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Raintree: Inferno / Raintree: Sanctuary / Raintree: Haunted
Inferno by New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard
Two hundred years after the Raintree clan defeated them, the Ansara wizards are rising up again to take on their bitterest foes. As king, it's up to Dante Raintree to protect his clan, but when Lorna Clay walks into his life, suddenly fire, always his to control, defeats him, leaving him wondering whether Lorna is to blame. Will Dante's strength be enough to win the fight of his life?
Sanctuary by New York Times bestselling author Beverly Barton
For Mercy Raintree, war with the evil Ansara clan means she must assume her position as guardian of the Sanctuary—the sacred Raintree home deep in the Smoky Mountains. But doing so threatens to disclose her most precious secret. Dranir Judah Ansara wants to kill Mercy, personally. Then he comes face-to-face with her—and with her daughter, Eve.
Will Mercy's closely guarded secret change not only the outcome of the battle…but also Judah's own bitter heart?
Haunted by RITA® Award winner Linda Winstead Jones
Homicide detective Gideon Raintree can harness electricity and talk to ghosts. To solve his newest case—a relentless serial killer unleashed by the dark Ansara wizards—he will need to wield gifts he's kept hidden. With evil lurking at every turn, Gideon and his alluring new partner, Hope Mallory, are in a race against time to save their love, their family…and their newly conceived child.
Two hundred years after the Raintree clan defeated them, the Ansara wizards are rising up again to take on their bitterest foes. As king, it's up to Dante Raintree to protect his clan, but when Lorna Clay walks into his life, suddenly fire, always his to control, defeats him, leaving him wondering whether Lorna is to blame. Will Dante's strength be enough to win the fight of his life?
Sanctuary by New York Times bestselling author Beverly Barton
For Mercy Raintree, war with the evil Ansara clan means she must assume her position as guardian of the Sanctuary—the sacred Raintree home deep in the Smoky Mountains. But doing so threatens to disclose her most precious secret. Dranir Judah Ansara wants to kill Mercy, personally. Then he comes face-to-face with her—and with her daughter, Eve.
Will Mercy's closely guarded secret change not only the outcome of the battle…but also Judah's own bitter heart?
Haunted by RITA® Award winner Linda Winstead Jones
Homicide detective Gideon Raintree can harness electricity and talk to ghosts. To solve his newest case—a relentless serial killer unleashed by the dark Ansara wizards—he will need to wield gifts he's kept hidden. With evil lurking at every turn, Gideon and his alluring new partner, Hope Mallory, are in a race against time to save their love, their family…and their newly conceived child.
736 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2008
89 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Linda Howard
272books7,071followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America and in 2005 Howard was awarded their Career Achievement Award.
Linda Howard lives in Gadsden, Alabama with her husband, Gary F. Howington, and two golden retrievers. She has three grown stepchildren and three grandchildren.
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America and in 2005 Howard was awarded their Career Achievement Award.
Linda Howard lives in Gadsden, Alabama with her husband, Gary F. Howington, and two golden retrievers. She has three grown stepchildren and three grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 13, 2009
This was interesting - it was very clearly written by three different authors. I liked the first "book" very much - the second book was ok - the third, well, I wish one of the other 2 authors had written it. If you reduced to only 3 or 4 - the number of times one of the main characters thought the same thing (Mercy - "oh, he's terrible, he's evil, he is the enemy, but I love him.... blah blah blah, over and over, and over again), the last book would have ben 1/4 the size it was. Plus, the bad guy (Judah) - well, where did his turn of affections come from? He was evil and hated and the enemy, and then all of a sudden, without any motivation whatsoever, he simply changes sides? Please, given that the 3rd author clearly didn't have enough to write about - she should have explored things from his perspective and given us a reason to believe his change of heart. And she tied up some of the loose ends in such a cavalier manner that it almost wasn't worth it (I mean, really, Lorna somehow knows about Hope - when we clearly didn't get any of that connection in book one - enough so that she picks up the phone and tells Hope - "you don't know me, but we need to save Dante and Gideon and I will be there to pick you up shortly" How did that come to pass?). The further into this book I got, the more I wanted to put it down. The only thing that kept me reading to the end was that wiki didn't have a page summarizing what happened to the characters I really liked from book 1 (dante and Lorna) and 2 (Gideon). It had so much potential - getting to see the same timeline three different times could have been so cool. Instead, the third book was a total let down. I have seen reviews of Beverly Barton's other stuff - but if this was characteristic, then I think I will likely stay away from her other stuff. Linda Howard and Linda Winstead Jones, I will take a gander at some of their other stuff. Bottom line for me - this was at best worthy of borrowing from a library. Definitely not worth what I paid to Borders.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2012
look for another linda howard book
Setting: Inferno Casino - Reno, NV; town of Wilmington, North Carolina; verdant forest hills of Sanctuary, North Carolina; Terrebonne, island in the Caribbean.
Theme: power, transformation, love, duty
Characters:
Dante Raintree, Dranir � He is powerful, fire is his element. He runs the businesses for Raintree, and these days the Inferno Casino. When Lorna is brought to his attention, as one who was winning about $5,000 a week he wants to meet her and assess how she is cheating. And when they meet, he is overwhelmed with his attraction for her, and he recognizes her as one having power � and isn’t sure if she is unaware or if she is an Anasara spy who’s a great actress. Before he can decide, a fire breaks out in the casino� walking down 19 floors, and using mind control to keep people calm, they get safely down, then keeping Lorna with him, he enters the fire, in a bubble of protection, to fight the fire� not knowing that it is being fed by Anasara � when he starts to fail, he pulls on Lorna’s power and is finally able to defeat the fire.
Lorna Clay � grew up poor and with an physically and emotionally abusive mother, who punished her if she said or did something odd about numbers (the just pop in her head)� and she has found she can support herself by winning a bit in casinos. She doesn’t trust, and is alone. She is overwhelmed by Dante � but doesn’t give into him easily.
Gideon Raintree � his affinity is for electricity in water, in electronics (hence he drives care pre computer chip, and has a windup alarm clock), in storms and lightening, and in ghosts who haven’t passed. He’s a detective in Wilmington with a high rate of conviction � his secret � the ghost of the victim helps him to know who to target. He doesn’t ever want children, (and probably never a wife) because he can’t imagine having a child in this messed up world (he sees too much of the evil, and feels insufficient to deal with it).
Moonshine Hope Malory � she goes by Hope. Her mother (and sister) are very sixties� hippies� and mom has a new age shop with crystals, and herbs, etc� and her mother sees auras. Hope distances herself as much as possible from this, and is a very strict, logical, earthbound detective, who has proven herself in a man’s world. She has moved to Wilmington to care for her mom (who had a health problem) and is partnered with Gideon. She doesn’t let him push her away, either with weirdness or borderline rudeness. When she follows him, and sees him attacked by Sunny, she goes to him, gets him home, and he spills it all�
Mother Rainbow, and sister Sunny � Hope’s loving, but odd, family.
Emma Raintree, - a spirit that has talking with Gideon � telling him she is his future daughter, and that she will be coming to him on moonshine� she warns him when Tabby takes a shot at Hope� and Gideon keeps telling her he’s not having any children.
Mercy Raintree � The Guardian of Sanctuary, the only one who can use the golden sword of Dranira Ancelin � used 200 years earlier in the war against the Anasara � should the need arise. 7 years earlier, when she was finished with college, she asked for a week of freedom from guards, to be on her own� and she met and spend the night with Judah. She realized he was Anasara the moment she conceived, and she left him while he slept. She gave birth to Eve, with only Sidonia knowing. She is a powerful empath, and uses her talents to heal other Raintree and the Cherokee around their home who know them and reciprocate. She also protects Sanctuary with her powers, knowing if anyone breeches the protections. She loved Judah, and has done her best to forget him all of these years, yet he would sneak into her memories�
Sidonia � her nanny, and her daughter’s nanny. She is 85, loves them all, and keeps warning Mercy away from Judah.
Judah Anasara � one confused man. He is the powerful Dranir of the Anasara, he is preparing to go war against the Raintree � maybe in 5 years� he has been able to keep the Raintrees from seeing that the Anasara have grown into a powerful clan again. He can be ruthless, he doesn’t hold humans in much regard, but he does not seek to rule them� and though he has had many lovers, he has never forgotten Mercy, Raintree princess � and when he wars against them, it is his right and claim to kill her and her brother, the Raintree Dranir. He rescues Mercy (so that he can kill her later?)� and then gets embroiled in her life.
Eve Raintree Anasara Rainsara � a powerful, precocious child. Sidonia and Mercy keep watching her for evidence of her evil Anasara side, and worry when she has a temper tantrum, but they love her to pieces. When Judah finds out his half brother has sent an assassin to kill Mercy, he intervenes � she had used her powers to save a woman’s life who was dying in a car accident outside Sanctuary’s boundaries, passes out, he watches over her and brings her home� meeting Eve for the first time � finding out about Eve for the first time. Eve knows him as her father, and knows she shares a destiny with him� she feels things in her heart. She tells them she is Raintree and something more.
Echo Raintree � cousin, seer, the next Guardian of Sanctuary� targeted with Gideon, but her roommate is killed by Tabby instead� she goes into hiding until she is called to defend Sanctuary with the rest of the Raintree.
Councilwoman Sidra � powerful seer of the Anasara � and she sees that Eve must be saved, that she will transform the Anasara.
Elyn Campbell, Ruben McWilliams, Tabaet “Tabby� Ansara, Pax Greynell � Cael’s henchmen sent to assassin the Raintree royalty the week before solstice and his planned attack on Sanctuary � they all fail, they all die.
Cael Anasara � Judah’s older, half brother. His mother was crazy, and when their father married, she tried to kill Judah’s mother, and his father killed her instead. Cael is powerful, and believes that he should be the Dranir, as he is the first born. .. so he has been courting the wizards and warriors to join him against the Raintrees now, planning to kill his brother, and any enemy. He is cruel (whips 3 of his whores, and forces sex when he is worried), he plans to subjugate humans, as well as his fellow Anasara. His time table is to take out the Raintree royalty the week before solstice in ways that would look accidental, not assassination, and then to attack Sanctuary and kill all Raintree on the solstice.
Summary:
Raintree and Anasara � the Raintree felt a moral obligation to care for the humans, the Anasara to subjugate the humans, and they have been at war for thousands of years. 200 years earlier, the Raintree won The Battle against the Anasara, allowing a few to survive to hopefully learn from their errors and to live in peace with humans.
The 3 Raintree royalty each have their own story with a different author� All three are of the week before Summer Solstice (when their powers are strong), and they unite at the end to protect Sanctuary.
Dante and Lorna � start out rocky� Dante recognizes her as a potential mate fairly early, but treats Lorna shabbily as he tries to determine if she is Anasara � he mind controls her to stay near him, and undresses her to look for the Anasara birthmark� and even after convinced she isn’t, he won’t let her go, worried for her safety and wanting her. When she is ready to make love, she will only do so if she has his promise to never use mind control on her again� difficult for him, but he does it.
The Anasara take up trying to kill Lorna, but fail a few times� and they finally get the two sent for him/her. An morning of solstice, he gets the call that Sanctuary is under attack, and he leaves Lorna to go home� and Lorna quickly follows�
Gideon and Hope have to track Tabby � using old fashioned police detecting and listening to her victims (and yes, Hope has accepted his magic � especially after seeing Gideon absorbing lightening)� and though Hope fakes her death, and goes after Hope at her mom’s, Gideon makes it there in time. Then he gets the call that Sanctuary is under attack, and leaves Hope to be safe as he goes to help.
_____________________________
Judah and Mercy and Eve � Eve welcomes her father with open arms, she charms him, she loves him, she impresses him� and Judah can’t resist her. Knowing that his brother would kill her if he knew of her, and then when his brother does figure it out, he returns to Sanctuary to protect Eve, to bond with Eve so that she will go to Terrabone with him� and then when Sidra has a prophecy about Eve, he takes steps with his council to insure her safety. Judah’s actions with Mercy and Eve show him to be a loving father, and potential husband. He cares for their wellbeing, and indulges them. When he makes passes at Mercy, though she wants him desperately, she fights him off, with words, with psychic blows (one to his groin), with spells. He finally overwhelms her, and she knows she loves him.
Sidonia and Eve go to the caves for safety (with a powerful hiding spell). When Cael attacks, Judah gathers his warriors, the Raintree call theirs� the Raintree are fighting first, and there are losses� at a lull, Gideon and Dante’s women show up, and support their men� after a pause, with mercy weakened because of healing, the 3 see that they must defeat Cael, and then Judah’s forces � it looks bleak.
And then Cael attacks Mercy, Judah comes to her rescue� after Cael killed, and Dante about to attack Judah (who points out they have killed their own who were Cael’s)� Eve appears � and she makes a loud announcement that the Anasara are no more � they are now Rainsara � and her eyes change to gold, and a shock wave goes out, and some of the Anasara are poufed to dust, and the rest have eyes that change to gold.
And Mercy and Judah and Eve prepare to go to Terrebonne - ahhhh
Memorable scenes:
When left in Dante’s home, unable to leave, Lorna changes out the salt for sugar and vice aversa.
Hope puts on a charm, thinking it is for additional protection (the only charms she has been introduced to so far) but it is for fertility (Gideon sends them regularly to Dante as he wants Dante to father an heir to be Dranir, soGideon won’t be ever be forced into it)� and when Gideon sees it on her, he panics and rushes to the bathroom to try and call Emma to him� and she doesn’t come, so he’s convinced Hope has conceived� and they both get used to the idea� and Hope goes to him on the veranda, and they begin to make love � no condom (as she’s pregnant)� but he moves her out of the moonlight just in case� and after they come, he hears a giggle� and Hope tells him that her middle name is Hope, her given name is Moonshine � now she’s pregnant for sure : )
Setting: Inferno Casino - Reno, NV; town of Wilmington, North Carolina; verdant forest hills of Sanctuary, North Carolina; Terrebonne, island in the Caribbean.
Theme: power, transformation, love, duty
Characters:
Dante Raintree, Dranir � He is powerful, fire is his element. He runs the businesses for Raintree, and these days the Inferno Casino. When Lorna is brought to his attention, as one who was winning about $5,000 a week he wants to meet her and assess how she is cheating. And when they meet, he is overwhelmed with his attraction for her, and he recognizes her as one having power � and isn’t sure if she is unaware or if she is an Anasara spy who’s a great actress. Before he can decide, a fire breaks out in the casino� walking down 19 floors, and using mind control to keep people calm, they get safely down, then keeping Lorna with him, he enters the fire, in a bubble of protection, to fight the fire� not knowing that it is being fed by Anasara � when he starts to fail, he pulls on Lorna’s power and is finally able to defeat the fire.
Lorna Clay � grew up poor and with an physically and emotionally abusive mother, who punished her if she said or did something odd about numbers (the just pop in her head)� and she has found she can support herself by winning a bit in casinos. She doesn’t trust, and is alone. She is overwhelmed by Dante � but doesn’t give into him easily.
Gideon Raintree � his affinity is for electricity in water, in electronics (hence he drives care pre computer chip, and has a windup alarm clock), in storms and lightening, and in ghosts who haven’t passed. He’s a detective in Wilmington with a high rate of conviction � his secret � the ghost of the victim helps him to know who to target. He doesn’t ever want children, (and probably never a wife) because he can’t imagine having a child in this messed up world (he sees too much of the evil, and feels insufficient to deal with it).
Moonshine Hope Malory � she goes by Hope. Her mother (and sister) are very sixties� hippies� and mom has a new age shop with crystals, and herbs, etc� and her mother sees auras. Hope distances herself as much as possible from this, and is a very strict, logical, earthbound detective, who has proven herself in a man’s world. She has moved to Wilmington to care for her mom (who had a health problem) and is partnered with Gideon. She doesn’t let him push her away, either with weirdness or borderline rudeness. When she follows him, and sees him attacked by Sunny, she goes to him, gets him home, and he spills it all�
Mother Rainbow, and sister Sunny � Hope’s loving, but odd, family.
Emma Raintree, - a spirit that has talking with Gideon � telling him she is his future daughter, and that she will be coming to him on moonshine� she warns him when Tabby takes a shot at Hope� and Gideon keeps telling her he’s not having any children.
Mercy Raintree � The Guardian of Sanctuary, the only one who can use the golden sword of Dranira Ancelin � used 200 years earlier in the war against the Anasara � should the need arise. 7 years earlier, when she was finished with college, she asked for a week of freedom from guards, to be on her own� and she met and spend the night with Judah. She realized he was Anasara the moment she conceived, and she left him while he slept. She gave birth to Eve, with only Sidonia knowing. She is a powerful empath, and uses her talents to heal other Raintree and the Cherokee around their home who know them and reciprocate. She also protects Sanctuary with her powers, knowing if anyone breeches the protections. She loved Judah, and has done her best to forget him all of these years, yet he would sneak into her memories�
Sidonia � her nanny, and her daughter’s nanny. She is 85, loves them all, and keeps warning Mercy away from Judah.
Judah Anasara � one confused man. He is the powerful Dranir of the Anasara, he is preparing to go war against the Raintree � maybe in 5 years� he has been able to keep the Raintrees from seeing that the Anasara have grown into a powerful clan again. He can be ruthless, he doesn’t hold humans in much regard, but he does not seek to rule them� and though he has had many lovers, he has never forgotten Mercy, Raintree princess � and when he wars against them, it is his right and claim to kill her and her brother, the Raintree Dranir. He rescues Mercy (so that he can kill her later?)� and then gets embroiled in her life.
Eve Raintree Anasara Rainsara � a powerful, precocious child. Sidonia and Mercy keep watching her for evidence of her evil Anasara side, and worry when she has a temper tantrum, but they love her to pieces. When Judah finds out his half brother has sent an assassin to kill Mercy, he intervenes � she had used her powers to save a woman’s life who was dying in a car accident outside Sanctuary’s boundaries, passes out, he watches over her and brings her home� meeting Eve for the first time � finding out about Eve for the first time. Eve knows him as her father, and knows she shares a destiny with him� she feels things in her heart. She tells them she is Raintree and something more.
Echo Raintree � cousin, seer, the next Guardian of Sanctuary� targeted with Gideon, but her roommate is killed by Tabby instead� she goes into hiding until she is called to defend Sanctuary with the rest of the Raintree.
Councilwoman Sidra � powerful seer of the Anasara � and she sees that Eve must be saved, that she will transform the Anasara.
Elyn Campbell, Ruben McWilliams, Tabaet “Tabby� Ansara, Pax Greynell � Cael’s henchmen sent to assassin the Raintree royalty the week before solstice and his planned attack on Sanctuary � they all fail, they all die.
Cael Anasara � Judah’s older, half brother. His mother was crazy, and when their father married, she tried to kill Judah’s mother, and his father killed her instead. Cael is powerful, and believes that he should be the Dranir, as he is the first born. .. so he has been courting the wizards and warriors to join him against the Raintrees now, planning to kill his brother, and any enemy. He is cruel (whips 3 of his whores, and forces sex when he is worried), he plans to subjugate humans, as well as his fellow Anasara. His time table is to take out the Raintree royalty the week before solstice in ways that would look accidental, not assassination, and then to attack Sanctuary and kill all Raintree on the solstice.
Summary:
Raintree and Anasara � the Raintree felt a moral obligation to care for the humans, the Anasara to subjugate the humans, and they have been at war for thousands of years. 200 years earlier, the Raintree won The Battle against the Anasara, allowing a few to survive to hopefully learn from their errors and to live in peace with humans.
The 3 Raintree royalty each have their own story with a different author� All three are of the week before Summer Solstice (when their powers are strong), and they unite at the end to protect Sanctuary.
Dante and Lorna � start out rocky� Dante recognizes her as a potential mate fairly early, but treats Lorna shabbily as he tries to determine if she is Anasara � he mind controls her to stay near him, and undresses her to look for the Anasara birthmark� and even after convinced she isn’t, he won’t let her go, worried for her safety and wanting her. When she is ready to make love, she will only do so if she has his promise to never use mind control on her again� difficult for him, but he does it.
The Anasara take up trying to kill Lorna, but fail a few times� and they finally get the two sent for him/her. An morning of solstice, he gets the call that Sanctuary is under attack, and he leaves Lorna to go home� and Lorna quickly follows�
Gideon and Hope have to track Tabby � using old fashioned police detecting and listening to her victims (and yes, Hope has accepted his magic � especially after seeing Gideon absorbing lightening)� and though Hope fakes her death, and goes after Hope at her mom’s, Gideon makes it there in time. Then he gets the call that Sanctuary is under attack, and leaves Hope to be safe as he goes to help.
_____________________________
Judah and Mercy and Eve � Eve welcomes her father with open arms, she charms him, she loves him, she impresses him� and Judah can’t resist her. Knowing that his brother would kill her if he knew of her, and then when his brother does figure it out, he returns to Sanctuary to protect Eve, to bond with Eve so that she will go to Terrabone with him� and then when Sidra has a prophecy about Eve, he takes steps with his council to insure her safety. Judah’s actions with Mercy and Eve show him to be a loving father, and potential husband. He cares for their wellbeing, and indulges them. When he makes passes at Mercy, though she wants him desperately, she fights him off, with words, with psychic blows (one to his groin), with spells. He finally overwhelms her, and she knows she loves him.
Sidonia and Eve go to the caves for safety (with a powerful hiding spell). When Cael attacks, Judah gathers his warriors, the Raintree call theirs� the Raintree are fighting first, and there are losses� at a lull, Gideon and Dante’s women show up, and support their men� after a pause, with mercy weakened because of healing, the 3 see that they must defeat Cael, and then Judah’s forces � it looks bleak.
And then Cael attacks Mercy, Judah comes to her rescue� after Cael killed, and Dante about to attack Judah (who points out they have killed their own who were Cael’s)� Eve appears � and she makes a loud announcement that the Anasara are no more � they are now Rainsara � and her eyes change to gold, and a shock wave goes out, and some of the Anasara are poufed to dust, and the rest have eyes that change to gold.
And Mercy and Judah and Eve prepare to go to Terrebonne - ahhhh
Memorable scenes:
When left in Dante’s home, unable to leave, Lorna changes out the salt for sugar and vice aversa.
Hope puts on a charm, thinking it is for additional protection (the only charms she has been introduced to so far) but it is for fertility (Gideon sends them regularly to Dante as he wants Dante to father an heir to be Dranir, soGideon won’t be ever be forced into it)� and when Gideon sees it on her, he panics and rushes to the bathroom to try and call Emma to him� and she doesn’t come, so he’s convinced Hope has conceived� and they both get used to the idea� and Hope goes to him on the veranda, and they begin to make love � no condom (as she’s pregnant)� but he moves her out of the moonlight just in case� and after they come, he hears a giggle� and Hope tells him that her middle name is Hope, her given name is Moonshine � now she’s pregnant for sure : )
October 26, 2024
Great Fantasy Story
I had a little trouble with time lines, but bottom line, I enjoyed the characters, frustrated by lack of communication and had faith in Eve.
I had a little trouble with time lines, but bottom line, I enjoyed the characters, frustrated by lack of communication and had faith in Eve.
February 27, 2025
My fav book this year ❤️
January 10, 2023
This was an unusual but enjoyable read. It is three books re: three Raintree siblings, each book is about a different sibling and each book had a different author.
There are individuals whose power exceeds mere mortals. And these unique individuals divided into two factions, the first wanted to use their powers to help mankind, they're called Raintree and the second, the Ansara, wanted to use their powers to control mankind. Two hundred years ago, the two factions battled, and the Raintree won, leaving just a handful of Ansara. Over the centuries the Ansar's numbers have increased until now is the time to rejoin in battle and take their power back.
Book 1 - Inferno, this is the oldest sibling's story, Dante is king of the Raintree, owns and operates a casino/hotel in Reno. One night his head of security sees a cheater on video. Lorna is brought to Dante's office and can feel her power and she can feel his as well. While they're meeting a fire starts in the casino. Dante is a fire master, and he realizes that the fire is fueled by power. Curious about Lorna, he keeps her with him. There are attempts on his life and he manages to kill one of his assailants. Before he dies, he tells Dante that he is Ansara and an attack on the Raintree Sanctuary during summer solstice, when the powers will be the strongest. This was written by Linda Howard, one of my favorite authors.
Book 2 - Haunted, this is the other brother's story, Gideon, is a homicide cop, he has a higher than average solve rate for his cases, in part because he can talk to the ghosts of the victims, and he has just been assigned (against his wishes) a new partner, Hope. Lately, in his dreams he's been visited by a ghost of a little girl that calls him, Daddy. His cousin, Echo's, roommate has just been murdered, but apparently the attacker thought she was Echo. Gideon power is electric and as such he manages to fry electronics, so his appliances at home, his car, etc. are all electronic free, he's constantly frying cell phones, and he attracts lightening. And the person who killed his cousin's roommate is after him and anyone he's close to and that now includes Hope. This story was written by Linda Winstead Jones, who I've read before partnered with Linda Howard.
Book 3 - Sanctuary, this is their sister's story, Mercy is a gifted empath and healer, seven years ago she asked for permission to go into the world by herself for a while. At that time, she met a man she was attracted to, she started a relationship with the man. At that time, she conceived her daughter, Eve, at the time of conception she realized that the man she was with is Ansara. All Ansara are born with a blue moon tattoo and Eve bears one at birth. Only Mercy and the old family retainer, Sidonia, know Eve's heritage. Cael (not the heir of the Ansara royal family), is the instigator of the attacks on Dante and Gideon, according to Cael now is the time to bring down the Raintree. The king of the Ansara, Judah, says the time is not yet. Seven years ago, he recognized a Raintree princess, he'd disguised himself (with his powers), he doesn't know why she disappeared after their night together. Now he'll stop Cael, he goes to Mercy, when she finds out who he is, and he'll find out about Eve. So, what is more important to Judea, Mercy and his daughter or destroying the Raintree. And now Dante and Gideon come to Sanctuary, followed by their women, Lorna and Hope. And the battle commences, who, if any, will survive? This story was written by Beverly Barton and this my introduction to her.
There are individuals whose power exceeds mere mortals. And these unique individuals divided into two factions, the first wanted to use their powers to help mankind, they're called Raintree and the second, the Ansara, wanted to use their powers to control mankind. Two hundred years ago, the two factions battled, and the Raintree won, leaving just a handful of Ansara. Over the centuries the Ansar's numbers have increased until now is the time to rejoin in battle and take their power back.
Book 1 - Inferno, this is the oldest sibling's story, Dante is king of the Raintree, owns and operates a casino/hotel in Reno. One night his head of security sees a cheater on video. Lorna is brought to Dante's office and can feel her power and she can feel his as well. While they're meeting a fire starts in the casino. Dante is a fire master, and he realizes that the fire is fueled by power. Curious about Lorna, he keeps her with him. There are attempts on his life and he manages to kill one of his assailants. Before he dies, he tells Dante that he is Ansara and an attack on the Raintree Sanctuary during summer solstice, when the powers will be the strongest. This was written by Linda Howard, one of my favorite authors.
Book 2 - Haunted, this is the other brother's story, Gideon, is a homicide cop, he has a higher than average solve rate for his cases, in part because he can talk to the ghosts of the victims, and he has just been assigned (against his wishes) a new partner, Hope. Lately, in his dreams he's been visited by a ghost of a little girl that calls him, Daddy. His cousin, Echo's, roommate has just been murdered, but apparently the attacker thought she was Echo. Gideon power is electric and as such he manages to fry electronics, so his appliances at home, his car, etc. are all electronic free, he's constantly frying cell phones, and he attracts lightening. And the person who killed his cousin's roommate is after him and anyone he's close to and that now includes Hope. This story was written by Linda Winstead Jones, who I've read before partnered with Linda Howard.
Book 3 - Sanctuary, this is their sister's story, Mercy is a gifted empath and healer, seven years ago she asked for permission to go into the world by herself for a while. At that time, she met a man she was attracted to, she started a relationship with the man. At that time, she conceived her daughter, Eve, at the time of conception she realized that the man she was with is Ansara. All Ansara are born with a blue moon tattoo and Eve bears one at birth. Only Mercy and the old family retainer, Sidonia, know Eve's heritage. Cael (not the heir of the Ansara royal family), is the instigator of the attacks on Dante and Gideon, according to Cael now is the time to bring down the Raintree. The king of the Ansara, Judah, says the time is not yet. Seven years ago, he recognized a Raintree princess, he'd disguised himself (with his powers), he doesn't know why she disappeared after their night together. Now he'll stop Cael, he goes to Mercy, when she finds out who he is, and he'll find out about Eve. So, what is more important to Judea, Mercy and his daughter or destroying the Raintree. And now Dante and Gideon come to Sanctuary, followed by their women, Lorna and Hope. And the battle commences, who, if any, will survive? This story was written by Beverly Barton and this my introduction to her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2010
I just finished reading this and I really enjoyed it although there were a few things I was not too crazy about.
This is a trilogy by three different authors still I would have liked to have seen more interaction between the 3 Raintree siblings within the books. I didn't get a sense of the relationship between them they read almost like strangers (inevitable with three different authors ? perhaps) I found that by the time I got to the end of the third book I had practically forgotten Dante's story and the essence of his and Gideon's characters. I would have loved to see more interaction between Dante and Judah especially! I also didn't particularly like the ending, it felt a bit rushed. I felt the transformation of the Ansara was glossed over too much.
On the positive side all the stories were well writen and kept me turning the pages. Definately a good read. My favorite of the 3? Inferno (Linda Howard addeded an extra touch of magic here) I loved Dante and his story. Very strong character!
Followed closely by Haunted. Gideon was also a big favorite. I loved his lightning and ghost talking skills! I also loved Emma nice touch!
This is a trilogy by three different authors still I would have liked to have seen more interaction between the 3 Raintree siblings within the books. I didn't get a sense of the relationship between them they read almost like strangers (inevitable with three different authors ? perhaps) I found that by the time I got to the end of the third book I had practically forgotten Dante's story and the essence of his and Gideon's characters. I would have loved to see more interaction between Dante and Judah especially! I also didn't particularly like the ending, it felt a bit rushed. I felt the transformation of the Ansara was glossed over too much.
On the positive side all the stories were well writen and kept me turning the pages. Definately a good read. My favorite of the 3? Inferno (Linda Howard addeded an extra touch of magic here) I loved Dante and his story. Very strong character!
Followed closely by Haunted. Gideon was also a big favorite. I loved his lightning and ghost talking skills! I also loved Emma nice touch!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2012
'Inferno' by Linda Howard: The book was hard to put down, it always had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation, wondering and waiting for whatever would happen next. For myself personally it wasn't hard to get into the book and it held my attention the entire time.
'Haunted' by Linda Winstead Jones: Definitely a story of commitment or the fear of commitment. Love, courage, family just an overall compelling story. The almost "Happy Ever After".
'Sanctuary' by Beverly Barton: This book shows the true meaning of 'good vs. evil'. An inspiring story of how a child can change even the most sworn enemies into friends and how both forces are willing to put everything they have on the line for a child. Captivating read just doesn't even do this book justice!
All together all three books were amazing! All three of these women are amazing authors! Hoping they will write another book someday!
'Haunted' by Linda Winstead Jones: Definitely a story of commitment or the fear of commitment. Love, courage, family just an overall compelling story. The almost "Happy Ever After".
'Sanctuary' by Beverly Barton: This book shows the true meaning of 'good vs. evil'. An inspiring story of how a child can change even the most sworn enemies into friends and how both forces are willing to put everything they have on the line for a child. Captivating read just doesn't even do this book justice!
All together all three books were amazing! All three of these women are amazing authors! Hoping they will write another book someday!
February 1, 2014
2.75 stars. Rounding up for authors attempting unusual (for them) stories; not rounding down for the weakest entry (the conclusion).
Inferno was a second read for me; suffered in the reread, but still had its moments. RAINTREE family Bro#1: Dante Raintree, casino-hotel owner, Raintree-clan Dranir {superpowers include fire & mind control} / Lorna Clay, runaway {superpowers include number-affinity & empathic-clairvoyance}.
Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones was fine, but forgettable. RAINTREE family Bro#2: Gideon Raintree, homicide detective, {superpowers include electricity & seeing dead people} / Hope Malory, partner-cop.
Sanctuary by Beverly Barton was really annoying. Had potential, but used nearly every obnoxious plot-cliche for jumping the shark. Unsatisfactory conclusion. RAINTREE family Sister: Mercy Raintree, guardian of Sanctuary / Judah Ansara, Ansara-clan Dranir.
Inferno was a second read for me; suffered in the reread, but still had its moments. RAINTREE family Bro#1: Dante Raintree, casino-hotel owner, Raintree-clan Dranir {superpowers include fire & mind control} / Lorna Clay, runaway {superpowers include number-affinity & empathic-clairvoyance}.
Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones was fine, but forgettable. RAINTREE family Bro#2: Gideon Raintree, homicide detective, {superpowers include electricity & seeing dead people} / Hope Malory, partner-cop.
Sanctuary by Beverly Barton was really annoying. Had potential, but used nearly every obnoxious plot-cliche for jumping the shark. Unsatisfactory conclusion. RAINTREE family Sister: Mercy Raintree, guardian of Sanctuary / Judah Ansara, Ansara-clan Dranir.
March 14, 2022
I read these books as they were published individually way back in 2007. I liked the books then...I vaguely remember. When I came across the box set of the trilogy in my library I decided to re-read.
The older me got really impatient with Mercy...her secrets, knowing what was to come up against the Sanctuary...AND she never once warned her bro the 'king' to whom she owes her loyalty. The survival of the clan was at stake amd she selfishly chose to keep HER OWN SECRET. Clueless was all I could say about the Raintrees...Keep your enemies close as they say and the Raintree never bothered to even keep track of who the Dranir of the Ansaras was...few though they might be as the Raintrees complacently believed. I believe in this Judah might have been the mightier Dranir.
I got bored in the middle of the book actually and skimmed to the back just to see how this ultimate 'custody battle to the death' would turn out. Pffftt...Just a passable book to me so barely 3*
The older me got really impatient with Mercy...her secrets, knowing what was to come up against the Sanctuary...AND she never once warned her bro the 'king' to whom she owes her loyalty. The survival of the clan was at stake amd she selfishly chose to keep HER OWN SECRET. Clueless was all I could say about the Raintrees...Keep your enemies close as they say and the Raintree never bothered to even keep track of who the Dranir of the Ansaras was...few though they might be as the Raintrees complacently believed. I believe in this Judah might have been the mightier Dranir.
I got bored in the middle of the book actually and skimmed to the back just to see how this ultimate 'custody battle to the death' would turn out. Pffftt...Just a passable book to me so barely 3*
June 7, 2010
There needs to be a special rating system for books like this, written by more than one author. I would rate this one 2 1/2 stars, 3 stars, and minus one. The first section ended in mid-plot (made me MAD!), and the second one barely avoided the dreaded "segue syndrome" (where the story is only a link between the beginning and the end with no redeeming features of its own. For a classic case, see "Back to the Future", part 2). The last section was one of the silliest stories I've ever read. THis book took a good premise and fairly decent characters from the first two sections, and in the third, added stupid people and a mutant child and turned them all into a mush of purple prose. Geesh. What a waste of some decent authors' time.
March 12, 2022
Really amazing book, I couldn’t stop reading. Each chapter felt like its own cliffhanger, you couldn’t not read the next one to see what happened next. The heroines in each story were all so headstrong and knew how handle themselves and their men.
However, I felt that the end was a bit rushed and Judah was very harsh and dominating, almost forcing her to sleep with him and then all of a sudden on the battlefield did he acknowledge that he loved her, would’ve liked to see a bit more of Mercy and Judah together and watch them grow closer before the battle. And eve seemed way older than the age she was perceived to be, but overall incredibly written by all three authors, I thoroughly enjoyed it, so much so I wish I could reread it for the first time again
However, I felt that the end was a bit rushed and Judah was very harsh and dominating, almost forcing her to sleep with him and then all of a sudden on the battlefield did he acknowledge that he loved her, would’ve liked to see a bit more of Mercy and Judah together and watch them grow closer before the battle. And eve seemed way older than the age she was perceived to be, but overall incredibly written by all three authors, I thoroughly enjoyed it, so much so I wish I could reread it for the first time again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2012
Since this book is a compilation of three, I guess I should put my thoughts about all three books.
I didn't care for INFERNO. I couldn't get into the characters and I honestly couldn't see how they were able to fall in love given the circumstances. HAUNTED was better. I could relate to the characters and there was enough of story to keep me interested without sounding unbelievable. SANCTUARY is by far the best. The relationship between the main characters was strong and believable. I was able to relate to the characters. Also, the final battle scene was awesome. Albeit, a bit like a deus ex machina, but ultimately, I really liked it.
I didn't care for INFERNO. I couldn't get into the characters and I honestly couldn't see how they were able to fall in love given the circumstances. HAUNTED was better. I could relate to the characters and there was enough of story to keep me interested without sounding unbelievable. SANCTUARY is by far the best. The relationship between the main characters was strong and believable. I was able to relate to the characters. Also, the final battle scene was awesome. Albeit, a bit like a deus ex machina, but ultimately, I really liked it.
January 21, 2014
3.5 stars! It was a good short series that I did enjoy. I loved how with the 3 books you also had 3 authors. Very creative!
This series covers the lives of three siblings. They show what is happening during the same time period and how it all comes together in the end. The only thing I was disappointed in was how much the author in the third story skipped a huge chunk of the end scene with all the different characters. It felt rushed and left you feeling slightly disappointed.
Other than that I would recommend it to someone who doesn't mind paranormal romance and wants something a little different.
This series covers the lives of three siblings. They show what is happening during the same time period and how it all comes together in the end. The only thing I was disappointed in was how much the author in the third story skipped a huge chunk of the end scene with all the different characters. It felt rushed and left you feeling slightly disappointed.
Other than that I would recommend it to someone who doesn't mind paranormal romance and wants something a little different.
October 27, 2016
I've only just finished the last book (haven't read the first 2). I liked the paranormal stuff, the romance a bit meh, and I was unsatisfied with the ending, but it was fun and hooked it me when none of the books for the past months have done so.
Okay, done with the whole trilogy. I suggest you read them in one go because otherwise, the stories would feel incomplete. The third book seems the weakest to me, mostly because, I think, the hero is an asshole. My fave, I think, is Gideon's story.
The whole series is more action/event driven than character or plot driven but I was entertained and if we ever get stories based on the kids, I'd probably devour them too.
Okay, done with the whole trilogy. I suggest you read them in one go because otherwise, the stories would feel incomplete. The third book seems the weakest to me, mostly because, I think, the hero is an asshole. My fave, I think, is Gideon's story.
The whole series is more action/event driven than character or plot driven but I was entertained and if we ever get stories based on the kids, I'd probably devour them too.
August 29, 2019
The first and second stories in the series are the best part of the trilogy. The third story in the book started of as good but towards the end was a letdown and felt rushed.Mercy the guardian of the Raintree Homeland was a strong woman but towards the end felt like she just started giving in to a guy who she knew for a bit and was just under the charmed even though at the beginning it felt like she was this strong woman that didn’t do what she was told and at the end was willing to risk everything for the guy she loved to the point of lying and betraying her brothers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2009
This book is an anthology of the 3 books in the Raintree series. The stories are about the 3 Raintree siblings and their paranormal gifts. This was a great read. I really had a hard time putting it down once I started. Each author had their own distinctive stamp on the characters and really took me for a ride in each story as the siblings battled with the "bad guys". I highly recommend this book to lovers of paranormal romances.
October 19, 2010
This book has three stories by three different writers but about the same family. I enjoyed Inferno and Sanctuary story Haunted was ok. I wished the family talked more I would have liked to see some kind of bond between them. It would have been good to see Danti, Gideon and Jadah talk or fight the ending seem to come together to easy. I did like the over all story I just wish it was by one author.
Read
July 30, 20113 short novellas combined to make 1 book. The 1st 2 were good, the 3rd didn't hold my interest. They all take place at the same time, then come together towards the end of the 3rd book. I think these would have been better if they had been fleshed out a bit more. Each of the books could have stood alone as its own novel had they been a bit longer, and a bit more detailed. Felt a little rushed. Not bad, not wonderful, just "eh"
August 8, 2012
This book is three stories written by three separate authors and is absolutely amazing. The paranormal activity is a bit "out there", but so much fun to read. I wish there was a follow up - I would love to read more...couldnt put the book down. Great value for a 500 plus page book. The way they all came together was great. Very exciting with a strange, hot and very fast romance. Amazing how much can happen in week! A must read.
September 18, 2012
I enjoyed "Inferno" and "Haunted", but when it came to "Sanctuary ", that section of the book was nowhere near as good as the other parts. For one thing the author resorted to the "he rapes her and then she wants him" bit that I was really hoping went out of fashion. The other two protagonists used seduction not force. The narrative was also much weaker in the final part. The epilogue was fairy tale happy ending without the charm. I won't be looking for any books by Beverly Barton.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2011
I loved this book, I might have struggled with it had all 3 not been together in the ebook. I thought the three books worked well together and kept me wanting more. Loved eve she was precocious and loveable and a little perturbing but you want her to win out because she is most of all cute. i would reccomend this book to anyone.
August 30, 2011
This trilogy by three different authors, really lets you kknow that the three ladies; Linda Howard, Linda Winstead Joens, and Beverly Barton, really worked together to have this set come together almost seamlessly. In fact the way it ends, you feel like there should be yet another book to this series to continue on from where it ends. Grab this set and enjoy it for a week-end.
December 14, 2010
สนุก ๆๆ� ค่� เล่มนี้ซื้อเพราะ
1. ถูกมาก ได้อ่า� 3 เรื่อ� ไม่ถึง 3 ดอลล่าร์
2. ชอบลินดา โฮเวิร์� แต่นักเขียนอี� 2 ท่านก็เขียนได้สนุกมากเช่นกัน อ่านไปอ่านมาชอบเรื่องสุดท้ายที่สุด จบได้ดีถูกใจคนอ่านแม้จะเน่าไปนิด
สรุปแล้วชอบอ่ะ เพราะพระเอกหล่อๆๆ� ทุกเรื่องเลย
1. ถูกมาก ได้อ่า� 3 เรื่อ� ไม่ถึง 3 ดอลล่าร์
2. ชอบลินดา โฮเวิร์� แต่นักเขียนอี� 2 ท่านก็เขียนได้สนุกมากเช่นกัน อ่านไปอ่านมาชอบเรื่องสุดท้ายที่สุด จบได้ดีถูกใจคนอ่านแม้จะเน่าไปนิด
สรุปแล้วชอบอ่ะ เพราะพระเอกหล่อๆๆ� ทุกเรื่องเลย
October 13, 2012
En general me ha gustado mucho la trama principal. Las historias de cada hermano son entretenidas, pero la de Mercy y Judah se me hizo muy inverosímil. Demasiado "buenos amigos" después de tanto tiempo.
March 26, 2015
En esta trilogía se nota que lo importante es la trama, los acontecimientos que se relatan, más que la evolución personal o la psicología de los personajes. Las autoras, sobre todo Linda Howard, podrían haber sacado muchísimo más provecho de ellos.
July 25, 2015
It was...
Interesting how the three writers got this set to merge into one story. I really enjoyed the characters and the battle of wills between all the stories. Good versus evil always make me think and hope.
Interesting how the three writers got this set to merge into one story. I really enjoyed the characters and the battle of wills between all the stories. Good versus evil always make me think and hope.
November 15, 2016
A beloved reread
I enjoy this series a great deal. It is amongst my few rereads. I certainly recommend it. You will enjoy the interaction between these alpha males as they build relationships with their chosen mates, all while the enemy tries to destroy them.
I enjoy this series a great deal. It is amongst my few rereads. I certainly recommend it. You will enjoy the interaction between these alpha males as they build relationships with their chosen mates, all while the enemy tries to destroy them.
November 15, 2020
Could have been an interesting story but the male characters were all rapists and the women grateful! if this is a "sensual paranormal romance" I fear what women are being taught is acceptable and sensual. #metoo
January 23, 2009
The first series...I love it enough...
March 3, 2009
Great if you love a little supspense, a little romance and a little supernatural.
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