Silver Tongue

Title: Silver Tongue

Author: Marie Harte

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-61118-732-8

Genre: {M/F} Contemporary Paranormal BDSM Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

Kitty Nelson might manage the Power Up! Gym but she’s also a member of their psychic team. As an empath, she keeps the peace, settles arguments and calms the nerves of gym and team members. When she becomes friends with a young woman, it puts her in direct conflict with Karen’s older brother, Dane, a man Kitty can’t psychically read. He’s the type of man that pushes all her buttons and her reaction to him scares her to death.

After getting shot and retiring from the Marines, Dane Hanson turned to art to provide a creative outlet and financial independence. The Power Up! Team’s been hired to retrieve a stolen sculpture and Kitty needs to take advantage of Dane’s popularity in the art world.  With his history in black ops, Dane’s not concerned with the mission, but sexy Kitty is bringing out his dominant tendencies. He’ll help her but he wants her to submit for longer than the mission, but they’ll have to survive the people trying to kill them and a cursed statue first.

Silver Tongue is the newest release in Marie Harte’s Power Up series. It’s possible to read it as a standalone but due to the number of returning characters, I recommend the books be read in order.

The premise of the story fits well with the other storylines—retrieving a stolen sculpture. The pacing is smooth, the secondary characters interesting and the descriptions vivid. I have to admit I want to learn more about Jack, the head of their group, and can’t wait for his book, Entranced, coming next. I’m particularly pleased with the villains in this release. It’s not that I like them but Ms. Harte outdid herself with the creation of some truly despicable individuals. And the enchanted sculpture—The Little Death—what a great name. And we even got to see a more of the mysterious Owen Stallbridge this time—finally.

Kitty’s been in the background of the series for awhile, so I was curious about her, anxiously waiting to learn more. She’s an empath who calms the emotions of others. She’s likable and hardworking. The author did a good job developing her personality and scattering bits of her family history throughout the story and showing how it affected her. Her interaction with the guys at the gym is loving—it’s a type of family. Very nice.

Then there’s Dane. He’s rude, arrogant and overbearing, even to his sister. His actions are out of place during portions of the story—when they’re in a dangerous situation his only concern seems to be dominating Kitty. I’ve read plenty of BDSM books in the past and Dane is a dangerous type of Dom. He doesn’t like the idea of being told no and they don’t have a safe word. He blackmails his way into Kitty’s bed and yes, the sex is hot but so numerous it overbalance the investigative part of the story. And Kitty. She’s knows better and still lets Dane dominate her at inappropriate times.

When the danger escalates so does the pace, putting Dane and Kitty on a rollercoaster ride to the end. There’s even a cop introduced—I wonder if he’ll show up again—maybe for Ian? Hold on to your hats. There’s a lot going on as they race to catch the bad guys, save the statue and figure out their relationship.