The paranormal romance genre is inundated with what the publishers think the readers want: vampires, werewolves, witches and sex. And while those are good things {I like my sexy vamps and wolfies} they aren't the only thing I look for in a book. I want a plot that keeps me turning the page. I want characters that make me feel for them and if the emotions and sex are hot between the hero and heroine, even better. But I want to be involved in the story. I want the story to be one where if the lunch bell rings at work I say "ah shit!!!! one more page!!!!" Lynn Viehl’s If Angels Burn is just such a story.

Dr. Alexandra Keller is a renowned reconstructive surgeon noted for her speed and accuracy; something that no one else can match. She is also known for taking cases that are considered near impossible.

Michael Cyprian offers Dr Keller an outrageous sum of money to travel to New Orleans to perform a surgery for him. Believing him to be just another millionaire needing a tummy tuck or face lift Alex refuses, referring him to any one of a number other surgeons. Or he should come to her as she has other patients who need her. After several refusals, Michael takes matters into his own hands: he has her kidnapped.

When she sees Michael for the first time she is stunned by the utter devastation that is his face. Add to that Michael’s amazing ability to heal, she understands why he feels that a normal surgeon would not have the time to operate. Alexandra reluctantly sets out to repair his damaged face.

After the surgery, Michael attacks Alex while in the midst of the blood rapture, but she survives, the first human to do so in centuries. Feeling guilty he heads to Chicago where his loyal servant dumped the surgeon. Michael knows he must now protect Alexandra from both his people, the Darkyn, and from their enemies. When he arrives in Chicago Michael finds things very different. It’s not just guilt that has him returning to Alex’s side but a bond he cannot deny. But how does he explain to Alex just who and what he and his people are? And why she now needs to be protected from their enemies, The Brethren.

The Brethren are a secret society sponsored by the Vatican. They have been hunting the Darkyn since the Inquisition. They are a society so secret that only a select few know of their existence. The sole reason for their existence is to destroy the Darkyn.

This is one of the most exciting vampire romances I have read in a while. It is action packed from the moment that Alexandra is abducted and never slows down until the last battle. The story line contains terrific characters that make the Darkyn come to life as a people, especially the jealousy of Michael’s rival Lucan. Alex's brother Father John adds depth to understanding the decisions Alex has made in her life. Lynn Viehl writes a fabulous paranormal tale in If Angels Burn that readers will appreciate with each bite, and will be madly looking for the sequels. I know I am.

Reviewed by Theresa
© March 2008