Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror Reviews

Book Review: Under a Vampire Moon

By Sandy Amazeen Feb 13, 2012, 2:09 GMT

When Vampires Go On Vacation . . . Escaping a horrible marriage, Carolyn Connor has no desire to think about men-a vow she\'s determined to keep while on vacation in St. Lucia. She\'ll take the Caribbean sun and sea and plenty of tropical drinks with those cute umbrellas poolside, thank you. She absolutely does not need male company, no matter how tan and rock-hard his body may ...more

Her soon to be womanizing ex-husband has dragged Carolyn Connor through hell; her shattered, disillusioned heart now well protected against any temptation to fall in love again. Although she does not really feel up to it, Carolyn agrees to go on vacation to St. Lucia with best friend Bethany. As if she’s not depressed enough, shortly after arrival Bethany becomes ill leaving Carolyn on her own in what is clearly honeymoon resort. Christian Notte has watched several of his relatives find the happiness that comes with discovering their life mate but such joy seems beyond him until legendary matchmaker Marguerite Argeneau summons the band to St. Lucia.

Christian immediately recognizes his life mate in Carolyn but she is so afraid of being hurt again it will be nearly impossible to woo her. That is where Christian’s family steps in with hilarious results as they plant the story that he is gay. While Christian struggles with barely contained frustration, Carolyn’s health begins to decline. In the midst of surf, sand and shared dreams there is a malevolent force at work from place Carolyn least suspects. Fortunately, all the help and Christian’s own appeal eventually break through Carolyn’s defenses and the misguided black heart is revealed for what it is.

Fans are sure to love Christian’s story as it is packed with Sands signature humor and a few interesting twists as well. This is part of the long running Argeneau series, newcomers will have no difficulty picking up the story yet it is not bogged down by a cumbersome back-story. There is a refreshing change from the usual antagonist and Carolyn is a delightful, understandably skittish counterpoint to Christian’s self-assurance which ends up floundering much of the time. The pace is brisk, the opulent resort setting convincing and Christian’s nutty family are a hoot to watch as they rally the forces to “help” making this great good fun.