Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

At Second Bite by Michelle Rowen

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

Title: At Second Bite
Author: Michelle Rowen
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 17th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Unless it was self-defence.

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Synopsis

She just wants to go home and curl up on the couch. But then a man walks in and tells her that she is his long-lost soulmate… resurrected. And then she meets his brother… things are about to get very interesting.

Thoughts

This story literally made me laugh out loud. It woke my dog up because he couldn’t figure why I was making weird, random noises. Occasionally I’ll giggle a little bit at whatever I’m reading. But an outright guffaw? Not something I tend to do very frequently at all. And when I’m reading a short story? Never. I just don’t get drawn in quick enough to justify an outright laugh. Until I read this story obviously. Maybe it was being overtired, but I choose to think that there was just enough of a dry humour moment in it to have me giggling.

Although I do believe in soul mates, I love that the lead female in this has zero belief whatsoever. It makes it even better when a vampire is trying to convince her that she’s the reincarnation of his own long-lost love… it just makes this story even more humorous. A story all about finding your soul mate… when the woman in question doesn’t even believe in the idea. A beautiful, fun little paradox there.

I seem to be picking up on ideas of karma quite a bit in the stories I’ve been reading lately. But I actually enjoyed the karma in this a little bit more than I expected. Especially when you find out what the bad woman has been reincarnated as… not sure how that works into the ideas of soul mates… but it was certainly entertaining!

 <- The Princess and the Peas ReviewBlue Crush Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Princess and the Peas by Alyssa Day

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

Title: The Princess and the Peas
Author: Alyssa Day
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 13th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Rhys’ niece gasped.

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Synopsis

A spoilt princess is about to run a test on the visiting fae… one that could potentially cost her life and the existence of a treaty.

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this take on The Princess and the Pea. I have no idea where the original story is from, but I might actually prefer this version of the fairy tale. It’s a little bit more gutsy, and considering the fact that I tend to find princesses in fairy tales mostly tedious, I loved that the spoilt princess in this completely got her comeuppance in the end.

One of the parts of this story that I enjoyed the most was the fact that it incorporated the fae into the storyline. I’m always a fan of any story involving the fae. Especially when it sticks to the more traditional ideas of them being incredibly dangerous and quite difficult to deal with. Partner this with a Lady’s Maid who has independence, strength and a moral compass of her own… well, of course I fell in love. This does tend to be a fairly typical trend with Day’s writings though.

The main message in this story – karma’s a bitch. And if you’re a bitch, karma is definitely going to get you. If you’re good, then you’ll get a good ending. Especially if you somehow have a tie to the fae courts…

 <- Blood Song ReviewAt Second Bite Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Hunt by Susan Sizemore

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the hunt susan sizemore

Title: The Hunt
Author: Susan Sizemore
Series: Laws of the Blood #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 1st – 9th December 2019
Pace: Slo
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace
Year: 1999
5th sentence, 74th page: Siri lived and worked in a stately old house in Pasadena.

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Synopsis

They are Enforcers. An elite group of vampires who must serve and protect their secret community – and uphold the…
LAWS OF THE BLOOD

In Los Angeles, the Enforcer Selim has been called upon to approve a hunt. Much time has passed since the vampires of the city have last tasted fresh blood, and they are clamouring for the kill. It’s Selim’s job to keep them under control – and there are those who resent his authority.

He must not waver or show weakness when he gives the Law – his life and the life of his mortal love, Siri, depend on his strength. But a whispered rumour is distracting him, a rumour of betrayal, of a violation of the most sacred of the Laws: II Never reveal the truth about your own kind…

Thoughts

It took me a lot longer to get into this “romance” than most of the others on my list. Normally I get completely drawn into a paranormal romance and only take a while to read it because I’ve been busy. This, I kept picking up and then dropping back down again. It just took a little longer to really understand what was going on. And the romance was much lighter than most of the other books I have on the same shelf. Having said that, once I hit the halfway point and understood a little more of how things were interrelated… then I just absorbed it like no tomorrow.

This novel felt more like a setup to a greater battle. It was a great story by itself, but something about it felt like there was a conspiracy, battle and eventual future that was going to be far more enthralling as the series develops. Kind of like a beginning novel that helps to create the world and the future challenges that are going to come up for this vampire race.

Have most definitely decided that Selim might be one of the stupidest men ever in a romance novel. Like, epically stupid. He’s married to the damn woman! Yet, he constantly pushes her away because she’ll eventually turn and become untouchable… like seriously dude? Time is short, no matter what the end point is. So stop being a freaking moron and find a way to enjoy the time you have with your love! I actually yelled at him, out loud, a few times as I was reading this.

I’m still a little hazy on the “laws” which are touted throughout this book. Yet, there is enough of an introduction that I’m intrigued and can’t wait to find out more. Especially since the winds of change seem to be on the go.

 <- Blood 2 Blood ReviewPartners Review ->

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Blood Magic by Eileen Wilks

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover blood magic eileen wilks

Title: Blood Magic
Author: Eileen Wilks
Series: World of the Lupi #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Animagus, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 25th November – 8th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Cullen makes people mad all the time, but mad enough to stick a knife in him at his baby party…

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Synopsis

As they plan their wedding, Lily Yu and Rule Turner, a prince of the lup, are facing a great deal of tension from both their families. Not everyone can accept their mixed marriage: she’s Chinese; he’s a werewolf. Even Lily’s grandmother is acting strangely distant, though Lily and Rule are about to discover that her behavior has nothing to do with thier upcoming nuptials.

A powerful, undying nemesis has come to San Diego to exact vengeance on Lily’s family – and turn the city into a feeding ground. it’s up to Lily and Rule to stop her, in spite of ancient treaties and an inheritance passed down through the blood. Otherwise San Diego could go up in flames, and they won’t live to make it to the altar…

Thoughts

It’s been a while since I’ve visited the World of the Lupi. And, after reading this, I’m kind of wondering why it’s actually taken me this long. Now I can’t wait to get into Blood Challenge. Especially since we finally find out a little bit more about Lily’s heritage… after battling all of the demons in Rule’s world, it’s nice to battle those in Lily’s world.

I absolutely adore Lily’s grandmother. She is hilariously in control of her family, and a total enigma. Definitely the kind of character that I seriously enjoy. Finding out more about not only her past, but where she got some of her insane powers from was really fun. it gave her so much more depth. But then again, it’s always fun to find out a little bit more about the history of a favourite character. It was like reading two stories at once!

The sixth book in this series finally helps to answer a few questions. It ties up some loose ends in, in particularly Lily and her family’s history. But it also raises so many more mysteries! Which of course, makes me want to start Blood Challenge all that much more. However, I want to finish the currently reading books before the end of the year… not continue to add to the list.

As with all of the World of the Lupi books, this was a seriously awesome and intense story. The kind that I will love reading again and again. There is a reason that this is one of my top series… there is a bit of romance, a lot of action and a really strong, independent woman at the helm. All the ingredients for my favourite kind of story.

<- Human NatureBlood Challenge ->

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Blood Song by Lynda Hilburn

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

Title: Blood Song
Author: Lynda Hilburn
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Music, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 6th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: What the hell, Ethan?

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Synopsis

Ethan has roamed this earth, cursed for decades. Yet, when he accidentally stops a woman from being attacked, her song could change everything. If only he lets it.

Thoughts

The idea of healing someone through music and sound was a really fantastic idea. Weaving through this ideas of vampirism and the lore that tends to be associated with that was just that much better. Something about the story and the blending of some very unique ideas drew me in happily, completely and perfectly. It was just such a great idea. And I’m really disappointed that it was only a few pages (which tends to be a bit of a trend with me anyway).

I love that vampirism is something that can be “cured”. It’s not an idea that I come across very frequently. Normally the stories I read about vampirism make them out to be some superpowered human-types. I liked that this took a darker, more traditional take on this supernatural beast. It was a refreshing change.

My favourite message in this entire short story was the idea that to become different you have to want to be different. You can’t be cured without wanting to be. It’s quite a powerful little message there and one that I myself believe in strongly… so it was nice to read a story that also emphasised this.

 <- The Lighthouse Keeper and His Wife ReviewThe Princess and the Peas Review ->
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The Lighthouse Keeper and His Wife by Sara Mackenzie

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

Title: The Lighthouse Keeper and His Wife
Author: Sara Mackenzie
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Time travel
Dates read: 3rd December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Zek didn’t disillusion her.

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Synopsis

Zek gave up his life and the lives of hundreds to save his wife. Now, he’s been bought back for a second chance. Will they get their happily ever after?

Thoughts

It took me a little while to get into this story. There was just something a bit “meh” about the beginning of this. But, then, after a few pages… something about the tone just flipped and I was hooked. Completely, happily and smilingly pulled in.

I like the combination of old gods and a new goddess (her name is never mentioned, which is really beside the point). Mostly, Neptune is just a huge douche nugget and liar face. Which works quite well into the storyline. It puts the humans in this firmly on the side of good and creates a story which has it’s nice, neat, happily ever after.

The Lighthouse Keeper and His Wife has a great righting the wrongs of the past in this. Second chances always make a great story, and using time travel to provide this. Not only for true love, but to save hundreds of lives… it was quite sweet.

 <- When Gargoyles Fly ReviewBlood Song Review ->
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A Hard Day’s Night-Searcher by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for my big fat supernatural wedding book cover

Title: A Hard Day’s Night-Searcher
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Series: Dark Hunter #9.5
In: My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 29th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: Celena knew she was breaking the rule, but Rafael didn’t have to know it.

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Synopsis

His squire has published a story all about… well, him. But, the punishment and the punisher might just be what the doctor ordered. It’s bought Celena to his doorstep and into his home.

Thoughts

This is the second to last short story in a collection of tales about weddings. I spent most of the story wondering where the wedding in the story was. After all, it starts with the couple trying to seduce (and avoid being seduced). Not that much about marriage. And there were no invitations to a marriage either. Actually, it started with the squire of the vampire-esque creature being a total moron.

Actually, Jeff is more than a total moron. He is painfully, ridiculously stupid. Not like a little off-kilter and doesn’t necessarily think things through. Holy crap stupid. Like, almost gets himself and everyone else killed stupid. Which of course made me kind of love him. In that, I want to kill you way… there is just something hilariously brilliant about someone who is that truly dumb.

Reading this reminds me why I love Kenyon’s writing (the little I’ve read so far) and why I have six of her books already sitting on my shelves, ready to go. I’m seriously hoping that the premise created in this story could be part of a larger series. There is something fun about the world created that is fun and had me smiling all the way through.

 <- Tacky Review“…Or Forever Hold Your Peace” Review ->
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When Gargoyles Fly by Lori Devoti

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

Title: When Gargoyles Fly
Author: Lori Devoti
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Gargoyles, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 27th November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Her hands were wrapped around his neck, her cheek pressed against his chest.

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Synopsis

She wants to carve a beautiful gargoyle like the one she comes across everyday. But, when she’s pushed off the building and the gargoyle she bought to life saves her, all bets are off.

Thoughts

This is my first ever gargoyle story. Which is intensely exciting, because I got to create a new bookshelf in my shelves. I spent most of the time thinking about the funny gargoyle sidekicks in The Hunchback of Notre Dame though… which, considering this was a fairly serious gargoyle. And apparently a sexy one… the images in my head really didn’t suit this story.

I’m a big believer in the idea that everything has a “soul” or spirit. Something that vibrates at a frequency and connects all of us. Although I don’t feel a huge connection with stone, I do think that it does have some kind of life in it. This short story reflects that idea. It was kind of brilliant how it worked. And the idea that a woman / artist was able to somehow bring this to life…intriguing. Actually, I found the artistic side of this story so much more romantic than the actual romance side of it.

This is not my favourite romance in this collection so far. Which was surprising… it started out with so much promise! But there was something just a little… meh about the story. Mord just let the woman he loves roam around and get put into a crazy asylum… not my favourite way to deal with a romantic story, and no fun, powerful message behind it. He was just stupid.

 <- Pack ReviewThe Lighthouse Keeper and His Wife Review ->
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Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover burn for me

Title: Burn For Me
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy #1, Nevada Baylor Trilogy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Strong women
Dates read: 24th – 26th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Reginald works for me.

Synopsis

Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career – a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile situation. Nevada isn’t sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.

Then she’s kidnapped by Connor “Mad” Rogan – a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run and wanting to surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.

Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.

Thoughts

This isn’t an intensely overboard romance, but there is enough fire and spice to make it impossible to put down. That perfect balance for when you want something a little gooey, but not overboard like some of the other romances on my shelves. Actually, the end doesn’t even end as a happily ever after, ride off into the sunset thing. Which was perfect, because now I can’t wait to read the next book and see if they get together in that.

I am completely in love with Nevada. She’s tough and independent and her powers are triggered by her protective instincts. There is just something about the combination that is impossible not to love. However, I’m pretty much guaranteed to love any character that Andrews creates – there is just something all-consuming about the female leads that are created in their works. The men are also awesome, and I enjoyed Rogan… but Nevada is amazing. My favourite female lead of the month.

Most romancey books that I read, it’s fairly obvious that the male is attracted to the female from the beginning. And by the end he’s in love. That doesn’t really happen in this, and I’m still not sure if he’s flipped the switch to actually being in love yet… but I’m sure he eventually will. I also can’t figure out if he’s exactly what Nevada believes he is, or if he’s just very, very good at hiding that side of himself. Like I said, I can’t wait to dig into White Hot.

I’m pretty sure that a future bombshell that is going to be dropped is that Nevada is a Prime. There is a bit of mystery to peoples’ responses to her that hints at some kind of big reveal later in the series. And I’m fairly certain that that is it… which of course, just makes me THAT MUCH MORE keen to read the next damn novel… but I’m trying to get through my massive TBR first.

<- More Ilona AndrewsWhite Hot ->

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Killing Moon by Rebecca York

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover killing moon rebecca york

Title: Killing Moon
Author: Rebecca York
Series: Moon #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Werewolves
Dates read: 9th – 24th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: I got all comforts of home out here.

Synopsis

In the woods, a killer waits, surrounded by the graves of his victims, anticipating his next kill. In the woods, a wolf stalks its prey, surrendering only to the laws of nature, not of man…

Private investigator Ross Marshall has a special talent for tracking – a talent that has helped him locate missing persons when the police’s trail has gone cold. Now his current case has led him to a body buried in an isolated rural area – and a serial killer who is looking for a new victim. But while gathering evidence for the police, something goes very wrong…

The last thing genetic researcher Megan Sheridan expected was to discover her client shot and unconscious. Ross Marshall had requested her lab to run genetic tests on him, but instead of taking a blood sample, Megan found herself tending his wounds. Although frightened by the secrets she knows he is hiding, Megan is compelled to him by a force she can’t explain – or resist. Ross tries to deny the ancient instincts clamouring for him to take Megan as his mate, for to do so would sentence her to a lifetime of sorrow. But now Ross has an even more urgent reason to stay away from Megan: The killer that he’d been hunting has turned the tables – and is now hunting him…

Thoughts

This book was amazing! Which I kind of thought it would be, since I enjoyed the novella in this series so much… what I wasn’t expecting was to walk around for a few days feeling like I just had to get my nose back into this book. That there was no way I could pause and not read it because I really, really wanted to know what happened next. I did exercise self-control and spread this over a few days… just so I could actually pretend to be an adult.

I have my bookshelves sorted into genre… and I’m still not sure where to sit this book. It is currently in paranormal romance, but I feel like it could sit in the romantic suspense section. I’ll probably just have to read the next few books in this series to determine where to put it… not a difficult thing to do at all.

Megan and Ross are a fantastic couple to feature in a romance. They both fight the pull (and who hasn’t?), and then, when they finally do decide to give in… they end up constantly putting themselves into horrible positions just so that the other one can be happy. Or, at least, they tend to stupidly make decisions which then lead to more upset and discord, just because they think that they’re doing the “right thing”. Stupid, annoying and, ultimately, made it incredibly fun to read.

I don’t have the pleasure of often reading books which feature a scientist. But, since I’m within that field, it’s something that I love. Especially when it’s the woman who is the scientist, not the man. There was something fun about the intersection between genetics, murder and mystery that plays against the romance in this story. Definitely one that I will keep reaching for again and again and again.

 <- More Rebecca YorkEdge of the Moon ->

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