This novel is sure to be a huge hit: its combination of suspense and passion keeps the pages flipping by at a fast enough rate to keep you cool on a Texas summer day. And did I mention the love scenes? Do not lend this one to your mother, but recommend it to your best friend, and sit back and watch her blush rise. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien

Product Description
When Sophie Champion crosses paths with the imperiously dashing Crispin Fascari, the notorious "Earl of Scandal," her circumstances are awkward -- and precarious. Disguised as a man, and seeking clues in the suspicious death of a loved one, smart, beautiful Sophie arrives at the scene of a murder -- only to fall into a tangled web designed to implicate her. Now, her salvation lies with Crispin -- and he has a mysterious agenda of his own. Locked in a battle of mutal distrust and magnetic attraction, Sophie and Crispin strike a boldly seductive bargin that binds them together in their search for answers among London's darkest streets -- where love is a secret killer, waiting to strike again.

This book blew me away. Plain and simple. I never knew that mystery could be seamlessly woven into the intricate folds of romance to create a passionate, suspenseful, and touching love story.

Although this story possesses all the classic romantic elements like love lost, love gained, sex and suspense, this romance is much more complex: it takes all these elements and increases them tenfold to create a romance like none other. The chemistry between Crispin and Sophie is undeniable. The mystery surrounding them is electrifying. The hot love scenes are hypnotizing. The beautiful backdrop of Crispin's exotic hanging garden is breathtaking.

This book is worth far more than 5 stars. Not only does it follow in the magnificent footsteps of THE STARGAZER, but the ending is so spectacular that you'll be left yearning for the story to go on forever.


Excellent romance   May 16, 2000
 6 out of 10 found this review helpful

In 1588 London, Queen Elizabeth I informs Crispin Foscari, Earl of Sandal, that he is relieved of duty due to accusations of treason. Her Royal Highness gives a shocked Crispin fourteen days to clear his name or potentially face the hangman's noose. Crispin wastes no time seeking information to prove his alias Phoenix is innocent of the charges.

In the Unicorn club, Crispin observes Sophie Champion dressed as a male. He confronts her with her gender and accuses her of killing informant Richard Tottle at the fastidious gambling hall. Sophie denies murdering Richard. She like Crispin was seeking information from the deceased. Sophie hopes to learn why someone killed her beloved godfather though officially it has been declared an accident. While Crispin and Sophie wage a battle of wits throughout London's seamier side, they fall in love even though an unknown enemy wants to take both of them out.

Faster than the speed of light, Michele Jaffe has attained a high reputation for excellence from romance readers and reviewers. Her newest novel, THE WATER NYMPH, is a delightful Elizabethan romantic suspense that historical fans will fully enjoy. The story line is filled with intrigue that brings a bygone era alive even as the tension grips the audience. The lead charcaters are an intrepid pair whose humorous battle provides comic yet serious relief. This book is another triumph for Ms. Jaffe who will find readers clamoring for a sequel starring an intriguing secondary character.

Harriet Klausner


Captivating and Sexy   July 8, 2000
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

During the Elizabethan Age, Crispin Foscari and Sophie Champion first meet over a dead body. Crispin is there as an agent of the Queen and Sophie is there because she thinks the dead man is a link to the death of her beloved foster father. Although Sophie is dressed as a man (which allows her to move about the City freely). Crispin immediately sees through her disguise. He is beguiled even though he has been a lover to many, many women. The paths of Sophie and Crispin cross again and again and each time the sexual tension increases. The love scenes in this book are extraordinary and you will probably never look at peach (yes, the fruit) in the same way again. Through many twists, turns and often comedic encounters, Sophie and Crispin each come to the same conclusion which solves the mystery of more than one murder. Crispin plays a number of roles and it is a guess which one he is playing at any given time. I suspect that the author will continue this series with at least one book about the cousins who are introduced late in "The Water Nymph". It is not necessary to read the prequel to " The Water Nymph", which is "The Stargazer", in order to enjoy "The Water Nymph"


ZZZZZZZZZZ's   April 22, 2001
 5 out of 8 found this review helpful

What a boring book! There was no "Who Done It" suspense in the story. There was no excitement what so ever. The "hero" of this book was a WIMP. My Lord! This was the first book I read of 'Jaffe' and I will say that it is going to be the last. And what is it with this ending?! Blah!


Don't Bother   April 24, 2001
 5 out of 8 found this review helpful

I have to say that this is one of the worst books I have ever read. It is the perfect cure for insomnia. I fell asleep within 15 minutes of each reading. The characters were shallow and unrealistic. I found myself rereading parts just to keep things straight. I could not visualize the settings when reading and I found situations to be hokey. Save your money. If you want to give it a chance, check it out from the library!