Catalyst

Covering his sister’s serving shift, Devin thinks that he’ll have a little fun and get away from his boring job washing dishes in the club where he works. His overprotective sister is bent on sheltering him, and working as a server would expose him to too many unsavory elements - after all, he’s only twenty-two. Judging from the looks and pats he’s getting from the patrons, though, he is plenty old enough. One patron in particular commands his notice, and Devin is mesmerized by the man’s silvery eyes.

Talis is unsettled. The boy in the second-rate bar is stuck in his mind and even a hot and steamy shower can’t erase the memory of Devin’s luscious looks and the spark he felt when their hands touched. When he runs into Devin a second time at the coffee shop and Devin follows him home, he can’t deny the connection between them. Talis is a Mage, and the power in him demands primal sorts of things like sex and power. There are some pretty huge complications here, and the situation doesn’t improve when Talis’ wicked, power-hungry ex shows up. Devin winds up hurt and in the hospital. Can Talis protect Devin and escape with his own life?

Catalyst is simply a great read. Belinda Richmond uses a touch of magic, a lot of passion and sensual imagery to whisk readers right into the thick of things. I can’t say enough about how excellent this novella is. Catalyst layers story upon story like a well-done supernatural soap opera, with gut-busting humor, action-packed scenes, erotic fun, and nail-biting danger. The heartwarming and underlying theme of Catalyst is the family that you make as you travel life’s path - some you’re born with and some you pick up along the way. Tremendous job, Ms. Richmond!

Reviewed by: Michelle