Dead Perfect

Shannah Davis is dying. She’s only twenty-four and she’s dying from an unknown disease. The doctors have no idea why or what to do for her, so Shannon tries to enjoy what little time she has left. The disease mostly makes her tired—fatigued to the point she has no energy to do more than find a soft place to sleep. She’d fight death if she could, but no one seems to have any answers. Hoping against hope for herself, she begin to follow a man. A mysterious man who appears in the dark of night, wears black that makes him totally sexy and lives in a run down house that is right out of a gothic romance. Along the way Shannah decides her mysterious man is a vampire and that he alone might be the one to save her life.

Ronan, aka Eva Black, is a world famous romance author. With some of the hottest, more creative books around he has furnished little in his home except for his office which houses an immense collection of books—the likes of which any dedicated book-a-holic would love to sink his or her teeth into—and his computer. Working by night he weaves spellbinding tales of love, romance and…vampires. When Shannah appears on his doorstep, Ronan is a bit at a loss what to do. Despite the solitary life he has chosen for himself, he is drawn to Shannah. At first he devises creative ways to have her stay and finally admits to himself he has fallen in love with the young woman.

If he tells her his dark secret he’ll lose her. If he doesn’t, he’ll lose her. The last thing Ronan wants is to lose the love of his life, Shannah.

DEAD PERFECT is a perfect combination of the best of true romance, the mystery of a paranormal and the fun of a contemporary trek from California to New York and back again. It is a thoroughly entertaining glimpse into the world of a romance writer and what she…or he…experiences in the world of marketing, promotion and book signings.

What stood out most for this reviewer in DEAD PERFECT, Amanda Ashley’s latest offering in her vampire tales, is that it is a wonderfully told love story. Ms. Ashley returns readers to sweet and innocent romance. No falling in love at first meeting, no diving into bed at the drop of a hat, but a gradual coming together of two people destined for each other. Ronan’s dilemma becomes the reader’s—how can these two be together if Ronan reveals his secret while at the same time, if he does, he will lose her.

DEAD PERFECT is a fun twist on the world of a romance writer. Becoming so involved in the story the rest of the world just passes on by coupled with the excitement of meeting readers and spice of a book signing. It is refreshing to see the world through Shannah’s eyes. At times she seems younger than her twenty-four years while at the same time Ronan seems much older than his thirty-something, his age at his turning. Ms. Ashley captures old world courtesies and allure through Ronan’s manner and way of life.

If you are looking for a read that combines romance, paranormal, compassion and just plain fun, DEAD PERFECT is…perfect.

December 2007