Customer Reviews

Touch Not the Cat

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I first read about this book, I was excited and could not wait to find it. However, I had no idea it would be this...I dunno...different. I loved it, it was a splendid read but the curse Catherine suffered from was nothing I had expected. And usually, I do not go for this type of book. But, I loved this one. It was wonderful. Catherine and Nicholas were great characters, a great couple, and it took them awhile to fall in love, which I thought was neat. They did not just fall all over themselves right off, though there was quite an attraction. Fight after fight, a LOT of mistrust, and much time later, when Nicholas learns of Catherine's curse, he is patient and mild and I thought that was wonderful. Though she denied it time and again, he still kept his patience and strived to understand her. I highly recommend this book if you are ready for a different kind of romance-one with humor, twists and turns, and a tad bit of mystery. With great secondary characters (except that spoiled, snotty little brat Nicholas was originally going to marry) and main characters that are not easy to forget, a plot with a twist, and a charming feline, you will find a fun, out-of-the-norm read!

In the Scottish Highlands in 1427, the MacClellands and the MacQuades are continuing the ancient blood feud between the two neighboring clans. Because of a dastardly deed performed by a MacClelland on a MacQuade, a druidic witch of the MacQuade clan places a horrible curse on the females of the MacClelland clans: periodically they shape shift into the dreaded grimalkin, a leopard-like beast, and they always die in childbirth.

In 1817 London, Nicholas, the Duke of Efington, has his eye caught by Catherine MacClelland at a ball attended by the ton. Subsequently blackmailed into a marriage with Catherine by Catherine's father, a Scottish Laird, before he knows it, the couple are now faced with a life together in spite of the fact that they can't stand one another. But all is not as it seems; Catherine suffers from the clan curse and cannot hide it from her new husband. The couple must come to terms with Cat's incredible magical enchantment, and see if there is a way to break the curse. But many obstacles stand in their way, including their own stubbornness and a murder plot against Nicholas.

Touch Not the Cat is an intriguing and passionate story of love, betrayal and magic. The storyline is fresh and compelling, and the two main characters are vividly portrayed. The fairy magic of the Scots is woven throughout the tale and gives a mystical atmosphere that will appeal to lovers of romance and fantasy alike. It's an excellent debut novel.

At first, the anger between these two characters was interesting, but the repetition as the relationship bounced from low-point to low-point set a rather ominous rhythm, and some of the plot-twists seemed pretty routine. But Fobes' language will drag you in. I accidentally left my copy on the plane a month ago -- but I had to finish it. She has the right brush strokes, her work will undoubtedly improve.

A must read! If only every author's premier novel were as excellent as this one. I'm a long time lover of shape shifter novels but rarely have I come across one in which the heroine is the powerful, potentially dangerous, and sensual animal. Nicholas' acceptance and protectiveness of his beloved touched me to my soul. Ms Fobes way with a descriptive phase takes you right inside the story. I was sorry when the book came to an end. I've been very fortunate to have been able to read Ms. Fobes' next effort, Heart of the Dove, in advance. This book was not a fluke folks, Ms. Fobes will surely be a rising star in the paranormal romance field.

Touch Not the Cat is EXCELLENT! Not just the story, inself, but the writing will grab you and sweep you into the Scottish Highlands! I loved Nicholas and Catherine, as well as all the secondary characters. The paranormal only added to the story's depth, making this Regency-historical unique and a true standout. Highly recommend this book and author. Congratulations, Ms. Fobes!

I picked this book to read because the title is my clan's motto, so it caught my eye, i have never read anything by this author before. I am glad i picked the book up as it was an excellent read,one of those books that you cant put down. I was surprised to find that the author is american.You would never think this when you are reading the book. I will definatly be looking for other books by this author.

What a wonderful story! With a long legacy to overcome, the hero and heroine of this book work together to surmount the odds. The book has it all: love, intrigue, murder, lies, and redemption. I found it very difficult to put this book down, and it was only after my husband threatened to turn the light off himself, that I actually had to stop (though I finished it the next day). Nicolas and Catherine drew me into their story and kept me there. If you have the chance, definitely read this book!

He was know as The Dark Duke. She was known as The Angel Of Mercy.

Catherine MacClelland was no angel. Her clan was cursed. Long ago one of her ancestors murdered a McQuade over land. A McQuade witch cursed all the MacClelland daughters to turn into a wildcat during full moons and whenever she felt strong emotions. The only way to break the curse is for a MacClelland and a McQuade to fall in love and the centuries long feud laid to rest. Catherine was the only daughter in this generation. The curse was as strong as ever.

Nicholas held the title of Duke, but secretly was the bastard son of Robert McQuade. He was to marry Clarissa. However, Catherine's father found out about Nicholas's parentage and blackmailed him into marrying his daughter.

As time passes and the two find common ground, his mother, cousin, and Clarissa come to spend a few months with the Duke and his new Duchess. Clarissa was now married to the cousin, Harry, and determined to cause chaos. Sheep ! begin to be slaughtered and one woman is killed. A wildcat is blamed.

Two people drawn together by fate, magic, legends, and love.

***Listen up out there! Buy this book! I hope the book clubs will print it, because I would love to purchase this story in hardback. I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed it!"

In the 1427 Scottish Highlands, the McClelland clan destroys the leadership of the MacQuade clan in an alleged act of reprisal. However, the Chieftain of the MacQuade clan kills himself rather than being murdered by his enemy. With his dying breath, he curses the McClelland clan for posterity unless a McClelland and a MacQuade descendents mate and have a child together.

In 1817 London, Nicholas, Duke of Efington is attracted to Catherine McClelland, affectionately called "The Angel of Mercy" for her good deeds among her clan. Catherine, like her female ancestors for the past four centuries, has no plans to marry because she is a victim of the curse. However, she is forced to wed Nicholas when her father intercedes and blackmails the lord. Between the curse and her father's intervention, a loving lifetime relationship seems impossible for this couple unless a miracle occurs.

TOUCH NOT THE CAT is a refreshing, very interesting and different Regency rom! ance due to the blending of supernatural elements into, what would have been otherwise, a typical romance of the sub-genre. The lead protagonists are an intriguing pair who must find a way to surmount the curse and its accompanying were-cat creature if they want a lifetime of happiness together. This mixing makes for a novel that will garner fans from both the otherworldly and Regency romance sub-genres for the terrifically talented Tracy Forbes who delivers a winner in her debut novel.

Harriet Klausner