Passionate Thirst

Candace Steele Vampire Killer #1

by Cameron Dean

JUST ANOTHER NIGHT IN SIN CITY

Candace Steele is as tough as she is alluring. For her, killing vampires isn't just a job-it's personal: She's still haunted by erotic memories of an all-consuming affair with Ash, a seductive vampire who thrilled her-and then nearly destroyed her. Now, working undercover in a Las Vegas casino, she seduces the most powerful undead-right before she drives a stake through their unbeating hearts.

When hot-ticket singer Temptation McCoy sweeps into town for a major concert, Candace is tapped for security. But after meeting Temptation, Candace feels the cold, tingling sensation that can mean only one thing: There's a vampire in the diva's entourage. To complicate matters, Ash suddenly appears in Sin City, vowing to do anything and everything to draw Candace back into his arms. Overwhelmed by desire and suspicion, she lets down her guard . . . a move that could cost Candace her life.

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Fiction

301 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Cameron Dean enjoyed a successful career as an actress in regional repertory theater before turning her hand to writing. She is also the author of Passionate Thirst and Luscious Craving. Cameron lives with her husband and assorted felines in Seattle.

Reviews

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought all three books at once and am reading them in one huge orgy. This one was a good start - introduced the characters while giving us plenty of action *ahem* of both types (some HOT love scenes in here!). Candace Steele was heavily involved with Ash, a vampire, until she panicked during his attempt to change her over and almost died. Now she can sense vampires and uses this ability to hunt the high level vampires who use humans. Ironically, one of her contacts is a vampire whom she came across during the act of him being changed, but since he is so low level he cannot drink the blood of humans (it is a strange hierarchy in these books), she took pity on him and saved him rather than killing him. Anyway, her "day" job is working at the Scherazade casino in Vegas as security and when a hot singing act (Temptation McCoy) arrives - along with a very powerful vampire - and she is set to protect the casino's investement by protecting Temptation, things get interesting.

This book has a great twist to the end that I did NOT see coming.

Some have compared this series to the Sookie Stackhouse series, but I don't see that at all. There is sort of an Angel-Buffy dynamic here, but otherwise it is a pretty straight-forward paranormal erotic romance thriller. Despite my normal passionate distaste for romances, I will sometimes grab one if there is a compelling enough vampire presence, and this one rates.

[Katie(babs) · Rating 1 out of 5]

had high hopes for this first book in the Candice Steele trilogy and the premise seemed to catch my eye. After getting 50 pages into this book I began to roll my eyes. I really don't understand how this book got published. Candice and her vampire lover Ash could have been compared to Buffy and Angel but there was no spark. The love scenes are very tepid and the writing is very juvenile and overall confusing.
The story is set in Las Vegas but the author does not give us enough detail to even make us believe this. And just because Candice was bit by a vampire, now she has decided to make it her mission to kill vampires, even though she has no skill, had no calling into it. It does not make sense. She keeps lusting after her vampire lover, but can't decide to be with him or to kill him.

So boring and just plain blah!

If you are looking for an erotic vampire slayer story, skip this one. I recommend the first six books on the Anita Blake series by Laurell K Hamilton to get your fix.

[Tally Song · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a lover of all things vampire, especially as a series, I was really having good feelings about this book after reading the back cover. The book started out great but lost my interest after the initial lovers conflict arose. I felt that the struggle between the two lovers lacked fire. For me the book and characters were cliche' and completely predictable. That is the last time I will buy all the books that are currently in a series on a whim anticipating the, "gotta-read-the-next-book-NOW" feeling. I do believe authors such as Charlene Harrison, Patricia Briggs, and Kim Harrison have spoiled me with their paranormaliscious series.

[AlTonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Vampire movies and t.v. shows- I am a "True Blood" fanatic! However, this was the first contemporary Vampire novel I've read and I am now a HUGE fan. Set in Las Vegas, Ms. Dean really puts you right in the thick of things with her scenes, dialogue and everything in between. Great read!!!

[Nolena Ard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is very danger, as i have learned in reading these kinds of books. But i have also learned from them that love conquers all and it turns out all right in the end.

[Bernard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Half of the book is flashbacks to over a year prior to the current timeline. I have never read a book that was so plagued with flashbacks. If the author had taken all of the flashbacks, condensed them into about five pages, nothing would have been taken away from the story.

The main character was weak. The detective was a cardboard drop in. The story just did not gel on any level.

[Conny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book as a gift in a book giveaway, and even thought I love the genre, this book just did not do it for me. I did not connect with the characters and even though the storyline sounded interesting I ended up not caring for it at all. Will not be following the series.

[Paschalis]

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[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm trying to read some of the paranormal books that I've had for a long while. I was looking forward to this vampire book. Candace is a good heroine but the plot was lacking.

[Jared Rackler · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was just not good. There was no saving this book.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story line through the whole 3 books has you shipping for this couple. A vampire hunter and a vampire. Beautiful.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this book and was left wanting...not in a good way. For a decent portion of the book the hero is painted as the bad guy vampire, which I'm okay with. The you find out the reason the heroine got her knickers in a bunch is that SHE asked him to turn her then flipped out more than halfway through. So now i'm not sure who to like. The hero who was more hot and cold than the Katy Perry song? Or the heroine who narrative portrayed him as some maniac who attacked her out of the blue? Anywho after this "traumatic event Candace decides to catch up on her Buffy. I'm kind of kidding but really where else did her font of knowledge of killing vampires come from? Shit she read on the internet? Why silver stakes and not wood, did she try wood and it didn't work or was silver just a lucky guess? There are so many questions this book brings up but never answers. There are two sort of mysteries running along in the book. One is unresolved. The other one is but not to anyone's satisfaction. This was one of those sad situations where the author feels pressured to wrap things up but doesn't put a whole lot of thought into how. Perhaps if she had spent more time explaining vamp powers (on this note how the hell did the heroine even end up with power since she just managed to bleed a lot without any vamp blood at all) the ending would have made more sense but she didn't so it doesn't. Then there was the whole Candace <3 Ash thing. Suddenly in the face of the relationship what promised to be a strong kick ass heroine melts into a puddle at dude's feet even while she's condemning him for what happened like 2 years ago. Its disgusting to watch really. This isn't even like a love hate relationship its more like she wants him to love her...but only from afar. Then she does want him....but she doesn't? Why is she so determined to remain human? And have either of these characters ever heard of compromise? The writing was ok but had its fair amount of awkward points. The secondary characters were rather pointless and frankly the best friend is thoroughly unlikable. In the end, without being able to explain why and despite everything i just wrote, I'm curious enough to read the second one but I'm not holding my breath that it's any better. Guess the sex scenes really pulled it through on this one :P

[Amy Jacobs · Rating 1 out of 5]

I purchased this series a few years ago in the hopes of adding a new author to my favorites list. For one reason or another, they kept getting pushed to the back of the bookshelf. So I finally caved and decided to give them a try despite the upset and mysterious pen name involved with this series.

No one truly knows if Cameron Dean is a real person or if it is a pen name. No author website can be found, and no other works have been published by this author. So don't expect to find much information on the web about this author in the hopes of adding the author as a favorite. That being said, I still wanted to give the author a chance and dive into the dark vampire world again.

What you get is not what you expect. I found this book so juvenile and unbelievable that I must have rolled my eyes on every chapter. The character of Candace is suppose to be tough and is dubbed Nerves of Steele. This is the complete opposite of what you will get when reading about her. She is one of the weakest -- if not worst -- heroine I have read about in a long time. She can't make up her mind if she loves the hero Ash or if she wants to kill him. Yes he is a vampire and had a slip up and bit her neck. Come on! You knew you were dating a vampire! Then she is suppose to come out of his small slip up as a fearless vampire killer now. She has no skills in her background but she works in security at a casino.

Are you keeping track of the plot yet? Well, lets throw in the fact that she is also suppose to be heading security for a very important client at the casino, try and solve some murders of vampires around town (even though she kills them on the side anyway), has a boyfriend cop that is more friends with benefits than a boyfriend, a best friend who is sleeping with her married boss, and many more characters that spiral out of control and make you lose count. I seriously couldn't keep track of everyone.

At about 3/4 of the way through the book, I gave up. I just couldn't do it. This is one series that I wish I had never spent the money on and I could have found better things to do with my time. On the plus side, I did free up room on my bookshelf to add a series more deserving than this one.

[Intrigued by Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is so well written, that I could actually picture what was happening. Cameron Dean is a wonderfully talented author. I was held captive by the characters and the story itself.
The connection between Candace and Ash is totally awesome. That type of erotic romance is sinful. I fell in love with Ash! His character is so moving that it is scary. His love for Candace is eternal, and he proves it time and time again. It doesn't matter how many times Candace tells him to leave, he still loves her so much he is willing to do anything just to make sure she is safe. Could he possibly kill another of his kind?
The last time Ash bit Candace something happened to her; she now can tell between a human and a Vampire; which gives her some insight into the vampire world.
Since Candace is working as security Scheherazade 'Sher'; one of her jobs is to watch over Temptation McCoy (A performer/singer). While doing her job, Candace is constantly getting strange cold feelings when she is near Temtptation and her entourage. Normally that means one thing "Vampire". Ash gave her this extra ability what that all powerful bite in the elevator. Vampires have been coming up dead (Decapitated) at this club called Lipstick, and no one knows why. Could this have something to do with Temptation McCoy and her entourage? This is the mission for Candace...she needs to find out what is happening and stop it!
Meanwhile Ash is back and wants Candace back in his arms. He wants Candace to become like him. He shows Candace what he is and it truly scares her; however the feelings for Ash are intense. What will happen to Candace? Will she leave Ash or finally give in to her desire to be with the love of her life.
So much happens in this book.....you just have to read it. You definately will not be disappointed. 5 stars to Cameron Dean! Awesome job! I truly can't wait to read more!

[Yulia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay book. The plot was good since usually it's "girl falls for vamp and wants to stay with him forever, therefore wants to be one too" (for example Twilight series and most of the books about vampires)
But here, the main character wanted to be one than changed her mind, which is kind of new I guess...
On the other hand, I didn't have any feelings while reading the book.. You know like the times where you get so sucked into the book your heart hurts for the characters, and you have mood swings through the book.. Well that didn't happen here, and I had to take breaks and make myself go back to it...
And one last thing, I wish there was more killing and blood flying around.

[Kesha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just barely ok, would have really given it 1.5 stars if I could. None of the characters were developed enough to make you care about them. Didn't understand why Candace and Carl broke up, because all she had to do was tell him what happened and she had an alibi. There was no romance between Ash and Candace, so I was hoping Candace and Carl worked out their problem. Crappy story line but the ending was a surprise considering the villain wasn't the villain. Also, Candace only killed 2 vampires in this book and neither were very good fights. Vampire killer, in my opinion, means action and good fighting, Passionate Thirst had neither. I will not be finishing this series.

[LilMisGrayBrisk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Passionate Thirst was OK. Even though I thought Candace and Ash made a good couple, the reason for not wanting to change didn't ring true. She knew what he was and went into it with her eyes open. Without giving anything away, I felt the mystery aspect was a bit contrived and I wished the author gave a more plausible reason for what was happening. It wasn't a total loss though because I want to read the next book.
3.5 stars

[Barbara ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Candace Steele is a vampire killer. Interestingly enough she's in love with a vampire. Candace works security at a casino in Vegas. She is asked to provide security for a famous singer and her crew. One of the crew is a vampire so Candace's radar is up immediately. I enjoyed the romance between Candace and Ash but found the whole singer at the casino part of the book rather boring. All in all an ok start to the series. I look forward to future adventures between Candace and Ash.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Candace finally finds the one perfect man she realizes he isn't as perfect as he seems. She fights to live and when she finally realizes it will it be to late for her or will he be able to convince her that eternity really isn't that bad. Her day job won't be as easy as it usually is when ash comes crawling back to her when she thought he would be gone forever but will he save her from the things she didn't notice are more dangerous then she originally thought.

[Tama Wise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it romance? Is it a supernatural vampire hunter story? This book straddles the divide, and got me more than a few chuckling looks when I read it up in the staff cafe. Consider it Kim Harrison with a little more romance, and a little more snappy. Good enough a first book for me to consider reading the second in the series.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candace Steele is a strong sometine funny chick who hunts down and kills Vampires. She falls for someone who turns out to be a Vamp but things go wrong then suddenly Ash is pushed away however he is never far and he is always there should Candace need him. I liked this story and I'm looking forward to reading more about Candace in the next 2 books. 4/5

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Passionate Thirst was a quick read and had enough action to keep the plot moving along nicely. Without spoiling the entire story, there are a few plot twists that seemed a bit contrived but the final twist was a good one. I would certainly recommend this book for anyone who likes paranormal action with romance and will be continuing to read the series in the future.

[Daelith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually would give this 3.5 stars. The only reason I don't give it the full fourth star is that I didn't care for the ending. Then again it gives us something more to read about in the next book of the series.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad start to yet another vampire series. It will be interesting to see whether the next in the series is any better. Not quite as detailed or rich in characters as others but not bad. Interested in seeing whether Ash and Candace's characters can work out their differences.

[Rayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book a decent read, i always perceive vamps to be strong, passionate, assertive, sexy, and headstrong! Ash in this book kindof let me down in the vamp department he didnt play the role of a dominant as i usually like to see!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but it felt a little flat to me.
The characters were likable, but I did not feel invested in what was happening to/with them.
I'm going to follow through and read the next book in the series, but am uncertain if it will change my feelings.

[Caitlyn Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book :) I purchased this and the third one at Half Priced books and I am sad to say I still cannot find the second. It was a great first to three and I cannot wait to read the other two! Such a great supernatural world.

[Mai Lewis Buwee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was a little slow getting started. The story line showed a new direction for vamp and human relationships. I will be looking forward to the second book. It will be the tie breaker regarding me continuing with the series. Great start to a new spin in this genre.

[Jeanette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish it had a bit more of a story line with her and Ash. Or more of her being a vampire 'killer' it kind of fell soft on both ends. but what the heck -- on to book 2 Luscious Cravings. (and that is only because it was an easy read)

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally finished this one in the genre of vampire hunting and love or enemy to lovers almost being made into a vampire by the man you love sure do leave a bad taste in your mouth so what's a girl to do start hunting.