Contessa Donnatella di Poliziano is a 2500-year-old vampire who’s seen it all: the rise and fall of civilizations and the eras of light and darkness. Through it all, she’s regretted very little in her life. That is, except the loss of her one true love, Jergan. Because of an ancient rule, Donnatella failed to turn Jergan into a vampire before he died and for the last eighteen centuries, she’s mourned the only man she’s ever loved.

One evening before she’s leaving for a ball, she discovers a letter that’s 300 years old, written to her by a friend, Michelangelo. The letter directs her to the catacombs beneath the city and to a second missive from another friend, Leonardo da Vinci. In it, he explains the machine before her is a time machine, which will take her back in time to rewrite history and claim Jergan for her own.

Because her past and present selves cannot occupy the same space in time, once she’s traveled back to ancient Rome they merge and become one. Unfortunately, her memories of history have been lost. However, her past self begins to have vivid dreams, seeing events as if she’s already lived them, not knowing they are memories she’s already had. Soon, the unstable emperor Caligula threatens both Donnatella and Jergan and their lives are in danger. Will Jergan save her from the vicious wiles of the emperor? Will Donnatella be able to turn her one true love into a vampire before he’s killed and will she remember to return to the time machine before it disappears and reverts back to its original time and place?

Having read One With The Shadows and One With The Night, I was anxious to read One With The Darkness. Susan Squires just keeps getting better and better. I devoured this book, reading it in one sitting. With amazing detail to historical fact, Ms. Squires draws a vivid portrait of ancient Rome. Donnatella is a mesmerizing character. She’s independent, has a will of steel and a fierce determination to make the time she lives in a better place to live. At the same time, she allows herself to cede control and show her vulnerability to the sensual, deliciously handsome man who’s stolen her heart. Both well educated and good-hearted, these two characters are a perfect match for each other and as they overcome adversity and danger, one cannot help but cheer for their successes.

For a well-blended story of intrigue, heart-stopping danger, dark romance, and well-researched ancient history, I fervently recommend One With The Darkness. Once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down, from its fast-paced beginning to its satisfying ending and as you finish the last page, you’ll be like me: yearning for more from the creative mind of Susan Squires.

Reviewed by: Bella