Desire Untamed

Magic and passion run wild in this steamy paranormal series debut. Kara MacAllister has a normal life as a preschool teacher until Lyon, leader of a group of near-immortal shape-shifting Therian warriors, attempts to kidnap her. Like Lyon, Kara is a Therian, and the only one who can give the warriors the magical power they need to fight the energy-stealing draden. Though drawn to Lyon's sensuous body, Kara is horrified when he insists she undergo a ritual to choose a lifelong mate. Palmer (The Dark Gate ) piles on the searing kisses and passionate interludes as she sets up an intriguing world, but the characters never develop and the violence verges on excessive. The fast-paced action keeps readers guessing about the villains behind the scenes—but not about whether true love will win out in the end. (July)