INTIMATE BEINGS - Jessica Inclán
The Cygirians, Book 2
Zebra (Trade Paperback)
ISBN-10: 1-4201-0114-5
ISBN-13: 978-1-4201-0114-0
October 2008
Paranormal Romance

California, Tahiti, Florida and Upsilia (a planet in another solar system) - Present Day

Have you ever wondered if we’re really alone, that somehow our own little planet is the only one in all of this amazing universe that has managed to sprout sentient life? Well, wonder no more; others do exist, and they’re here, among us.

Claire Edwards has never wondered about aliens, surprising really, when you consider her very special gift. You see, Claire has only to concentrate on a place in order to go there -- Paris, Hawaii, they’re just a thought away. Of course, there is a downside to this ability; you see, Claire can’t wish herself home, quite a downer when you’re stranded far away with no cash (or passport). What’s worse is that she can never tell anyone about her ability, even her beloved (recently deceased) mother. Now, Claire just ignores the urge to travel, spends her days teaching small children (or rather, trying to teach them) and her nights in front of the television. If only there were something more, somewhere that she might belong, like in the dream. You see, silly as it is, Claire has only ever felt completely safe in a dream featuring a spaceship filled with children, herself as one of them. Weird, huh? Know what’s weirder? A strange man (Darl James) has just popped into Claire’s car, and he claims he’s arrived there by bubble. Hmm… Claire has to wonder if there’s a white jacket somewhere with her name on it.

Darl James knows that what he has to tell Claire will be startling. He thought it was bizarre himself when he first heard it not too long ago. But it’s true; they are beings from another planet, sent to Earth for safekeeping as children, and if their people are to defeat their enemies (the Neballats), they must band together. Darl knows about Claire’s ability; after all, he’s her double, but his own traveling goes in one direction only, home. Can Darl convince Claire to trust him, to take on the adventure of a lifetime and travel to the far reaches of space with him? And if she does agree, can they defeat the Neballats?

The second book in Jessica Inclán’s imaginative new series about the Cygirians, INTIMATE BEINGS introduces readers to a bored, lonely teacher named Claire and a former football coach who has been yearning to find the woman who could truly understand him. Cygirians come in sets; when they’re born, they already have a mate (whether he or she has been born yet or not) destined to be theirs. Their talents complement each other, and they almost instantly recognize each other as “the one.” Though Claire doesn’t know Darl is her “twin,” she does know he’s the first man to make her want to say yes, “Yes, I want to have sex with you,” “yes, I’ll go with you,” yes, I love you too.” Despite the very quick development of their relationship, it seems natural and real; after all, they truly were made for each other. It’s only together that Darl and Claire can be the people they were born to be -- a loving, loyal and happy pair, wherever they find themselves.

You do wonder how Darl arrived at Claire’s location in a bubble don’t you? That trick would be courtesy of Kate and Michael, doubles who’ve found each other. Some other Cygirians include: Claire’s sister Mila and her mate Garrick (their story was the first, BEING WITH HIM, February 2008) who can travel through time; Claire and Mila’s older brother, Edan, a special man, even among their kind; Jai and Risa, the couple who started the process of getting them all together. Then there’s Stephanie and Porter, an electric couple who may actually know each other too well. There are so many Cygirians with varied and unique talents that I can’t mention them all here.

Yes, folks, the aliens are here, and if they’re all as fascinating as this, I can’t wait to meet them. :-) Run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookstore (or double click if that’s faster) and get your copy of INTIMATE BEINGS today.

Lori Ann, Romance Reviews Today
 

Intimate Beings
Jessica Inclán
Zebra, Oct 2008, $13.00
ISBN:1420101145

San Francisco kindergarten teacher Claire Edwards has always felt like the outsider, but lately that depressing feeling has been overwhelming. Her job is boring her and the dates she does have are even more tedious. Her only fun is renting films from Netflix. However, the dreams are what scare her; as how many adults sleep with a spaceship in their head.

Darl James has felt the same way about his life as has Claire. However, he knows why as he has learned they are not of this earth. Darl seeks his soulmate Claire because together their special skills enhanced by love make them a formidable force. Claire can think herself to any place while Darl can think himself home from anyplace. When they meet, each feels whole for the first time and soon seek other hidden aliens, but instead find themselves trapped in a galaxy war as a bellicose race that destroyed their home planet focuses on earth.

This is a fun science fiction romance that ironically even with the potential destruction of the earth and the already annihilation of other planets and species is a lighthearted romp. The story line is faster than a speeding space ship, but never goes deep into any of the alien races. Still Jessica Inclán provides an engaging try to save the world by alien residents (without green cards) especially the heroine who leaves behind the crayon drawings of kindergarten artists.

Harriet Klausner
 

Title: Intimate Beings Author: Jessica Barksdale Inclán Publisher: Zebra Books Release Date: September 30, 2008 Blue Ribbon Rating: 5

Kindergarten teacher Claire Edwards has always felt like an outsider. Ever since she was little, all she has to do is think about a place and she can instantly be transported there. The only exception to her ability – she cannot return home the same way. One day, while driving home, a sexy stranger appears out of thin air in the passenger seat of her car.

By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Robin Snodgrass