Paranormal romance (vampires). Because sometimes, destiny REALLY sucks.
Coming on 08/08/08 from Amira Press! "Love & Brimstone," a paranormal romance by Lesli Richardson. Think "Boston Legal" meets "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
Anastazia "Taz" Proctor finds out that destiny really sucks.
Literally.
She's a highly-paid and well-known "fixer," a cool, aloof, carefully controlled lawyer - and has earned her "Ice Queen" nickname. When she takes a dream job working for handsome millionaire Matthias Hawthorne, life as she knows it changes forever. He's cute, he's rich, and he has a 1968 Mustang. What could be better than that? But for once in her life she feels an attraction unlike any she's ever known and she struggles to maintain her self-control around him.
After an attempt on her life, Hawthorne is forced to reveal the truth about his identity...and hers. With her life in danger, Taz must learn to put aside her anger at Matthias for years of deception and accept the truth about her past – and her future. She also must face the feelings she has for the handsome Matthias. And what about his mysterious cousin, Rafael? As they are forced to retreat to the safe haven of Yellowstone National Park, can she escape the haunting echoes of her distant past before more tragedy strikes?
"Love & Brimstone" is the first book in a planned series.
Excerpt
“You can’t be vampires,” she said lamely. “Because I’ve seen you all eat and drink and go outside and drive cars!”
Matthias laughed at that one. “Vampires don’t drive cars?”
“They don’t in the movies. I think.”
He laughed again, and Robertson sent him a warning look. “The movies are simply that, Taz—movies,” Robertson explained. “Most of what popular culture knows about vampires is a myth created by Hollywood, not real-life.”
“Because vampires are so misunderstood. Yeah, I get that. And the Tooth Fairy gets screwed while Santa Claus gets all the glory—”
“Anastazia!”
“That was actually pretty funny,” Matthias said.
Robertson turned on him. “You are not helping, Matthias.”
“I killed the demon. I say that counts as helping.”
Taz laughed despite the situation. “I would say that counts. If it really happened.”
"Lesli Richardson has taken the vampire myths that we all know to a very different level. No more fangs, coffins, or hiding from the sun. This is definitely a skillfully spun story about some new age vamps. You might even find yourself unable to stop reading due to the powers this story will have over you! Love and Brimstone is a powerfully sexy book - a must read!"
(Visit above link to view entire review.)
"This is a vampire story unlike any other. The whole genetic concept is fantastic, and lends the story a truly realistic element. The characters are completely identifiable, and the reader is hooked immediately. Taz and Matthias are like two pieces of a puzzle that can only come together in just the right way. The forces around them try to tear them apart, but once they click, nothing can separate their love for each other. I absolutely recommend this to any paranormal reader, and can only hope Ms. Richardson is a fast writer!"
DarkAngelReviews.com
LOVE & BRIMSTONE is not your traditional vampire romance and I loved the 'new spin' Ms. Richardson creates in her story. She does a great job of creating something new from the old and making it work. She gradually introduces you to her concept of vampires as events unfold in the plot and I really liked that. The pace of the book is just fast enough to keep your interest without feeling rushed. Her characters are well developed and interesting. There is plenty of action and emotion between our two main leads as well as some steamy sex. Taz has to really evolve in the story, everything she has known in her life has basically been a lie, or if not an actual lie just the tip of the iceberg. I really enjoyed the way she deals with everything and found myself rooting for her. Matthias is a good guy and you find everything he has done in the past has been for Taz's protection. Their romance is not smooth sailing and I enjoyed the conflicts and their resolutions as it made their romance very real. LOVE & BRIMSTONE was an enjoyable read and I would love to explore more of Ms. Richardson's offerings.
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