Paranormal/Futuristic
Smolder
By Pamela Denise
Mar 1, 2010 - 2:44:02 PM

Countess Catherine Marais descends from a long line of werewolf hunters. She is one of the most successful hunters in Europe and works for a secret international organization known as the Institute. During a mission, one of the werewolves escapes and her identity is discovered. The Lupas Magnus has given out the order to take out Catherine as she and her partner become an increasing threat to their kind.

The added danger to Catherine has her lover, two hundred year old vampire Ian, fearful that he will lose her. In turn, he tries to persuade her even more to let him turn her, but she has reservations. Though Catherine loves Ian dearly, she isn’t sure she is ready to give up her mortality just yet. Things become even more complicated for Catherine when her niece, Solange, starts sneaking off to meet a boy she’s been seeing. If he were an average teenager things would be bad enough, but this boy may not be quite what he seems.

As the werewolves seem to become braver, the Institute and vampires team up to put an end to their terrorism. Things don’t go as planned and Catherine and her niece are kidnapped. They are to be the main attraction at one of the werewolf leader’s parties. Now Ian and the members of the Institute must rush to save them and contain the werewolves before it’s too late.

I found SMOLDER to be an edgy engaging read. There is definite romance elements woven into the storyline, but suspense and action also play a high part, which will appeal to fans of the thriller genre as well. Ms. Morel touches on a plethora of topics including politics, conspiracy, secret organizations, and paranormal beings; as well as the basic things in life such as family, love, and the will to survive. In the beginning, things move along a bit slower as she introduces us to several different characters and angles then picks up speed as it all starts to come together when motives and intentions are revealed. I found the innocent relationship of the heroine’s niece and the boy she likes to be a sweet contrast to the darker world portrayed. If you like paranormals full of action with a bit of passion thrown in, this is a read you’ll want to add to your wish list.