Vampires Never Say Die

In this zippy paranormal romance, Duke (When Life Gives You Vampires) uses supernatural elements to underline a tale of personal growth. Struggling actor Carrie Adams earns a living as a bartender while bickering with her annoyingly attractive coworker, up-and-coming musician Nick Stokes, and managing the disappointment of her parents, who wish she’d become a lawyer instead. Then, overnight, she develops 24 pounds of muscle and the ability to manifest a flaming sword. Turns out Nick’s been made into a vampire and the universe’s way of balancing things out is to make Carrie a vampire slayer. As Carrie stuggles to land auditions despite her intimidatingly buff build, she must also learn to keep her inner slayer in check so she doesn’t kill Nick—who she’s starting to actually like. Now that she’s part of L.A.’s underground supernatural scene, her life’s become dangerously complicated, and her growing feelings for Nick may doom them both. Duke’s familiarity with the ins and outs of Hollywood adds a layer of verisimilitude, but her light touch with vampire tropes means readers looking for immortal brooding bad boys or visceral combat scenes may be disappointed. Those in the mood for a swift, sassy romance, however, will be satisfied. (Aug.)