Keep Me Forever

First of all, I don't think it is fair for reviewers to give a book a bad rating because they read the books out order in the series and because of that didn't understand the characters or backgrounds. Even writers such as J.R. Ward and Kenyon build backgrounds in their books for characters and story lines. I also don't think books in series are meant to be stand alones. Not if there are characters in the book from past books in the series. I also don't think it is fair to give a book a bad rating because it is not a stand alone when it is in a series. I don't believe any book in this particular series is meant to be a stand alone. The characters and story line is ongoing. All that said, I liked this book and the previous books in the series. I like seeing past characters and how they are doing and keeping up with the story line. I think Laurey builds the series nicely.

Antonia Stonewright moves from York to Bringham after purchasing "Orchard House" from Dixie Marlowe (KISS ME FOREVER) with the intention to open a gallery and craft center. Centuries old, and jaded when it came to men, Antonia thinks she's seen everything. What she hadn't known when she paid a call to interview the talented but reclusive town potter, Michael Langton, was that she'd be meeting the local legend, or that she'd be losing her heart to a shapeshifter. What on earth would Gwyltha think of the infamous Surrey Puma as an addition to her colony? Not that Antonia cared.......much. Elizabeth (a.k.a. the ghoul Angela -- BE MINE FOREVER) has accompanied Antonia to Bringham in order to assist her with the renovations. With her memory now intact, Elizabeth is no vamp's slave, something she's determined to prove to her erstwhile lover, Tom Kyd, who had forbidden her to go. Tom is out of sight for the moment, however he is not remotely out of mind....or heart. Elizabeth is also a practicing witch, and although the aura of the place holds lingering evil from the previous inhabitants, she is drawn to the "magic" garden and determines to make its restoration her special project. She also stirs up the townsfolk when she contacts members of the local coven to feel them out. All seems well until Stella Corvus (LOVE ME FOREVER) brings her son Sam up to visit his old babysister (Elizabeth). While paying for gas, Stella's rental is car-jacked with her beloved son inside. With her newly acquired vampire speed and strength, the thief is no match for the irate mother. Stella and Sam arrive at Orchard House with a mashed car and a bag of jewelry which was no doubt also stolen. Justin and Tom come down to handle the both the problem with the car and the stolen gems, leaving the latter to be found by the vicar's wife. With nothing to tie Stella and Sam to the crime all should be well once more. But nothing in Bringham is ever without complications, and when a woman's body is found during the demolition of Orchard House's old air raid shelter, Antonia and gang begin to wonder if it had been wise to set foot in a town that had held nothing but evil for their friends Dixie and Kit. Where you find Gwyltha's colony, murder, mystery, and mayhem are sure to follow and this time is no exception. KEEP ME FOREVER is a fine addition to Ms. Laurey's vampire series. It is always a pleasure to visit with "old friends", but now that Antonia has found the love of her lengthy life in the legendary and heroic Michael, have all the ends been tied up at long last? Who knows? Perhaps the adventures will go on FOREVER, this reviewer certainly hopes so! Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch for PNR Reviews

Rosemary Laurey has written another scrumptious vampire tale in Keep Me Forever. Vampire Antonia Stonewright has traveled to England with her business partner and ghoul Elizabeth Connor to set up a craft and artist gallery. She travels to find reclusive potter Michael Langton. After some sassy banter they agree to terms for his work but Michael the man intrigues Antonia. Imagine her shock and delight that Michael is more then just a mere mortal. Michael Langton has been the towns best kept secret. He keeps to himself and perfects his craft, few know that he roams the countryside at night as the local legend a golden puma. Antonia is different then any women he has ever met, she meets him as an equal on all sides. Michael and Antonia start a passionate affair but soon troubles outside their newfound relationship start to rear their ugly heads. Antonia friend Stella and Sam come to visit and are immediate car jacked and the thief leaves jewels behind. Next a body turns up at the new craft center. This draws more friends and fellow vamps to the scene. Keep Me Forever is a wonderful sexy and sassy book. Michael and Antonia dive straight into their attraction and they scorch up the pages. Michael is a perfect match for the strong willed vampire, ghouls and vampires baffle this shapeshifter and his reaction is priceless. It was a treat to revisit with past characters from previous books. Looking forward to more delightful vampires.

Vampire Antonia Stonewright, who was turned in the fifth century, and ghoul Elizabeth Connor plan to open up a top quality crafts store and art gallery in a small Surrey town in England. On business, Antonia visits the hermit-like Potter Michael Langton at his home, but quickly realizes he is not mortal. They fall into each other's arms confiding their true natures and accepting the other for what they are. Vampire Stella Corvus and her mortal son Sam are coming to visit Antonia and Elizabeth when their vehicle is carjacked with the lad inside. Using her vampiric powers, Stella shoves the man out of her car and drives away. When they reach their hotel, Stella finds a bag of probably stolen jewels in their auto. Stella stealthily gives it to the police with no link back to her or Sam. Still someone tries to break into Stella's car, but Elizabeth chases him off. As Stella helps her friends with preparing for their grand opening, a corpse is found at the construction site. While Stella's spouse and Elizabeth's fianc? believe their venture is jinxed and wants them home before someone they love is hurt, the three females continue to work even though danger lurks nearby. KEEP ME FOREVER is another great romantic supernatural suspense in the "Forever" series. There is plenty of action with enough romance to satisfy readers of both genres. Characters from previous novels play pivotal roles, which leads to a strong sense of continuity as the key cast remain true to their inner essences. Rosemary Laurey affirms that she is one of the best at writing modern day vampiric romantic thrillers. Harriet Klausner