Carnal Inheritance by Kate Hill
Changeling Press
Paranormal, Action/Adventure
Short Story, M/F, ménage
Review by Dandelion

Vampire Elise is a young student on her own and struggling to make ends meet. Now she has inherited from her estranged father one of the most profitable lumber companies in the Vampire Nation. There is just one catch. Her father's will stipulates that she must allow the two wolf managers, Verne and Ace, to remain and help run the business. Elise soon learns that there's more to her father's death than she first thought and the two gorgeous wolves are far more than just business managers.

♥ ♥ ♥

 “Carnal Inheritance” is a well crafted, entertaining story that blends shape shifting with eroticism and family business with murder without missing a beat.  Heroine Elise is a vampiress whose life falls apart the day her father dies and she inherits his lumber company – along with the company’s  two werewolf managers, Ace and Verne.  When she finds out just how valuable Ace and Verne can be to her, both in matters of business and the bedroom, Elise realizes that great tragedy might just bring her the most sexual satisfying time of her young life. 

All the characters in this story, major and minor, are well developed.  Ace and Verne are sexy with a capital S, Ace the more sensitive and introverted and Verne the stronger and gruffer – but both are willing to protect Elise from danger.  When she discovers that her father’s death was not an accident, and when she finds out that his killer might be coming for her, the suspense level in this story amps up nicely.  I did think the ending was a little abrupt, and I’m not sure I completely bought the strange “intruder” who invades Elise’s house in the final pages, but these issues don’t detract too much from the overall plot.

The sex scenes are hot and well written, with Ace and Verne sharing Elise along with enjoying her on their own.  I especially liked the way the vampire and werewolf worlds merge in this story, and the epilogue solidifies Ace, Verne, and Elise’s relationship in a satisfying manner.   “Carnal Inheritance” is a fast, fun read that should please readers who enjoy a good ménage story along with a little paranormal suspense.  Kudos to Ms. Hill!