from The Naughty Little Vamp. I’ve been fortunate enough to have garnered a string of glowing reviews for my work, but this one may just be my favorite so far because she shares my appreciation for nymphs and because she said “wow.”

The review reads in part:

I first stumbled across Stephanie Draven’s work via her Nocturne Bite Midnight Medusa, and was immediately captivated. I had to pick up Wild, Tethered, Bound, as soon as it was available. Draven explores much darker territory than you might expect – war being crucial to the plot of this story. Nick, whilst a typical alpha male in some respects, is uniquely presented via his split personalities and the aspects of his psyche they represent. Dessa is a strong, determined heroine who initially pursues Nick for her own ends rather than any real emotional attachment. At first glance, this should make for a rather cold, selfish romance, but Draven neatly and expertly redeems her characters through their interactions with each other. Whilst mutual need might be the starting point for their romance, by the end of the story you’re in no doubt that these two are genuinely in love. And Draven doesn’t use the “fated to mate” trope to accomplish it, which gains bonus points from me.

I found the backdrop for the story fascinating. Whilst it’s not unusual for romances to use exotic locations, this is the first I’ve read set in the Middle East, using war as a catalyst for the plot. It works well, giving an extra depth and realism to the mythology of the story. Nick is a believable war veteran, and Draven offers some poignant memories of the conflict, via her protagonists, that completely sells the location and time period.

Draven also uses mythology expertly. I haven’t come across any other books using nymphs/dryads before, and after finishing Wild, Tethered, Bound, I wasn’t quite sure why. Greek mythology crops up fairly frequently in the paranormal romance genre, and I’d love to see more people using these lesser-known entities. Dessa was lovely – strong, compassionate, and very definitely not human in her thoughts and actions. And I thought Draven’s use of the chimera story, via Nick’s condition, was very fresh – something else I’d like to see more of.

And speaking of Nick’s condition – wow. The sex scene. No, the sex scene. I’ve never read anything quite so risqué in a Harlequin romance, but really? We need more. The possibilities available to a man who can literally split himself in three are hot.
There’s a lot to like about Wild, Tethered, Bound. Our hero and heroine are deftly characterised and convincingly brought together as a couple. The sense of place is strong, and the story is compelling. If I have one complaint about the novella it’s that it was just that – a novella. I can’t wait to see what Draven will do with a full-length novel. And I highly recommend both this story and the first, Midnight Medusa (although they can be read separately). Draven is a writer to watch.

Thank you for brightening my day, intrepid reviewer. And never fear. My full-length Nymph-of-the-underworld should be out in the coming year!

Another great review

WILD, TETHERED, BOUND, well it rocks! I loved Stephanie’s concept of the beautiful and almost ethereal Dryad, Dessa who is seeking her mate while protecting the forest and all it’s creatures in the fast and super sexy read where supernatural elements intertwine…You will be captivated by Nick and Dessa as their journey starts out with pain and loss and ends with love.

Over at Long and Short Romance Reviews, I’ve been rated Spicy and perhaps just short of hawt But enough about me. They also seem to have liked WILD TETHERED BOUND…

Stephanie Draven is a new author for me and after reading this book I am ready to read more of her books.

The characters of this book were unbelievable. They were so easy to understand and relate too…even if it has a twist of paranormal to it. The characters were strong and felt like someone you knew. The scenes in this book are intense and very enjoyable.

The complexity of this novel still blows my mind. Ms. Draven has taken so much and pushed it tightly into 59 pages, which is incredible. As a reader you are able to keep up with the plot, you know what is going on, but you have no idea as to what is going to happen next. It’s a great read and one any paranormal fan will love.

Well, thank you reviewer! Now that you’ve already reviewed my book, I won’t seem like a suckup when I thank you for all you do for the genre. 

Okay, so sue me. I just don’t ever get sick of people praising my work! Coffee Time Romance just gave me a 4 Cup Review and I am tickled. The reviewer said in part…

Will love be able to heal the heart of a hardened man?

This is a very interesting story. I adore mythology so this book spoke to my heart. The author takes the old legends and merges them with modern times. Creative and fun, yet heart touching, this romantic tale keeps the reader going until the very end. As a daughter of a Vietnam veteran dealing with PTSD, I felt Nick’s pain to the very core of my being. I suggest picking up this story. There is never a dull moment.