Life for Tristan St. Blaise had gone to hell four centuries ago when his alchemist and mentor Benito Achilles turned him from a man into a blood craving animal. But Tristan was more than the monster consuming his soul, he was a man who still possessed a sense of right and wrong. A man who promised himself he would only satisfy his unholy appetite with the blood of evil men. If he was going to sin, he would protect the victims of the world by destroying those who abused them.

When Tristan saves Angelia Lightheart from a sadistic rapist, she seems like a bright light in his dark existence. Angelia is confused by the creature who defends her innocence, and commits a bloody murder in the same breath. Something about his desperation speaks to her heart, and she yearns to love and trust a being she never imagined existed. But how can she offer her heart to a murderer who flaunts the law and feasts on the blood of others?

This is a well written and intriguing story, and the quality of the writing keeps it above the level of many vampire novels with similar stories to tell. Ms. Mancos has created fully realized and gripping characters who pull you into their world and keep you engaged through every page. Tristan is the kind of tortured soul that women love to fantasize about. A man they want to redeem and make their own. I was a bit jealous of Angelia even though I was cheering for her to save her man. The heat is beautifully woven into the many layers of action, and the unexpected twists make this a memorable read. Since this is one of a series, I look forward to the next installment.

Reviewed by: LeeAnn