CELEBRATION FOR THE DEAD - Lauren Dane
Witches Knot, Book 5
Ellora’s Cave www.ellorascave.com
ISBN: 978-1-4199-1581-9
April 2008
Erotic Contemporary Romance - Short Story
Rated: E-rotic

New Orleans, Louisiana and Las Brisas, Mexico - Present Day

Melanie "Minx" Rodriguez is a hunter on a mission. Gutsy and gorgeous, she lures Oathbreakers in for the kill before they even know what's happening. Unsure of his feelings and committed to the council, sexy hunter Connor Bell took off to Ireland, leaving the woman he loves behind without an explanation. Now he's back; determined to win over the woman of his dreams. Unfortunately, Melanie has taken the RV and run off on her own to Las Brisas to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

Bruised and bloodied from her latest fight with the vicious vampires, Minx manages to make it Mexico. No matter what, it's important that she pay tribute to her dead grandparents and brother. Minx can't forget how the Oathbreakers murdered her family, and ravaged her body as they stole her blood again and again. Still, visions of Connor are never far away and she has no idea he's about to show up in her life to finish what they started.

CELEBRATION FOR THE DEAD is a ceremony celebrated in Mexico each year to pay tribute to loved ones that have passed on. The title is an interesting one that grabbed my attention. I was unclear of its meaning and pleasantly surprised to find out that this special observance really celebrates life in all its glory. Melanie attends the service consistently because it makes her feel closer to those she lost in such a horrific tragedy.

Lauren Dane expertly tells us a story of a woman with an unwavering commitment to destroy all Oathbreakers. Her display of courage and sensitivity is believable and touching, despite the emptiness she feels from her loss. We want to be angry with Connor for leaving her behind, but end up falling absolutely in love with this perceptive and powerful warrior as we soon realize he's lost without Melanie. The chemistry between these two makes for some scorching, yet very romantic scenes throughout the book. They clearly are made for each other and we enjoy the interaction. CELEBRATION FOR THE DEAD is a page turner you won't want to put down.

Allegra Alston