In the year 2307, Earth is not at all like the planet we know. Entire civilizations exist under the oceans; their inhabitants are Aquatics, strange sea-people who have adapted to life in the deep waters, as well as Land-walkers.

Queen Naiya Pisces, ruler of Pacifica, must deal with political unrest, impending natural disasters, and the Land-walkers as a part of her daily regimen. When an underwater quake shivers the timbers of her kingdom, she proposes an alliance with the above-sea dwellers to examine what can be done to protect all of Earth’s people from destruction. As the legendary prophecy about the Scorpion King comes into play, what’s a gilled girl to do but give in to her destiny?

Captain Drake Scopillo is the man called upon to work on the Pacifica project, and he’s a landlubber, to be sure. He’s more concerned, though, about seeing Queen Pisces than he is with being miles underwater with only a force field to keep him alive; something about this woman has captured his attention…and his lust. He’s a rogue; she’s a ruler. He’s a scientist with a mind for sin when it comes to her; she’s a sexy slice of blue-skinned heaven. When a hidden danger surfaces, will Drake be able to protect her?

Marianne LaCroix gives readers a taste of her world-building skills in Planetary Passions: Scorpion King, and tosses down the gauntlet for aspiring wordsmiths. Her depictions and descriptions of undersea life came alive in this tale of power, passion and perfidy. Sub-themes of racism and a greedy, grasping wolf in sheep’s clothing complete the plot spectrum; the story layers here are, in a word, exquisite. Drake and Naiya are strong-willed, hot blooded and we find that each of them has something to lose, as well as something to prove as this story spins to a most satisfying ending. Ms. LaCroix just keeps getting better and better. Five Angels and the coveted Recommended Read rating for this incredibly amazing tale!

Reviewed by: Michelle