Touch Not the Cat [Mass Market Paperback]

Tracy Fobes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1998

Spellbinding new author Tracy Fobes combines dark enchantment with dazzling sensuality in a thrilling debut romance with a shocking twist. Out of the swirling mists of the Scottish Highlands, she has crafted a haunting tale of a love so powerful it dares to defy an ancient curse....

The wild Highland lass whose outdated dress and clan tartan incites gossip and speculation among London society carries an astonishing secret. Catherine McClelland knows that the curse plaguing her family must set her eternally apart from the world. She dares not marry, for if any man were to learn the truth of what she's so carefully hidden, the cost could be her life. Yet she has little choice when her father suddenly blackmails Nicholas, duke of Efington, into marriage with her in a desperate attempt to break the curse.

Against the backdrop of the moonlit moors, Nicholas and Catherine are drawn to each other with a fervent desire. And yet Nicholas senses a mystery lurking beneath her green-eyed beauty that could tear them apart. As he comes closer to understanding the curse, menacing forces and stubborn beliefs threaten both their lives. Haunted by an inexorable legend, they feel its darkness closing in like a cold Highland mist, a darkness only their love can banish forever....

Editorial Reviews

Review

After dancing with, and somehow insulting Lady Catherine MacClelland, Nicholas, duke of Effington goes to her home to apologize. Instead he winds up drinking whiskey and helping her father, Iain, deliver a foal. After expressing a keen interest in his father's ring, Iain informs Nicholas that he will marry Catherine. Rather put out by the old mans demand, he refuses - until he reads a letter that Iain sent to his mother. The MacClellands return to Scotland and before he dies, Iain arranges for Catherine's marriage, hoping that she and Nicholas will fall in love and thereby break the curse of the grimalkin. Catherine is horrified by Iain's traitorous action for she fears that Nicholas will discover her beastly secret if they marry. Yet Nicholas, unsure if Catherine and her father were in cahoots, marries her immediately to assure that his secret stays safe. Nicholas learns firsthand that the grimalkin legend is actually true, and it pleases Catherine that he is protective of the beast. But will they fall in love and be free of the curse? Every time they seem to get closer, someone or something thwarts their progress. Ultimately it is the legend itself that holds the final key to their happiness and freedom. But can Nicholas decipher it and convince Catherine to agree to its terms? My initial reaction to the beastly connection in this book was, 'oh, come on, gimme a break!' I must admit, however, that I enjoyed this romance! A beastly but romantic new novel by Tracy Fobes! You won't want to miss Touch Not The Cat - its splendid! Gifted and imaginative! Tracy Fobes is a wonderful storyteller! Good story, good writing, good reading! Gloria Miller -- Copyright © 090198 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

About the Author

Tracy Fobes is a talented new author. Pocket is proud to publish her first book. Prior to publication, Touch Not the Cat won numerous writing awards, including the 1995 Silver Heart, the 1995 Lone Star Writing Competition, and an Honorable Mention for the 1995 Maggie Award. Tracy Fobes lives in Yardley, Pennsylvania, with her family, and would love to hear from her readers. You may write her at P.O. Box 534, Yardley, PA 19067.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671024671
• ISBN-13: 978-0671024673
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,661,189 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Touch Not the Cat, February 27, 2000

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"blackjewel" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Touch Not the Cat (Mass Market Paperback)

In the Scottish Highlands in 1427, the MacClellands and the MacQuades are continuing the ancient blood feud between the two neighboring clans. Because of a dastardly deed performed by a MacClelland on a MacQuade, a druidic witch of the MacQuade clan places a horrible curse on the females of the MacClelland clans: periodically they shape shift into the dreaded grimalkin, a leopard-like beast, and they always die in childbirth.

In 1817 London, Nicholas, the Duke of Efington, has his eye caught by Catherine MacClelland at a ball attended by the ton. Subsequently blackmailed into a marriage with Catherine by Catherine's father, a Scottish Laird, before he knows it, the couple are now faced with a life together in spite of the fact that they can't stand one another. But all is not as it seems; Catherine suffers from the clan curse and cannot hide it from her new husband. The couple must come to terms with Cat's incredible magical enchantment, and see if there is a way to break the curse. But many obstacles stand in their way, including their own stubbornness and a murder plot against Nicholas.

Touch Not the Cat is an intriguing and passionate story of love, betrayal and magic. The storyline is fresh and compelling, and the two main characters are vividly portrayed. The fairy magic of the Scots is woven throughout the tale and gives a mystical atmosphere that will appeal to lovers of romance and fantasy alike. It's an excellent debut novel.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rich language and full of intrigue!!!, January 8, 1999

By A Customer

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This review is from: Touch Not the Cat (Mass Market Paperback)

Touch Not the Cat is EXCELLENT! Not just the story, inself, but the writing will grab you and sweep you into the Scottish Highlands! I loved Nicholas and Catherine, as well as all the secondary characters. The paranormal only added to the story's depth, making this Regency-historical unique and a true standout. Highly recommend this book and author. Congratulations, Ms. Fobes!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Charming, a twist from the "regular" romances, May 31, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Touch Not the Cat (Mass Market Paperback)

When I first read about this book, I was excited and could not wait to find it. However, I had no idea it would be this...I dunno...different. I loved it, it was a splendid read but the curse Catherine suffered from was nothing I had expected. And usually, I do not go for this type of book. But, I loved this one. It was wonderful. Catherine and Nicholas were great characters, a great couple, and it took them awhile to fall in love, which I thought was neat. They did not just fall all over themselves right off, though there was quite an attraction. Fight after fight, a LOT of mistrust, and much time later, when Nicholas learns of Catherine's curse, he is patient and mild and I thought that was wonderful. Though she denied it time and again, he still kept his patience and strived to understand her. I highly recommend this book if you are ready for a different kind of romance-one with humor, twists and turns, and a tad bit of mystery. With great secondary characters (except that spoiled, snotty little brat Nicholas was originally going to marry) and main characters that are not easy to forget, a plot with a twist, and a charming feline, you will find a fun, out-of-the-norm read!