It is 1818. Elizabeth Rochewell is the daughter of an English archaeologist and Egyptian woman Elizabeth and, due to her mixed heritage, has never felt truly accepted in either society. After a disastrous period in an English boarding school she has spent the last few years working with her father studying the artefacts of ancient Egypt.

When her father dies suddenly she tries everything she can to stay in Egypt but is forced to return to England and use her inheritance to build an independent life. As she sets sail for England, accompanied by Mrs. Pargutter (a middle class lady who epitomises everything that Elizabeth has come to detest about England) she meets the mysterious Ian Rufford. Although he seems like any other English gentleman she finds him strangely compelling.

When, during the voyage, their ship is attacked by pirates, Rufford exhibits an unnatural amount of strength and despite some seemingly mortal wounds makes a speedy recovery. Elizabeth realises that Rufford is no ordinary man and determines to discover the truth about his very nature. He is a Vampire.

Back in England Elizabeth discovers that her father has already spent her entire inheritance and that she will be forced to either marry a wealthy man or take up a post as a housekeeper. But who would possibly employ a young woman with no references and no previous experience?

When an old acquaintance informs Rufford that the vampire who originally infected him is now waging war on Egypt Rufford realises that he is possibly the only man who could defeat her - but to do this he will need the assistance of Elizabeth Rochewell as only she would be able to translate the ancient writing that marks the way to an ancient vampire who could offer Ian sufficient power to defeat the evil Asharti. But in these time it is not considered decent for a single young woman to travel such a distance, unchaperoned, with an unmarried man. Surely there is only one solution that could possibly meet both of their needs?

The Companion is a vampire novel with a difference. Rather than following the usual theme of evil vampire seeking to gain the attentions of an innocent young woman before being defeated by the strong-jawed hero, in this book you find that the hero is, in fact, one of the vampires! An unwilling convert, Ian Rufford is seeking a cure to his unique condition.

Similarly, Elizabeth is not your usual feeble young woman who collapses with an attack of the vapours at the first sign of danger. She is a determined strong character who knows exactly what she wants from life and does not intend to accept second best. She is unwilling to marry a man just to gain financial security and would rather work as a servant.

It is also interesting to read a novel written partially from the point of view of a mixed-race woman in 19th Century England. It is clear that she will never be accepted as part of respectable society but she doesn't seem to have many options.

Inevitably Elizabeth and Ian end up married but each of them struggle with the belief that their love for the other is unrequited. This may not be an unusual idea - this has been the central theme for many a classic romance novel but The Companion is so much more. It is not just a romance novel. It is a unique combination of horror, romance, social commentary and adventure with a healthy sprinkling of eroticism! The writing style is intense and breathtaking. The characters are vivid and invoke a distinct feeling of sympathy as both find themselves thrust into situations that are not of their own making.

The Companion is apparently the first in an erotic Regency vampire series and I honestly cannot wait until the next volume is completed. Astoundingly original, erotic horror - perfect!

Ian Rufford is a man to make any woman take notice, and this has brought him his greatest curse and will soon bring him great joy. After barely escaping a slavery so cruel that it is unimaginable, he has been changed into something beyond human, certainly not a man that should even think of a woman like Beth Rochewell.

Yet, he is the exact man she needs when her father's death uproots her life, sending her back to the proper world of London and its restrictive rules. On the boat that takes them from Egypt to England, these two lost souls meet, and she learns of his vampirism. That makes her an ally and liability.

Forced to stay close to her, Ian reluctantly drags her into the darkness with him to battle an ancient evil and to fight for his own soul.

Complex characters people this detailed world that has been wrought in The Companion. Running throughout is a theme of redemption and the struggle to be free. The old standards of vampire romance are reshaped, making the familiar fresh and new.

Synopsis
England, 1815: Ian Rufford was captured, enslaved, and then abandoned in the lonely dunes of Egypt's desert. His tormentor was a woman of magnificent beauty...and the blackest of souls. Now, Ian prays for a death that will not come. Only after his rescue does he begin to realize how he has changed. But he understands very little. Just that he is carrying something strange in his blood known only as "The Companion".

Elizabeth Rochewell's home was Egypt. After her father's death, however, she is being sent home to live a conventional life in London. On board ship, she finds herself drawn to her mysterious traveling companion, Ian Rufford. He awakens feelings in her that disturb and tantalize her senses. But he hides a shocking secret that Beth can only begin to unravel.

Now, journey with two linked souls who are determined to stop one woman's evil quest. A journey that will take them to the heights of desire and the depths of depravity. THE COMPANION is an unforgettable, sensual, and erotic novel that take you places you've never gone before...and it will make you believe in the power of true love.

Quotes
"All of the elements that made Squires' previous sci-fi romantic suspense novel, Body Electric, such an eye-popping read manifest themselves here-a feverish romance, a pervasive sense of danger and an exhilarating chase full of adrenaline-fueled encounters... few romantic suspense authors know how to write a chase sequence as thrillingly as Squires."
   -Publishers Weekly on No More Lies

"Squires' fast-paced conspiracy novel gives readers a run for their money, and then some."
   -Booklist on No More Lies

"Readers of such historical titles as Claudia Dain's To Burn will enjoy Squires' epic style and unforgettable characters."
   -Booklist on Danelaw

"Electrifying and sensual sci-fi romance...Squires's deft plotting and full-bodied characters make this whirlwind adventure worthwhile."
   -Publishers Weekly on Body Electric

"Wow! Susan Squires gives her readers a breathless hardcore ride in her latest, Body Electric."
   -Romantic Times Top Pick on Body Electric

"Body Electric is dynamite. It keeps you on the edge of your seat even while it makes you think-and it does it with great characters and a zong of sensuality. This book is a ripping good read. I couldn't put it down."
   -Catherine Asaro, on Body Electric

"Susan Squires has a fascinating, unique voice; she is a rare talent. An absolute must-read."
   -Christine Feehan on Body Electric

"A taut, daring, edge-of-your-seat read, Body Electric will leave you gasping for more. Gifted new author Susan Squires blends romance and cyber-thriller in a masterful work that advances the genre as much as it entertains...and logs on as one of the promising new stars in 21st-century romantic fiction."
   -Susan Grant on Body Electric

"[The writing of Susan Squires] is not for the faint of heart."
   -Romantic Times

"An outstanding debut novel that takes some risks and succeeds. Susan Squires gives us a gritty, complex love story that is as engrossing as it is endearing."
   -The Romance Reader on Danegeld

"Bravo Susan Squires! If we let this wonderful, original book fall by the wayside, we will be stuck with cookie-cutter books and will have only ourselves to blame."
   -All About Romance on Danegeld

"A competent and well-thought-out historical novel, with just a bit of magic thrown in for delicious spice. Brava, Ms. Squires!"
   -Old Book Barn Gazette on Danegeld