"Revisit Kate Hill's world of Original, Immaculate, and hybrid vampires"

Seraphim, an Immaculate (a vampire born not made by bite) is under cover on assignment for the Network, the organization that rules the vampires of the world. Sir Edward's mansion in the desert caters to all the needs of vampires, both sexual and blood. But rumors abound that a plant from the Originals (original vampires) has been rediscovered, a plant that might eliminate the need for drinking blood. Seraphim's assignment: determine if "The Flower" really does exist.

Seraphim has led a very long life (far longer than his fellow vampires realize), yet has spent nearly all of it alone. He believes in love at first sight and the love of his life, Nenet, was killed more than 2000 years ago. When he sees Hannah, a dancer working for Sir Edward, Seraphim falls in love again. But dare he love a mortal woman again? He barely survived the heartbreak the first time.

After an attempt on Seraphim's life, another agent is sent in undercover to aid him. Unfortunately, it's Vincent Dilorenzo, the Immaculate whom Seraphim blames for the death of Nenet. Vinnie is not thrilled to be working with Seraphim, but he's ecstatic at the partner assigned to him. Vinnie hasn't forgotten fellow Immaculate Trixie since their one-night stand all those months ago. Now she has to pose as his wife. Will Vinnie be able to prove that his feelings for her are real?

Secrets and plots are rife in this novel. DEEP RED tells the story of two unusual couples and their journey into the world of love. But don't confuse DEEP RED with a traditional vampire romance. Be prepared for the liberal display of fangs and claws, used both as weapons and as part of vigorous sexual play.

Ms. Hill has taken the reader once again into her world of vampires--Originals, Immaculates, and hybrids (vampires created by bite). There could be some confusion to the reader who hasn't read the previous books set in this universe, but Ms. Hill explains enough so that the story makes sense. (Three previous stories are from another publisher and are currently out-of-print. Two quickies from Ellora's Cave are also prequels to this story, THE BLOOD DOCTOR and THE HOLIDAY STALKING.)

Sensuality: Rated NC-17 by the publisher. Explicit sex, bondage; sexually explicit scenes: 22.

Reviewed by Denise Powers
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted May 25, 2003

Summary

Vegetarian Vampires?
Rumors have surfaced in the Network about the existence of the Flower, a plant that once fed the Originals-the first vampires to land on Earth. Assigned to discover the truth about the Flower, agent Seraphim Kellen finds more than his share of trouble working undercover in Sir Edward's Manor, a carnal resort for the rich and vampiric. He meets Hannah, a belly dancer employed by Sir Edward, and finds the love he's sought for millennia. Hannah, however, has dangerous secrets and the desire to exchange her mortality for the long, powerful life Seraphim can offer.

The idea of vampires surviving off plants disgusts Vincent Dilorenzo, yet when he's sent to help uncover the Flower, he plunges into the case. This means working with his oldest rival and becoming the one thing he despises - a gentleman. Fortunately the job's fantastic perk arrives in the form of Trixie Greenly, the tough, gorgeous Network agent with whom he had a one-night stand. Vincent has loved Trixie since that unforgettable night, and this time he vows never to let her go.

Sexual Content: NC-17. Genre: vampire.