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Available now from Ellora's Cave,
in the anthology Aphrodite's Touch.
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A goddess in peril...A god in exile...
Love forged in the flames of...
Greek myth paranormal, rated Soft R
Available from Ellora's Cave
in the anthology Aphrodite's Touch
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Reviews and brief excerpt below.
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–|}—> A Greek Mythological Romance Novella <—{|–
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Reader Comments
What readers are saying about Aphrodite's Touch and "Immortal Heat":
"Lanette, I love the story in Aphrodite's Touch!! Hephaestus was always
one of my favorite characters in the Greek myth!! I love the little
tripod!! ... Thanks for making a line the Greek Mythology more real for me!!"
—Bridgette <who just got done reading your excellent story and is still in awe>
"Well girl, you did it again. Bought late last night Aphrodite's Touch and I just loved it, it was
wonderful and worth the wait..."
—Patricia Haley
Dot and Becky were kind enough to beta read IH and this is what they have to say:
"Oh it is so romantic and so very sensuous! ... I just loved it.....and it was
just delightful!!! All I have left to say is........I just want more!!"
—Dorothy Araiza, Ontario, California
"I really enjoyed this and look forward to more. Thanks for the opportunity
to read this wonderful story."
—Becky C., N.Hollywood, CA
Thank you very much!
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Aphrodite's Touch Reviews
Click on the site link to read the complete review!
March 8, 2003
by Michelle Houston for SensualRomance Reviews
"...intense tales of love and lust; of gods, goddesses and mortals. While the two tales are as
opposite as day and night, the character have the same things going for them: none expected to
find love, all fight it, and all eventually come to the conclusion that you can't fight the
heart's demands. In the end, they all give in the APHRODITE'S TOUCH."
©2003 Michelle Houston
February 11, 2003
by Valarie Prince for Sime~Gen Reviews
About Immortal Heat: "...a delicious story. ...The sex was sweet as befitting the story. This
love thing was new to both Aglaia and Hephaestus and the way they expressed the love fit the story.
This is a sensual and imaginative tale. Great job!"
©2003 Valarie Prince
January 2, 2003
by Sharyn McGinty for In The Library Reviews
About Immortal Heat: "...tender and romantic. The characters and their emotions
are at the forefront of this novella. Ms. Curington's detailed imagery is incredible, completely
immersing the reader in Ancient Greece."
About Aphrodite's Touch: "...a remarkable anthology. Both novellas are masterful, filled with
incredible detail and unbelievable story telling....All in all, Ms. Curington and Ms. Wylde have earned
my loyalty. I look forward to reading more of their work. Not to be missed!"
©2002 Sharyn McGinty
December 2002
by JaToya for A Romance Review
About Immortal Heat: "I’ve long been interested in Greek mythology, so, I’m always
especially pleased when a romance is created using the Greek gods and demigods. I get
especially excited when the story is done right.
"Immortal Heat is a perfectly executed story. The main characters are worth getting to know,
particularly that hunky Hephaestus. Both Hephaestus and Aglaia have insecurities they need to
overcome and with the love and acceptance each show the other, they manage to do just that."
About Aphrodite's Touch: "...Aphrodite’s Touch is a book I’d recommend."
©2002 JaToya
December 21, 2002
by Barb Chan for SensualRomance Reviews
Two satisfying and stirring romances based on Greek mythology.
About Immortal Heat:
"Hephaestus is an intriguing character. Though a god, he is an outcast because unlike the other
immortals, he is imperfect: he has a crippled leg. After being thrown from Mt. Olympus several
times, he has immersed himself in his work, forging armor and trinkets for the immortals who
shunned him.
"The rest of this story involves Hephaestus and Aglaia's unfolding relationship as the goddess
recuperates from her fall. Curington does an excellent job writing the character of Hephaestus,
who breaks the classic Greek god's mold of arrogant omnipotence to be more like a tortured,
sensitive man who just happens to be immortal. Likewise, Aglaia is a real and accessible
character, one who has human faults while at the same time being a compassionate soul. She
is the perfect mate for the emotionally scarred Hephaestus.
"...'Immortal Heat' is a well-rounded story with well-drawn, dynamic
characters. In addition to the likeable h/h, Curington has woven bits of Greek mythology along
with her own interesting twists throughout the entire tale. Pick this e-book up for that evening
when emotional satisfaction is a must.
"Sensuality: Rated Soft-R by the publisher. Though published by Ellora's Cave, this story focuses
less on explicit love scenes than on the overall relationship between h/h. Don't expect any
anatomically difficult positions in this one! That said, enjoy!"
©2002 Barb Chan
December 2002
by Patricia McGrew for Timeless Tales Reviews
****' 4 1/2 stars!
About Immortal Heat: "The Greek gods and goddesses are beautifully written.
Hephaestus learns his crippled leg has no bearing on his ability to love and be happy.
This is more of a fantasy story than an erotica as the sexual content is mild."
About Aphrodite's Touch: "I enjoyed both novellas... Mythology is one of my favorite areas
of reading. Both stories will keep you entertained, they are filled with touching, romantic moments
and character-driven sexual encounters."
©2002 Patricia McGrew
November 15, 2002
by Miriam van Veen for Love Romances
About Immortal Heat: "This mythical romance is beautifully written. The Greek
gods and goddesses are breathed to life in this short fantasy. The troubled Hephaestus
learns his outer appearance has no bearing on his ability to love and find happiness.
This portion of APHRODITE'S TOUCH is more a fantasy romance than erotica, as the sexual
content is mild. Definitely worth while reading for mythical and fantasy fans."
About Aphrodite's Touch: "...a great erotic fantasy into the world of gods and goddesses.
Imagine the television show Hercules taken to a new and erotic level."
©2002 Miriam van Veen
November 9, 2002
by Jennifer Macaire for WordWeaving
"These two tales are fascinating and fun. The Greek myths add an extra dimension to the love
stories, and Ms. Curington and Ms. Wylde bring ancient Greece and the gods and goddesses to life.
Full of unexpected twists, and hotter than a sacrificial fire, these stories will captivate you."
©2002 Jennifer Macaire
October 24, 2002
by Ann Leveille for SensualRomance Reviews
Excellent Anthology Destined for the Electronic Keeper shelf
"Lanette Curington's novella, rated soft R, is a story sure to appeal to any mythology lover.
Though it has several explicit scenes, they are placed quite a bit into the story, giving the author
a chance to evolve the emotions of the characters before they leap into lovemaking. The sexual scenes
are mildly graphic and full of tenderness. Curington creates a long-gone Grecian age masterfully,
leading the reader easily into a world of myths and legends."
©2002 Ann Leveille
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Immortal Heat synopsis:
Aglaia is one of the Charites, a goddess of grace. As the
messenger of Aphrodite, she is sent on an errand to right a wronged love on the isle
of Lemnos. Aglaia strives to carry out Aphrodite's wishes, but she is flung from the
cliffs to the rocks below to end her meddling. As an immortal, she cannot die by such
mundane means, and her unconcious body is washed ashore.
Hephaestus, devastated by the betrayal of his wife, has secluded himself in the bowels of
the earth on the isle of Lemnos. His forge is red-hot as he works night and day creating
the mechanical marvels for which he is known. After his daily swim in the sea, Hephaestus
finds the bedraggled body of the most beautiful goddess he has ever seen. He takes her
into his home deep in the earth to care for her until she heals, then he will send her
back to Olympus where she belongs. As attracted as he is to her, he knows that love is
not for him. He has been burned once by love and the wound is worse than any he ever
received at his forge.
While recovering from her injuries, Aglaia has been seen alive by those who wish her
harm. At a time when Hephaestus is away, they invade the caves to get rid of her once
and for all.
Only Hephaestus' ingenious creations can save her from destruction.
And only by the grace of Aglaia can his broken heart mend.
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Immortal Heat excerpt:
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"I'll race you to that large egg-shaped boulder," Aglaia called out and started hobbling as fast as
she could down the stretch of sand.
Hephaestus watched her a moment then followed after her. His stride was longer and he soon caught
up and passed her by.
"Oh, that isn't fair!" she cried out in mock indignation. "You're accustomed to your metal contraption,
and I haven't had time to get used to mine."
He slowed enough to look over his shoulder at her--and smiled. The golden headband he'd fashioned to
hold back her hair was skewed to one side. Strands of hair, the shifting colors of the flames in his forge,
lifted in the breeze then wrapped around her shoulders. She had grabbed the skirt of her chiton with both
hands and raised it above her knees for unrestricted movement. And she limped just like he did. Unlike him,
she would heal in time and no longer need the greave he had made for her.
Still, Aglaia was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, including his former wife. If Aphrodite knew
his thoughts at this moment, she would be enraged even though she had never loved him. If she knew, she might
exact her revenge on Aglaia and that he couldn't allow. If he and Aglaia became lovers, he would have to go
to Aphrodite and tell her himself. He didn't want Aphrodite to hurt Aglaia in any way.
"You are so cruel!" Aglaia shouted at him, but she was smiling. "You're supposed to let me win."
"Am I?" he called out over his shoulder. He had almost reached the oval boulder, standing on its end,
that she had designated as their goal.
"Of course! To boost my confidence, to show me I can do anything as well as before. Shame on you, Hephaestus,"
she scolded, but the words were spoken between giggles and he didn't take her seriously.
He was breathing heavily when he reached the boulder. He leaned back against it and leisurely crossed
his arms, as if to say he was waiting on her. She was only a score of paces away when her greave-clad foot
hit a small rock half-buried in the sand and her leg flew out from under her.
Aglaia landed on her backside with a small sound of surprise before she toppled down the steep incline
toward the sea. Hephaestus pushed off from the boulder and ran after her, but she had rolled to a stop
just above the waterline when he reached her.
His knees went weak and he fell beside her. She was positioned too much like the way she had been the
day he found her all bruised and battered and littered with sand. Her head was turned away from him, but
the golden band had somehow managed to stay in her hair although it hung loosely to one side. She was a
goddess, he reminded himself, and she couldn't die, but even such a simple tumble could cause more grievous
injuries.
"Aglaia," he whispered and turned her face toward him. Her eyes were closed and she didn't move. He
leaned in closer and her eyes sprang open, surprising him.
"Boo!" she said.
He sat back on his heels, aggravating the discomfort in his deformed foot, his hands spread wide on his
thighs, and scowled down at her.
"Oh, Hephaestus, don't be angry." She tried to mimic his dour face, but she couldn't hold it for long.
She laughed and this time he found himself laughing with her. "You have a wonderful laugh, so deep and rich.
You should do it more often," she said between gasps for air.
He didn't want to spoil the moment by telling her that he'd never had much to laugh about. In truth, he
couldn't remember the last time he'd laughed. Aphrodite had never made him laugh or laughed with him. Only
Aglaia.
"You aren't hurt?" he asked when he'd caught his breath.
"No, not a bit. I was only teasing you." She rose up on her elbows, the headband slipping from her hair.
"I'm sorry--"
"Don't apologize. It was a fine trick, and I should have suspected."
"No, you shouldn't have. That's what made it a fine trick."
Hephaestus reached out to straighten the headband, but his hand touched her brow and swept back over her
flame-red hair, catching her at the nape, and then he found himself moving in closer to her, so close their
lips touched. Aglaia's neck bowed and her lips parted against his, warm and inviting. He felt her arm glide
to the back of his neck, her fingers tangling in his hair. He closed his eyes and lost himself in her kiss.
When they parted, Aglaia ran the tip of her tongue over her lips as if to savor the last taste of him.
The simple yet seductive action drove him wild and would have brought him to his knees if he wasn't already
there. He throbbed with desire.
Her eyes opened lazily, their dusky luster mirroring his own need. "Mmmm," she murmured and licked her
lips again. "I'm so glad you did that. Could you do it again?"
"If I do it again, I won't stop at a kiss," he warned huskily.
She smiled sweetly. "Good. I was afraid you might."
End of sampler
Click to order Aphrodite's Touch
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If you like this excerpt of Immortal Heat or have read the book and liked it, please click the
link above and visit BitBooks.com, in the Romance category, to rate it. Thank you!
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Author Artwork: I love to play with graphics programs and own several.
WinImages provided the fire for this graphic,
and I did the rest in Paint Shop Pro. This isn't the cover
for IH because IH is in the anthology, Aphrodite's Touch, but I was very pleased with
how it turned out and thought I'd share it.
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The Attila Gallery
When I came up with the idea for Immortal Heat, I didn't have any person or actor in mind for Hephaestus. Aside
from Apollo, Heph has always been a favorite. It seemed like the Ancient Greeks liked torturing the god with
first Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty, then Aglaia, one of the Graces, as his wives. (Never mind the
humiliation he suffered from Aph and Ares!) Sort of the Greek version of Beauty and the Beast. I thought maybe
I could do something for poor Heph, give him a story of his own.
So what did he look like? I immediately imagined a dark-tanned man. Even though he's supposed to reside beneath a
mountain, all those hours at his forge would make him one bronzed god. Dark eyes, I thought, and dark hair. Long dark
hair. (I just love long hair on a man.) I imagined that he would have to pull it back to keep it out of his way as he
worked. Not just back into a pony-tail, no, he'd pull back the top half and fasten it at the back of his head, but
leave the rest hanging loose down his back. A short beard and mustache. Not long after I had this image in my mind,
the movie Attila aired on USA Network. I taped it, but didn't watch all of it, then ran across
this pic. "That's Heph!" I said. And so he is.
Disclaimer: Mentioning the movie Attila and providing this link does not constitute USA
Network's endorsement of my site.
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If you'd like to keep up with new releases, chats, and contests, sign up below for my
mailing list at YahooGroups, LanettesList. It is an announcement only list, so you won't
be inundated with lots of mail. Only occasional announcements will come through to
keep you up-to-date! If you aren't already registered at YahooGroups you will be asked to do
so.
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"Immortal Heat" excerpt ©2002 Lanette Curington.
Aphrodite's Touch cover ©2002 Ellora's Cave.
Review excerpts © the respective reviewer.
All other web page contents and graphics ©2000 ~ 2003 Lanette Curington.
All backgrounds and accessory graphics were made specially for these pages
and are NOT free for public use. Do not take them! Thank you.
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