Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

Trust Me by Stacia Kane

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

Title: Trust Me
Author: Stacia Kane
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, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 13th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Another brick shattered a windowpane and clattered on the wood floor.

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Synopsis

She’s supposed to be spying on a man she believes could be Jack the Ripper. But fate has other ideas, and she quickly finds herself falling in love. Has she fallen in love with a monster? Or will she get her happily ever after after all?

Thoughts

While I’ve been reading The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2, I’ve also been reading The Mammoth Book of Jack the Ripper Stories. And I never expected any kind of overlap between the two. At all. After all, they’re two entirely different genres with no overlap whatsoever in authors. Which meant that it was incredibly surprising, although a little fun to read a story which is a vampire paranormal romance, featuring Jack the Ripper and the times in Whitechapel surrounding these killings.

Sometimes I think that paranormal fantasy stories (be they romance or just run of the mill fantasy) take a few too many things from our history and twist them into really weird storylines. And if you had have told me that there was a vampire romance featuring Jack the Ripper, I would have put this in the “I don’t think so” basket. Luckily, I didn’t know that this was such a story, and for that I am exceedingly glad. This was just such a great spin on an old mystery, and almost felt entirely plausible.

Although this romance short was set in the 1800s, I wouldn’t classify it as a historical fiction. The lead female was a little too strong willed and independent. Which, I have read similar stories, but that very independence and strength of will is what continuously gets them into trouble. It got her into absolutely no spot of strife throughout the story… which isn’t to say that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy it. but this read a little bit like a modern story, just moving the location in which it was set…

 <- Vampsploitation ReviewThe Scotsman and the Vamp Review ->
Image source: Bookdepository

The Majicka by Mary Janice Davidson

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for no rest for the witches book cover

Title: The Majicka
Author: MaryJanice Davidson
In: No Rest for the Witches (Mary Janice Davidson, Lori Handeland, Cheyenne McCray & Christine Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 13th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: She thought of an even better, more relevant question.

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Synopsis

Life’s a bit crowded for Ireland and her roommates–a fairy, a werewolf, a vampire, and now a zombie…especially when a mysterious man walks through the door. Will there be any room left for love?

Thoughts

I’m a little bit disappointed that the premise of this story was only fleshed out in a novella. I would happily read a full length novel, or even a series which features Ireland and all of her awkward rescues. Although, maybe that’s just being greedy. After all, this worked brilliantly, and I loved it immensely. Expanding on it could just ruin the enjoyment that it made me feel.

No matter how many books I read, across how many genres, I am always drawn to stories about misfits. Probably because I’ve always felt like one myself. Maybe just because I tend to find they make the most interesting people. Whatever it is, I’m always happily drawn in; hook, line and sinker. Which, considering this is a story about a girl who constantly takes people in that don’t quite fit into whichever world they come from… I couldn’t put it down. And almost screamed with frustration when it was over. I want to read more about the Angry Fairy and the Zombie Nymph (amongst a few).

The Majicka had a bit of a whodunnit feel to it. Firstly, in trying to help out the zombie. And then, when they’ve finally figured out just who she is, how to save her. The extra entertainment of a Tutor trying to train the next, somewhat resisting Majicka, a car that thinks for itself and a vampire with airs just made it so much more entertaining. Luckily, I have a few MaryJanice Davidson books on their way to fill my bookshelves. Otherwise, I would be sorely disappointed to have finished this novella. Great start to the No Rest for the Witches collection though!

 <- No Rest for the Witches ReviewVoodoo Moon Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Hot Spell by Lora Leigh, Emma Holly, Shiloh Walker & Meljean Brook

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Hot Spell

Title: Hot Spell
Author: Lora Leigh, Emma Holly, Shiloh Walker & Meljean Brook
In: Hot Spell (Lora Leigh, Emma Holly, Shiloh Walker & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 3rd – 12th July 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: He took his hand away.

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Synopsis

Venture into a world beyond the ordinary, where the dark passions and voracious appetites of vampires, werewolves, demons, and a few undaunted mortals combine to unleash a potent… HOT SPELL

Here are lovers like you’ve never dared to imagine: eyes that glitter with keeness born of ancient knowledge. Hands that move with a tenderness belying superhuman strength. Inviting smiles that reveal exquisitely letahl fangs. Rippling, leonine muscles. There’s danger in the air – and heat.

Steam rises up off the pages of these four scorching novellas, sensuously crafted by four acclaimed authors who beckon you to slip into the shadows and experience the otherworldly pleasures of the night…

Thoughts

Once upon a time I used to think that paranormal romance, romance and erotica stories were boring, smuttish and just not worth reading. I have changed my mind. In a big way. And it is collections like Hot Spell that really remind me of just why I did such a big turn around. These novellas and tales still include all of my favourite aspects of fantasy stories, but there is an extra layer of passion, lust and, dare I say it, cuteness to the stories that have me reaching for these stories again and again and again.

Originally I bought this book for the Meljean Brook story of Falling for Anthony. What I didn’t realise was that I would love the other three stories in this collection just as much. To the point that I now want all of these in my collection and don’t know which series to pick up next. They’re all perfect danglers for new authors and collections that I had not quite pictured wanting before.

For someone who, up until two years ago didn’t really read any romances, this collection (and others like it) have certainly drastically expanded the shelves. Alright, it’s not quite as big as my urban and paranormal fantasy collections because sometimes the sappy, happiness gets a bit much. But, if you’re looking for the perfect way to get into the more erotic side of the paranormal, I would definitely suggest adding this one to your shelves!

 <- The Blood Kiss ReviewThe Countess’s Pleasure Review ->
Image source: Meljean Brook

The Blood Kiss by Shiloh Walker

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Hot Spell

Title: The Blood Kiss
Author: Shiloh Walker
In: Hot Spell (Lora Leigh, Emma Holly, Shiloh Walker & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires, Werewolves
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: “I don’t feel any different.”

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Synopsis

He’s simply on a mission to save his younger brother from a pathetic political ruse. But, in doing so, he might not only discover the woman of his dreams. He might also lose her too.

Thoughts

This is my second Shiloh Walker tale, and, although I loved the first short story I read, I definitely love her longer novella far, far, far more. There was something that was sweet, seductive and fun about her character and world building. Something that made me just not want to put the story down. So I didn’t. And then I almost missed tea…

There is something so incredibly fun and sensual about stories which match opposites. And, in the supernatural world, there doesn’t seem to be anything more “opposite” than that of werewolf and vampire. The fact that the female vampire wasn’t quite fully formed, but born into it instead just made the world building and storyline all the more intriguing. I had a huge, happy, toe-curling grin on my face when I finished this story. It was also a perfect ending to a fantastic collection.

A definite medieval feel fell about this story. Not because of the time in which it was placed (which was modern day from what I could tell), but rather, the thoughts and decisions of the villain in the tale. The fact that the atrocities he claimed upon a woman were upon his own daughter made it so much more barbaric and archaic. So much better when he was finally overcome and love and right win the day in the end.

 <- Falling for Anthony ReviewHot Spell Review ->
Image source: Meljean Brook

Dates From Hell by Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong & Lori Handeland

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for dates from hell book cover

Title: Dates From Hell
Author: Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong & Lori Handeland
In: Dates From Hell (Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong & Lori Handeland)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 22nd June – 11th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon Fiction
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: Jerking in sudden decision, she dropped the pen and pulled out the Yellow Pages, looking for the biggest insurance ad that wasn’t connected to one of Cincinnati’s older vamp families.

Synopsis

She thought her date was out of this world. Acutally, he was not of this world…

We’ve all been on bad dates, dreadful experiences that turned out to be uniquely memorable in the very worst way. But at least our partners for these detestable evenings were more or less… human!

Now Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong, and Lori Handeland – four of the very best writers currently exploring the dangerous seduction of the supernatural – offer up dating disasters (and unexpected delights) of a completely different sort: dark, wicked, paranormally sensual assignations with werewolves, demon lovers, and the romantically challenged undead. Sexy, witty, chilling, and altogether remarkable, here is proof positive that some love matches are made someplace other than heaven.

Thoughts

Normally I love collections like this because you can read one novella, finish it, put it down and walk away. I did manage to do this… but it was quite a bit more difficult than I had anticipated. I had already read something by every one of these authors, and so I knew that what was just around the corner was going to be fantastic. And it was this knowledge that made it nigh on impossible to stop thinking about this storyline.

There is something about stories of horrible dates that I kind of love. Not because I’ve ever been on one (I met my other half when I was seventeen and have been stupid in love since). But I can imagine the horrors of what pretty much everyone must go through. It’s a way to live vicariously through something. Adding in the extra aspect of fantasy and the supernatural just made it all the more fun. And a little bit more alien than even a first date is to me.

Anybody who loves paranormal fantasy or romance is going to love this collection of novellas. If you also enjoy heroines who are strong and independent and more than likely to get themselves into trouble… then this is even more likely to make you deliriously happy. Like it did me… now I need another collection like this to while the nights away…

 <- Dead Man DatingUndead in the Garden of Good and Evil ->

Image source: Harper Collins Publishers

Succubus Seduction by Cheyenne McCray

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

Title: Succubus Seduction
Author: Cheyenne McCray
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 11th July 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: As soon as his hands were free, he tried pushing her to the floor, but she took control and rolled him onto his back so that she was on top.

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Synopsis

Liln has to seduce Archer if she wants to remain an immortal succubus. But things aren’t quite what they seem and she’s about to discover that some things are worth more than immortality.

Thoughts

There’s nothing like a good paranormal romance short story to give you a bit of a break from the piles of papers that you have to read. Or at least, that’s how I feel about it. And McCray’s short story about a succubus with a mission was perfect. There was a great level of lust and passion in the story, but the idea of betrayal and insecurity in the tale was far more enjoyable.

I was kind of expecting Liln to be successful in her attempts at seduction. After all, she’s a succubus and he’s a mere mortal. But, as with all good short stories, it doesn’t quite work out that way. Rather, mortality and a happily ever after is on the horizon. And, frankly, I much rather that ending than one that is filled with lustful guilt at the turning of the last page. Although, don’t get me wrong, I have a few of those stories sitting on my shelves, and they might be making their way into my “next read’ pile.

 <- The Temptation of Robin Green ReviewParanormal Romance Blues Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Dead Man Dating by Lori Handeland

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for dates from hell book cover

Title: Dead Man Dating
Author: Lori Handeland
In: Dates From Hell (Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Armstrong & Lori Handeland)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 11th July 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon Fiction
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: His face was fierce, his eyes dark, intense as they stared into mine.

Synopsis

On their first date, Kit goes too far with Eric, shot by bystander Chávez, then wakes to no blood, no body.

Thoughts

You know a story’s going to be good when it starts out stating that she was on a date with a dead man. Literally. Completely, totally and utterly, stone cold. Dead. The fact that a mysterious, Latino man dives in to save the day and the woman is stubborn enough not to let him escape. Well, it was going to be a fantastic story from the very beginning.

Handeland seems to have a way that is both witty and serious with her writing. As Kit struggles to escape the seductive demon chasing her and sort out her feelings for the demon hunter in her life, she also manages to be a little bit pithy about the world around her. The tragedy of her past, the terrifying circumstances of her present, nothing dulls Kit’s ability to find humour in everything and a way to move forward. Which of course, made this story completely impossible to put down. I even walked into the edge of the doorway, I was so desperate to finish this and make my dinner at the same time.

The construction of the world in this novella is fantastic. I love the layering of real world issues and realities (calling a twenty-something year old virgin rare for starters) with a demon hunting reality. Many of us often claim that the world is kind of going to shit, and Handeland seamlessly takes this idea one step further with the discussions of a coming apocalypse. Now I just have to find some more works by her to fill up my happy little, addicted brain.

 <- ChaoticDates From Hell ->

Image source: Harper Collins Publishers

Undead Man’s Hand by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for out of the light, into the shadows book cover

Title: Undead Man’s Hand
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Vegas Vampires #7
In: Out of the Light, Into the Shadows (Lori Foster & Erin McCarthy)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romance, Vampires
Dates read: 31st July 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: I drink blood.

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Synopsis

Nick turned two young Russian royalty decades ago. Now he might have finally found the woman who will make him happy for the rest of his life, and one of these children could just stand in the way…

Thoughts

Well, I seriously wasn’t expecting the culprit of this story. It was kind of surprising. Horribly so in many ways. But also a fantastic twist. One that I enjoyed thoroughly and really didn’t want to look away from. What a fantastic way to end the Vegas Vampires series and Out of the Light, Into the Shadows collection.

I haven’t quite finished off the Vegas Vampires collection at this point. I have one more novella, and one more full-length novel to finish first. But, I first met Nick in Deal or No Deal and he seemed incredibly sweet. I was looking forward to him finding his happily ever after when his name was first mentioned in this novella. And I seriously wasn’t disappointed. Not only did he get his happily ever after woman, but the awkwardness of the past was removed (albeit in a slightly more violent way). Partnered with a cop and a series of crimes… it was an incredible journey!

One of the things I love about McCarthy’s writings are that although it is much the same story (boy meets girl), she manages to make each and everyone completely different. Both through the characterisation and the trials that they face. Normally when I’ve read so many romances by the same author, I get a little bored of their storytelling. Not with McCarthy. I still couldn’t put down her story and I can’t wait to sink my fangs (pun intended) into the final tales in this series.

 <- Deal or No Deal ReviewHigh Stakes Review ->
Image source: Penguin Random House

Crimson Kisses by Diane Whiteside

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

Title: Crimson Kisses
Author: Diane Whiteside
Series: Texas Vampires #3.25
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2 (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 7th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Oh no, no, no.

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Synopsis

She’s found the man that she wants to spend the rest of her life with. But her father has decided he wants to keep her under his thumb for a little bit longer. A daring escape, a failed rescue and a year spent apart has just helped to harden her reserve.

Thoughts

This was a little bit too short for me. It had the feel of a plot that could have extended out for an entire novel. Especially since the hapless couple try to escape, realise they can’t and then plan to rendezvous. Afterwards, they manage to mess that up, but eventually find a way back to each other again, just a little bit later than had been anticipated. All that in less than thirty pages? It made for a great, fast-paced read, but I really wanted much more background information.

With a title like Crimson Kisses, I was kind of expecting a lot more… well, kissing. There wasn’t as much lustful passion in this storyline as I’ve been gaining from some of the paranormal romance stories that I’ve been sticking my little literary nose into. But it did have a great feeling of sweetness and everlasting love. It certainly made me hope that the wonderful leads would be able to have a happily ever after…

 <- Butterfly Kiss ReviewVampsploitation Review ->
Image source: Bookdepository

Deal or No Deal by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for out of the light, into the shadows book cover

Title: Deal or No Deal
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Vegas Vampires #6
In: Out of the Light, Into the Shadows (Lori Foster & Erin McCarthy)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romance, Vampires
Dates read: 28th July 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Sergei’s face was impassive, and Rasputin grinned.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Katie has been wondering what happened on the night her family was killed for over 90 years. Michael has been looking for the woman that he loves since that same night. Will they find the answers that they need together, or will they be doomed to spend eternity without love?

Thoughts

There is something fun and kind of beautiful about Erin McCarthy’s stories. And it really doesn’t seem to matter what they’re about, where they’re set or what genre they fit into. This is yet another example. Although this is a novella set in the Vegas Vampires world, it had a bit more of an old-world feel to it. Or, maybe that’s just what I picked up on by having a character called Rasputin and a Russian princess who was almost killed.

For most of this story, all I could think about was Anastasia and Rasputin. The Disney-fied version with all of the songs. It really wasn’t a bad thing to think about while I was reading this story to be fair. I love that movie. I love the songs and I loved this novella. There was just something fun and engaging about it. Something about Katie (or Maria) and Michael that made you hope they got their happily ever after. And most definitely got their revenge…

There is nothing I love more in stories than when the bad guy dies. Not necessarily through the hands of the people they’ve wronged, but as an inadvertent consequence of their own actions. McCarthy is incredibly good at this slightly surprising form of poetic justice. There is always a fantastic consequence that makes me immensely glad, but it’s never quite in the form that I expect. And what happens to Rasputin is no different. It’s a bit surprising, and it left me with a huge smile on my face as I closed the final pages of the story.

 <- Russian Roulette ReviewUndead Man’s Hand Review ->
Image source: Penguin Random House