Velvet

Gr 8 Up—Caitlin Holte's world has just changed forever. Her parents have died and Caitlin is sent to live with her formerly estranged aunt in the unfamiliar mountainous environs of upstate New York. Uncomfortable with her aunt's attempts at consolation, the teen runs off alone. She experiences an intense sense of loss with unfortunate timing as it attracts a nearby shapeshifting demon. Luckily for her, this demon has a handsome vampire son, Adrian, who is alienated from his villainous dad. He rescues Caitlin, brings her home, and becomes her paranormal bodyguard. They create a cover story to explain the time they spend together. The duo decide to faux-date, which comes as a big surprise to everyone at Warren County High. The very attractive and much sought after Adrian has never found any female even slightly interesting. The real reason for his up-to-now unchanged relationship status is that the Vampire Council has decreed that vampires may not get involved with humans. Adrian and Caitlin begin with the best of intentions, but throughout the ongoing danger and fake relationship, they fall in love. Can Adrian save Caitlin? Even if he can, what will it cost him? This romantic Twilight readalike shines with credible dialogue and fully developed characters.