Vampire Francesca “Cesca” Marinella is ready to enjoy life in St. Augustine, surfing the waves, dating preternatural Special Investigator Deke Saber, and leading ghost tours through the city. Now that she’s solved the French Bride murder (see LA VIDA VAMPIRE for more details), life should be settling down for her… until bedraggled vampire Jo-Jo crashes her luau! Jo-Jo insists he wants a career in stand up comedy while seeking sanctuary from his nest in Atlanta. Cesca is too soft-hearted to turn Jo-Jo away, but will the evil stalking Jo-Jo destroy her and everyone she cares for?

Cesca is not your typical vampire and LAST VAMPIRE STANDING is not your typical vampire romance. Instead, Nancy Haddock meshes together vampires, romantic suspense, and a good dose of humor to craft a charming and suspenseful tale. Cesca is a phenomenal heroine as she is full of life and has a caring heart. She encourages Jo-Jo towards his goals even as his initial efforts fall flat as she fully understands achieving the impossible dream. Her interactions with Jo-Jo soften the tale somewhat, adding the necessary touches of humor.

The triangle between Cesca, Deke, and the mysterious Triton is heating up. We’re learning more about Cesca’s past and it will be interesting to see what direction Nancy Haddock takes the storyline. I enjoy the moments where Pandora appear although I’m hoping we’ll start to see some resolution to the mystery behind the appearances of Triton and Pandora. 

LAST VAMPIRE STANDING is a fun tale. Nancy Haddock is a talented writing and her second book in the series is yet another hit. LAST VAMPIRE STANDING can be read as a stand alone although readers will probably want to see how the story arc involving Triton is developing. Easily recommended!

Reviewed by Debbie

Oldest City Vampire Book 2: Last Vampire Standing
Nancy Haddock
ISBN: 978-0-425-22754-1
Penguin Putnam/Berkley Trade
May 2009
Urban Fantasy
Trade Paperback

Rating:
 

Posted April 2009