Their ancestors came from the stars in metal ships bringing with them a wondrous technology. Wondrous, but useless, on the world they chose to colonize -- a planet where natural disasters of climatic proportions were as common as summer rain and all their technology couldn't save them. Their cities, crops and people were almost completely destroyed. Earthquakes, floods and tornados ravaged the land. Eventually, natural selection came into play, and among the people there were those born with the ability to channel the force of the disasters and cause them to subside. These were the first Sources. The disasters were averted, but the Sources died as a result. Again, evolution came up with a solution and the first Shields were born.

The Shields are unique individuals who can reach into the mind of a Source during channeling and calm and protect them. These bonded pairs protect the people and the land. Their only obligation is that they travel from city to city as ordered by the Empress and her government as duty demands it. The bond between a Source and Shield is a life- long relationship. No matter how they feel about each other, it's literally a "death do us part" relationship.

Dunleavy "Lee" Mallorough has trained as a Shield since early childhood. She's sure she'll be chosen by a Source who will complement her skill and temperament. Instead, she's bonded with Lord Shintaro Karish, or Taro, as he prefers to be called. Nicknamed the Stallion of the Triple S, Lee finds Taro somewhat lacking in the qualities she values in a partner.

Charismatic and easy going, Taro tends to be the center of attention in every situation. Lee and Taro are stationed in the city of High Scape, a place so plagued by disaster that they are only one of seven pairs sent to protect it. The duo's mettle is soon tested when a force of unnatural power hits High Scape. Lee and Taro shield the city, but when the event is over, they find the other pairs have not survived.

Then disaster of a more personal nature strikes when Taro learns his brother has died and now he, as the new heir, is expected to return home and take his rightful place in his family. When Taro is kidnapped, Lee, at her wit's end by now, has to find him, rescue him, defend her city and, just for good measure, save the world from a madman's delusions of grandeur.

An entertaining read, RESENTING THE HERO is sure to be a hit with romance, as well as fantasy, readers. The relationship between the new partners is a lot of fun to watch as it blossoms and changes. Lee has badly misjudged Taro, but he's guilty of the same where she's concerned. The next book in the series, THE HERO STRIKES BACK, is due in September 2006. It will be interesting to see where their relationship takes them.