Bonds Of Justice:  Blade's Decree
Elayne S. Venton
Changeling Press, LLC
ISBN: 1-59596-080-5
Genre: Science Fiction, Erotica
Rating:  5 Nymphs, and a Literary Nymphs Golden Blush Recommended Read
Reviewed:  Kira Stone 

Blade Kevlar has a job to do, rescuing prostitutes from their own bad choices, choices that would get them killed in the next twenty-four hours if he didn't spirit them away for a new life on one of Jupiter's moons.  Thea Stone also has a job to do, going under cover as a prostitute to track down the villainous swine who provides overdoses of prescription drugs to depressed women.

When their two worlds collide, Thea is rounded up as part of Blade's cargo.  She's sentenced to life on Jupiter, a life of marriage or sexual servitude her only options.  But Blade sees things in Thea that he's never found in another prostitute.  Honor.  Courage.  Strength.  Determination to beat him, no matter the cost, no matter the odds stacked against her.

Blade's admiration quickly turns to lust.  That's all his let it be.  He enjoys the attentions of the 21st Century female, sure that he'll be able to surrender her to the auction block when the time comes.  Thea isn't as certain that her feelings for Blade are only skin deep.  Always at the back of her mind, however, is the notion that she must return to her place and time to finish what she started.

At the risk of being played for a fool, Blade rescues Thea from the auction block, arranging for her purchase to serve his own needs.  Their time together is short by necessity as there is another mission which fuels Blade's travels, to find his wayward sister.  He leaves Thea behind with orders to stay where he put her, in his brother's care.

Thea is unable to comply with the wishes of a man who does not love her.  She arranges for a passage back to Earth on her own.  Blade returns in time to catch her and teach her a lesson she won't soon forget.  They reach an understanding yet it does little to stabilize their immediate future as both have obligations to fulfill.  And once more Blade must rescue Thea from certain death…     

Blade's Decree published by Changeling Press is the first in the Bonds of Justice series.  Blade and Thea have a chemistry that few couples can produce.  Both tough and hardened by life, they manage to steal each other's hearts without weakening the spirit that houses them.  It's a delicate balancing act, to let two such headstrong people have their own way without forcing one or the other to yield, yet Elayne Venton skillfully manages to do just that.

I strongly recommend that any reader interested in an excellent story with convincing characters and out-of-this-world sex read Blade's Decree.