Review: One hot twist on the vampire mythology...I want more!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 22, 2013
First in the Beyond Human HOT urban fantasy series. The couple focus is on Frankie Stewart and Jake Rios.This is an eBook and very well worth the price, even if it is a short story, *grin*.I received this as an ARC from the publisher, but I see that it was first published in 2011. I also get the impression that this is meant to be a series, so I'm hoping that DePaul has more to come.My TakeWow. This was amazing! DePaul wrote an entire story from beginning to end in these few pages and I'm dying to read more!There isn't a lot of "foreplay" in terms of the romance dance in this, partially because DePaul takes care of that "instant love" thang by having six months go by with neither party indicating an interest. Well, not much of one, anyway. Instead, DePaul takes the time to rev up the erotic scenes---and does a beautiful job of SHOWing the readers what's happening rather than merely TELLing.I also love how this 200-year-old vampire is so accepting and careful of Frankie's needs. Short, sweet, and to the point, LOL:"I want us naked. I want you coming. And I want to be inside you when it happens. Other than that, I'm open to suggestions."DePaul has kept most of the adages about vampires with a few significant changes: the need for a mate, the bonding ceremony, and having a child. Very nicely done with most of the concentration on developing the two central characters. The peripheral characters got just enough time that it didn't feel like the Frankie-and-Jakey show, while DePaul merely teased us with the antagonist. Also nicely done. She's provided enough background to give me a feel, just not enough to give me the whole back history. Dang it.The only negatives I can come up with is Frankie forgiving Jake so quickly. Just a tad too quick, even if Frankie is a reasonable person. Hmmm, I'm also curious as to why a vampire with a Spanish-sounding last name speaks French. No, I'm not saying it's not allowed or anything silly like that. Just curiosity... He is 200-years-old which would mean he was turned around 1813 when French was still, I think, the language of diplomacy.I also want to know how Dylan and company teamed up with Jake in the first place.I dunno, if Ronald is the one sending the email and he knows everything about her, then doesn't he know that she has no one in her life? So how well can that threat work?Now, if I can just hold out until the next installment!The StoryA rescue years ago has the rescuer feeling very entitled today, and he is determined that she will return the favor.Frankie's attention, however, is not taking that perspective into consideration at all. Someone else is obsessing her dreams and her fantasies---on an almost nightly basis. But he's never even hinted at an interest in her.As for Jake, he's tired of waiting...The CharactersFrancesca Marie Stewart is gorgeous, wealthy, and a fierce campaigner for green causes. But she holds herself tightly within ever since a kidnapping when she was seventeen.Jacob "Jake" La Costa Rios is a vampire and he's nearing the fateful year of his unlife. He's also the secret spokesperson for a number of other vampires and in charge of the governor's security. Dylan Cook is Jake's second-in-command, handling the day security. Chelsea Morgan is the vampire brought in to investigate; it seems she may have another life as well.The governor's staff includes:Eddie Johnson is the press secretary's senior aide. Thad Morris is his communications director whom Frankie doesn't seem to like.Ronald Lassiter is a vampire who wants payback, and he's in love with Frankie. Ryan Turner was the scum who betrayed her when she was seventeen. Michael Bishop and Andy Stall are the vampires who try to get into the governor's gala.The CoverThe cover is a swish of burgundy satin at the bottom as a backdrop for the title, a deeper burgundy in a narrow band in the middle for the author's name, and a close-up of Jake kissing(?) Francesca's neck while her head is turned aside with a look of ecstasy on her face.The title is all about Jake, for Frankie is definitely A Vampire's Salvation---his.