THE VAMPIRE'S BRIDE

Author: Gena Showalter ISBN: 9780373773596 3/2009 PARANORMAL Publisher: HQN

He is Layel, king of the vampires, a master seducer no woman can deny. But since a rogue horde of dragons killed his beloved over two centuries ago, Layel has existed only for vengeance…until he meets Delilah. Wary of love, the beautiful Amazon wants nothing to do with the tormented vampire. Yet there's no denying their consuming desire every time he nears her. Neither trusts the other—nor can they survive alone. For in an impossible game of the gods' devising, they've been trapped on an island, about to face the ultimate challenge: surrender to the passion that will bind them forever…or be doomed to an eternity apart.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE VAMPIRE’S BRIDE grips the reader from the very first page. The opening of this book brought my heart to a steady pounding and, I’ve got to admit, the pace never let up. I can’t imagine how anyone could not be moved by the tortured beginning of Layel’s tale. While he is a vampire and I’ve never found vampires to be particularly sympathetic characters, I was crushed for him when he watched his lover killed. His anguish is so heartfelt it drew me right into his story. I wanted to know how anyone could go on after suffering so deeply.

When Layel meets Delilah, she forces him to act in ways he has never done before. To keep himself from feeling overwhelmed by his attraction for her he steps aside, knowing full well it is a cowardly move but helpless to do anything else. He recognizes in the Amazon warrioress something that is both attractive and frightening. Layel knows that even though he cannot trust her, he must join forces with her. And, maybe even more intimidating to this king of vampires, he must find a way to deal with the sensations that grip him every time he senses her nearby.

This is a story about overcoming the past, letting go of anger, resentment and all things torturous to embrace new possibilities. It is also a study in emotions—both loving and debilitating types. Watching Layel and Delilah come to terms with their emotions. Delilah has not cried since the day her mother sent her away to become a warrior, yet her newfound feelings push her resolve to keep herself always in control. While Layel fears he will hurt her he cannot keep himself away from her. Theirs is an affair of the unlikeliest sort, and watching them maneuver through their tangled emotions is intriguing.

Non-stop action and emotional depth make THE VAMPIRE’S BRIDE a very satisfying read.

Kay James