Bite at First Sight

The sure-footed third book in Ann’s Regency-era vampire series (after One Bite per Night) is entertaining and interesting in its marriage of vampire lore with historical romance. Cassandra Burton, the young Dowager Countess of Rosslyn, wants to be a doctor. Denied entry to medical school, she stoops to grave-robbing to expand her anatomy training. She is caught by Rafael Villar, a vampire with a damaged arm. Rafe can’t resist biting the alluring and provocative Cassandra, but he finds himself in deep trouble when it becomes clear she’s immune to being hypnotized into forgetting their encounter. Now it’s his duty to keep her prisoner until the ruling Elders decide if Cassandra will be killed or Turned. Meanwhile, she wins his heart while healing his injuries. By turns dark and sexy, this is a fine addition to the genre and solidly establishes Ann as a growing talent. (Apr.)