**REVIEW** Centaur Rivalry by Nancy Straight

  The Centaur world is rocked as news spreads of the Lost Herd, Camille's existence, and her Centaur protector. A death order against Camille's father and family sends all into hiding. 

  Camille and Drake leave the country pursued by the Lost Herd as well as by Centaur Council enforcers. Camille's twin brother Cameron is manipulated by the Council Head and is quickly becoming her newest enemy.

 Amid unexpected new protectors, enemies, and romances, Camille and Drake make their plans to travel to Africa to confront the Centaur Council. They hope acceptance of Camille as Chiron's heir, yet knowing that her link to the Lost Herd could require them to kill or to be killed.

Release Date:  April 29, 2013

Published By:  Createspaces

Review Copy: Paperback, 264 pages

*Gift from Author

Review

 With every book I pick up of Nancy's I think "How will she top the last one?"  Well let me tell you people she does it every single time!  Nancy Straight is without a doubt one of the best Indie authors I know and the Touched series is by far one of my favourite series all around, this includes traditionally published series.  I was blown away right from the start with the calliper of the writing and the sheer creativeness that was put into this series.  Now in book 3 I find myself not only still blown away but in full addict mode when it comes to getting my hands on the next book.  I know there are always many books I want but this series falls under the "I need it like I need air" category.

  The setting really changes with each book because the circumstances and stakes keep in changing.  Everything starts in this one in the cold and snowy South Dakota, in the mountains at that.  One of the things I truly admire about these books is the authors ability to change the setting yet keep everything so vivid.  I find many authors stick to the same place and it works but Nancy Straight chanced mixing it up with each book and each place and as far as I am concerned it seriously pays off.  When things are switched up from South Dakota and moved to Cancun I was all but in paradise with everyone.  Everything was so incredibly beautiful I couldn't help but be a little bit envious(especially seeing Drake was there and well... He's Drake).

  Cami never fails to amaze me.  She is a character of enormous strength and continual growth.  So many characters now rely on the guy to be the strong one or let their love blind them out of the truth but not with this girl.  Cami would rather stand by Drake and fight for their lives than stand by safe and watch him fight for her.  I have so much respect for her and though she thinks things through she is never afraid to fight for what is right, fight for what she believes in.  There are so many moments that I would probably be wishing things could just slow down for a day but Cami takes it all in and pushes through.  This isn't to say she doesn't have her own worries but really I cant even begin to think of the stress she must endure often.  Basically there is no other way to put it: this girl is kick ass and blows me away every time I read about her.

  Where do we go from Cami...Drake?  Daniel? Brent?  The new girls Jessica and Katherine?  Not to mention all of the favourites that make an appearance but don't fret about all the names Nancy has done such a great job designing, detailing and individualizing each character that I have never had a single problem remembering who is who.  I think I will chat about Brent because Nancy brought him in as the next brother to be introduced and though he was more than a little stiff to start he made a lot of change throughout the book.  Won't tell you what the big change was because that would ruin the book but it was HUGE!  Brent is also tied into Katherine, Daniel and Jessica because they spend some time away from the others in hiding.  Katherine and Jessica have been friends since they were children and despite the fact that both sides should not like each other they have created an I unbreakable bond that is quite amazing.

  The romance is not the main focus in this one but that is only because there is so much fast paced action going on and so much development.  That isn't saying that romance didn't play its part though because heck, everyone is finding their partner just some have to fight a little harder for it than others.  Cami and Drake have the fact that he is a full blown Centaur to worry about because Drake worries he will never be the man she needs him to be anymore but we hope for the best anyway and things happen....  Brent also had a huge choice to make in this book in the romance department and I will admit I was more than a little torn.  Last but not least there is Daniel... I seriously feel for him most of the time and the rest of it I just want to kick him in the butt!  After years of loving Cami he is kind of starting to move on, with Jessica in his sights but she is still a Centauride.  Needless to say this brings many problems and heartbreak to the table.  This however is something I am okay with because I admire that Nancy does not just hand happily ever afters out and makes everyone work a little for them.

  Telling you all that this book is my favourite from the series would be so hard because I treasure each book for its own reason and really love them all beyond words.  Yes I write the reviews and carry on and on but my reviews can not do justice to these amazing books.  I am looking forward to getting to know Bart and Ben better but I will admit a fascination with Ben so I am looking forward to him more.  There is a lot at risk now and though there may have always been, it's becoming more aggressive and everyone needs to be prepared to fight for their lives or loose them.  Do not hesitate to pick up this original and addictive series because it is more than worth it!  The only problem I have ever had with the series is that I have to wait for the next book!

Quotes

  I looked into Drake's ice blue eyes.  They were narrowed from the cold and likely to close to being frozen that way.  I'd experienced his speed two nights ago, when we escaped the Centaur assault at Cameron's house, but it was still hard to wrap my mind around the idea that he probably came close to breaking the sound barrier getting here.

  Drake hadn't met Katherine, but he turned around to face her, and in doing so shoved Gage and Bianca into the wall.  "That's right.  I will fight to the death for Cami."  I couldn't be sure, but his tone sounded like a challenge of some sort, as if Katherine were the enemy.

  "Give us a minute."  Drake's lips were back on my neck sending more shivers through my body.  His lips caressed their way up to my ear, as his teeth grazed the tender skin of my ear lobe.  His breath was hot in my ear as he spoke the words in a heavy whisper, "Not now, but soon.  Very soon."  Drake thrust his body one more time against mine.  A combination of heat and tingles erupted inside me.  His hands slid down both my arms, as he took both my hands in his.  He brought my hands to his lips. "No one, anywhere, will ever love you the way I do."

  "Sorry?" Had he not gotten there quick enough?  Was it Beau?  Or Bart?  Had Will been hurt?  Before I frantically asked the question of who hadn't made it, Drake's face appeared through the trees, along with the rest of him.  All nine-hundred pounds of him stood before me in the moonlight - he towered above me, my Centaur Warrior.