THE LAST TRUE VAMPIRE is Book one in Kate Baxter's True Vampire series. Michael, also known as Mikhail, Aristov is an old school vampire. Reading THE LAST TRUE VAMPIRE, you really get the sense that he has lived centuries. Given how mired he is in his past, I love how he winds up connected to a thoroughly modern and independent human woman like Claire Thompson. Their sudden and evolving romance presents an interesting learning curve for both of them. I like the unique spin Kate Baxter puts on the vampire myth, while still including some classic elements.

Michael and Claire are both complex and compelling characters. Kate Baxter does a great job of exploring their backgrounds to help explain their motivations. After their initial sensual and incredibly erotic chance first meeting, they do an excellent job of frustrating each other. Having the story told from both points of view helps the reader get a better understanding of the characters. The physical and emotional pain that Michael suffered in the past make him a more sympathetic character as well as helping him relate to Claire and her pain. I love how strong, quick-witted, and independent Claire is. I like the relationship Claire has with Vanessa and how she is able to connect with a child whose situation mirrored her own childhood.

In addition to the scorching romance, there are moments of danger and suspense in THE LAST TRUE VAMPIRE. By the end of the story, I'm not totally clear on what the Sotiari's agenda is, but I know that they're the Van Helsing-type bad guys. Their pursuit of Claire had me on the edge of my seat because of the intensity of some scenes. Although the villains in THE LAST TRUE VAMPIRE are a malevolent force to be reckoned with, I love the other supporting characters like Siobhan, Jenner, and Ronan. These characters are fascinating and I'm eager to see what Kate Baxter will have in store for them in future books.

THE LAST TRUE VAMPIRE is full of sexy vampires, strong women, and excitement. The romance and action in THE LAST TRUE VAMPIRE are perfectly balanced. I look forward to the next book to see what's in store for other characters, as well as to check in with Michael and Claire.