The Zodiac Series: Libra

Tipping The Scales - Michelle Hoppe
Cupid is sent to Earth by the Benevolent Order of Heavenly Souls to restore love to Earth by Valentine’s Day – via astrological means. Taking on a human form, Cupid has to match true loves using their astrological sign. Being the latest craze to hit Earth, the Order are divided as to whether the new method will work. Cupid becomes Eugene, getting a job at a deli. The first person he needs to match is Mary. Though their first meeting is something of an embarrassment with their second not being much better, Cupid continues with his goal to match Mary. But as he finds out more about her, he grows to like her with love gradually creeping forth. He no longer wants to match Mary with anyone but himself, but does Mary have other ideas? What has the voice in her head been telling her? Do some members of the Order have a different motive entirely in mind, particularly the Chairman, God?

Jasmine’s Reality – Lavender Wilde
Jasmine is a contestant in a competition for a reality TV show. The prize: $100,000. The contest is about relying on the kindness of strangers. For six weeks, the contestants have no ID, none of their own money, no contact with their friends or family. They are dropped off in an area entirely on their own with nothing and must fend for themselves. They need to gain food, money and shelter from strangers, as well as completing specific tasks. During her time in New Orleans, Jasmine’s mark is Jack. After the other contestants leave her on her own, she manages to get Jack to offer her help – just before she rushes to the ladies room to be sick. The more time she spends with Jack, the more he helps her out and the guiltier she feels about using and deceiving him. She is falling for him. But is he falling for her? Or is the only thing between them hot sex? What will his reaction be when he finds out she is taking part in the competition?

Part of the Zodiac Series, both of these tales are quite quirky and unusual. Their link to the series is the character’s astrological signs – Libra. They are both moderately well written and there is good development of the main characters in both of them, even though they are fairly short. Neither goes the way the blurbs imply; both contain unexpected twists in the plotlines. There are sexual encounters in both stories, which are reasonably detailed, but the scales are weighed more in favor of romance than erotica. Some aspects of the stories may not be to everyone’s tastes. For instance in Jasmine’s reality the exploitation of the public for the contestants to get by. I know I struggled with this concept, but in the end all turns out well. Jasmine is a likeable person who tries not to use others too much, unlike the other contestants who we don’t know much about. I was fond of all of the characters; they each had qualities that were appealing. I believe that you would like them, too, and enjoy their tales as I did.

Reviewed by: Elizabeth