Ishtar Bound

by Natalie Gibson

Book 1 of the Sinnis Series

Surrounded by magical enemies with an intimate knowledge of her abilities, a matchmaking witch of the highest rank must fulfill both her duty to her coven and her desire for a love of her own, even if the two goals collide.

Maeve Lovejoy has always been good at her job even though her service comes at such a high cost. Though her matchmaking abilities are stronger than ever, the most potent in any coven's recorded history, her introduction to Aaron has confused matters. Believing she's found a partner who can love her and allow her to continue practicing her arts, she shares her secrets with him. Is it a coincidence that soon after, that same information is used to locate and murder Maeve's matches? When Aaron goes missing, is it because he is a member of a rival black magic sect or because he has fallen victim?

For mature readers only.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance

183 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2012

About the author

I have always loved reading. In middle and high school, I could be found with my nose in a book between classes while others were flirting and primping. In a small way, I hated to turn 16 because it meant I could drive to school and didn't have the extra hour in the morning to read a few extra chapters. I love paperbacks. Hardbacks, not so much. They are heavy and cumbersome and come with dust jackets, which I loath. I adore my Kindle. I love the ease of buying books and the secrecy I can enjoy them in. No more bright pink or swarthy man-laden covers being seen and judged by cashiers for this gal!


I quit reading for fun in college; there was just too much to do. It was a hard time after graduation–in a new city with no friends and a first husband who didn't like me very much. One day I went into a used bookstore and tripped over a display of the Dark Series by Christine Feehan. I bought each one as they came out. Because of that, if I had to pick a favorite genre it would be paranormal romance. I do read tons of other stuff. I like action and adventure, and choose paranormal, fantasy or sci-fi over everything else. If a book only has romance without all the running and chasing and fighting of vamps or dragons or cyborgs, then I'll probably pass.


I am now married to a kind, artistic, highly intelligent man, who looks like a nerdy biker. He rocks the sideburns and forearm tattoo better than anyone I've ever seen. Eric's paperback collection is one of the main reasons I married him. He had a massive amount lining the walls of his bedroom (how sexy is that!) and I knew I had to have them–and him–as my own. Our wedding was aboard the Carnival Cruise Ship, the Ecstasy, and we were the only attendees save our officiant, the Justice of the Peace. It was just for us and it was perfect. I would advise more people to forget about what everyone else wants for their special day and to spend the money on a glorious honeymoon that just happens to start with a civil ceremony. It's what we did and we have no regrets. Eric is the reason I have time, and the inspiration, to write.


We have a genius daughter, Gwendolyn Ygraine, who takes the space and energy of four and may take over the world one day. Our family is further rounded out by our animals: three cats (Virgil, Trailmix and Mauvra), a Chihuahua/Terrier mix named Hitchens and several fish. I love to play card and board games and I am a sore loser– the worst. I was born and raised in East Texas and I have lived as far from home as Austin, Texas where I earned a BFA from UT in Acting with a History Minor.

I am the kind of writer who always has several works in progress and Wretched Blood, book two of the Carrier Trilogy, is almost complete. I also have upcoming releases for both my Mount Haven Quickie and Sinnis series. And, a standalone more horror than romance vampire novel is in the works. You can also visit my website for more Sinnis short stories. I am very excited about all of this and so thrilled that I get to write what I love and that I have people who want to read it. Thank you so much for your support."

Author Natalie Gibson writes what she likes to read. No matter what genre, her stories are filled with action and adventure that will keep you turning the page, haunting images that stick with you, and endings that keep you coming back for more. Her blend of paranormal and urban fantasy, whether it be contemporary or historical, provides for an entertaining read.

If you enjoy your romance on the steamy side and heavy on the paranormal, then try the books of Sinnis. If you like your erotica short, to the point, mildly romantic, and touching on a variety of kink, you will enjoy the Mount Haven Quickies. If you're looking for something darker with mind-bending thrills, then check out the Carrier Trilogy.

Reviews

[Rabid Readers Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the second book in this series, “Transit of Ishtar,” first. After finishing that book, while I enjoyed it, I felt like my understanding of the series might be better enhanced by reading the first one so I clicked right over, bought it and read it in one sitting. Just as the second book had given me to believe, it was an awesome read.

On the surface this book is a very well written romance novel. Gibson weaves a magical world, the depth of which isn’t realized until the second novel. The story focuses on a coven of witches and the main characters are Maeve, who is a matchmaking witch, and Nathalia, a telepath.

Maeve meets Aaron, to whom she’s immediately attracted but it’s complicated because she doesn’t believe she’s ever supposed to find love and he’s one of the Family, a grandson of heaven. She’s the Good Luck Chuck of the witching world, sleep with her and you’ll find your mate. The Council orders her to sleep with Aaron. The complication is that she loves Aaron and seeing him with someone else will just kill her. In the meantime, Michael, Nathalia’s childhood sweetheart (who killed her parents) is trailing Nathalia and targeting Maeve’s matches to taunt her.

I really enjoyed this novel a lot. I found Gibson’s writing style flowed well and the story was interesting. There is a lot of sex but probably not any more than you’d find in a Barry Eisler novel. The baddie is sexually violent but maybe it speaks to me as a reader that I read it more as violence than sex and this will hold true of the second novel in the series.

Definitely a must read if you like romance novels or are into fantasy fiction.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ishtar Bound (a book of Sinnis) is the first in a series of novel’s by new writer Natelie Gibson. Maeve is a matchmaker, she uses her sexuality and magical abilities to help bind new couples together and help them find their true match in the hopes that one of the couples matched will produce “the one” as a result of their coupling. She is brilliant at her job and one of the most powerful Vinculum Primo of all. Her job helps her make couples but her vows keep her from being coupled herself. Maeve match making at the club Heaven meets a nerdy/cute Aaron, and finds herself drawn to him and maybe wanting more than her vows allow. Black magic is at work and couples are dying, there is a darkness that has begun to threaten them all. sacrifices will need to be made but are they strong enough to make the right choice and will their sacrifice be enough?

This review is kind of written in two minds, while I enjoyed the story, I found the flow a little off in the beginning. I felt a little ADD at the start of the book like ideas where just kind of popped in there and I was having a hard time trying to figure out what the author was talking about, as it jumped around a little bit. I think by the middle she really got her stride and the novel started to flow alot better. I did enjoy the story I thought it had a good sexy story line and I will read the sequel. A very good first novel I think as she grows as a writter she will only get better.

I give this a 3.5 out of 5 stars

[Chloe Thurlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Maeve Lovejoy ran across the courtyard to the sanctuary, hoping her book had not made her late. Her love of reading under the old oak was always getting her into trouble."

From this emotive opening - the young girl, the old oak, the book, the sense of urgency, we are drawn into Natalie Gibson's paranormal romance set amongst a coven of witches in the Texas bible belt at a time that is unspecified and can best be described as magical. Maeve is a talented `matchmaker', her role esteemed within the confines of her sect, but runs into problems when she meets Aaron - a man she believes she can love and will love her, a man with whom she feels comfortable revealing her skills and her secrets.

When a spate of murder breaks out among Maeve's formerly happy matches, her days of tranquility are over and the reader is taken into a labyrinth of plot twists that had me turning the pages long after I should have turned the light out and slept. Aaron disappears, the Abbess of the Order, Nathalie (with an h) is forced along the path of impossible choices and Maeve Lovejoy must find Aaron if calm is ever to return.

Ishtar Bound is the first of six books in the Sinnis Series, a layer cake of urban fantasy and the paranormal with a generous topping of the creamy erotic. Read the first and you will be back at Amazon downloading the series

[Kay Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book interested in the description, but figured I'd only read a little before putting it aside and coming back later. I put it aside all right- angrily, at bedtime. I put it aside just now, regretful because I had finished the story. I wanted to write a review while the book was still fresh in my mind- then I'm diving back in!

This is a winner of a series. The characters were intriguing, the plot line fascinating, and the resolution to the story both tragic and wonderful. I was a bit iffy on it to start- some books sound ok, but you download and become disappointed- but this was not one of them!

I am eager to fall into the second book, and I hope that one is as great as this one is. The only issues I found in the whole thing was some typos- wrong word usage, or wrong spelling. That did not detract from the story in the slightest, just something I had noticed while reading.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well....where to start with this book? I enjoyed every single page, and actually found it very hard to put down to the point that I finished it in just over a day. I find that sometimes with books featuring an almost all female character list, especially when you add magic into the mix, the story line can become very cutesy. Not so with this offering. Natalie Gibson manages to combine the magic element with a modern setting, and even throws a nice romance with a fantastic erotic edge in for good measure, and I have to say that the result is brilliant. As the main character, Maeve is stunning. She is incredibly believable as a person, and I found myself imagining what she would be doing after her story ended. This book could easily stand alone, but also promises to be simply the beginning of a great series. Thank you, Natalie Gibson, for bringing the lives of the Daughters to our attention.

[Lekeisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

In having started this series on the second book, I now get the picture more clearly. The characters in this book are amazing. I finally have this image of Maeve in my mind, wearing her corset and doing her matchmaking. This first book is getting to know all the characters and their positions to the Daughters of Women. I love the erotic feel of it. Although the second book, Transit of Ishtar, can be a stand alone, it's a very good idea to read Ishtar Bound first. You get Nathalia's story better. I have a better love of Maeve and Aaron, because that whole matchmaking was phenomenal. You'll have to take a cold shower afterwards, but it's so worth it. This book is great and very well written. Natalie Gibson I give you praise! I'm looking forward to starting book three as soon as I'm done reviewing this.

[Kristin Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The power of sex!

This book was so captivating. That's my word for this book: Captivating.

Seriously, it is so different from any other book I have read before. It's a story about witches, but nothing like the usual witch books. It is a little confusing in the beginning, but once you get passed the first chapter, things start to fall into place.

I love how the main character grew strength and power through sex. That was kick ass! lol!

I loved the uniqueness of the characters names and how they were all strong, independent woman. I can tell there is still a lot more to the story that is still to unfold and I can't wait to devour the rest of the books. On to the next!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much and will be purchasing the second one. The author has made me not only see her characters but feel them enough to care. You would never know this is her first book. I will be recommending it.

[Miki Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, although I found it a little confusing at first, with the multiple characters, I soon got the hang of it, and im now currently enjoying book 2 in the series.

[Olga Pardasie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this series started. Book one was the start of a great series. Natalie Gibson has a wonderful way with words. I need an aaron in my life, hehehe.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Ishtar Bound was an interesting read. It revolves around a coven of witches who use the energy created during sex as the catalyst for their power. The main character, Maeve, is responsible for creating the matched couples who will produce that power. The problem is that someone seems to be killing off her matches in an attempt to cause something horrible.

There is a pretty good mystery here. Gibson throws out a couple red herring so that the bad guy isn't completely obvious and the characters are engaging. A lot was left unexplained though. Who are the Guardians (I know what, but who)? What is the role of The One and how does she relate to Samsiel? (I understood the prophecy, but I could have done with a bit more solid info.) How did Natalia and, by extension Maeve, come to the Daughers and how come the boys (JD, Lucas & Aaron) were so willing to accept the women's powers, was this not otherwise our normal society?

For the record, IMO despite it's description on Amazon (Paranormal Erotic Romance/Urban Fantasy), I would consider this a paranormal romance at most. The focus is definitely on romance, not sex. There just isn't enough sex in it to be considered erotica. There is only one real sex scene, a few fondling scenes and a couple almost rapes. (That sounds like a lot, but it's not in context.) The author has a strange tendency to combine knives and sex which might be considered a little farther out than normal though. This actually bothered me a little. I would expect the bad guy to pull knives, but even the good guy/romantic interest reminded Maeve he had a pocket knife between her legs at one point and then pulled a butcher knife on her at another time to keep her with him against her will, or at least her better judgement. He started to feel just a little crazy himself. I think it was supposed to feel desperate and it did that too, but definitely unstable.

All-in-all it was an enjoyable read. It felt like it wrapped up a little too easily, but I've decided that this is because it is the first in the series and there is more to come. More importantly, it did actually end. The last chapter was definitely an opener for the next book, but I didn't finish feeling like the story didn't end.

[Krystal Shannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krystal's Review....
I actually read this book last, after reading books 2-4. Don't ask me why. Call it a blonde moment. I soooooooo wish I had read this one first. So don't make my mistake.

Ishtar Bound introduces us to Gibson's world of angels, demons, and witches Oh My! The Daughters are a sect of women blessed with certain gifts and magic. They are very organized and each woman has a special purpose within the society of sorts. They also have hierarchal titles that define their rank in the group. It feels like a lot at first, but just keep going. It will all smooth out and make sense very quickly. This book set the stage for the war between the Daughters and the SOFE, witches that are using blood magic to start a magical war. Be prepared for a bit of gore to go along with the villains in this story. They are cruel and evil in the darkest sense of the word.

I loved getting to know Maeve and where her story started. We get to see how happy her position as matchmaker makes her, but also the loneliness she feels because she doesn't think she will ever feel the same love match she helps others find. A lot of things about her friend Nathalia are also explained in this first book. Be sure to pay close attention to her. Another character to remember is Tara Kay *wink*, her book is my favorite of the series.

Natalie Gibson's world is one you will be sucked into completely. Her characters are well developed and unforgettable. The sex is HOT, the suspense is nail-biting, and the stories are original and unique.

[Ravenz Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started the book, I was a little confused about the role of each character. Being that the names of each member of the coven were part of a "heirarchy", so to speak, it was tough at first to figure out who was who. But I contacted the author and she explained it to me, which I was very grateful for. After that little bump in the road, I was able to follow the book with no problems. Now, it may have just been me, so the roles each character plays among the "Daughters" and in the "Family" should not deter you from reading this book because you really will be missing out on an amazing story.

With all that being said, I truly did enjoy this book. It is a first in a series that I think will only get better with each installment. If you believe in soul mates, then this book is for you.

Maeve is the Vinculum Primo of the Daughters and her role is to match the men of the Family with a partner that not only best matches them but will aso be the most likely couple to produce The One. Prophesy says that The One will change all mankind for the better, therefore, finding the perfect match that will give birth to The One has become the coven's main focus.

Ishtar Bound is full of magic, sex, suspense, tragedy, and suprise. The love is pure, the sex is hot and tragedy becomes transendence. This is a must read! So go grab your copy! Go...now! =)

[Liz Cabrejos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will say I was a little lost in the beginning trying to decipher all the different "titles" of the sisters and some of the names & phrases had me a little confused. But once I got familiar with the characters, it was great. I love when a book can capture my attention from the beginning, finished it in one day. The imagination of Natalie Gibson is amazing. I am now a believer of matchmaking dances & spells!! Loved the closeness of the sisters, their individual powers, great story. Really enjoyed watching Arron break down Maeves walls and show her what she'd been missing for so long. Can't wait to get cracking on the next one. Great job Natalie.

[Lisa Bilbrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ishtar Bound is a lovely book, which pulled me into this new world from page one. There were a lot of details, and characters to keep straight, but once I got my head wrapped around all of them, I found myself really enjoying this book. Great start for what appears to be a great new author!