"Sizzling Vampire & Werewolf Romance"

Bound by an ancient agreement, Dark of the Wolfen flees to the arms of her mate-to-be, Lucavarious of the Vampesi. Their marriage is the only chance they have to unite their warring peoples, but many don't want to see it succeed.

She is scared. On the cusp of her first Change she meets him. He is terrifying, glittering with deadly silver and reeking of power. She cannot imagine the softness that lurks in his hidden heart -- a love that could be hers, if she has the strength to accept it.

He has known of their fate for longer than she's been alive, but he didn't expect to feel anything for the Wolfen child that was to be his. Her feistiness and feminine pride capture his heart, and her dedication to their united people seals his fate.

Together, they may change their very world -- if they can survive the enemy that hides amongst their dearest friends.

Ms. Burke is known for her strong heroines, and LUCAVARIOUS is no change. Dark is a plucky character, and Lucavarious is her perfect foil. He's a hero to die for, too. Not only is he a vampire, but due to some rather painful childhood experiences he can venture into the daylight and bear the touch of silver. In fact, he's got lots of neat little silver piercings and jewelry to tempt the mind's eye. Though LUCAVARIOUS isn't a very dark book, there is a pretty mean bad guy involved in the plot, and there are a few not-too-graphic grisly bits. The sexual scenes are superb, graphic and fun -- and Luca's thoughts about the fact that Dark is in heat (and therefore craves sex) are truly hilarious. The worldbuilding is fabulous too. Burke takes the old legends of werewolves and vampires and tweaks them, making them her own and giving them her own delightful edge. Also, the book is slightly longer than most Ellora's Cave releases, giving a reader a bit more precious time with the characters.

Sensuality Level: rated NC17 by the publisher.

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted December 25, 2002

Summary

Lucavarious. Leader of the Vampesi. Sexy. Erotic. Dangerous. Only he can ignite the passions in his promised mate, Dark. Dark. Leader of the Wolfen Clans. Innocent. Exotic. Frightened. Only she can ease the passions in her promised mate, Lucavarious. Vampesi. The word alone strikes terror into the hearts of the beings left on earth after the war of the Supernatural. They are the legendary monsters, the creatures of legend, and Dark's only hope. Wolfen. The name alone sends what remaining Humans are left on earth racing for protection and the Vampesi preparing for war. The Contract. A plan to unite the two warring races. Through Dark's marriage to... Lucavarious. Rated Hard R/borderline NC-17. Genre: Futuristic/Fantasy.