Reviewed by Heather C
Title: Venice Vampyr
Author: Tina Folsom
Series: Venice Vampyr #1
Hero/Heroine: Raphael/Isabella
Genre: MF Historical Romance, Paranormal
Length: 103 pages
Release Date: December 2013
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: Isabella Tenderini, a wealthy merchant’s widow rescues a stranger from drowning in one of Venice’s canals. And how does the man repay her selfless act? By kissing her – her, a respectable woman.
Not only is Raphael di Santori grateful for his life being saved, he would also like to thank his rescuer very intimately – more intimately than decorum allows. But then, Raphael has never been one to play by the rules – as a vampire he doesn’t have to.
Review:
So apparently, I picked this one up for free at some point on Amazon and came across it while I was scrolling through my Kindle looking for a book to read for our vampire themed week.
It’s early 1800s in Venice, Italy. Widow Isabella Tenderini has already lost her husband to drowning when she comes across an unconscious stranger who is about to meet the same fate. After rescuing him, she brings him back to her home…into her personal chambers. Before she knows it, Raphael is awake and is kissing her and propositioning a discreet affair. But Isabella is under the tight watch of her dead husband’s cousin…a man who could ruin her business and her standings in society if he had proof of her inappropriate activities. Something Isabella doesn’t know about Raphael: he’s a vampire!
I really enjoyed this book!
Yes it was more erotica than plot, but this time that was okay because Isabella and Raphael were scandalous!! I don’t read much M/F erotica, so the explicitness of the sex was a welcomed surprise from what I’m used to reading in het romances…there was even a bit of anal play. And Raphael was quick to prove to Isabella that nothing was “taboo” between them and I loved that about him. He never allowed her to feel dirty for her desires and encouraged her explorations.
There was a little plot with the vampires. In this world, the vampires are being hunted by a human group called the Guardians and that thread somewhat connects Isabella’s life with Raphael’s. I do think that Isabella’s belief and fear of vampires was resolved a bit to easily, but this was erotica so I shouldn’t complain.
Looks like the next book is about Raphael’s brother Dante. I definitely plan to read about him!
Note: The author has included personal photos she took of Venice at the start of each chapter. I’m sad to say that the desired effect was lost on me because I read on a black and white Kindle Paperwhite, but I did go back to my computer and pulled up some of the photos. Very nice.
Overall Impression: I Liked It
*I provided my own copy of this book for review.*
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