Charlotte Allen is ready to start over. After a messy divorce, followed by the death of her mother, she figures a hundred acres of peace and quiet in the Northern Canadian wilderness is just the place. She can reclaim her independence and finally write her next novel…as soon as she finds someone to build her home.
She discovers a contractor, David Hadfield, in the quaint town of Barry's Bay. He's got experience, references, and wow is he gorgeous…even though she's not going to think of the younger man as anything other than eye candy. That's easier said than done when David makes it all too clear he's interested in her.
David Hadfield has been looking for his soul mate for centuries. He's read all of Charlotte's novels and feels like he knows her. When he meets Charlotte, he knows. She's the woman he wants to spend forever with. Now he just has to make her fall in love with him, accept that he's a vampire, and show her how wonderful their life together can be.
I don't usually read contemporary novels, but the paranormal aspect of this story drew me in. Who wouldn't fall for a gorgeous vampire that is looking for his one and only—especially when he wants real love with a real woman? I don't know about you, but I certainly identify with a middle aged, curvy heroine!
And then there's David. When this 250 year-old vampire uses every sexual skill he possesses to claim his true love's heart (oh, what skills he has!), the reader takes note. My heartbeat raced right along with Charlotte's. When it's revealed that our aged vampire serves as a protector of Barry's Bay by dispensing vigilante justice, David is all the more appealing.
But no relationship is without its problems. Charlotte and David must each deal with issues from their past (including an ex or two) and overcome insecurities that plague every couple.
STAY WITH ME is definitely about the journey. Getting to the destination in a story is important, but the conclusion can make or break the rapport an author creates with a reader. In this instance, Ms. Campbell doesn't disappoint. I turned the last page with a smile and a satisfied sigh.
Rating 4 Stars
This review originally written for The Romance Reviews.
Thanks for the review. At four stars, I'll have to look into this one. :)
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