Morgana de Winter Reviews

Added February 5, 2004

Red as Blood

Author: Morgana de Winter
Publisher: New Concepts Publishing
Available At: www.newconceptspublishing.com
Publishing Date: January 2004
Genre: Romance: Erotic/Fantasy
Format: Ebook disk or download in HTML/PDF
Price: $4.50 disk, $3.99 download
ISBN: 1-58608-340-6
Author Email/Website: morganadewinter@yahoo.com
Reviewer: Ayden Delacroix

She was lost. Cerise knew she had a horrible sense of direction, but she had to go rescue her sister Bianca, make sure she was safe with her accursed lord. But now she was lost, her horse had thrown her, and standing before her was the vampire lord Daegon Erlansson. She had known she was trespassing on his property, yet the need to help her sister outweighed whatever dangers she might face in these woods.

He was mocking her, just staring at her and promising punishment for trespassing. Well, there was nothing for it; she would just have to try to run from him. Cerise ran as hard and as fast as she could, but to no avail. Every time she stopped for a breath, there he was. Tired, out of breath, she gives in, telling him to get it over with. His fingers skimmed her throat and she felt his breath on her collarbone.

This was not her bed. Cerise knew it from the moment she opened her eyes. So where was she? Had Daegon really drank her blood or was it only a dream? And why did she crave his touch when she should be afraid of losing her soul?

Daegon wanted her, wanted her desperately. Cursed to live eternally, never sleeping, never eating, never experiencing pleasure, he didn't live. Something about Cerise drew him, pushed the borders of his control. He wouldn't allow himself to hope she would end his terrible curse. Deep in his heart, he knew he should let her go, yet found himself unable and unwanting to do so.

He brought her pleasure beyond reckoning but refused to trust her. Grew angry when she lied to him. Cerise didn't know what to do. She had to escape, had to get away from him and the feelings he aroused. Then he tells her to gather her belongings, he's going to take her home. Back at home; locked in a tower to prevent her from running off again, Cerise realizes she loves Daegon. With her sister's help, will she be able to escape the tower and return to the accursed lord who has won her heart?

Totally enchanting. Red as Blood is a remarkable follow-up to Ms. de Winter's previous novel, White as Snow. I didn't think any characters would be able to hold a candle to Bianca and Damian. Boy, was I wrong! Cerise and Daegon certainly hold their own; both are developed and heart-warming. I fell in love and cared deeply for these characters within moments of starting the novel. Equally amazing are the love scenes; they are filled with passion, eroticism and tenderness. Ms. de Winter is a mistress of her craft.

I'm highly anticipating Ms. de Winter's next novel, which will hopefully be the tale of Cerise's younger sister Adriana. While I'm waiting, I will definitely be rereading Red as Blood.

Return to top of page.

Added January 6, 2004

White as Snow

Author: Morgana de Winter
Publisher: New Concepts Publishing
Available At: www.newconceptspublishing.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Romance: Erotic/Fantasy
Format: Ebook disk or download in HTML/PDF
Price: $4.50 disk, $3.99 download
ISBN: 1-58608-411-9
Author Email/Website: morganadewinter@yahoo.com
Reviewer: Ayden Delacroix

For untold years you will wait upon death's door.

From the healer's hand and love's demand, you will live and love no more.

Cursed by an evil necromancer Damian Alessandro had lived for centuries in darkness. Given great powers, he controlled his castle of Helmskeep, hiding it from the outside world. For many years he had kept out all human life, its presence mocking him with its vitality. Tonight, though, his need for companionship was great and he let his home be seen.

Lord John Bordeaux was on his way home when he and his party were attacked. Separated from his knights, Lord Bordeaux and his manservant Henry stumbled through the cold onto Damian's land. Wishing only for shelter, they entered and were shocked and dismayed by what they found there. For inside lived a creature of legend, a death knight and his price for Lord Bordeaux's release was great.

Learning Lord Bordeaux's eldest daughter was a healer gave Damien hope. He was sure she would be able to free him from this curse. Lord Bordeaux's servant is sent to bring the Lady Bianca to Helmskeep and raise an army to free the captive lord.

Bianca was frightened by the thought of her father held captive by a death knight, but there was no way she would leave him there. Her life might be forfeit; at least her father would live. Knowing her father's knights wouldn't allow her to go, she sneaks out and makes her way to Helmskeep. Untouched by the hand of man, Bianca was stunned by her reaction to Damien. He was a death knight, without honor, so why did she want him?

When she is unable to heal Damien immediately, he believes she doesn't wish to help him and refuses to let her leave. He desired her, yet had no idea why he had to keep her around. He was nothing more than an illusion only his spirit remained. There was no way he could pleasure her, even though his mind said every fiber of his being ached for her. Only when he realizes he must gain Bianca's love to be set free, does he begin to worry. After all this time, he'd lost all semblance of goodness. How could an innocent and pure woman love a man like him?

Short but ever so wonderful. White as Snow is a delight, with remnants of old fairy-tales. Old fairy-tales combined with passion and sexual tension. Ms. de Winter has done a magnificent job bringing life to these characters. I fell in love with Damien, after all who can resist a tortured hero whose redemption can only be found in love? Equally stunning is Bianca; she longs to help Damien but without his full cooperation is unable to use her abilities. I highly recommend this beautiful tale and look forward to reading the Red as Blood, the story of Bianca's sister Cerise.

Return to top of page.

This page was last updated on January 1, 2008

This page and all its contents are Copyright© 2002-2008 In the Library Reviews and the individual reviewers. Except where noted, all graphics are Copyright© Eos Development and are used with permission. All book covers are Copyright© their respective publishers and are used with permission. The In the Library Reviews logo is Copyright© 2002 by In the Library Reviews/Sharyn McGinty. Site maintained by In the Library Reviews.