A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness 579 pages

Diana Bishop would seem to be destined to a boring life as a history scholar researching the beginnings of scientific study in Oxford's Bodleian Library. Ha! Since she is really the descendant of powerful witches, magic is in her blood. This she knows a little about, but she has avoided the witch community. When she unknowingly requests an ancient text, she sets off a chain of events attracting demons, and other paranormal creatures. She meets and becomes attracted to vampire geneticist, Matthew Clairmont. Matthew brings her home to his amazing mansion for a spot of yoga and later she meets his family. His mother is quite the dragon lady (well it is a figure of speech; she is actually a disapproving vampire!). Matthew is quite a hunk -- rich, smart, strong, passionate... I listened to the unabridged audio version of this book narrated by Jennifer Ikeda. Her well modulated voice brought the characters to life and the 20 discs flew by. I do hope a sequel is in the works!