Marcellus is a centuries old vampire who knows he's been played by the friend he shares with Dedra. He doesn't want to photograph the human woman and could care less how she feels about herself. Befriending humans or having any close relationships with them is a mistake in his mind. He reluctantly agrees to keep the photo shoot, surprised by the beauty who arrives at his castle because someone who looks like her should have no trouble with confidence or self-image.

Two very different lovers who think they can separate sex from emotion collide in the first story of Kate Hill's Heart's Blood series. What seems a simple premise from the outset quickly develops into a deeper story with strong ties to another of Ms. Hill's series, The Elixir Maidens. While this story isn't strikingly original, I enjoyed it immensely due to the incredible talent of the author. Her characterization is some of the best I've read, her dialogue is well used, realistic, and appealing. Needless to say the emotional and romantic aspects of this story are very satisfying. Her tale moves at a comfortable pace and the back story is sprinkled throughout in a way that intrigues but is never obtrusive. The are several sensual scenes but they don't dominate the work and should please any true fan of erotic romance. This is an enticing start to what promises to be a wonderful series by Ms. Hill. Readers won't be disappointed.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Cameron
October 19, 2007