Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

Pack by Jeaniene Frost

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

Title: Pack
Author: Jeaniene Frost
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: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Werewolves
Dates read: 23rd November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: In short, he looked like your typical Yellowstone tourist, not the leader of a secret pack of monsters.

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Synopsis

All she wanted to do was go for a nice, long hike in the mountains. Instead she’s attacked by a werewolf, taken as hostage and quarantined with a man that is just far too tempting for her sanity.

Thoughts

As with all of Jeaniene Frost’s stories so far, I absolutely adored this story. She has a way of writing that combines strong women with difficult situations and a heavy dose of romantic lust that always leaves me with a huge smile on my face. There is just something about this writing that is a poignant reminder of why Frost is one of my favourite writers.

Yet, it’s not all sunshine and roses (again, why I like Frost’s writing)… there is a harsh beginning as the lead female is turned against her will and attacked. A sense of trying to find out who she is in a new world and re figure out how to exist. Many of the paranormal romances I read feature a turning that is unwilling and unwanted. Something which would be dreadful. This still follows that trend (and I kind of expect it from most, because who would really want to be a monster?), but it gives a much happier ending. One that isn’t too sappy either.

This short story, as much as it’s a romance, is all about choice. She gets to choose how to live, there is punishment because her choice is taken from her and the two love interests eventually choose to be together. In fact, the biggest divider for them is the fact that originally she is choosing not to succumb to their attraction…

 <- Pele’s Tears ReviewWhen Gargoyles Fly Review ->
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Pele’s Tears by Catherine Mulvany

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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Title: Pele’s Tears
Author: Catherine Mulvany
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 16th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: She upended the box, staring in despair at battered copies of National Geographic and Scientific American.

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Synopsis

She’s the girl that he fell in love with. And he’s the PI she’s hired to find out what happened to her Grandmother. Will Pele’s Tears give them their happily ever after?

Thoughts

I love that this paranormal romance is partly set in Hawaii. It’s not a common setting for most of the stories that I read…and not only did I love the change, but I also haven’t had the pleasure of being there myself, so it bought to life one of the destinations on my bucket list.

Everyone has that “what if” person in their lives. That person they spend their whole time wondering what would have happened “if”. For some of us, this “what if” isn’t really bittersweet or one that we linger on. Or at least, for me, it certainly isn’t. Yet, this short story is such a tale. Not only is it a “what if” for the current generation in the story, but it’s also one for her grandmother.

Stories of the old gods and goddesses always draw me in completely. The fact that this goddess is all about giving someone a final few days with the love of her life and fixing up things so that the future is better… well, I can understand the sacrifice of Pele’s Tears…

 <- Night Vision ReviewPack Review ->
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The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 edited by Trisha Telep

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Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of vampire romance 2 book cover

Title: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2: Love Bites
Author: Trisha Telep, Jordan Summers, Deborah Cooke, Karen MacInerney, Caitlin Kittredge, Dina James, Camille Bacon-Smith, Rosemary Laurey, Patti O’Shea, Angie Fox, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Jamie Leigh Hansen, Carole Nelson Douglas, Diane Whiteside, Jaye Wells, Stacia Kane, Jennifer Ashley, Justine Musk, Jennifer St Giles, Dawn Cook, Nancy Holder, Larissa Ione, Jeanne C. Stein, Tiffany Trent, Ann Aguirre & Devon Monk
Series: Mammoth Books
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Short story collections, Vampires
Dates read: 22nd March – 9th November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Le Cirque de la Nuit.

Synopsis

From the biggest names in vampire romance, 25 tales of a hunger like no other.

Bloodthirsty new vampire romance, including thrilling new stories from bestselling and award-winning authors aush as Jordan Summers, Jaye Wells, Larissa Ione, Jeanne C. Stein and Deborah Cooke. You’ll encounter gothic romance and gritty contemporary tales of urban vampire love, from stand-alone short stories to well-loved (and feared) characters from established series.

Ruthless but tortured, gifted with paranormal sensitivity and sexually mesmerizing, vampires show they can be gentle and caring, too.

Forget the everyday world. Forget the rules. Succumb to a different kind of love.

Thoughts

I really think that Twilight kind of ruined the idea of vampires for me. And vampires with romance… it’s something that I’ve taken forever to truly get into. And even now, with this collection, I thoroughly enjoyed it in short bursts. Some of these stories were absolutely amazing. Many others weren’t. And some sat nicely in the middle. Which mostly just made this collection, fun, easy and a great break from reality late at night when I was no longer able to concentrate.

Having said that, the introduction sounds kind of pessimistic. That’s not the case with this book. It’s definitely an anthology that I would suggest to others. And one that I think people would thoroughly enjoy. I’ll probably even read it again in the future – just take my sweet time about it to space out the vampire overload.

As with all of the other Mammoth Books that I’ve read so far, I found this a great introduction to authors. Both new ones, and a reminder that I need to add some previously read authors to my wishlist too. I just need to magically find more money to actually purchase everything that has been added into my list.

<- Untitled 12Paris After Dark ->

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Iron and Hemlock by Autumn Dawn

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
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Title: Iron and Hemlock
Author: Autumn Dawn
In: The Mammoth Book of Time Travel Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Griffins, Paranormal romance, Time travel
Dates read: 9th November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Jordan lowered her head and muttered something non-committal.

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Synopsis

Jordan has been thrust into the past. But it’s not the past that we remember… there’s griffins, fae and a magical house. Will she find true love or head back to a lonely future?

Thoughts

I read this short story really late at night. After a few wines and fighting the effects of insomnia. I tend to write notes as I go to make it much easier to recall my thoughts when I write reviews. But, since this was on a sleep-deprived alcohol fuelled moment. I thought instead of writing my traditional review, I’d share my very excitable notes instead…

  • Time travel, but to a magic land? Whaaaaa??
  • There’s a talking griffin. Who is actually a man.
  • Oooooooooh, she travelled BACK in time – but magic. Still magic.
  • Love a good, stubborn woman mixed up with the fae!!!
  • Griffin’s ancestor becomes house!!! Yaaaaassssssss Queen!
  • Love that she’s resistant to his immediate overtures. But true love wins!!!
  • 😊 😊 😊 😊 😊…
 <- The Troll Bridge ReviewLast Thorsday Night Review ->
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Skein of Sunlight by Devon Monk

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

Title: Skein of Sunlight
Author: Devon Monk
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 9th November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Maddie still crouched, set herself, feet strong beneath her, shoulder forwards, knitting needles in her hand, ready for the impact.

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Synopsis

Maddie has survived a lot and come out on the other side with a strong sense of self. But all she really wants to do is find her perfect shop and immerse herself in the world of yarn. A chance meeting might just be the answer to all of her dreams. Or her death, one can never be really sure with vampires involved.

Thoughts

One of the few things that my mother and I share in common is a love of craft. I’m not quite as obsessive as she is. But I do share the obsession and fascination in the ways in which a simple piece of yarn can be turned into a beautiful jumper or scarf. A piece of clothing or decoration. The possibilities when you walk into a yarn shop are endless. Add to that a vampire story, and you also have an eternity in which these possibilities can occur.

I’ve been really enjoying the few Devon Monk stories that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Which meant that it was really nice to end my reading of The Mammoth Book of Vampire Stories 2 with a story by such a well-loved author. Actually, it makes me want to pick up yet another one of her books and sink my teeth into it… I’m trying for a little self-control right now since I’m currently reading 25 books… but the temptation is seriously niggling.

Although this story is about yarn, it’s also about that part of growing older. When the shiney sheen of hope and life have started to wear and you look at the world around you with a more jaded point of view, but one that tends to be a little better balanced. And, it gives a great opening for a happily ever after that you can walk into with your eyes wide open.

 <- Circle Unbroken ReviewThe Mammoth Book of Vampire Stories by Women Review ->
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Mate Set by Laurann Dohner

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover mate set laurann dohner

Title: Mate Set
Author: Laurann Dohner
Series: Mating Heat #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Werewolves
Dates read: 8th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Mika sighed and dropped her own.

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Synopsis

It’s werewolf mating season. All the males are in heat and the driving, sexual lust of their beasts is almost uncontrollable. Mika is human, in an alley, surrounded by four horny werewolves. She knows she’s in deep shit. A tall, handsome werewolf rescues her then demands payment. Hot, sweaty, intimate payment. Grady is a half breed whose human mother abandoned him to his werewolf father, so he knows human women just aren’t safe to fall in love with. The wolf within him wants Mika as his mate, but Grady will not give in. Never. Ever. He’s willing to fight his emotions and his beast, no matter how much sexy Mika tempts him. But neither of them expected her Uncle Omar to assign Grady to protect her from other males—24/7, in her home, sleeping just down the hall. Mika decides to make the best of her vacation and keep the hot wolf in her bed. Grady can’t resist the scorching sex, but he is determined to resist the bond.

Thoughts

The night that I read this I had some serious insomnia. Which was annoying… but on a positive note, I spent that time reading this very fun, cute and kind of lustful novel. Mostly because it was on my ereader and I didn’t want to keep my partner up throughout the night… and boy am I glad that I spontaneously decided to read this… I absolutely adored it and just couldn’t put it down!!!

If you’re planning on reading this, as a bit of a warning – there is a potential rape scene. A close call that is intensely uncomfortable and not for those that can be triggered by such an event. However, it is fleeting, in the beginning and afterwards, makes an incredibly comfortable and fun journey. One that I can’t imagine not having read now that I’ve finished it. Having said that, in this trigger scene, I did reach out for my very big, stocky, protective dog and pull him in close…

As with a lot of the romances that I read, this story featured a woman who is the submissive character in the partnership. Not really a position that I take myself, but one that does tend to work in paranormal romance stories. However, Mika is able to still find a way to stick up for herself. She is able to call Grady on his bullshit and find a way to keep her sense of self, even as she falls head over heels for a guy she’s convinced she can never have.

One of the most common tropes of a paranormal romance (and yes, this book fits a lot of them, but it’s still great), is one or both of the romantic leads stuffing it up in some way or another. Grady does this fantastically in this story. In such a way that made me scream moron and then laugh, because hey, it was late at night and he was kind of cute in his moron-cy. Actually, most of his actions were kind of that typical male inability to remember how communication actually works…

 <- Mating Brand ReviewHis Purrfect Mate Review ->

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Night Vision by Maria V. Snyder

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

Title: Night Vision
Author: Maria V. Snyder
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: Family,  Paranormal romance
Dates read: 6th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Sure enough, light gleamed from the windows despite the late hour.

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Synopsis

Sophia has been a recluse for most of her life. For good reason – she’s a Light Bender. But, when a chance run in has her involved with an intriguing government agent… she might just have to readjust all of her priorities in life.

Thoughts

Absolutely loved the idea of a “Light Bender” that was the core paranormal stake in this story. It was a completely unique take on a paranormal being. And one that I found more relatable and plausible than many of the paranormal beings I read about (at least the light sensitivity and ability to see in the dark anyway).

I love that this story features two really strong familial ties. Firstly, the man in this story is after the kidnappers of his sister. He risks everything to save her, and isn’t able to accept her powers until he meets Sophia. Then there’s Sophia – her father literally gave up everything to keep her safe and protect her from the horrors of the night. Both men will do anything for their families. And this was just such a beautiful theme throughout.

This isn’t a smutty, intense romance – it’s something simple and sweet. It takes a while for the romance part of the story to set in, and even then, it is secondary to the main plot line. Something that I thoroughly enjoyed. Since, after all, most of the time romance takes a backstory to our daily lives too.

 <- Once a Demon ReviewPele’s Tears Review ->
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Circle Unbroken by Ann Aguirre

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

Title: Circle Unbroken
Author: Ann Aguirre
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 6th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Cyrus would be delighted to escort you.

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Synopsis

She’s the leader of her people and has to find a Chosen to sustain her long, long life. But, her latest Chosen seems to have cast a spell on her. One that even she may not be able to resist.

Thoughts

I’ve always imagined reincarnation as a bit of a circle – alright, in my head it’s a seriously squiggly, knotted line. But, it joins up at either end in a never ending loop, so it’s kind of like a circle. Which means that a story in which this rebirth has been interrupted… it was kind of quickly going to pull me in.

At first I didn’t understand how this story was actually a romance. It mostly explored the horribleness of obsessive love. Not just for the focus of such an obsession. But also for the person who is feeling that obsession. I might be in love, but if I felt that way…I’d fight it just like the man in this story. the all-consuming, terrifying passion that is felt is not comfortable, not okay and seriously awkward.

This story was really about the circle of soul mates and lovers. About giving up everything for the one that you love and finding a way to make your own happily ever after. Even if you are a vampire who has to take a new lover frequently to slake the thirst…

<- The Vampire, the Witch and the Yenko ReviewSkein of Sunlight Review ->
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Once a Demon by Dina James

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

Title: Once a Demon
Author: Dina James
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: Demons, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 31st October 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: She made a wonderful effort to pronounce it, and asked if she could shorten it to simply ‘Kail’.

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Synopsis

Katrina has decided that Kyle needs a good friend. With the help of her husband, she lures this reclusive vampire into their home. But, when she finds out more about his past, she has to question everything that she’d believed to be true.

Thoughts

Unlike many of the short stories found in The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance, the two leads in this story aren’t the love interests. Actually, there’s no romance whatsoever between them with Katrina being a very, very happily married woman and her counterpart in this tale being a fairly notorious recluse. I liked the departure from the expected. It was nice to have two different people who had found their soul mates connecting on a more platonic level and finding common ground in their stories.

I absolutely adored Katrina in this story. She was so obviously in control of all of the men in her life and it was her very naïve sweetness that allowed her to do this. A bit of a reminder that we can conquer all with our femininity, as well as with a sword (but that would be other stories which feature a sword). Having the men wrapped around her finger helped to draw out the other characters and almost offer a sense of healing that was previously missing. Something that I think is so important, and completely beautiful.

Using a demon / vampire hybrid was totally unexpected. But very much welcomed. I’m actually quite disappointed that this is just a standalone short story. I would have loved to explore both the powers of Lucifer’s son and the politics behind his fall. Because, although the fall was beautifully described in this short story, I feel like there could be so much more going on behind the scenes… maybe I’ll just have to make it all up in my own mind’s eye.

 <- Grace of Small Magics ReviewNight Vision Review ->
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Charmed by the Moon by Lori Handeland

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

Title: Charmed by the Moon
Author: Lori Handeland
Series: Nightcreature #5.5
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, Werewolves
Dates read: 31st October 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: “I’m not supposed to see you wearing the dress until the wedding-“

Synopsis

It’s the eve of their wedding, and something just doesn’t quite feel right. Until they find the love charms… and everything seems to start making sense. So, do they truly love each other? Or was it just someone’s magic getting involved?

Thoughts

I freaking adored this short story. Which really isn’t surprising since I tend to love everything written by Lori Handeland. She manages to write paranormal romance stories which are sweet and get the pulse racing. But they’re also not over the top. Most of the time, the romance is about pursuing a truth and justice. The kind of relationship that I prefer to be in – something that is about a great connection, lots of sparks, but also a sense of each other. Actually, Charmed by the Moon is more potent at this than any other story I’ve read by her thus far.

One of the aspects of this story that I truly loved was the idea that even though the couple loved each other and were about to get married, they were still willing to risk it all. Risk it all to make sure that what they felt was true, and not the results of a spell that had been cast. It would be easy to go along the easy route, but they chose the hard one so that they could have something that was true, and not simply a figment of their imagination.

The last thing I probably loved about this story was the fact that it’s part of the Nightcreature series. I would have been a little devastated if it wasn’t, so I’m definitely glad that it is part of a larger series. After all, I don’t want the story to end there!

 <- The Wedding of Wylda SereneTacky ->

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