Passions. Romance. Betrayals. Desire. Lust. Longings. These themes and more are presented in this dark tome by seven members of Ms. Santiago's Gratista Vampire Clan. Let their stories, art and poetry take you to those locked-down recesses of your mind, and free you from your inhibitions and awaken your darkest curiosities... The talents showcased in this volume include Anton Glascow, Kody Boye, Camille McKeever, Christy Poff, Dominic Demarco, Spider, and Cinsearae Santiago.

REVIEW

"This is well worth reading, especially if you appreciate art, photography, and well-crafted and creative writing. I enjoyed Mr Glascow's artwork, and Ms. Santiago's photos are very dark and atmospheric, sure to stir up emotions within you. Snuff Film was a devious and delightful story also by Mr. Glascow, and I enjoyed the poetry by Ms. McKeever and Mr. Demarco. Mr. Boye's werewolf story was very human and touching, and Ms. Poff's and Spider's stories are sensual and engaging--although Spider puts a gory twist to his tome. Quite a shocker! I also liked the tagline at the very end of the book--"there is no horror greater than real life". I couldn't agree with that more."

Reviewed by: Shaun Collins
thepurpleraven.blogspot.com

EXCERPT

From "Danger Zone" by Christy Poff

"I think we need to talk."

"Why?"

"When are we going to enjoy what this place offers?"

"Rayne, I don't like one-night stands. If I ever decide to be with someone, I expect it to last for a lifetime." If only she knew...

"But I'm not looking for a one-nighter. I want more."

"You don't even know me."

"I know you're a fixture on the nightclub scene in the city. I've also found it very strange or coincidental that all the men in your family look exactly alike. I don't mean to pry, but just how old are you?"

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean."

"I think you do. According to logic and science, your kind doesn't exist but I, for one, believe there's a good possibility vampires, werewolves and other paranormals do."

"And if this is true, what would you do?"

"First, I wouldn't tell anyone."

"And second?"

"Constantine, I've been in love with you since the day you took me in and gave me the job I needed to survive. I could never allow anyone to know. I owe you."

"So which is it obligation or love?"

"Love," she quickly answered. "You're a fascinating man I want to know in every way possible. Why do you think I haven't quit and I'm always the last one to leave after closing?"

"Rayne, if what you say is true, do you realize what a lifetime to me is?"

"Eternity sounds about right."

"And you honestly believe you could make that kind of commitment to one man?"

"If that man is you, yes, I can."

She stood in front of him, her scent driving him crazy with desire though he determined to suppress his feelings for her. He couldn't tell her he'd thought about what it would be like to have her in his bed, her warm exotic body next to his. It wouldn't be fair.

"Constantine, I..."

He gazed at the way her skimpy outfit showed off her gorgeous body. With beautiful dark brown and thick hair, dark brown eyes and a mole near her mouth, she embodied the perfect woman and even reminded him of a long-lost love in England. He"d seen her naked, his body craving hers while his mind fought it. Her subtle curves seduced him with every move and she'd always been in control of any situation her seductive dance routines inspired, something he admired. The woman had a good handle on her life but now she threw him.

She wanted him, her desire evident in the way her breathing had quickened. He watched the rise and fall of her breasts noting the tight corset she wore only served to enhance her sexiness.

"I could never ask you to..."

"My dear Constantine, you don't need to ask. I want to give myself to you. I want you to make me like you so I can be with you throughout eternity. You are the only man who has ever..."

"And what about your husband?"

"When we first married, he could do no wrong. Then the abuse started and I ran. Working here gave me the chance to divorce him and gain my independence."

"Do you realize you're telling me you want to give all that up?"

"Yes."

"You're willing to become dependant on a man for your every need, something you fought to get away from."

"But this is different. I'm going into this with my eyes wide open. I've read some of the legends and I understand what loving you would entail. I want you to be happy and I want to be the one to make you happy."

"Rayne, I will admit to you that you are right. I am what I am but I can't allow you to become like me."

"Why not? I see the way you look at me. I can sense your jealousy when some of the men get a little over attentive. My God, you get upset when they slide money into my bra. You've tried so hard not to show your emotions but..."

Constantine knew she was right. He hated seeing other men touch her but he'd had no right to intervene. If we'd been a couple...

"Rayne, I don't know what to say. I..."

Before he could finish what he wanted to say, she pulled him into a kiss. Their tongues danced an erotic dance while their bodies fused together. With one of his many extraordinary talents, he removed their clothes.

"I don't know how you did that but..."

Constantine growled, pulling her tight against him. He entered her mind, looking for any hint of betrayal, knowing if she intended to, he'd find it one way or another. Finding no hint, he found one thing that startled him.

He pulled back, gazing at her.

"How long have you known?"

"Known what?"

"Don't play games," he warned.

"I found out about six months ago."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want you to worry about me and I figured if you knew and we ever had this conversation, then all bets would be off."

"You think becoming a vampyr will cure you?"

"No," she said quietly. "I wanted to enjoy what love really is and hopefully be with the one man I really want to be with."

"I still don't know what to say," Constantine said.

Rayne shook her head.

"There's nothing to say...my life, my choice."

"I've told you the truth about myself. Only two others know, now you. Go home and think about this and tell me what you want to do."

"But I know..."

"I want you to think about it."

"And if I say no?"

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

After he pulled his pants on he watched her dress then walked her to the door. His shirt open, the cool night air caught him, chilling the heat she"d stirred in him.