Dark Stranger (Vampire Book Club)

Of course I've enjoyed Sizemore's previous novels, but I wasn't sure if I would enjoy where she was taking this one. Sizemore travels to the distant future, after humans have nearly become extinct and are now fighting their way back by colonizing different areas in the universe. Yet, that is not what this story is about. Oh, no. Dark Stranger's entire book setting, of all things, is a military prison. The mysterious Zoe's ship is under attack and she, as well as the surviving crew, were captured and taken to a desert world that houses an underground prison. When she arrives she is immediately drawn to the man in charge, who also happens to be the only human medical doctor, Doc Raven. Zoe's plans were to stay below the radar and NOT draw attention, but it's hard with Raven in the picture. I won't say more about the story because what makes this story so good is discovering everything little by little as you read. I finished this one in just two days and was greedy for more.

I want more Vampire Book Club stories. Yes, I love the author's series of modern times Prime Books but I find the question of what do vampyres do for fun/hobbies/etc. quite intriging. They have free time just like the rest of us normals and though Ms. Sizemore's vampyres are not confined by sunlight and other traditional "allergies" still there must be limitations on what they can do - what does someone do for hobbies when you live so long - how do you stay sane? I like the idea of exploring vampyres in the future, when we have (hopefully) spread ourselves into space. Plus trying to read this from a female vampyre's point of view added a whole new dimension to the story. What do female vampyres look for in a hero? Doc is a wonderfully complex character, and Zoe is great - a true princess but with that core of independence we like in our heroines and sorely conflicted between duty and her heart. That her ultimate decision will make a political statement is just icing on the cake for her - but I won't say more - I hate spoilers! Read and enjoy!!

I am not a big fan of vampire stories but when I read the recommendation for Dark Stranger I had to give it a try. After I started reading I did not want to put the book down. Susan Sizemore has taken her vampire Prime books into the future and has written a Paranormal and Science Fiction Romance book that works.. General Matthias "Doc" Raven is the ranking officer among the humans held in a prisoner of war camp that holds three different alien species. Zoe Pappas is among the new prisoners arriving at the camp. Neither are what they seem to be. The characters are well thought out, the back-story skillfully woven into the whole, and the story is tension filled. You do not need to be familiar with Susan's Prime series to enjoy this story. Speaking as a Science Fiction Romance lover this will go on my favorites shelf.

Heir to the Byzant Empire, human diplomat wearing the uniform of a naval lieutenant Zoe Pappas negotiates with the Asi. However, the enemy Hajim attacks her space ship and takes her to a prison planet in which human POWs mingle uneasily with other species dangerous to her kind. Brigadier General Matthias "Doc" Raven leads the human POWs, demanding loyalty and no escape attempts. Zoe struggles with adjusting to captivity and her attraction to the BG. She conceals from Doc who she is and what her aborted mission was. Someone seems to know who she is and where she is; that person is willing to kill all the prisoners to get at Zoe; only Doc stands in their way. This clever fantasy science fiction thriller is actually not part of the prime Primes saga, but a brilliant off shoot as a so-called work of fiction or perhaps a future history as the first tale in the Vampire Book Club read by several Prime characters. The story line is fast-paced and filled with plenty of action from the onset, but really takes off when Zoe and Doc meet as prisoners of war. Prime fans especially with relish Susan Sizemore's refreshing "futuristic" entry in her terrific series. Harriet Klausner

Blurb A twist of fate made Zoe Pappas heir to the Byzant throne. Bound by duty and devotion to keep the Empire safe, Zoe is captured while on a secret diplomatic mission and sent to an underground prisoner-of-war camp. In this strange, shadowy place, residents are governed by fellow inmate General Matthias "Doc" Raven, whose powerful magnetism rouses an urgent desire in Zoe. But the intensity of her attraction is matched by her surprise at discovering that Doc has a secret of his own: he is a vampire Great Great sci fi romance. This is an awesome read. Other than the fact that Raven is a vampire, this is not like the Prime romance. This is a whole new world and takes place years in the future. In fact the story is based on a prison colony. Do not let sci fi turn you away. There are lasers and aliens(some insectoids and some humanoid) Sizemore still keeps the romance in this as the main focus. There is chemistry between the hero and heroine from the beginning and the buildup is in increments with witty comments, flirty glances and then a BAM sex scene that knocks you for a loop. Im a Prime fan, and this lives up to the same engaging romance that Sizemore is known for.