Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

The Getaway by Sonya Bateman

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of paranormal romance 2 book cover

Title: The Getaway
Author: Sonya Bateman
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance
Dates read: 11th May 2021
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Donatti grimaced.

Synopsis

All they want is a romantic weekend away. But, between a fit of the bitches and a wrong turn… things might not quite turn out quite the way they wanted for their romantic getaway…

Thoughts

From the tone of this piece, I was completely expecting this short story to be a part of a series. I mean, it’s a couple that have a kid together, and that had buckets of history. The set up felt like this was after book two or three in the series. But, from what I can see on Goodreads, that is not the case. I’m still a little unbelieving and perplexed… but still.

I suppose that’s one thing which says wonders about this short story…. the world building is so intense that it feels like a part of a bigger series. You are dropped straight into the action and the relationships. Placed in a somewhat unexpected situation that draws you in from the very beginning and makes you kind of… bereft when the final page is turned.

The lead female in this story is definitely somewhat of a kindred spirit to me. I can be a total raging bitch. I’m moody and argumentative at the best of times. And I have this amazing man that just… deals. The fact that she has the same, and then acknowledges her bitchiness at the end (as I so often do) made me smile. I completely get this type of persona. Which is probably why I’m still wondering if there is another book by Bateman that has a similar lead female.

<- The GauntletMr Sandman ->

Image source: Amazon

Caught by the Tides by Diane Whiteside

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for beyond the dark angela knight book cover

Title: Caught by the Tides
Author: Diane Whiteside
In: Beyond the Dark (Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Emma Holly & Diane Whiteside)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Magic, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 11th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Boom!

Synopsis

Diane Whiteside does it… in an alternate universe of Regency magic where two lovers are threatened by a vicious mage and swept up in a turbulent war off the Cornish cliffs.

Thoughts

I really enjoyed this novella. The historical / regency setting is one that is seriously familiar to me at the moment (I seem to be diving into a lot of regency romances at the moment). But it had that great added twist of magic throughout. Something to provide a bit of a different spin on things that I haven’t quite seen yet. And definitely an enjoyable system / storyline.

There seems to have been a few books on my shelves lately that have featured a mysterious man being washed, naked onto the shore. Alright, the lead male in this isn’t actually naked (that I remember). But there is still that sense of the ocean brining true love to someone’s unwitting door. It gave the whole story a sense of joy and mystery that swept me away (like the pun there?). The windswept Cornish coast just added to that fantastic feeling throughout.

All in all, this was a seriously fun and enjoyable story. I have read one or two novellas (or were they short stories) by Diane Whiteside and always find them to be good fun. I’m glad that this story was not different. Definitely one that I would read again.

<- Dragon DanceQueen of All She Surveys ->

Image source: Amazon

In Dreams by Elissa Wilds

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of paranormal romance 2 book cover

Title: In Dreams
Author: Elissa Wilds
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance
Dates read: 11th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Light flickered off the tourmaline blue waves.

Synopsis

She has been missing her husband. But now, a dream man (literally) has come to make her believe in love again. But, can she find that in reality, or just in her dreams?

Thoughts

This was a bit of a fun play on the ideas of astral travel. It was an easy, fun paranormal romance. I don’t get to read many books in which astral projection was the actual goal…. Normally the books that feature this have it as some kind of fluke.

I loved the dreamscape in this story and how that was used for the two leads to get to know one another. I mean, there are so many moments in our daily lives that act as holdups, so it kind of makes sense. Or at least, it makes sense to me. Dream me is definitely more brave than real me.

Yet, even though the dreamscape is beautiful and surreal. It is the daily life that is returned to. Willingly. I love that the best friend in this keeps on pushing for a sense of normalism and comfort in our daily worlds. And doesn’t try to focus on the dreams of what could be. Ultimately, it’s all about living in the here and now.

<- Zola’s PrideThe Gauntlet ->

Image source: Amazon

Primal Heat by Sherri L. King, Lorie O’Clare, Jaci Burton & Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , , , , , ,
Overview
Primal Heat : Sherri L King : 9781843607403

Title: Primal Heat
Author: Sherri L. King, Lori O’Clare, Jaci Burton & Lora Leigh
In: Primal Heat (Sherri L. King, Lorie O’Clare, Jaci Burton & Lora Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Short story collections, Werewolves
Dates read: 7th February – 4th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Do you understand me?

Synopsis

“Moonlust” by Sherri L King
Series: Moonlust #1
During Brianna’s trip to the Ural Mountains of Russia, a life-threatening accident places her at the mercy of a strange, reclusive man. A man whose secrets and unquenchable hunger will change her life forever…

“Pack Law” by Lorie O’Clare
Series: Lunewulf, #1
Pack law states every female shall have three mates. It’s a necessary action in order to keep the lunewulf breed alive. Sophie Rousseau has just learned who her three mates will be. And one of them is the sexy Nik Alexander who has invaded her dreams since high school. Though Sophie’s nervous about fulfilling pack law, she can’t wait to mate with Nik. Nik has lusted after Sophie, wanted her for his mate and mother of his children. He gets his way, but by pack law, Sophie cannot be his alone. Nik will share her with two other werewolves. But only on his terms.

“Running Mate” by Jaci Burton
Series: Devlin Dynast, #1
Senator Jason Devlin is a man with a secret. A big one that could ruin his political career and his family. He guards his secret closely, allowing no outsiders to penetrate his intimate circle. Kelsey Harper is a reporter itching for an interview with the elusive senator. When a case of mistaken identity lands her in his bed, she gets much more than an interview.

“Wolfe’s Hope” by Lora Leigh
Series: Wolf Breeds , #2
Hope believed Wolfe was dead, but he was only waiting for the right time to claim her. He is a man whose DNA was altered, infused with the genetic code of the wolf. His unique genetic makeup has created a male unlike any other and will make itself known in the most surprising ways. Now Hope must convince her mate she hasn’t betrayed him, and they must defeat the plans of a scientist gone mad.

Thoughts

This was a fun and incredibly lustful collection. There was a lot of intense sexuality throughout this that most definitely put this into my erotic bookshelves. Most certainly not the kind of book that I would comfortably read in front of family members. But definitely one that was good when I wanted to kill a little time by myself…

There is something fun and intriguing about this collection. I only bought it because I love the Breeds series. But I now have another three authors that I’m intrigued by and keen to add to my shelves. Not all to the same degree, I found some of these novellas more to my taste than others. But overall, these were wonderful tastes of some great stories to come…

If you like your paranormal romance a little bit extra erotic and toe curling… then this is a good collection for you. There are stories with multiple partners, bondage, all sorts of different storylines and erotica. That, and they’re all werewolves. Great fun.

<- Wolfe’s HopeMoonlust ->

Image source: BookDepository

Zola’s Pride by Moira Rogers

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of paranormal romance 2 book cover

Title: Zola’s Pride
Author: Moira Rogers
Series: Southern Arcana #2.5
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Dates read: 4th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Morality had slipped from her mother’s grasp along with her sanity.

Synopsis

Zola has a past – one which involved her having to leave the home that she loved. And be betrayed by those she thought she could trust. But when the past comes calling, she might just realise that things aren’t exactly as she thought they were…

Thoughts

I really, really loved this story. I love that there are lion shapeshifters and they are structured around a matriarchal pride. I love that there is SO much backstory that you kind of want to dive straight into the series to see if it has some more information. And I just thoroughly enjoyed the whole premise.

One of the reasons why I loved this so much may also just be the fact that Zola is a teacher of martial arts and runs a school for it. This has always been my happy place / point of interest. And now that I actually do a martial art… anything that mentions it just draws me straight in. Happily, completely and somewhat stupidly at times.

All in all, this was a good, fun and easy short story. It had that great spark and romance. But, what I found I enjoyed most out of it was all of the backstory and the universe which had been created. It made this incredibly difficult to put down and seriously enjoyable to read!

<- CrossroadsDeadlock ->

Image source: Amazon

Dragon Dance by Angela Knight

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for beyond the dark angela knight book cover

Title: Dragon Dance
Author: Angela Knight
In: Beyond the Dark (Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Emma Holly & Diane Whiteside)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Aliens, Paranormal romance, Science fiction
Dates read: 4th May 2021
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: No, I’ll just… I’ll just…

Synopsis

Angela Knight does it… in the psychic realm of a woman attuned to the touch of strangers – and the powerful temptations of a seductive and mysterious protector.

Thoughts

I really, really loved this concept – that random people get powers and are called hypers. And that the source of these powers is aliens… I love how Knight’s novellas are able to take a concept that you kind of expect… and change it into a really unique SciFi spin!

Arial and Josiah are a great couple. I thought that they were seriously cute from the very beginning. And I definitely was routing for them from the very beginning. I also love the way that Josiah is trying to keep celibate (and the reasons for why). And how Arial just steadily and happily makes him give it all up… it’s a fun storyline. Or at least, my happy little brain finds it fun.

But, mostly I love how these characters with superpowers have managed to find a way to coexist and find their happily ever afters. I can completely imagine Arial and Josiah and Psych running off into the future fighting more bad guys and making more sense of the incredibly unique world that Knight has managed to create.

<- Beyond the DarkCaught by the Tides ->

Image source: Amazon

Wolfe’s Hope by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Primal Heat : Sherri L King : 9781843607403

Title: Wolfe’s Hope
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Breeds #8.5
In: Primal Heat (Sherri L. King, Lorie O’Clare, Jaci Burton & Lora Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense
Dates read: 4th May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: She shivered around the hard protrusion once again.

Synopsis

Hope believed Wolfe was dead, but he was only waiting for the right time to claim her. He is a man whose DNA was altered, infused with the genetic code of the wolf. His unique genetic makeup has created a male unlike any other and will make itself known in the most surprising ways. Now Hope must convince her mate she hasn’t betrayed him, and they must defeat the plans of a scientist gone mad.

Thoughts

This set up the next little patch of Breeds stories really well. The wolf breeds and how they escaped the horrifying and evil labs in which they were created. The fact that it also features an evil scientists daughter… well, that worked quite happily for me. Overall, it was a pretty simple novella that didn’t necessarily have a lot going on adventure wise, but most certainly set up a new Breeds “family”.

I love how some of the Breeds novels have in their name both of the lead characters names. It helps you pick up who you’re routing for from the very beginning. And it just generally creates a fun naming system that I wasn’t quite expecting. But it was most certainly something that I very much enjoyed.

Wolfe is honestly kind of a dick in this story. He’s a bit painful to read for most of it to be honest. But when he has that sense of realisation about just how deeply he messed up… he’s still a dick. But at least he understood just how. And you know, at the end of the story, there was a bit of redemption in the evil bitch getting killed…

<- Tanner’s SchemeJacob’s Faith ->

Image source: BookDepository

Tanner’s Scheme by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Tanner's Scheme : Lora Leigh : 9780425216613

Title: Tanner’s Scheme
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Breeds #8
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense
Dates read: 28th April – 2nd May 2021
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: And it wasn’t a comforting sight.

Synopsis

The author of Megan’s Mark and Harmony’s Way delivers a new novel set in an alternate world where genetically altered Breeds and the humans who created them sometimes come together in the fiercest of passions…

A one-time high-ranking member of the Genetics Council, Sceme Tallant’s father will stop at nothing to see the Feline Breeds eradicated. Even if it means killing his own daughter…

After the Breeds’ main base is attacked, Tanner Reynolds desires revenge – and knows just how to get it. In a bold move, he kidnaps Scheme Tallant and takes her deep into the Kentucky mountains. Yet when Tanner discovers that Scheme herself is a target of her father’s ruthless mission, his vengeance must take a backseat to saving the life of the woman he hopes to claim as his mate. But can Scheme trust Tanner – or is she just a pawn of his passion and ploys?

Thoughts

Every time I pick up a Breeds novel, I remember why I love this series so much. Don’t get me wrong, in some moments I’m a bit like… nope. I’m not really into that level of dominance in the bedroom. But it’s definitely fun to read about. The fact that the series has continued to develop into a much greater, more intense storyline… that just makes it even more difficult to put down.

Tanner is a great lead. He is kind of humorous and definitely intriguing from the very beginning. The fact that he kidnaps his mate and doesn’t even realise that he’s managed to find her… that kind of had me grinning multiple times throughout. I mean, some people can be a little dense, but this just takes the cake.

Scheme’s backstory was actually, surprisingly more tragic than that of Tanner. Normally it’s the Breed with the tragic backstory. But that most certainly wasn’t the case in this story. Scheme suffers in a way that made my heart ache and break a little bit throughout. It made me want to reach through the pages and give her a huge hug (although, honestly, when don’t I want to do this for my favourite characters?).

All in all, I seriously enjoyed this story. It was a great look into the politics that are boiling in the Breeds world and the things that are at stake. I love that this romantic suspense series has prejudice and a silent war, but also spies and double agents. That there is so much going on in every moment that you just can’t look away and forget about what is going on! Completely amazing, and a lot of fun.

<- Harmony’s WayWolfe’s Hope ->

Image source: Bookdepository

Harmony’s Way by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Harmony's Way: A Novel of the Breeds: Book 8: A Novel of Paranormal Passion: Leigh, Lora: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Harmony’s Way
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Breeds #7
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense
Dates read: 27th – 28th April 2021
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: “Leave.”

Synopsis

Sink your fangs into Lora Leigh’s series about genetically alered humans with feline DNA. When the Breeds desire the passions of the flesh, they can’t help but get frisky…

Harmony Lancaster is of the Lion Breed, created to be a huntress with a thirst to kill. But the way she seeks justice outside of the law makes her a liability to her own kind. Yet she also possesses information that they need on the existence of the first Leo – who holds the precious secrets of desire.

To save her life, Harmony is paired with Sheriff Lance Jacobs, who tries to tame the killer within her, while protecting the gentle woman he longs to possess. But a dangerous cult leader, bent on destroying the Breeds, could change the way Lance looks at Harmony forever…

Thoughts

Each and every time I pick up a Breeds book, I’m completely hooked. Not only is the intense lust and sexuality of it just… spine tingling. But there is also that great character building, functioning of relationships. And, ultimately, the greater conspiracies and plot lines. The one where you are constantly hoping that this minority will find their happily ever after. But not really believing that it’s going to happen…

Megan’s cousin in Megan’s Mark was definitely a guy that I wanted to get to know a little better. Which left me very, ridiculously happy when he came to the forefront in this book. The fact that he can talk to the winds and has Native American ancestry… I just found that all that much more intriguing. I wasn’t really expecting who he ended up partnered with. But I loved her just as much.

Harmony’s journey most definitely made me tear up a little bit and clutch at my heart. It was seriously heartbreaking. But yet, brilliantly done. Maybe not as heartbreaking as Sherra’s story, and I’m sure not as bad as Dawn’s is going to be… but it was still brutal and horrifying. Yet, the way that Lance helps her and brings the beautiful Death into the light… oh, be still my beating heart.

This is that point in the series when things are getting way more complex and intense. That the characters are getting further and further in over their heads and you can’t help but pick up the next book. Which is exactly what I did… I want to know more about what’s going to happen to the Breeds as a whole. Although, unlike other similar series (Psy-Changeling for example), there is a little less connectivity between the characters. And I’m honestly starting to lose track a little of who’s who and how they all connect… looks like this will be a future reread series…

<- Megan’s MarkTanner’s Scheme ->

Image source: Amazon

Grave Dance by Kalayna Price

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Grave Dance (Alex Craft, #2) by Kalayna Price

Title: Grave Dance
Author: Kalayna Price
Series: Alex Craft #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Ghosts, Grim reapers, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 16th – 26th April 2021
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Roc
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Small, large, winged, floral, too-many limbed, too-few – they were a dizzying display rarely seen on the streets.

Synopsis

Whoever said dead men tell no tales obviously never met Alex Craft…

After a month spent recovering from a vicious fight with a sorcerer, grave witch Alex Craft is ready to get back to solving murders by raising the dead. With her love life in turmoil, thanks to the disappearance of Fae Investigation Bureau agent Falin Andrews and a shocking “L”-word confession from death himself, Alex is eager for the distractions of work. But her new case turns out to be a deadly challenge.

The police hire Alex to consult on a particularly strange investigation in the nature preserve south of Nekros City. The strange part: There are no corpses – only fragments of them. A serial killer is potentially on the loose, and Alex has no way to raise a shade without a body, so she’ll have to rely on the magic of others to find leads. But as she begins investigating, a creature born of the darkest magic comes after her. Someone very powerful wants to make sure the only thing she finds is a dead end – her own.

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I read these novels… I love them each and every time. This read through was absolutely no different. It was fun and quirky and just an impossible to put down journal. I love Price’s writing and find myself irrevocably drawn in each and every time. It helps that I notice different parts of the storyline with each reading…

Alex seems to just keep getting herself further and further into trouble everytime I pick up one of her stories. I can’t wait to see what more trouble she gets into (I’ve only ever read up to Grave Memory before). She seems to be one of those characters that blunders into problem after problem, unable to quite stop herself. Which, of course, makes it a fun and entertaining adventure to be on with her. And seriously, very exciting. One of my favourite fast-paced books on my shelves.

I’d like to say that the love triangle in this story is getting far more complex. But, really, it’s not a triangle… it’s some kind of weird, squiggly line. But ultimately, Alex keeps finding herself stuck between two amazing guys. Honestly, I want her to end up with Death. But I’m actually not entirely sure that she will. Some series, it is easy to see who the final love interest will be. But in this one… I have no damn clue. And I love that fact. Aside from the fae politics, her ancestry and all sorts, it’s the love squiggly that makes me want to keep diving headfirst into this series.

Not only is this an amazing, kind of fast-paced story, it’s also one that is perfectly setting up many future battles and complications for the characters. It’s bringing all of the complexities of the fae courts into the complexities of attraction, debts, friendship, cops… there is so much groundwork being laid and it makes this story all that much more intriguing.

<- Grave WitchRuby Red ->

Image source: Goodreads