Lucan by Susan Kearney

When the inhabitants of Earth seem to be doomed by infertility, it is up to Lucan Roarke to help find a way to save the human race. He believes that if he is to find the Holy Grail, he might have found just what humans need in order to heal their bodies and help jump start their reproductive systems. If he fails, they face possible extinction.

Set some time in the unknown future, Lucan stumbles upon a map that leads him to believe that the Grail is on a distant planet named Pendragon. It takes him several years (including a few to learn their language) but eventually he is able to land there and blend in with the scientists on the planet as an archeologist and Dragonian linguist.

There he meets the Lady Cael - the High Priestess of Pendragon. She is revered by her people because of her abilities as a Dragonshifter. From a young age her family sent her away to fulfill her destiny as High Priestess and since then she has never had the luxury of having friends, being close to her family, or even a touching hand. For it is forbidden that she be touched - punishable by death, and she has resigned herself to her life of solitude. That is until she meets Lucan, who not only touches her making her crave things that are forbidden, but who sees and treats her as a woman.

Lucan cannot afford the feelings he has for Cael - as he is Earth’s only hope for survival. But when they must join forces to defeat the Tribes who want to find the Grail and use it for their own evil purposes - he finds that no matter how much he fights it, he will not be able to accomplish his mission without her - although it might mean losing his heart (or gaining one) in the process.

This is the first in the Pendragon Legacy Trilogy. The second, Rion comes out in December 2009, and Jordan coming in March 2010. Although at first I was a bit skeptical about King Arthur, the Holy Grail and the whole dragon thing, but once I got past that I truly enjoyed this. Lucan is hawt! And Lady Cael, a simmering little seductress. They are a match made in... heaven space. They had this great relationship with plenty of push and pull and witty dialogue.... oh, and did I mention steaming love scenes. This was a great start to what I’m sure will be a fantastic series. You already get your introduction to Rion here and from his heroics in this book and what I was able to read of the first chapter from his book - seems like he is quite the catch too. I loved the concept of the quest for the Holy Grail - and I thought it was utterly clever that Ms. Kearney came up with the idea that the Holy Grail has never been found because they’ve always looked for it on the wrong planet... just priceless. Filled with adventure, mystery, politics, myths, shapeshifting and, of course, did I mention those steaming love scenes... [sighs]. This was a quick, light and fun read that I recommend to anyone who likes their romances with a sci-fi twist , and of course, those steaming love scenes.

GIVEAWAY: I have 5 copies of Lucan by Susan Kearney up for grabs.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, Facebook, etc.) Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving comment as Anonymous.

Rules: This contest is open to U.S. & Canada residents only. No P.O. Boxes. Winners will be drawn Friday, September 25.