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Title:
Mortal Illusions

Author:
Kathryn R. Blake

Publisher:
New Concepts Publishing

ISBN:
1-58608-408-9

Copyright Date:
2003

Format:
Electronic

Claire Daniels has been awarded the lead as Lucy in Bram Stokers theatrical production of Dracula. This should be a time of excitement and thrills. She has worked her entire life for this moment. Claire can identify with Lucy, a woman in love with Dracula. In her own words it’s not that she loves him because he’s a vampire, but in spite of that fact. Trouble soon follows her, not allowing her time to bask in the glory of raving reviews for the production, as her mother’s health takes a turn for the worse.

Germaine St. Justin, financial backer of her production and old friend of her mother’s, has re-entered their life. Claire is not sure what to make of the relationship between her mother and the mystical Germaine. She doesn’t trust him with her mother, but only he seems to be able to erase the lines of pain and suffering from her mother’s face.

Not only must Claire deal with the health problems of her mother, but her brother is facing a detrimental illness of his own. She is at a loss to help him. She will do anything to save him, even sacrifice her own life if need be...

Germaine St. Justine has walked the night for hundreds of years. He believes in monogamy and has vowed not to take another mortal lover. The price to pay when he loses them is too great. Germaine is a strong hero, even when he would rather break the laws of his chosen sect of vampires; he remains true to his beliefs, no matter how painful. He brings Claire into his inner circle and shares his secrets with her, even though she is mortal and unknowingly jeopardizes his safety. The vampires have rules and consequences. Germaine endeavors to teach and explain these rules to Claire. She struggles valiantly with his lifestyle and with the punishment that the council administers, but cannot help but be drawn to the elusive Germaine.

This story is wrought with passion, emotion, and character’s you will love. It is the struggle for acceptance of life and of love that make our hero and heroine stronger. This story has it all. Claire’s struggle to adapt to a new life will leave you reeling. This reviewer loves Ms. Blake’s vampires. They are real people struggling to survive in a time where they must cloak their identity and walk among the living. Her vampires are realistic and endearing, and this reviewer hopes that Ms. Blake will be writing a sequel to this book. This reviewer thinks Marcus deserves his own story...hint, hint, hint.

This story is chock full of beautiful writing that flows like water, strong characterization, and a host of intriguing minor players. Readers, who love vampires and romance alike, will love this book, not to mention the incredible cover. This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed this book, and hopes to be reading more of Ms. Blake’s enticing tales soon!

Reviewed by: Michelle