A Kiss of Blood

Palmer follows A Blood Seduction with more turbulence between Quinn Lennox, a human sorceress who can't access her own power, and Arturo "The Snake" Mazza, a vampire who lies to her, manipulates her, and uses her for her power. As they continue their adversarial and sexually hyperactive association, Quinn and Arturo seek a way to free Quinn's power and save her brother, Zack. Though the goals are large, not a lot is actually accomplished by the book's end, which leaves the City still in danger of collapse, Quinn's obsession with Zack and his illness unchanged, Zack still missing, Arturo still lying, and Quinn only marginally more in control of her power. Arturo is nothing like a romantic hero, and Quinn's attraction to him and vulnerability to his machinations make her look weak and foolish. The plot is merely a tasteless vehicle for the delivery of graphic depictions of sex, torture, and depravity. (July)