Wicked Burn

Unexpected twists enhance Zanetti’s classic mix of intrigue, humor, and heat, ensuring that the third Realm Enforcer urban fantasy (after 2015’s Wicked Edge) is action-packed and memorable. In present-day Seattle, Simone is an accomplished, powerful witch and a member of the Council of Coven Nine, the ruling body of her people. Her greatest weakness is Nicholai, the demon she loved and lost a century ago. Now that the supernatural war between demons and witches is over, new political lines are being drawn, and unknown forces have set Simone up to be tried for treason. Nicholai let her go once in the name of duty, but when he hears Simone’s in trouble, he returns to rescue her. Characters from previous books bring strong continuity to this excellent romance, which can also be read on its own. It will leave readers both satisfied and impatiently waiting for the next installment. The book’s only weakness is the introduction of a slightly overcomplicated and significant new factor into a milieu already brimming with power. Agent: Caitlin Blasdell, Liza Dawson Associates. (June)