It has been five years since the war between humans and the Otherborn, but thanks to an anti-vamp vaccine, the vampires are still suffering. Knox Devereaux is forced to watch his clan fade away as he remains strong courtesy of his half human DNA. When the FBI contacts Knox about leading a Para-Ops team, he accepts with the hope that he can find help for his people. As an added incentive, Felicia Locke, the human Knox has loved for years, will be part of his team. Knox's duty required him to take a vampire bride, but his heart needs Felicia. Is there any way he can do his duty and have Felicia at the same time, or is he just kidding himself?

If there is such a thing as soul mates, Felicia knows that Knox would be hers, but his duties as leader of his vampire clan will always come first. She may love him madly, but there is no way she will consent to be his mistress while he takes a vampire wife. Felicia has gone out of her way to avoid Knox and the temptation he presents, but when she is offered a spot on the FBI Para-Ops team, she's not about to turn it down. Now, if Felicia can only concentrate on the job and keep Knox at arm's length, she'll be fine. Right?

Brava! Virna DePaul has knocked my socks off with her debut novel Chosen by Blood. In an increasingly popular genre, DePaul manages a fresh approach to the paranormal that will satisfy even the most die-hard fans. Filled with an exceptionally strong cast, the secondary characters stand out every bit as much as the leads and will have you longing to hear their stories as well.

Knox was the definition of loyalty, but it is also that loyalty that makes him such a controversial character. His love for Felicia was obvious for all to see, but to ask her to stand aside as a mistress while he marries another was too much to ask of anyone. My heart was breaking for them over the seemingly insurmountable odds that were against them. Felicia was exactly the kind of heroine readers enjoy. She was selfless enough to put her own comfort aside for the sake of helping people that were inadvertently keeping her from the man she loved. That alone, showed strength of character most people can only aspire to. Knox and Felicia were the ultimate star-crossed lovers and I couldn't help but root for their happy ending. All in all, this book was a fantastic read. Be prepared to stay up all night, because once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it back down!

Reviewed by: Tara