Customer Reviews

Knight's Fork (Love Spell Futuristic Romance)

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Volnoth Queen Consort Electra loves her mate Viz-lgerd, but knows they are checked when it comes to siring a child. She chooses Rhett as the sperm pawn for her offspring. However, she is unaware of two key facts about the pawn she has chosen. First he is the son of Volnoth's greatest enemy Ala'Asrer-Djalet, who is better known as the Saurian Dragon of the Djinn family; second he adheres to his vow of chastity.

Electra and Rhett are surprised by finding themselves attracted to one another. However, her brother Prince Tarrant-Arragon assumes they are having an affair. He insures they are trapped together on their way to earth. As they fall in love, his amoral father and her outraged family insist something must be done to the assumed lovers.

The latest chess futuristic romance (see FORCED MATE and INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL) is once again a strange but well written and fascinating tale. The story line is character driven as Electra tries to checkmate her reluctant knight. Fans will enjoy the latest sci fi romance from the creative Rowena Cherry as she has aliens falling into a taboo love which makes make for an intriguing albeit weird but entertaining saga.

Harriet Klausner

Rowena Cherry is a brilliant writer. Blending humor and romance is much harder then most people believe and she does it effortlessly. Her third Djinn novel is an excellent example. KNIGHT'S FORK had me laughing from the first chapter all the way to the end.

Rhett is a hot and smart leading man that had me thinking of old Carry Grant movies and some of the great one-liners he delivered on the silver screen. Electra is an intelligent, beautiful woman who captures the reader's heart from page one. These two are thrust together through a series of hysterical misadventures that lead to a sizzling romance.

This novel has it all and I would recommend it to everyone. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that this is the third book in the series and makes reference to characters and events in the previous books. Readers might want to read this series in order and not as stand-alone books.

~ Sarah Gentili

I am a fan of Rowena Cherry. No doubt about it. She's a stellar writer, and her worlds are incredibly intricate. Not to mention the fact that her Djinn Princes are mouth-wateringly hot and scrumptious. To boot, she has a great dry wit, that classic English humor found in Monty Python and other greats.

I was lucky enough to be gifted an advance copy of KNIGHT'S FORK, book three in Rowena's Tigron/Djinn Princes. What a gift! It hasn't been long since I've read the first two novels in this series (FORCED MATE and INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL), though I read the novella more than a year ago (MATING NET). Still, I don't think this world would diminish, even if it had been years for all of them.

Like all the books in this series, the title is based on a chess move or situation. A "Knight's Fork" arises when an opponent's knight is faced with two of your pieces, and you must choose to save one, knowing that the danger still looms for the other. In short, it's the proverbial "rock and a hard place" situation.

For Prince Djarrhett, The Saurian Djinn, trouble comes from all sides.

He's taken a vow of chastity, in a large part due to his "unfortunate childhood accident of fate." Read that as a bout of human mumps leaving him a very virile and potent Djinn but incapable of experiencing the rut-rage. That is both a blessing and a curse to him, since it means he isn't dangerous, when a fertile Djinn woman is around, but it also means he can't experience the imprinting, which will make him crave the first female Djinn who is rut-rageous he scents.

He's pursued by the Queen Consort of the Volnoth, Electra-Djerroldina (Prince Tarrant-Arragon's older sister). Her pursuit isn't completely carnal, though. Electra was mated to the youngest Volnoth prince to seal an alliance between Tigron and Volnoth, a mating that was never expected to bring forth children. Who knew his father and older brothers would be killed off, leaving Viz-Igerd with the impossible task of impregnating the wife he loves? Electra has no wish to commit body-treason (adultery) with Rhett. All she wants is his semen to accomplish a pregnancy she might pass off as her beloved husband's...and perhaps prepare her reticent body to carry a child that Viz-Igerd would sire later.

He's on an impossible quest, namely proving his unstable half-brother Devoron has rut-raged on a full Djinn female on Earth, Demetra, who is believed dead.

He's temporary guardian and male role model to a spoiled and deceptively-innocuous half-Djinn prince (Thor-quentin, the younger of Tarrant-Arragon's nephews from his younger sister Martia-Djulia).

Oh, and let us not forget the devious Saurian Dragon (aka Rhett's father), who will do anything up to sacrificing his son to break the alliance between Tigron and Volnoth...and the "Wicked Tarrant-Arragon," who believes his older sister guilty of body-treason and sees only one way to save her life...

Okay...you MIGHT believe that I've told you the whole book. You'd be dead wrong. This is just where the book jumps off into an amazing array of plots within plots and reversals of fortune. Even when you think you know what's coming next, you never really do with Rowena's books, which is one of the reasons I adore her writing.

The characters are delightful, as always. Rhett is, by far, the most morally-centered and least foul-tempered of the Djinn princes, not a great surprise, since he can't rut-rage. Electra is a woman who is caught between two men that she deeply cares about, neither one of which she wishes to hurt. Even her pining husband, Vis-Igerd, is a delight to the senses. He's confused and angry, but all he really wants is what is best for Electra and his people, even if it doesn't feel right for him.

The world continues to grow and entrance. Rowena leaves the reader with just enough questions to make you want to preorder the next book in the series...NOW. There are still secrets that need uncovered, and discerning readers will be salivating for them.

I can't wait to find out who gets a story next. Will it be Devoron? It seems set up to facilitate that.

At any rate, this entire series wins a place on my keeper shelf. Kudos and two thumbs up to Rowena Cherry for a winning series!

Knight's Fork by Rowena Cherry is a taut and heady romance story of epic proportions. Move over Helen of Troy and Paris, you've been bested by Rhett and Electra. I recommend this sci-fi romance to anyone who enjoys emotional chess and divining astrological tarot cards. - Lillian

What's a virtuous and virginal knight to do when saddled with a fair but married damsel in distress?....Tarrant-Arragon is at it again!

Djinn Princess Electra-Djerrodina, sister to Tarrant-Arragon, is Queen of Volnoth. It had been a strategic marriage politically. However not until Viz-Igerd's older brothers had died leaving him King had the pressure been put on the pair to produce an heir. Every creative method of conception had been employed without success and still her husband would not admit that their two species were incompatible for reproduction. The situation was becoming urgent, if they didn't soon produce an heir they would be set aside.....or worse.

Electra however had devised a plan which, if successful, would produce the desired heir and no one would be the wiser. Well, except the true father. He would have to be someone discreet as well as potent and genetically compatible. He would also have to have a shared physical trait with her husband as well. The handsome young green-eyed Prince Djarrhett was her target. As luck would have it, her sister's public Mating ceremony was the perfect opportunity to approach `Rhett with her unusual request.

Of course the virtuous and inexperienced knight refuses the proposition but his libido is not appropriately put off. Segue to where INSUFFIENCENT MATING MATERIAL left off, on the Pleasure Moon of Eurydyce following Django Ra's fateful tarot reading. Electra arrives after her great uncle fails to return to their convoy and seizes another opportunity to convince `Rhett to do her bidding.

It's still a no go for `Rhett, but unfortunately his half brother Deveron gets a whiff of scandal when he discovers that the two have been together in Djarrett's bedroom. Deveron is suffering from frustrated rut-rage having caught the love-scent of a mystery female while on Earth. The two battle, `Rhett's possessive instincts come to the fore and Deveron is injured.

Seizing the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, Tarrant-Arragon strong-arms Djarrhett into taking up a quest to determine whether a Djinn or part Djinn female existed on Earth. In no position to refuse, `Rhett accepts the mission taking Tarrant-Arragon's man Grievous to serve as an Earth liaison, and Martia-Julia's younger son Thor-quentin who is in need of a good male influence.

Only Grievious is aware of the sleeping beauty lying in suspension inside one of the Trajant's sleep pods...that is until Electra awakens at the opportune moment completely unaware that she is no longer in her scheming brother's keeping.

Oh no, she's due to meet her husband for a public mating, and instead she's bound for Earth locked in a chastity belt with no key at hand, about to become rut-rageous in the presence of two male Djinn. `Rhett is incapable of rut-rage but there's still some question about Thor-quentin's paternity. He had to protect them both, but who would protect him? Tarrant-Arragon's great enemy, Rhett's father, the Saurian Dragon has his own plans for exploiting the scandal surrounding the Volnoth's missing queen. Whose plan will prevail? Or will `Rhett and Electra come up with one of their own?

I have not had so much fun reading about an untried hero since Dara Joy's futuristic reverse regency, RITUAL OF PROOF. Keep the ice water on hand, this latest dance around the chess board is hot as well as humorous. Moral of the story: never plan a gambit which involves a lawyer as the pawn! KNIGHT'S FORK is another great installment in the Gods of the Tigron series. ~ Reviewed for PNR Reviews

Rowena Cherry has delivered yet another wonderful story. Her prose is delicious, giving you a visual of every scene just as though you were there. With all senses engaged, the reader finds he or she cannot stop turning pages.

Electra-Djerroldina is delectable, but she's married. Will Djarrhett, the Saurian Knight and presumed heir to the Dragon's throne, realize he loves her in time to save them both from the mechanisms of his father and his cousin, Tarrant-Arragon?

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far, and hope Ms. Cherry has more books planned for it. In the tradition of Forced Mate and Insufficient Mating Material, Knight's Fork has the flavor and essence of well-turned phraseology, intriguing plot and vibrant characters. I consider this a must read!

Diane Davis White
Author, Moon of the Falling Leaves

My first book by Rowena Cherry. She has a wonderful use of words that give the reader a rich sense of surroundings and the characters moods and feelings. I enjoyed the first part of the book but when Electra is captured and taken aboard an alien vessel I felt the story began to stagnate. "Rhett"? The author could have been a lot more original in naming the main male character. The book wasn't a bad read, I just wouldn't recommend it.

Futuristic romance set in Cherry's previously established Imperial Worlds where some of the aliens have Djinn powers. Each romance is a stand-alone about one or another of these "rut-rageous" couples. The over-arching theme moves from one sibling or cousin to another, carrying small subplots along for continued reader interest. The style, like the author, is properly English, witty and playful with words. As the title implies. The hero of this story is Prince Djarrhett, son of the Saurian Dragon and sister to Djinni-vera [who mated with Tarrant-Arragon in a previous episode (FORCED MATE)]. In KNIGHT'S FORK Tarrant-Arragon's sister Electra (who is Queen of Volnoth, by marriage) has a problem. She cannot conceive an heir to the throne (the species mix is too extreme), so she goes looking for another guy with green eyes to con out of sperm (hopefully without getting involved) but of course things get quite involved. So Electra is "forked" by this Saurian Knight because what she needs from him cannot be gotten while still keeping herself a Proper queen. Besides, 'Rhett has more honor even than she, and a distinctly lawyerly personality. Things are going to go by the books here!

This is a humorous tease where power throws by Electra's brother and 'Rhett's father complicate matters hopelessly. We are talking Galactic power here, and politics is always a consideration.

Cherry's world-building is well-done. Her characterization is good, though the plotting is almost reminiscent of a mystery novel and I wouldn't be surprised if she wrote one someday. KNIGHT'S FORK is a fun, fast read, recommended to readers who enjoy comedy of errors.

As the Queen Consort of the Volnoth, Electra-Djerroldina is looked upon to reproduce. Her lack of fertilization month after month is not blamed on her husband, she is the one that gets the stares and looks even though it is not her fault. Coming up with a quick scheme to become pregnant, Electra is now on the hunt for a sperm donor. When her eyes look upon Prince Djarrhett, a Saurian Djinn, she knows she has found her match. All she has to do is convince him to agree to her plan and keep his mouth shut.

Rhett is taken aback by Electra's quickly spoken proposal but he knows that there is NO way he is going to take her up on her offer - to do so would mean death if they are found out. Then there is the small matter of his vow of chastity.

Rowena Cherry has penned a delightfully intense and sometimes comedic read with Knight's Fork. Surrounded by enemies, dealing with family, and focusing on their own desires, Rhett and Electra are two main characters I won't soon forget. Rowena Cherry continues to successfully release novels of worth of which Knight's Fork is my new favorite! I can't wait to see what this enchanting and original author comes up with next!

Talia
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Prince Djarrhett Raven Perseus Pendragon Roland Djames ('Rhett) is with the Fugitive Empress Tarragonia-Marietta (Aunt Tarra) and the Empress Helispeta (Grandmama H*ll) when he unexpectedly finds himself having his fortune told. The results cause more than a few royal eyebrows to lift in wonder. It also gives those in power some interesting ideas. 'Rhett is a Saurian Ambassadorial Knight with his expertise in deceiving, spying, and killing people. Unknown to many, 'Rhett is extremely honorable. This is one reason of why, when approached by Electra to "donate sperm" and impregnate her, 'Rhett refused.

Electra-Djerroldina, Queen Consort of Volnoth, and her Mate (a.k.a. husband), Viz-Igerd, are required to produce an heir. Since King Viz-Igerd cannot impregnate her, Electra hopes 'Rhett will. If 'Rhett and Electra were to have an affair, it would meet the Imperial definition of High Treason, the lives would be forfeit, and war would be declared. But Electra does not want an affair. She wants to freeze the sperm and use it to "help" the king get his needed heir. Electra would then hope Viz-Igerd never learned the child was not his biologically, but if he did, chances were he would be grateful to Electra for her actions on his behalf. Once Electra all but gives up hope on 'Rhett changing his mind, she is sedated for - she believes - the space trip back to her mate.

Tarrant-Arragon, pulls his weight as the Saurian Dragon to have Electra smuggled aboard the ship 'Rhett will use for an upcoming quest to Earth. Once it is too late to turn back, Electra is to be awakened. Once on Earth, 'Rhett and Electra were to find themselves marooned there. While 'Rhett and Electra deal with the problems of being forced together (and having to deal with a teenaged royal who wants to acquire a harem of Earth women), King Viz-Igerd is being led to believe that 'Rhett and Electra ran off together. War is in the air!

***** When "forked" a chess player usually has a choice, but it is between two losing propositions. Knowing this, the story takes on an interesting flavor. Like the previous novels in this series, most of the story is filled with plots, counter plots, royal politics, threat of war, et cetera. The big difference between the alien royals in this story and our planet's political leaders is that the Djinn royals have a good reason for it all - survival of the Djinn species. The Human species has only greed in a variety of different forms.

Unlike the previous novels in this series, less time is spent (ahem) physically donating sperm. There are a few heated moments, such as 'Rhett using an apple to learn how to kiss, but most of the story is like watching a chess game, except with more than two players. And I can hardly wait to see what becomes of 'Rhett's half-brother, Devoron, and Prince Thor-quentin. Fantastic! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.