THE WICKED VAMPIRE is the sixth book in Kate Baxter's Last True Vampire series. If this book were any hotter it would burst into flames. I'm thrilled that Kate Baxter finally has a story with a berserker hero. In Baxter's world, berserkers are raw, rugged, alpha warriors and most don't attempt to cross them. Since their leader, Ian Gregor, is a certifiable psycho, it makes sense that they have a hyper-aggressive mentality. Ewan Brun exemplifies all the berserker traits, and he is gobsmacked when he locks eyes with a beautiful vampire.

Having this story told from alternating perspectives is important because it helps readers see another side of Ewan. At the start of THE WICKED VAMPIRE, Ewan is presented to be an antihero, and the romance has a dark and dangerous edge. Kate Baxter maintains a magnificent tension between Ewan and Sasha throughout THE WICKED VAMPIRE which ratchets up the heat. Although this series is full of steamy encounters, THE WICKED VAMPIRE takes sexy to another level. A mix of obsession and desire dominate the beginning of this relationship. Just when Sasha just about resigns herself to a relationship based solely on physical attraction, Ewan comes to the realization that Sasha means everything to him. After this epiphany, both lovers try to figure out how to be partners and what that would mean. Assorted bad guys keep popping up at inconvenient moments to throw a wrench into the works. The happy ending in THE WICKED VAMPIRE requires a lot of heavy lifting from this hero and heroine.

THE WICKED VAMPIRE is a sublimely wicked and wonderful romance about a vampire and the warrior who loves her. This is a great story for readers who enjoy the "star- crossed lovers" trope. I hope to read stories about Sasha's vamp friends in future stories. I look forward to Kate Baxter's next paranormal romance.

Book Summary

The world melted away. Nothing mattered but this moment. His mouth on hers, the heat of his kiss, her own lightheadedness, and the way he awakened her.

If she had it her way, reality would never barge into interrupt them again.

Sasha Ivanov is a vampire party girl, living life on the edge. Drinking, dancing, and hooking up--she’s tired of playing it safe. But when she finds herself tethered to a mortal enemy, she realizes she’s about to play the most dangerous game of all.

Ewan Brún’s existence has been steeped in violence. A berserker, he is viewed as nothing more than a mindless fiend in the supernatural world, and Ewan has no qualms with perpetuating that myth. Until he finds himself thrown into the company of a gorgeous vampire who claims he’s her mate. The stunning beauty is able to soothe the beast in his soul like no other ever could. But Sasha is his clan’s nemesis, and Ewan and Sasha must decide: is loyalty most important? Or could their budding love trump all?