In the heart of Tuscany's centuries-old wine country, the satyr lords protect ancient secrets.
The Lords of Satyr, Book 5
Kensington Aphrodisia
May 25, 2010
ISBN-13: 9780758241283
ISBN-10: 0758241283

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REVIEWS

Many thanks to these reviewers for taking time to read and review DANE! ~ EA

RT Book Reviews TOP PICK! 4.5 stars
DANE will enrapture … Amber is truly a maestro of molding historical romance… DANE is so palpable to the senses that readers will certainly clamor for more.”
—Robin R. Pendleton, RT Book Reviews

5 stars, Recommended Read
“Wow! Elizabeth Amber has outdone herself with the latest book featuring The Lords of Satyr! DANE is not only one sexy, hot read, it also features a fabulous mystery. In fact, DANE is my favorite book to date in this series… The myths and legends of ElseWorld only get more intriguing with each installment … And whew, what more can be said about the sex scenes between two satyrs other than they are steamy hot and full of passion! DANE is nothing short of outstanding!
—Anne, Kwips & Kritiques

Grade A
“Intriguing, emotional, and erotic” “. . . Eva and Dane are incredibly hot! . . . I desperately wanted to know how Dane and Eva ended up together at the conclusion of their emotional, twist-turning tale. . . . The intrigue of the story blended perfectly with the erotic scenes, leaving me supremely happy with the complexity and intensity of this book. Although DANE is part of the Lords of Satyr series, the book will be easy to understand for those new to the series, but fans are guaranteed to love this new installment. The series has definitely been expanded and I look forward to seeing how the world progresses. Give me more!
—Katie, BookingIt.net, reviewing for Paranormal Romance Reviews (PNR)

5 Stars
“Ms. Amber continues her Lords of Satyr series with some stunning revelations, memorable characters, and in depth subplots which ensure readers’ enjoyment throughout the entire book. The Lords of Satyr series delivers a paranormal storyline, set in an historical setting as well as a suspenseful element so you’re never quite sure what will happen next. One thing is for certain though; you’ll find it impossible to put this book down before it reaches its conclusion and will definitely look forward to the next release.”
—Chrissy Dionne, Romance Junkies

Top Pick!
The Satyr series has been one of my favorites from the beginning. Each books is very much a unique piece of art and when you first get a glimpse into its pages you will be astounded at what you find. These are not for the faint of heart as many topics discussed and situations experienced are graphic. But if you are willing to go outside the box you are in for the thrill of your life. Ms. Amber doesn’t hold back, she is a master at crafting believable characters who you will cheer for as they solve mysteries and find true love.”
—Tammie, Night Owl Reviews

4.5 Stars
“Not since her first novel Nicholas have I been so ‘wowed.’ If you love this series you will enjoy this book as it brings a new emotional depth to the Satyrs that I found fascinating, I’m so glad Dane has more brothers to read about. (I specifically would like to know about Dane’s kidnapped brother—Hint!) Fresh and always original I am enthralled and bedazzled by this vibrant and sexy paranormal series.
—Stephanie, Bookaholics Romance Book Club

5 Stars
“Elizabeth Amber draws you into her magical world with each book and DANE is no exception. The twist and turns are wonderful to discover. DANE kept me on the edge of my seat to find out what happens next. I couldn’t stop reading. Eva is so complicated and has a big heart. It is easy to see why Dane falls for her. Dane is so hard on himself and so loyal. He’s just what Eva needs. The ending was perfect and made me very happy. I can’t wait for the next Satyr book.”
—Jambrea, Joyfully Reviewed

5 Flowers
“Dane little by little becomes more of himself with Eva, their encounters are so incredibly erotically delicious and the intensity of every encounter the reader is swept deeper and deeper into their world. With two sexually charged Satyrs the dynamics between the two are exciting and intense… Elizabeth Amber pens another great tale of the Lords of the Satyrs, with drama and passion the story explodes onto the pages and ensnares the reader into their world. Amber has such a unique way of creating characters with such depth and feverish excitement that the riveting emotional journey in which Eva and Dane made just makes the characters come alive.”
—Brande, Book Junkie

4.5 Flaming Hearts
“This book has something for everyone, romance, sex, drama and intrigue. The Satyr series grown since it began with more complex storylines. The characters are deeper with multiple layers with insecurities like everyone else has. Eva is hiding her true nature and Dane is hiding behind his other personalities based on events in his past. I love this series and definitely recommend it to everyone.
—Heather, Everybody Needs A Little Romance

Another smash hit for Elizabeth Amber’s latest in her Lords of Satyr series. DANE is full of everything needed to keep the pages turning. As in all her Satyr books Ms. Amber writes some of the best erotic scenes and takes us on a journey into a wonderful world of fantasy. DANE is a great beginning to the next generation of Satyr Lords.
—Annette, Fresh Fiction

“A childhood mystery and secrets abound in this super, sexy story with memorable characters that leaves readers excited for the next installment… This is a very steamy read with strong-willed characters and an intriguing mystery. The villains are truly vile and their cruelty is cringe-worthy. The story is fast-paced and has your heart pumping during the final chapters. The ending promises more to come by leaving some very interesting questions unanswered and with three handsome brothers still to tell their own story, you’ll definitely want to pick up the next Lords of Satyr book.”
—Jody, The Season

Paranormal Romance Reviews (PNR)
“Return to the World of the Satyrs, a must read!! Elizabeth Amber continues her Lords of Satyr series with another great read. Dane and Eva fill the pages with romance, intrigue and hot sex. She gives us a story of another Satyr vulnerable to the hardships he has had to endure and gives him a strong woman to help him fight his past. Dane and Eva live up to all their predecessors in the series, I could not put it down. Looking forward to the next two books based on Dane’s brothers and any others written by this wonderful author who takes us into a different realm.”
—Annette Stone, Paranormal Romance Reviews (PNR)

Dane

Dane

The dark sensuality of the Lords of Satyr returns to 1880s Italy, where these powerful men indulge their lust without inhibition…

An Appetite For Pleasure

When Dane Satyr approaches Eva for her services as a matchmaker, she offers him more than just introductions. Dane has discovered that Eva is a Satyr like himself, full of insatiable passion and dark desires. Their attraction combusts instantaneously, unlocking pleasures that neither can resist repeating…even as Eva seeks out a mortal bride for Dane…

A Demand That Can’t Be Denied

Dane knows that the anonymous enemies of his past are now smiling in his face, but unmasking them is no easy task. A ring of sex slavers is at work amidst the high society he courts, and revealing his sensual powers could expose his greatest vulnerability. But having sampled the delights of a satyr mistress, Dane finds his own desires rising against him as well…

Read an Excerpt

Chapter 1

Rome, Italy
EarthWorld, 1880

“Dieux! Where the devil is it?”

The sound of the woman’s voice drifted to him through a grove thick with olive trees. The early October breeze rattled silvery-green leaves on gnarled branches, alternately revealing and concealing the meddling female from view.

As she moved past in a direction parallel to him, he angled his jaw so his eyes could follow her. Perfect. Now he wouldn’t have to go hunting tonight.

But he was still in transition, not yet fully in control, and so for now only filed the information of her arrival away to be considered later. Breathing deep of the cool twilight, Dante continued to slowly ease his way into a mind that belonged to another—Dane, his reluctant host.

It’s for your own good, Dante soothed. For your protection. I’ll be gone again come morning. Relax now. Sleep.

But Dane ignored this and fought on with an inner strength that was as admirable as it was futile. Subjugation could not be pleasant for one so strong-willed. This changeover was always a strange time and an uncomfortable one, dredging up memories they would both prefer to forget. So Dante treaded carefully, confident he would ultimately prevail. Just as he had on the night of the full moon last month, and during all the Moonfuls which had come before over the latter half of Dane’s life.

In a matter of moments, he’d assumed full possession. He was Dante now. Not a person in his own right, but rather an alternate personality that lay dormant inside Dane and only came forth when required. On occasions such as this one.

Slowly, he uncoiled from his crouch on the forest floor. He shrugged broad shoulders, adjusting himself to the fit of this familiar set of bones and flesh he’d donned. The mind and therefore the body were his for the present. He would be master of them only until dawn.

The tailored linen shirt he wore hung unbuttoned and open in front, gleaming white against the shadowed flesh of his sculpted chest. He flexed his hands and found them sore. He noted the ax on the ground a yard away and the felled limbs, the piles of encroaching vines, which had been freshly cut away from twisted trunks nearby.

Ah yes, he remembered now. When he’d first come into consciousness, they’d been working.

He and Dane.

Two facets of the same mind. Possessors of a single body.

And it was a body women admired, sought, swooned over. Six and a half feet of solid brawn, wide of shoulder, narrow of hip. A strong column of throat, topped by a square-jawed masculine face with a prominent blade of a nose, and crowned with tousled sable hair. A face bearing a distinct resemblance to those of his brothers. It would have been too handsome save for one feature. From below straight brows, eyes of icy silver reflected the world, making him appear otherworldly and strange. Which he was.

Through the fabric of his trousers he found the feature that perhaps rendered him most aberrant. One he reveled in on these nights. Fondly, he stroked its considerable length with the pad of his thumb as if sharpening a precisely made weapon meant only to give and take pleasure. Already it stood thick and lofty and barely confined within his trousers.

This cock of theirs symbolized the entirety of Dante’s role in things. He was the fornicator—only one aspect of the whole that was Lord Dane Satyr. Brought forth whenever this body’s lecherous need rose. He relished his role. And Dane envied him for it. Craved it for himself.

A thrashing sound reached his ears. The woman. He’d known she was there all along of course, had been tracking her with a small corner of his mind. Now his eyes found her again.

She moved heedlessly through the grove, thinking herself alone. Now and then, she paused to tug at a branch, plucking an unripe olive or two from it. Holding these small bits of plunder to her nose she then pocketed them as if gathering samples. The olives would not be ready for picking for another month, so he briefly wondered at her actions. But curiosity was not a failing of his. Dane, however, suffered from a wealth of it. And look where that had gotten them.

Beyond her the sun had just met the horizon, a huge ball of juicy orange jailed by black cypress spears that marched along the hilltop opposite this one. It turned her pale skin to gold, the shadows of her face to lovely bruises, her dark hair to coal. She was dressed fashionably and well in a prim gray dress that blended with the trees here. Perhaps twenty years of age or a little older. And shapely.

He smiled. They’d only been here a few weeks, but already he liked this new world. A Sickness had killed many of the female species in ElseWorld that usually served as mates for his kind, and rendered others unable to bear satyr offspring. Only the members of the Council had the luxury of keeping their own women. Yet, here, women delivered themselves right to one’s doorstep.

His prey disappeared into a clearing and he moved after her, keeping her in view. Her head was bent to study something she held. A small book. A page flipped under her lace-gloved hand, a frown creasing creamy smooth skin between her dark brows as she strained to make out its text in the failing light. Whatever she read on its pages caused her to sigh in frustration.

“Honestly, Maman! What am I to do with these scribbles? Couldn’t you have done any better than this on so important a matter?” Glancing around, she fanned the gilt-edged book back and forth in one hand with obvious impatience.

Gifted with a natural stealth enhanced by a decade of training and field experience as an ElseWorld Tracker, he soundlessly moved in her direction, intent on cutting off her exit to the road. Though she had no way of knowing, she’d come at a most opportune time. Night was falling. A very special night to those of Dane’s kind. Once the moon rose, all would begin.

He made a cursory, visual survey of the grove. It was protected. Dane had bespelled its perimeter himself that very morning. If any humans wandered too close, they would find themselves repelled by forces they didn’t understand. Since she’d managed to trespass, he could only assume she must be of ElseWorld blood.

His eyes swept her again. She was slender, but pleasingly curved. Fey perhaps. On this special night, her blood would be stirring as well, though not as high as that of the satyr. Not as high as his own. When one lived only ten hours a month, one was understandably eager.

A light breeze gusted at his back, whooshing past him to ripple over mistletoe, betony, chicory, fennel, rosemary, and saffron that grew low on the forest floor. He watched it make its way toward her, carrying with it his scent.

When it ruffled her skirt and pulled at tendrils of her hair, she stilled—a woodland creature made suddenly and acutely aware of danger. Her eyes shifted in his direction, twin flashes of emerald. His own eyes narrowed and he smiled, pleased at what he’d read in her glance. Recognition. Only an ElseWorld creature could detect the scent of another. His blood pumped a little faster at this confirmation of his initial assumption. A female from his own world would make for a far more interesting engagement than a human one might have.

“This is private land.” He stepped free of the forest’s shadows into the small clearing in which she stood.

She whirled to face him then, her skirts sending the leaves eddying around her. His nostrils flared, waiting for her scent to ride the air in his direction. He’d know what sort of creature she was soon enough.

When her fragrance reached him, its delicate, delicious impact enfolded him like a physical caress. His senses analyzed and sorted through its nuances, and a prickle of awareness swept his skin. His body reached a stunning conclusion regarding her origins a split second before his mind did. He could actually feel his eyes dilate, his heart gasp, his blood halt in his veins.

“Gods, who . . . what are you?” he demanded.

Frozen in place, they simply stared at one another with only a dozen yards of sylvan forest and shocked silence between them. Even the air around them seemed to hold its breath. Then she pivoted on one dainty, booted foot and hared off. She was getting away!