"Just who is the real monster?"

For Sensual Romance by A. Black

Being a vampire has its perks for bounty hunter Anna Strong. She's stronger, her senses are sharper, and she practically invincible--which means she's better than the average bounty hunter. But she has to fight the raging bloodlust within herself in order to stay connected to the human family and friends she loves.

As Anna strives to stay grounded in the human realm, her deceased brother's ex-girlfriend, Carolyn, resurfaces after a 14-year hiatus. Carolyn asks Anna to find her missing 13-year-old daughter Trish who may be involved in a murder. Anna is reluctant to get involved until Carolyn claims that Trish was fathered by Anna's brother. What Anna discovers during her investigation is a nasty stew of child pornography, drugs, and murder that may involve one of Trish's teachers.

This sequel to the book The Becoming is a wonderful and engaging story. All of the characters are well developed, and the plot and story pace are solid. I especially like the main character, Anna Strong. She is a strong, independent heroine with many internal conflicts. The storyline touches on current real-life subjects, and portrays an interesting ensemble of human and non-human characters in a urban San Diego setting.

Ms. Stein is a talented author whose name has been added to my list of favorite writers. I highly recommend this book. If you love a well-crafted vampire story--this is it!

Reviewed by Sensual Romance
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted May 2, 2006

Summary

Anna Strong is a vampire caught between two worlds. She clings to what makes her human—her family, her job, her lover. But the pull of the undead is a siren song becoming impossible to resist.

Then she discovers her brother, who was tragically killed fourteen years ago, had a daughter he never knew about, and Trish is a child caught up in the worst kind of human nightmare. To save Trish, Anna may have to surrender to the animal side of her nature.

As Anna stalks Trish's predators, the concepts of good and evil are no longer clearly defined. Now Anna must determine who is the real monster—the humans who prey on children or herself, the vampire trying to save them.