Review: Scarlet Woman by Shelley Munro

Scarlet Woman by Shelley Munro
eBook
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Available: November 1, 2005
ISBN-10: 1-4199-0312-8
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Book received from: Author

Emily Scarlet’s husband left her for his secretary and died in a car accident—all on the same day. Now, six months later, Emily has emerged from her chrysalis of painful memories. And to prove she has what it takes to attract a man, she’s determined to experience one perfect night of passion.

Feline shape shifter, Saber Mitchell has a problem with his four boisterous younger brothers. They’re out of control. It’s too late for him, but he hopes to get his brothers mated and settled, and the ball is the place to introduce them to marriageable women.

Unbridled sex is the last thing he plans on, but one glimpse of Emily Scarlet changes his mind. Sex with her is a necessity. They dance. They make love.

One thing is clear—a single night isn’t enough. Saber must have her for his mate, but Emily isn’t so easy to convince…or trust.

The elders of a clan of were-cats based in a country town of Middlemarch are concerned with recent behavior of several young male members of their community. They arrange a dance and invite people from neighboring cities to attend hoping the restless males will find mates and perhaps settle down.

When Emily hears about the dance she decides it’s just the thing she needs.  6 months prior, her cheating husband left her for another woman and was killed the same day.  Talk about Karma.  Tired of the living the lie that her husband was a good man and she had a perfect life, she is ready to let loose and experience a night of passion, no strings attached.

Saber Mitchell is determined to find mates for his 4 rowdy younger brothers.  After years of dating and searching for his mate, he’s come to the conclusion that it’s not meant to be for him, but that doesn’t stop him from insisting he and his brothers attend that dance in search of mates for them.

When Sabre meets Emily the physical attraction is immediate and mutual. The two of them share a night of passion, first outside the dance in the dark and later at Saber’s home.  This is uncharacteristic behavior for Emily but she goes with it finding herself drawn to Saber but with a few reservations. Saber recognizes Emily as his mate and must figure out how to win her love, gain her trust and reveal his were-cat nature.

Scarlet Woman is a very sexy read.  I felt that Emily and Saber lacked a little heat in the very beginning though.  I didn’t pick up the chemistry or immediate attraction they felt that lead to the intimacy they shared early on. However as their relationship developed they certainly warmed things up both physically and emotionally drawing me in and  they had me rooting for their happily ever after.

This book focused mostly on the development of the relationship between Saber and Emily.  I really thought at some point there would be a dangerous conflict or something besides Emily’s reluctance to commit to a relationship that would cause dissension but it never came about. There was a reporter nosing around the town investigating sightings of black panthers which became an annoyance for the couple, but there never really was a conflict from that angle which was surprising to me.

Sabers brothers were very mischievous with a side of super sexy.  They provided some nice comic relief among the romance and I look forward to reading their stories as well.  The twins, in particular, got my attention with their fun loving attitude and their willingness to share. *g*

Overall, I enjoyed this paranormal romance and look forward to reading more of the Middlemarch March series.

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There are 8 books in the Middlemarch series.

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