Darkfire Kiss

Cooke's sixth Dragonfire paranormal (after Whisper Kiss) introduces humanity to the ancient shape-shifting dragons known as Pyrs and Slayers. When journalist Melissa Smith witnesses a battle between Pyr Rafferty and Slayer Magnus, she puts the pictures up on her blog. Rafferty tries to rein in the damage, but his life gets complicated when he touches Melissa and she gives off darkfire, an ancient mystical force long prophesied to bring about a world-shattering change. A substantial cast of characters sometimes makes the book feel needlessly complicated. Cooke's followers will be able to orient themselves more easily than a first-time reader, but quick action, engaging prose, and hot sex will encourage newcomers to persevere. (May)