dark fantasy

As a male who reads a tremendous number of vampire stories, I have noticed a tendency toward gender bias. Books range between guns blazing male fantasies to tragic love stories with fangs. For example, male authors such as Brian Lumley are 99% testosterone, while others, such as Susan Sizemore in this book, are 99% estrogen. "I Burn for You" is very much a romance novel dressed up as a vampire story. If that's what you're looking for, you will not be disappointed.

The characters were interesting, but type cast. Alec was the embodiment of troubled maleness, while Domini was the alluring insightful female, swept forward by events beyond her control. The only thing missing from the romance archetype was an image on the cover of a small flock of seagulls flying over crashing surf.

"I Burn for You," was a pleasant read, but I couldn't give it the rave reviews some other readers gave it. I doubt I will pick up another of this author's books. However, you could do far worse.

I really enjoyed it. What I really liked about this author is that she introduces us into the vampire's world/society right from the beginning. Although I love vampire romances, not everyone does it well. Sometimes you read a story that supposed to be a vampire genre but you don't even get the feel of a paranormal story until the very end, like "oh by the way, the hero or heroine is a vampire". Susan Sizemore however did a great job.

The hero, Alex, is the ultimate alpha male vamp, and is appropriately titled "The Prime". He was born a powerful creature of the night, but by choice he lives among the humans, taking drugs in order to be able to take sunlight and other vampire allergens. Although, he is often feral and a tightly leashed beast at best, he is one of those among his clan who has sworn to protect the human cousin race. The beast within has been harder to control recently and the drugs are not working as they should because finally Alex has found his Bond Mate, a human female name Domini. She doesn't know what he is, but her very presence threatens his firm control and their current mission, but soon the wait will be over, he will claim what is rightfully his and he will not be denied.

This book oozes of alpha male possessiveness, testosterone and great sexual tension along with steamy sex. I loved this book. I've never read Susan Sizemore books, but I'm definitely going to hunt down some of her backlist historical romances too. I read a couple of chapters of her next vampire book slotted for next Summer August 2004 and it also sounds really good, I Can't Wait!!!!

Does anyone else see anything funny in the name of this book? Think about it.