Various Locations - Present Day

Leda Stowe once belonged to the Coven of Light, a group of good witches, until she dabbled in a little black magic in order to save her now ex-husband. He wasn't happy with what she'd done, so he left her. Now Leda lives on an island and cares for two animals, Mukasa and Taro, protecting Mukasa from Valdez, a Mexican drug lord who used to own and abuse Mukasa. Leda awakens one morning to find a half-naked, gorgeous man with magic hovering around him in Mukasa's cage. Believing he's been sent by Valdez, she orders him out of the cage and then tranquilizes him. Leda discovers his name is Hunter, and he is an Immortal. Excitement races through her as she recalls that the Coven of Light is looking for the Immortals to save the world from an evil demon and their very own immortal brother, Tain. Hunter is too sexy for his own good, and Leda is finding it harder and harder to resist his charms. There are more important things to do right now than indulge in bed play. However, Hunter is very persistent, and pretty soon these two are burning up the sheets. Leda knows that all good things must come to an end, and when this journey or fight is over, Hunter will leave.

Hunter lives to the fullest. He enjoys life, indulges his passions, and will fight when it's needed. When he meets Leda, Hunter knows that she is more than a passing fancy. Which means he won't become involved with her because the pain of loss hurts too much. He knows this personally, as the demon Kehksut killed Hunter's wife and child. And now it seems the same demon held Tain prisoner for centuries. Through Leda, Hunter learns that Tain is destroying the earth and that if Hunter and his other brothers don't stop him, every living creature will die. Though he tries not to get attached to Leda, Hunter finds himself wanting her in his bed...for now. He will explain that it's only pleasure he can give her and nothing more. But will Hunter be able to live up to his spoken words? Will he find his brothers and fight beside them to destroy Tain if the need arises?

The battle is on, and it's a fierce one. It's going to take all five brothers, yes I said five, the women who love them, and the goddess mothers to defeat the evil Kehksut. But first, Leda must unravel the puzzle and fit the pieces together in order to understand what must be done. Will she be able to do it in time?

In THE GATHERING, readers learn Hunter's story and see the culmination of all the stories come to a stunning and exciting conclusion. Hunter is as much a warrior as his brothers, not to mention a lover of women. He also buries the pain deep within so he doesn't have to deal with it, feeling it's the only way he can survive. Leda is beautiful, smart, and has a big heart. She protects the animals from vicious brutes like Valdez; she fights side by side with Hunter without fear (maybe a little fear), and she loves with everything that's within her. Both lead characters have flaws and insecurities, but that doesn't stop them from doing what must be done. Hunter and Leda's relationship is based on lust, but that soon changes, at least for Leda. She's willing to risk it all for Hunter's love, but can he do the same? Will he? Secondary characters include Hunter's brothers: Adrian, Kalen, and Darius and their mates; Leda's friend, Samantha, who isn't what she appears, and Taro and Mukasa, the animals Leda protects. I really liked Mukasa. Who wouldn't like a big old lion who could eat you for breakfast. <g> There are a few other minor characters who play bit parts in the battle against Kehksut, but they are important all the same. And last but not least, we have our bad guy who just wants to destroy the world so all his little demon friends can come out to play. Does he get his comeuppance? Hmm...read the story.

Jennifer Ashley weaves a magical tale of danger, love, and sacrifice with THE GATHERING. If you've been reading the Immortals series then you will certainly enjoy this story. My only question is...will Tain get his story told? Will we find out if he finds love? Does he overcome the centuries of torture and pain he endured?

Sinclair Reid