Hotter After Midnight, by Cynthia Eden

 

Format: Kindle Edition, 272 pages

Published: May 1, 2008

Publisher: Kensington

Back cover blurb:

Dr. Emily Drake’s psychotherapy patients tend to be a little unusual. Instead of midlife crises and mother fixations, Emily treats vampires with blood phobias and sex-demons looking for meaningful relationships. But healing these powerful beings requires an important rule: Never trust a shifter. Especially not one like Detective Colin Gyth, whose gold-flecked eyes and predatory air make Emily realize how much she longs to lose control…

Colin can’t believe the doctor he has to work with on the Night Butcher murder case is the one person who could expose his true identity as a wolf shifter. Smart and sexy, Emily brings out the alpha male in Colin, unleashing a wild desire that takes them both over the edge… But in the shadows, the Night Butcher waits, eager to spill Emily’s blood and taste her terror. And he’ll use any means to destroy her, including the one person she has grown to trust…

My review:

I didn’t intend to read this book, but I saw it recommended by some gals doing a BDB challenge and when Stieg Larsson didn’t grip me yesterday I picked this up. The title doesn’t really reflect the plot of this paranormal murder mystery involving demons, shapeshifters and a human shrink whose patients include vampires who don’t like blood and a succubus who just wants to find true love.

The serial killer plot is satisfying, and there are some very hot scenes between Emily the shrink and Colin the shifter detective. I was left with several questions, though, especially about what exactly Emily was – not just human, perhaps a hybrid? – but I see this is the first book in a series of three, so I may seek the others out. Overall, a nice light read.

My rating: 3/5