Parallel Attraction (Signet Eclipse) [Mass Market Paperback]

For a science fiction romance set on Earth, I was increasingly impressed with how imaginative and engaging the storyline is. Many have wondered are aliens amongst us even now as we drive to work, shop or play in the park. In Ms. Knight's brilliantly penned debut novel, it's an all out alien war that threatens to engulf not only the two opposing cultures involved, but the unsuspecting residents of oblivious Earth too.

Jared Bennet is a king in exile, strategically removed from the frontlines of his people's war against a conquering race. With the development of a powerful weapon though, the war is coming ever closer to him and an intriguing human woman he cannot let go of. Kelsey Wells has seen first hand the alien "otherness" that is Jared. It's clear the handsome alien needs something from her, but seductive kisses and heated exchanges soon cloud not only Jared's mission, but Kelsey's heart as well. Just as their relationship begins to take shape, Kelsey will undergo a terrifying journey at the hands of a traitor. The only question is will hers and Jared's love be given a second chance--or will all that Jared's people have fought for be lost? Maybe more importantly, can they have both at once?

This is a detail packed roller coaster of a romance, and it doesn't slow down from the moment it starts. Torn between duty and the chance at love, Jared is portrayed as a king without country, humble and achingly sexy in his attraction to Kelsey. Both have been searching for something, someone, their whole lives and when they meet it's a classic "meant to be" feeling. Their relationship is beautifully drawn out and wonderful to read. In addition, Ms. Knight creates two thoroughly intriguing race of aliens with unique abilities that turned a possibly normal science fiction romance into one of spectacular possibilities and endless need-to-know-more details. Look to the sequel, Parallel Heat, starring this one's resident bad guy, to find out more about the passionate aliens Ms. Knight has created.

Without a doubt this is a compelling and absolutely phenomenal read! Knight's opening foray into the paranormal world is both intensely erotic, passionate, and riveting, introducing a new race of aliens determined not to invade but to protect earth and it's human inhabitants.

The leader of the aliens is the exiled king of the rebel Refarians - Jared Bennett who has unselfishly given almost everything in the fight for freedom from the vicious enemy. He had visited earth once before but the events of that visit had been wiped from his mind. Many years later the war has escalated and he holds the one weapon that can turn the tide for his people. Under attack his ship was forced down and he was gravely wounded when a young human woman geologist came upon him in his natural state. Kelsey Wells should have been frightened but instead was mesmerized and completely overwhelmed by the beauty of the being and of the man. Kelsey was fiercely attracted to him intuitively knowing that he would never harm her and his kiss, his very essence seemed to scream to her of 'knowing'. As Jared began to feel a very powerful attraction for Kelsey to make her his lifemate, he tried his best to fight it knowing how dangerous it would be for Kelsey to be around him. Before they could embark on a life together the secrets of time that were locked in Kelsey's mind would have to be released and a traitor would be the one to make the ultimate sacrifice in granting them a future.

*** Fast paced and full of creativity, this author has created a wonderful new world. I was instantly caught up in the heart wrenching betrayal of a precious love that was taken from two innocent young people. Jared is a complex character, a hot and totally enthralling hero who is projected as both a fearsome warrior and a tender, kind and loyal friend and lover. Kelsey was fun, fearless with a dynamite sense of humor. I am so looking forward to seeing more stories of these bold Refarian men and women from an author who introduces a highly imaginative and provocative breath of fresh air into the paranormal realm! Brava!

Marilyn Rondeau - Reviewers International Organization

In 2004, Deidre Knight the Knight Literary Agency turned down my novel, which later sold to Dorchester books. Sometimes an agent turns a writer down and you have no idea why. It can be many reasons aside for just not good; books are too similar to a writers she already has, she thinks it's too tough to try and market, or just the market is saturated or not buying that genre. The writer cannot get a read between the lines as to why something was rejected. Knight rejected me with a very nice note telling me she really got my story, loved my heroine, but I was too close to three authors her had under contract already and her first commitment was to them. I understood that. I moved on, landed with the agent I wanted. NOT that you as readers are interested in all that, but often I get accused of doing reviews for fellow authors or even being paid. I am not paid. I was a reviewer and reader long before I was an author and I NEVER say one thing about a book I don't feel is 100% true. We may not agree. That is life. However, I don't want that same thing being said about my review for Ms. Knight's novel. She turned down representing me, so I have no reason to write this review, except I enjoyed her novel.

That said, Ms. Knight has created a completing story. It's not easy to step into the Sci-Fi Romance market and deliver something that hasn't been done twenty times in 1950s B Movies. Yet, Knight delivers in her first book, the start of a series, a very imaginative tale of aliens and their struggle to survive. Instead of an alien race wanting to come with their ray guns and take over the Earth, you have one determined to protect it.

Jared Bennett, exiled king, has spent his life in fighting an enemy. He's been to earth before, but has lost memory of that. His war has grown to a dangerous level and there is only weapon, the key that can save his people. In a pitch battle, Jared's ship is forced to crash land, wounding him. A geologist, Kelsey Wells comes upon the injured man and helps him. Their attraction is instant. Jared knows that Kelsey could be his mate for life, but he also recognises that binding her to him, puts her at risk. Added to this, there are secrets locked with Kelsey's memory. The very key that Jared seeks free his people from the endless war.

But to do that, he must betray Kelsey. Solid conflict.

The adventure has a pace that keeps the reader glued, as Knight summons an alternative world. The characters Jared and Kelsey are complex, not paper doll. They give you deep sensual emotions, sexy hot love scenes, and they are fully realised people. Jared is all you could want in a hero. Refreshingly, Knight laces this all with a wicked sense of humour to make her debut one highly entertaining read.

There is a clear sense of "series" to the book as some threads are left hanging. I can live with that. I can wait for Parallel Heat coming in October to continue the story.

Highly recommended for Sci-Fi romance fans or anyone looking for a different sort of romance.