"Reincarnated lover of a sexy vampire"

Contemporary Erotic Paranormal Rated by Ellora's Cave "R"; vampire novella

Elaine Nichols is dying -- and she's determined to enjoy her last days on Earth. To that end, she's accepted an invitation to a huge party at a friend's out-in-the-country estate. Dirk Prentice's parties are luxurious affairs of sheer indulgence -- fine food, fine wine, fine art, and sex, sex, sex.

Count Alexei Romanov is a vampire, and he has been searching for his gypsy love through multiple lifetimes. He finds her in Elaine, of course. Through the years, every time they meet, she dies before he can save her. The crux of the story becomes: Will Alexei lose Elaine this time as well?

This was a truly impressive story. The setting was wonderfully drawn, the characters amazing, but the real wonder of Last Kiss is the romance between Elaine and Alexei. Their relationship, though there is wonderful lovemaking involved, is so emotionally gripping that you find yourself devouring the story. And, of course, there is always the question of Elaine's imminent death -- is she going to tell him about her illness or not? The ending was wonderful!

There was frequent, varied sex in the story -- delicious sex. Sex that was derived purely from their relationship and passion, and every single scene was well-executed and emotionally fulfilling. Though the cover and blurb on Ellora's Cave website are both a bit vague, the story has remarkable depth. Oh, and the sex is good, too, of course! Alexei's vampirism is played down, too -- so much that at times you almost forgot his 'state'. Definitely a recommended read!

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted January 8, 2002