SWEET DREAMS - Dana Marie Bell
Halle Puma, Book 2
Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 1-60504-132-7
August 2008
Paranormal Romance, Short Story

A Small Town named Halle - Present Day

When Becky Yaeger’s best friend Emma convinced her to attend a masquerade party, she did it by insisting that hunky Simon Holt (the man Becky has had a crush on for years) is extremely interested in her. Perhaps good ole Emma could have mentioned that the “party animals” attending are animals in truth, werecats who think nothing of using their teeth and claws to intimidate others when they don’t get what they want. Okay, so that’s a tiny exaggeration; there’s just one werecat trying to sink her claws into Becky: Livia Patterson, the recently rebuffed and out for revenge female who hates Emma and will settle for taking out her anger on Becky.

Then from out of the darkness comes Simon to save the day (okay, not strictly true as Becky was doing an admirable job of holding Livia off with her rapier -- good thing her costume is authentic -- but still, heroic). But Simon is a werecat too! What the heck was Emma thinking when she led Becky into this mess? Surely her best friend doesn’t wish her harm? Well, that discussion will just have to wait as Simon is busy insisting that Becky is his mate and asking how she wants Livia disposed of? Mate? As in married to a cat, getting furry, too, using a litter box? Uh, uh; not happening, no matter how sexy Simon is.

Can Simon convince Becky that the sweetest dreams are those that are brought to life, or will she convince this kitty that she is not his catnip? Finding out which will be well worth your time.

Becky is a feisty, determined woman with very few weaknesses (pretty much just Godiva chocolates and Simon). Simon is bold, loving, loyal, and certain that he’s meant to be with Becky (he’s just sorry it’s taken him so long to claim her). As the Beta of the Halle Puma Pride, Simon needs a strong mate, and Becky is certainly up to the task. Two passionate, confident people, Becky and Simon make the perfect couple. Now they just both have to admit it. Oh yeah, and take care of Livia (that is one nasty pussycat).

Though the story pretty much focuses on Becky and Simon, the stars of the first Halle Puma book, THE WALLFLOWER (April 2008) are present and accounted for: Becky’s best friend Emma and her mate Max, the Alpha of the pride and Simon’s best friend. If not for Emma, Becky might not have gotten close to Simon (okay, another tiny exaggeration as I don’t think Simon would have given Becky much more time to realize they should be together, but still, her push had to have helped a bit). Also interesting, though briefly mentioned, are Sheridan Montgomery (another shifter) and Adrian Giordano (pride member as well as Max and Simon’s best bud). Sheri and Adrian’s story, CAT OF A DIFFERENT COLOR, is coming in November.

Funny, sexy, romantic, and with the spice of danger to heighten the tension, SWEET DREAMS are definitely what this book is made of. Don’t miss it.

Lori Ann