Romancing the Stone

Lexi is lonely and miserable living on her own. While going to make her daily visit to her Aunt Dionne, she is horrified to find her aunt missing. Lexi also finds a strange old book. Deciding she will become the detective and retrace her aunt’s steps, she picks up the book for a clue as to where where to start. Immediately, she is overcome with an unknown element and confusion, causing her to faint. As Lexi awakens, she finds herself in a mysterious village of long ago. Captured by soldiers, she is taken away; they mistakenly believe her to be a witch. After hearing that she will be a sacrifice and blacking out again, she finds herself stripped nude and bound to a tremendous stone statue all alone. If this was not bad enough, she has not found her missing aunt, has no idea where she is, and the stone warrior is moving. Will Lexi find her aunt? Will Lexi regret picking up that book? What will happen now that the statue has moved?

Cairn is the Stone Warrior for the King and people of Romanoe. In order to be awakened, a celestial maiden must willing sacrifice herself to him. Upon awaking, he finds his celestial maiden only to learn she was not willing in her sacrifice. Enraged by this discovering, he seeks out the King to learn he is greatly needed and there was no other way. Since the sacrifice was not completed correctly, Cairn soon learns that his awaking is not what it should be. Order to fight for his King, he sets out with his maiden, Lexi, by his side only to come to the realization that things are not has he has been led to believe. Cairn must face a huge decision: obey the King and remain the Stone Warrior or disobey the King and be replaced by another. If that was not enough to dwell on, what should he do about the celestial maiden that awakened things in him he did not know existed? Will he obey the King even though he is riddled with doubt?

Nicole Ash has written a wonderful story mixed with elements of fantasy, romance, and duty. Readers will be pleased with a plot that is full of uncertainty and emotions. The characters are such opposites that they are a wonderful combination for readers to enjoy. Cairn is driven by a strong sense of duty and honor while Lexi is driven by emotions. The passion between them is sizzling and heartfelt at times and humorous at others. Readers will be intrigued by the mixed emotions during the days of battle and touched by the way Lexi and Cairn grew to care deeply for one another.

This short story was delightful. The bits of humor that Lexi encounters with Cairn make this story an enjoyable one to read Cairn's desire to do what he must is rewarding, but the compassion and emotions that he endures for Lexi are even more worthwhile for readers. Lexi finding herself in one situation after another provides a wonderful addition to the enduring passion that she feels for Cairn. These are two characters that I will remember for some time. Romancing the Stone is a wonderful story to become engrossed in. Readers can not go wrong with this one. Nicole Ash has done a superb job and earned 4 Angels in the process!

Reviewed by: Jessica