When I wrote about my dryad turning into a tree, this is totally what I had in mind, but I never thought to see it so beautifully rendered. This is a photo to ponder for a while, and I think people are calling it “Mother Nature.”

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!

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.

KATHY KOZAKEWICH of Books, books, books… and, from time to time, a little RL wrote:

What a fantastic story! There are definitely boundaries never before crossed in a Harlequin based romance, but Stephanie Draven’s myth-creation demands it. Very well done and a story that thrilled at the same time broke my heart.
I love the way that Stephanie combines ancient mythology with contemporary elements and creates an entire new universe. Her characters are strong, but hurting. In fact Nick Leandros hurts so much he’s no longer whole.
I was fortunate enough to win her contest and receive a free copy of this story; of course having liked it so much I’ve already purchased another of her Nocturne Bites ~ Midnight Medusa.
This story rated 4.5 hearts.