Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich-Smith was published. This “dark fantasy” YA novel rode in on the vampire trend that was just gaining momentum in 2007, but offered more colorful characters and a spunkier heroine than the ever-popular Twilight series.

The story centers around Quincie Morris, a 17-year-old orphan helping her uncle re-open the family restaurant under a vampire theme. Trouble brews when the chef is brutally murdered “werewolf-style”- a fact that makes Quincie all the more nervous, considering her boyfriend is a werewolf-in-training who’s just beginning to learn how to control his monstrous tendencies. Throw in a suspicious replacement chef, a love triangle, and a town where no one is who they say they are, and you’ve got yourself an exciting supernatural romance!

This title is the first in a six-book series, with the two final releases being written from different points-of-view than Quincie and accompanied by illustrations. Leitich-Smith also wrote two short stories starring Tantalize’s characters, as well as a spinoff series, The Feral Trilogy, which is set in the same universe. Check out the BCLS catalog today to begin your journey into Quincie’s world!