A Kiss Before Dying
by J.A. Saare
eBook – Short Story
Publisher: Amira Press
Available: 2009
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Book received from: Author
Katja Morgan has committed the ultimate taboo in the life of a blood slave; she has fallen in love with her master. Vampire Lord Sebastian Arsov is everything she has ever wanted – gorgeous, sexy, intelligent, kind. As their time together nears an end, she carefully constructs the ruse that will allow her to belong to her shellar in both body and soul.
But sharing an evening with her beloved comes at a high price – the cost of her life.
Disguised as a bed slave, Katja enters Sebastian’s chambers to experience the pleasures she’s been long denied. Including the bite that will ultimately kill her – what slaves refer to as a kiss before dying. As the night fades into the day, will Sebastian discover Katja’s true identity before it’s too late? Or will he lose the slave he’s come to love above all others?
Reviewed by: Sophia (FV)
Quick Rundown: Katja is a blood slave who has fallen hopelessly in love with her vampire lord. She believes this love is worth dying for so she devises a plan that will allow her to finally become his lover if only once.
Impressions after the first chapter: Beautifully written, flows nicely, a style I’ve come to expect from J.A. Saare.
The Hero: Sexy vampire lord with a heart who has a secret.
The Heroine: Blood slave who has done what is forbidden to her; she has fallen in love with the vampire she serves.
What worked: As always it’s the writing that impresses me when reading J.A. Saare’s work. Even in this very short story, she manages to create very sexy, romantic ambiance. J.A. Saare does a good job creating characters to cheer for even within the constraints of a short story.
What didn’t work: Nothing really. I really enjoyed this short story and the one niggly thing that ruffled me a bit was explained in the end. Still not a fan of this certain scenario, but it worked in this story. I really can’t go into detail without spoiling, sorry.
Final conclusion: A Kiss Before Dying is a very romantic, and sexy story. Although because of the story’s length there was not time to fully develop the characters, they are still likeable and interesting. If you have not read J.A. Saare, this story is a good way to sample her style and get a good idea of what you can expect from her in other works. I enjoyed this very sensual love story and would have loved for it to have been longer. (That’s always my complaint for short stories and novellas I like.)
Favorite Quote: “One day in our future, I’m going to go by the gentlemanly adage,” he told me a hoarse voice, “ladies first.”
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About Sophia (FV)
I loved this story… it's actually the first thing I read by JA Saare, but I reviewed Dead first. I know, backwards. Have you come to expect anything less from me? LOL
Hey FV ~
I am so glad you liked A Kiss Before Dying (and I've already told you but I LOVE the quickie review format!).
I've been writing notes here and there to possibly make it a full length story (with glimpses of her past through her diary in first person, with the remainder of the story told in a third person narrative).
You just made my day, so thank you.
OH, I wasn't familiar with this story… sounds very interesting. Thanks for the quickie!