Tall, Dark, and Vampire

In this engaging spin-off from the Amoveo shapeshifter series (Undone, etc.), Humphreys explores the vampiric side of her world. Club owner Olivia Hollingsworth has multiple problems landing all at once: her irritating vampire “creator,” Vincent, has come to visit for the first time in many years; someone’s killing off her patrons; and the cop investigating the murders, Doug Paxton, just happens to be her reincarnated lover, back from the dead after three centuries. As Olivia struggles with her rekindled feelings for Doug—who’s astonished to learn that the hot babe he sees in his dreams is a real person—she also tries to track down the rogue vampire whose bloodsucking indiscretions are jeopardizing everyone’s safety. Naturally, nothing goes as expected. Humphreys skillfully blends intrigue and romance, her characters possessing undeniable chemistry on the streets and in bed. Much of the world-building has a familiar ring, but Humphreys makes up for it with some intriguing tweaks to the mythology, a solid storyline, and a satisfying relationship. Agent: Jeanne Forte Dube, Forte Associates. (Aug.)