Tag Archives: Mary Janice Davidson

Perfect for the Beach by Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Erin McCarthy, MaryJanice Davidson, Kayla Perrin & Morgan Leigh

Book Review, , , , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for perfect for the beach book cover

Title: Perfect for the Beach
Author: Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Erin McCarthy, MaryJanice Davidson, Kayla Perrin & Morgan Leigh
In: Perfect for the Beach (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Erin McCarthy, MaryJanice Davidson, Kayla Perrin & Morgan Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 7th – 15th January 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Kensington
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: But you need to make a decision before the weekend is over, Dana.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

“Some Like It Hot” – Lori Foster: Family practitioner Cary Rupert wants Nora Chilton so badly he can barely keep a hold of his stethoscope. Now he’s out to prove that when it comes to loving her forever, he’s the man for the job.

“One Wilde Weekend” – Janelle Denison: Alex Wilde is crazy about Dana Reed. Career-driven Dana wants him as a lover, not a husband…until Alex whisks her away for a weekend that will fulfil every forbidden desire.

“Blue Crush” – Erin McCarthy: Dr Sara Davis loses her bikini top to a powerful wave and finds herself in the arms of gorgeous lifeguard Kyle Vanderhoff…where a little mouth-to-mouth just might resuscitate her love life.

“My Thief” – MaryJanice Davidson: John Crusher is hauled into his hotel room only to come fact-to-face with a stunning redhead who orders him to strip. But when the room service is this superb, what’s a guy to do but show his appreciation.

“Hot and Bothered” – Kayla Perrin: Marrying Trey Arnold after a whirlwind romance was the dumbest thing Jenna Maxwell ever did. Divorce is the simple solution, but once she sees Trey’s sexy smile again, things get complicated…and very, very hot.

” Murphy’s Law” – Morgan Leigh: Kat Murphy is in love with her lawyer boss, Sam Parrish. Fearing his heart may never heal, she quits her job and heads for the beach. And when Sam follows, the sensual heat they generate is out of this world.

Thoughts

This is one of those great, easy, relaxed reads that is just perfect for an afternoon out in the sunlight. The title kind of hints at that. But after reading it, I can attest that it is most definitely a perfect read for the beach. A nice departure from the more intense reads I do tend to fill my shelves with.

Each and every one of these six novellas is incredibly easy to imagine reading at the beach. Sadly, I haven’t been to the beach in a year or two…. But it certainly helped me to imagine doing so. Not only were most of the stories set along the coast, but they also had that chilled, carefree feeling that I tend to associate a day down on the sand with. The fact that they were also contemporary romances with a  great dose of humour… it was kind of fantastic.

I loved the fact that I recognised half the authors in this collection and found three new authors as well. I loved being able to revisit some of the styles of writing that I haven’t visited in a little while. And also find some new writing that I just wasn’t expecting. I loved each and everyone of these authors and their stories. Both standalones and parts of a series.

The cover of this collection mentions “bad boys”. There are none. Categorically so. There are no bad boys in this collection. There’s accountants and lawyers and sexy men with no clue how to treat the woman they love (until they get a kick up the ass). But no bad boys. Not that that’s a bad thing. Sometimes the bad boy trope is kind of overdone, and it was nice to have a different theme to pursue.

 <- Murphy’s Law ReviewSome Like it Hot Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

My Thief by MaryJanice Davidson

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for perfect for the beach book cover

Title: My Thief
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
In: Perfect for the Beach (Lori Foster, Janelle Denison, Erin McCarthy, MaryJanice Davidson, Kayla Perrin & Morgan Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 13th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Kensington
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Well, if you don’t want an ambulance.. And everything’s under control…

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

John Crusher is hauled into his hotel room only to come fact-to-face with a stunning redhead who orders him to strip. But when the room service is this superb, what’s a guy to do but show his appreciation.

Thoughts

Every MaryJanice Davidson story I’ve read is completely off-kilter different from what I’d expected and just downright funny. This novella was no different. My Thief had me out and out laughing, smiling and just grinning as the heroine, who is so different to what you’d expect, hooked up with a hunky accountant. Talk about turning stereotypes on their head.

I’ve been very much into romances lately. They involve a little less concentration than many of the fantasies that I love, and I’ve kind of needed that break in the pattern. As a general, they’re a little bit lighter than many of the other genres which fill my shelves. Yet, there is something even more light-hearted about this novella. Something that made me feel like I was on a happy universe where everything actually does work out in the end… especially when you consider the competition between Robin and her Uncle Rich.

I love imagining the happily ever after, sunset moment that both of these characters are going to have. Particularly the idea of Robin meeting John’s Hallmark family. It’s a future filled with humour and entertainment. One that would never have a dull moment. And, honestly, who wouldn’t want that?

 <- Blue Crush ReviewHot and Bothered Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

No Rest for the Witches by Mary Janice Davidson, Lori Handeland, Cheyenne McCray & Christine Warren

Book Review, , , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for no rest for the witches book cover

Title: No Rest for the Witches
Author: MaryJanice Davidson, Lori Handeland, Cheyenne McCray & Christine Warren
In: No Rest for the Witches (Mary Janice Davidson, Lori Handeland, Cheyenne McCray & Christine Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Short story collections, Witches
Dates read: 14th July – 9th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: She thought of an even better, more relevant question.

Synopsis

From broomsticks to black magic, leather-clad warriors to love potions gone wrong, here you’ll find four stories of supernatural sex and suspense from some of today’s hottest bestselling authors.

MaryJanice Davidson – “The Majicka”
Life’s a bit crowded for Ireland and her roommates–a fairy, a werewolf, a vampire, and now a zombie…especially when a mysterious man walks through the door. Will there be any room left for love?

Lori Handeland – “Voodoo Moon”
For Devil’s Fork-based FBI Agent Dana Duran, the only way to fight a supernatural serial killer just may be to embrace life. But little did she know that voodoo could be so viciously sexy…

Cheyenne McCray – “Breath of Magic”
San Francisco’s witches are in an epic battle. But even if Sydney can use her sultry ways and ancient Druid powers to save the world, can she risk losing her heart to handsome warrior Conlan?

Christine Warren – “Any Witch Way She Can”
A desperately lonely witch decides to take matters of love into her own hands when she casts a cosmic personal ad…only to find that the perfect formula for love is a strange brew indeed.

Thoughts

This was one of those random books that I picked up in a second hand shop. I had no idea what it was about. Really what genre it belonged to, and only vaguely recognised the names of the authors who had contributed. I really just liked the name of the collection, it was a fun little pun that made me quite intrigued…

From beginning to end, this collection has women who pack an amazing punch. They’re strong, they’re powerful and they’re constantly finding themselves in a spot of trouble. All things which I thoroughly love in a good, strong protagonist. The fact that sex, lust and magic are all mixed in with each other to create some incredibly fun and often times awkward stories just makes it that much better. Mostly the sex and lust. A girls gotta get her kicks where she can…

All four of these novellas, like many other similar collections have sent me down the path of finding new beloved authors and series. They’re always a good way to escape for only a short amount of time when I have to be responsible, but long enough that I get completely sucked into a whole new world. The fact that these were all paranormal fantasy and filled with a good dose of romance just made me sink all the quicker into these stories. Definitely one that I would suggest to anybody who likes their witches with a bit of extra steam!

 <- Any Witch Way She CanThe Majicka ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Majicka by Mary Janice Davidson

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for no rest for the witches book cover

Title: The Majicka
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
In: No Rest for the Witches (Mary Janice Davidson, Lori Handeland, Cheyenne McCray & Christine Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 13th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: She thought of an even better, more relevant question.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Life’s a bit crowded for Ireland and her roommates–a fairy, a werewolf, a vampire, and now a zombie…especially when a mysterious man walks through the door. Will there be any room left for love?

Thoughts

I’m a little bit disappointed that the premise of this story was only fleshed out in a novella. I would happily read a full length novel, or even a series which features Ireland and all of her awkward rescues. Although, maybe that’s just being greedy. After all, this worked brilliantly, and I loved it immensely. Expanding on it could just ruin the enjoyment that it made me feel.

No matter how many books I read, across how many genres, I am always drawn to stories about misfits. Probably because I’ve always felt like one myself. Maybe just because I tend to find they make the most interesting people. Whatever it is, I’m always happily drawn in; hook, line and sinker. Which, considering this is a story about a girl who constantly takes people in that don’t quite fit into whichever world they come from… I couldn’t put it down. And almost screamed with frustration when it was over. I want to read more about the Angry Fairy and the Zombie Nymph (amongst a few).

The Majicka had a bit of a whodunnit feel to it. Firstly, in trying to help out the zombie. And then, when they’ve finally figured out just who she is, how to save her. The extra entertainment of a Tutor trying to train the next, somewhat resisting Majicka, a car that thinks for itself and a vampire with airs just made it so much more entertaining. Luckily, I have a few MaryJanice Davidson books on their way to fill my bookshelves. Otherwise, I would be sorely disappointed to have finished this novella. Great start to the No Rest for the Witches collection though!

 <- No Rest for the Witches ReviewVoodoo Moon Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Cravings by Laurell K. Hamilton, Mary Janice Davidson, Eileen Wilks & Rebecca York

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
cravings

Title: Cravings
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton, MaryJanice Davidson, Eileen Wilks & Rebecca York
In: Cravings (Laurell K. Hamilton, Mary Janice Davidson, Eileen Wilks & Rebecca York)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 15th June – 3rd July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: He leaned his face over my shoulder, and I caught the sweet scent of his skin.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Longings in the night…

In the heat of the night, anything goes. Boundaries are crossed and secret yearnings take shape. Creatures stalk the shadows, surrendering to their wildest needs – and satisfying hungers that take their victims beyond fear to the dark edge of desire. Succumb to the pleasure as four of your favorite authors present their favorite characters in all-new tales of bloodlust, of the kind of appetites that must be sated again and again, and of the passion that feeds them…

Thoughts

I bought this book a few years ago to read the World of the Lupi novella between it’s pages. And then I put it away because I was still incredibly new to the genre of paranormal romance. Now, a few years later, a lot more involved in the genre and more than a little obsessed, I decided to pick up this collection again. And boy, was I glad that I did.

All four of these stories have a great paranormal spin to them. They’re tales of passion, romance and lust. Stories that involved a lot more of the paranormal than the passionate. But just enough spice that I still found myself wanting a good male companion for the night. As much as I loved the passion and romance, and in many cases, sheer lust, that jumped off the pages of these stories, I mostly enjoyed the paranormal aspect of the stories. From vampires to werewolves and back again, there were supernatural beings coming out of the wood works. With a little bit of humour, a little bit of darkness and a lot of bang.

 <- Burning Moon ReviewBlood Upon My Lips Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Dead Girls Don’t Dance by Mary Janice Davidson

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
cravings

Title: Dead Girls Don’t Dance
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
Series: Undead #1.5
In: Cravings (Laurell K. Hamilton, Mary Janice Davidson, Eileen Wilks & Rebecca York)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 28th June 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: She coughed out more sand, cursing herself.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Vampire Andrea Mercer is literally dug up by an old crush, Daniel Harris, and during a trip to Minnesota to see the vampire queen, her desire for him reignites.

Thoughts

This was a funny, cute and easy read. It took me a little longer than most novellas because I was also trying to watch a cute little movie at the same time… but in general, this was just a nice little read. I especially liked that although I thought Andrea was going to be a sweet woman. One who meets her significant other and falls a little in love. I was kind of wrong. Although she does fall for Daniel, she’s not really sweet. She’s kind of a powerhouse. And she’s pushy. And she really refuses to take anyone’s crap.

I haven’t read the first book in this series, this is my first ever Mary Janice Davidson story for that matter. So I really didn’t know what to expect at the end of the story when Andrea finally meets the Queen. Within two sentences I fell completely in love with the woman. And, as always, had to fight the urge to go out and buy the books straight away. Actually, I’m still fighting that urge. Queen Betsy is totally different to any image of a vampire queen that I have ever carried in my head before. And I was completely obsessed with it.

For most people there’s always that “what if” person. That person that you constantly wonder what if something different had happened and we’d gone down that track? Daniel is that person for Andrea, and it’s kind of sweet how he manages to completely except all of the horrors in her new life and finds himself in love with her. The fact that he does so with a healthy dose of humour and a bit of stupidity had me smiling throughout, and clutching the book to my chest after I’d turned the final page.

 <- Blood Upon My Lips ReviewOriginally Human Review ->
Image source: Amazon