Thank you so much for your encouraging feedback! I'm very happy to know you enjoyed it (even the smells).

It turned out to be a surprisingly challenging relationship for me to write. Marianne is the most obvious romantic interest for Van Helsing, but the first few times I watched the movie, I was frustrated with her. I wanted her to prove she was worthy of being Van Helsing's partner, I guess. I eventually focused on the spunk she shows in seeking out the Baron, getting the Baroness's key, and setting the Baron free (even if the immediate results are disastrous). Then I had to put her through her vampire-hunting paces to make her more capable and a bit more reflective.

Your fantastic Hammer Horror film reviews inspire me to keep writing!