Title: Wild Souls
Author: Jocelyn Devon
Published in August 2010 by Red Rose Publishing ™
Genre: Erotic Paranormal, Vampire
ISBN: 978-1-60435-757-8
Can Eliza’s and Hank’s marriage be saved or is it already too late after his affair with town tart Sylvia? Her home wrecking ways threaten to end all three of their lives. HIV, looms over then like a dark shroud. Can any be saved?
Sterling an ancient vampire mourns the loss of his beloved Alana. He never thought he’d find another woman to take her place. Yet, he finds hope in Eliza.
Will Eliza accept his dark gift before it’s too late?
Can she find it within herself to love a creature of the night? Is it possible his love can cure her?
In a small town a sordid affair ends another marriage. For Hank this carnal liaison is just another on a continuously growing list of others. Since high school he has cheated, even during his honeymoon he banged the hotel maid. Still high school sweethearts and now wife, Eliza remains with him…until Sylvia.
Wild Souls from Jocelyn Devon is a beautifully written, captivating short story. The genuine, emotionally charge paranormal plot is skillfully acted out by sturdy, believable characters. Neither wants the marriage to end but so much negative emotional baggage has passed between them, especially since that ill-fated phone call from the physician’s office. Announcing they have been exposed to the blood virus HIV. Plans for children are no longer viable, nor their lives as they once knew it.
The final break from their ever reconciling comes when in a fit of anger, Hank slaps Eliza. This happens on the heels of her honest declaration that Sylvia, the town tart, will eventually dump him once the novelty of their union wears off; bringing to light the error of his choosing Sylvia over Eliza. Even if he begs Hank will never return to Eliza’s life once he walks out the door.
Alone in her home Eliza’s heart and emotional pain is quite perceptible as she relieves past and present moments that form her and Hank’s relationship; starting in high school to present. Throughout it, she truly believes that once married and settled he would forgo those extra curricular activities. Even believing her self unattractive so engages activities that turns the heat up in her own bedroom; hoping to sway Hank from other women. Ultimately his cheating becomes a trademark in their marriage – just like in her parent’s marriage. However, Eliza is not enduring this crisis on her own, befriending a man who just might be able to repair the damage done by Hank’s infidelities.
On their first meeting they give each other verbal comfort over the loss of a spouse. As the friendship blossoms so does Sterling’s carnal desire for her. While lingering under a tree in front of her house Sterling watches over Eliza, ensuring her safety while witnessing her marriage unraveling. His other worldly abilities permit him to become invisible so as to roam within Eliza’s home unnoticed. This closeness only feeds his growing love for her. When not able to stand by any longer, Sterling seeks out Hank, intent on convincing him of the grave mistake he is making in leaving Eliza. But he may be too late as Sterling stumbles upon Hank and another of Sylvia’s lovers fighting in the cover of darkness.
Published through Red Rose Publishing, Wild Souls is a roller coaster of emotions as it brings to life the trials and tribulations of an adulterous spouse, while descriptively detailing the heartache of a broken marriage incapable of being repaired. Then there is the frustration and turmoil of an unacquainted love that adds to the heartfelt angst of this romance. Ms. Devon’s writing is fluid and attractive, keeping the reader engaged throughout.
Upon hearing of Hank being robbed and then murdered, Eliza’s emotional state is frail at best. As Sterling comes to her aid, the confusion of the past week events and now Hank’s death she fears abusing the endearing newly formed friendship. However she is stunned by his honest confession of love and the vow to wait until she is ready to accept it and him. Can Eliza join Sterling in an unearthly life he once shared with another woman? Can Eliza trust him enough to begin a new love life, while helping her adapt to a life of wellness but filled with eternal happiness?
A Dedicated Reader,
Pamela Jenewein!
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