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REVIEWS for Mortal Melody [Dangerous Beauties 1]

5 Kisses: Recommended Read: "The descriptive language in Mortal Melody pulls you into the story so instead of reading it, you feel as if you’re experiencing it. Susanna’s intelligence and clear-headedness was gratifying during a time period where women often deferred to men and forwent their own independence. Emma Wildes has penned a story that is a heady combination of magic, intrigue, adventure, with a touch of Goth and a heavy dose of carnal sensuality. As Mortal Melody unfolds, layer by fascinating layer, the tension escalates until you’re driven to find out the truth and unwilling to stop reading until the very last page. Masculine, powerful, yet tender heroes, engaging and personable heroines, warm, sexy love scenes and beautiful imagery characterize Ms. Wildes’ stories. Mortal Melody possesses all of that and much more. I highly recommend this satisfying read." —Kerin, Two Lips Reviews

5 Stars/Hot: "Dangerous Beauties 1: Mortal Melody introduces some interesting and captivating lead characters, and pulls you along on a wonderfully rewarding journey. Ms. Wildes’ writing style is seamless and evokes strong feelings from this fascinating tale. Susanna proves to be a most intrepid female for her times, and her better qualities are highlighted with her interaction with Dare, a most sensual, intriguing, mysterious and sexy character. The build up of sexual tension between Dare and Susanna is most rewarding when they finally get together for the first time, leading all subsequent intimacies a perfect expression for their developing relationship. Susanna revels in her sensual nature with Dare, and this makes their everyday interaction realistic and their intimate moments hot enough that you need a bucket of ice water to keep cool.
     Mortal Melody is a spellbinding tale that combines both historical and paranormal elements, with some mystery and magic wrapped around this intriguing and unforgettable story. The characters are captivating, the story absorbing, the dialogue sharp, with cleverly interwoven facts to make it believable, and steaming hot sex that highlights the growing bond between Susanna and Dare. Mortal Melody is a marvelous opening for what looks to be a most rewarding series. I’m looking forward to more of Ms. Wildes Dangerous Beauties series of books." —Aggie Tsirikas, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

5 Flags: "Through enchanting descriptions of the forest, castle grounds and within, author Emma Wildes brings a sizzling historical romance with magical paranormal elements that will leave the reader breathless in Mortal Melody: Dangerous Beauties 1! The sensuality of Susanna and Dare's love is one that the reader will always remember with feelings within the scenes. The reader too will fall in love with Dare, his care for Susanna, his love for her as well as his dark tortured past that brings out a fascinating hero. With a mysterious story that also gives so much Gothic feelings, the reader will be unable to put Mortal Melody down until the very end. This reviewer hopes to see Merril's story in a future book and is anticipating any releases by this gifted author whose stories are ones that should not be missed by any reader of any genres. 'Paradise can exist in the middle of mortal danger' makes Mortal Melody an unforgettable story." —Cathie, Euro-Reviews

5 Angels: "Action, romance, and magic are elements that make up Mortal Melody. The story also has a dark intensity and undertone that I totally enjoy and love. Emma Wildes grabs the attention of her readers from the very first page with her descriptive writing and the emotions that jump off the pages of the story. The characters relate well together and I found myself falling in love with them. The plot is a basic good fighting evil but with a unique twist and romantic undertone. With a flow that is easy to follow, Mortal Melody was a story that was a pleasure to read and filled me with pleasure and excitement." —Lisa, Fallen Angel Reviews

4 Stars: 2006 Reviewers' Choice Award Nominee: "Mortal Melody is the kind of story that really gets you right from the beginning. This fast-paced story still makes you want more. You'll be glued to your screen just waiting to discover what will happen next. Although Susanna is young and doesn't realize it herself, she's strong. She willingly faces her fears in order to complete her father's last wishes. Perhaps because of her dire circumstances and the fact that Dare is so charismatic, she willingly submits to his seduction. With a few strange characters and one or two twists, Ms. Wildes will keep your attention right until the end." —Trang, Ecataromance

4.5 Stars: "Emma Wildes begins a series about dangerous women with this book. This story is filled with action, suspense, and lots of hot sex between Susanna and Dare. The ultimate battle of good and evil unfolds as Susanna's stalker is revealed. Will Susanna and Dare be able to defeat the supernatural powers that are thrown against them?" —Candy, Ecataromance

"Mortal Melody by Emma Wildes is a wonderful gothic novel. I loved the storyline and the way it was brought to life by the wonderful characters. Susanna and Dare fit together beautifully and I loved how gentle he was with her. Ms. Wildes has started a wonderful series with Mortal Melody, the first in the Dangerous Beauties line. I can't wait to see what the second book will bring." —Amelia, Joyfully Reviewed

STORY EXCERPT

The trees stood thickly, staring out from their unformed ranks, curling their gnarled fingers toward the sky. The road cut a straight line, barely wide enough for one coach, so that the branches almost interlaced above, adding gloom to the already gathering dusk. The sharp smell of decaying vegetation and damp soil filled the air, and the occasional rustle of the breeze spoke a song as old as time. She felt as if they watched her, those ancient ones, observing each step she took and despising her for being an interloper in their quiet, secret world.

It was the foolish notions of superstitious peasants that had her upset, Susanna assured herself hastily as she walked along. Yet fear, never a distant companion in the past two weeks, tugged at her throat and misted her eyes. Kate, the plump innkeeper, had continued to fill her ears with more such dark nonsense as she lingered while Susanna unpacked her meager belongings. She had mostly ignored her as best she could and briefly washed her hands and face to cleanse away the dirt of her long journey from Sussex. The avid stares of the villagers as she squared her shoulders and marched out the door toward the road hadn’t been exactly comforting either.

No one seemed to have anything specific to base their innate fears upon, she thought pragmatically, trying to cheer up. Lord Fairmoor was not rumored to devour babies or whisk away and despoil young maidens. He was just a mysterious dark presence, important to the people because of his vast holdings, yet aloof, and as such, subject to speculation. He was compared to the exiled lord of the underworld, but not in deed, just in appearance. Since he valued his privacy, he perhaps relished the comparison for it meant he was left entirely alone.

Absolutely. That must be it. From what she knew of him, she was not all that surprised. Her father had said more than once that his former pupil was talented at hiding away from the world.

Yet, she did wish the inhabitants of the Lamb and Rose hadn’t chosen to share their lurid tales and dire warnings. It was much darker on the wooded road, and even if the distance was not very far, she couldn’t help but nervously glance side to side and quicken her pace, hugging her precious burden to her chest.

If Dare Weston, the seventh Earl of Fairmoor, refused her audience, she would have to walk back through this forest to the inn in the pitch darkness. If he did see her, she would still have to beg for his generosity in providing a ride back to the village. Neither notion pleased her.

But she had no choice.

The quest had been thrust upon her and she must not fail. Not even if every rustle of leaf and crack of branch made her want to jump right out of her skin. Her heart pounded so loud she could hear it throbbing in her ears and she hurried even faster, picking up her skirts with one hand and practically running down the darkening lane.