Tarbaby Trouble — Phoebe Matthews

Winner of the 2009 EPPIE for Best Fantasy
TARBABY TROUBLE [Mudflat 1] [Urban Fantasy] When you grow up in Mudflat and have a troll in your basement, magic doesn't come as a total surprise. So when astrologer Claire, on the run from a pair of crooked brothers, stumbles into another world, she's ready to play the role of resident "Stargazer." Especially if it keeps her from losing her head to all those broadswords being swung around by the blond barbarians. But one really cute warrior might make her lose her head in another way. Can Claire convince Tarvik that she's really just a peace-loving Seattle girl who needs her coffee? And how do you find your way home when there's a war about to break loose in the castle? If Claire and her Tarbaby are going to survive, they need more than a little help from the stars. *** 4 Stars: "Claire stepped into a stream to cool off, not knowing she was stepping through a doorway into another dimension. Standing before her was a handsome young man dressed like "Conan the Barbarian." Thinking it is a joke, she tells him she flew over the mountain, and her name is Stargazer. "Conan" aka, Tarvik takes her captive. Quickly, she becomes embroiled in the intrigue surrounding Tarvik. Tarbaby Trouble is a delightful read. Phoebe Matthews creates her own secret world fraught with unknown dangers and magic. If you enjoy fantasy you will enjoy Tarbaby Trouble." --Debra Gaynor, Review Your Book *** "Claire is a very independent heroine on the run from some unsavory characters and heads right into chaos in another time. She leaves her house in the care of the troll living in her basement and goes off in search of peace and quiet, what she finds is anything but. She meets a very ugly ruler, his hunky son, a priestess who flies, and a stable hand full of knowledge that may not be exactly what he seems. The cast of supporting characters makes this story a hit. Since this is the first of a series I can't wait to see what Claire and her band of barbarians are up to next! This may be one of the most unique book titles I have ever run across. What is Tarbaby? You'll just have to read it and see!" --Nancy Eriksen, Paranormal Romance