With all the vampire stories, novels, movies, plays and even TV serials created over the years for the nosferatu connoisseur, I had finally come to the conclusion: They’re not just beating a dead horse here, but re-microwaving the meat. Seems I was a little too fast to draw that conclusion. So, you may ask, alright Laurie, what more can be done with the sexy allure of the vampire that’s not already been done to death - or undeath, if you will?

Author Marianne LaCroix breathes new life into gothic eroticism with Eternal Embrace, the prequel story to her Descendants of Darkness vampire series.

A visit to Paris is the least of Johann Wilhelm’s wishes. When the coven oracle explains that his destiny lies in this visit, Johann is not persuaded to turn his back on the familiar just to venture to a city that holds unhappy memories. Only a dream of Kira –called the Mistress of Midnight - holds the power of persuasion over Johann’s reservations.

The strong-willed Kira isn’t exactly thrilled when Johann shows up to claim her as his mate. But Johann’s debonair good looks and mesmeric personality eventually prove more powerful than any antagonism Kira indulges. Despite mutual reluctance, the pair find themselves physically drawn to one another. The mounting desire between them eventually ignites in a fireworks consummation. But there is more to add to this affair with the arrival of Johann’s attractive brother, Lucius. With his entrance and with the tempestuous events following, Kira is at last able to accept the destiny that is as much hers to bear as her lover’s.

Eternal Embrace is a short and passion-driven story. LaCroix has incorporated quality erotic content while imaginatively sustaining a very gothic mood. As a prelude story I thought the hints of conflicts and quandaries for the individual characters well conceived. The descriptive qualities are good, and the plot convincing. I am happy to report that the “pillow talk”, while sexy, was not totally enslaved to trite vulgarity, which I feel all too often turns contemporary erotica into just voyeuristic porn. This story was an enjoyable stand-alone title; but even better, it whetted my appetite to read more about the individual characters.

My final verdict: this story lived up to all genre expectations and delivered in spades! For readers looking for a scorching gothic story that will leave them hungering for more, Eternal Embrace is a sure-fire winner.

Reviewed by Laurie
©April 2007