I was expecting this to be better than it was but I would still recommend it to those who enjoy the weird. ( )

More vampires--gotta love 'em. Thankfully, not a frilly, laced-necked poet's shirt was found among them. The story opens with Alexandra Keller, plastic surgeon extraordinaire. She's being pursued by a mysterious millionaire, one Michael Cyprien, to perform an undisclosed operation. The catch? He refuses to leave his home in New Orleans, offers a suspicious payment of $4 million, and won't take 'no' for an answer. We can see where this is going, I'm sure.

What follows is an intriguing story as Alex is pulled, kicking and screaming death threats, into the vampiric underworld. And you'd like Alex -- I know I did. So hostile, so violent. Her compulsive urge to hurt people was vastly entertaining, let me tell you. They all deserved it, though, don't worry.

I also enjoyed Viehl's take on the paranormal classic. Her vampires aren't completely innovative but have some distinctive characteristics, some more original than others. I was warned about the scent thing, true, but for the life of me can't figure why one would make their main dude smell like roses. Not pine needles, or juniper, or even lilies. Demons, thankfully, seem to universally smell of amber and spices. Point for them.

My complaints: I was not convinced by the chemistry (or love, for that matter) between Alex and Michael. Nor did I find Cyprien to be particularly appealing. When he wasn't being an anacronistic blockhead, he sulked around feeling good about how patient and understanding he was being. Shyeah. Alex should have totally slapped him around more. And Phillipe should have given Cyprien a run for his money. Not surprising but I liked him and Lucan better than Cyprien. Thankfully, I've got 'Dark Need' right here waiting to be read. ( )

Enjoyable take on the vampire genre. I liked the mix of vampires, romance, and medicine. ( )

This is the first time I’ve picked up a book by Lynn Viehl and I was unimpressed. For someone who has published forty novels in five genres (at least according to her website), I really thought that this book would be a lot better. The reviews on Chapters‘ website were sort of polarized but I figured I would give it a chance anyways. Unfortunately, it seems like the naysayers were right. With the exception of Alexandra, the female lead, the characters were underdeveloped, the plot was a bit all over the place, and there was no chemistry between the two protagonists. The book was this strange mishmash of concepts that just never gelled; I’m not sure how this book spawned a series.

One thing I do enjoy is the mythology Ms. Viehl created about the origin of her vampires. (MILD SPOILER) The idea that they use to be Templar Knights is pretty neat, as is the concept of vampirism as a disease rather than a curse, although I have read or seen the latter other places. (SPOILER ENDS) I also liked that the protagonist was feisty and had her own opinions but that’s where my appreciation ends, I’m afraid.

As far as paranormal romance goes, I’d much rather read something by J.R. Ward, Gena Showalter or Nalini Singh. Their world building is better, the storylines are tighter and their work has more re-readability. I won’t be following up with this series, at least not as purchases; if I can get the next book from the library, though, I may give it a chance.

Originally posted at http://ireadgood.wordpress.com ( )

A slightly new take on vampires. I kept waiting for the erotic part mentioned in the cover blurb, but the romance was pretty slow in coming. I guess after reading the whole Anita Blake series, I don't do well with subtle and gentle romance. Plenty of hints at Anne Rice. Fairly decent storyline, however I'm not rushing out for the second one. Although I do wonder how it will all develop in the next book, especially for Alexandra and John. ( )