Demon Marked

Evans explores the fine line between desire and addiction in the laid-back sequel to 2010's Shadow Marked. Emma Quinn is cursed with a dark hunger she feeds by sucking the life force out of evil people. When she accidentally overfeeds and kills a member of the Death Ministry gang, she calls mob lawyer Andre Conti to bail her out. But Andre doesn't believe in demons, even though his family hunts animals to make illegal demon drugs. Following several suspicious events, Andre and Emma uncover a plot to start a war between the Contis and the Death Ministry. They're also compelled by a fierce lust for one another—one they must resist lest it invoke Emma's powers. Somewhere between a paranormal thriller and a beach read, the story remains lighthearted, and its nightmarish threats never quite materialize. (Jan.)