Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

In Sheep’s Clothing by Meljean Brook

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

Title: In Sheep’s Clothing
Author: Meljean Brook
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, Shapeshifters, Werewolves
Dates read: 30th December 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: She’d know him if she saw him again though.

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Synopsis

There’s a rapist and murderer hunting the women of her hometown, and then she gets a flat and realises that she’s next. But the consequences of her escape? She’s probably turned him into a werewolf…

Thoughts

I’m a big fan of werewolf stories. You can probably tell from how many are on my shelves and fill my bookcases. But, one thing that doesn’t tend to happen so often is that if there’s a female werewolf, the male normally is too. Something about not having a woman more powerful than a man or such nonsense I would suppose. But, that’s not the case in this story. The woman is a werewolf, the man she loves a normal human; and ultimately, it’s the woman that saves the day.

This short story centres around a couple reconnecting as they also fight off a rapist. Or at least, try and catch a serial rapist and killer. It’s quite an intense way to reconnect, but I love that ultimately, she gets her revenge on the man who tried to take her. Rather than her being scared, she’s actually actively hunting him down. A great departure from many of the female storylines I normally find.

This short story was yet another reminder of just how much I love Meljean Brook. Her writing always draws you in. Her world building is brilliant. And the characters make you want to reach through the pages and get to know them just a little bit better. The fact that she doesn’t just do this in novels and novellas, but also short stories was a fantastic surprise to my mind.

 <- The Wager ReviewThe Dream Catcher Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Christmas Past by Keri Arthur

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for wolfsbane and mistletoe book cover

Title: Christmas Past
Author: Keri Arthur
In: Wolfsbane and Mistletoe (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Vampires, Werewolves
Dates read: 29th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: I watched the world go by, half of me wanting to play it safe and go home, but the other half – the foolish half – wanting his company, however dangerous that might be to my emotional health.

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Synopsis

Hannah just wants to have a nice Christmas for once. But she’s working with the man who broke her hear last Christmas to take down a crazy, vampire killer. So things might not quite go as planned.

Thoughts

I just spent most of Christmas alone. And I have a partner, so it just made me sappy and missing him. This sentiment was beautifully echoed in this story. Alright, Hannah doesn’t actually have a partner. And she was dumped the previous Christmas, but that yearning for the one that you love on Christmas Eve… I get that. However, this story was made far more sucky by the fact that Hannah is forced to spend the evening on a case with her ex. That would be seriously sucky.

Being Australian, I’ve never really dealt with people who collect for charities on the road. Or really anybody who stands around in some kind of weird elf outfit ringing a bell for money. So I can’t really imagine it. Having said that, apparently there’s a vampire running around killing the people who choose to do this. Which was a much more fun story than the central romance. The romance was fun, but I liked the chases through the dark cemetery to catch the culprit in a little elf’s outfit much, much more.

As much as I enjoyed the romance in this story… I kind of thought that Hannah was a little too forgiving. They both knew that she was going to forgive Brodie. But it would have been a little more exciting if she actually made him grovel and apologise. That might just be my own drives though.

 <- The Perfect Gift ReviewSA Review ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Beauty Dates the Beast by Jessica Sims

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover beauty dates the beast

Title: Beauty Dates the Beast
Author: Jessica Sims
Series: Midnight Liasons #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Dates read: 21st – 27th December 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: PocketBooks
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: I lay there, awake and breathing hard for long minutes.

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Synopsis

WANTED

Single human female to join charming, wealthy, single male were-cougar for a night of romantic fun – and maybe more.

Me: The tall, sensuous, open-minded leader of my clan.

You: A deliciously curvy virgin who’s intimately familiar with what goes bump in the night. Must not be afraid of a little tail. Prefer a woman who’s open to exploring her animal nature. Interest in nighttime walks through the woods a plus.

My turn-ons include protecting you from the worst the supernatural world has to offer.

Ready for an adventure? Give me a call.

Vampires and doppelgangers need not apply.

Thoughts

I bought this because I enjoyed the novellas Vixen and Speed Mating, but I was a little nervous to read it. These stories were quite intensely erotic, and I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy it. I love a good erotic, lustful novel. But there are certain ones that are a little too graphic for me. And, whilst the novellas weren’t that way – I thought a full-length novel along the same vein could be. Happily, this was a lot more storyline and character based than the novellas. It was an incredibly quick, easy and fun read.

Actually, I was kind of surprised about how hooked I got into this story. I read the first chapter and put it down. But then, I read the rest of it just before bed. I even read the first two chapters of the next novel. Which I never do. I hate reading the excerpts because then I want the next book, and can’t quite get it yet. This time though… I HAD to know what was going to happen next. Who it would be about… I just had to know. I’m hooked now.

I’ve read a lot of shapeshifter books, and in particular, a lot of shapeshifter paranormal romances. They’re a subgenre I just love. I’m constantly adding them to my shelves. However, this is the first shapeshifter novel that features a Wendigo. A very surprising creature to include, but somehow, it worked and made everything all that much more exciting.

There was one thing that bothered me about this story – what is the damn obsession with virgins? I mean, honestly. It’s a stupid construct, and practice. Like epically, frustratingly and ridiculously stupid. Whilst Bath isn’t too painful with that virginity thing and it was more about people getting close than any sense of “purity”… it was still a thing! There is just something I find really frustrating with our obsession with this topic. Alright, rant over.

As much as I loved this book – one of the things I love the most is the idea of a supernatural dating service. I’ve never been a part of online dating, or really used any dating service (I met my SO when I was 17). But I think that this is a great idea. And the way it looks like it will be shaped as the series continues… I’m completely obsessed.

 <- Alpha Ever After ReviewDesperately Seeking Shapeshifter Review ->

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Four Dukes and a Devil by Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash & Tracy Anne Warren

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Overview
Image result for four dukes and a devil book cover

Title: Four Dukes and a Devil
Author: Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash & Tracy Anne Warren
In: Four Dukes and a Devil (Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash & Tracy Anne Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Regency romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 14th November – 17th December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Avon Romance
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Could I, uh, get a glass wine?

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Synopsis

Fall in love with the unpredictable and irresistible dukes (and one dog named Duke) of Four Dukes and a Devil. Join New York Times bestselling authors Cathy Maxwell, Jeaniene Frost, and Tracy Anne Warren, along with USA Today bestselling author Elaine Fox and RITA Award winner Sophia Nash, for tales of noble danger and devilish desire.

Delicate young ladies must be protected from him.

First he steals her clothes, then he steals her heart.

Most would be terrified of this powerful vampire—but not him.

He’s “the catch of the century”. . . but she’s the only one he can’t have.

A young miss demands a kiss. But he won’t rest once she’s touched her lips to his.

With four dukes and one devil, there’s no limit on love.

Thoughts

I’ve had this collection on my shelf for a little while. And wow! Why did it take me this long? I completely loved all five novellas. They managed to run the gambit of romance genres and all featured good, strong women who you were completely gunning for the entire time. Five different couples, five different authors, five different settings, one really good adventure. This is the first collection in a long time that I have wanted to read cover to cover instead of taking a break in between like I usually do…

One of the things I loved about this collection is that although all five stories are romances of a sort, they’re from completely different genres. To start with there is a historical romance, then a contemporary one, then a romantic journey that features vampires and a demon. And finally, two regency romances to tie it all out. An intriguing mix, one that I would never have thought would work so well. But wow. It was impossible to put down and impossible to forget.

I now have many stories to put on my wish list… some are to expand on the series which this collection introduced me to, some just because I need to read more by some of these authors. Regardless, I have one more Night Huntress tale that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and four new authors to obsess over.

 <- Charmed by Her Smile ReviewThe Irish Duke Review ->

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At Second Bite by Michelle Rowen

Book Review, , ,
Overview
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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 ->
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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 ->
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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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