A baby found outside of Our Lady of Lourdes Orphanage had only a silver cross bearing the name Mona Lisa to hint toward her identity.  Growing up she has always known that she was different.  She could hear and see better, run faster, and sense things that normal people could not.  Twenty one years later, her ability to diagnose illness and to relieve pain has led her into becoming an ER nurse.  Lisa even has suspicions that she may have a dormant ability to heal others. 

An encounter during her night shift with a disconcertingly handsome man changes her entire life.  Gryphon is a victim of both a stab wound and silver poisoning.  The overwhelming pull of attraction she feels for him and the tale he subsequently tells of other-worldly beings, Mixed Bloods and territorial Queens, first strikes her as ridiculous and insane.  There is, however, no denying what her senses tell her.  She has finally found someone like herself.   

Gryphon is one of the Monère or children of the moon.  They are a people who escaped their dying world four thousand years ago.  Different from humans, they have a lifespan that reaches three centuries; have enhanced senses and other strange abilities.  Much of human paranormal lore is misrepresentations of these incredible beings. 

Although revered, Queens tend to be imperious, tempestuous and cruel.  It has been through them alone that the Monère have been able to absorb the power of the moon and have extended life.  They are fine examples of the link between power and corruption. 

Mona Lisa appears to be not only a Queen with a rare gift but the first Mixed Blood Queen ever to have come into existence.  Her attempts to find a cure for Gryphon lead her to the discovery of her mother, Mona Sera and her introduction to the High Court and all of its dangers.  She is by no means welcomed by all. 

This series will draw inevitable comparison with the works of Laurell K. Hamilton.  Let us dispense with this first.  Much of the similarity lies with the fact that both are remarkably good writers who explore horror-tinged, paranormal, erotic romance in a contemporary setting.   The heroines are strong, have untapped potential and do what needs to be done even having sex for the good of others. 

The one quibble to be voiced here is that the dialogue of the heroine seems initially unconvincing, alternating between urban casual and stilted dignity.  However, this gives way in the course of the story to a much more natural style of speech. 

Sunny has created a fascinating world that brings a breath of fresh air to paranormal romance…albeit, one filled with a dark hauntingly heady scent and seductive allure.    

It is to be commended that in this first book to a series, one does not feel cluttered regarding the information that the author must impart for us to understand the background to the Monère and their society.  The plot is well paced and the characters are vivid. 

Mona Lisa’s selflessness in loyalty to those who become dear to her does little to mark her as a pushover.  Our heroine is not to be trifled with and woes betide anyone who tries.  Her humanity and generosity of spirit is in marked contrast with nearly all of the Queens that we encounter.  It is no wonder that she is slowly able to draw allies merely by being herself. 

The Monère are not a monogamous people and the men who come to her whether to serve or for other purposes are flawed but beguiling.  The first and foremost is Gryphon, a male with a poisoned wound inflicted by Mona Sera, the previous Queen he served.  That same Queen imposes a near deadly punishment to one of her other guards for disobedience.  Said guard, Amber is consequently taken in by Mona Lisa in what is at first only a symbiotic relationship.  Even Lord Halcyon, the High Prince of Hell is drawn to this unusual Queen.  As you will see, her charm goes far beyond her smile. 

Readers who love paranormal romance with a sharp erotic edge will be thrilled to add Mona Lisa Awakening to their collection.  Happily, the series continues as part of the anthology Over the Moon and the novel Mona Lisa Blossoming in January and February 2007 respectively.  Many of us will be looking forward to the next year. 

A caveat, this is a story that includes graphic sex and violence.  It is not for the squeamish.

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