Tantalize
Tantalize
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Quincie is a teen-aged orphan, who deals with the losses in her life by dedicating herself to working in her family’s restaurant, an Italian place she and her uncle are preparing to re-open with a vampire theme. But before the menu can be finalized, her good friend the chef is murdered. Clues point to her half-werewolf best friend, and potential love interest, but Quincie just can’t let herself believe he would do such a thing. A new chef is found, and Quincie throws herself into making sure the restaurant is opened on Friday the 13th as planned. Like a mash-up of Iron Chef with Anita Blake, this books will entice readers with luscious food descriptions and high levels of sexual tension between were, human, and vampire characters. A good premise with some very creative ideas, but I found it frustrating overall as it bends monster lore to the point of breaking many times, and could really use stronger minor character development. No doubt the author plans to address many of these issues in sequels. While this book presents itself as a scrumptious multi-course meal, and many teen girls will be lining up for seconds, I found it to be tasty but unsatisfying junk food in nice packaging.