"A wonderful story dealing with perceptions!"

Charles Free is a centuries-old Vampire. He can't believe how lucky he was to find Marie Connor, not beautiful by today's standards maybe, but gorgeous in his eyes. Not only is she his lover, she allows him to drink her blood and they are soon to be married.

Marie, on the other hand, had never felt beautiful until she met Charles. In her eyes, she is fat. Of course, he is the quintessential male, a warrior from a time long ago, he has the size and body to prove it. Even though she allows Charles to drink from her, she still isn't ready to become a Vampire, but she is more than ready to become Charles' wife.

While walking one night, Charles sees a Vampire attacking a mortal woman. Well, naturally, Charles has to get involved. While in the middle of another of his "crusades", he doesn't notice all the Hunters surrounding the two of them until he gets hit with the liquid silver. Now, silver is one thing capable of destroying a vampire. Where does Charles go? Right to his creator, Zigor. Zigor's mate, Mel, immediately wants to inform Marie of Charles' injuries. Charles adamantly refuses, knowing Marie will be repulsed by the sight of him. Where he was once exceedingly handsome, he is now scarred. Since silver was used, the scars will last for centuries. He requests Zigor inform Marie of his death.

Will Zigor tell Marie Charles is dead? Will Marie get on with her life? Will Marie and Charles ever see each other again?

BLOOD AND SOUL 2: VAMPIRE CRUSADER is a very realistic tale of perceptions. How others perceive us and how we see ourselves. Kate Hill has written a highly erotic story, with both the heroine and the hero being flawed. Even though neither one would fit today's standard of beauty, they both are gorgeous in the other's eyes. When Charles loses his looks, he despairs and is terrified he will lose the love of his life. Which is more important? Inner beauty, or the outward appearance? This is the question this story answers and Kate Hill has done a wonderful job with it.

Reviewed by Chere Gruver
Courtesy Sensual Romance Reviews
Posted October 16, 2004