Enthralled by Laura Baumbach

Blurb:

A suicidal young man, Colin Dobson, seeks death, but finds an unconventional reason to live in the arms of a seductive, dark stranger. Rowland Campbell is an ancient and powerful vampire on the brink of death after a surprise attack by vampire hunters. Dark desires are awakened, as one strives to survive and the other begs for deliverance from the burden of life.

 

 

Review:

I happened across this particular book and it’s sequel when looking at Baumbach’s backlist. She’s a fabulous author and this one I’d had my eye on for a while and I’m really happy I finally took the plunge and got this and it’s sequel, Breathing. If you haven’t read either this author or this story, please do so!

This is a short story, under 40 pages, but typifies the author’s excellent writing in fully realizing two dynamic characters and an intense and dark relationship amidst a brooding, eloquently described backdrop of the city. From the vivid opening scene describing Colin’s death wish and detailed enough that we’re presented with his clothing down to a golden thread trembling over a socked foot to the a haunting declaration of forgiveness, Enthralled does just that. This story gripes and quickly draws you into the dark world of vampires and death.

Colin is a lovely character with a death wish. His reasons are not fully known yet hinted at when describing his isolated, privileged upbringing, his rare blood disease, and untouched sexual state. His inner darkness is deep but he struggles with the violence required to kill himself, not quite getting it right. He’s stopped from his latest attempt by the rather dramatic arrival of the wounded vampire, who gives him a reason to live. Colin’s emotions and reactions from drugged to vulnerable cast him as an appealing innocent.

Rowland is the perfect foil for Colin’s purity. As the dark and violent bringer of death to survive, Rowland epitomizes the callous stereotype of vampires. Cruel, selfish, and evil he somehow stumbles onto his very own angel and instinctively refuses to let go. His insistence on Colin’s presence in his life – now and forever – creates a love story sure to please the most ardent of romance fans, even if his use of bodily fluids was slightly much for me.

Although these two are given classic roles within the vampire/human theme, Baumbach’s superb writing elevates this story from being a throwaway into something engaging, fascinating and memorable. Tight writing and beautiful prose give this tale and its characters a haunting beauty in combination with a lushly detailed backdrop. I highly recommend this short story to anyone who’s a fan of darker, edgier vampire themes within m/m fiction. You’ll devour it.

Get it HERE!

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