Michael knows what he is and what he does; he kills vampires who've broken the rules, those who've preyed upon and killed humans. Michael is a vampire; not just any vampire, but a vendix, one whose job is to kill, for a price. He hates his life; his human life before and his vampire life now. So many horrible memories of the unforgivable acts he committed in the past have left him cold inside.

Keeli Maddox is the granddaughter of the Grand Alpha Dame of the Maddox clan of werewolves. Her way is spirited. She's brave and defends her clan, as well as humans who are being preyed upon. Keeli has been raised to hate vampires, and she thinks she does until she meets Michael, who keeps her from killing a would-be rapist. Finding herself being arrested by the police, Keeli knows she'll be executed for attacking the man, but when the police officer only holds her overnight and fines her, Keeli is confused. The officer explains that Michael asked for her to be spared. Keeli doesn't understand, but she knows that she owes Michael her life.

Michael works with the police when work includes vampires. The officer asks Keeli to partner with Michael to help solve a mystery surrounding several vampire deaths that appear to have been committed by werewolves. By agreeing to help Michael, Keeli has separated herself from her clan and her grandmother's wishes. But Keeli falls in love with Michael, and her love is strong enough to stand up to her clan, even it means she'll forever be an outcast. Michael loves Keeli enough to stand against the vampires.

Someone is killing. Keeli and Michael have met and fought this vicious attacker, who's mysteriously spared their lives. Now they race against time to discover the identity of this attacker and why he kills. It's imperative this be done before the meeting between the vampire envoy and the werewolf alphas, who hope to reach an agreement to band together against the humans, ends in a shamble.

In a world where humans, vampires and werewolves trust no one, Crimson City (once Los Angeles) is a sad place to live. A TASTE OF CRIMSON, the second book in the paranormal/action/romance Crimson City series, is well- written. Liu skillfully continues the drama that builds around the inhabitants of Crimson City. Paranormal fans will savor this installment in the series.