 Cover art by award winning author Angela Knight |
Prince Pentar reluctantly accepts his participation in Rayne's mission. It's not that he's not patriotic. He is, and he knows his duty. No, it's Rayne. His spell-casting won't reveal his soulmate, he's getting restless—not to mention lonely--and now he has to spend his time in the company of a woman he wants so bad he hurts, but she won't so much as look at him.
A quest for a magical artifact, villains out to destroy them, an entire world hanging in the balance ... In the crucible of magic and peril, secret desires become an Amber Inferno of passion.
"Did you find him?" Tran asked.
"Yes. He's fine. He'll be back shortly."
Rayne pushed Pen's leggings further down into her carrybag; he'd have to beg her for them when he got back to camp. She recalled the scene at the creek. She thought she had hidden her relief well. When Pen hadn't reappeared after a reasonable time, she'd gone after him, afraid he'd been injured or worse.
Then to find him splashing like a child ... she saw again the incredible image of him standing in the creek, the moonlight gleaming on his skin, turning him into a godlike creature. A god of lust. She wanted to worship him, get down on her knees and idolize his manhood. Caress him till his penis grew firm and engorged. She wanted him to take her. Mount her like the Jakosai males took their women in homage to the akosai.
Her nipples hardened against their restraining bindings until they were almost painful. She thought of Pen's lips on them, suckling them, his teeth nipping them playfully. By the Great Maker, how she wanted him! Her breath quickened and her loins tightened. She needed some privacy. Now.
"Can you throw me my carrybag, Rayne?" Pen's voice slashed through her burning need.
"What?"
"My pants. I need a new pair." He hovered behind the camp's perimeter, the rocks shielding him from view.
"Pants?" Tran turned his head and looked at Rayne.
"Long and boring story, Tran." Scooping up his bag, she tossed it in the direction of Pen's voice. "I need some time by myself. I won't go far. Rosta, please tell Pen."
Rayne took her bag and the light-catcher Pen had conjured and hiked a short distance, until the voices from camp faded away. She spread her jacket on the ground, sat cross-legged on it, and took out Pen's clothes from her carrybag. Drawing the intimate garment to her nostrils, she inhaled its masculine scent. Pen's scent. Loosening the waistband of her leggings, she pulled them down until her silky curls were exposed to the night air. Spreading her legs wide, she passed the soft leather material between her thighs, rubbing it against her clit.
She moaned low in her throat at the sensation. Letting her fingers stray between her tender flesh, she arched against her hand and closed her eyes, envisioning Pen's fingers touching her intimately. His tongue dipping deep to taste her.
Her right hand crept beneath her blouse. Her bindings. She cursed them. Drawing her hand from between her legs, she feverishly pulled off her top. She loosened the cloth imprisoning her breasts and shoved the bindings down beneath them, pushing them up so that they swelled above the bunched up material. Her hands massaged her breasts.
She ached; deep within her she burned. She needed more. Something harder, firmer, wider than her own fingers to assuage her hunger.
Her hand dropped to her side and brushed against her sheathed dagger. Unsheathing it, she caressed the rounded, bejeweled pommel. The amber. She had heard that the "burning stone," as the Jakosai called it, had special aphrodisiacal properties. Reversing the hilt, she thrust it deep between her nether lips. Oh, by the goddess Larakosa, it felt good. So good. She throbbed. She was enflamed. She took up Pen's clothes and bit down on the buttoned material of his fly. She could almost taste him. Rotating the handle, she moved it rhythmically, faster and faster.
She closed her eyes and let the intense sensations wash over her. How she wished it were Pen's lips on her, his fingers delving within her. She pulled the handle out and moaned his name aloud.
Pen crouched behind a man-sized boulder near where Rayne lay pleasuring herself. He'd followed her to get back his stuff and indulge in some harmless teasing. He'd figured he would surprise her, so he'd merely observed as she stretched out on the ground and got comfortable. Then he saw her loosen her leggings and take his trousers and rub them between her thighs, and he'd lost his breath and his ability to move.
His penis hardened and pressed against his trousers. He unbuttoned his fly and released his shaft, rubbing the rock-hard length while Rayne fondled herself. When she unsheathed her dagger and plunged the hilt deep between her nether lips, he almost came undone. And then she called out his name, and he was well and truly gone.
"Rayne." He called to her as he scrambled over the rocks.
Rayne opened her eyes. Stunned, she gazed up and saw Pen standing before her, his midnight-blue eyes filled with lust.
She realized she still clutched his pants in her hand, the buttons cutting into her palm. It was as though someone smacked her in the face.
"Get away from me. Turn around. Move." She stood, dropping the pants, and hastily began dressing.
He couldn't move. Clearly transfixed, Pen watched as Rayne pulled up her leggings, adjusted her bindings, and arranged her shirt. She grabbed the dagger, glistening with her creamy essence, and wiped it against her jacket. She scooped up his pants, throwing them at him.
"Here. They're yours."
Pen found his voice and grinned. "If you want them, they're ..."
"Damn you, no! Leave me alone! Don't ever mention this to anyone. If you do, I'll kill you."
THE MAGAZINE FOR FICTION LOVERS
Published: July 2006
Reviewer: Tonya Nagle
RT Rating:
Barrack creates a wonderful world full of magic and sensuality. Pentar is an ideal mate for any woman -- he's sensitive to female needs, yet strong and masculine. And Rayne represents the two faces of many women -- the one that tries to be self-sufficient and handle anything, and the one that craves a mate and closeness and intimacy. The journey of these two hearts should not be missed!
Love Romances
Reviewer: Dawn
Rating: 4 Hearts
This reviewer was amazed at the sheer depth and perception Ms. Barrack writes with in her story and found Amber Inferno a true delight to read. The characters, Rayne and Pentar, are multidimensional and will captivate the reader with their humor and wonderful antics in the games men and women play.... Both old and new characters help drive this story as well as the exotic and mystical storyline will surely keep the reader mesmerized for hours. .... Amber Inferno delivers a story that will set the reader’s imagination flying as the quest for Hearthome continues and as the climatic ending hovers near the reader will be left wondering what is next. This reviewer found Amber Inferno to be one of the best fantasy books around and is truly anticipating the next in the series, Sapphire Flames. If you like a mystical world, captivating characters that will make you laugh, cry and swoon over as well as a plot that thickens with each page run to grab Amber Inferno and see what happens next in this enigmatic series.
click for entire review
Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Reviewer: Tallyn Porter
Rating: 5 Stars - Heat Level: O
Amber Inferno is an action packed, suspenseful, highly entertaining, erotic, fantasy romance... Rayne is an independent, strong willed, stubborn woman who always wants to prove her worth; while Pen is an equally stubborn, compassionate, and a conceited man who is truly in love with Rayne. Their chemistry is explosive, especially after they become soulmates. The sex is frequent, intense and scorching but doesn't overpower the storyline... I really enjoyed the plot, which is complex and branches out into secondary storylines but still relates to the Book of Tocson. There are a variety of secondary characters. From good to evil, these characters have a specific purpose in this adventure. I even enjoyed the portrayal of Metres. He may be just a pawn of Narik, but he is one wicked and power hungry individual. As for Narik, he's a sinister and unstoppable force. The scenery depicted is quite descriptive, which enhances the atmosphere of the storyline. There are a few violent scenes and male/male relations. These scenes were well written and provided a realistic feel to the story. I also liked the fact that heroes and enemies come in many forms. Amber Inferno is not your vanilla flavored good versus evil tale; it's a non stop, intensely erotic, humorous and exciting fantasy adventure. I look forward to Loran and Princess Talea's quest for the third portion of the book.
The Romance Studio
Reviewer: Angela Brewer
Overall Rating: 4 Hearts - Sensuality Rating: Explicit
Amber Inferno is a wonderful book that pulls readers in to this magical world and holds them captive until the very end. Rayne is strong willed and determined to have the life she wants and goes after it. Pentar must admit to his feelings for Rayne and come to the realization that she is his mate. The chemistry is explosive and the love scenes are incredibly hot. Readers may want to read the prequel to this book Silver Fire, but it is not necessary.
EcataRomance Review
Reviewer: Elise Lyn
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Amber Inferno is another one of those stories that you can't put down. Jeanne Barrack has the ability to draw the reader in and keep them engrossed in the story. She combines danger and suspense with passion to provide us with a highly erotic, sensual novel that is a delight to our senses. Her creation of lanbeth is fascinating and really adds to the amazement of the story. Jeanne Barrack is one author everyone should add to their auto buy list.
Coffee Time Romance Review
Reviewer: Wateena
Rating: 4 Cups
This is great fantasy that takes you on a flight into a magical world where there are Pegasus's, magic, and strange animals. Although it is a place of fantasy, it was easy to read. Ms. Barrack vividly described the setting, so you feel that you are there. The characters are well written; you get to know each one. The sex is heavily erotic and soul-touching romantic. An incredible find.
Fallen Angel Reviews
Reviewer: Jean
Rating: 4 Angels
The plot of this story is the classic Quest of the Arthurian legends. The ruler orders two knights (Prince Pentar and Princess Rayne) to go find a holy relic to protect the kingdom. Along the way, the knights meet both friends, who join their party on the Quest, and enemies, who try to stop them in their Quest. They have many adventures, see many unusual sights, and discover many hidden secrets on their journey. In addition, like an Arthurian Quest, there is not only a material goal - the Book of Tocson - but there is also a spiritual goal - in this case the love of a soul mate... Unlike the Arthurian chronicles, however, this story is definitely erotica! Hearthome is powered by lanbeth, a magical substance created when soul mates make love. Hearthome needs all the lanbeth the various soul mates can provide - and, boy, do they really work at it!
... As the reader can believe, the plot is very complex... However, the story goes alongat a fast clip, and the reader will not be bored with the adventures depicted therein.
Euro-Reviews
Reviewer: Tracy-Jane Newton
Rating: 4 Flags
This is a fast paced book with everything you could want from a fantastical sci-fi romance. Once drawn into author Jeanne Barrack's realms of royalty, mythical beasts, spine-tingling love and adventure, I didn't want to leave. It's a story of good versus evil written in a spellbinding way where the author proves her talent for writing intriguing, arousing plots and subplots, but her strong characters are filled with life and have plenty to say. I loved the supporting characters, too...All I can say without giving you a spoiler, is I cannot wait to read the next book and hope to catch up on the first as soon as possible. Take a trip into the magical world of author Jeanne Barrack's uncensored imagination and discover a gem of a novel!
Joyfully Reviewed
Reviewer: Klarissa
Amber Inferno is the second Hearthhome story. Ms. Barrack writes a great fantasy that I believe many people will enjoy. Amber Inferno has some m/m action, but the acts are arousing and show how important secondary characters can be. They showed depth and development and brought this world alive. Amber Inferno will not disappoint. Ms. Barrack has a wonderful erotic fantasy in this series.