What do you think?
Rate this book
Talisman Bay #1
Lover's Talisman
Five mortal men, their lives dedicated to protecting Talisman Bay from unimaginable horrors. No one knows what they really do... Until one man compromises his duty to save a woman's life. But his mistake shows a weakness...A weakness someone has been waiting for. Now one woman's missing and another woman's life is in grave danger. And Stephan Rashleigh has to make right his mistake. And walk away from the woman he's fallen for. Welcome to Talisman Bay. Where all hell breaks loose on a daily basis...especially when you fall in love.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2003
2 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Ashleigh Raine
15 books22 followersSometimes two people meet, become good friends, and share a lot in common. When you’re really lucky, you meet someone who understands you, who thinks like you, can finish your sentences and together, the both of you can create whole new worlds.
Ashleigh Raine is a multi-published, award-winning writing team made up of lifelong friends, Jennifer and Lisa. Living in the Los Angeles area, they have both worked various jobs in the Entertainment industry including stagehand, script reader, feature film production assistant, precision driver, theatrical lighting designer, seat filler and background actor.
Whether it’s driving down the 101 Fwy and spotting some of our favorite celebrities in the car next to us, or disappearing into the world of Talisman Bay and visiting with our characters, Lisa and Jen live life to the fullest. We hope you’ll join us on the ride!
Besides our website, you can find us in a few places around the internet.
Ashleigh Raine is a multi-published, award-winning writing team made up of lifelong friends, Jennifer and Lisa. Living in the Los Angeles area, they have both worked various jobs in the Entertainment industry including stagehand, script reader, feature film production assistant, precision driver, theatrical lighting designer, seat filler and background actor.
Whether it’s driving down the 101 Fwy and spotting some of our favorite celebrities in the car next to us, or disappearing into the world of Talisman Bay and visiting with our characters, Lisa and Jen live life to the fullest. We hope you’ll join us on the ride!
Besides our website, you can find us in a few places around the internet.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 21, 2009
I had high hopes for "Lover's Talisman" by Ashleigh Raine. This title was previously published in a shorter version by Ellora's Cave, but this Samhain version is (I understand) much bigger. The story is an erotic paranormal about a group of men (and at least one woman) who fight the bad things that go bump (or worse) in the night. This book is the first story in the 'Talisman Bay' series and there is at least one more book in the series, "Forsaken Talisman", listed under the author's works.
Mariah has pretty much sworn off men after a disastrous past that taught her men were, at the best unreliable, and at the worst murderous! To feed her erotic fantasies, she dances at a strip club and her performances are always packed. But she always leaves alone...just as she prefers. The evening her life changes, she is walking home from a performance when she's attacked by a hulking 'thing'. The next memory she has is waking up in an unfamiliar room with a man she recognizes from her earlier performance at the club. She's drawn to him and their attraction may be more than she can resist...but what he's involved with could also be the death of her.
Stephan has been a Shadow Walker ever since the night he and his friends almost died--an attack more disturbing as it was launched by one of their own. With no escape possible, he and his group were recruited to fight evil and Stephan leads their group. He knows better than to become involved with a woman; his life is beyond dangerous and after his brother (also a Shadow Walker) lost his love to a demon, Stephan can't bear to bring another possible victim into his world. But now Mariah is being hunted by the same evil he fights and although he doesn't know why they want her, he knows he'll die to keep her safe.
See what a great plot? But I kept feeling like I was missing information throughout the read. How did Mariah become barren? Obviously it was an attack, but I only got that by reading between the lines. And the brother's love that died...how did that happen? He was so adamantly against his brother finding love, almost violently so, and I thought there must be more to it? How did the bad guy live through the attack and why did he attack in the first place?
And the couples! There's a LOT of sex in this story. Not that that's a bad thing , but there's no working up to it...the couples meet and BAM, the sexcapades begin. Heck at one point the heroine is fantasizing about the hero AND his brother...and this is within 24 hours of meeting the hero! And the heroine didn't strike me as a very intelligent woman. She knows she's in danger, so she leaves the only safe place with her girlfriend? And her girlfriend has to know that they let her go just to lead her to her friend...so she does!
Well...suffice to say that even after finishing this book, I have a bunch of questions...and that bugs me. I understand author's want to tease for the next book in a series, but at least finish somebody's WHOLE story...please!
Mariah has pretty much sworn off men after a disastrous past that taught her men were, at the best unreliable, and at the worst murderous! To feed her erotic fantasies, she dances at a strip club and her performances are always packed. But she always leaves alone...just as she prefers. The evening her life changes, she is walking home from a performance when she's attacked by a hulking 'thing'. The next memory she has is waking up in an unfamiliar room with a man she recognizes from her earlier performance at the club. She's drawn to him and their attraction may be more than she can resist...but what he's involved with could also be the death of her.
Stephan has been a Shadow Walker ever since the night he and his friends almost died--an attack more disturbing as it was launched by one of their own. With no escape possible, he and his group were recruited to fight evil and Stephan leads their group. He knows better than to become involved with a woman; his life is beyond dangerous and after his brother (also a Shadow Walker) lost his love to a demon, Stephan can't bear to bring another possible victim into his world. But now Mariah is being hunted by the same evil he fights and although he doesn't know why they want her, he knows he'll die to keep her safe.
See what a great plot? But I kept feeling like I was missing information throughout the read. How did Mariah become barren? Obviously it was an attack, but I only got that by reading between the lines. And the brother's love that died...how did that happen? He was so adamantly against his brother finding love, almost violently so, and I thought there must be more to it? How did the bad guy live through the attack and why did he attack in the first place?
And the couples! There's a LOT of sex in this story. Not that that's a bad thing , but there's no working up to it...the couples meet and BAM, the sexcapades begin. Heck at one point the heroine is fantasizing about the hero AND his brother...and this is within 24 hours of meeting the hero! And the heroine didn't strike me as a very intelligent woman. She knows she's in danger, so she leaves the only safe place with her girlfriend? And her girlfriend has to know that they let her go just to lead her to her friend...so she does!
Well...suffice to say that even after finishing this book, I have a bunch of questions...and that bugs me. I understand author's want to tease for the next book in a series, but at least finish somebody's WHOLE story...please!
May 19, 2009
Stephan Rashleigh is known as one of Talisman Bay’s most eligible bachelors. But he is also part of an undercover group called the Shadow Walkers. Along with his brother Marlin and their friends, Ryan, Jake, Fiero, and Dusty (who also make up the Talisman Bay bachelors), they roam the city at night protecting their community from evil such as vampires and demons who are out for blood to feed their hunger. After another night of demon killing, Stephan needs some down time and goes to a strip club called Silver Twilight for a few drinks. But as he watches Mariah, the erotic dancer on stage, Stephan feels like an electric shot has gone throughout his body.
Mariah loves to dance but keeps the hungry, lust-filled patrons at a distance. She enjoys the power she has over them but can’t find the time or energy for a passionate affair. As she is walking home one night, she is attacked by something inhuman. Stephan comes to her aid and, when she awakens in his home, she is one angry woman! She quickly leaves, even though she should have thanked Stephan for saving her. Now he wants her more than ever.
When Mariah returns to her home, her best friend and roommate, Twyla, is there to hear her story. Of course Twyla thinks Mariah is crazy because she knows all about those rich and mysterious men and wouldn’t have minded being in Mariah’s place. But as Twyla leaves to go on a job interview, Mariah will find herself asking Stephan for help because Twyla has been kidnapped by the ultimate enemy of the Shadow Walkers. Mariah feels immense guilt because she was the intended victim, not Twyla. Now Stephan must protect Mariah and find Twyla before she is tortured and killed. But as time is running out for Mariah’s friend, she and Stephan are also becoming closer to the point that Stephan wants to make Mariah his mate, although his work makes it impossible for her to remain safe.
Ashleigh Raine has written one action packed paranormal with hot sex, incredible men, and a villain that will make you squirm in your seat. I wasn’t sure what to think of it when I started reading LOVER'S TALISMAN, but I am so glad I kept reading till the very end. Mariah and Stephan scorch up the pages with their lovemaking even though they both think they will not have a future together. Everything works against them, including some brotherly advice Marlin gives to Stephan against a romance with Mariah because of the loss of his true love.
What I enjoyed most is the character of Twyla. This is not some wilting violet. Twyla can kick some major butt like the rest of these men, and the situation she finds herself in should make for a scary read, but her humor and smart mouth will have you cheering and laughing at the same time. She even has a romance with one of the baddies called Freeze who is expected to torture her to get answers from her; but his torture is not painful at all but a very delicious way to go, especially from Twyla’s point of view.
Because this is the first book in this new on-going series, I am sure we will see the other Shadow Walkers with books of their own, and most definitely Twyla’s, because her relationship with Freeze is far from over. And Freeze is one character who will not leave you out in the cold. He is the very opposite of his name.
There is so much happening in LOVER’S TALISMAN that to mention everything would be a major spoiler. What I can tell you is that magic, lust, romance, and action make for a most excellent read by Ashleigh Raine, and I will be right there to read the next story in her new Talisman Bay series.
Mariah loves to dance but keeps the hungry, lust-filled patrons at a distance. She enjoys the power she has over them but can’t find the time or energy for a passionate affair. As she is walking home one night, she is attacked by something inhuman. Stephan comes to her aid and, when she awakens in his home, she is one angry woman! She quickly leaves, even though she should have thanked Stephan for saving her. Now he wants her more than ever.
When Mariah returns to her home, her best friend and roommate, Twyla, is there to hear her story. Of course Twyla thinks Mariah is crazy because she knows all about those rich and mysterious men and wouldn’t have minded being in Mariah’s place. But as Twyla leaves to go on a job interview, Mariah will find herself asking Stephan for help because Twyla has been kidnapped by the ultimate enemy of the Shadow Walkers. Mariah feels immense guilt because she was the intended victim, not Twyla. Now Stephan must protect Mariah and find Twyla before she is tortured and killed. But as time is running out for Mariah’s friend, she and Stephan are also becoming closer to the point that Stephan wants to make Mariah his mate, although his work makes it impossible for her to remain safe.
Ashleigh Raine has written one action packed paranormal with hot sex, incredible men, and a villain that will make you squirm in your seat. I wasn’t sure what to think of it when I started reading LOVER'S TALISMAN, but I am so glad I kept reading till the very end. Mariah and Stephan scorch up the pages with their lovemaking even though they both think they will not have a future together. Everything works against them, including some brotherly advice Marlin gives to Stephan against a romance with Mariah because of the loss of his true love.
What I enjoyed most is the character of Twyla. This is not some wilting violet. Twyla can kick some major butt like the rest of these men, and the situation she finds herself in should make for a scary read, but her humor and smart mouth will have you cheering and laughing at the same time. She even has a romance with one of the baddies called Freeze who is expected to torture her to get answers from her; but his torture is not painful at all but a very delicious way to go, especially from Twyla’s point of view.
Because this is the first book in this new on-going series, I am sure we will see the other Shadow Walkers with books of their own, and most definitely Twyla’s, because her relationship with Freeze is far from over. And Freeze is one character who will not leave you out in the cold. He is the very opposite of his name.
There is so much happening in LOVER’S TALISMAN that to mention everything would be a major spoiler. What I can tell you is that magic, lust, romance, and action make for a most excellent read by Ashleigh Raine, and I will be right there to read the next story in her new Talisman Bay series.
October 21, 2015
I have had this book on my wishlist so long that I can't even remember who recommended it to me! Finally, pbs came through for me and I anxiously began reading it.
The plot is fairly original, given all the paranormal erotica out there these days. This particular book is the first in a series about a unique group of "super heroes" whose powers were granted them by ... I'm not really sure. Many parts of this story were ambiguous and downright confusing. There were veiled references to major events in the past that brought all the characters to where they are in the present day but they were not explained to my satisfaction.
This author is really two friends using a pseudonym, and I have to wonder if that might be part of the problem. Having co-authored a book or two myself, I know how difficult it is to maintain continuity and cohesion and write like one person.
Having said all of these negative things, I will say that I am willing to give at least the next book a chance. There was a lot that held my interest and a cliffhanger I would really like to see resolved. I hope it doesn't take as long to get my hands on the sequel as it did this one or I will probably forget everything I've already read about these characters!
The plot is fairly original, given all the paranormal erotica out there these days. This particular book is the first in a series about a unique group of "super heroes" whose powers were granted them by ... I'm not really sure. Many parts of this story were ambiguous and downright confusing. There were veiled references to major events in the past that brought all the characters to where they are in the present day but they were not explained to my satisfaction.
This author is really two friends using a pseudonym, and I have to wonder if that might be part of the problem. Having co-authored a book or two myself, I know how difficult it is to maintain continuity and cohesion and write like one person.
Having said all of these negative things, I will say that I am willing to give at least the next book a chance. There was a lot that held my interest and a cliffhanger I would really like to see resolved. I hope it doesn't take as long to get my hands on the sequel as it did this one or I will probably forget everything I've already read about these characters!
January 23, 2008
This cover and edition relates to the edition published by Ellora's Cave this story has since been revised and re published by Samhain Publishing.
I bought the 2003 version and loved it. I've just finished reading the revised version and it is awesome story. It's hot, fun, filled with high octane action and great characters. It's better than before the writing is tighter and faster moving. It was and still is one of my favorite stories and I can't wait for the next edition of this series, which I hope won't be too long. I don't know about other readers, but I get impatient when I want to read the next book like NOW!!!!! The dymanic duo that is the writing team that makes up Ashleigh Raine keep getting better.
Great stuff Ashleigh... write faster
I bought the 2003 version and loved it. I've just finished reading the revised version and it is awesome story. It's hot, fun, filled with high octane action and great characters. It's better than before the writing is tighter and faster moving. It was and still is one of my favorite stories and I can't wait for the next edition of this series, which I hope won't be too long. I don't know about other readers, but I get impatient when I want to read the next book like NOW!!!!! The dymanic duo that is the writing team that makes up Ashleigh Raine keep getting better.
Great stuff Ashleigh... write faster
December 23, 2010
I'm all for embracing whatever wacky bit of insanity you want to put out there to the fullest degree but "Dread Lords"? Really? I think that takes corny a little too far. It was plenty steamy but not without a few weak points. Twyla is irritating; I'm certain it's possible to be a legitimate nympho without being crass, but I'm sure that concept would be lost on this character. It is plenty hot and steamy which was nice but the rest was merely ok.
January 26, 2011
I really wanted to like this book. I liked the story and really wanted to see the outcome. the book was just too long. I felt the story could have been half as long and still told the story. About half way thru I almost put it down. I'm glad I stuck it out and will give the next ones try.
February 22, 2008
I LOVE this series. And now that its re released with Samhain I'm going to pick it up again. This IS the future of good paranormal romance!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews