Chosen of the Orb - Excerpt |
Publisher: Ellora's Cave |
   |
"And do you also seek to find favor with the Orb, and become tezza to High Chief Talrion?"
She snorted derisively. "I do not, Warrior." She noted the suddenly sour look on the face of her guest. "I meant no disrespect," she assured him. "Are you in service to the High Chieftain?"
"I am of the Finn Mal clan," he answered evasively. Tal had no desire to reveal his identity. He was enjoying this encounter too much to have the woman intimidated by who he was, although that was probably doubtful. He had a feeling there were not many things that would intimidate this huntress.
"I am Tal," he introduced himself, deliberately using the short version of his name.
"Lira of the Senn Var," she returned politely.
They continued to converse quietly as the kinti cooked. Lira produced bread and cheese from her pack. Tal brought forth a container of spiced legumes and a small pot in which to heat them. He also produced a glazed honey roll which had Lira's mouth watering. It had been days since she had tasted a sweet of any kind.
When the kinti was ready they dove in, filling their plates and eating with appreciative gusto. Tal was pleased to see a woman eat with such appetite, and couldn't help wondering what other things she did with such abandon.
As the meal progressed, their eyes caught and held more than once. Tal was certain he could see a heat in Lira's eyes that matched his own. When he reached out to pass half of the honey roll to her, their fingers brushed with electric effect. His already swelling cock twitched insistently, demanding to be released from the tight confines of his leathers.
Tal knew he was staring in an almost predatory fashion, but Lira didn't seem to be bothered. In fact, she was returning his look with a boldness that spoke louder than words. He watched her consume the honey roll, each bite an exercise in seduction. With the last bite consumed, her tongue did a sensous dance over her sticky finger, ending with a voluptuous swipe across her plump, glistening, honey-coated lips. He was hard-pressed to stifle the growl that built in his chest.
The meal ended, the cleanup was quickly seen to. Tal added more wood to the fire and from the corner of his eye watched Lira. She had pulled her braid over her shoulder, and after releasing the tie at the end, was unraveling the heavy mass. Turning to face her, his eyes followed her nimble fingers as they combed through her hair until it was a long, wavy fall that shimmered in the fire's light. Lira rose with fluid ease, her gaze catching his.
"I go to bathe in the river ... care to join me, Tal?"
Reviews
Review Site: Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Reviewer: Miaka Chase
Rating: 4/5
Kate Steele's Chosen of the Orb is a very entertaining "quickie" from Ellora's Cave. I found Lira and Tal to be very special characters and I liked them immediately. I identified with each of them and understood their actions and the reasons behind those actions. I applaud Ms. Steele for her ability to draw the reader into the lives of these people and make them human and interesting enough for me to care about them, especially in a short amount of time. The sex scenes in this story are frequent, very explicit and incredibly arousing. I was left very hot and bothered by Ms. Steele's descriptions of the love play between Lira and Tal. If strong characters, steamy sex and an easy to follow story entice you, you will enjoy Kate Steele's Chosen of the Orb. This is the first story I've read by Ms. Steele and I am very impressed. I look forward to reading more from this talented author and she can count me among her fans.
Review Site: Fallen Angel Reviews
Reviewer: Tewanda
Rating: 4 Angels
Chosen of the Orb is an exceptional book. Tal and Lira are remarkable characters that are unwilling to compromise in the pursuit of true love. Ms. Steele tells a wonderful story that keeps the reader’s interest. I enjoyed that both Tal and Lira were independent and true to themselves. The author’s writing style flows and never drops its pace. I look forward to her next book.
Review Site: Novel Spot
Reviewer: Elizabeth
Rating: 8
Though a quickie and fairly short in length, this tale is an excellent romance that I really enjoyed. Ms Steele knows how to spin a story. I shall definitely be reading more of this series. It’s a foregone conclusion that I will read more from this author. The characters each have a more than adequate development, even the secondary characters, particularly for the length of this tale. With the exception of the prologue, the entire story tells the events and emotional progression of but a few days, at the most. Considering this, it is stunning how much the author has managed to write. The sex in this story is described in much detail. Please beware: there is anal play. Ms Steele has created a world that I would like to know more of. The little brought into the tale is not enough to quench my thirst, only an appetizer that whets my appetite. Chosen of the Orb has been out for quite a while now, but if you haven’t yet gotten it, I recommend you do so--and soon. Go ahead; pick yourself up a real bargain today! As for me, well, I shall soon be moving on to the next - The Orb of Atrios.
Review Site: The Romance Studio
Reviewer: Angel Brewer
Rating: 4 hearts
Chosen Of The Orb is a wonderful story of one man finding the woman he is meant to be with. Lira is confident and independent, a huntress in her own right. She is really a heroine you can get into. The sex is hot and intense and sure to please most erotic readers. This is a short read that will keep you interested the whole way through. Kate Steele is definitely an author to watch out for.
Review Site: Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer: Susan White
Rating: 4 cups
Talrion Finn Mal is High Chieftain of the Dal Wri clan. He is searching for his Tezza, his mate. Needing to get away from the constant flow of women wishing to be tested by the
Orb to see if they are worthy of being his Tezza, he rides into the forest where he meets
a lone traveler and asks to share her camp.
Lira is a strong young woman, if a bit unconventional. While most women are tending
hearth and family, she is out hunting and providing for herself and those she loves.
When she meets Tal she assumes he is one of the High Chieftain's warriors and
welcomes him.
The characters are well rounded and believable. The relationship between Tal and Lira
develops at a realistic pace. The love scenes are detailed and very hot. The plotline is
interesting and captured my attention.
Ms. Steele has written an intriguing tale that fans of futuristic romance are sure to enjoy just as much as I did. Her creativity and writing skill make Chosen of the Orb a book sure to find its way onto many an avid reader’s keeper shelves. I know it will be on mine.
Review Site: Love Romances
Reviewer: Valerie
Rating: 5 hearts
Kate Steele has written a very hot, sensual short story about two very different people who have to succumb to their fate and realise that the Mother Goddess knows what’s best. She has written two very wonderful characters that will have the reader sitting on the edge of her seat, wondering if these two will finally give in. The sexual tension sizzles throughout the pages and the love scenes are hot, sensuous and romantic. Ms. Steele certainly knows how to turn up the heat with loves scenes that will melt the monitor. Both of these star struck lovers fall very hard. Though a short story, Ms Steele packs a powerful punch that will have the reader hanging onto every page. Not a word is wasted and the reader is kept in suspense until the very end. This reviewer enjoyed this story very much although it kept her squirming in her seat. It remains to be seen if any more stories will be written about this world she has created, maybe about Galatin?
