REVIEW: A Vampire’s Promise by Carla Susan Smith

In A Vampire’s Promise by Carla Susan Smith, Rowan has never been lucky in the romance department. But that changes the night she meets Gabriel in Rosie’s bar. He looks like a Viking and is more handsome than any model she could ever picture in her head. And he is interested in her, Rowan Harper, who works in a bookstore, and who usually plays second fiddle to her stunning best friend Laycee. Figuring there has to be a catch or he’s a serial killer, she tries to turn down his advances, only to find herself enthralled by his sensual voice and eyes.

“I’ve spent an eternity waiting for you.”

Rowan is determined not to get hurt in her budding relationship with Gabriel, knowing he’s holding back secrets from her. But as her attraction to him continues to grow by leaps and bounds,she’s not sure she can keep her questions about his mysterious lifestyle and odd friends at bay. Her sense of deja vu is also a growing concern, as though Rowan should already know something about the strong connection they have together. Will Gabriel finally confess what he’s hiding or will Rowan find out through forces beyond her control?

‘How could I still hunger for him, be willing to give myself to him, when I knew what he was, had witnessed it with my own eyes?’

A Vampire’s Promise was a complete surprise to me. A good one. Looking at the book cover I thought it was going to be a typical lust-filled paranormal romance, but instead it was a story layered with questions, attraction, and a sense of humor.

I really enjoyed Carla Susan Smith’s writing style. There was a smooth continuity to the scenes which showcased Rowan and Gabriel’s interest in each other, along with her growing concern over what he was hiding. I will warn you that this is not a Happily-Ever-After, or even a Happy-For-Now book. There is a definite cliffhanger ending here which I was okay with personally, but I can understand if it would seem abrupt to some readers. At least some questions are answered by the end as well as an inkling of what the Promise may potentially be.

Pretty much all of the characters, both main and secondary, held my interest and lent something to the story. Rowan’s best friend Laycee may have made some choices I didn’t agree with but she was a good balance to Rowan’s sort of bookish personality. And Gabriel’s consorts were an intriguing bunch themselves as we get to know a bit more about their motivation. But of course my favorites were Rowan and Gabriel. She had such a charming way about her, being so caring and self-deprecating that I couldn’t help but like her. Gabriel, though, with all of the secrecy surrounding him, he was a character I liked but I couldn’t get a good grasp on if his intentions were truly the best for Rowan. And this being told strictly from her POV added an element of mystery to it all, as well.

So if you don’t mind cliffhanger endings and are looking for a different twist to a paranormal romance, try A Vampire’s Promise.

Book Info:

Published June 5th 2014 by eKensington

Trust Your Instincts

Rowan Harper is nothing but a smart-mouthed bookstore clerk with a crappy love life on the night she walks into Rosie’s Bar. Most of the drama in her life is borrowed from her best friend’s adventures. But when she meets Gabriel–tall and movie star gorgeous–everything changes. Never mind that she turns down the drink he offers, or that he brims with secrets she can’t begin to guess at. He ignites a desire in her she never suspected–and shows a fascination with her she can’t explain.

He has no family, no job, no bank account;he knows where she lives and her favorite flower. An aura of mystery cloaks him, even as Rowan grasps for facts, even as she fears an answer that could destroy her happiness. Gabriel can guide her through a wonderland of new sensations. But only if Rowan trusts him enough to follow. . .

94,350 Words