Reading Between the Lines [Paperback]

Haley O'Brian is ecstatic when she's given the opportunity to translate an ancient scroll. She just didn't anticipate that her translation would lift a curse that will forever change her life. She had no idea that she possesses Faerie blood so Conall's revelation comes as quite a shock.

Conall is the liaison whom the government has assigned to the cursed site which the Foundation has been researching. For him, the discovery of the scrolls is far more personal than just an historical artifact. He's been separated from his heritage and forced to live as a human over and over again. Haley proves to be the answer to his prayers as well as the perfect woman for him.

Haley and Conall are extremely attracted to each other but neither have acted on it. Haley's waiting for Conall to make the first move. Conall's waiting for the scrolls to be translated - then he'll be able to feel real emotion and be released from the curse Ninane, a jealous fae, placed on him so very long ago. Soon after Haley's finished translating the Oghan writing which the scrolls were written in she speaks the words aloud and almost immediately is able to feel the intent of what she's translated and witnesses a strange transformation take place in Conall.

Knowing that Haley has many questions and needs to understand what just happened, Conall takes her out to dinner. As strange as the whole situation is, his announcement that she's `a witch with a touch of Fae in her blood' really has her questioning who she is and why it's been kept from her all this time. Haley's reluctant to believe Conall's claim but her grandmother confirms his words. Haley's got a lot to contend with - her newfound heritage, her feelings about her family keeping it from her, the loving relationship with Conall - and let's not forget Ninane who's still intent on having Conall for herself.

Conall would like nothing better than to rush out to find and kill Ninane before her jealousy and insane obsession threatens his newfound happiness with Haley, but helping Haley adjust to her new life amongst his people, the Daoine Sadhe, takes priority. When push comes to shove, it just may turn out that taking down Ninane falls to Haley and her newfound fae powers. Will Conall be willing to trust Haley enough to eradicate his greatest enemy on her own?

Lauren Dane intrigued me with this tale from the very first page. Something about magical beings and alternate realities just fascinates me - combine the two and it's a wonderful way to `lose yourself' for the length of a story. I found it very easy to sympathize with Conall. To live several human lifetimes without emotions; knowing that your true family is out there and you're unable to find them is horrible. Haley is a strong young woman and I loved reading about the changes that take place in her life and her acceptance of each of them - besides I always love a kick butt heroine.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

If you love this author as I do then you will be pleased that this story holds the same characteristics as her previous work. The h is an independent, no-bull female and the H is a strong yet supportive Alpha male. I liked that even though this story has a magical backdrop, the characters are dealing with the same relationship issues that non-magical couples deal with. The couple having to deal with the little issues that come up with blending families made this story very relatable. The manner in which the author dealt with the lines that people have to draw was great. I especially liked that the h did not back down from any fight in the story. She took it all on, big and small. I was left wanting more of a resolution with the sister in the end but other than that I really liked this story.

Loved this book, could not put it down till I finished reading it!
Loved the main characters!
Would love to read more on some of the secondary characters