THE UNFORGIVEN: NICHOLAS

Author: Tracy Ranson ISBN: 1586089625 10/2006 PARANORMAL Publisher: NEW CONCEPTS PUBLISHING
Time Period: Russia 1792

Caught up in rebel intrigue to depose Peter and seat the Empress Catherine on the throne of Russia, Tatiana discovers danger she never expected as she acts as the Empress' courier to her generals. For she has caught the eye of the vampire Nicholas, and he means to have her as his own.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I really wanted to like this latest offering from Tracy Ransom, titled THE UNFORGIVEN: NICHOLAS, since its historical backdrop was a bit unique for a paranormal vampire tale. Set in Russia during the time of Catherine the Great's struggle to wrench the crown from her inept husband, Peter, this really could have been quite an intricate and enticing little number. Unfortunately, the story I had hoped to read is not the story I was given.

My biggest stumbling block with THE UNFORGIVEN: NICHOLAS, and what kept me from getting to know and feel for the characters, was the phraseology in many areas throughout the storyline. For instance, one of the best examples I can give you is pertaining to the sex scenes, some of which left me flat out cold when my temperature gauge should have skyrocketed. Using the words "underthings" or "undergarments" while a heroine is being slowly seduced and stripped for a lovemaking scene, doesn't exactly ignite a blaze inside me as opposed to reading more detailed words, such as "sheer camisole" or "silken stockings" in their place. The words underthings or undergarments reminds me of... well, my grandmother. She wore undergarments, and she's not the one I want to see in my head when two lead characters who are supposed to be beautiful and to-die-for, literally, are participating in sensual and sexy lovemaking. Stick your grandma's image in there instead, and it's not a pretty picture nor anything remotely close to sexy. Blech.

No, I'm afraid I'll have to pass on this one. It's a bit over dramatic and filled with characters I just could never connect with. It's simply not my cup of tea.

Nancy Davis