TEST
Many years ago Maggie Shayne first introduced this couple in one of her Wings in the Night Silhouette Shadows series books. They were a secondary couple if I recall correctly, and I wondered if I would ever see them again. Better late than never, I always say.
A quick recap from previously in the series: Vlad is one of the oldest and strongest vampires. His human mate, Elisabeta, carried the vampire antigen (Belladonna) in her blood, which allows a human to become a vampire. Those with the antigen who aren’t turned can slowly wither away and die – and a human without this antigen can never become immortal.
Hundreds of years ago Elisabeta killed herself after believing Vlad dead. He refused to place his hopes on his vampire friend Rhiannon’s prediction that he would be reunited with Beta 500 years into the future because Rhiannon couldn’t promise Beta’s soul would recognize his and love him again. So Vlad’s magicians performed a ritual, binding her soul to earth. They used her wedding ring and an incantation on a scroll that would release her soul into a future reincarnation of herself. Of course there was a caveat…the ritual needed to be performed by a certain time or her soul would be free…meaning dead.
The magician’s ritual didn’t turn out that great for Stormy, Beta’s future relation. Instead of allowing Beta’s soul to rest, the spell left her aware, yet in limbo for 500 years, enough to make anyone crazy. And her spirit resides inside Stormy.
When we last visited Tempest “Stormy” Jones and Vlad Dracul sixteen years ago, things were not going well. He’d kidnapped her to free his beloved, but without the ring, was unable to finish the ritual. Beta attempted to conquer Stormy’s body and soul and nearly killed Stormy in the process. If Stormy was killed, Vlad feared that he would never release his beloved. Although it was difficult, he let Stormy go, and continued to search for the ring. Vlad isn’t as bad as he sounds; he did feel something for Stormy, and has spent the last sixteen years tormented over the decision he will have to make.
Stormy has loved Vlad for sixteen years, but knows that he doesn’t love her for herself, but for Beta. When the ring surfaces, Vlad comes again for Stormy. Beta’s spirit resurfaces, and she is increasingly dangerous and clearly deranged. Vlad doesn’t seem to see the danger, however. Stormy has also reluctantly allied with the Athena Sisterhood, who have their own interest in the ring. Suddenly her job as an investigator with Supernatural Investigations Services seems quite pale in comparison to her current situation.
Physically Stormy is well able to protect herself; she has been surrounded by vampires since leaving Vlad and has trained with them. She’s no shrinking violet, either emotionally or mentally. However, Vlad manages to get past all her defenses, and it tears her apart that she cannot tell whether he is there for her, or for Beta. To make matters worse, she does not carry the Belladonna antigen in her blood, so even if Vlad chose her, she would grow old and die, with Vlad watching by, helpless to stop it.
Vlad has feelings for Stormy, but he is much harder to read, partially because he hasn’t clearly made up his own mind, which made him harder to like. The reader can see that Stormy is in danger from Beta, but Vlad seems to believe Beta’s side of the story time after time. Vlad’s old friends, Rhiannon and Damien, come to Stormy’s assistance, but will Vlad make the right choice?
This was a rollercoaster of a book. I loved Stormy’s character; she holds her head high, even when she believes Vlad has chosen Beta. Vlad’s attitude made me want to take him out and shake him at times. Even so, I enjoyed their interactions, which seemed all the more touching because I was never certain how they would get their happy ending. That poignancy gave the book an unusual feel for me, and when the ending arrived, I treasured it as much as the characters did.
I enjoyed the Wings in the Night series, so it was nice to revisit Rhiannon and Damien. Although this book did have some problems, overall, it was an enjoyable read. Fans of Shayne’s previous books will probably want to pick this one up. Those new to this author might want to get their feet wet with a different book before trying this on for size.
Grade: B-
Book Type: Vampire Romance
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 30/11/06
Publication Date: 2005
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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.