TEST
I really like vampire romances. I especially like the ones where the hero is not tortured and trying to change himself back into being human. Neither of these stories falls into that category, thank goodness. 
Brides of the Night is a different Intimate Moments title. Instead of one novel, there are two novellas in this book.
Both of these stories earn a B+. Maggie Shayne’s story, Twilight Vows, centers on Donovan, an old vampire who comes back to his hometown in Ireland, and Rachel, a barmaid/student whose curiosity about Donovan leads her into his arms. The women in Rachel’s family have been the downfall of Donovan in the past. Donovan has come back to his home and is determined to stay away from Rachel because of her family. Rachel is curious about Donovan and does not believe in the old family legends. She goes to Donovan’s castle and discovers his true nature and Donovan is forced to hold her captive. This beauty falls in love with her handsome beast and they learn to trust each other.
Maggie Shayne’s story captures the essence of all her past vampire novels. It contains just enough background from her other vampire stories (four novels and a novella), so no one is lost. Most short stories are too short to contain enough content to satisfy me, but this one did. Maggie and Donovan’s relationship developed nicely, helped along by a previous relationship between them when Rachel was a child.
Marilyn Tracy’s story, Married By Dawn, is a bit more complicated, but equally satisfying. Tara is after Gavin, a vampire sent to kill her, because she knows he’s a vampire and believes he killed her sister. Gavin doesn’t want to kill Tara and offers to marry her to protect her from the Vampire Council. The Council wants her dead because she knows about them. Tara knows Gavin for about 10 minutes and agrees to marry him, all the while intending to kill him. In less than 24 hours they are in love and taking risks for each other. I would have liked a little more background on the council and its origins, and a little more information on Tara’s character. There had to be more to her falling for Gavin than just lust.
Overall, these stories were a nice change of pace for the Intimate Moments line. I’d like to see more of them. No amnesiac, pregnant moms or cowboys here! I hope Ms. Shayne and Ms. Tracy can persuade the line to let them have a full-length vampire novel to themselves. If you like vampire stories, pick this one up.
Grade: B+
Book Type: Series Romance|Vampire Romance
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 06/10/98
Publication Date: 1998/10
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.