Review: Fantastic Read
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 9, 2012
Dr. Sonia Agostino has studied legends and folklore all her life. She knows something most people don't: the creatures of fantasy - werewolves, vampire and such - actually do exist. She has first hand knowledge of some, but the one being she has always wanted to encounter is a vampire, and her research has led her to Chicago, and to a club called Inhibitions. She believes the owner, Damek, may be just what she has been searching for: the elusive vampire.At first, Damek refuses to meet with her, but her persistance pays off when Damek becomes fascinated by her. Sonia is disappointed, though, because Damek could not possibly be a vampire. After all, she has seen him during daylight hours, something no vampire Is supposed to be able to handle. As Sonia becomes the target for the hunters, Damek does everything in his power to keep her safe. As they spend time together, he learns of the organization her family established, The Keepers, a group created to help paranormal beings live in harmony and safety alongside human society, and protect them from exposure. The more time Damek spends with Sonia, the more he comes to respect, trust and finally care for her. And there is something more than human about Sonia, but she is keeping that secret, as it is not actually hers to share. Can Damek protect Sonia from the hunters, while keeping his heart uninvolved? As they grow ever closer, will Sonia be the one to fill Damek's empty heart and love him the way he wants? Can these two find a happy ever after in spite of the odds?Damek's Redemption is the latest in N.J. Walters' Legacy series, and a wonderful addition to the line. I have always liked this world of fantasy mixed with reality, where your neighbor might be more than just the hot guy next door. This is the first of the series that doesn't prominently feature the wolves, but focuses instead on the ancient vampire who is their friend and ally. Damek is old, one of the oldest, and I have waited for his story to be told. I like the edge in this, and the sense of things just waiting to happen around every corner.Sonia Agostino is a smart, determined and strong woman. She has been wanting to meet a vampire, and hopes Damek is what she has been searching for. I loved that, for all her research and intelligence, she doesn't realize that older vampires don't follow `the rules' and can be active during daylight hours. She also has secret of her own: she isn't quite fully human, and it shows in her enhanced senses. I enjoyed watching as she discovered that Damek was more than she ever expected, and as she decided to reach out and accept all that he offers. I liked watching the two interact, and she was more than a match for Damek as they verbally sparred.Damek is one of the oldest vampires in existence; old enough that he doesn't fit the stereotypes seen in most lore and legend. He is lonely, and has been thinking that he has nothing left to look forward to. When Sonia walks into his club, and his life, he finds a new reason to exist, and he discovers that he can still feel and be happy, that there is a future for him. I enjoyed watching as Damek grows to love Sonia, and his determination to protect her, even while he realizes that he needs to know more about her, and the mysterious Keepers organization. I liked seeing this softer, more vulnerable side to the `all powerful' vampire he shows to everyone.This story is filled with passion, danger, secrets and some visits with old friends at Haven. The hunters present a clear and violent danger, willing to hurt anyone who gets in their way, paranormal or not. As the hunters close in on Sonia, the action escalates, and it is here where Ms. Walters' story really shines, with building levels of passion, danger and hidden agendas ready to explode off the page. This has plenty of hot romance, layered with tender and sweet moments, and scorching hot bedroom scenes. The supporting cast, Sonia's extended family, is superbly crafted, and I would love for Ms. Walters to tell some of their stories now that we have met them. There are some moment of tearful observaion, and moments of pure joy to counter balance, and the ending was perfect for this story. I do hope Ms. Walters continues the Legacy for a long time to come, and continues to bring new people to join theose we already know and love.Originally posted at LAS Erotic Reviews