Paranormal/Futuristic
Fire and Rain
By Chrissy Dionne
Sep 8, 2007 - 8:38:38 AM

Rain Foster works as a waitress at The Black Cat Café and Coffee House.   Her passion lies in her paintings and she’s fervently hoping to be able to turn her artwork into a career.   The last thing she expects is a man like Laurent to come into her life.  Only he’s not the man she thinks he is and the past she thought she’d left behind is about to rear its ugly head.

Laurent Cole has spent sixteen years as the Pack’s Lieutenant and Andreas’ personal body guard.   For the past four years he’s also protected Andreas’ mate and children.   From the moment he first meets Rain he knows that she’s his Mate.   From watching Andreas and Kari’s relationship develop he knows that conquering Rain won’t be easy - but he believes he’s up to the challenge.

Moments before Laurent enters the café, Rain learns from her friend Shane that the Holt Gallery is looking for up-and-coming artists for a series of shows.   Rain knows that this may be just the break she’s been hoping for, the chance to get her paintings seen and possibly her own showing.   Once Laurent and Andreas enter the café her every thought is consumed with Laurent.

Laurent’s stunned by his reaction to Rain.   Right away he knows that she’s his Mate and he welcomes the challenge of convincing her that they belong together.   He follows along with the normal human courtship techniques but from Rain’s evasiveness he realizes that there’s more to HIS woman than he’s aware.   Fortunately werewolves have a very sophisticate records registry and Laurent soon discovers that not only does she have werewolves in her family tree but her true name isn’t Rain, it’s Julia Margoles. She’s been on the run from her father and all his lifestyle entails for the past year.   Unfortunately her father has begun looking for her.   Laurent isn’t about to let anyone hurt Rain but winning her trust on this issue isn’t going to be easy - especially once she learns that Laurent is a werewolf.  

Revisit all the characters you know and love from ASCENSION in the second book of the Cherchez clan series, FIRE AND RAIN.   I loved Laurent’s cocky attitude in the first book and couldn’t wait to read more about him.   Rain is a fun character whom I adored getting to know.   She’s a striking blend of boldness and vulnerability that really appeals to the reader.   There are many scenes throughout this story that will have readers running a gauntlet of emotions.   I had to laugh at the witty way Rain, Kari and the rest of the close-knit circle of clan women strike fear into their mens hearts with their scheming and whispering. Lauren Dane has become one of my favorite authors because of her ability to combine emotional appeal, kick butt storylines, unforgettable characters and awesome sex scenes.   If the book has Ms. Dane’s name on it, you just can’t go wrong.

I’m now eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.   There were several characters who I really want to learn more about and I’d love to see more of Harrison, Rain’s friend, in a future book.   What we do learn about him is sad so I’d like to see him have a happily ever after.   Besides there are the remaining single men of the Cherchez wolf pack who need women of their own.