First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost

It's hard to remember you despise vampires when only he can save your life.

Denise knows about vampires and other supernatural beings.  Her best friend, Cat Crawfield is half-vampire, and Cat's husband is a vampire.  Also, her husband was killed a year ago in a supernatural event.  Denise still has nightmares of the blood and gore, but they don't occur as often since she removed herself from paranormal society.

Then, Denise's extended family starts dying suddenly.  Heart problems in their early twenties seems unlikely, although that is the cause of death.  When Denise is next, she panics and begs for her life.  It's the demon called Raum who is killing her family, and she will be next unless she can bring him want he wants.  For insurance, he puts his essence in Denise and his brand on her arms.  Now, he can find her whenever he wants, and if she doesn't uphold her part of the bargain in time, her human life will be forfeit.

Denise needs help if she is to find Nathaniel.  He backed out of a bargain with Raum, and now Raum wants payment.  Rarum isn't allowed in the vampire world, which is where he assumes Nathaniel is hiding, but he knows Denise has connections.  Denise doesn't want to involve Cat or Bones, so she calls Spade, Bone's best friend.

Spade has always craved Denise, but swore to Bone's he wouldn't touch her.  Besides, she is too human for him.  But, he agrees to help Denise find Nathaniel, and their journey takes them into many dangerous situations.  The longer they are together, the more Denise lets down her guard and the closer Spade gets.  He doesn't want to break his vow to Bones, but Denise has him feeling things he hasn't felt in many centuries.

Filled with sizzling passion, dangerous interludes, and supernatural tendencies, FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON is a phenomenal work from a master of paranormal romance.  Denise and Spade finally get their own story after playing second characters in Ms. Frost's NIGHT HUNTRESS series, and she does it with elegant flair.  Another sure-fire winner!!