Pottery sculptor Erika Sherwood has no idea her televised wedding in Las Vegas is for real until an official confirms she and the stranger she’s just met are legitimately wed. A Drift Lord and warrior of the Tsuran, Magnor tricks the redhead into marriage because she’s one of six women prophesied to save Earth. But as he’s forced into her company in their race against the apocalypse, he wonders … he wonders if he risks his heart more than his life.
Can a free-spirited ceramic artist and a fierce swordsman trust each other enough to prevent disaster?
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What is the first crazy thing a person might do when they go to Vegas, get married. In this third book of the trilogy pottery sculptor Erika Sherwood does just that and to a stranger no less. She didn’t think the ceremony was real but soon learns differently and to make matters worse she realizes her new husband is an alien. Could things get any crazier, she soon learns that they absolutely can. You see an invasion from another dimension is on its way to Earth and Magnor needs Erika’s help in stopping it. They are soon on the hunt for a weapon that will help them stop the invasion and save Earth but must make their way through many obstacles. Follow along as these two strangers take on their mission and at the same time start seeing each other there in a new light. Will they find love and save the earth or will Erika’s world and heart be destroyed in the end?
What a perfect start to award-winning author Nancy J Cohen’s third book in The Drift Lords science fiction romance series, Warrior Lord. The action starts in Las Vegas, which often feels like outer space anyway. If you haven’t read the first two books in the series Warrior Lord is just fine as a standalone. But if you have already read Warrior Prince and Warrior Rogue, by this time you are all in. You have become accustomed to the idea that bizarre and mundane can happen at the same time and you go along for the ride. And what a fun ride it is. The Norse mythology is deep and enlightening, but never boring. Cohen seems to have pulled out all the stops this time as Magnor and Erika search for the sacred book of Odin. I was reminded of all my favorite science fiction movies and theme parks. And how cleverly Cohen uses them for the Trolleks to hide out and confound the tourists. And how extra clever that a kiss is protection against being confounded.
Erika and Magnor are another couple of stubborn, irritating, reckless, strong, brave, loyal people with a powerful – hot! – attraction between them and a lot of things they aren’t ready to share. Erika is a pottery sculptor, artistic, never felt close to her family, felt they judged her. Magnor is a warrior, a swordsman, betrayed by his family and the people of his community. So they are thrown together and while the attraction is strong (and the scenes are fun to read and have you fanning your face), neither of them thinks it can last.
They get married in Vegas, part of what seems to be a contest and all in fun. But Magnor recognizes her magic watch and realizes she is one of six women prophesied to save Earth. Her reason is a little more down-to-earth (sorry) and less altruistic than his. There is a hefty prize package she can use to further her education. When she finds out the marriage is real she realizes this may suit her need, too: she needs a husband for a year to gain access to her trust fund. Plus this guy is a pretty cute hunk and makes her tingle a bit; she just can’t get him out of her mind – or her arms. He is drawn to her, too, but after the shame on his home planet he has sworn off relationships. We’ll see . . . .
As always with one of author Cohen’s books, the writing is superb and the characters are deep and engaging. Even though I’ll probably never meet an ogre, be chased by a Trollek or meet and marry a huge, handsome, hunky almost-Drift Lord out to save my planet, I was completely drawn in and captivated by the story. When Zohar said “make it so” I was with Captain Picard, when Erika and Magnor had their audience before the King of Dwarves I was in the Emerald City with the Wizard, I could feel the splash of water in my face and hear Yo Ho in my head when they were in Loki’s Lair, I made my spinning escape through something like a Stargate and there were booby traps (and maybe snakes) like Indiana Jones. It’s a charming adventure good for a lot of laughs, but even if some of the creatures may not be real, the sense of danger is. Magnor and Erika have narrow escapes and have to use their wits to continue their important mission. And author Cohen definitely has her tongue in her cheek when Nira tells Erika, “That’s a whale of a tale for later.”
I loved these stories, and anything written by Cohen. Warrior Lord is, alas, the final book in The Drift Lord series. In my mind it could easily have been six books instead of three. After all, there are six daughters of Odin to match up with six Drift Lords. Or it could have gone on forever and I would have been happy. But authors do what authors must and three it is. It is an action-packed, non-stop thrill journey, well-written, well-plotted and thoroughly enjoyable. I unhesitatingly recommend you read it, as well as The Light-Years series, more sci-fi romantic fun, and the Bad Hair Day Mysteries. Whatever the genre, Cohen makes the characters feel real and makes you care about them. The mystery or adventure or family situation rings true and you want to learn the outcome. And hope it’s a good one. I was not required to provide a review and all opinions are my own. Read Warrior Lord. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
The final adventure in this trilogy. I really want to know about how the other Drift Lords met their ladies. Erika and Magnor meet in Vegas and right away they get married. She thought it would be a fake marriage and it got her money and a car. Turns out it was real. When they have to start running from Trolleks, she keeps wondering what she has gotten into. Magnor knows Erika has untapped powers, but he doesn’t know what they are. Neither does she. Magnor knows that Erika deserves more than someone like him and she really wants him to stick around, but why would he? She isn’t anyone special. Just ask her family. Can they stay together when all of this is over? Will they be able to save the world and themselves?