Stephanie Burke Reviews

Page One

Added March 24, 2003

The Slayer

Author: Stephanie Burke
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Available At: www.ellorascave.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Romance: Erotic/Vampire
Format: E-book download in LIT/PDF/HTML
Price: $6.49
ISBN: 1-84360-347-0
Author Email/Website: www.theflashcat.net
Reviewer: Robin Taylor

Can someone born from hate with everything to gain succeed with someone without a past with nothing to lose? Well, when you read The Slayer, you will find a very good answer to that question.

Tali is fighting for control. For her life, and that of others who are suffering at the hands of a monster. Not fully human, not quite vamp. OY! What is Kye? Why does he play her body into an acute level of awareness? And, what was so special about Tali? What drew her to Kye? What makes the sexual tension so incredible between the two of them?

They have more than this palpable attraction, this amazing sexual drive for each other. Kye and Tali have the common goal of destroying Balthazar. Who is this Balthazar? Where did he come from? What did he expect to achieve? Why does he have enemies who want his demise?

I have to say: this Balthazar has many enemies, in and out of his ranks. Hell, he's my enemy! Ms. Burke has done a fantastic job of making me hate the bad guy! Just as she's made me crazy for Kye, our requisite tortured hero. Whatever did Balthazar do to Kye?

Ms. Burke has taken her imagination and created this world, the people, and situations that seem beyond all imaginings. But the thing is, they work. They work quite well, actually. These characters don't need much prompting. This is paranormal. We know that going in. So, if there is to be a warning, let the reader beware: there is a measure of blood and gore in this story. But, it is certainly still a romance. These characters are there; very real for the time we are reading this book. To me, that deserves applause.

When you read of Kye and Tali, and other strong supporting characters like Angel, Mari, Marti and even Balthazar, you are there, experiencing this tremendous drama and suspense.

Will Kye get his vengeance and remove Balthazar and all the threats he represents? Will Tali and Kye find more than sex to tie them together? (Which, by the way, is sizzling hot in this book!!!!) Is it possible for Tali to love Kye, despite his preternatural existence? What about Kye, can he risk losing all control with Tali, more than allowing him to develop deeper feelings, but being free to act on them?

In reading The Slayer, I was given the chance to see a tortured hero achieve the vengeance he deserves, a chance for this hero to see life, love and colors for what they really could be. If I can find that in a story, a story of soulmates, then you've hooked me.

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Added January 23, 2003

Lucavarious

Author: Stephanie Burke
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Available At: www.ellorascave.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Romance: Erotic/Vampire
Format:Ebook download in LIT/PDF/HTML
Price: $6.49
ISBN: 1-84360-267-9
Author Email/Website: www.theflashcat.net
Reviewer: Robin Taylor

What a surprise I was in for when I read Lucavarious by Stephanie Burke!!! A fantastic paranormal story, but man, was it packed with great humor, romance and erotica!

It didn't take but a minute to be drawn into the tension of this story. At first glance, we see Dark, the Wolfen Queen, running for her life. Then there is Lucavarious, the ruler of the Vampesi, not a vampire, as you might at first suspect, but just as calm as can be.

The book opens with Dark fleeing to Lucavarious, because her life, and the future of her people, are in grave danger. Centuries before, a contract was drawn up between the Vampesi and the Wolfen. This contract being the only means to unite their warring peoples. Due to the tragic death of her parents, the contract must now be fulfilled. Dark narrowly escapes death by marrying Lucavarious, fondly called Luca. Despite this, both peoples are still in danger. The suspense drawn in this story is done very well.

There is an incredible assassination plot that we get to watch unfold. This is where Lucavarious shines!!!!! Though this is categorized as fantasy erotica, I'd give it high marks as a romantica suspense. A very high mark!!!! There were times when reading that my eyes couldn't move fast enough to keep up with the drama!!!!

We are continually drawn into Ms. Burke's story, because she put so many wonderful elements in this book. I laughed out loud at the humor, wiggled at the sensuality, my heart leapt at the sensitivity between Lucavarious and Dark, and my heartbeat sped up with the drama.

One thing that made Lucavarious really stand out is Ms. Burke's characterizations. These people, whether they were Vampire, Vampesi, Human or Wolfen, were real, not perfect. They had insecurities, quirks and humor that made them marvelous to read, especially Luca! Luca is the ultimate alpha male, and he has a sense of humor that I haven't seen rivaled in a long time. That, I loved!

This book will forever remain on my keeper shelves. Put this book on wish list, because if you don't and when others start talking about it, you just may wish you had. I tell you, I want to head straight over to Ellora's Cave and get the rest of Ms. Burke's book list.

This page was last updated on January 1, 2008

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