2009 Kensington Publishing Corporation: ISBN 978-0-8217-8064-0

Amanda Ashley, who gave us A Whisper Of Eternity and After Sundown, now brings us another paranormal romance. Kari, the central character, is enraptured by a picture in an art gallery. There is a man in the painting who wants to find his way out: his name is Jason.

The story has something of the effect of a Night Gallery episode. or of the Meg Ryan movie Kate And Leopold. A sweet relationship slowly grows between Kari and Jason. It’s even a bit silly at times, which adds to the entertainment. We especially come to love Jason. He’s a fully rounded character. He knows how to rough it and has a few tricks of his own, but he's soft and tender around Kari, and very much a gentleman. He takes the time to know Kari, and he’s very patient with her. He’s beguiling, a smooth talker, especially when he’s around other women! Another character, Ana Luisa, is also an object of fascination for the reader.

On the other hand, Jason is a vampire and he never bothers to change form. It’s all a bit clichéd and doesn’t offer anything new. Moreover, the subject of Jason's background does raise important questions. Having walked out of a picture, how does Jason drive a car without any license? How does he even drive at all without any lessons? In fact, the background of each character needs more development. The author gives no explanation as to why Ana Luisa can’t read or write English, and she doesn’t even mention the name of Kari’s profession. Besides this, one can easily predict the kind of peril Kari is in. At one crucial moment it’s even unintentionally funny. There are other funny moments as well, and the reader sometimes wonders if the author is really being serious or not.

The story does illustrate certain concepts about the differences between men and women. Men, we are shown, are ruled more by logic than women are. Furthermore, Kari and Ana Luisa are very refined, gentle and feminine; the sort of things we are told men generally look for in a woman. It’s easy to like Kari and Ana Luisa, and it’s engaging to see how Ana Luisa grows as a character. The relationship between Kari and Jason becomes a strong one, and when one of the major highlights comes it has a profound impact on the reader. It’s moving, not the least bit overdone, and it shows how a virtuous woman feels. Aside from this, the author gives the romance a modern-day twist, which adds extra appeal. The story also imparts a message: that lives are sacred and shouldn’t be wasted.

Overall, despite its somewhat clichéd characters and situations, Immortal Sins is is more than a paranormal romance. It has moments of horror and dark fantasy as well. Not only is the story exciting and magical, but it's also poignant. Those who like a dark, enchanting tale about vampires will enjoy this; it’s Amanda Ashley at her very best. She’s stirring and emotive, and the story is like a gripping, suspenseful nighttime soap opera. Readers will lap it up and hope for more.

To learn about the author and her books go to www.AmandaAshley.com .