Touch of Gypsy Fire

Tyriel is unique and unmatched because of her mixed breeding. Her father is Prince Josah, the High Prince of Eivisia; her mother was a striking gypsy beauty. The strength of her magick is governed by her strong will. Tyriel has an elf’s pride, a Princess’s arrogance, a gypsy’s passion and the magickal talents of two of the most powerful races. She takes care to shield her talents as much as possible, to avoid unwanted attention.

She lives as a contracted warrior, using her elvan strength and magick ability only when necessary. Tyriel first meets Aryn of Olsted while working. His heavily muscled physique and enormous jewelled sword draw her attention. Aryn is good-natured and clean which is uncommon in a hired warrior. Tyriel is mesmerized and dreams of taking the blonde lothario to her bed.

Her fae instincts hone in on Aryn’s sword, which she senses is possessed. This trapped soul is Irian, High Priest of the Jiupsu: forefathers of the gypsy race. He was an ancient gypsy mage and highly skilled swordsman. Irian has slowly been taking over Aryn’s body and will. With her help, Aryn learns to live with Irian, Irian is made to accept that his control must be limited and he must have Aryn’s permission to take over his body.

Aryn yearns to kiss and make love to his gypsy companion, but believes that he is unworthy of her. Because Aryn keeps his distance, Tyriel feels rejected. Night after night they lie next to each other in torment, each desiring only the other. When the self-inflicted torture is overwhelming, Irian takes over Aryn’s body and slakes his lust on Tyriel’s writhing responsive body…but it is Aryn she needs and Aryn’s love she desires most of all…and Aryn has no memory of their heady lovemaking.
Tyriel and Aryn have made an enemy of a malevolent being, and he patiently lurks waiting for Tyriel to let her guard down, for he is determined get her alone. The events of one night will come to affect many lives…

Readers who enjoy heart wrenching erotic tales are sure to love Touch of Gypsy Fire. Although the focus is on Tyriel, Aryn and Irian, quite a few secondary characters are involved in the many sex scenes. The eroticism is quite explicit; the characters hold nothing back. Shiloh Walker is a magical storyteller, she is able to blend two men into one skin, yet clearly bring both alive. There is a build up throughout the story to a climatic ending, but the sacrifices and dramatic resolution are unexpected. Tyriel proves time after time that she is much more than her outward appearance, which is overwhelming at best. Her true strength is in her mind and she refuses to go down without a fight. This was my introduction to Shiloh Walker; I have been enthralled by this book and intend to look up some of her earlier work.

Reviewed by: Naomi