Fantasy Lover (Dark-Hunter Novels Book 1)

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Thoughts:

"Dirty Joke." Is the first thoughts that pop into my head after reading Fantasy Lover. Personally I love a dirty joke, especially a good one. Fantasy Lover is one good dirty joke.

I'm not saying that it didn't have some intense moments. Jillian is our man trapped in the book to be a "love slave," and Kenyon brings the harsh reality of that into light. Grace has been wounded before and no longer trusts men. She's a sex therapist who doesn't have sex, but when you've lost you're virginity to a bet sex starts to sour. They're both damaged and Kenyons straight forward writing amplifies the healing the two do to each other.

I will admit for all the raving out there this was a little disappointing. The plot was very formalistic. Good characters, that dirty humor, and a fun pace makes it seem pretty original. Even though I found myself annoyed at the same old miscommunication ploy (you know the one where neither character can confess their feelings, and they both feel they don't deserve each other because of low self esteem issues) I was still cheering them on.

The Greek mythology was a surprise. Vampires always popped into mind when thinking about the Dark Hunter series. For this Xena and Hercules fan it was a real treat to have Greek myths and tragedies gracing the pages. Gods and Goddess pop up and it's so fun. I love getting takes on other peoples versions of Greek gods. Jillian's life was like a Greek tragedy and I loved it!!

Bottom Line: If you love a dirty joke, with one heck of a punch line, this is the book for you. Greek myth and tragedy mix well together to give the reader a fun paranormal romance. If you've been thinking about reading the series I would say don't miss out on this book 0. I don't know much about this series, but some of the characters that show up in other books are mentioned and met in this book breifly so I think it will add to the series as you read it.

Sexual content:

Full sex scenes, naughty words, and talk about sex. (What part of dirty joke didn't you understand!?)

Rating: 3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

After reading this book, I've decided to go back to all of my reviews and increase the stars because I was totally floored at how poorly written this book was considering the author stays at the top of the bestseller lists.

Admittedly the storyline was pretty original and yes I understand that this was Kenyon's first book, but considering the poor execution which encompassed:

1. Overuse of "growl", "as", "but"
2. Ping Pong point of view to where I had difficulty figuring out who was talking in a scene
3. Lackluster sex scenes/no chemistry
4. Heroine's occupation as a sex therapist didn't quite fit because she has problems with intimacy even though she's only had sex once
5. Telling us how the characters feel
6.Describing New Orleans how most lazy writers do as if they've pulled it from a tourist site. If I read one more book set in New Orleans that only uses Jackson Square and the Brewery as settings I'm going to scream.
7. Very little description of the setting

In my humble opinion, Ms. Kenyon's series should never be compared to Kresley Cole's Immortal Series to the points its almost blasphemy considering this book should never have been given the green light.

Being trapped in a bedroom with a woman is a grand thing. Being trapped in hundreds of bedrooms over two thousand years isn't. And being cursed into a book as a love-slave for eternity can ruin even a Spartan warrior's day.

As a love-slave, I know everything about women. How to touch them, how to savor them, and most of all, how to pleasure them. But when I was summoned to fulfill Grace Alexander's sexual fantasies, I found the first woman in history who saw me as a man with a tormented past. She alone bothered to take me out of the bedroom and into the world. She taught me to love again.

But I wasn't born to know love. I was cursed to walk eternity alone. As an ancient Greek general, I had long ago accepted my sentence. Yet now I have found Grace-- the one thing my wounded heart cannot survive without. Sure, love can heal all wounds, but can it break a two-thousand-year-old curse?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grace had only had one Sexual encounter in her life and it was not a good one. So she pretty much has stoped the hole dating scene not wanting to get hurt again. For her birthday her best friend Selena decided she needed a man to show her its not all bad and bring her out of this rut she is in. Selena found this book believed to possess a great love slave that if you release him on a full moon he will stay and serve your every desire till the next full moon.

To Graces shock the spell works and she is confronted with a naked man from the book. She is stunned and not knowing what else to do she brings him in and cares for him. learning that he is not only a Spartan warrior but a cursed one. She sees his pain and torment he has gone though his hole life even before his curse and she is compelled to help him find a way to break this curse and be free.

Julian has been curse for centuries but never has he found a woman like Grace she is beautiful and strong and she sees him as man not a worrier who has won menny battles or a slave who is only here to please her, she actually wants to do things just to please him. He has never had a woman take such care of him, or such gentle touch. He wants her like no other woman. But to what end he will leave once the full moon comes again and once again he will be trapped in darkness.

I liked this book it was different. I loved the Greek Element to it and all the Greek mythology she mixed with the background story . I think Julian is a strong warrior and your heart aches for him and his past. Grace is also strong in her own way she doesn't see her self the way Julian dose . She had been used and discarded before and feels that it will be that way again .I enjoyed all the characters .This book was a good choice i will continue the series for sure.

"Fantasy Lover" is the first book in Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Dark Hunter" series. It's based on a Spartan Warrior, Julian, who has been trapped in a book for over two thousand years. He was cursed to remain in the book except when summoned by a woman to be used as a love-slave until the next full moon. He enjoyed women as much as they enjoyed him back in his day, but being used for so long has forced him to block off his emotions and resign himself to his curse. When he's summoned by Grace, with the prodding of her friend, to fill all of her desires he finds the one woman who sees him for the man he truly is. Julian has never known love in all his years, even as a child, so he can't understand why Grace wants to help him. Will Grace be just the thing he needs to break the curse?
The book started out a little silly with the "trapped in a book" curse. Okay, I admit that as far as paranormal books go that probably doesn't sound very strange, but it made me wonder where he was going with the story. It quickly picked up some side plots and back stories that caught my attention. With the Greek Gods it kind of reminded me of "Lords of the Underworld" which of course made me smile! The way Sherrilyn Kenyon describes the connection between Julian and Grace was amazing. I truly enjoyed this book. While in theory this should have been a dark book with the story line it just felt like a lighter read then a lot of the other PNR/UF books which was nice for a change. I will definitely be continuing this series.

(...)

This book was loaned to me because of the fantasy aspect, and I read it to be polite. At first I planned a scathing review, but as I look over the feedback this novel has received so far, I realize I am not being fair to the novel, or the genre. As a fantasy/romance novel, this book was okay. I get the strong impression that fans of this genre are not terribly concerned with character development, or plot complexity. That being said, what I liked about this book was:

The imprisonment of Julian, and the fact that he was conscious, and experienced normal human needs that could not be fulfilled while he was trapped.

The Greek God/Goddesses that popped in and out.

Julian's backstory, and the fact that he wasn't always a saint, erring not once, but twice in a major way.

What I did not like about this novel was the extreme simplicity of the plot. The main conflict between Julian and Grace is the ONLY conflict. Okay, so there's a creepy stalker used to endanger Grace's life and give Julian a chance to save it. I imagine a romance novel is not complete unless the damsel is saved at least once.

The characters were simple little things, and the reader knew exactly how their development would wind up.

This novel is for readers who want a sexy brain vacation. This novel is not for serious fantasy-heads that are seeking extensive plot/character development. People who enjoy this novel may want to try Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake (books 11-current) or Merry Gentry (all) series. Those recommended series have easily deciphered plots, and plenty of sex. Those seeking more in-depth fantasy with a touch of plot driven sex may enjoy Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carrey.

I really really enjoyed this. I can't believe I've waited so long to read this! I love this genre anyway so this is just a great addition to my author's I gotta read list.
I loved both the Hero Julian & the heroine Grace, both were likable characters especially Grace, too often the women are portrayed as been weak and/or needy but Grace was very strong if not a little sad, which was totally understandable.
The author managed at different times to give me an ache in my chest, butterflies in my tummy and a smile on my face! As well as *cough* other emotions LOL.
There was also some great humor in this book such as when Grace grabs something to protect herself and it turns out to be her Bunny slipper or when she tries to teach Julian to drive. They also have some great banter between them which I always love in a story.
There does seem to be a little confusion for people when they are starting the Dark Hunter series as to whether this is No 1 or not. From chatting to other people I understand that it is not the first in the series but a more a story on the fringe's of the world and can be enjoyed at any stage of the series. Night Pleasures is technically the first and that is where I am headed right now!
See ya :)

As all romance novels tell us, true love doesn't just fall from a tree. It must be earned. No matter how Mr. Right comes into a woman's life, no matter how she feels when their gazes meet, love must be earned.

Grace Alexander is a psychologist, ironically a sex psychologist with no love life. On her birthday after a few glasses of wine, she is goaded into speaking an incantation that brings a personal love slave to life. Lifted from the pages of an arcane book, Julian of Macedon will be hers for a month to fulfill her every carnal desire.

Kenyon makes great use of Greek mythology in Fantasy Lover, which is refreshing considering how overused the whole Celtic mythos is. Julian is the son of Aphrodite and a mortal Spartan warrior. From his mother he gets irresistible attractiveness: women flock to him like bees to honey. From his father he got a harsh upbringing and military training from the age of seven. The Greek gods play a significant role in the action, with all the pettiness, attitude, and backbiting that they showed in the Iliad. Being trapped in the book and condemned to eternity as a love slave is Julian's punishment for offending a minor god.

Once the wine wears off, Grace realizes that she doesn't want to have sex with a stranger, no matter how hot he is and no matter what messages her body is sending. Julian has never had this experience in his centuries of servitude.

I love that Grace, a psychologist, has lots of issues. Books never get that right. She is mourning her parents, years after their death, keeping their room as a shrine. She is scarred by a bad first sexual experience that left her unable to open up mentally or physically to men. Julian has his issues too, and they forge a tentative bond that becomes real love.

Fantasy Lover is fun, emotionally true, and pretty sexually charged. Don't read it on an airplane if you are a sensitive sort - your seatmate will wonder why you are blushing and squirming.

I originally read this before the other books, and it lost me. But recently I re-read it after reading all the others in the Dark Hunter series and changed my mind about it. This introduces characters and the paranormal world explored more in the rest of the Dark-Hunter/Dream-Hunter series, but doesn't completely immerse you in that world. It is a stand alone that can be read without the rest - there are no plot thread left dangling, but reading the other books gives more depth of perception to this one. Julian, the Lover, is a multi-facted character rather than the dumb pretty boy one would expect from a sex slave. After living a life with little happiness, he was finally cursed to spend his existence captive in a book, only to get out when summoned by a temporary mistress.
I found Grace, the heroine, to be surprisingly staid for a sex therapist. Aside from the statement in the book that she is a sex therapist, little of her profession shows in her character or behavior. She could just as well be the town librarian or a waitress. I still think that's true, but Grace is appealing as a plain Jane with the strength of character to appeal to someone who's godlike gorgeous, but has known suffering and is looking for someone with more than looks to offer. I do recommend reading a few of the Dark Hunter series, both for their own merit and to give more perspective to this book. In fact I would say that if you like this one, you will really like the ones afterwards. If you haven't read the others, let this be your introduction to a great series.

The book that was the start of my addiction to Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter world! I have revisited this story time and time again. Julian of Macedon is the ultimate sexy alpha male, but it is by virtue of his brain and heart that he wins one woman completely over. Grace is unlike any woman in Julian's experience; a woman that would put his freedom ahead of her own desires. New Orleans is a fitting location for this gripping story filled with myths, mysticism, sensuality, passion, and romance.

One of my favorite SK books. Not really a D-H, but in that same world. Julian of Macedon gets cursed into a scroll, forced to be a sex-slave when summoned. Grace Alexander had a traumatic experience (actually, a couple) several years ago & her friend (dear, dear Selena Laurens) thinks she needs a little loosening up. Enter Julian's book, a spell, and *poof* naked Julian in Grace's living room.

This story is funny, heartbreaking, sweet and of course hot, because it's SK. ; ) I love the friendship that develops btwn these two as Grace resists the temptation that is Julian, and Julian tries to figure out why she summoned him if she won't just use him already! *laugh* I also like how his relationship w/ his mom comes into play - I just like the dynamic of that whole aspect of the D-H universe. : )

Wow! Talk about SPICY! I figured there be some sort of spice factor to a book titled Fantasy Lover, but man was I surprised! This book is definitely not for those that can't stand a graphic read. That being said, the love story between the cover's of Kenyon's first in the Dark Hunter series is touchingly sweet.

Julian is the son of a goddess and destined to live a life never quite fitting in anywhere. After a great tragedy takes place, Julian is forever bound in a book. His only freedom comes when a woman finds him and calls him forth at midnight on a full moon. He gets to step foot on Earth once again, but only until the next moon. Luckily for the woman, he is blessed with a touch no female can ignore and no male can compete with. But is being an immortal love slave all that its hyped up to be?

Grace is a sex therapist who hasn't "practiced" her craft in years. She was hurt by the last man to touch her and is unwilling to lose herself to anyone again. At the whim of her eccentric friend she calls Julian forth from his book and discovers that she's stuck with him for the next month. What's an unwilling partner and a sex slave to do?

Kenyon wrote a winner here, in my opinion. Yes the graphic parts were graphic, but if you don't mind that too much then you have one heck of an adventure here.

Let me break this down into two parts - content and formatting.

Content:
I started first with the free sample. The sample was intriguing. I found it entertaining, but didn't feel an uncontrollable urge to immediately buy the full book. I went ahead and, on the recommendation from a friend, bought the book.

The story is absolutely riveting! I literally had my Kindle sitting next to my sink this morning so I could read while I was brushing my teeth. I was almost late to work because I couldn't put the book down. The main character, Grace, is well written and endearing. The "Fantasy Lover" Jullian is a DREAM. I am now hooked and will probably buy more of the series in the next day or two.

Formatting:
The actual Kindle formatting left something to be desired. There were several typos (ex. the main character Grace routinely becomes "Grade") which take a pass or two to decipher.

Unlike some other Kindle books, the progress bar does NOT have marks for chapter breaks.

I could not move the controller right and left to skip between chapters as I could in other books.

And, the anal-retentive part of me noticed several sentences that would just finish... no punctuation.

Overall:
A very enjoyable experience. I would recommend this book highly to others.

Ok, I am not going to go into much detail because I see that has been done quite well. Grace's friend gives her a book and if the right words are said then a love slave will appear to grant your every desire for a short amount of time, enter Julian...the mistreated love slave cursed by the roman gods to spend eternity as a love slave. When he realizes Grace does not want him sexually he is astounded since he has been doing this for so long. When they realize there is a way to free Julian from the curse they set their course, during this time Grace falls in love with Julian...even knowing he will leave her when the curse is lifted.

***Ok, I gave this book a try because I have heard alot about it...Sherrilyn Kenyon is said to rival Kresley Cole. Well, after reading this book I can say that this does not even come close to the IMMORTALS AFTER DARK series. I just did not get a feel for Julian and Grace...after I read the book I didn't think about it again. It was not a horrible story, just unremarkable...I would not recommend this book. Are any of the others better???

Fantasy Lover is one of the best books I've read. I love the time travel genre and her's are exceptitonally good.

Grace Alexander has been dumped by her former lover and has been celibate ever since. She doesn't have much trust in men because of it, even though she's a sex therapist and helps other people get over those things. Her friend, Selena, and her sister, Amanda, get together to find her a man. They discover an ancient book that has a portrait of a man in it. Selena discovers that there is a spell that, when spoken, will bring the man back to life. They implore Grace to say those words, and when she does, the man is transformed from inside the pages of the book to real life.

The man is the most gorgeous thing they've ever seen, and women are swooning over him immediately. The men, however, are jealous. Selena and Amanda encourage Grace to take Julian home, and that's when the fun starts. Besides Julian, there are several other characters that are introduced that play a part in the next of the series.

Ms. Kenyon has written a story that keeps you entralled from beginning to end. I've read several books of this genre, but I believe her's are the best. I recommend this hands down!

I had no idea how the plotline of a 2000-year-old sex slave curse and a modern day therapist was going to turn out, but oh my goodness I loved it! The chemistry and romance between Grace and Julian was amazing - particularly as they are so very different. It's a real case of opposites attract! I found myself rooting for them very early on in the book, and once I'd gotten to about half way, I couldn't put it down. I just needed to know the ending. Although the story has it's unusual elements, it works really well and actually comes across very believable. Highly recommended!

Sex therapist Grace Alexander is turning twenty-nine, and her track record in relationships with men has been less than stellar. Her closest friend Selena, a gypsy palm reader, is concerned that Grace lacks a love life and gives her a very special birthday gift. A two thousand year old book that, according to legend, contains a Greek God trapped inside its covers for all eternity, to be summoned by a woman as her own personal love slave. Grace is skeptical, but jokingly plays along with reciting the words to bring him forth. Nothing happens.
Well, initially nothing happens. But a little later she finds a huge, gorgeous, and very naked warrior in her house ready to fulfill her every fantasy. Now while most of us would nail shut all the windows and doors, take the phone off the hook, and never leave home again, Grace refuses to give in to her urges. In fact, she insists he wear clothes, takes him out in public, and treats him as a human.
A Greek general, and son of the goddess Aphrodite, Julian of Macedon was cursed by his jealous brother, and placed in the book to spend eternity alone. Except for when a woman summons him, and then he spends from one full moon to the next pleasuring her, and he knows everything about pleasuring a woman. Julian learned long ago to accept his fate, and no longer feels anything, but Grace changes all that. Now together they will work to figure out how to break the curse, but when they discover how, will they each be willing to follow through with what's required?
This remains one of, if not the most unique romance novel I've read to date. When I decided to read this book, it was with a mix of intrigue for the original storyline, and trepidation it would be too far-fetched, and might be to the point of ridiculous. But the fact this book is on the Romance Writers of America's Top Ten List, of the year it was published, prompted me to give it a try. And I have to say I wasn't disappointed. This story is very well written, and even though it stretches the limits of the imagination, it does not come off as ridiculous or silly as I had feared. The mix of myth, romance, tenderness, humor, intrigue, and yes, some really sizzling love scenes, makes for an intoxicating and memorable reading experience. I actually read this several months ago, and even though I've read many books since this, I still remember this one.
If I had to come up with something negative, it would probably be that I felt the climatic ending was stretched out a little too long. The number of events that occurred then went wrong, thus requiring Aphrodite's intervention, got a little frustrating for me. I'll leave it at that; so not too much of the ending is given away. In the grand scheme of things, that was only minor, and this book is definitely worth checking out for yourself.

Julian has been trapped in a book for over two thousand years. Whomever summons him, he becomes their sex slave for a month. Gracie, a sex physicist, is about to turn 29 and her best friend Selena (who reads tarot cards and tells the future) gives her the book. They get drunk and try to summon him. When nothing happens Selena thinks they done it wrong but after she leaves a very handsome, naked guys appears in Gracie's living room. He is shocked when he discovers she doesn't want to have sex with a stranger and then he leave. So as she shows him the modern world, they both fall in love. There is a way to break the spell but will they be able to hold off and wait until the last night of his stay?

I've seen Sherrilyn Kenyon's books all over the place, and finally went to pick one up at the used bookstore. Apparently the one I grabbed was a newer one, so the woman very helpfully steered me toward the first in the series, and said that the title was silly but the book was great.

Okay, I'll go for it, she seemed to genuinely like it.

Now I'm not really sure what there is to like about it. The characters were completely flat and contrived, and the constant "woe is me" and lack of any real plot made it like slugging through molasses.

~SPOILERS!~

There were a couple of "conflicts" in there, but the one at the end that should have been the climax of the novel was resolved in a single page. And oh, surprise! Now Julian is rich, and suddenly has a teaching degree in addition to being amazingly sensitive and gorgeous. Oh, and she's so "plain" but he thinks she's beautiful!

It reminded me of Twilight, sans sparkly vampires and with more (oh-so-meaningful) sex. There are so many deus ex machina situations in this book, it felt a lot like the author had no initial plotline, just wrote things in as she thought of them.

A good drinking game would be to go through and take a shot at every mention of Julian's erection, or every time he says that he wants to feel Grace's hair on his chest.

I'm undecided as to if I'll read another one of her books or not - many people seem to say that her later books are significantly better. I did find one at the dollar store (hardback even!) though that fact doesn't bode very well for it.

I devoured this book in record time and can't rave enough about it. It was often amusing, at times poignant, sometimes intense, and always sensual. I'm surprised my hands weren't singed with the extraordinarily steamy scenes! Grace Alexander and Julian of Macedon were incredibly likeable characters and both had past hurts that needed to be overcome. She is a sex therapist who doesn't much care for the sexual act (after a bad first experience) but has a desperate desire to find love. Julian is a legendary warrior born of Aphrodite who has been cursed to be a love-slave for all eternity. After being cursed since 149 B.C., he finally finds out that there is a way to break the curse but there is a catch. Although there is a sizzling mutual attraction that is hard to deny, Grace refuses to treat Julian as a possession to be used physically, instead treating him with kindness and humanity. Julian having numbed his emotions to avoid further pain finds it hard to resist Grace. Physically she attracts him as no woman ever has, emotionally she lures him with a sensitivity he has never been shown throughout his painful life. Ms. Kenyon has an enviable imagination and does a wonderful job bringing to life Greek mythology with well-known gods and goddesses and interesting tales of harsh Spartan life. These are two characters that have you rooting throughout for them - from their first meeting to the very climactic conclusion. This book is a must read and has earned a spot in my keeper shelf.

A beautiful cursed demi god and a woman with hurt past...will they overcome the curse and cruelty of gods? Very entertaining story you won't want to put down. Of course, there is definitely a happy ending but will keep you on the edge until last minute.

This was my first read of Sherrilyn Kenyon. I have heard that the Dark Hunter series is really good, and hopefully they get better after this prequel. It's a rather silly concept that a Marcedonian General is stuck for eternity within a book. It starts out kinda slow, and takes awhile to get interested in. It does improve however, and I ended up enjoying the book, as the two main characters kinda pull at your heartstrings.
It seems to have a rather sad love story, that keeps you reading and reading to find out just what the outcome will be.
If you like the typical romantic read, then you will most likely enjoy this book.

This is a review on the Audio CDs of Fantasy Lover. Read by Christine Marshall.

I have read the book Fantasy Lover, and I liked it. I thought it was a good start to the Dark Hunter series. I love a good "man trapped woman saves him" story, especially with some excellent erotic scenes and it being fantasy driven. Julian of Macedon is a love slave trapped in a book, only released when a woman who knows how to do so wants him to pleasure her for one month. Its a curse that was put upon him many years ago by a family member. Grace, the woman who summoned him as a joke, is a sex therapist who shys away from sex because she has been poorly treated in the past by men. When Julian is brought into this century, its all brand new to him and he doesnt understand our use of language. Kenyon could have used this as an interesting issue, but instead has Julian uttering phrases such as "Why would anyone one want to eat food that touts itself as being hard as a rock?" when going to the Hard Rock Cafe, and after Grace says "she is a housewife" Julian comes back with "Is she married to a house?" This is my only complaint about the book over all, the cheesiness of Julians confusion over being here in Graces time and not his. Oh that and how Grace "Hisses" all the time.

HOWEVER, despite some cheese, its a heartfelt romantic well plotted out book. If you love the Black Dagger Brotherhood series J.R. Ward Box Set You will enjoy the Dark Hunter series as well.

Now onto the Audio CD Issues:

The audio version is terribly inadequate. Poorly read. Christine Marshall has apparantly won a "Audiofile Earphones Award" for her readings of books, but for this one I wouldnt give her a paper certificate of achievement much less an award. Grace is in New Orleans but sounds like she is in Atlanta fanning herself during the Civil War. Graces accent is also not consistent throughout. The voice that Christine uses for Julian is excrutiating! You are supposed to picture him as being a warrior, strong and masculine and skilled in the sexual arts, he is from Macedon which is in greece. Marshall give Julian a voice that sounds like its part Dracula, part smarmy italian guy and she does not make it deep enough. Hearing her read the intimate parts was painful, they are supposed to be steamy, heart pounding and loving and instead they come out sounding weak and uncomfortable.

In closing, just read the books, Skip the Audio CDS.

This book haunted me even when I wasn't reading it. I would get glimpses out of nowhere of Julian's dimpled smile, Grace reading "Peter Pan" to Julian on the floor in front of the couch, her holding him when he was his most vulnerable and so on. SUCH an enthralling tale of two people who keep being haunted by their pasts, yet ultimately they want the same thing!!

I mean, just imagine it. You being in Julian's place. TWO THOUSAND years in complete darkness, with hunger and thirst ravaging your body, yet you can't move. You are in explicit pain, yet you can hear as the world outside the book you're in, changes and you can't take part. Only you can have 30 days of being out of that obscurity and even then you're trapped. Being a sex slave, seeing only bedrooms and hidden, not being treated as a human but a mere pet. I have never read of a more tortured past. It's ridiculous. Two thousand years. Christ. And even before that; life was never enjoyable. Never had he felt love.

Then you've got Grace Alexander. Intelligent, loyal, kind, brave Grace. Who even though was basically raped by a guy of her past and tragically lost her parents who showed her that love never fades with time; she has yet to give up on love. She is the first person ever to attempt to set Julian free from his curse; the first person to make him feel like a man again in EVERY sense of the word :)

These two people come from such different pasts, but both know what it feels like to be used, hurt, alone. Both know what is unjust. Yet inside, they both yearn for a home, a love. The sexual encounters build and get stronger from the first encounter; gathering budding emotions as it goes on until you finally get the THE scene and bam! Kenyon beats it over your head constantly and it's so darn nice to have an author be so persistent and never let up on the pressure. You're CONSTANTLY reminded of where they come from, what they've been through, the thoughts that pass through their heads at any given moment; You never forget how badly they want the other, how badly they wished things were different.

Such a compelling tale, completely overwhelmed me with its intensity and passionate moments. I have read a lot of romance novels so I have become immune to love scenes and such, and have lost that feeling of my muscles clenching wonderfully while reading a love scene. But my goodness, I got the feeling back!! You put these two intense people together and you get PASSION. And then there are the light-hearted stuff; Julian learning to drive while he would have rather played with Grace's pedals, humorous one-liners ("gluteus rumpus"), this red negligee, steamy shower scenes with such detailing...

This story made me laugh out loud, blush like mad, tear up and cry. It's just so easy to lose yourself in such a world. There is wonderful Greek mythology, betrayal, strong emotions both repressed and glorified in, and such beautiful, tender exchanges between Julian of Macedon and his precious, saving Grace Alexander.

Happy Reading :)

Grace Alexander has pretty much sworn off men after being hurt in her past. Still, when her best friend gives her an incantation to recite at midnight on her birthday to bring to life a Macedonian love slave, she can't resist. Her recital brings forth Julian of Macedon, a general of Sparta and a man of war who has been cursed by his brother to remain in darkness except when called forth by a woman to act as her love slave. Bitter and angry at the punishment, Julian accepts his fate and vows not to feel anything knowing that he'll eventually be sent back to his punishment. When he meets Grace, he finds he might actually have something to live for.

I thought this book was wonderful and it was nice after having just finished a book from Kenyon's BAD series, which is in fact pretty bad. Julian was everything you look for in a hero: strong, protective, loving. He's almost too good to be true, but then what would you expect from a love slave trained to serve a woman's every need. His relationship with Grace was actually believable, all things considered, and I couldn't wait for them to get together. This was a nice preface to the Dark Hunter series and I'll be sure to read the next book, Night Pleasures.

Julian of Macedon is half Greek God and half human, cursed by his brother Priapus to live in a book as a love slave to be conjured up by women to please their every sexual whim. Julian has been trapped in this book for 2000 years, when one day he is conjured up by Grace Alexander, a sex therapist who hasn't had a relationship in some time. Grace refuses to give into her body's desires and to use Julian as a sex slave because she is decent and has been hurt in the past. Together, Julian and Grace try to find a way to free Julian from the curse.
This book is hot and is very sensual but also very funny. The dialogue is very witty and will have you in fits of giggles every other page. Miss Kenyon sure knows how to turn up the heat. Reading this book is like going through hours of pleasurable foreplay and to arrive at a very satisfying climax. Julian is the most gorgeous hero you will ever meet in a romance novel and you too will be wishing that you can conjure him up from the book as a love slave. Although, there are plenty of sexual scenes, the love story is also gentle and sweet. A very highly recommended read.
Lealing

Grace is given a present of an ancient Greek book by a friend; the book contains a picture of a *very* handsome man - a Greek god in appearance. Her friend insists that if Grace performs a very strange ritual, the Greek god, who is apparently a love-slave, will come to life and be Grace's personal love-slave for a month. Drunk and disbelieving, Grace performs the ritual... and Julian appears in front of her. As large as life, and very, very naked. And ready for action, in whatever way Grace wants him!
Grace, however, isn't a believer in casual sex; her only previous experience was with a man who hurt her very much and then made fun of her publicly afterwards. She's not, therefore, about to jump into bed with a perfect stranger, no matter how attractive he is or how sexily he talks to her. Julian, on the other hand, is compelled to want her as a result of the curse which put him inside the book, and he also recognises that she needs someone to teach her to enjoy sex. And he's determined to do just that!
I thought at this point that the book was going to be a pure romp. But in fact it ended up being very much deeper. Julian is a tortured soul; he had a loveless life before being cursed, and ever since he's been treated abusively by the women who summoned him, in some cases chained to their beds, never allowed anywhere except their bedrooms, and frequently having to plead for food as a reward for sex. To them, he was a body, not a man.
Grace is determined to treat him better than that; he is determined to help her overcome her distrust of men. But even if both manage to achieve their objectives, there is still the hard fact that at the next full moon Julian will disappear back into the book, to be trapped there until the next time someone summons him. Can they treat this as a short-lived relationship? Or is there a way to break the curse?
The book's poignant as well as funny, and I thoroughly enjoyed it - enough to keep an eye out for the second in the series.

After reading the Twilight series and the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, I was quite disappointed with this novel. It was recommended highly by others on the discussion reviews, so that is why I decided to read it. The book was good, it just wasn't great and it didn't hold my interest.

First, I really did like Julian and Grace, but it lacked the raw passion and sexuality that BDB books had. I will say that as a "romance" novel, this was good. I guess this novel read like one of the Harlequin romances, rather than a fantasy or paranormal romance. I didn't feel like I couldn't put it down. With the BDB books, I would sneak into the bathroom to hide from my kids just to read a few more pages. I would stay up late just to read. This book, I didn't feel captivated or like I need to read it again and again. I think JR Ward set the bar kind of high for others.

I bought the 1st 10 books because of the Labor Day sale and I am kicking myself so hard. I usually only buy the first 2 books to see if I like the series, but after Twilight and BDB, which I was reading so fast, I didn't want to wait for the books. BIG MISTAKE. Because I have already bought the books, I will try book #2 "Night Pleasures" tomorrow...I am hoping the series gets better FAST.

Chinyere

This was the first book I have really read by Kenyon and I couldn't put it down....

It starts us off with Grace Alexander, who has bad history with men and doesn't have too much confidence in herself. For her 29th birthday her best friend gifts her with a mysterious book that holds a picture of the absolute most sexy and gorgeous man Grace has ever seen. This man happens to be Julian of Macedon, a spartan general who is the son of Aphrodite and a mortal spartan commander. He's been cursed for the last two thousand years to live within the book and can only be summoned by a woman right before midnight on the night of a full moon by saying his name three times. After he's summoned he is compelled to stay with that woman for an entire month until midnight of the next full moon and he has to pleasure her in any way she wishes, which he is very skilled at.

Grace, not believing a word of the curse and also slightly drunk, summons him - and the fun begins.

This was captivating, funny, heartbreaking and an extremely exciting story. I began it last night at about 8 o'clock, just figuring I would read a chapter or two and ended up halfway through it at 5:30 in the morning. I finished it this afternoon and enjoyed every minute. I love the story that Kenyon spins with this tale and the substance she gave to each character. I must end my review here as I don't want to give too much away but I would highly suggest reading this book. It isn't technically a dark-hunter novel, although the store lists it as one, Kenyon's website lists it as just additional reading to the series. I am glad I read it first though...it gives some insight and hinting to Kyrian of Thrace who appears in the first Dark Hunter novel "Night Pleasures" - I plan to start that one tomorrow.

Demigod Julian of Macedon has been cursed, tormented in a halfway life that makes him a love slave for one woman after another, each for a month. When her friend talks her into summoning a lover, Grace Alexander finally goes along--but the last thing she needs is a man who will love her and abandon her--as did the man who took her virginity years before. Things would be simple if only she didn't find Julian so attractive--and so noble.
Julian can't understand a woman who feeds him, talks to him, lets him out of her bedroom, and won't even have sex with him. But not having sex is simply not an option. As the month they have together goes by, he'll grow more and more insane. But his brother Eros/Cupid tells him that the curse can only be broken if he waits--and he cannot wait.
Even if she can free him from his curse, Grace knows that she can never have Julian for her own. However things turn out for him, for her, the only possible outcome is loss and loneliness.
Author Sherrilyn Kenyon writes a sexy and compelling paranormal story. Julian is an attractive tortured hero (although a bit anachronistic as a pre-Christian whose favorite curse is a corruption of Jesus). Cupid's appearance as a biker is charming.
FANTASY LOVER takes the fantasy of a male love slave and gives it an emotional depth. It's a great read.

I love romance novels, so I don't mind corny, but...oh dear, this was too much. I didn't feel like the book had a climax, it was all too flat to me. Guy thinks girl is unique because he saw him for who he really is, girl sees guy beyond looks and thinks he is great even if she doesn't really know him (I have a feeling that you would never hurt me kind of deal), and then it's all peaches and cream; hugging, kissing, open the door for you, defend your honor, blah blah...and of course the "we can't have sex" premise or what I like to call the "blue balls deal".
It didn't do it for me, but if you want an all nice romance novel to pass the time you might like it.
Maybe it was the fact that I just finished the last of the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels, and this just felt pink to me.

Once upon a time, there lived a mighty Macedonian commander who led his army into victory over the Romans. He was revered by the goddess Athena and feared by his enemies. Some even said he was to be the next Alexander the Great. But power attracts jealousy. And nobody was more eager to destroy him than his own brother. Jealous of Julian's popularity and great looks, Priapus, a lesser-known god hands him the ultimate punishment - that of a man trapped in a book with no company but darkness and solitude. The mighty commander was reduced to nothing more than a sex slave cursed into an eternity of loneliness. For two thousand years, Julian of Macedon would be under the mercy of women until one fateful night in New Orleans.

Four years ago, Grace Alexander lost two of the people she loved the most. To add to her devastation, the first man to show any interest in her took advantage of her grief over her parents' death and has since shattered her trust in men. Then her psychic friend Selena stumbles upon Julian's book and convinces her to conjure him up on the night of her birthday. So several glasses of wine later, Grace decides to indulge Selena and as the clock strikes midnight with the full moon shining on her, she calls out to Julian of Macedon three times not expecting that it will work. But before she knew what was going on, she finds him naked in her living room offering his service to her. And from that moment on, her life would never be the same.

FANTASY LOVER is a fun and original story that had me enthralled from the very first page. I absolutely loved Julian and had this mental picture of a perfect Greek god oozing with immense power and sexuality. And I was glad that Grace wasn't made out to be the beautiful damsel in distress, which we see a lot of in romance novels. In fact, she is smart and independent yet average looking. What really immersed me into the story is the humor and passion between them. From the outside, we have two people who are as different as night and day, yet deep down, they have so much in common that forms a bond between them. Both have suffered the humiliation and pain of rejection and both have lived the life of outsiders. Julian is the first man who didn't find her lacking and made her feel desirable and protected. In return, Grace is the first person to see beyond his face and body, and the only one who actually gave a damn about him when everyone else has treated him like an object to be used. And this is what drew them together and what creates an absorbing story that will have you glued from the very start.

A fantastic, exciting and extremely hot novel, I guarantee that you wouldn't be able to put this down. Believe me, learning to drive a stick has never sounded so hot! And who would have thought that those gods and goddesses in Mt Olympus could be so funny? This book was an absolute joy! I laughed, cried a little and cheered for both of them.

A little cheesy but really enjoyable and with great characters.

Julian is trapped in a scroll that has been in circulation for two thousand years. The scroll allows women to summon him for a month of sexual slavery after which he disappears back into the scroll. The women don't realise, or don't care, that Julian is tormented by this curse and longs for freedom, at least until Grace summons him as part of a joke. The first woman in millenia to see him as a man and not a servant, they develop feelings for each other, but each day brings them closer to Julian recapture by the scroll. How can they break a curse cast by a god?

Note: I also posted this review on Goodreads

Few paranormal romances can surpass the exuberance and vivid imagination conjured up by Sherrilyn Kenyon in her irreverent and zany take on a Greek general Julian of Macedon in 149 B.C cursed by his own mother Aphrodite to languish as a love-slave and one bound to be envious of by man with his stamina and passion. Grace Alexander on her twenty-ninth birthday receives a present from her Gypsy sorceress of a friend, Selena. It's a book that locks Julian up and her pleas and chants for him roused him from his imprisonment to set him alive. Never in her years as a sex-therapist has prepared her for such a heavenly temptation - Julian is a woman's dream come true with the brawns, brains and the look factor.
A hilarious adventure begins when Julian tries to seduce her into bed while Grace is determined to fight off the attraction and treat him with humanity. Julian is unprepared for the emotions this woman has roused in his abused frame and poisoned soul - and soon learns that love is just a heartbeat away. His bleak and nightmarish past stems from a doomed love that killed his children. His honor and dignity is plundered away by the evil scheme of a jealous brother and misunderstandings towards his hurt mother. Grace's compassion transforms into a healing power that magnifies into love, and when the god of lust Eros informs her that the way to dispel the curse is to resist temptation and come together as one in the next-full moon, she is tenacious to save him but could he be willing to salvage himself?
FANTASY LOVER is a buoyant read fuelled by a relentless imagination that captures beautifully the fascinating myths and legends of Greek warriors and gods like the mighty Zeus, love-god Aphrodite, cupid and Psyche. The dramatic revenge, human foibles of envy and pride spun in Julian's tale gives the story substance. It gentles into a romance that brings hope and redemption with Grace as the healer who is intelligent and dignified enough to resist lust and teaches love. Sherrilyn Kenyon is definitely a stellar talent with her celestial tale and sensual powers to mesmerize and provoke imagination. No doubt it is a fantasy that serves as aphrodisiac and candy to the brain, but this sweet charming read is a riot enough to send romance fanatics into a delirious frenzy with their prayers answered.
Thank god for a talent like Sherrilyn Kenyon.

I wanted to like this book and certainly liked Julian. Sadly, though, I never got drawn into the story enough to believe it was real. Some authors, like Moning, Frost and Ward, are able to create fantasy stories that come alive.

Grace comes across as too weak. The whole sex therapist angle for someone who has had one disappointing experience with sex seems lame.

One of the reasons I read this book, was that the idea of another great series was appealing. Unfortunately, this book doesn`t make me want to read books 2 or 3...

This is the first novel introducing fans from around the world to Sherrilyn Kenyon's world of Dark Hunters, Dream Hunters, Were Hunters and angry, vengeful gods who meddle in the lives of mortals...still.

An RWA Top Ten pick among other prestigious awards, Fantasy Lover begins with a beautiful concept. There is a man, trapped in a book, who, when summoned forth appropriately, must act as a sex slave for a full cycle of the moon. What woman wouldn't want that, just once in her life?

The problem is, when Grace, mocking the curse, calls Julian of Macedon free from the scroll she never imagined 1) it was real and 2) how touched she would be by the trails he'd endured for centuries.

I, as per the norm, began reading Sherrilyn Kenyon's works out of order. That is actually to her credit, that each novel can stand along, not needing the understanding from a previous book to carry its weight. However, it helps. I started the series with Night Embrace. For those of you who are fans, that is Sunshine and Talon's story. As a dutiful reader who has fallen in love with the entire concept and series, I have read everything past that point. This month I determined I should go back to the beginning and learn where it all started.

Jokes on me. No one knows exactly how it all started. At least, Sherrilyn Kenyon has not yet reveled it yet...but we're all hanging tight until she does.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ms. Kenyon is why we read romance regardless of genre. We become attached to the characters. We cry for them, and laugh, and hold out breath while they blunder. When hope seems to fail, we shed tears for these people we have come to know and love. Fantasy Lover is no different. Julian and Grace stole my heart from page one. Do yourself a favor, if you have not yet read it, go buy it. Fall in love again! 5 Angel Recommended Read

The idea of an ancient Macedonian trapped and cursed to be a love-slave to women possessing his book is what drew me to this romance. Maybe Kenyon could overcome the very tired romantic idea that the woman needs to be virginal (or near) and looking for a man to take her (and often take control of her). Combining historical period with a modern setting and an element of magic was also intriguing. It begins well, has some good details and then falls into the traps of the romance genre.

The first trap is that women need to be pure sexually to be heroines. Promoted by slasher flicks as well as romance novels, this sets up expectations that rarely are met in the real world and which cause problems in relationships. However it also does not match the expectations that a sex-slave trapped in a book would have and Kenyon plays with this a good deal in the first half of the book. That is a positive way to examine a fairly modern sexual ideal.

The second trap is related to the first: women want to be "taken" or controlled sexually. While we see into our main female character's mind often, and we know Grace has no desire to give up her sexual control because of a bad past, Kenyon still uses the language of being taken or giving it up or losing the self when describing female sexuality. It hits that careful reader as very odd. It would hit Julian, our sex-slave, as even odder since he comes from a time when women had to be controlled by families and the state because everyone knew that the female was a very sexual creature.

The problems are not only with Grace and women in this book. Given his centuries as a sex slave it seems like Julian be more lost than he is both in the bedroom and out of it. He is too aggressive for someone trapped and literally chained, starved and used for sexual pleasure for 2000+ years. I don't care how many victories he may have had as a general, being trapped and held in captivity, unable to see or move for so long would erode his combat skills greatly. From time to time we get into his head and we see hints of this yet within a month he is able to survive and even defend his owner's honor from a very nasty character.

It is clear that Kenyon has done some historical research but she seems to have glosses over the cultural and sexual information from antiquity. While it is ironic to have Grace be a sex therapist, given her own issues how realistic is it?

Good promise that falls flat by relying too much on standard romantic tropes.

~Dark-Hunter Series~
~Fantasy Lover~
~Book 1~

~It might sound like a man's favorite fantasy - to live forever, destined to be the lover of thousands of women. But for Julian of Macedon, it's a nightmare. Once he was a proud Spartan general; now he's a love-slave, his essence magically held captive in a book, cursed to spend all eternity pleasing women. Then, one day, Grace Alexander summons Julian to fulfill her passionate dreams - and sees beyond the fantasy to the man himself. Long years as a sex therapist, listening to other people's bedroom problems, have taken a lot of the fun out of the physical side of love for Grace. But with or without sex, the rules of the enchantment cannot be changed - Julian is hers for the next month. And, as their time together slips by, Julian and Grace find more to share than sympathy and conversation and they begin to wonder if love might be within their grasp. That leaves only one question. Is love enough to break a 2,000-year-old curse?~

*~ Well I can See this will be another "Great" Series!!, "I LOVED THIS Book!!" I Couldn't put this book down! I took it to work with me listened to it on my breaks, Couldn't wait till my Shift was over So I could See what happened next Between Julian & Grace!

*~i loved the playfulness between julian and Grace,the way julian loved to hear Grace's voice and when she read books to him, the unselfishness Julian showed Grace when that Wacko broke into Grace's house and tore up all of Grace's books, Julian sold his Generals Ring to replace her books.

*~ I Absolutely Fell in LOVE with Both characters,I started it Monday evening Stayed up late (pasted midnight) having to get up at 5:15am had to Force myself to put it down! next morning as soon as i got ready for work,I started Reading again and on my way to work. then on my breaks on my way home and finished this evening. Loved,Loved, LOVED it!! Wowwww!!!

*~ This Series Starts off SO STRONG! I Can't Wait to See What happens in "Night Pleasures"

Bravo! Ms. Kenyon Bravo!!

Okay I admit I am a Sherrilyn Kenyon fanatic. Once I discovered her "Dark Hunter" series I lost it! This is actually the first book before the Dark Hunter Series. It's a very beautiful and oh so sexy contemporary love story. Grace Alexander is not what you would call sexy by a long shot. She's a little chunky, and knows she is no beauty. Her best friend Selena gives Grace a book for her birthday. Selena informs Grace that this book contains a "love slave" who will become her every fantasy for a month if she calls him from the book. As a joke Grace calls forth the love slave, and meets Julian of Macedon.
Julian is a warrior who has been trapped as a love slave in a book for over 2,000 years by a bitter enemy. Grace sees past Julian's perfect body, and sees a person in torment. She is determined to help him solve the curse and find a way out of the book. She just hopes she can keep her heart as she spends each day with him. This is a great story. I would highly recommend!

As a brand spanking new reader of Kenyon's books (I just started reading them this year), I decided to start from the very beginning. While I was a little apprehensive of the book (it looked like it could be cheesy) I decided that at the very least it would be a fun interlude from my mystery fixation. I'm glad I gave it a chance. I ended up enjoying the book so much that I tore through it in one night.

The story of "magical boy meets mundane girl" isn't very new or original, but I like the new twist that was put into it. (There are so many reviews that I'm not going to bother summarizing the plot like I normally do.) I really enjoyed reading the romance between Julian & Grace. It made for a nice change of pace from my current murder mystery fixation.

I loved this book! It was so captivating that I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down.
The story really is of a fantasy lover come to life but only for 30 days. The heroine is a modern day career woman, a Sex Therapist. She is in realy need of a man and her best friend has found one for her. He's a Greek god in a book. All she has to do is summon him and he will be her love-slave for 30 days. Perfect right? Wrong. Grace doesn't want a man, or least her mind doesn't her body has other ideas. She does it on a lark and is shocked right out of he socks when he actually shows up, naked and willing to pleasure her right then. Julian has been trapped in the book for 2000 years by his half brother Priapus. Julian is the half human half God son of Aphrodite. He is betrayed and ends up in the book only free when he is summoned for 30 days of pleasuring. He has dark demons which he has suppressed and is completely baffled when Grace wants to help him confront them. He also doesn't quite understand that she doesn't want him to make love to her and wants him to wear clothes and even go outside. This has never happened to him and it has got him off kilter.
...
This was a very refreshing story and I eagerly await future books. This was filled with tons of humor, very very steamy love scenes and very tender parts that had me crying. I loved it and will read it again and again.

I read this book on the recommendation of my online buddies, and the sensation of Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter series. This book was very, very enjoyable. It was not what I expected at all. Sherrilyn Kenyon's writing is witty, sweet, fun, and sensual. Who would ever guess how sexy one could eat spaghetti? Or read? Tension between the 2 is OFF THE CHARTS!

The characters were very well developed, and I enjoyed finally seeing a HEA for them. They both were afraid to share their feelings, a pet peeve of mine, but the way SM writes the background of the h/h, I was not irritated at all- you go girl!

It may take me 10 years to get to Acheron, but I will. I just hope there's not a test for what god does what, because I would fail miserably.

Julian of Macedon had been trapped in a book since one forty-nine BC. as a love-slave to be used over and over again as a form of punishment from the Gods. Grace, a sex therapist, was nothing short of celibate. Sure, she had sexual fantasies just like any other living and breathing woman but she had no desire to act on them. After doing a chant with the book that her best friend, Selena, had given her for her twenty-ninth birthday, Julian appeared to her for her pleasure except that Grace didn't want to use him. This astounded him. Through love, caring, kindness, and every other good human emotion, Grace opened the world back up for Julian. Julian, with his God-like body, his soul, and his strength, pulled Grace back to reality and out of her precious dreams. Together, they fought Gods, Goddesses, and lunatic stalkers to be together.
***** I had waited a very long time for this book and the day I got it, I read it with great anticipation and I wasn't disappointed in the least bit. FANTASY LOVER was spectacular in all its glory. I anticipate more of the books. FANTASY LOVER definitely made my small, picky "keeper" shelf. Sherrilyn Kenyon has really done it this time. She made magic, love and hot sex with this one! Way to go Sherrilyn - keep it up! *****
Reviewed by Jessica Holmes

This is a wonderful book. I have to put my two cents in because I see many complaints. This book and series may not be what is expected in a typical romance. Kenyon does not write typical romances (as far as I'm aware). This book is entertaining, makes you laugh out loud, gives your heart many twists, makes you root for the H/h to get together. How much do you want out of a book for pete's sake? I have to admit that I've not read all the reviews, there are over 200. Also I am a huge fan of Kenyon. Her books are very funny and sometimes downright campy and what's wrong with that?

This particular book is the beginning of a series and I have read almost every one and many more than once, which is extremely rare for me. I see many of the faults others have pointed out and I don't care. One is, some of the heroines are lame, but the heroes have completely taken me over until I just don't care anymore. I have thoroughly enjoyed them, all of them, even the ones many have complained bitterly about. She is the best imo at creating tormented alpha males, bar none.

Many thanks to a great author who really seems to enjoy her chosen career.

I'm not sure what moved me to buy this book except that is vaguely reminded me of Jude Deveraux's A Knight in Shining Armor. I had never read Kenyon before this, and immediately became a fan. Julian is cursed - trapped in a book to be called forth as a love-slave to any woman who summons him. Only, Grace Alexander is not just any woman. She is stunned by Julian's appearance, and is compassionate to his plight. She takes him out into the world. Grace decides to help free him, but may find herself trapped - by love. This was a wonderful love story. Julian and Grace are fully realized characters that readers can identify with and care about. Their romance takes time to grow, and when they do have sex it is both tender and smoking hot. Plus, Julian's wonder at the modern world adds an element of playfulness to the tale. I never cared for romance until I discovered paranormal romance, which this just barely qualifies as.

This is technically the prequel to Kenyon's famous Dark-Hunter series, as Julian is good friends with Kyrian - the first Dark-Hunter in that series. This novel is not required to read and enjoy the D-H series, and it stands alone well. However, I higly recommend both!

This was my first Sherrilyn Kenyon book. While the book was enjoyable, I do have to agree with other reviewers that a lot of the dialog was amateurish at best and not realistic at all. For example-who do you know that says the phrase "holy green guacamole"?

If the dialog had been improved, as well as less time spent on how "godly gorgeous" Julian was, how plain Grace was, and finally the cringe worthy "sleazy" inner dialog the H/H had for each other then the book would have rated four stars.

I liked the book enough to give the second book a try and see if the author's writing gains any depth, otherwise I'll skip the rest of the series.

3 stars for a good try.

This read was truly everything wrapped in one! Greek mythology, romance, historical romance, history period really, war, sibling rivalry, crazy stalking patients, voodoo, tarot reading, and of course a curse that started it all! Loved this beyond all imagining and I have no idea why it took me so long to start this series in the first place! Now enough of me writing I have to go start the next book!

I am new to reading Sherrilyn Kenyon. I know that this book is technically not a part of the Dark Hunter series, but it introduces them. This book is about Julian of Macedon who was placed inside a book as a curse from a Greek God. It is fascinating how Kenyon has pulled in ancient mythology and made it real and realistic. The presence of actual Gods in the book was hard to get used to, but was really well done. This book doesn't have as much meat to it as the Dark Hunters that follow, but it is still a great story. Julian appears in later books so we get to see how he interacts with the immortal Dark Hunters. Kenyon has written some really good characters. The plot is unusual enough to interest, but it's her characters that really shine.

Julian of Macedon had been trapped in a book as a love-slave to be used over and over again as a form of punishment from the Gods since one forty-nine BC. Grace, a sex therapist, was nothing short of celibate. Sure, she had sexual fantasies just like any other living and breathing woman, but she had no desire to act on them.
On her twenty-ninth birthday, Grace's friend, Selena gives her the book. After doing a chant using the book, Julian with his God-like body appeared for her pleasure, except Grace didn't want to use him. This absolutely astounded him. Through love, caring, kindness, and every other good human emotion, Grace opened the world back up for Julian while he pulled Grace back to from reality and into her precious dreams. Together they fought scheming Gods and Goddesses, along with lunatic stalkers to be together.
I waited a very long time for this book, and when I got it, I read it with great anticipation. I wasn't disappointed in the least. FANTASY LOVER was spectacular in all its glory and definitely made my small, picky "keeper" shelf. Sherrilyn Kenyon has really done it this time. She made magic, love and hot sex with this one! Way to go Sherrilyn - keep it up! I anticipate more of the books from this great author.

It is a fabulous fantasy that Ms. Kenyon brings to life literally within the pages of her book, Fantasy Lover.
She puts a new twist to those old Greek gods and how they enteract with us humans. A work-a-holic, no-success-with-relationships, woman bows to her somewhat loony psychic friend's pressure when presented with a very erotically sexy picture in an ancient book. Is the old text for real? No. No way could HE be real flesh and blood, even if she did call out his name three times at midnight on a full moon while holding to the book to her heart! But that's exactly what happens. And, for the next four weeks, the odd couple is nearly inseparable... as he can't help but tempt her beyond endurance while she tries to hold him (and his hormones) at bay in an effort to rescue him from a curse and capture true love forever!
John De Salvo on the cover is superb, even if the picture is small. (A larger copy is on Ms. Kenyon's Web site!) But, the fantasy that Ms. Kenyon weaves is the dessert.

Based on the start of this story, I had serious doubts that I would be able to finish this book. The dialogue was silly and the pace was very slow, lingering over a trite premise. However, once Grace accepted that she had a sex God on her hands for the next 30 days, the pace picked up and the story became interesting. Julian's historical background and the circumstances that led to him becoming a slave were very intriguing, especially when overlaid with Greek immortals. The ending was exciting, with the requisite payoff. Don't let the beginning of this book deter you from finishing. I'm glad I didn't and plan to move forward with the series.

First,a question: Where can I get my own Julian of Macedon? I want! Okay, now that I've let the hormones do the talking: the review.

This was an incredibly inspired and imaginitive book. I read it in about six hours, taking into account bathroom breaks and snack attacks, because I was so sucked in. I couldn't put it down.

Basically, Julian of Macedon is the son of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. After the murder of his family, his jealous brother cursed him into a scroll, that was later bound to become a book. The terms of his curse are that whenever a woman holds the book to her chest and calls his name three times under the light of a full moon, he is destined to be her full-time love slave until the next full moon.

Now, enter Grace Alexander: sex therapist who hasn't had sex in four years. For her 29th birthday, her friend buys her the book, hoping it will help her and her case of what Selene (the friend) refers to as Teflon panties. Grace doesn't believe it, but calls him anyway. And boy, does she get him.

Sherrylin does a good job of developing the story from there, showing how poorly Julian has been treated since being cursed, why Grace doesn't want sex, and the developing relationship between the two. It isn't always a happy story, and is even very painful at parts, but I'm sure you will love the book every bit as much as I did.

Happy Reading!

This is a really good story in terms of romance and fantasy. It's a good mix between the two. This is the first Kenyon book I've read and I really liked it! I read the whole book probably in two days because I was so into it. At the end of the story, I wanted to read more about the characters! I will read more of Kenyon; however I prefer a series like Twilight or Sookie Stackhouse where the author keeps to a set of characters. Kenyon introduces new characters each book. But, this doesn't deter me from reading more because Sherrilyn Kenyon captivated me. Give this book a chance if you're a lover of paranormal romance (although this series deals more with Greek mythology).

I have been on the fence about this author. I have picked up, flipped through and read the fist few pages of this book several times in the bookstore. I just had a sense that I would be disappointed in this book and did not want to risk buying it. But I finally decided to purchase it and I am happy to say I was quite surprised that I enjoyed it.

It's a book to enjoy just to enjoy and not meant to be overanalyzed or to be taken literally as some reviewers have, otherwise you won't like it. It's about a simple girl, having a gorgeous guy come into her life in an odd way and then figuring out whether or not they were meant to be together...typical romance.

I hope her next book will hold my attention.

I had got this book after it came out a while ago, but did not read it for a few months after I had bought it. I did not think I would like it despite the reviews it had recieved. Boy, was I kicking my own butt after I got done with the book. I went out and got the next one after that, then have sat impatiently waiting for the rest to come out. This is one of the best book series I have read. I just got buy the books, I dont read the back. Julian was sexy and his story made my heart twist. Espically that part at the end.........which I will not tell you about. I could not believe it though. And the ending rolled from there. This book was a not-put-downable at all. From the beginning to one of the best endings I have ever read. I really loved this ending. I just wish in all my book searches I could find a book like that one..............

I absolutely loved this story. Julian was so tortured; my heart just broke for him. He just wanted to be loved and suffered greatly throughout his life. I found myself rooting and caring for him, just like a good book should make you feel. I was glad his love interest wasn't some ditz but a woman with her own life and career. She was warm, intelligent and self aware. I loved her for him and again found myself rooting for their love. I loved the spin on mythology and felt we had just enough back-story and info without being overwhelmed by it. I am eager to read the rest of the series and I would recommend this book.

If you are looking for a romance book w/sizzling scenes and a future series, look no further. This book was very enjoyable and a maybe on the keeper list.
Once I started I had to finish and I will keep this because I am going to be purchasing others in the series; however, I do not know if they will always stay on my shelf.
I really enjoyed getting to know more about the greek gods and see how this author pictured them. I think she definately captured the arogance of them.
If you like your romances w/a little improbability and otherworldliness, get this one, it is very good.
I thought that the way she got Julian was a little trite and well used, but it picked up after that and became it's own story. See other reviews for info on the book. Highly enjoyable!!

I have never read this author before. Based on the reviews here, I got this book and settled in to be entertained. It just didn't happen. Other reviews posted have detailed the gist of the book very well, so I won't be repetitive. Honestly, I found the heroine Grace, a 29-year-old 21st century sex therapist with a Phd and sexual hang-ups of her own, to be unbelievable. "Physician, heal thyself" kept going through my mind.
When the author wrote about thoughts and feelings in this story, she seemed to capture the emotions of the characters beautifully, but when she wrote actual dialogue, it seemed like a completely different author to me! I found much of the dialogue immature and unbelievable. Example: Grace calling this Greek love-slave "buster" on a few occasions as she avoided his advances, as well as her highly-educated yet quirky friend Selena using the phrase "holy green guacamole!" several times was just odd to me. I just do not know a 29-year-old highly professional woman who would use the term "buster" in this day and age, nor would Grace's friend Selena be old enough to remember the Batman series (holy this and holy that, Batman)!
Lastly, the sexual foreplay episodes Grace and Julian engaged in were interesting, no doubt, but when they finally "did the deed", it was a let-down. The man, after all, was not only Aphrodite's son, but had been a "love-slave" for 2000 years, and I do believe the "act" would have/should have been much more creative than the way Ms. Kenyon wrote it. It just seemed like she was rushing to finish this book and just got it over with as expeditiously as possible.
I wish I could be more positive, and I really tried to see what the other reviewers saw, but in my opinion, this book feel way short of my expectations.

I am not a huge fan of time travel/fantasy romances, but _The Fantasy Lover_ by Sherrilyn Kenyon was a very pleasant surprise. Very original premise for how the hero landed in this time. I found Julian to be an incredibly sexy character, and his past mistreatment at the hands of his lovers and family made me want to comfort him and hold him tight. The writing flowed well and was often laugh-out-loud funny. I especially loved the interaction with the main characters and the Greek gods. My only complaint was with the heroine, Grace. I don't have much sympathy for "I had one bad sexual experience, now I hate it" females. I especially found her attitude difficult to swallow since she is supposedly a sex therapist. However, this book is definitely going on my keeper bookshelf. Right after finishing it, I was on the store trying to track down more of Sherrilyn Kenyon's books!

2.5 stars.

Julian of Macedon was adorable and I loved him to pieces, but I didn't like anything else unfortunately.

I couldn't warm up to Grace. It's not that I don't believe that her first experience with the sex was bad and left her shocked, but she was 24 and really the whole finding out about the bet was - how can I explain - trite. ***spoiler*** As it was very predictable that she would meet the offender again and Julian would take her revenge.***end spoiler*** The writing was oversimple. It was a quick read and although I found it a little bit boring, at least the story flowed, because there were a lot of things happening. The stalker theme left me perplexed ***spoiler*** because I think there was no reason to have the guy killed in such a light book ***end spoiler***.

The book wasn't mind-blowing, but it's not a book I'd tell somebody not to read. It's just right for a few thoughtless hours. Plus I think Julian is really a good character.

Julian of Macedon had been trapped in a book as a love-slave to be used over and over again as a form of punishment from the Gods since one forty-nine BC. Grace, a sex therapist, was nothing short of celibate. Sure, she had sexual fantasies just like any other living and breathing woman, but she had no desire to act on them.
On her twenty-ninth birthday, Grace's friend, Selena gives her the book. After doing a chant using the book, Julian with his God-like body appeared for her pleasure, except Grace didn't want to use him. This absolutely astounded him. Through love, caring, kindness, and every other good human emotion, Grace opened the world back up for Julian while he pulled Grace back to from reality and into her precious dreams. Together they fought scheming Gods and Goddesses, along with lunatic stalkers to be together.
I waited a very long time for this book, and when I got it, I read it with great anticipation. I wasn't disappointed in the least. FANTASY LOVER was spectacular in all its glory and definitely made my small, picky "keeper" shelf. Sherrilyn Kenyon has really done it this time. She made magic, love and hot sex with this one! Way to go Sherrilyn - keep it up! I anticipate more of the books from this great author.

It is a fabulous fantasy that Ms. Kenyon brings to life literally within the pages of her book, Fantasy Lover.
She puts a new twist to those old Greek gods and how they enteract with us humans. A work-a-holic, no-success-with-relationships, woman bows to her somewhat loony psychic friend's pressure when presented with a very erotically sexy picture in an ancient book. Is the old text for real? No. No way could HE be real flesh and blood, even if she did call out his name three times at midnight on a full moon while holding to the book to her heart! But that's exactly what happens. And, for the next four weeks, the odd couple is nearly inseparable... as he can't help but tempt her beyond endurance while she tries to hold him (and his hormones) at bay in an effort to rescue him from a curse and capture true love forever!
John De Salvo on the cover is superb, even if the picture is small. (A larger copy is on Ms. Kenyon's Web site!) But, the fantasy that Ms. Kenyon weaves is the dessert.

Based on the start of this story, I had serious doubts that I would be able to finish this book. The dialogue was silly and the pace was very slow, lingering over a trite premise. However, once Grace accepted that she had a sex God on her hands for the next 30 days, the pace picked up and the story became interesting. Julian's historical background and the circumstances that led to him becoming a slave were very intriguing, especially when overlaid with Greek immortals. The ending was exciting, with the requisite payoff. Don't let the beginning of this book deter you from finishing. I'm glad I didn't and plan to move forward with the series.

First,a question: Where can I get my own Julian of Macedon? I want! Okay, now that I've let the hormones do the talking: the review.

This was an incredibly inspired and imaginitive book. I read it in about six hours, taking into account bathroom breaks and snack attacks, because I was so sucked in. I couldn't put it down.

Basically, Julian of Macedon is the son of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. After the murder of his family, his jealous brother cursed him into a scroll, that was later bound to become a book. The terms of his curse are that whenever a woman holds the book to her chest and calls his name three times under the light of a full moon, he is destined to be her full-time love slave until the next full moon.

Now, enter Grace Alexander: sex therapist who hasn't had sex in four years. For her 29th birthday, her friend buys her the book, hoping it will help her and her case of what Selene (the friend) refers to as Teflon panties. Grace doesn't believe it, but calls him anyway. And boy, does she get him.

Sherrylin does a good job of developing the story from there, showing how poorly Julian has been treated since being cursed, why Grace doesn't want sex, and the developing relationship between the two. It isn't always a happy story, and is even very painful at parts, but I'm sure you will love the book every bit as much as I did.

Happy Reading!

This is a really good story in terms of romance and fantasy. It's a good mix between the two. This is the first Kenyon book I've read and I really liked it! I read the whole book probably in two days because I was so into it. At the end of the story, I wanted to read more about the characters! I will read more of Kenyon; however I prefer a series like Twilight or Sookie Stackhouse where the author keeps to a set of characters. Kenyon introduces new characters each book. But, this doesn't deter me from reading more because Sherrilyn Kenyon captivated me. Give this book a chance if you're a lover of paranormal romance (although this series deals more with Greek mythology).

I have been on the fence about this author. I have picked up, flipped through and read the fist few pages of this book several times in the bookstore. I just had a sense that I would be disappointed in this book and did not want to risk buying it. But I finally decided to purchase it and I am happy to say I was quite surprised that I enjoyed it.

It's a book to enjoy just to enjoy and not meant to be overanalyzed or to be taken literally as some reviewers have, otherwise you won't like it. It's about a simple girl, having a gorgeous guy come into her life in an odd way and then figuring out whether or not they were meant to be together...typical romance.

I hope her next book will hold my attention.

I had got this book after it came out a while ago, but did not read it for a few months after I had bought it. I did not think I would like it despite the reviews it had recieved. Boy, was I kicking my own butt after I got done with the book. I went out and got the next one after that, then have sat impatiently waiting for the rest to come out. This is one of the best book series I have read. I just got buy the books, I dont read the back. Julian was sexy and his story made my heart twist. Espically that part at the end.........which I will not tell you about. I could not believe it though. And the ending rolled from there. This book was a not-put-downable at all. From the beginning to one of the best endings I have ever read. I really loved this ending. I just wish in all my book searches I could find a book like that one..............

I absolutely loved this story. Julian was so tortured; my heart just broke for him. He just wanted to be loved and suffered greatly throughout his life. I found myself rooting and caring for him, just like a good book should make you feel. I was glad his love interest wasn't some ditz but a woman with her own life and career. She was warm, intelligent and self aware. I loved her for him and again found myself rooting for their love. I loved the spin on mythology and felt we had just enough back-story and info without being overwhelmed by it. I am eager to read the rest of the series and I would recommend this book.

If you are looking for a romance book w/sizzling scenes and a future series, look no further. This book was very enjoyable and a maybe on the keeper list.
Once I started I had to finish and I will keep this because I am going to be purchasing others in the series; however, I do not know if they will always stay on my shelf.
I really enjoyed getting to know more about the greek gods and see how this author pictured them. I think she definately captured the arogance of them.
If you like your romances w/a little improbability and otherworldliness, get this one, it is very good.
I thought that the way she got Julian was a little trite and well used, but it picked up after that and became it's own story. See other reviews for info on the book. Highly enjoyable!!

I have never read this author before. Based on the reviews here, I got this book and settled in to be entertained. It just didn't happen. Other reviews posted have detailed the gist of the book very well, so I won't be repetitive. Honestly, I found the heroine Grace, a 29-year-old 21st century sex therapist with a Phd and sexual hang-ups of her own, to be unbelievable. "Physician, heal thyself" kept going through my mind.
When the author wrote about thoughts and feelings in this story, she seemed to capture the emotions of the characters beautifully, but when she wrote actual dialogue, it seemed like a completely different author to me! I found much of the dialogue immature and unbelievable. Example: Grace calling this Greek love-slave "buster" on a few occasions as she avoided his advances, as well as her highly-educated yet quirky friend Selena using the phrase "holy green guacamole!" several times was just odd to me. I just do not know a 29-year-old highly professional woman who would use the term "buster" in this day and age, nor would Grace's friend Selena be old enough to remember the Batman series (holy this and holy that, Batman)!
Lastly, the sexual foreplay episodes Grace and Julian engaged in were interesting, no doubt, but when they finally "did the deed", it was a let-down. The man, after all, was not only Aphrodite's son, but had been a "love-slave" for 2000 years, and I do believe the "act" would have/should have been much more creative than the way Ms. Kenyon wrote it. It just seemed like she was rushing to finish this book and just got it over with as expeditiously as possible.
I wish I could be more positive, and I really tried to see what the other reviewers saw, but in my opinion, this book feel way short of my expectations.

I am not a huge fan of time travel/fantasy romances, but _The Fantasy Lover_ by Sherrilyn Kenyon was a very pleasant surprise. Very original premise for how the hero landed in this time. I found Julian to be an incredibly sexy character, and his past mistreatment at the hands of his lovers and family made me want to comfort him and hold him tight. The writing flowed well and was often laugh-out-loud funny. I especially loved the interaction with the main characters and the Greek gods. My only complaint was with the heroine, Grace. I don't have much sympathy for "I had one bad sexual experience, now I hate it" females. I especially found her attitude difficult to swallow since she is supposedly a sex therapist. However, this book is definitely going on my keeper bookshelf. Right after finishing it, I was on the store trying to track down more of Sherrilyn Kenyon's books!

2.5 stars.

Julian of Macedon was adorable and I loved him to pieces, but I didn't like anything else unfortunately.

I couldn't warm up to Grace. It's not that I don't believe that her first experience with the sex was bad and left her shocked, but she was 24 and really the whole finding out about the bet was - how can I explain - trite. ***spoiler*** As it was very predictable that she would meet the offender again and Julian would take her revenge.***end spoiler*** The writing was oversimple. It was a quick read and although I found it a little bit boring, at least the story flowed, because there were a lot of things happening. The stalker theme left me perplexed ***spoiler*** because I think there was no reason to have the guy killed in such a light book ***end spoiler***.

The book wasn't mind-blowing, but it's not a book I'd tell somebody not to read. It's just right for a few thoughtless hours. Plus I think Julian is really a good character.

But so glad I didn’t. What a beautiful heart wrenching story this turned out to be. Any book that describes the characters that you feel you know and then pull you through a myriad of emotions is a great read.

Sherrilyn Kenyon has rekindled my interest in romance. Fantasy Lover is a well-written tale with humour and scorching sensuality. It brought a smile to my face, and set my writer's wheels a-turnin.
Julian of Macedon seemed like a typical alpha-male character, and frankly, with a title like this, I didn't expect him to be too deep. I was very wrong. True, he's great in bed, but the author did a wonderful job in allowing the reader to see him for a wounded soul, that his prowess in bed left him nearly devoid of the ability to feel true love.
Grace Alexander was a truly spunky heroine...and she wasn't skinny! Thank you, Ms. Kenyon for that! The chemistry between Grace and Julian made sense, and it was nice to read about a woman who didn't mind getting all hot and bothered over a sexy man. I loved the scenes where Grace ogles some part of Julian's anatomy. Let's face it ladies, we all do it.
Greek mythology was NEVER this much fun! I look forwward to more divine hijinx from Aphrodite and the Olympians.

In the prequel to the Dark Hunter series, Kenyon introduces us to a few of the players who will become regulars as well as giving us a small peek into the whims of the gods.

I started the series in the middle, and have come back to the beginning to work my way through in the proper order. This novel is lighter in tone than the subsequent ones, although it has a dark moment or two.

Both Grace and Julian are compelling characters who are well developed and capture your imagination and your heart. I found myself laughing out loud in parts, and completely enjoyed this fast, fun read.

There were a couple of places where the narrative seemed a bit rushed, but Kenyon did her best to stay true to her characters realistic reactions while in the framework of a romance novel populated by gods.

I do enjoy books like this one with its mixture of fantasy, humor, and hot sex - but this book had too many flaws to make it a keeper.
In this book, a Spartan general is imprisoned in a book. He is periodically released from the book when summoned to act as a sex slave for a month. Our vulnerable heroine is persuaded to summon him and then decides to save him rather than jump his bones.
The book did have its good points. The hero is not just sexy, but also nurturing (which does not seem altogether realistic for a Spartan general). The heroine tries to heal her wounded hero. The book was written well enough that I finished it - but I was dragged out of the fantasy too often by inconsistencies in the plot.
For example, the heroine was 24 when her parents were killed. Shortly thereafter, she is seduced by a heartless scoundrel - this is her first and only experience with sex until the hero appears. At the time of the seduction, the heroine was living in a dorm! - how many 24 year old grad students live in dorms?
The heroine is a sex therapist, but she can't be a very good one. She can't handle her own trauma. Even worse, in the only scenes in the book where she is at work, she is either silently mocking here clients or tuning them out while she day-dreams about the hero.
I don't mind sexually experienced heroines, but I guess many authors prefer to use innocent or semi-innocent heroines. Now that contemporary romance heroines tend to be in their mid to late twenties (instead of their late teens), it is harder for authors to convincingly make them virgins. In this case, Sherrilyn Kenyon had to go too far in her plot manipulations and spoiled a story with a lot of potential.

I absolutely loved this book!!!!! HOT HOT HOT Romance with good erotica scenes!!! Ok now I have another favorite author. I experienced so many types of emotions in this book while reading it. I laughed out loud a lot, I teared up a couple of times and I was so thrilled and happy at the end.

Julian and Graces story was awsome

If you liked Kresley Coles, J.R. Wards, and Gena Showalters books, you will absolutely love this Dark Hunter Series. I highly recommend it.

'Fantasy Lover' is a funny romance, if a bit corny with the little lines that Kenyon uses in place of cussing. Grace Alexander, a twenty-nine-year-old sex therapist, is cajoled into performing a tiny ritual on her birthday to summon a love-slave from a very old Greek book. Surprisingly, it actually works. In fact, I'm sure that little Gracie was VERY surprised, seeing as how she busted out screeming when the love-slave, a.k.a. Julian, popped up naked in her living room. Later asking her for pizza, of all things.
As it turns out, Grace has nerves of steel and is able to resist the temptation of this incredibly sexual man--sometimes. She gets to know Julian, and among some other really horrible things about his life, she finds out that Julian is the bastard son of Aphrodite, and that his brother cast him into the book over two thousand years ago.
...He has a very disfunctional family.
Anyway, to continue, if Julian can't hold off the urge to have sex with Grace until the very last night for some twelve hours (I believe it is) then he'll be sucked back into the book and Grace will have lost the love of her life.
-Embyr Bradson (10/19/03)

This is one of the sterling examples of paranormal work I've read recently. I'm proud to say this is another fine example of Sherrilyn's work. From the opening moments of "Fantasy Lover" you are swept along for a journey that includes the gods and goddesses of old and how they've adapted to the times of today.
Julian of Macedonia is the gods' gift to women. He's their love slave in every sense of the word. Grace Alexander is a sex therapist with a mind of her own. For her birthday she has been granted a month with a man that makes EVERY woman he meets want him. (Yes, I had a momentary lapse myself and wanted him too)
He's been cursed to be a love slave until certain conditions are fulfilled. How Grace befriends a man only wanted because of certain attributes and untrusting is touching, tender, and sexy beyond compare. If you want to laugh, cry, smirk, and basically forget anything but a man's man and a woman that falls for him, I highly recommmend this book.
Just to let you in on a secret-- she gives you some preview of her next book in Fantasy Lover. I can't wait!!!
Huggbies and Pashes,
Cyn

Wow wonderful..exciting..riveting....I cried laughed danced and yelled in victory. I could not put this down even to take a bathroom... break . Thank GOD for the portability of my kindle.....My heart hasn't had this much exercise since I ran a 5k.....I'm exhausted!!!. But not so much that I'm not searching for my next Sherrilyn Kenyon treasure.

The Dark Hunter series is one of the better paranormal romance series out there. The first book Fantasy Lover is a bit different from the other books. I liked it, but the depth of the world building really comes out more in the future books. The books are a mix of action, adventure, romance, and suspense. I also like that many of my favorite characters like Acheron and Simi appear in future books.

I didn't care for her spin off Dream Hunters series. Not nearly as good as the Dark Hunters.

I have read all of Sherrilyn Kenyon Dark-Hunter Series. This is the best of all of them. This is the first book I have read of hers and I read it 3 times after that. That is how good it is. It makes you want to read on and never put the book down, ever. The way she describes Julian makes you hot and bothered. You can see him in your mind. Every noc and crany that she tells you and some things that she doesn't tell you. She is just one the best authors of our time. I own the mostly all the Dark-Hunter series and Dream-Hunter series. Can't wait until Acheron books comes out in August. It might be my new favorite. But this is my all time favorite of all the books that I have read. It is worth every second you send reading it. It will leave you in a Fantasy.

I read the excerpt from the store & I couldn't wait to get the book. It started out great, but I couldn't feel much for the characters, & I didn't like Grace much (the heroin) at the beginning, not someone strong enough for the hero. Also I couldn't connect with Julian (the hero).
What I couldn't figure out is that if he couldn't be with her -physically- till the end of the month then why the hell was he jumping in the shower with her at every opportunity???? He must have titanium self-control! Also, for someone who was trapped for god knows how long in darkness, I expected him to feel more interested in seeing the world around him when given the chance. Why not spend the time doing something together that helps them learn more about each other, WITHOUT the temptations of getting naked... ALL the time!
All in all it's a light read, no need to use your brains much, only to remember the names.
If you like time travel & hunks then I would recommend [other books].

I am so thankful Sherrilyn wrote this book. I've read so many romance novels and have become bored with the predictability of them. Sherrilyn's heroine, Grace, was NORMAL. She was like most women today: wishing she could drop 20 pounds, average in looks, etc. She wasn't 5 foot 9 and 110 pounds and model-material, like most romance heroines! This book truly was a fantasy... and I loved it. The lead male was a Greek God, gorgeous, and very captivated by Grace. Meanwhile, beautiful women would throw themselves at Julian and he wouldn't even blink an eye. How refreshing!

The dialogue in the book also was hilarious. I couldn't help but laugh out loud through out the story. I highly encourage women everywhere to find a shaded tree somewhere, sit down and escape into Sherrilyn's world. You won't regret it!

I was 3/4 of the way through this book when it suddenly dawned on me that I've read it before. Apparently back in 2002 when it was first published. I can't for the life of me remember what I thought of it when I first read it, but this second time around I found it a bit flaky.

You have a guy being used as a sex slave for 2000 years and woman who happens to be sex doctor, whose afraid to have sex. Ooookaaay. I can easily see why I forgot it. What was cool about reading it again is the fun of seeing where it all begun--the Dark Hunter series. Of course, Julian, the hero is no dark hunter, but his only friend from his previous life is, and the reader can go on to his story in the next novel, which is much better.

I'm really glad I didn't pay money for this book. I could some it up in one word, "corny." This really disappointed me due to all the positive reviews. I won't repeat some of the things others have said who didn't care much for the book. I agree wholeheartedly. It really felt like a first book with inconsistent plot points, dead ends, etc.

As a positive, the characters were pretty well developed and quite likable. While Grace's professional life was completely unbelievable considering her personality and experiences, I did enjoy that the "unpopular" girl got the popular guy in the end.

Speaking of the ending, it felt rushed and it become downright ridiculous at times. I also got very tired of the "tortured" hero routine.

Twenty-nine year-old sex therapist Grace Alexander has been celibate for four years after experiencing a horrendous relationship with a self-centered, cruel former lover. Grace's flamboyant, exotic friend Selena decides it's time to get Grace back in the swing of things and she has just the solution -- an ancient tome holding a magnificent male specimen cursed to live between the pages of the book for eternity -- until he's called forth with a magic spell to serve as a love slave to his summoner for a period of one month. Having experienced Selena's so-called magic spells before, Grace isn't worried that the gorgeous guy in the picture is going to magically appear. Surprise, surprise, and happy birthday to Grace!
Julian of Macedon, half God, half mortal, is so exceptionally good looking that he made women fall at his feet and men green with envy and jealousy, in his time -- 149 BC. Jealousy and atonement for his sins, is what finds Julian cursed and trapped between the pages of a book only free for one month at a time, if he's lucky. Sometimes that freedom only comes once every one hundred years. When Grace summons him from the book, Julian is resigned and ready to fulfill her every sexual dream and fantasy. Grace, however, has other ideas for Julian. When she discovers just what a heartbreaking, loveless and dark life he's lived, Grace decides to show Julian just what friendship and love mean.
Ms. Kenyon creates an absorbing tale filled with larger than life characters from the lowly mortals on up to Greek gods, goddesses and mythological beings. Grace is one of the strongest, most compassionate heroines and Julian one of the most sympathetic, confused and tortured heroes to ever grace the pages of a romance novel. Julian's family runs the gamut of evil to misunderstood, with his mother, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, taking center stage toward the climactic and poignant ending. Readers get a glimpse of things to come and an introduction to the character in the beginning series of Dark Hunters, which I can't wait to read!
FANTASY LOVER is an exceptional, fresh and original story from the compelling first page to the exciting, explosive end. I was enthralled throughout, barely able to put it down when real life intruded. Ms. Kenyon is a true word wizard with incredible writing talent. I highly recommend Julian and Grace's story as one that will stay in your heart long after you reach the last page.

I've got to say, and I'm most certainly not a romance reader, but the ideas of this book, wow. I love Grace, someone who is more personable than any character out there. She isn't this overly hot woman that every man wants, but more of a regular person that everyone should want. Julian is also an amazing character. He's respectful and actually has human feelings. Yes the book is descriptive in its love scenes, but what makes you fall in love with Julian, and yes, even Grace is their warm hearts and feelings. ok I'm being a sap, but after this book, Mrs Kenyon is going to be gracing my book shelf...now to get a Julian in my life...

Took me 2yrs to actually read the book it started off fairly slow (& I was reading a number of other novels)for my taste but once I read past that it was a WONDERFUL love story and I am just a huge fan of Greek mythology I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Kenyon's fantasy Worlds currently trying to make it through her many Dark Hunter novels before her newest are to come out this fall. I won't put any spoilers on any of my reviews I can't tell how many times I read a review just expecting to get a quick synopsis in the words of the reader of the book but end up knowing everything its very disappointing. So I won't ruin it for anyone. I'll just say the book is a good read once you get into it you'll find yourself not wanting to put it down and then the next day you're done and rushing to your local bookstore to get the 2nd installment (which doesn't disappoint at all). Enjoy :)

I have to say that I loved this book. I know this is not exactly a Dark Hunter book, but I so look forward to reading the rest of the series. I loved Julian and Grace. His warmth, caring and sense of devotion were part of the reason that I loved this book so much. Grace was a great woman and I would love to see more characters strive to be as compassionate as she was with Julian. I am a huge fan of Historical Fiction - so I guess I would consider this Historical/Romance/Fiction.

Anyway - I will continue reading and look forward to her future novels.

Loved it. I'm so thrilled I didn't listen to the negative reviews because I would have sincerely missed out on an awesome book. The love that develops between Julian and Grace is breathtaking. Just completely flawless the entire book. Definitely a re-read book. Cannot go wrong at all.

Funny that this one I read later on after reading "Dance with the Devil", "Night Embrace", And "Night Pleasures". I absolutely, Positively LOVED this book!! It was funny, it was Charming, and it definately had that "lock yourself in your room for hours , Eating Chocolate & Drink SOmething HOT" Appeal. The Characters were extremely well Writen and the Male character was To Die for, Charming, and endearing. I actually teared up near the end of this book (and that's a rare one for me). I kid you not, this Book Is SOOOOO good I'm gonna buy it for all the women I know because I refuse to lend this one out and not get it back :) Every woman who loves a good steamy Romance NEEDS this book in her collection.

I read this book multiple times and purchased before she was this big. I love this world and have entered many times. I think this should always be read first just because. I need to go dig my copy out and read again..

I finally got around to reading my first Sherrilyn Kenyon book, and the first in the Dark-Hunter series. I loved the humor, which I really needed, but the characters also dealt with some heavy-duty issues, which helped shape them. I wasn't expecting the level of darkness, but I'm not disappointed, and will be reading more of this series.

The sex scenes were pretty hot, considering the hero can't enjoy the peak of the act. The reader can't help but sympathize with the characters, and it's truly entertaining to see them develop. The writing is satisfying and well-paced; there were no lulls in the reading and I enjoyed all of it.

I read this book when it was first published several years ago and I loved it. The characters really appealed to me and I didn't, as another reviewer said, find this book at all flaky. I always felt ( and I have gone back and re=read this book a couple times) the pull of New Orleans when I read this. I can just feel what it's like there in the summer. Kenyon really describes very well the heat and attitude of NO in the summer. I liked the characters of Julian and Grace-they were both very appealing and likable.
This book was the first and I liked it because it wasn't crammed full of a lot of other characters or info as some of Kenyon's later books are. This is a great summer read. Give it a chance.

I PASSED THIS BOOK IN THE STORE I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES,BUT ONE DAY SOMETHING MADE ME PICK IT UP.
AND FROM THAT DAY I WAS HOOKED ON THE BOOK AND WANTED TO READ MORE,I WAS SORRY TO SEE THE STORY END.
MISS KENYON BROUGHT A HOST OF EMOTIONS TO THE STORY. I CRIED CAN YOU BELIEVE IT.
I BROUGHT INTO ANOTHER WORLD OF MYTHS AND MONSTERS AND I LOVED IT.
THE HERO IN THE STORY WAS A TROUBLED SOUL AND ALL YOU WANTED TO DO WAS HELP HIM,I LOVED HIS HEROINE BUT I WOULD HAVE JUMPED HIS BONES THE FIRST TIME I SAW HIM.
IF YOU BUY THIS BOOK YOU WONT BE DISSAPOINTED.

To be fair, I am not a great fan of Ms Kenyon - I read her because of what she does well - the sub plots and back story and because of a couple of good universal characters.

Others have said that this is her best romance but I found it a little vanilla - lacking in passion (not sex - passion) and when the book ended there were no sighs of contentment. Though the characters were likable enough they didnt make me feel anything much.

I just re-read this after reading Kenyon's latest, DARK SIDE OF THE MOON.

I confess, when I first read FANTASY LOVER, I was sort of "feh" about it... it was cute, but I wasn't blown away. As the series wore on, I became a true, abiding fan. Okay, a freak, then.

DARK SIDE OF THE MOON was SO bad that when I re-read this, it was like discovering gold in my backyard.

FANTASY LOVER is adorable, engaging, the characters deeply easy to love. It's a gem, and I'm glad to have kept it in spite of my initial lukewarm feelings.

I was definitely looking forward to starting this series and let me first say that I am well aware that the first book in a series usually isn't going to be great compared to the others. Well, not only was this book not great but I am having a hard time even moving on to the next book. I truly didn't care for the dialogue, to be honest. It seemed a bit juvenile or light at times. And the personalities just didn't particularly match up with the back story of the characters. I find it hard to believe that someone with one bad sexual experience would become a sex therapist. I also find it hard to believe that an educated woman with a palm reader as a best friend would say things like 'holy green guacamole.' I will admit that I have been urged to continue reading the series and that it does get better. I just didn't think the light dialogue and personalities seemed in any way 'Dark'.

Twenty-nine year-old sex therapist Grace Alexander has been celibate for four years after experiencing a horrendous relationship with a self-centered, cruel former lover. Grace's flamboyant, exotic friend Selena decides it's time to get Grace back in the swing of things and she has just the solution -- an ancient tome holding a magnificent male specimen cursed to live between the pages of the book for eternity -- until he's called forth with a magic spell to serve as a love slave to his summoner for a period of one month. Having experienced Selena's so-called magic spells before, Grace isn't worried that the gorgeous guy in the picture is going to magically appear. Surprise, surprise, and happy birthday to Grace!
Julian of Macedon, half God, half mortal, is so exceptionally good looking that he made women fall at his feet and men green with envy and jealousy, in his time -- 149 BC. Jealousy and atonement for his sins, is what finds Julian cursed and trapped between the pages of a book only free for one month at a time, if he's lucky. Sometimes that freedom only comes once every one hundred years. When Grace summons him from the book, Julian is resigned and ready to fulfill her every sexual dream and fantasy. Grace, however, has other ideas for Julian. When she discovers just what a heartbreaking, loveless and dark life he's lived, Grace decides to show Julian just what friendship and love mean.
Ms. Kenyon creates an absorbing tale filled with larger than life characters from the lowly mortals on up to Greek gods, goddesses and mythological beings. Grace is one of the strongest, most compassionate heroines and Julian one of the most sympathetic, confused and tortured heroes to ever grace the pages of a romance novel. Julian's family runs the gamut of evil to misunderstood, with his mother, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, taking center stage toward the climactic and poignant ending. Readers get a glimpse of things to come and an introduction to the character in the beginning series of Dark Hunters, which I can't wait to read!
FANTASY LOVER is an exceptional, fresh and original story from the compelling first page to the exciting, explosive end. I was enthralled throughout, barely able to put it down when real life intruded. Ms. Kenyon is a true word wizard with incredible writing talent. I highly recommend Julian and Grace's story as one that will stay in your heart long after you reach the last page.

I've got to say, and I'm most certainly not a romance reader, but the ideas of this book, wow. I love Grace, someone who is more personable than any character out there. She isn't this overly hot woman that every man wants, but more of a regular person that everyone should want. Julian is also an amazing character. He's respectful and actually has human feelings. Yes the book is descriptive in its love scenes, but what makes you fall in love with Julian, and yes, even Grace is their warm hearts and feelings. ok I'm being a sap, but after this book, Mrs Kenyon is going to be gracing my book shelf...now to get a Julian in my life...

Took me 2yrs to actually read the book it started off fairly slow (& I was reading a number of other novels)for my taste but once I read past that it was a WONDERFUL love story and I am just a huge fan of Greek mythology I thoroughly enjoy Ms. Kenyon's fantasy Worlds currently trying to make it through her many Dark Hunter novels before her newest are to come out this fall. I won't put any spoilers on any of my reviews I can't tell how many times I read a review just expecting to get a quick synopsis in the words of the reader of the book but end up knowing everything its very disappointing. So I won't ruin it for anyone. I'll just say the book is a good read once you get into it you'll find yourself not wanting to put it down and then the next day you're done and rushing to your local bookstore to get the 2nd installment (which doesn't disappoint at all). Enjoy :)

I have to say that I loved this book. I know this is not exactly a Dark Hunter book, but I so look forward to reading the rest of the series. I loved Julian and Grace. His warmth, caring and sense of devotion were part of the reason that I loved this book so much. Grace was a great woman and I would love to see more characters strive to be as compassionate as she was with Julian. I am a huge fan of Historical Fiction - so I guess I would consider this Historical/Romance/Fiction.

Anyway - I will continue reading and look forward to her future novels.

Loved it. I'm so thrilled I didn't listen to the negative reviews because I would have sincerely missed out on an awesome book. The love that develops between Julian and Grace is breathtaking. Just completely flawless the entire book. Definitely a re-read book. Cannot go wrong at all.

Funny that this one I read later on after reading "Dance with the Devil", "Night Embrace", And "Night Pleasures". I absolutely, Positively LOVED this book!! It was funny, it was Charming, and it definately had that "lock yourself in your room for hours , Eating Chocolate & Drink SOmething HOT" Appeal. The Characters were extremely well Writen and the Male character was To Die for, Charming, and endearing. I actually teared up near the end of this book (and that's a rare one for me). I kid you not, this Book Is SOOOOO good I'm gonna buy it for all the women I know because I refuse to lend this one out and not get it back :) Every woman who loves a good steamy Romance NEEDS this book in her collection.

I read this book multiple times and purchased before she was this big. I love this world and have entered many times. I think this should always be read first just because. I need to go dig my copy out and read again..

I finally got around to reading my first Sherrilyn Kenyon book, and the first in the Dark-Hunter series. I loved the humor, which I really needed, but the characters also dealt with some heavy-duty issues, which helped shape them. I wasn't expecting the level of darkness, but I'm not disappointed, and will be reading more of this series.

The sex scenes were pretty hot, considering the hero can't enjoy the peak of the act. The reader can't help but sympathize with the characters, and it's truly entertaining to see them develop. The writing is satisfying and well-paced; there were no lulls in the reading and I enjoyed all of it.

I read this book when it was first published several years ago and I loved it. The characters really appealed to me and I didn't, as another reviewer said, find this book at all flaky. I always felt ( and I have gone back and re=read this book a couple times) the pull of New Orleans when I read this. I can just feel what it's like there in the summer. Kenyon really describes very well the heat and attitude of NO in the summer. I liked the characters of Julian and Grace-they were both very appealing and likable.
This book was the first and I liked it because it wasn't crammed full of a lot of other characters or info as some of Kenyon's later books are. This is a great summer read. Give it a chance.

I PASSED THIS BOOK IN THE STORE I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES,BUT ONE DAY SOMETHING MADE ME PICK IT UP.
AND FROM THAT DAY I WAS HOOKED ON THE BOOK AND WANTED TO READ MORE,I WAS SORRY TO SEE THE STORY END.
MISS KENYON BROUGHT A HOST OF EMOTIONS TO THE STORY. I CRIED CAN YOU BELIEVE IT.
I BROUGHT INTO ANOTHER WORLD OF MYTHS AND MONSTERS AND I LOVED IT.
THE HERO IN THE STORY WAS A TROUBLED SOUL AND ALL YOU WANTED TO DO WAS HELP HIM,I LOVED HIS HEROINE BUT I WOULD HAVE JUMPED HIS BONES THE FIRST TIME I SAW HIM.
IF YOU BUY THIS BOOK YOU WONT BE DISSAPOINTED.

To be fair, I am not a great fan of Ms Kenyon - I read her because of what she does well - the sub plots and back story and because of a couple of good universal characters.

Others have said that this is her best romance but I found it a little vanilla - lacking in passion (not sex - passion) and when the book ended there were no sighs of contentment. Though the characters were likable enough they didnt make me feel anything much.

I just re-read this after reading Kenyon's latest, DARK SIDE OF THE MOON.

I confess, when I first read FANTASY LOVER, I was sort of "feh" about it... it was cute, but I wasn't blown away. As the series wore on, I became a true, abiding fan. Okay, a freak, then.

DARK SIDE OF THE MOON was SO bad that when I re-read this, it was like discovering gold in my backyard.

FANTASY LOVER is adorable, engaging, the characters deeply easy to love. It's a gem, and I'm glad to have kept it in spite of my initial lukewarm feelings.

I was definitely looking forward to starting this series and let me first say that I am well aware that the first book in a series usually isn't going to be great compared to the others. Well, not only was this book not great but I am having a hard time even moving on to the next book. I truly didn't care for the dialogue, to be honest. It seemed a bit juvenile or light at times. And the personalities just didn't particularly match up with the back story of the characters. I find it hard to believe that someone with one bad sexual experience would become a sex therapist. I also find it hard to believe that an educated woman with a palm reader as a best friend would say things like 'holy green guacamole.' I will admit that I have been urged to continue reading the series and that it does get better. I just didn't think the light dialogue and personalities seemed in any way 'Dark'.

Recently found this Dark-Hunter series and after reading this book, I couldn't stop reading them! I read ALL of the series in less than a month... a book a day, honestly!

Great heroes, believable heroines, ... sexy and great romance. Unexpected twists. Love this whole series!! You will find yourself an insta-fan.

Not your normal "vampire" or "paranormal" romance, this is something you can be addicted to without guilt... :)

This is a real nice paranormal romance and I surely enjoyed reading it, but I must admit is seems to me slightly overated. A very nice book, but there are betters out there that don't have that many positive reviews. Anyway, I would certainly recommend it to romance fans who don't mind a little fantasy and paranormal elements in their stories, but don't expect a masterpiece. If you enjoy paranormal, The Bride Finder is much much better.

This book is so full of emotion and love. It made me laugh and cry and even laugh and cry at the same time. This is definitely a must read! The author did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life. It almost felt like I was right here with them. I will definitely be buying more of her books in the future.

I absolutely LOVED this book!!! It was referred to me by a friend and I ordered both it and the sequel, Night Pleasures. Julian was an endearing character, and I enjoyed the fact that he fell so hard for Grace, who isn't what people would consider sexy. After reading some of the reviews, I don't understand how anyone could give this any less than five stars!!!??? I've heard references to this being "soft porn". Well, I have to say that it IS romance, so most likely there will be sex involved. Also, the story has a sexual theme - he is a sex slave, they're attracted to each other and have to supress it, and the actual act is the only thing that can both save and damn him. The fact that he was constantly trying to be with her had a lot to do with the fact that he had an impulse to satisfy her, which Sherrilyn described during Cupid and Julian's talk. So that answers the questions about why they were always in the shower and such.
This book was a wonderful opener to the Dark Hunter's series and I expect great things from Ms. Kenyon!

As the name suggests, this is a book about a fantasy lover. Its is based on how one woman drunk on ther birthday calls out Julian of Macerdonia to her to be her fantasy lover for one month, from one full moon to the next.

( of course some parts are unbelivable!! its FANTASY AND PARANORMAL!!)

Anyway, back to the story, due to her scarred past, Grace Alexander cannot bear to jump into the sack with just any tom ,dick or harry. Even if you happen to be a Greek God who was imprisoned wrongfully.

Personally i found this book to be cute and entertaining as it shows that personality can totally win a guy over which is exactly what Julian required as he has and had been treated like a sex toy over the centuries.

His tortured past and memories shows the soft side to him and how he values his children above all other things

READ ON and after that, carry on to Night Pleasures, Kyrian's book!

Julian of Macedon was cursed onto a scroll in 149 BC, later it was bound into a book, as a punishment from the Gods for daring to want to be loved. Grace, a sex therapist, was given the book as a birthday present by her best friend. After calling Julian's name 3 times, he appeares to her, to be kept and used for 30 days and nights by his Summoner for her pleasure as a love-slave. Except Grace doesn't want to use him in that way.
Grace saw the man, Julian, when she looked at him. Julian could only face what he thought was his eternal punishment by leaving all traces of his humanity behind. By giving Julian back his dignity as a man, Grace gives the very best of herself to him, as a therapist, but more importantly, as a woman. Julian, in learning to believe that there might be an end to his torment, learns to believe in hope. Together, they both find what the true power of love is.
Sherrilyn Kenyon has written the near perfect book. It is the most marvelous blend of laughter (out loud) and tears (also out loud!), very sensual love scenes (VERY), and absolute gentle tenderness (enough to melt any heart), suspense and resolution. The only reason I say near perfect, is that I wanted the story of Grace and Julian to go on! I cannot wait to see what Ms Kenyon is going to do in the rest of the books in the Dark-Hunter series. This is the freshest, most innovative, telling of the ancient gods and goddesses from the mind and heart of the most talented writer I've read in a very long time. Get this book, read (and re-read) it, love it, and give it a place of honor on your keeper shelf.

I couldn't put this book down! It was fun to read and I love reading about the greek gods and history and stories. When my friend lent me this book I thought it would be like one of those stories that focus on nothing but sex, but it isn't it's way more. The characters are funny and intersting and believable. I enjoyed this a lot. If you like romance with a little greek history and passion, love then read this book! I'm in the middle of the second one in this series and it hasn't let me down yet.

This book is so wonderful that I would go so far as to compare it to Jude Deveraux's "Knight in Shining Armor" and Teresa Medeiros' "Breath of Magic", two of the best time travels in the history of romance! The characters are wonderful and the plot is fantastic. Ms. Kenyon made me appreciate greek mythology in a way that my Mythology and Literature professor could not do. A great injustice will be performed if she doesn't win a Rita award for this one. To Sherrilyn Kenyon, my new favorite author!

This was the first romance I'd read in 10 years. So I missed a lot of the build up to the paranormal trend. But I'm glad this was my introduction. These characters, while stereotypical, are not cookie-cutter and actually draw you into their plight(s).

The series in general is well-rounded with a fine basis in mythology. This book in particular had me hooked, trying to figure out what the exact governing laws were, and hoping that everyone would get together for their happily ever after. I could definitely see making a tradition of re-reading the entire series whenever a new one is released.

I have read all of the DH books that came out, except the newest one that came out. I have to say that this one is followed by a close Night Play, my second favorite. But this is a book that I could never get rid of, nor is it forgotten. I love the characters. I love the story. It makes you kind of wish that you had an insane bestfriend who gave you a mystical book. *smiles* Julian is wonderful a true hero from an ancient time, I tell you it made me smile in Ancient Civ. Whenever the professor said Macedonia, I thought JULIAN!!!

If you like romance then this is defiantly a book you should read. It really is a wonderful read.

I loved this book. It is not the normal type of story that I read but this will not be my last book by this author. I read this book in one day! I could not put it down.
Set in New Orleans two friends get together during a birthday celebration and bring forth from an old book Fantasy Lover. This book had me laughing and crying. A definite sign of a book to keep on your bookshelf.
Bringing all of the romantic mystic flavor that is the Big Easy you should not miss this book!

So yes it's an absurd premise about a god-like creature trapped in a book that can only be released to be a woman's sex slave but come on ladies. If you're reading romance novels than no doubt you have had a day dream along these lines. What if Michelangelo's David could come to life just for you? Sexy tension throughout the book, nice characters with a sweet plot. I only got frustrated at the end when it seemed to get a little bit overlong. Also,the Gods in the book spoke in such casual and flippant ways that the writing seemed a little bit juvenile. The dialogue could have used some work. However, overall a very nice book that will please everyone who reads it I'm sure.

My exposure to romance novels has been sparse, I just wasn't drawn to them too much. Somehow, I stumbled across this and wow, it was great! The snappy dialogue and humor really was fun as well as the overall premise. I hadn't heard of paranormal romance and I am enjoying it more as I explore the authors in this genre. Sherrilyn Kenyon writes with witty bantor and her use of mythology is fun as well. This isn't a "typical" romance novel, so dive in like I did and enjoy !!

This is an amazing novel. From the very first page I was riveted. I read it cover to cover in one sitting (8 hrs.), and still I didn't want it to end, I kept on telling myself to slow down, and, I just couldn't do it. Julian is a hero for the ages, strong, handsome, sexy, tormented, and willing to let go of his angst to be with the one person who can love him. Wow. Grace is a no nonsense heroine, my favorite kind, I found myself pulling for her even when she's resisting, unimaginable, temptation. The boss doesn't mind if I read at work, he walked in and caught me crying, ten minutes later he caught me laughing,("Nice Dress"),verrrry rarely does a romance novel bring me tears or giggles this one brought me both. Ms. Kenyon, you rock, just keep 'em comin' and I'll keep on buying 'em. I'm eagerly awaiting the rest of the Dark-Hunter series, your web site is beautiful. PS... good choice on your cover model, Mr. DeSalvo is like a dream come to life.

I read this book in a matter of hours and then I had to turn around and read it again. After that, I went on a Sherrilyn quest to get any and everything she's written. Sadly, most of her books are no longer available, at least not for a price I can afford, but I did find out she's Kinley MacGregor and I quickly snatched up every one of those.
Fantasy Lover is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. It's the most original plot I have ever seen and has characters you can really root for. Grace touched my heart. I loved her humor and her ability to care for Julian. And Julian, be still my heart. He is one of the best heroes ever. Hot, sexy and tender, he made me melt every time he came on the scene. The sex is hot, hotter and hottest and the humor will have you rolling on the floor.
If you're looking for fun and a great read. Look no further. Now if I can just contain myself until her Dark Hunter books come out.

Having read all of Kenyon's books at this point [Dark Hunter as well as her other few series] I can say unequivocally that this is her best work. It is funny, tender and emotionally engaging throughout. Buy it. Read it. You'll love it.

But be warned. Do not expect any of her other books to be nearly this good. It is obvious that she took a lot of time and care crafting this story and the result is great from the first page to the last. Her second book (Night Pleasures) is also pretty good (though not as good as this one). And from there we embark on a fairly steady decline as the Dark Hunter franchise becomes popular and she starts cranking out cookie-cutter stories very quickly. Her haste really shows by the time she reaches Dark Side of the Moon, which actually reads as if it's unfinished. The only others in the Dark Hunter series that I enjoyed were Dance with the Devil, Seize the Night and Sins of the Night. So don't go buying all the DH books based on this one novel.

It started off good. I found the writing style to be interesting and funny, and I was intrigued about the plot.

But when Cupid and a million other Greek Gods entered the story it all got rather ridiculous. I wasn't sure whether it was meant to be a comedy or drama. Plus all the characters did was whine about their past. C'mon people, it was a very long time ago, lets just move on.

All the romantic scenes were boring. Grace "moaned" A LOT.

I skimmed about 60% of the book.

But, that being said, I will pick up the second in the series out of curiosity. Just to see what it is like.

Love, LOVE, LOVED this book. To get this rating from me I demand great chemistry, great love, laughter and great love scenes. This book has a true love story. While there is sexual tension from the beginning, you are treated to two lovable characters who never have sex until the very end-for good reason! But don't worry, you are given a steady diet of laughter, kindness, tears (mine) and sizzle from beginning until that happy end. Oh, if we only could all find our Julian, and I don't say that for the reason you might think. As I move forward I can only hope that the Dark Hunter Series can live up to this story.

I picked this book up b/c of the great reviews. The reviews were so great, and the book was so highly recommended to me by trusted book friends, that I even bought the book! UGH!! Within the first chapter, it was so awful that I contacted said friends to confirm I'd gotten the right book. I swear, I thought I'd gotten the wrong book by mistake. Nope! I'm sorry to say this, because it's not like I can write a book or anything, but this is one of the worst books I've ever read, and that's saying a lot, considering how much I read. I laughed out loud at the dialogue and descriptions. They were just ridiculous!! It makes me mad that this book gets such high reviews, and then I check the reviews on books by other authors, whom I've read and enjoyed thoroughly, and their books are getting 3 stars. GRRRRRR. I don't get it.

A Macedonian warrior apparently ran afoul of the usual nogoodnik Greek godlings. As such, his curse is basically to hang out in limbo until the next airhead woman that wants a sex toy learns how to summon him.

This one, a bit more shy and retiring than the ones that just want to be shagged immediately, wants to find out what his story is, first. As he says, it is pretty rare for them to want to dress him.

The odd godling does appear, too.

I really enjoyed this book. I love Sherrilin Kenyons writing style. This if the first book I have read of hers and after reading it, I went online and ordered every book she has written to date. This book had me laughing all the way through it. And there was even one scene that really had me crying. And that is saying a lot for a book. Make sure you have a few hours to spend on the book before you pick it up, because you won't want to put it down.

I just finished this book and I absolutely loved it. I won't get into any book descriptions because previous reviewers have already done that. Suffice it to say that I didn't want this book to end. Julian and Grace had such great chemistry. Sherrilyn Kenyon has written a superb (and funny) book. You can truly feel Julian's longing to be treated as "human" yet you completely understand why he pulls away. I can't write a review that would do this book justice without delving into the actual book itself. Since I don't want to give anything away to anyone I won't do that. I read alot of romance books (much to my husbands' chagrin) and this one had earned a place of prominence on my keeper shelf. I can't recommend this book enough. I wish I could give it more stars because it definitely deserves them. If you liked Kathleen O'Reilly's Touched by Fire then you will definitely love this book.

I was psyched from get go about this book. I would love to live within the pages of certain books, or, have a hot hero step out and tear off my bodice, I thought this book would hit me in my happy place..... Alas, it wasn't to be. So much potential, just to have it ripped away and replaced with fluff. I prefer my characters edgier, harder.......hotter.

I won't go into the plot since so many others have already told it. What I do have to say is that it is refreshing and original. It has been a while since I read a romance. I got burned out on the same old characters in the same old situations. But my sister kept telling me to read this book. She finally sent it to me and then nagged me even more. I'm glad she did.
Julian and Grace set the pages on fire with their passions and real life problems. The book brought mythology alive in a way that would have made the ancient writers proud. It's funny, poignant, tender and memorable.
I have very few keepers in my house, but this one is now kept beside my bed. Thank you, Ms. Kenyon for writing a story that will live forever in my heart. This book is destined to become one of the genres classics.

I didn't discover this author until book #18 - Bad Moon Rising. Since I enjoyed Bad Moon Rising so much, I was anxious to begin with book #1 in this series . . . MISTAKE. It reads like a Harlequin romance. I struggled to make myself finish this book. I'm glad it was from the library and I hadn't actually purchased it. While I do enjoy her later books, this one is awful. I'm in agreement with the other 1-star reviews. If you feel you absolutely MUST read this book - save the money and get it from the library. You'll never re-read it.

This book gives birth to all the others that came after it. Although the main hero of the story is not a Dark-Hunter, he as you well know or will find out is a very important charecter in many of the next books. Julian is the very essence of what a person looks for in a Fantasy lover. He is strong beautiful and has a twist of the oh so Im tormented please save me with your love, lol. Not that he dont deserve being saved mind you, his story is heart wrenching, the tales of how badly he was treated though out his life and what he lost is heart breaking. The main female of the story (Grace) is his equal when it comes to losing in love and the bonding and healing they do together is one that will make you sigh and day dream. this book is one of the best and you can tell that Sherrilyn Kenyon is a very gifted writer. Dont miss this one and dont forget to get the others that follow it, I promise you will not be dissapointed.

Cute, Romance novel, I found it to be a enjoyable way to pass the afternoon. Lots of my bookclub members recommended this series to me so I will go ahead and read the next book in the series. I have been told that each book just gets better and better and that I will fall in love with the series.

I got this book with no idea about the larger book series and started out a little skeptical by the plot. But, once I got used to the ideas of Greek gods as characters, I was hooked. It's so original and fun. Julian is an awesome hero and I love his relationship with Grace. Now I've read all the Dark Hunter books and highly recommend them. If you can, I would try to read them in order, because it helps you understand the larger story arc. This one and Zarek's are my two favorites. Well... and Valerius'. And Vane's. Shoot, I like all of them!

Uh, I should have known just from the title that this book was going to be ridiculous. However, first off, l will tell you what was good about this book. The hero is a Spartan Warrior. Awesome! Remember Brad Pitt as Achilles in "Troy"? I have not come across a book in this genre before that has as its hero and as part of its plot Greek mythology. I'm sure they're there, I just have not come across any.

Back to the point, Ms. Kenyon did not do the winning hero or the winning plot justice. I don't know if she plainly just isn't a good writer, or perhaps this was a bad item among her other and well written books. (I will do more research & read further from her, starting w/book 2 of this series.) When I was in high school, I thought myself a budding novelist and wrote these ridiculous, overly wordy (kind of like this review, eh?), fantastical and predictable stories. Fantasy Lover could have been one of mine from HIGH SCHOOL. The whole idea of Julian being this gigantic beefcake (he was totally described like Fabio & Fabio is so disgusting!) was just so over the top and ridiculous. Also, this book was printed in 2002 but there is barely any evidence within its pages of this fact. The only item dating it near the new millenium is the mention of "The Matrix". I believe this is a sign that Ms. Kenyon is out of touch with current/popular culture. Grace is 29, she a sex therapist, she owns her own house. But she is dowdy and sounds completely stuck in the early 90's. I appreciate authors like Sophie Kinsella who totally hit pop culture and relatively current fashion (but not TRENDY fashion) on the nose. Ms. Kenyon needs to do some research to get into the minds of conscientious young women. She could start by regularly reading young women periodicals, ie Glamour, In Style. I find it annoying when authors write about women my age who do not sound like any women I know. Any self-respecting 29 year old would drop dead before wearing their scrunchy in any other place other than the privacy of their own bathroom. And what was with the psycho patient? That whole part came completely out of nowhere and made no sense. The way it was thrown in the story completely stilted the flow.

Ms. Kenyon does not accurately portray women of a certain age. Her plot lines are only superficially developed, leaving gaping holes and questions in the minds of attentive readers.

I was intrigued by the Greek myth concept behind this book and curious as to how it would read. This is the first book I've read by Sherrilyn Kenyon but will not be the last. The primary characters are wonderfully developed and written, and the book moves at a good pace. A great read by an author who deserves to claim the title national bestselling author.

This was an interesting read. You feel so sorry for the poor man who is trapped and only used over the centuries for sex. Most men's fantasies. But I could relate as no one every saw him as a real person with feelings. He is surprised when the heroine doesn't demand sex from. It has a nice ending. I will re-read.

Fantasy Lover is a definite addition to my keeper shelf. I was completely captivated from the first page to the last. Sherrilyn Kenyon has penned one of the best romance novels I have read in many a year. You will laugh, you will cry and you will never want the story to end.
Julian of Macedon has existed for millenia within the pages of a mysterious book. He is summoned from the book to serve as the ultimate sex slave. Countless women have called him forth, but only for his physical prowess, never caring who Julian really is.
Grace Alexander is a modern day woman who is in the proverbial dating drought. Her eccentric best friend Selena decides that Grace needs a man, and not just any man, she needs Julian of Macedon. Selena presents Grace with the book on her birthday and convinces her to call forth Julian. Of course Grace grudgingly goes along with Selena's plan to humor her friend. Who ever heard of summoning a sex slave from a book, it's crazy.
Much to Graces stunned surprise, it works.
Julian appears, ready to "perform" as all the other summoners have requested. After thousands of years and women, he has come to expect nothing more. But this time it's completely different. Grace actually wants to talk to him, imagine that!
In addition to Grace and Julian, Fantasy Lover is filled with an outstanding array of secondary characters. Ranging from Greek gods and goddesses to street artists of the French quarter.
This is a wonderful story and should not be missed!!!

What I found with this series was this first book was cute but lacked some of the excitement of the later books. I think it's a good starting point for the series. I love how the other books build upon this first story. They only get better and better as you read on.

What do you get when you combine "The Gladiator" with sex and a happy ending? Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Fantasy Lover."
Reading Sheri's novel reminded me of all the reasons I loved Greek Mythology growing up. The Gods were larger than life but so unforgetable that you kept coming back for more. With this novel, you get a refresher course on Greek mythology combined with a great love story. I was hooked from the opening line which, by the way, deserves a prize for the most compelling six word opening.
If you loved, "Knight I Shining Armor" but prefer an edgier novel, rush out and buy "Fantasy Lover."

I really liked this story. I loved both Grace and Julian. They made a perfect couple and knew just how to help and appease the other. It was really nice seeing them together and watching them fall in love. They were yummy. I can't wait for more!

This is not your typical romance, which makes it very refreshing to read. I read the book in less than one day because I could not stop "reading just a few more pages to see what happens next." The book is well written and the characters, although some are mythological, are believable. If you are not usually a romance reader and came across this book by accident like I did -- Don't scoff at it! Give it a try and you will be very pleased. I especially enjoyed the sequel, Night Pleasure, and I am looking forward to the next book that is due out soon, Night Embrace.

I like the concept of the Dark Hunter books, but you don't need to read this one to understand the series. And that is fortunate because it is terrible. It is poorly written as though the author has all these cool characters to write about but doesn't know what to do with them. Sherrilyn Kenyon is usually able to write fun dialogue but here her limited talent fails her. The plot is just dumb. The sex scenes are boring - filled with flowery language and redundant phrases that make the whole thing the opposite of hot. Don't bother.

This is first novel I have read by Ms. Kenyon, and I am hooked! I discovered her after reading a number of J.R. Ward novels. I really like the mythology that she uses and now I am even interested in her romance novels, under her alias.

I'll never look at a book the same way...only because I'll be thinking it might be a book about a man that was cursed into it to be a sex slave for like 2,000 years. Whoozer! This was so awesome. Julian is the perfect guy...hense the title 'Fantasy Lover'. Another great book by Sherrilyn Kenyon! Check out 'Dark Pleasures' now these are books that can only be said like this 'Able to rock you world!' Aya

I have read nearly all of her books in the Dark Hunter series and even though its not the type of book i normally read, i LOVED the series instantly. Because of how well written her other books are i bought this one. It was good, but not as good as the others. There were certain things in the book that i could have done without, such as the out-of-nowhere-nothing-to-do-with-the-story-stalker. And the ending left a little bit to be desired. But all in all it was a good story and i would recommend it as it does tie into the dark hunter series. I particularly liked the way she tied in Keiran.

This one is hard to put in words, that's for sure! A great read if you're looking for a very sensual, yet unusual read. I truly enjoyed the fantasy story-line. You just have to read it with the understanding that it IS fantasy, not a modern-day typical romance novel. If you can do that, then you're in for a treat! Highly recommend!

I loved this book. I read it all in one weekend cause I couldn't put it down. I really fell in love with the characters. I could really understand Grace cause I had a similar first time experiance. I really felt her pain and humiliation. Juilian was a dream come true. He had the kindest heart I've ever seen. I wish guys like him really did exist. They don't have to be as beautiful as he was but if they were just as kind and sweet that would be enough to melt my heart. I think everyone should read this book because of the wonderful love and adventure in it. I'm about to read "Night Pleasures" and I hope its just as good as this book. :)

I was intrigued by the Greek myth concept behind this book and curious as to how it would read. This is the first book I've read by Sherrilyn Kenyon but will not be the last. The primary characters are wonderfully developed and written, and the book moves at a good pace. A great read by an author who deserves to claim the title national bestselling author.

This was an interesting read. You feel so sorry for the poor man who is trapped and only used over the centuries for sex. Most men's fantasies. But I could relate as no one every saw him as a real person with feelings. He is surprised when the heroine doesn't demand sex from. It has a nice ending. I will re-read.

Fantasy Lover is a definite addition to my keeper shelf. I was completely captivated from the first page to the last. Sherrilyn Kenyon has penned one of the best romance novels I have read in many a year. You will laugh, you will cry and you will never want the story to end.
Julian of Macedon has existed for millenia within the pages of a mysterious book. He is summoned from the book to serve as the ultimate sex slave. Countless women have called him forth, but only for his physical prowess, never caring who Julian really is.
Grace Alexander is a modern day woman who is in the proverbial dating drought. Her eccentric best friend Selena decides that Grace needs a man, and not just any man, she needs Julian of Macedon. Selena presents Grace with the book on her birthday and convinces her to call forth Julian. Of course Grace grudgingly goes along with Selena's plan to humor her friend. Who ever heard of summoning a sex slave from a book, it's crazy.
Much to Graces stunned surprise, it works.
Julian appears, ready to "perform" as all the other summoners have requested. After thousands of years and women, he has come to expect nothing more. But this time it's completely different. Grace actually wants to talk to him, imagine that!
In addition to Grace and Julian, Fantasy Lover is filled with an outstanding array of secondary characters. Ranging from Greek gods and goddesses to street artists of the French quarter.
This is a wonderful story and should not be missed!!!

What I found with this series was this first book was cute but lacked some of the excitement of the later books. I think it's a good starting point for the series. I love how the other books build upon this first story. They only get better and better as you read on.

What do you get when you combine "The Gladiator" with sex and a happy ending? Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Fantasy Lover."
Reading Sheri's novel reminded me of all the reasons I loved Greek Mythology growing up. The Gods were larger than life but so unforgetable that you kept coming back for more. With this novel, you get a refresher course on Greek mythology combined with a great love story. I was hooked from the opening line which, by the way, deserves a prize for the most compelling six word opening.
If you loved, "Knight I Shining Armor" but prefer an edgier novel, rush out and buy "Fantasy Lover."

I really liked this story. I loved both Grace and Julian. They made a perfect couple and knew just how to help and appease the other. It was really nice seeing them together and watching them fall in love. They were yummy. I can't wait for more!

This is not your typical romance, which makes it very refreshing to read. I read the book in less than one day because I could not stop "reading just a few more pages to see what happens next." The book is well written and the characters, although some are mythological, are believable. If you are not usually a romance reader and came across this book by accident like I did -- Don't scoff at it! Give it a try and you will be very pleased. I especially enjoyed the sequel, Night Pleasure, and I am looking forward to the next book that is due out soon, Night Embrace.

I like the concept of the Dark Hunter books, but you don't need to read this one to understand the series. And that is fortunate because it is terrible. It is poorly written as though the author has all these cool characters to write about but doesn't know what to do with them. Sherrilyn Kenyon is usually able to write fun dialogue but here her limited talent fails her. The plot is just dumb. The sex scenes are boring - filled with flowery language and redundant phrases that make the whole thing the opposite of hot. Don't bother.

This is first novel I have read by Ms. Kenyon, and I am hooked! I discovered her after reading a number of J.R. Ward novels. I really like the mythology that she uses and now I am even interested in her romance novels, under her alias.

I'll never look at a book the same way...only because I'll be thinking it might be a book about a man that was cursed into it to be a sex slave for like 2,000 years. Whoozer! This was so awesome. Julian is the perfect guy...hense the title 'Fantasy Lover'. Another great book by Sherrilyn Kenyon! Check out 'Dark Pleasures' now these are books that can only be said like this 'Able to rock you world!' Aya

I have read nearly all of her books in the Dark Hunter series and even though its not the type of book i normally read, i LOVED the series instantly. Because of how well written her other books are i bought this one. It was good, but not as good as the others. There were certain things in the book that i could have done without, such as the out-of-nowhere-nothing-to-do-with-the-story-stalker. And the ending left a little bit to be desired. But all in all it was a good story and i would recommend it as it does tie into the dark hunter series. I particularly liked the way she tied in Keiran.

This one is hard to put in words, that's for sure! A great read if you're looking for a very sensual, yet unusual read. I truly enjoyed the fantasy story-line. You just have to read it with the understanding that it IS fantasy, not a modern-day typical romance novel. If you can do that, then you're in for a treat! Highly recommend!

I loved this book. I read it all in one weekend cause I couldn't put it down. I really fell in love with the characters. I could really understand Grace cause I had a similar first time experiance. I really felt her pain and humiliation. Juilian was a dream come true. He had the kindest heart I've ever seen. I wish guys like him really did exist. They don't have to be as beautiful as he was but if they were just as kind and sweet that would be enough to melt my heart. I think everyone should read this book because of the wonderful love and adventure in it. I'm about to read "Night Pleasures" and I hope its just as good as this book. :)

"Fantasy Lover" is absolutely unlike anything that I have ever read!!!!I will be the first to admit that the plot of this book is ubelievably far-fetched, but oooh did I looove it!!!!! Girls, the chemistry between Julian and Grace was undeniable...and the story was wild!! DEFINITELY a MUST READ!!!!!

I found this book to be a little different than most romance novels I read. It is very interesting and very sensual. It is well-written and moves quickly. In short, I liked it as much as my latest favorites-Foster's Too Much Temtation and Cynthia Simmons Anything, My Love. I had trouble putting them all down.

I picked up this book, this first in a series, on advice (from the store) that it was a good paranormal fiction book, the first in a series.

It turned out to be a "bodice ripper", every few pages replete with lush descriptions of how one of the main characters (or his or her body, against his or her wishes) physically and/or emotionally longed for another one...

The facts that one of the main characters was a 2000-year-old general from Macedonia, and that his family and circle of acquaintances included several Greek gods who made short appearances in the story, added an unusual twist. For the most part, though, these characters were not fully developed, and used quite literally as "dei ex machina" to introduce or overcome plot obstacles.

For fans of the "bodice ripper" genre, this book provides an interesting enough twist to be worth the read; but readers looking for good fiction with a paranormal bent should be steered elsewhere.

Not a big fan of this book or it's series as it seems to concentrate more on the idea that they are not human than on a plot or story line. Writer herself is amazing, but this is far from her better work.

I've read romances for years and have become burned out on them, but I keep reading the genre for books like this one. Those rare gems that show me there are still writers out there who don't use the same staid plots and the same boring, one-dimensional characters.
Julian is a sex slave who is a hero I would kill to be able to summon. Grace is a sex therapist who is endearing and kind. She's the perfect heroine to help him work out his problems.
Now I'm on the hunt to track down the rest of this author's books and I'm dying for her new Dark Hunter series. Sherrilyn Kenyon is tops on my autobuy list.

I've been waiting for this book for a long time and had to admit I put off reading it a couple of days because I was afraid it wouldn't live up to the hype.
What was I thinking? This is one of those rare books that not only lives up to it, it surpasses it. I literally couldn't put it down. I started it Saturday night and was up until Sunday morning reading it.
This is the freshest, most original books I've read in a long time. It's ground breaking and mind blowing. Fantasy Lover has everything I read romance for. Laughter, poignancy, hot sex, and a plot that doesn't stop. I can't wait for the next installment of the Dark-Hunter books.

I'm not usually one to pick up a romance novel unless I'm really hard-up for something to read, but I was very pleasently surprised to find this book! I read this book in one sitting (mainly because of insomnia) and I was quite happy with Kenyon's character developement with Julian and Grace. I also loved the use of Greek mythology in the book which is alwasy fun. I think romance-phobes will like this book because there isn't TOO much sex. More of just sexual frustration. :) Enjoy this book!

A man that arrives to do nothing but pleasure you for 30 days? A man that no other woman, no matter how beautiful, turns his head, his attention is totally centered on you? Wow, great premise for a book. Sherrilyn Kenyon knows her stuff, the characters in this book are great and pull you right in. I couldn't put the book down, and if I did, I was right back to it in a few minutes.

This author's paranormal romance Dark Hunter Series is wonderful and addictive. But this is the book that started it all. While not actually part of the Dark Hunter line you should read this first as there are recurring characters that come from this one. The romance between the two main characters is amazing in this story. Julian is the perfect hero and readers will fall in love with him and want to save him right along with Grace. Enjoy!!!

I thought this book was great. It was just enough of everything. Just enough of a drift between the characters; just enough hardship; just enough teasing.

It is super sweet and a book that makes you sigh in the end. I would totally recommend this book. The only trouble I had with it was putting it down to go to sleep.

And Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter books get better and better!

This book is the entry to a whole new universe full of hot men, though women, an atlantean mystery man, tortured souls, greek and other deities, vampire (daimon) hunters, were-wolves etc.

And believe it or not: It all makes sense! (did I mention hot men in black leather on bikes?)

Kenyon's books are the rare type of romances, who literally make me laugh out loud AND cry! Really!

Make sure you read them in the right order!

I read this on the recomendation of a friend. It was entertaining, it moved fast, and introduces a Great new series of books. I liked the characters and I thought their problems were believable. I liked this book so much I went out and bought the whole series.

The title of this review says it all...what more can I say? This book is fabulous! Ms. Kenyon writes so that the characters jump off the pages! All her Dark-Hunter books are wonderful! One thing, and I'm sure Ms. Kenyon has no control over this, the stories that are put in with hers in novellas are often not of the same caliber as hers, often time's I'll buy a book with several other authors just to read a new Dark-Hunter story by her. If there were a novella of new Dark-Hunter stories only, I'd snatch that up in a heartbeat.

Can't wait to read Ash's story...hope the series doesn't end with his. Love your Dark-Hunter website! Those models on the character profiles...Hot damn!!! If I wasn't married to my own Julian, Kyrian, Talon, etc.....

I bought this with Claiming the Highlander and spent the entire weekend laughing. I didn't feed my kids, or pay a bit of attention to my hubby, but it was well worth it. Kinley/Sherrilyn is now an auto-buy for me. I ached for Julian and what he went through and the fact that he went through it without whining like so many other tortured heroes. This book has it all, laughter, tears, you name it. I can't wait to read her new Dark Hunter books. I hope they're just as great.

I was recently introduced to this series and I must admit to my surprise each book has left me wanting to read the next. I am starting book eight. However, Julian is still my favorite character. This was an easy read, entertaining and sexy.

If you are new to Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter series I highly suggest reading the books in order. You don't have to as each book gives a brief "history" of the past characters.

I was a little skeptical about this book. I am happy to report I was wrong, and it turned out to be pretty good. The one thing I did not like was the appearance of the Greek Gods and Godesses. It was enough to know what the did and how the curse was created, but I really did not enjoy the flipping back and forth in time and location.

I can't recall ever having read anything as talentless as Fantasy Lover.

It was so lousy that at times I was laughing out loud in disbelief which is the only positive remark I can add to this review. I'm from Denmark so sorry for any spelling errors or the like but really... this book is supposed to take place in 2002 and yet one finds one self being thrown right back to the 80's where we (let us just admit it) had no style, no taste, no understanding of quality what so ever.

In this story with 80s characters, whenever a problem pops up, a God appears and then everything is alright again. Grace, the main character, is totally unbelievable and so is Julian, the SEX half-god with wool for brains.

This book is simply poor writing and poor thinking. There is a lot of sex for women to enjoy but still.... even that quickly feels ridiculous. It just isn't enough of an excuse to publish this book....

One of the most sensual love stories I've read in a long time. Julian and Grace are so opposite yet so similiar that they are perfect for each other. Great characters. The only flaw is they never verbally confess their love to each other.

I have become a big fan of Sherrilyn kenyon, after reading few of her dark-hunter series. I went back and order her other books, thank goodness I was on vacation, I finished the book in 2 days. Couldn't put it down, if you are a true fan, you will enjoy this book. Sex, adventure and romance, just enough balance of each.