4 Nymphs from Literary Nymphs:

Julian is on watch duty when he notices another vampire across the street. All at once, the vampire is at Julian’s back with the tip of a sharp instrument against Julian’s neck. Julian’s would-be assassin is a fifteen hundred year old powerful vampire named Sebastian, who soon becomes Julian’s saviour.

Hanging in the Balance is the first book in the In Life and Blood series. The plot is a well written, well paced emotional drama. The setting is modern day San Francisco. The characters are believable. Julian was kidnapped from the hospital when he was only hours old by a vicious female vampire. Turned vampire at age eighteen to serve the self appointed queen’s household as one of her protectors, Julian has little knowledge of a normal human life or the true vampire laws. Julian is passionate, as well as lonely; he yearns for the freedom to find love. Julian has never known affection until he meets Sebastian.

Given orders to destroy Julian, Sebastian, an elder vampire of enormous strength, immediately recognized Julian as his eternal mate. Sebastian is an enforcer of the vampire laws. Although he can be ruthless, Sebastian is remarkably gentle with Julian, as well as a compassionate lover. These emotions are exhibited in the exceptionally sensual love scenes. Christie Gordon has created an impressive vampire saga that I enjoyed immensely. ( )