Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

The Vampire, the Witch and the Yenko by Tiffany Trent

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

Title: The Vampire, the Witch and the Yenko
Author: Tiffany Trent
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 31st October 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: I won’t give you what you want.

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Synopsis

A witch bounty hunter has a score to settle. A male vampire just doesn’t want to be used as a stud. Will they be able to work together for a better future?

Thoughts

I’ve never read a vampire story where the female vampires go into heat and effectively rape the male vampires. Or use them for stud, whichever way it can be looked at. In this short story, the crazy female vampire definitely had a rapey vibe. But I did love that it was a very unique take on vampire reproduction, society and morphology. Also that the vampire society described was matriarchal, not patriarchal (another first).

A vampire, and a witch bounty hunter are a pretty fun match. Especially when they are both aiming for similar things, working on cars together and just generally fighting injustice. A very fun little connection, especially when, yet again, the woman ends up rescuing the man and being the powerhouse in the relationship. It’s nice when more common gender roles are turned about.

Whilst I enjoyed this story, it still had a bit of a lah storyline. Overall, the tale was great. But, I tended to find that it was over explained in the wrong parts, and rushed through the more interesting bits. Not really to my taste… but that could have also been my mood at the time.

 <- The Ghost of Leadville ReviewCircle Unbroken Review ->
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The Ghost of Leadville by Jeanne C. Stein

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

Title: The Ghost of Leadville
Author: Jeanne C. Stein
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep) & Vampires: The Recent Undead (Paula Guran)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires, Westerns, Wild west
Dates read: 29th October 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: We do not.

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Synopsis

She’s lived in Leadville before. But it was a different time, a different place, and full of fond memories. The Wild West meets vampires and a life full of regret.

Thoughts

This is a beautiful, bittersweet short story about loss and the possibilities of a future. It’s kind of sweet, incredibly nostalgic and a nice little read to occupy your time for about 10 minutes. I loved the narrative voice of this tale – she’s waxing nostaligic about her past love, but not in a way that makes you completely regret her past.

I thoroughly enjoyed the time travelling aspects of this – it starts in the present, flickers to the past, and then shudders back into the present again. Giving the reader not only an insight into modern-day vampiric life, but also the joys and tragedies of her past as she works towards a more interesting future. Or at least one that she’s a little happier with and more involved in.

I loved the fact that this is a Western Vampire story. you have Doc Holliday and Billy the Kid. A saloon. And a prostitute. All aspects of stories which I quite enjoyed and want to find out more about in the future…

 <- Eternity Embraced ReviewThe Vampire, the Witch and the Yenko Review ->
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The Wedding of Wylda Serene by Esther M. Friesner

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

Title: The Wedding of Wylda Serene
Author: Esther M. Friesner
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: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 29th October 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: “Bingo,” he said, pointing his index finger at me pistol-style and vocalizing a passable gunshot sound effect as he brought the thumb-hammer down.

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Synopsis

Wylda Serene has never been told no by her doting grandparents. So when she wants her wedding in a cursed club house, they just can’t put their foot down. What follows is a wedding full of insanity and magic. One that will go down in history.

Thoughts

This short story had me laughing out loud. All throughout. It kind of took all the worst things about weddings and turned them on their head. It made for a funny, engaging, ridiculous story that you couldn’t help but relate to. Especially when nothing turns out like you expected. And although everyone gets their happily ever after… it’s certainly not in the way that one would expect.

Between reading this short story and Crazy Rich Asians (at about the same time), I’ve come to the conclusion that the rich are just downright weird. That “polite” society and the weddings / events that they host are just not quite normal. After all, the entire time in this short story a very ill-conceived wedding is being organised and because of this, nothing is quite as it seems.

I have an incredibly unhealthy obsession with mythologies – and Greek mythology is one that is a lot more accessible than many others. But, I did enjoy the fact that some of the minor deities from this mythos take point in this story. It wasn’t about Zeus and his cohort, but some of their lesser-known offspring. It added an extra layer of enjoyment to this story that makes me want to read it again and again and again.

 <- “All Shook Up” ReviewCharmed by the Moon Review ->
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Eternity Embraced by Larissa Ione

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

Title: Eternity Embraced
Author: Larissa Ione
Series: Demonica #3.5
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 27th October 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Then we consider your idea about moving to New York.

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Synopsis

Desire…
Demon slayer Andrea Cole has always taken down the demons and vampires she hunts without mercy. But when a fellow slayer is captured and turned into a vampire by a sadistic monster, she must choose between loyalty to her family and the man she loves.

Versus Instinct…
Kaden Quinn has dedicated his life to slaying vampires, so when he is turned into one, his greatest nightmare comes to life. And when the woman he loves is thrown into a dungeon with him ― as food ― he must battle new instincts and old desires, and choose between his life, and hers.

Thoughts

This story is a bit of a cliffhanger, and as I was reading it, I was seriously hoping that it was part of a greater series. I was lucky, it is. Which makes me super happy, because this world building is brilliant. Although, I wanted more of a backstory… which I will get when I finally buy the novels!!!

This is so a true love conquers all kind of story… after all, it’s the thing which makes sure that Kaden doesn’t turn evil. Even when Andrea fully expects him to. This isn’t a ride off into the sunset, happily ever after story. It’s more of a there’s a chance for the future, but we’re not really sure what’s going to happen next kind of tale. And it’s the perfect hook to make you want to buy the rest of the series.

Eternity Embraced is an incredibly sweet, beautiful story. It’s an easy read, and one that sweeps you away for five, ten minutes. Just enough to sweep you off your feet and make you believe in true love again. Or at least, a love that give you an amazing future.

 <- Blood Gothic ReviewThe Ghost of Leadville Review ->
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Trinity Blue by Eve Silver

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

Title: Trinity Blue
Author: Eve Silver
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 19th October 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “Killed?” she echoed.

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Synopsis

Jen’s new handyman arrives just as a spate of murders rocks her town. He’s connected somehow, but she’s not quite sure… yet. It isn’t until her powers finally bloom that everything falls into place.

Thoughts

This is just an easy, fun reader. It’s not intense. It’s not overly memorable. Just easy and fun. And just a little bit cute. Alright, in some moments more than a little bit. Although there is a murder or two… so maybe not so cute…

I really like Jen’s character in this. She has a number of secrets, but they don’t seem as dark as some of the other stories that I’ve read recently. She also has a great backbone and almost perfect instincts. From the very beginning she trusts Daemon, and you know that this is a safely placed trust. Even if others are questioning it a little.

As a short story, I breezed through this and then didn’t really find it memorable. But, as I’m writing this review, I realise how much I loved the storyline. I think that it would make an amazing novel-length story. Yet, alas, it wasn’t. And now I must move on and find something that rings the same intriguing bells in my crazy little literary brain.

 <- The Tuesday Enchantress ReviewGrace of Small Magics Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Tuesday Enchantress by Mary Jo Putney

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

Title: The Tuesday Enchantress
Author: Mary Jo Putney
Series: Guardians #3.5
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: Angels, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 15th October 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: I thanked him through a mouthful of samosa.

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Synopsis

Nothing ever happens on a Tuesday. Or so Owens and his friend think. But then the deli they’re in is held up, and Owens meets the woman of his dreams… maybe good and interesting things do happen on a Tuesday.

Thoughts

I love that this story starts with the idea that nothing ever happens on a Tuesday. Because, hey, who hasn’t felt like that before? Tuesdays aren’t like a Monday (where everything sucks), or a Friday (when you’re all excited to have a life again)… they’re just, eh. Except for the Tuesday in this story. It was a great reminder that exciting things can happen at any time, or in any way. Even falling madly in love.

One of the things I always hated when I was younger was when boys would ask me out because I was pretty. Or talk to me for the same reason. The one guy that made me fall head over heels? He never even seemed to notice how I looked – and honestly, still doesn’t give a crap, he loves me for me. The Enchantress in this story exactly reflects this (but to a far more dramatic degree). She’s never felt wanted for herself, and that seriously impacts her. But, when that final moment of love and partnership comes upon her… it is all the more sweet and beautiful.

Not only does the boy win the girl in the end. He also manages to use his phenomenal powers to rescue his best friend, pass his final exams and just generally be absolutely awesome. Mostly it’s the passing his final medical exam after being in a hold up, healing his best friend and just generally having a seriously crappy night.

 <- Light Through Fog ReviewTrinity Blue Review ->
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First Blood by Susan Sizemore, Erin McCarthy, Chris Marie Green & Meljean Brook

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
First Blood

Title: First Blood
Author: Susan Sizemore, Erin McCarthy, Chris Marie Green & Meljean Brook
In: First Blood (Susan Sizemore, Erin McCarthy, Chris Marie Green & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Short story collections, Vampires
Dates read: 26th August – 30th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: She tried to shove him off of her, but he was stronger.

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Synopsis

ONCE YOU ACQUIRE A TASTE FOR IT….

Susan Sizemore returns to the universe she created in her Laws of the Blood novels – with a sizzling story of the intimate relationship between a vampire Enforcer and a werewolf in “Cave Canem”.

In “Russian Roulette” by Erin McCarthy, fledgling vampire Sasha Chechikov flees the bright lights and dangerous slayers of Vegas for New Orleans, where she is saved by a vampire haunted by his past – and hungry for passion.

Set in the Vampire Babylon world, “Double the Bite” by Chris Marie Green puts the bond between twin female vampires to the test when one of them falls for her prey… and must choose between love and family.

And in Meljean Brook’s “Thicker Than Blood,” vampire Annie Gallagher needs help to save a young human girl named Cricket, but she doesn’t expect the help to come from the FBI agent she loved – and had to give up – when she was transformed.

These all-new darkly sensual tales will pull you into worlds that are as seductive as they are strange, where passion comes with a price… and longing is eternal.

Thoughts

This is a fantastic blood sucking selection of vampire romance tales. They’re full of lust, love and passion. Along with a little bit of kicking ass, finding yourself and forgiving the past. Everything that you want in a good collection of novellas. A little bit of spice, and a whole lot of sweet…

First Blood is a wonderful collection of tales. One that I thoroughly enjoyed sinking my fangs into and was a little bit disappointed when it ended. There is something kind of fun about vampire romances. Something which is fun and mostly sensual… if sometimes a little cliché. Luckily, none of these four novellas were able to be classified as overdone tropes… which, not so luckily, meant that I also have four series to add to my collection of to be read books.

This is a great collection of paranormal romance novellas. Every story is written by a master of her craft. And the stories are guaranteed to get your pulse racing, heart pumping, and imagination going wild. It’s just lucky that there aren’t likely to be any vampires waiting at your door for a nice romp in the dark.

 <- Thicker Than Blood ReviewCave Canem Review ->
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Light Through Fog by Holly Lisle

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

Title: Light Through Fog
Author: Holly Lisle
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, Ghosts, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 30th September 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “It’s not cancer,” he said softly.

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Synopsis

Sarah is trying to move on after the devastating loss of her husband. But a night deep in the fog might help her to cross to another world where he was waiting for her. To spend their ever after together.

Thoughts

This story bought tears to my eyes. It was beautiful, sweet and totally made me believe in true love. And the idea that love crosses boundaries. Even if that boundary is death. It’s the kind of story which makes you believe that there are more things on heaven and earth than you could ever dream, and maybe you should believe just for that one moment longer.

The atmosphere of this story is beautifully creepy. You can kind of guess that from the mention of fog in the title. The swirling of fog in each meeting, the moments which Sarah and her deceased husband manage to steal away together… that question of “what if” lingers throughout this story. Yet it doesn’t manage to be creepy… rather an ethereal and beautiful tale.

Possibly my favourite moment ever happens at the end of the story. When Sarah is able to pretty much turn around and say F*** you to all of the horrible naysayer. Family might mean a lot, but there are certain aspects of family and decisions we make that count towards true family…

 <- Daniel ReviewThe Tuesday Enchantress Review ->
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Enthralled by Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day, Meljean Brook & Lucy Monroe

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for enthralled lora leigh book cover

Title: Enthralled
Author: Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day, Meljean Brook & Lucy Monroe
In: Enthralled (Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day, Meljean Brook & Lucy Monroe)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Short story collections
Dates read: 29th August – 30th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: The first stroke of lightning-bright pain gave way to a steadily increasing inferno of pleasure Kate couldn’t fight and had no desire to escape.

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Synopsis

They Have the Power To Hold You Spellbound, To Captivate Your Senses, and to Keep You Forever in Their Control.
Forever enthralled…

1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh returns to her sensual world of the Breeds…as a spirited female Wolf Breed finally meets her match, and can no longer deny her mate – or the fierce desires of her own heart.

New York Times bestselling author Alyssa Day introduces the League of the Black Swan…and the dangerous game one woman plays when her family’s curse dooms her to kill the man she loves.

New York Times bestselling author Meljean Brook delivers a new story in her steampunk world of the Iron Seas…as a man who’s lost everything returns home to find that not only is his marriage in jeopardy, but he must now fight pirates who intend to steal his one remaining treasure – his wife.

And Lucy Monroe, national bestselling author of the Children of the Moon novels, unleashes the feral passions of a werewolf on the body, mind, and soul of his prey, his lover, his mate.

Thoughts

I knew I was probably going to love this collection before I even read it – I already love three out of the four authors. Plus, it was a paranormal romance collection featuring animal shapeshifters in one form or another… topics that I absolutely adore…

Each of these four stories take place in larger, fantasy worlds. Ones that I’ve either already got an obsession with or am sure to develop an obsession with. They’re great as standalone novellas, but also fill in gaps for those series that I have read. If you want to find some new paranormal romance series and authors to add to your shelves… I’d definitely suggest trying this collection.

Enthralled is a somewhat fitting name. I was enthralled in each and every story from the very beginning. There was just enough lust and passion to make your heart beat, but so much more going on so it wasn’t one dimensional. From political intrigue to old vendettas, the extra storylines will enthral, fascinate and tie you up in knots. In the best way possible.

 <- Ecstasy Under the Moon ReviewThe Devil’s Due Review ->
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Spellbound by L.A. Banks

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

Title: Spellbound
Author: L.A. Banks
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: Family, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 30th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: Ethel floated toward the tree near the two lovers.

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Synopsis

Odelia and Jeffereson just want to escape their horrifying families. They want to get married and live happily ever after. But they’re insane, dueling families have a lot to say about it… put in a call to the Grandmothers, and things might just start to work out the way they want them to.

Thoughts

This story is such a gorgeous little Romeo and Juliet themed tale. Two young people from warring families have fallen deeply in love. And all they want to do is get married. Unlike the Shakespearean classic though, they have grandmothers. Who help. Actually they more than help… they step in and take charge. Big time. I love the strong grandmother trope…

Odelia and Jefferson are a rare and cute couple. And an interesting wedding to start a collection about supernatural weddings off with. The hoodoo casting, Deep South dwelling families were completely unexpected. Totally loved. And impossible to stop thinking about. The fact that the lead are virgins at their wedding just makes it all the more sweet… especially since BOTH the man and woman have abstained.

This short story made me think about those moments when you’re falling madly in love. Those heady moments of excitement and anticipation as you begin to truly start a new life with each other. It’s sweet and romantic. And, just downright hilarious to counter all the mushy feelings… definitely a short story that I would recommend again and again.

 <- My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding ReviewSomething Borrowed Review ->
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