Archangel’s Viper

In Singh’s rich 10th Guild Hunter paranormal romance (after Archangel’s Heart), set in an alternate version of our world that’s populated by angels, vampires, and other supernatural beings, the romance lurks behind a mystery. After Holly Chang was violently attacked by the depraved archangel Uram, she became not quite human, not quite vampire, and was infected with the bloodlust that sent Uram on a killing spree. She now serves Raphael, the archangel of New York, who saved her; mourns the loss of her old life; and tries to control her distinctive powers. Someone who thinks she’s too corrupted and dangerous to live has offered a multimillion-dollar bounty for her death, and her partner in finding the person threatening her is Venom, a centuries-old vampire and one of Raphael’s top lieutenants. Holly and Venom trade pointed comments that readers will recognize as foreplay, and Singh expertly and slowly unmasks their affection, allowing their romance to develop with subtlety. Venom has long been among the author’s most unhuman characters, and he encourages Holly to embrace her strangeness rather than fighting it. But danger looms over Holly, and Venom fears to love a woman who may be doomed. Singh’s newest is a winner, but is not recommended for series newcomers. Agent: Nephele Tempest, Knight Agency. (Sept.)