BEFORE DAWN - Ann Bruce
Ellora's Cave www.ellorascave.com
ISBN: 978-1-41991-500-0
April 2008
Erotic Paranormal Romance- Short Story
Rated: S-ensuous

Present Day

Mercy Jansen dreams of a faceless lover who satisfies her in her dreams, but thank goodness she always wakes up before he actually bites her neck. Yeah, I know. She’s dreaming of a vampire. Then, at a fundraiser, Mercy comes face to face with the lover of her dreams only to have it turn into a nightmare. She’s saved by another man who is just as gorgeous as the monster who tried to kill her. His name is Ryan and he takes care of her, explaining about the vamp, and a few other things. Of course one thing leads to another and the two end up in bed together. Mercy is shocked by her attraction to Ryan. Never has she wanted a man as badly as she wants Ryan. But the danger’s not over yet. The vampire isn’t going to give up until Mercy is either dead or undead.

Ryan McGinnis works for the Council and his job at the moment is to watch over Mercy. That shouldn’t be too hard, if he can stop fantasizing about her for a moment. Three months…that’s how long Mercy has been on his mind and in his thoughts. While watching her at the fundraiser, Mercy disappears from his sight and Ryan barely makes it to her in time to save her from the vampire. After that, he and his partner, Savage, take her to a safe house and Ryan ends up in her bed. But what will Mercy do when she finds out that they were sort of using her for bait? He might not get the chance, for while he is on a wild goose chase, Mercy is kidnapped by the vampire. Will he uncover the truth about why Mercy was chosen and her whereabouts, before it’s too late?

BEFORE DAWN is an intriguing and steamy erotic paranormal romance that I found fascinating. Mercy’s dreams of a faceless lover, who turns out to be the vampire, are intriguing and I have to say that to begin with I thought he was going to be the good guy. Boy, was I ever wrong. Ryan is a protector, and though sometimes he isn’t always forthcoming with the truth, he’s the man I’d want in my corner. Together Ryan and Mercy heat up the pages with sex, foreplay, and yes, even fights. Arousing fights. <g> Secondary characters include Ryan’s partner, Savage, and the big bad vampire, Edmond. There are a couple of minor characters but Ryan, Mercy, Savage, and Edmond are the main ones. Author Ann Bruce writers a compelling story that readers are sure enjoy.

Sinclair Reid