Vampires Never Say Die

Duke’s second entry in her “Slaying It” paranormal romance series (following When Life Gives You Vampires) follows twentysomething Carrie, a Los Angeles bartender by night and aspiring actor by day. Carrie has a difficult relationship with food and her body, which is complicated because she knows that casting directors make career-changing decisions based on looks alone. Struggling with self-doubt, she also contends with her bar coworker Nick, an irritatingly attractive musician who gets under her skin. Then Carrie wakes up one day to discover that she has a different body, with a startlingly muscular physique and the ability to manifest a sword made of fire. It turns out that Nick has become a vampire, and Carrie has been selected as his slayer. Fiona Aarington offers a lively and bright performance, capturing the book’s humor and infectious energy. With clear distinctions between Carrie’s and Nick’s voices, Aarington keeps the story moving while also providing space for Duke’s refreshing take on body acceptance, self-confidence, and growth.