There's something about the grass on the other side of the fence that makes it an intensifier to given feelings. What about when the grass on the other side is imaginary, when it only exists in fiction? Fantasy lets us go beyond our own skins and try out situations and participants beyond our petty realities--participants like supernatural creatures. Like Vampires, elves and werewolves.

In Captive Illusions Kelsey is a poor college girl who is attracted to a mysterious man. She seems to live for her weekends with well-to-do friends; and at her latest party, she finds herself attracted to a mysterious Scot named Iain. Iain is a friend of a friend, an unknown element who recently started running with Kelsey's crowd. He's someone Kelsey has spoken with before. In fact, the last time they talked, she promised she'd share her sexual fantasy with him. And so--once she's well liquored up--she does.

And what is her fantasy? She admits that "one of the things that really turns me on would have to be forced sex…you know, where the guy ties the girl up and does unspeakable things to her." But Iain is not satisfied with that answer, and digs until he gets all the details--her limits--her longing for the forbidden partner. A drink or so later, she's heading for her car and she gets kidnapped. Guess who kidnaps her, and guess what he does?

Yes, this is a lusty book. It is in fact, a short story--maybe novella-length--that is focused entirely on the very graphic, very visceral sexual fantasy plot. If you're looking for a long yarn with a convoluted plot, don't read this book. This is straight-arrow unpretentious you're-gonna-need-a-cold-shower-or-a-hot-date-erotica. Lynn Crain is worldbuilding for a series of tales of supernatural characters who find their human sexual partners/mates. I shall be looking forward to her otherworldly romances

Reviewer: Maîitresse
© 2005