Kiss of the Vampire (Warriors of the Rift, #1) by Cynthia Garner

• Title:  Kiss of the Vampire (Warriors of the Rift)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Paranormal Romance
• Format: Paperback, 352 pages
• Publisher: Forever; 1 edition (February 1, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 0446585114
• ISBN-13: 978-0446585118

Author's website: http://cynthiagarnerbooks.com/

Every 73 years the Moore-Creasy-Devon Comet creates a dimensional rift as it makes its way across the solar system. When that happens supernatural being ascend upon the earth hijacking human bodies thereby taking control and surpressing the human being that once possessed it. Referred to as the Influx, it has been happening for years and no one can predict what supernatural creatures these body snatchers (aka EDs - Extra Dimensionals) will become until the full possession takes place. Some are political exiles, some have left for religious reasons, but the majority were banned from their world for being criminals of the worst kind. Many see this as their second chance and attempt to reform and meld into society while others don't wish to give up their bad habits. It's the latter that the Council of Preternaturals hope to stop.

Nix de la Fuentes is one of the liaisons between the authorities and the Council of Preternaturals. She's part human and part demon which satisfies both sides of the spectrum. The politically correct term for what she is, is a hybrid and the incorrect term being half-breed. Nix has been called to the scene of a crime scene, the second in as many days. Someone appears to be targeting vampires and the kill methods suggests a preternatural was probably involved, but she's learned over the years never to assume anything without the proper evidence. Her job is to determine whether humans were involved. What she finds when she gets to the scene, is that an old friend she'd lost touch with is the victim. To make matters worse, her old flame, Tobais, whom she hasn't seen since he walked out of her life, is the liaison between the vampires and the Council of Preternaturals. Some days make you wonder why you even bothered to get up.

The world building Ms. Garner has done is phenomenal. While not every question I have has been answered, this is only the first in a brand new series so I'll remain patient and cross my fingers all will be answered eventually. With a quick pace and plenty of action, drama, and suspense, I couldn't put the book down until I'd finished the last page. *sigh* I love it when that happens.

Nix has not lead an easy life. Her father was a human and her mother a demon. It was her mother who inadvertently killed her father. She is what we would term a succubus and she sort of sucked the life force out of him while in the throws of passion. Oops! Don't you hate it when that happens? *smirk* Her mother abandoned her to her paternal grandmother who hated her. Nothing could tame the hostility her grandmother felt toward her demon spawned grandchild. Eventually Nix gave up trying to win her grandmother's love and became the difficult child her grandmother preordained her to be. That eventually lead to her living on the streets and gaining her street smarts and pickpocketing skills. Get her mad and she sprouts horns and a temper which can skyrocket to an astronomical level. Most human/demon hybrids Nix's age have lost their grip on reality and have gone insane.

Tobias Caine is a vampire who isn't like the other EDs. He came through the rift in pursuit of the criminal who assassinated  his leader. He's been tracking his suspect for over a hundred years and plans to return to his home once he's apprehended him. Five years ago he broke things off with Nix. He never told her the real reason he did it.

Favorite quotes:

- "Vows are sacred. If you're not happy in you marriage, get out of it before you start...spreading the joy."
- "If you two are done with your bromance, can we maybe get some work done?" She looked at Dante. "I thought it was women who were supposed to be turned on by a guy's car?"

I am truly loving the characters and world Ms. Garner created.  I liked the politics and prejudices that went on within that world. I loved how vampires emitted pheromones which could cause a girl's toes to curl without a single touch. It made me smile. The attraction between Tobias and Nix was undeniable and on the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, scored a Steam rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. Overall, I gave this one 5 of 5 roses. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.