“Immortal Obsession” by Denise K. Rago: a Vampire Read Filled with History and Romance!

I was thrilled when Denise K. Rago sent me her recent, and first, novel titled “Immortal Obsession.” I love a good vampire read. I teased her when writing her to say I received the book, because when I opened the package in the mail, the package sliced my finger and I bled. Can’t get more ironic than that!  I wondered what I was in for!

As far as the book, I didn’t know what to expect at first, since it was her debut attempt; however, I was more than willing to give it a try. Now, I know you all might say that the time is ripe for vampire thrillers with the onset of the Twilight series and there are a million to choose from. Let me tell you that this is one you WANT to choose!  Some of us have always loved historical paranormal romances in the vein of Anne Rice and it is nice to see someone penning a novel along that line again. My love of historical fiction and art, coupled with a desire of the paranormal, led me to delve into this book with high expectations. And I certainly wasn’t disappointed! This was a superb read! Intrigue, mystery, love, history, art all rolled-up into a page-turning delight of words.

Immortal Obsession is so drenched in the romance of forbidden and forlorn love that anyone who enjoys drama of the heart will be anxious to read this. However, I loved the strong plot and historical elements as well her characters.  Christian DuMaure lives during the revolutionary time of 18th century France where he and his best friend Michel are involved in the civil unrest among several Parisian vampire groups. After an affair with a mortal aristocrat, he must leave her and their love as she is consumed by a fire, but not before she makes him promise to look after her daughter.

As the book moves to present day Manhattan, two descendants of the union between Josette and Christian remain, Amanda and Ryan. Ryan struggles with drug use and becomes blood donor of current underground vampires roaming in New York.  Trying to save him, Amanda witnesses a murder in Central Park and is only saved herself by an eerie stranger who she then becomes determined to find. Little does she know the centuries-old power tug-of-war that she is about to become an integral piece of and how much she will fall in love with the man trying to save her.

This book was amazing. I didn’t want to go to sleep until I read it all and then I wanted to read it again. I’m a few months late writing this review and as I’m writing of it, I’m thinking about reading it again! I certainly can’t wait for a second book which I hope is coming soon! I hear that she will be continuing to give us a glimpse into the lives of Christian and Michel.

Denise K. Rago is a longtime blogger, avid reader and art history buff who earned her Masters’ Degree in Museum Professions in her home state of New Jersey. She also interned at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, one of several settings for Immortal Obsession. She resides in New Jersey with her family. For more information on the author, or about Immortal Obsession, go to www.denisekrago.com. Denise seems like a very cultured woman and an interesting new author. I hope to have her interviewed on here soon!