Lucian of Penwick was raised in a religious family, so when the crown needed more soldiers in the Holy Land, he joined the ranks. He and a group of men banded together in hopes of surviving the savage devastation of war. But when ordered to kill women and children in the name of the Lord, Lucian lost his belief in God. 

When the war came to an end, the Templar’s were arrested and sentenced to death. But instead of dying, Lucian and four others were given a second chance, a chance at redemption. The catch was that they would live the rest of their lives as vampires. In order to ascend into Heaven, they must protect the relic and keep it safe from evil. But Lucian made a fatal mistake - he wanted his old life back and went home. His decision cost him the life of his family. Evil followed him in the form of the Obyri – Templar’s who accepted the devil’s deal to steal the relic and in turn, gain eternal life. 

Jessica Vargo was kidnapped and tortured … by vampires! After three months of living in the dungeon of a castle, she knew she wouldn’t survive much longer. With a vampire chained to the wall only a few feet from her, she knew it was only a matter of time before he used her for a snack. In hopes of saving his brother, Lucian had allowed himself to be taken hostage. Unfortunately, things have gone too far and the innocent brother he once knew was replaced with a murderous mad man. In order to survive, Jessica and Lucian forge a shaky truce and escape. But can trust last between a vampire and a human? 

The characters physical and emotional trials easily pulled me into their lives, making me experience the world through their eyes. I loved the emotions, and Lucian made a fab-u-licous hero. The wonderful world building made it really easy for me to believe that vampires truly exist. The main plot of the story finished before the romance, which dragged out the ending a bit. Even so, I would recommend this book for anyone who wants a new tale of vampires and love. This is book two in the templar vampire series.

Reviewed by Stacey Brutger for The Road to Romance

September 13, 2007