Don't let the fact that Jaye Roycroft is a former cop bother you, this woman can write a great story. Dance With Me, My Lovely is the newest release from this accomplished writer and I have only one word to describe it: magnificent.

If you like paranormal erotica with a little romance thrown in, read this book. Even if you don't like anything close paranormal erotic romance, read this book. Why? Because it is worth your time just to enjoy exploring the world that Ms. Roycroft has created for her characters.

I did have one complaint about the story: it was too short. I wanted to spend more time learning about the spirit world Cate Greenbush delves into with her work as a soul retriever. A descendant of an Indian shaman, Cate has the ability to see into peoples' minds, and souls. Sometimes though, like the night she visits the Pony Express strip club, she gets more than she bargains for. She sees much more of exotic dancer Lucius Santangelo than anyone else in the crowd – like the fact that he is a murderer.

Garren Lux knows the moment he sees her from the stage that Cate is someone different, but he didn't expect her to so easily see into his mind. She strips him of far more than his clothes: she sees his secrets. Becoming Lucius Santangelo by night to find prey to satisfy his blood lust is no longer satisfying the beast within him. He needs help and fast, or soon his midnight sampling will become a deadly feast.

As Garran and Cate's story unfolds, we are drawn into the circle of erotic fire that flares when vampire and shaman meet. The fire burns for both the characters and the reader, beginning with a subtle smoldering and leading to an inferno of towering flames. To say any more would cheat the reader out of the discovery of the pleasures hidden within Dance With Me, My Lovely.

OK, OK, I will tell you one secret, shhh, I don't want anyone to hear… come closer… closer…

There is another incredible character in this book that you should not miss, someone who has a lust for life that nearly jumps off the page at you.

That's it; I'm not telling you any more, you have to read it for yourself.

When I read the synopsis for Dance With Me, My Lovely, I was concerned that it would be remarkably similar to a certain vampire hunter series that I do not care for. I couldn't have been more wrong. The characters are fully formed, the world they live in is deep and detailed and the story is as refreshing as spring rain when compared to all the other paranormal plots out there.

Creating a vampire character that seems so alive is the hallmark of this book and I applaud Ms. Roycroft for accomplishing it. Garran is still very much a man, with an intense desire for women and for life despite his undead status. His character is taken to the next level by his need for acceptance, and yes, for love. Ironically Garren often seems more human than his lover Cate does, but that makes the story all the more fascinating and memorable.

Bravo to Jaye Roycroft for the intriguing Dance With Me, My Lovely. I think perhaps I will try her previous release, Half Past Hell, the next time I feel my vampire cravings calling me. 
 
Reviewed By Sabine Maurier
© August 2007