Review: Likable Characters Amidst a Uniquely Ended Storyline
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 30, 2013
Ms. Royce has the talent to say a lot in few words and this short story is the perfect example of that.  Whereas most short stories feel incomplete with little characterization, Crimson Lust succeeds in feeling like a long-form story with surprisingly fully fleshed-out characters amidst an intriguing storyline.  It presents a strong and steamy romance between two likable characters with heart-pounding action and an all-seeing creature reminiscent of a fairy godmother bent on ensuring a HEA no matter what.Felicity grew up in a family of drunks and thieves and grew up stealing for a living, but with her latest burglary she's changed her entire future.  Fate has had a hand in keeping her from selling this life-altering necklace and keeping her at Tullamore Castle to force a meeting between her and the vampire Cian.  She's immediately drawn to him and finds herself opening up to him as no one before.  She's grown weary of running and being alone and is looking to give up her thieving ways.  She's actually willing to change her entire future for Cian until he opens up about himself.Cian was a thief for one night only to protest against the rich, but that decision damned him for eternity after his encounter with a bloodthirsty vampire.  After a few hundred years he's become lonely and jaded with nothing making an impression on him until he senses Felicity.  For the first time he's able to control his hunger to woo her as a normal man with help from someone unexpected.  This leads to a hot and heavy encounter that makes him feel human and willing to do whatever to keep her in his life.Ms. Royce has created a compelling story that doesn't take the expected route in bringing the protagonists together.  This story's conclusion is clever with heart-pounding action that even brought a tear to my eye.  On the way to this surprising denouement there was steamy romance and fast-paced action between two lonely people who ended up being perfect for each other.  Ms. Royce can add another success to her repertoire in a story that fans of the paranormal will find refreshingly unique and immensely satisfying.