January
22, 2012
The
Merzetti Effect (Vampire Romances #1)
by Norah
Wilson
Genre: Paranormal
Romance
Publisher:
Self-Published
Release
Date: June 6th, 2011
Author Summary
Delano Bowen has been a medical doctor for a very long time.
More than 170 years, in fact. For much of that time, he’s been searching for a
way to reverse the curse foisted on him by a vampress who sought to own him. With
the emergence of medical technology, he now also aims to develop a vaccine to
protect the vulnerable from predation by rogue vampires. After a century of
searching, he thinks he's found the key to his vaccine – a surviving descendent
of the Merzetti family. The Merzettis were virtually hunted to extinction over
the years by rogue vampires who feared the anti-vampirism properties in their
blood.
A foundling, nurse Ainsley Crawford has no idea that she carries
a genetic gift, and Delano aims to keep it that way. He must keep her close,
and ignorant, for he can leave nothing to chance. He manipulates events to
ensure her unwitting cooperation. But when Delano's archenemy Radak Janecek
mounts an all-out assault to destroy Delano and the fruits of his research,
Delano is forced to draw Ainsley even closer to protect her. Inevitably, the
attraction that has sparked between them from the first flares hot and urgent.
Ainsley sees no reason why that attraction shouldn't be consummated, but Delano
knows succumbing to it is not just ill advised; it could literally be the death
of him.
My
Thoughts
The Merzetti Effect
Merzetti is the name of the Italian family that is believed to
hold certain anti-vampirism properties in their blood. If a vampire bites one with the blood of a
Merzetti, the vampire will die quickly and painfully. The Merzettis were virtually hunted to
extinction over the years by rogue vampires who feared their death. Most believed them to be extinct.
Storyline
While the existence of a Merzetti descendant was highly
unlikely, Delano is so desperate to reverse his vampirism he begins a quest to find
any remaining descendants. Now that he
has the aid of medical technology, Delano believes he can use Merzetti blood to
create a vaccine that will reverse the vampire virus for existing vampires and
those newly bitten. After years of
searching, he finds the final and only descendent – Ainsley Crawford.
Ainsley just lost her nursing position at the hospital. On her way to an interview, she is attacked
by a vampire and thus drawn into a new world she had no idea existed. Saved by Delano, the very doctor who was
going to interview her, she agrees to take the research job he offers. The new job entails the development of a vaccine
he believes can cure the vampire virus.
Aside from Ainsley’s desire to help others from being attacked
by vampires, she also has other reasons for taking this job so quickly. She needs money desperately in order to help
support her best friend and daughter who are running from her abusive
husband.
This storyline is distinctive from other paranormal romances
with its premise
of the Merzetti bloodline, vampirism being a virus and the belief that it can
be reversed so vampires can be human again.
Delano’s quest for the cure was compelling and heartfelt and Ainsley’s
role was conceivable. The lengths that Delano will go are objectionable,
however it makes us question what we do in his shoes. Does the means justify the end? Is the desire to escape torment more important
than sacrificing morals and ethics to get there?
Characters
Delano is a very controlled, focused and determined vampire that
somehow adds to his sexiness. He is
caring and empathetic towards other vampires who, like him, want to reverse the
virus and become human again. He
supplies them with blood so they don’t have to hurt humans to get it. That being said, he also has a manipulative
and conniving side in his relentless pursuit of his goal but does carry some
guilt for it.
Ainsley is a smart, straightforward, and inquisitive person who
continuously asks uncomfortable questions of Delano. I love how she unnerves him by asking very
direct questions about vampires and sex.
He cringes when she asks as he’s somewhat old fashioned and
reserved. It adds quite a bit of humor
to the story actually. Resilient to what’s been thrown her way, she deals with traumatic
situations better than the average person.
Perhaps being an emergency room nurse enables her to be so. She’s also very compassionate and loyal to
anyone she holds dear. She has great love and affection for her
friend and she easily makes friends with Delano’s staff. And Oh
My God, get this…she’s not a virgin!!
**gasp** And he still likes her. Imagine that!
Sorry for the sarcasm, I couldn’t resist.
From the
start, there is intense chemistry between Delano and Ainsley. So when Delano is aloof and distant, despite
Ainsley’s efforts and their obvious attraction, she’s confused and
bewildered. She is unaware that she
carries the Merzetti blood and could unwittingly kill Delano if he got carried
away and drank her blood. When they did
get together and let the barriers drop, it was seriously HOT!!
There are
some really great supporting characters in this novel. Eli is Delano’s friend and bodyguard who are
competent, dedicated to the mission, and incredibly loyal to Delano. He adds much to the story line and captured
my affections easily. We absolutely need
to hear more about his story and give him an HEA.
Our
antagonist is Janecek who wants to stop Delano from finding the cure just as
much as Delano wants to find it. He is
motivated by his hatred for Delano. I
would have liked to see this part of the story more developed. We understood his hatred came from when Delano
raised him; however, I didn’t get a real good understanding of what happened.
What I
liked the most about this novel is the surprises and the unpredictable
resolutions. It
holds many secrets and mind-blowing surprises, all delivered in the cleverest
of ways. Many things I did not
see coming. And I love novels that are
unpredictable.
I found
the medical terms a little much for me since I don’t have a scientific mind at
all. It was a little distracting to not
understand some of the medical jargon, however, Wilson’s talent for delivery makes
it manageable and it does add a sense of realism to the story.
Bottom
Line
I really enjoyed this novel and found the premise of the
Merzetti bloodline to be distinctive and compelling. The characters are well developed and the
storyline well delivered. I will
definitely be reading the next in the Vampire Romances – Nightfall.
Happy Reading!!
4 Bad Boys – Really
Enjoyed It!!!!
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