THE SWORD AND THE PEN

Author: Elysa Hendricks ISBN: 9780505528179 5/2009 FANTASY Publisher: DORCHESTER/LOVE SPELL

Serilda It was time. After penning ten popular sword-and-sorcery novels, Brandon Alexander Davis was ready to move on. Ready to stop hiding in his fictional world. Ready to start living a real life. There was just one problem: as he plotted the noble death of Serilda D'Lar, his fictional creation appeared in his study, complete with sword, skimpy leather outfit, indomitable will—and a quest. Was she nothing more than a crazy fan, or had Brandon finally cracked? This warrior woman whom he knew so well, so strong yet vulnerable, was both fantasy and reality. She was an invitation to rediscover all he once knew—that life is an incredible, magical journey and, for love, any man can be a hero.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

If you are looking for a fun, fast fantasy romance, THE SWORD AND THE PEN just might be the book for you. Elysa Hendricks has written a dazzling story, complete with chaos, suspected madness, a blocked writer and the larger-than-life heroine who "unblocks" him! I smiled all the way through this story, and I think others will, too.

Brandon is a fiction writer who cannot wait to finish the series he's working on. He's struggling to complete the last book as his agent and publisher impatiently tap their toes waiting for it. Unfortunately, the heroine won't listen when he writes, and seems intent on doing what she wants to do rather than what he wants her to do. When Serilda appears before him, seemingly leapt from the pages and out of his mind, he is understandably dumbfounded. And just because she's a heroine on the page doesn't mean that Brandon will fall under her spell immediately.

They clash, big time. Brandon thinks she's a deranged fan; Seri thinks he's a wizard. He thinks she's dressed like a tramp; she compares him to a laxative. They're hardly off to an auspicious beginning... and things only get more hilarious from there!

Filled with laugh-out-loud dialogue, quirky plot twists and an unusual adventure, THE SWORD AND THE PEN is pure romantic magic. Well done!

Kay James