"In the Style of Classic Vampire Romance"

Rana Sterling has always played it safe and enjoyed living vicariously through her old-but-not-out grandfather. Her world is shattered when he dies, though he leaves her his favorite toy (an electric blue corvette) and instructions to "taste life's passion". Strangely enough, her first ride in the 'vette leads her to an obscure antique store, where she finds an old ring that will send her headlong into the adventure of a lifetime.

For the ring, at one point, belonged to Elizabeth, the seventy-year-dead fiancé of still-living, still-gorgeous Lucian Trevane. Lucian is a vampire — and not just any vampire. In just a few days' time he is to step up to the role of Vite, leader of all vampires. With the discovery of a woman who may be the reincarnation of his beloved Elizabeth, Lucian, for the first time in years, feels like life may indeed be worth living.

Too bad things aren't going to be so easy for them! Rana has no intention of giving up her mortal life, and the road to becoming Vite is paved with a nasty challenger for the seat. Lucian has a big fight looming, but he can handle it, as long as he has Rana at his side. Rana, on the other hand, just wants to make it through the next week in one piece — preferably still breathing.

Vampire stories have come a long way since Bram Stoker first dragged blood-drinking monsters into the public eye, but romance has re-invented vampires enough times to leave any reader's head spinning. Ms. Michelle, however, takes a daring return to the dark sensuality and lush eroticism of the original vampire. Here we have vampires who crave blood and don't fear to seduce the innocent, vampires who hide among the living and use their powers to coerce and enchant. Though there is original society-building in evidence, it doesn't change the essence of the beings at the core of the story. So if you're looking for a new twist on the old vampire story, this isn't where you're going to find it. However, this story may be a true treasure for those readers who first fell in love with the seductive wiles of Dracula, in one of his various incarnations.

A TASTE FOR PASSION is emotional and gripping, with strong characters and evil villains. The romance between Rana and Lucien is sometimes painful, but always enticing — and here is a hero who listens when the heroine says 'go away'. Their relationship is slow — this book is not a sex-fest — but the scenes between them are burning hot. Things get rough sometimes writing-wise, not plot-wise, but overall TASTE is an excellent addition to any vampire romance reader's shelf.

Sensuality Level: This novel has been rated S-ensual by the publisher.

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Courtesy Sensual Romance Reviews
Posted December 27, 2003

Summary

Rana Sterling finally finds the man of her dreams and BOY does he know how to push all the right buttons. Only, Mr. Tall, Dark and Too-Good-to-Be-True turns out to be just that; he's a real live, fanged vampire!

Lucian Trevane has a duty to fulfill. He's expected to take the role of Vité, leader of the vampires in three days. But he knows he won't take the position without his wife by his side. Now, after seventy years of searching for his reincarnated fiancé, he finally finds the woman of his dreams in Rana Sterling. Rana may respond to his lovemaking, but she refuses to become his vampire wife. As if their lives aren't complicated enough, throw in a vengeful vampire, a surprise twist, and the fact Rana and Lucian can't deny the strong attraction that exists between them and you've just stepped into A TASTE OF PASSION.

Sexual Content: Hard R. Genre: Vampire.