Rating: 
Summary: More gross than erotic.
Review: A few of the stories I enjoyed, but the majority of the stories in Love in Vein I found to be a little more gross than sensual or erotic. While sex is not always sexy, these stories just didn't seem to grab me. There are, however some interesting variations of vampires in the book. Still, I was a little disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Vampires? Yes. Erotic? Not.
Review: Billed as "vampire erotica", I am at a loss to identify the universe in which these brutal, disturbing tales would be considered "erotic". Certainly some of them are powerful, well-written, and full of imagery which will stick with you after you close the covers. Unfortunately, some are also poorly written, confusing, and/or just plain distasteful. Very few are 'traditional' vampire tales. None struck me as erotic. A hit-and-miss collection; I wouldn't recommend paying full price.
Rating: 
Summary: Bought it for Poppy, weak read, was not impressed.
Review: Bought it for Poppy, weak read, was not impressed.
Rating:
Summary: Vampiric Erotica ?? NOT !
Review: I guess I should have read the reviews better. This book is not Erotic as I thought it should be. [...]. I did of course read every page. These stories are not the sexy, romantic, love you forever type. They are dark and depraved. I of course bought the next book and will update it when I get the stomach to read it. I am at least prepared for this type book.
Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected
Review: I have read all of P.Z.B books and loved them all, because of the eroticism and characters. This however was not what I had hoped for. I was expecting the stories to be more similar to Brite's writing style. More modern day I guess. I guess I realized Poppy is the only "Vampire" author I enjoy. I am sure to a reader with varied vampire interest would really enjoy this book and it's sequel.
Rating:
Summary: I enjoyed many of these scary, spooky and sexy short stories
Review: I liked to be scared and sexy at the same time, so this book was the perfect experience for me. What I liked the most was the Delicous Antique Whor and the Alchemy of the Throat, although sometimes I didn't understand them. I am scared already to think about this book! Wooo!
Rating:
Summary: I enjoyed many of these scary, spooky and sexy short stories
Review: I liked to be scared and sexy at the same time, so this book was the perfect experience for me. What I liked the most was the Delicous Antique Whor and the Alchemy of the Throat, although sometimes I didn't understand them. I am scared already to think about this book! Wooo!
Rating: 
Summary: Misleading and Incredibly dull...
Review: I picked up this short-story collection because the cover said it was a collection of vampire erotica and because the book was edited by Poppy Z. Brite. I feel like I've been ripped off. First of all, to say that this book is a collection of vampire erotica is misleading. Aside from some rough language here and there, there is almost no erotica in this collection. This is a collection of horror stories, period. And the stories are quite dull at that. The only ones I liked were "In this Soul of a Woman," by Charles de Lint; "The Alchemy of the Throat," by Brian Hodge; and "Café Endless: Spring Rain," by Nancy Holder. The aforementioned stories are thought provoking and horrific at the same time. The other stories simply failed to spark my interest. Poppy Z. Brite has let me down. I have the second part of the collection and am considering returning it to the bookstore. If you are in the bargain for vampire erotica, try the Ellora's Cave books.
Rating: 
Summary: Vampires are more than just a cape and a casket
Review: I'll tell you right off, I'm a vampire fan. I've read dozens of vampire books. Some good some downright awful. These stories will not disappoint true vampire fans. Even if you're not a fan I urge you to try this book and see what all the fuss is about. My favorite story in the bunch is Triptych di Amore by Thomas F. Monteleone. It is a very sensual story that drags readers into a very rich, full world of it's own.
Rating:
Summary: If you like Vampire fiction, forget this collection
Review: I've had this book on my shelf for a while. I took it on a trip last week, expecting a great read -- like the Poppy Z Brite books I've read. I was completely disappointed. I've liked virtually every vampire book I've read - until this one. I kept reading one story after another, hoping they'd get better. But, I got to the end of the book and they hadn't! The stories were strange variations of the vampire theme. I'm all for variations on a theme, but not as an excuse for poor writing. Most seemed to be written for their shock value rather than with the intent of composing a strong story. I found only a couple stories even vaguely erotic. Most were more disguisting that erotic. I found Nancy Holder's story to be quite strong - but not as good as her other writing. That along with the The S&M themed story were the most erotic of the bunch! The quality of the writing was disappointing. In many cases the stories were quite disjointed and where there were multiple threads, they were often not pulled together at the end of the story. On one occasion, I literally found myself wondering whether they had failed to print the end of the story, as at just ended for no apparent reason. I don't read lots of short stories, but I don't believe that I was disappointed in these just because they were short stories. I believe that this collection is fatally flawed. Save your money. I've got Love in Vein II on my shelf waiting to be read. I sure hope it is better!
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