"What an entertaining story. Falcon Hunter has just the right mix of heat and intrigue that every reader looks for in a great book. Christina and Falcon are a couple that fit so right together and tell a great tale. This is a great read for when you are looking for 'something different' from the norm."--Matilda, Coffee Time Romance Reviews 4 Cups
"This was a fantastic read! Brannon does a great job, of infusing Native American culture into this shifter novella. I really enjoyed how since Christina was in her seventh reincarnation, she brought back repressed memories through dreams. You'll find yourself rooting for Christina and Falcon Hunter throughout the entire story! At some points, the storyline does seem rushed, but looking back, no major plot lines or the ending were affected because of it. Falcon Hunter is a roller-coaster of a story; you'll be gasping, and wondering if they'll pull through, and then smiling when it's all said and dead, over and over. The storyline was very smooth, and I loved the way Brannon showed the different viewpoints of each of the characters, even if the same portion of the story was taking place. I loved every minute reading it! There are some short, highly charged sex/sex-related scenes, but nothing to lead you away from the main storyline."--Denise Kivett, PNR Reviews
Chapter One
The midmorning sun beat down on Christina Rainwater's back. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and she grimaced as it trickled down her nose to plop in the soil of her herb garden. Dirt smudged her hands; her fingernails were caked with it. She swiped the sweat from her brow before it dripped into her eyes, scraping grit across her skin as she smudged her forehead with damp soil.
"Damn weeds," she mumbled. "I'll teach you to try and take over my garden." She yanked another bundle of clover from the bed and tossed it on top of the ever-growing pile in the bucket beside her.
A movement in the corner of her eye caught her attention. Turning her head to get a better view, her gaze fell on the stunning falcon perched on her birdbath. The wind ruffled his feathers, and he blinked, focusing his gaze on her. His loud screech split the quiet afternoon air, making her jump. It was as though he were acknowledging her.
She assumed it was a male. She'd never seen him mating or watching over a nest. He only seemed to watch over her.
"Well, hello to you, too." Shaking her long hair out of her eyes, she studied the bird. If she hadn't known better, she'd think he was laughing at her. "What are you up to today? Do you like watching me work?" Christina turned back to her gardening. Every day since she'd turned sixteen--nine years ago--he'd visited her birdbath and watched her tend the garden.
She glanced over her shoulder at him to see another gentle breeze ruffle the bird's downy feathers. He cawed, as if in response to her question. He sat majestically on his throne, as though the world was his court. Head cocked, he looked her over. If he'd been a human, she'd think he was flirting with her. Shaking her head at the thought, she turned back to her plants.
An hour later, tired from her labors, Christina sat back and admired her work. "Finally done." Sighing, she glanced back over at the falcon. His gaze never wavered as he stared at her.
"Looks good, doesn't it?" She couldn't believe she was talking to a bird. If her neighbors saw her, they'd probably think she'd gone crazy. Then again, she'd been doing it for so many years they most likely already thought that. Shaking her head, she picked up the bucket of weeds and dumped them in the garbage. "You sure are an unusual bird." Watching him, curiosity won over caution.
Their gazes locked, and a tingle of familiarity tugged at her, making her heart race so fast she thought it might jump out of her chest. Why did she feel as though she'd just made love all night long? "What is it about you?"
What was it about him that made her feel as though she already knew him? She couldn't put her finger on it, but she knew him ... somehow. She was sure of it.
For as long as she could remember, he'd allowed her to touch him. After he'd been hanging around her for about four months, she'd tried to touch him for the first time. She'd never been so shocked in her life than when he'd sat quietly and allowed her petting.
She walked over to him and slowly lifted her hand, running her finger along the jagged white marks on his right wing. Soft feathers tickled her fingertip. They weren't the same color as his other feathers and almost looked like a scar. The falcon sat still, gazing at her with interest. An ageless wisdom reflected in his golden brown eyes.
"Why aren't you afraid of me?" Whenever she approached him, he never backed down or flew off. Any other bird would never let her near. Why was he different?
A shrill ringing rent the air, breaking the spell the bird seemed to hold over her. Christina sighed. "Duty calls." She took one last look at the majestic bird as she headed toward her house, pulling her cell phone from her pocket and answering it on the way.
Falcon Hunter watched Christina go inside. No matter how many times he saw her, he still marveled at the uncanny resemblance she bore to his long-dead wife. They could almost be twins if not for Christina's burnished red hair and lighter skin tone.
What he wouldn't give to tell her the truth. But he'd learned his lesson when he'd tried that the last time she'd been reincarnated. The woman he'd loved for seven lifetimes had laughed in his face. His heart had broken when she'd rejected him that way. He didn't think he could take another rejection from his beloved, no matter how much he wanted to be human and feel her love again.
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