James (The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen) tepidly reboots the Dracula story, reimagining the classic from the point of view of Mina Harker, a minor victim. Here, Mina is torn between two men--dependable Jonathan Harker and darkly enigmatic Nicolae Dracula. While the men of the story enact the plot from the original, Mina secretly meets her lover, Dracula, and conspires to have the best of both worlds--keep Jonathan as a husband for the term of her mortal life and keep Dracula as a lover for eternity. The mood and material may put readers in mind of Coppola's Dracula movie, though James does the narrative a disservice by waiting until too late to force Mina to make a choice--the buildup isn't exactly riveting, and the hurried decision comes across as contrived. A few unexpected twists along the way offer pleasant surprises (Van Helsing, for instance, recast as a comically inept buffoon), but otherwise, this will have a hard time standing out on the increasingly packed vampire romance shelf.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
“With its poetic, 19th-century prose style, this tale about a fierce, forbidden romance will appeal to even the most jaded romance fan.” (Library Journal)
“This very romantic side to Dracula is powerfully sensuous and masterfully told... Should sit side by side with Bram Stoker’s Dracula on your keeper shelf.” (singletitles.com)
“5 stars. Poignant, passionate, and powerful... Critically acclaimed and bestselling author, Syrie James, once again transports her readers back in time and enchants them ...Truly outstanding!” (Austenesque Reviews)
“We enter Mina’s psyche...and likewise develop an understanding of Dracula’s motivations. This insight explains why a human woman and a ‘monster’ would literally ache to be with one another. I was exhilarated, enthralled, and completely mesmerized. Vampire book lovers will absolutely love this book.” (Bestfantasystories.com)
“Dracula, My Love had me hooked immediately. Filled with suspense and romance, it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was incredibly well written and I couldn’t put it down. Syrie James paints an amazing picture of Dracula that left me both infatuated and appalled.” (LitFest)
“Only Mina Harker, who once fell under the seductive spell of literature’s most famous vampire, knows Dracula’s true story. James gives readers an intriguing alternate theory as to the events that occurred in Stoker’s classic horror tale while at the same time delivering a spooky yet thoroughly romantic love story.” (Chicago Tribune)
“This remarkable story twists and turns with every page ... The story unfolds with fast-paced action, well-written dialogue, and historical events mixed in with a truly remarkable love story that keeps the reader glued to every page. Another hit (for Syrie James)... right out of the park.” (Feathered Quill)
“Must read... I love the way this book was written... Both love stories (Mina and Jonathan/Mina and Dracula) have such depth... I became so caught up in the story that I wasn’t sure who I wanted Mina to end up with... A really emotional love story. Rating: 9 (Excellent)” (The Season For Romance)
“An excitingly dark tale with a romantic twist...a page turner from start to finish. The author has given Dracula something that is missing in earlier novels – a heart and soul...Like a vampire draining his latest victim, I sucked down every juicy detail of Dracula, My Love.” (Stephanie's Written Word)
“What really happened between Mina and Dracula? Syrie James provides her own provocative interpretation in the exciting Dracula, My Love... She keeps the suspense level high, so that even readers familiar with the original story will be furiously turning pages to see what happens next. Excellent novel.” (Bitten By Books)
“Syrie James paints a vivid picture of woman in the grip of dark passion. If you think you know the legend, her thoroughly modern Mina will surprise and delight you. It’s a dark and sizzling romance for hot summer days and nights.” (Dolce Dolce)
