"Strong paranormal historical romance"
In 1811 Earl John Staunton and Countess Beatrix Lisse are
lovers who each keep a dark secret from their companion.
John, known as the most depraved rogue in England, is
actually a spy working for the British Empire trying to
identify who is the force working behind the scenes
shaking up the French government. On the other hand,
Beatrix is a six century plus old vampire, but the rarest
form of this species having been born that way. John and Beatrix are beginning to fall in love, feelings
neither desire as he knows that she will hurt his
espionage work and she realizes the disparate life spans
make a permanent relationship impossible. As their worlds
further collide with his mission near resolution,
complicating the situation is that her "sister" Asharti, a
bitten vampire, has returned into Beatrix's life. She
wants her bloodsucking sister to join her as they once
were in a world of sensual male eating debauchery while
being the real power in France and soon England. Beatrix
refuses knowing that she and John will fight in "mortal"
combat the raging amoral Asharti. This is a strong paranormal historical romance that grips
the audience from the moment that Asharti returns to upset
the happiness of the lead couple and never slows down
until the final confrontation between the trio. In an
intriguing way, she forms a dangerous relational triangle
with Beatrix and John. Susan Squires provides a fresh
romantic vampiric thriller that sub-genre fans will
appreciate. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 27, 2005
SummaryDiscover a realm where anything is possible. Where peril
and passion collide. Where a woman is tempted by a man she
wants but can never have. A man she could destroy with just
one kiss. Discover THE HUNGER...
Beatrix Lisse, Countess of Lente, is the toast of London and
the most fascinating woman in Europe. She has been
fascinating men for a thousand years, for Beatrix was born
vampire. Over the years, she has tried everything to fill
her life with interest or purpose: social and spiritual
causes, creating and collecting priceless art, controlling
empires through her consorts. She has sipped from countless
strong male throats, and indulged in passionate sexual
affairs. But she has never let herself truly love another.
Now she is bored, jaded, and ultimately weary. There is
nothing she desires. . .
John Staunton, Earl of Langley, has the reputation of being
the most debauched man in England. What no one knows is that
Langley is cultivating his worthless reputation in order to
conceal his real activities as a volunteer spy for his
government. Over the years he's been very successful, but
killing and deceit has become a trap. His life is missing
some vital spark.
Beatrix and John are attracted to each other in London, and
they can see through each others' deceptions. But when they
discover each others' true secrets, and when Beatrix
accidentally contaminates John's blood, turning him into a
vampire, they must overcome past scars and fears to defeat
Asharti. And, together, they must find new purpose for their
lives and an eternity together.
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