Spirit Bound by Christine Feehan
Paranormal Romance Dec. 27th, 2011
4 ½ stars

Sprit Bound is the second book in a series about women from varying backgrounds with elemental powers who find each other and create a haven in a small village known as Sea Haven. Together they have built a small but successful farm. (It is not necessary to have read the first book, Water Bound, but some characters do tie in from that book and the Drake sisters series.)

Judith Henderson is haunted by a mistake she made when she was young. The boyfriend she thought she loved turned out to be a ruthless crime boss named Jean-Claude. With the aid of her brother, she was able to escape him but at the cost of her brother’s life when he would not reveal her whereabouts. Haunted by her beloved brother’s death, she longs for vengeance. But Judith’s power is based on the spirit which prevents her from really causing someone harm.

Stefan Prakenskii is a hardened agent who will do whatever is necessary to finish the job. His latest assignment is to find information held by the evil Jean-Claude. But after working undercover as Jean-Claude’s cell mate, Stefan can only find one weakness of Jean-Claude’s -his obsession with a woman named Judith Henderson. Stefan believes that Judith is the key, and when he is reassigned to Sea Haven to find Judith, he discovers that he was bewitched by her, too. Can he save Judith from her own dark vengeance and protect her at the same time? And what will she do when she discovers his lies?

The strong writing and sympathetic characters make this the story one that fans of Christine Feehan will love. Although I did not find myself as emotionally connected to the characters as I did in the first book, Spirit Bound. This was still a pleasure to read. Stefan is part of a group of specially trained brothers, and I really enjoyed reading more about him and his training/past. Stefan is dangerous and single-minded, and I loved how his focus changed from the job to taking care of Judith. Judith has her own demons as she is tortured by the death of her brother. She feels responsible and cannot forgive herself. Since Jean-Claude, she has felt dead inside and is shocked by her attraction to Stefan. This story felt a bit like sleeping beauty as Judith is awakened emotionally and passionately by the hardened and focused Stefan. All the Prakenskii brothers are the perfect heroes, and I am glad the author has continued them in her stories. I only hope there will be more! I like how the brothers are very protective, capable and with a core of steel but they do not overpower their mate. Besides this, one of the best things about this new series are the love and devotion between the women who have banded through heartache and are determined to care for each other. Every book brings more depth to each character, and I am already looking forward to reading the next romance in this series. If you enjoyed the Drake Sister series, getting into this one is a no brainer!

Another strong and emotionally powerful paranormal romance that explores the healing power of love and sisterhood. Gotta love it and the hot hero!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club