In The Flesh

I love going in to the book store for one thing and coming out with something extra. In The Flesh by Livia Dare was a surprise and a really great read. The story is about a former concubine starting her life after retirement in a palace provided by her old lover/owner the King of Sari. Crown Prince Wulfric of a neighboring, warring country is given to Sapphire as a guard against his will. Once Sapphire knows who he is, she knows she must let him go. Wulfric needs to escape and return to his kingdom to find out who attempted to assasinate him and set him up as a guard for his enemies former concubine, yet his desire for Sapphire has him unwilling to leave. The story follows these two as they try to resist their feelings because they are on opposite sides. The war is over but if the king finds out that Sapphire is with his enemy, it could restart the old feud. This book kept me captivated throughout, not to mention the steamy love scenes. Be warned, there are one or two moments where the heroes aggression toward the heroine before they have sex, make you pissed. He does however redeem himself with his love and willingness to fight the odds to be together. Sapphire is an AWESOME heroine and you cant help but like her. She is confident and self reliant. The end implies this could be a trilogy and I am eager to follow this new series

Livia Dare pulled out all the stops with this one. Sapphire is amazing, she's as tough as any warrior around. I love reading about strong women and Sapphire hits the mark. I was completely in love with Wulfric from first sight and couldn't seem to get enough of him. We are taken on an amazing journey of longing , lust, and love as these two burn up the pages and push two kingdoms to the brink of war. This book is Hott Hott Hott and I want more!

For those readers who love steamy romance with their futuristic fantasy, Livia Dare's IN THE FLESH (Book #1 of the Sapphire trilogy) with Kensington Zebra (June 2 `09) is the book for you! In the desert land of Sari, the beautiful Sapphire has been the beloved favorite concubine of its king for five years. However, the queen is jealous of his affections and sends Sapphire from the palace in hopes of enticing the king to beget her with an heir. Luckily, Sapphire's banishment includes her own palatial home and fourteen mästares to service her every need. One of the mästares comes to her gravely wounded, and she discovers he is actually the captured Crown Prince Wulfric of the enemy desert nation of D'Ashier. It is instant lust at first sight for both of them! Wulf recovers from his injuries and even though he is Sapphire's slave, he is determined to seduce her. Sapphire is equally determined to stay away from Wulf, despite their great attraction, since she knows she could never have a long-lasting relationship with an enemy of Sari--her father is the General of the Sarian Army. Wulf and Sapphire make a bargain for one night of passion before she sets him free. However, after their incendiary evening, Wulf teleports Sapphire to his palace in D'Ashier against her will where he treats her as his favored concubine. Will Wulf realize the true treasure he has in the captive Sapphire, and make her his legal mate? And what about their warring homelands? Sylvia Day aka Livia Dare is a natural born romance author with great lovers and thrilling plots in any time period. Add her to your favorites in futuristic/fantasy romance!

For five years, the daughter of the Army's top general, Sapphire the concubine has been numero uno with the King of Sari. However, her popularity with the monarch means Sapphire has a powerful enemy, the queen orders her out of the palace. Her exile to her lavish home includes servants so Sapphire feels good that she no longer is a sex toy. Crown Prince Wulfric of warring neighboring D'Ashier arrives at her home badly injured. She realizes who he is and once he heals they make love. He wants her in his home, but she is loyal to her nation. However, he rejects her refusal and takes her to his palace where he makes her his top concubine over her second objection. However, as they fall in love, Wulf begins to wonder who the prisoner is. The first Sapphire other world romantic thriller is a fabulous tale starring a delightful courageous heroine and the stubborn Prince she conquers. Sub-genre fans will appreciate the fast-paced story line from the moment that the Sari Queen exiles her greatest rival into an affluent banishment and never slows down as the heroine is abducted by the royal she saves. With vivid detail to her exotic world that feels like an entry found in the Arabian Nights, Livia Dare provides a strong opening entry in what looks like a wonderful saga. Harriet Klausner

I NEVER read futuristic novels--I can't relate to them. However, because I LOVE SYLVIA DAY novels (Stranger I Married made me laugh and cry--AND stay up all night to finish it)--I decided that I would give 'In the Flesh' a try. I am still getting used to the genre, but as usual, Sylvia Day delivers. I really liked the main characters, especially Katie. She's strong, sassy, and knows what she's all about from the start of the story. AND Wulfuric is your typical alpha male who falls in love with every aspect of her. This one is a sexy, sexy Sylvia Day novel and I expected no less. The story is really good too, although it does leave you wondering -- what next? I hope there is a follow-up to this novel. I found the ending to be hopeful and somewhat happy, but still leaves a lot to the imagination.