The idea of being a sexual vampire might sound very appealing. But if given the powers and opportunities of such an existence, how would you cope if your significant other were suddenly and violently taken away? Could you face the prospect of living eternally, alone in all the ways that truly count? If the right person came along, would you dare open your heart again? If so, how far would you go to give them the chance to experience the pleasures of your reality? Author Devyn Quinn explores all these issues in her new novel, Sins of the Flesh from Kensington’s Aphrodisia line.

For Englishman Devon Carnovorn, the proposition of eternal life, especially one sustained by sexual vampirism, sounds very tempting indeed. In the world of the Kynn, Ariel is a vivacious female succubus who brings Devon over during the most sensual of initiations. And for several beautifully hedonistic years afterward, Ariel and Devon are devoted mates in every sense of the word.

But after Ariel’s murder at the hands of vampire hunters, the vampiric life steadily loses its appeal for Devon. Eventually, he moves to the United States and settles in Warren, California, where he opens a chic Goth-themed club, The Mystique. Here, Devon enjoys a generous and constantly revolving bevy of luscious women to satisfy his every physical craving. Yet, he is poignantly aware of an ever-increasing disillusion with life. His mourning for Ariel never relents; and recently he’s even indulging in suicidal thoughts. This is, until the day he meets a down-to-earth mortal woman who arouses and challenges him in a way he hasn’t felt for over a century. In this lovely mortal, Carnovorn sees the mate he could easily spend immortality with. But is his desire to possess her so overwhelming it will blind all consideration for what this woman may herself want?

The bookstore Rachel Marks owns and operates for years is her baby, and she thoroughly enjoys being her own boss. Unfortunately, the generic Mall shops with their convenient locations prove to be a fatal rival to her business. With her finances in dire straits, Rachel has to close shop and desperately search for a job that will pay her bills. With employment opportunities in Warren lean, Rachel takes her chance on a job interview at The Mystique. Rachel is immediately and passionately attracted to the owner. But she doubts that a man with such magnetizing looks and personality could ever return her interest, especially when he is constantly surrounded by the typical kind of busty beauties that work at The Mystique. But, to Rachel’s surprise, this man actually offers her a job as a waitress. Rachel’s relief at landing a paying job is only frustrated by the nagging attraction she feels for Carnovorn.

Sins of the Flesh is one of the very finest vampire stories I have ever read. I was left totally contented as a reader by this one! Rachel was very likeable; especially for the convincing character development given her via Quinn’s skilled writing style. This is a heroine both droll and sensible, for who, because of experience and bad luck, has grown skeptical of the world and of men. Devon Carnovorn is a vampire with profound issues, yet he has managed to keep his unique wit and charm. I found his sensibility and charisma a refreshing change to the many self-preoccupied male vampires that crop up in modern literary paranormals.

Be forewarned –Rachel and Devon explore and indulge in a delicious variety of sexual escapades during their story. The explicit scenes are so bold and scrumptious as to nearly sear the pages! My final verdict: Sins of the Flesh delivers not just a modernly stylish vampire romance, but one enjoyably satiated with true eroticism. If you’re looking for a scorching paranormal novel that leaps beyond formula, then be assured Sins of the Flesh will deliver this and then some!

Reviewed by Laurie Squire
© November, 2007