|
|
CRIMSON
HOURS - Susan Phelan
Cerridwen
Press
ISBN: 1-4199-0909-2
February 2007
Paranormal Romance Anthology
Dusk
USA - Present Day
Seth has been a vampire for more years than he'd like to think about.
Most of his passions have died, except his passion for dance. Seth
works as a dance instructor at Conchita's -- a small dance studio.
But teaching those without the passion for dance is taking a toll
on him.
Maddie has been happily married to Neil for 18 years. They have
two teenaged children, and like most couples, spend most of their
time working and raising their kids. Lately Neil has been working
a lot of late nights on Fridays and even on Saturdays, and Maddie
is beginning to suspect that Neil may not be working late. However,
she refuses to believe Neil would cheat on her. But when he completely
forgets her fortieth birthday, she's angry and hurt. When her car
breaks down, she walks to the only business that is open, Conchita's
dance studio. There she meets Seth, a man with a passion for dance
that is reminiscent of her own. Seth convinces Maddie to come back
several times to fill her heart with the passion she once felt but
has allowed to slide away as maturity and responsibility have taken
their toll.
Dusk is a poignant tale about a middle aged woman finding the passion
that has been missing in her life. Seth, Maddie, and Neil are all
well developed characters, and the dialogue and interaction between
them is touching. Maddie gives something to Seth he thought was
gone, and he in turns gives her back her passion, for the dance
and for Neil.
Dawn
USA - Present Day
Detective Samantha Lowe has lost everything. To avenge the death
of her daughter, Becky, Samantha is determined to find a vampire
to turn her because that's the only way she can destroy the vampire
who killed her daughter. The vampire Morgan, ancient, sexy, controlled
and compassionate, owes Sam for saving his life. But when she asks
him to turn her, he refuses. Morgan can feel Sam's pain, and while
he won't turn her, he will help her get vengeance. Sam and Morgan
begin the search for the vampire who killed Becky. But when Sam
learns who the vampire is, it might be one more shock that Sam simply
cannot recover from.
A tragic death and a mother bent on revenge are the central elements
in Dawn. Sam is a strong woman whose entire life and focus shifted
with the death of her only child. Morgan is a sexy, enigmatic vampire,
and I'd love to read more about him in future books. Sad, and heartbreaking,
Dawn is a splendid addition to this anthology.
Midnight
Texas - Present Day
Alison is a ball-busting workaholic. While on her annual sales calls
in Texas, Alison gets caught up in a freak storm, hopelessly lost,
and ultimately stranded when her car ends up in a ditch. When the
arrogant, if sexy, cowboy she met in a local diner shows up to "rescue"
her, Alison has no choice but to accept his help.
A few days together, snowed in, and Alison is beginning to see Kyle
and her life in a whole new light. But when Alison learns Kyle's
secret, will she run or stay with the only man who has ever made
her really happy?
Midnight, the third and final story in the CRIMSON HOURS anthology,
is the only true romance, and as a romance novel lover, is my favorite.
Alison is a hard-working, driven woman who never takes time to play.
When a series of events forces her to slow down, she gets a taste
of what her life could be like. Kyle is attracted to Alison in a
way he hasn't been to a woman in a very, very, very long time. But
he fears letting her too close, not sure if he can trust her with
the truth. Romantic and sensual, Midnight is a very satisfying end
to the CRIMSON HOURS anthology.
CRIMSON HOURS showcases three very different stories about vampires
and how they interact with humans. The writing is smooth, the pace
fast, and the variety of characters engaging. For an enjoyable read
and a different look at vampires, check out CRIMSON HOURS.
Terrie Figueroa |
|
|
