Title:
Legend of the
Leopard
Author:
Melani Blazer
Published By:
Ellora's Cave
ISBN:
1-84360-845-6
Release Date:
Available Now
Format:
Electronic
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On her way to a missionary settlement in Ethiopia, science professor Julia Haverstock's plane crashes. She is the only survivor and has no idea where in Africa she is. Weak and injured, she allows a teenage boy to take her to his uncle who speaks English.
Italian geneticist Salvatore DeMartiano lives with his nephew Paolo in a luxurious, but well guarded complex. While studying the altered biochemistry of the local leopards, he has accidentally infected himself. The infection caused his biochemistry to alter and triggers him to change into a leopard at times of stress. He needs modern medicine as well as human blood to discover a cure for the gene-altering bacteria.
When Paolo brings Julia home with him, Sal not only has an immediate physical attraction to her, he sees her as a possible solution to his need for untainted blood. The two quickly become lovers, but after Julia finds files in his lab about genetic experiments, she starts to think she might be falling in love with a mad scientist.
Legend of the Leopard is Melanie Blazer's first novel and it's an outstanding debut! Coming from Ellora's Cave, it goes without saying that the sex is steamy and plentiful. But the storyline is complex, so it's much more than just filler between love scenes.
I was engrossed from the first paragraph of Legend of the Leopard. Ms. Blazer develops the paranormal aspects of her story very well. There is enough scientific detail so that the reader doesn't have to blindly accept the basic premise. Yet it's balanced with plenty of romance and intrigue.
Julia is a somewhat indecisive heroine. She wonders if Sal is a lunatic, but continues to sleep with him. Although, Sal is one hot Italian - on top of being a doctor - so it's understandable that she would give in to her physical attraction to him. The ending seemed a little forced, but this is a "plus length" novel, so there may have been cuts made to meet the page requirement.
Fans of erotic paranormals will likely find Legend of the Leopard to be a keeper. Melanie Blazer is definitely on the fast track to becoming a big name in romance! I look forward to reading much more of her work.
Reviewed by: Shelley
