Release Date: February 13, 2007Publisher: Candlewick
Age Group: 12+
Pages: 336
Quincie Morris has never felt more alone. Her hybrid-werewolf first love threatens to embark on a rite of passage that will separate them forever. And just as she and her uncle are about to debut Austin’s red hot vampire-themed restaurant, a brutal murder leaves them scrambling for a chef.
Can Quincie transform the new hire into a culinary dark lord before opening night? Will Henry Johnson be able to wow the crowd in fake fangs, a cheap cape, and red contact lenses? Or is there more to this earnest fresh face than meets the eye?
As human and preternatural forces clash, a deadly love triangle forms and the line between predator and prey begins to blur. Who’s playing whom? And how long can Quincie play along before she loses everything?
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I'd heard that Tantalize was a slow read, one that you could easily put down. I was obviously misinformed because the third chapter includes a supernatural murder, which immediately grabbed my attention. And then, throw a best-werewolf-friend/love interest into the mix and I'm hooked!
I loved just about all of the characters, or a least the ones that were meant for you to love. I even kinda liked the villain. Quincie was an awesome heroine! She wasn't cold, but she was always in control of the situation.
Cynthia Leitich Smith is a very good writer, too. It was really easy to picture everyone, and the storyline was well-plotted and easy to follow.
In the back of Cynthia Leitich Smith's other vampire book Eternal, it states: "Finally, this story takes place earlier in the same universe as my novel Tantilize. Members of both casts will cross over in a forthcoming book, Blessed." I've also read Eternal, which I really enjoyed, but actually liked Tanatlize better. Blessed will definitely be a book I'll be looking forward to! You don't have to read either in any order, though.
Tantilize is a book that I'd recommend to any romance, vampire, or werewolf fans! The book is constantly throwing twist and turns at you, making this a great summer (or anytime) read!
