Heart of the Hunter

In the HEART OF THE HUNTER, the author has created a fantasy historical in which a separate world (Anavrin) existing next to ours separated only by a thin veil. In that mythical world of peace and prosperity, ruled by benevolent immortals and shape shifters, there was once a Dragon Chalice said to hold immense power. A young maiden foolishly allowed a mortal man into her world who upon seeing the magnificent chalice thought to steal it. When he held it to the outside world it burst apart into four separate cups each with a magical stone and now, several hundred years later, mystical beings from Anavrin and mortal men thinking to harness the power and riches of the chalice all race to find it. In 1275, Lady Ariana of Clairmont received a ransom note for her brother Kenrick's life. She was ordered to travel to Rouen, France bringing a satchel containing journals and notes that Kenrick, as a Knight Templar, had detailed. In arranging passage, her escort was savagely killed when a scarred warrior came to her rescue. It didn't take long before Ariana came to realize she was in something way over her head. Huge, imposing, Braeden de Chausseur, aka `the Hunter' once had been a mercenary for hire, and/or as a hunter of lost things and people. He'd left that life behind and wanted nothing to do with Ariana, or become involved with her mission but one look at her beautiful innocent face and he'd felt compelled to help. Unfortunately, before he knew it he was knee deep in a mysterious and deadly mission, on a quest similar to the one that had caused him to lose five of his most trusted friends and almost his life. The kidnapper was Silas de Mortaine the same man who had hired then did his utmost to kill him - leaving him scarred instead. As dangerous men, magical beings, and evil shape shifters dogged their every step, the journey unleashed an unforgettable and potent passion between the warrior and his innocent charge. Secrets Braedon had thought were locked in his soul forever were finally released by the tender and unmistakable touch of Ariana's love. *** My God, this was an absolutely thrilling beginning to what looks to be a fabulous new trilogy by an author who has already won a legion of fans with her outstanding highly sensual medieval romances. By mixing the historical with aspects of the fantasy realm, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, she adds a most delicious side to what is a very bold and exciting new series. Braeden may be scarred, but he is soooo very h-o-t! The lady is innocent and beautiful, and the villains are just so evil! Oooh, this highly original new series is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and looking forward to more! --- Marilyn, for www.romancedesigns.com ---

Heart of the Hunter is a most excellent historical romance! Strong characters, strong writing, exciting action and danger, and lots of wonderful emotion with a great tormented hero. I also really loved the paranormal aspects, which is surprising since I don't usually go for paranormal. And the pacing had me on the edge of my seat. Can't wait for the next one!

I brought a bag of books with me to read on vacation last week and only one captured my attention: Heart of the Hunter by Tina St. John. I had forgot it was to be paranormal and there was no clue about it from reading the back cover (odd), but as I enjoy medievals I took a shot. I am so glad I did! From the first line, that tells of the kingdom of Anvarin and the legend of how the Dragon Chalice was stolen from the people, I could not put the book down! Other reviewers on this page have mentioned how appealing of a hero Braedon le Chasseur is, and I agree 110%. Utterly dangerous and hot! I was melting as soon as Ariana sees him in the London tavern with the scar on his face and his dangerous air about him. I also liked Ariana. I agree she is a bit naiive at first, especially to trust Ferrand the merchant who I knew was going to be bad news. But she didn't have a lot of choices and I thought she was brave for venturing out to rescue her brother, Kenrick. I liked her spunk!The paranormal aspects of Heart of the Hunter were so interesting, too! The legend of the Dragon Chalices is very cool, with the enchanted kingdom and the battle for the treasure now that it's been stolen into the mortal world. I was shocked when the first shapeshifter appeared and riveted to my seat (my beach blanket, actually!) to know what was going to happen next. It was a little spooky in places with the villains and their powers, but all that only added to the great story. I especially liked learning about Braedon's strange "skills" and where they came about. It was so cool! I don't want to spoil it for others in saying too much here!And, I have saved the romance aspect for last on purpose. I can't compare to any other books by this author, as I don't think I have read any before this one, but the passion in Heart of the Hunter was h-o-t! Let's just say, I wanted to be Ariana more than once as I was reading about her and Braedon's romance scenes!!This was a riveting read with lots of unique aspects to keep your interest all the way through. I highly recommend this book!

The magical kingdom of Anavrin is separated from the outside world by a veil. When the queen gives birth, the king's sister goes to the sacred well to fill the Dragon Chalice with water as part of a ceremony. She overhears a man crying for help on the other side of the veil so she crosses leaving the sacred cup on her side. She takes the injured man across the veil. Later when she learns that her brother will kill the outsider, she helps him cross back to the mortal side only to learn he stole the chalice and brought it with him. The chalice bursts into light and the four stones are dispatched.Years pass until 1275 in London Lady Ariana needs escort to rescue her brother Kenrick held captive in France. She hires a guide Ferrand de Paris who plans to sell her into slavery. However, Braedon Le Chasser rescues her. Ariana tries to persuade Braedon to take her to France where she is to deliver a satchel of information to save her sibling, but the information on the Dragon Chalice probably will mean the deaths of the siblings.This is an exciting historical romantic fantasy that fans of the sub-genre will appreciate. The story line is action-packed whether the events occur in Anavrin, England, or France. Ariana is an intrepid heroine while Braedon is more of a former heroic champion. The chalice provides a fresh element typically not seen in a historical so that the audience receives a delightfully entertaining tale that will have everyone prime for the sequel.Harriet Klausner

I have enjoyed this author's previous medievals for their strong characters and sensual romance but now I can add that she also is great with adding in some fantasy and paranormal to her plots as well! Braeden "The Hunter" is exactly the kind of hero I love: tough and tortured yet tender with the lady who steals his heart. Ariana was resourceful and compassionate with him, just the kind of woman he needed to stand at his side and save him from himself. Now I am eagerly looking forward to the next book. Excellent! :->