Review: A Ranger's Tale by Mysti Parker

A Ranger's Tale by Mysti Parker, AF, 2013, 234p, Rating=5
Source: paperback copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Adult content: sex

In the fantasy world of Tallenmere, an elven noblewoman longed to leave her gilded cage. A half-breed former pirate wanted nothing more than to escape his guilty past. Easier said than done...
High elf Caliphany Aranea leads an enviable life as King Leopold's niece and daughter of Sirius, Leogard's most famous wizard. Yet, being forced to follow in her father's footsteps and being betrothed to a man she doesn't even like makes her want a taste of life outside the city walls.
As a young boy, half-elf Galadin Trudeaux witnessed his parents' death at the hands of pirates. After being raised by those same murderers and forced to do their bidding, he escaped and now lives an honest life as a sea merchant and ranger.
When two brutes at Leogard Harbor attempt to kidnap Caliphany while she dreams of faraway lands, Galadin comes to her rescue. Impressed by his skills, she asks him to train her as a ranger. Though he is hesitant at first to train a woman of her class, Caliphany's hefty sack of gold finally persuades him. Unfortunately, her father is not amused, and the two must escape before Caliphany faces a forced marriage and Galadin faces a noose.
From that moment on she and Galadin embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Only if they can survive the trials ahead, will they find a love that stands the test of time.

Oh wow!  What a pleasant surprise.  I wasn't crazy about the book cover (actually the color scheme) but once I started reading I was hooked.  There was something hypnotic about Ms. Parker's writing and this was my kind of love story.  It had heart, adventure, mystery, magic, twists, and a love triangle that rocked!  I seriously did the squeeze-chest-shoulders-giddy-claps with a big grin after finishing the read because I was so happy. 

I'm a bit apprehensive about reading the rest of the installments because I loved the ending to this so much that I don't want anything shaken.  As far as I'm concern, this book was perfect as is.  I was fulfilled. Yet, I want to experience and revisit this type of adventure again so I'm definitely continuing.  I've fallen in love with the world of Tallenmere!

Let me tell you why this romance novel worked for me.  It was tender, exquisite, passionate, and down right heartfelt.  It had the elements of Disney's Brave mixed with Pirates of the Caribbean and Robin Hood in family dynamics and adventure.  I giggled, I cried, and I cheered.  It really was an intoxicatingly fun read. 

Thank you Ms. Parker!  You are now on my list of favorite authors.  :)

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