Tag Archives: Paranormal Romance

Burning Up by Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra & Meljean Brook

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
burning-up

Title: Burning Up
Author: Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra & Meljean Brook
In: Burning Up (Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra & Meljean Brook)
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: 30th January – 4th April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Ria opened her mouth to reply but something made her turn to the doorway.

Synopsis

Passion runs as hot as a fever dream in these all-new stories by four New York Times bestselling provocateurs of the paranormal…

In Angela Knight’s Blood and Roses, a vampire warrior and his seductive captor join forces to stop a traitor from unleashing an army of demonic predators on their kingdom.

New in Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series is Whisper of Sin, in which a woman in lethal danger finds an unlikely protector – and lover – in a volatile member of the DarkRiver pack.

Virginia Kantra continues the haunting tales of the Children of the Sea in Shifting Sea, the story of a wounded soldier rescued by a strange and enigmatic young woman.

Meljean Brook launches a bold new steampunk series with Here There Be Monsters, as a desperate woman strikes a provocative – and terrifying – bargain to gain overseas passage.

Thoughts

I’ve had this collection sitting on my shelf for ages. I just haven’t gotten around to reading it… until now. And now I’m wondering why I took so long to sink my literary teeth in… I already had the Psy-Changeling series, but now I have another three paranormal romance series to obsess over… when they eventually arrive on my doorstep.

The themes and paranormal characters in this collection of four novellas run the gambit. There’s a steampunk tale with pirates, a romance with a leopard shapeshifter and one with vampires and their battles. The romances are instantaneous and involve a lot of running away… the only thing that these four novellas really have in common is the fact that they are all intense, fun and have a good ending. Although, maybe not good stories to read when you have to sleep alone….

 <- Here There Be MonstersWhisper of Sin ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Deliver Us From Evil by Dina James

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

Title: Deliver Us From Evil
Author: Dina James
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: 1st April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: How had he found her, and how had he gotten in here?

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Synopsis

He lost his soul generations ago, but a chance encounter with a symbol in a psychics shop could turn everything around for him. Help him find his way back home to his family.

Thoughts

This play on a soulless vampire was quite good. Normally when stories focus on the lack of soul in a vampire, it is either to excuse his evil, or to set him on a journey to find that which he has lost. And isn’t it funny that it normally features a male in these stories…? This tale took a slightly different take on the idea. The vampire was still soulless and searching for something that he couldn’t remember searching for. But, when he found it, it wasn’t his soul, it was a whole other mythos which helped him find his peace and salvation. And more, importantly, to find his way back to his family.

I like Mary in this story (she goes by a few different variations of the name throughout, but I like the name Mary the most). She is forced into situations that she doesn’t really like. And there is a level of complex vulnerability to her. Yet, she still manages to show her back bone throughout the tale. Every time she is backed into a corner and feels so obviously uncomfortable, she digs deep, sticks her feet in and pushes right back. Something that I admire more than a woman who can actually fight her way out of every situation in some circumstances… after all, it’s a little bit more relatable and tough to be fierce when you can’t actually defend yourself.

 <- Perdition ReviewBlood and Thyme Review ->
Image source: Bookdepository

Here There Be Monsters by Meljean Brook

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for here there be monsters meljean brook book cover

Title: Here There Be Monsters
Author: Meljean Brook
Series: The Iron Seas #0.5
In: Burning Up (Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Pirates, Steampunk romance
Dates read: 31st March – 4th April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Her laugh left him as full and light as an airship.

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

Meljean Brook launches a bold new steampunk series with BB Here There Be Monsters BB, as a desperate woman strikes a provocative – and terrifying – bargain to gain overseas passage.

Thoughts

I can’t stop thinking about this novella! It combines steampunk, pirates and romance. There is so much passion, humour and grit to the tale. Not only is it impossible to put down, it is also impossible to forget. I might have ordered most of the books in the series when I was only halfway through, but I still have to wait for the dang things…

I have a slight fascination with pirates, have since I was a kid – it always seemed so free. But, as I grew up, I realised that they weren’t that romantic, and women had pretty much no rights. So I kind of love the fact that I get to read a series about pirates that is based in a steampunk world. A world where women have their own places and the ability to work. It’s not to say that there isn’t a fight to gain respect, but at least there’s more of a chance to be something beyond a mistress in the steampunk world.

Ivy and Mad Machen are a fun mix. But, what I love the most about this storyline is that Ivy is able to grow. She starts off timid and unsure, unable to truly understand her worth and value. It isn’t until the end that she is fully grown into herself, but this all happens around Machen. Alright, a little bit because of him, but mostly Ivy’s growth is Ivy’s journey, he just gets to go along for the ride…

 <- The Blushing Bounder ReviewThe Iron Duke Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Blushing Bounder by Meljean Brook

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the blushing bounder meljean brook book cover

Title: The Blushing Bounder
Author: Meljean Brook
Series: The Iron Seas #0.4
In: Novellas and Stories (Meljean Brook, Carolyn Crane & Jessica Sims)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Pirates, Steampunk romance
Dates read: 25th April 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Ahead of them, she saw the springing machine, bounding, bounding, bounding beneath the roof of the striped tent.

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Synopsis

While the search for a killer puts Constable Newberry’s life in danger, he faces a danger of another kind: to his heart, by the woman forced to marry him. What will it take for this prudish bounder to convince his wife to stay?

Thoughts

This is a fun little short story, and it provides a great background into the idea of bounders in the realm of The Iron Seas. Constable Newberry seems to be kind of a bastard at the beginning. One that tricked a woman into marrying him for the worst possible reasons. And one that you kind of want his come-uppance to happen to.

But then you start to get glimpses of the man (all told from the point of view of his wife, Temperance). And you start to realise that he’s actually not the douche you thought he was. Rather, he’s kind of a giant, loveable red head with the tendency to blush whenever he’s uncomfortable.

I love that in the beginning I viewed Constable Newberry as a villain, but by the end of the story, he was an incredibly sweet man and one that I can’t wait to know more about. Which is perfect, because he features in The Iron Duke alongside Mina, the female lead.

 <- The Blacksmith ReviewHere There Be Monsters Review ->
Image source: Meljean Brook

Weddings from Hell by Maggie Shayne, Jeaniene Frost, Terri Garey & Kathryn Smith

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

Title: Weddings From Hell
Author: Maggie Shayne, Jeaniene Frost, Terri Garey & Kathryn Smith
In: Weddings From Hell (Maggie Shayne, Jeaniene Frost, Terri Garey & Kathryn Smith)
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: 5th February – 27th March 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Harper Fiction
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: He was Ian.

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Synopsis

Some marriages are made in heaven… Some are not.

What happens when “the happiest day of your life” turns into a nightmare? Forget the drunken best man or the bridesmaid dresses from the ’80s… none of these wedding day disasters can compare to a cursed bride determined to make it down the aisle, or a vampire who is about to disrupt you wedding.

Thoughts

My best friend is getting married this year. Which made it feel like kind of a fun time to read this collection of four wedding themed novellas. After all, I get to be a bridesmaid, and this collection will definitely put into light the ways in which things can go seriously and drastically wrong. Especially since none of these things are going to happen at her wedding.

I was honestly expecting these to be four novellas about a couple getting married and things going drastically wrong for them. Instead, it was four tales of mayhem and magic where the weddings just happened to be the backdrop event, or, in some cases, the instigating event. It made the storylines so much less predictable and just that much more fun…

 <- The Wedding Knight ReviewTill Death Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins

Shifting Sea by Virginia Kantra

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
burning-up

Title: Shifting Sea
Author: Virginia Kantra
Series: Children of the Sea #3.5
In: Burning Up (Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Celtic, Mermaids, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 29th March 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: “That’s why we came,” Hobson said.

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Synopsis

Virginia Kantra continues the haunting tales of the Children of the Sea in BB Shifting Sea BB, the story of a wounded soldier rescued by a strange and enigmatic young woman.

Thoughts

I like the switch from selkies to finfolk in this short story. It helps build upon the storyline of the past, but also to open up a whole new avenue in this series. Or at least, that’s how it kind of felt to me. (I haven’t actually read Sea Lord yet, but I know who it’s about). And Shifting Sea jumps from the modern day to the 1800s, featuring a different group of powerful children of the sea.

I really enjoyed reading about Morwenna and Jack. They had this gorgeous Scottish Highland fling that kind of made my heart melt a little. It was just such a beautiful concept, a beautiful setting and a fantastic romance. The fact that there was treachery and confusion sprinkled throughout this novella just made it all that harder to put down.

I loved this beautiful Celtic romance. It was kind of stunning and just set against a great backdrop. It was hard not to imagine yourself swept away in this situation. Hard not to imagine the world in which these individuals found themselves.

 <- Blood and Roses ReviewHere There Be Monsters Review ->
Image source: Nalini Singh

The Wedding Knight by Kathryn Smith

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

Title: The Wedding Knight
Author: Kathryn Smith
Series: Brotherhood of Blood #3.5
In: Weddings From Hell (Maggie Shayne, Jeaniene Frost, Terri Garey & Kathryn Smith)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 27th March 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Harper Fiction
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: Neither Eliza nor I want to see anything happen to either of us.

Synopsis

Payen Carr has reappeared at a most inconvenient time: on the eve of Violet’s wedding. But Payen desperately needs her help, for his immortal life is suddenly at stake… and Violet’s mortal one as well.

Thoughts

This was a bit slow to start with. A little too typical and vampire-y. A theme that I don’t completely love, and one that I do tend to take quite a while to warm to. Luckily for me, this does heat up pretty quickly and it sucked me right into the storyline and pages.

I really enjoyed the Victorian era setting in which this story takes place. The fact that it acts as a backdrop for a strong, independent woman who is quite determined to get what she wants (once she figures out just what that is) makes it an even better timeframe to place it in.

I’ve been a little obsessed with historical romances lately, and more than a little fascinated by secret orders. Both of these play heavily on the storyline, and now I can’t wait to find the rest of the books in this series and find them a nice, snug place on my overflowing bookshelf.

<- Ghouls Night OutWeddings From Hell ->

Image source: Harper Collins

Le Cirque de la Nuit Karen MacInerney

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

Title: Le Cirque de la Nuit
Author: Karen MacInerney
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: 1st April 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: There was Bella, and the two red silks she clutched in her hands, and the magnetic presence of him on the mats beneath.

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

Bella wants to find a new career without such an annoying and smelly partner. But, will the price be too high? Or will she find what she’s always been looking for?

Thoughts

From the name, I kind of figured that this short story would have something to do with circuses and the night. But that was really my only hint (that, and I knew it would have vampirific romance… it’s in a book of vampire romance). Yet, this still somehow surprised me. It wasn’t quite what I expected, but yet everything that I was anticipating all at the same time. Which, of course, made it thoroughly enjoyable.

I really loved the ending of this story. Actually, I enjoyed the entire adventure, but the ending surprised me a little. Instead of being a clean cut, she falls in love with a vampire and runs off into the night with him, it has a little bump in the road. And although there is still a sense of happily ever after… it’s not one that is really that complete end to a journey… it gives a sense of further issues, complications and intrigue.

 <- Coven of Mercy ReviewPerdition Review ->
Image source: Bookdepository

Dead End Dating by Kimberly Raye

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for dead end dating book cover

Title: Dead End Dating
Author: Kimberly Raye
Series: Dead End Dating #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 23rd October 2018 – 18th March 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: Not yet.

Synopsis

BITING IS SO LAST SEASON.

A vivacious vampire with a flair for accessorizing, Lil Marchette is unlike most of her kind. She prefers lively shades of pink to dismal black (soo not her color), plus she’s a hopeless romantic. In need of a steady paycheck to support a compulsive cosmetics habit, Lil starts Dead End Dating (DED), a Manhattan-based matchmaking service that helps smart, sophisticated singles like herself find eternity mates–and may even help her stake a claim to her very own Count Right!

When Lil meets geeky vampire Francis Deville, she knows he’s the perfect first client. If she can hook up Francis–after a little revamping, of course–she will prove her skills to the vampire community and turn DED into the hottest dating service in the Big Apple. But just as her business takes off, Lil meets the (literally) drop-dead gorgeous bounty hunter Ty Bonner, who is hot on the chase of a serial killer. Instantly drawn to the luscious vamp stud, Lil really wants a taste. But as a made vampire, Ty can’t procreate–and Lil will settle for nothing less. Luckily, between “vampifying” Francis and helping Ty solve his murder mystery, Lil has no time for silly romantic entanglements . . . even if Ty is all that and a Bloody Mary chaser!

Thoughts

It took me forever to read this book. And not because I didn’t absolutely adore it, but because my version was an ebook (I went online last night and rectified that mistake…).

Most vampire stories are kind of dark in some way, shape or form. Whether it’s the blood drinking, but skulking around at night or the (sometimes) ability to turn into bats, there is always an element of darkness to the tale. Not so with this vampire story. It was kind of funny and witty. It threw expectations to the wind and created a whole new form of vampire. Alright, Lil would drive me absolutely nuts, and I’d probably bond better with the dark and twisty vampires better… but this was far more enjoyable to read about.

This was one of those thoroughly enjoyable easy reads. There was a bit of a mystery throughout (who the evil kidnapper would be), a bit of romance and a lot of indecision. But, what I loved the most was the humour in the narrator’s voice. At every turn, fun was poked at common perceptions of vampires and vampirism, providing a far lighter fantasy journey that I have previously read. And now I can’t wait to see where Lil’s shopping problem and penchant for believing in true love will take her in Dead and Dateless.

<- More Kimberly RayeDead and Dateless ->

Image source: Amazon

Blood and Roses by Angela Knight

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
burning-up

Title: Blood and Roses
Author: Angela Knight
In: Burning Up (Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 18th – 19th February 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Lord Raniero is famous for his incorruptibility.

Synopsis

In Angela Knight’s BB Blood and Roses BB, a vampire warrior and his seductive captor join forces to stop a traitor from unleashing an army of demonic predators on their kingdom.

Thoughts

This is now my second novella by Angela Knight that I’ve had the fortune of reading. And like Mad Dog Love, I found the opening pages didn’t really grab me. However, this time I knew that I had to persevere with the opening, and I would sink into something amazing. And I was completely right!

This paranormal romance novella takes you on a journey through a world with vampires and knights. Wars and traitors. The fact that there is a lustful romance that takes centre stage just helps to build upon the beauty of the storyline. There’s just something so sweet (if in a slightly backwards way) about Amaris and Raniero throughout this tale. Something that completely drew me in and made it impossible to put down this story (you know, once I’d gotten over the first few pages).

Although it is incredibly obvious that the two leads are going to fall for one another, and hard, I still enjoyed the journey. And there were still moments when I wondered if their past hang-ups would lead to a not-so-happily ever after. Not enough to make me frustrated, but enough to help raise the stakes of the storyline.

I might have loved the romance in this novella. But honestly, my favourite character was Marin. There was just something so unbelievably cute, sweet and innocent about her. Something that makes me smile every time I reflect back on this story.

<- Whisper of SinShifting Sea ->

Image source: Nalini Singh