While reading this novella, I realized for the first time the appeal of vampire/werewolf love stories. For one thing, the monogamy of relationships among these characters is central to both mainstream social expectations (maybe) and to most romance novels. But like other tales of the supernatural/superhuman, it gives people powers they wouldn't otherwise have had. This book also appeals to me because it does not suggest that men should be experienced sexual partners but women not, it doesn't force the characters to bond over their difficult childhood memories, and it includes -- respectfully and without too much fanfare -- underrepresented groups in the romance novel genre. It's also a quick read without seeming so. It still emphasizes physical beauty, but you can't win 'em all, and I suppose that does add to the fantasy quality that presumably draws many readers. I will read this one again.