Vampires always seem to be drawn to power, and one of the
current books connecting vampires to American politics is
this adult novella which aims to sizzle. Frankie Stewart
is a hardworking woman with a well-hidden crush on security
man Jake Rios. In A VAMPIRE'S SALVATION Frankie raises
funds for the Governor of California's re-election
campaign, passionately committed to green causes. She's so
focused that she doesn't date and only Jake has been at the
centre of any fantasies for quite some time. Jake, if she
only knew it, is two centuries old, and fast approaching
the time to pick a mate or go forever without.
When Jake lets Frankie know he's interested, he makes a
lewd proposition rather than romance her, which I found
disappointing - has he learned nothing of women? She
agrees to date him if they take matters at her pace. With a
bad past relationship in her memory, Frankie thinks a no-
strings affair would be safer. In bed the man's fangs are
exposed and Frankie chooses to accept his claim to love
her. There are other vampires around, and they want to come
out of the closet into society, but will the time ever be
right? And not all of them are pleasant to deal with,
having their own agendas.
Virna De Paul's vampires burn up in sunlight, in keeping
with tradition; they have great speed and strength and
sharp senses. They also mate for life and must do so
before their 201st birthday. If they do, the woman can have
their babies. It's not clear what happens with female
vampires. As for the politics, I found it quite amusing
that a gala dinner is compared to a St. Patrick's Day party
because green tablecloths were used. Not everyone, says the
author, is keen on environmental issues; but I never saw
any nutters protesting over cleaner fuel, the governor's
current theme.
I was quite surprised and disappointed when the book ended
abruptly, at a point of tension. I can only suppose that
the author means to continue the story. As a romance it
worked, the first chemistry between the characters
strengthening to trust, and the erotic scenes were well
written without the need for implements of torture.
Vampire as seducer, then; and as protector, in A VAMPIRE'S
SALVATION. Sounds like a good offer!
Francesca Marie Stewart has never wanted any man as much as
she wants Jake Rios. His chiseled body and dark, intensely
masculine energy draw her like a moth to a flame. But
Frankie has been burned before, and now a mysterious figure
from her troubled past has resurfaced with a terrifying new
threat. Can she trust Jake not only with her heart but with
her very life?
Jake’s hunger to possess this beautiful redhead goes
beyond searing desire. He’s a vampire, and his very
existence depends on bonding with a mate. He aches to
ravish Frankie, but he must take it slow—for what he will
ask of her will require profound sacrifice even as it gives
her unimaginable pleasure. And once he has claimed her—body
and soul—Jake will go to any lengths to protect her.