Title: Let Loose Author: Mary Cholmondeley In: The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women (Marie O’Regan) Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one) My Bookshelves:Ghosts, Horror, Vampires Dates read: 14th November 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Short story Publisher: Robinson Year: 1902 5th sentence, 74th page: The moon in its various quarterings has always exerted a marked influence on what I may call the sub-dominant, namely, the poetic side of my nature.
He always wears unexpectedly high collars, but the reason behind his decision making all has to do with an open crypt. And a series of mistakes.
In the incredibly intense journey that The Mammoth Book of Ghost Stories by Women has so far taken me on, this is less terrifying. Not to say that it wasn’t still a little bit spine-tingling. But it just wasn’t as can’t sleep at night as many of the other stories.
I liked the interesting setup within this story – after all, it was a tale within a tale. I didn’t really like the guy who told either tale. After all, one married the sister, and the whole thing was just… icky feeling. But I did like the format of the story. And the writing style. I just didn’t love the actual storyline.
I’m pretty sure that this story was about vampires. Or at least, releasing the evil beings from the tomb. It’s a reminder to maybe just let the dead sleep and leave them in peace.
This journalist is just looking for a big, amazing story. But what she finds with her underhanded ways instead… well, somebody is Safe and Sound.
Little known fact – when I finished high school and was thinking about what I wanted to do with my life, I seriously considered journalism. But, already at that point, I felt like it was a field more about sensationalizing a story, rather than telling the truth. This short story was a great reminder of that feeling – how the media often just picks the story that is going to get the most attention, just because it will get the most attention. Truth and honesty be damned.
The vampire angle in this story was completely fun and brilliant. It was also entirely predictable, but I did love the way that vampires filtered into a story about the media and a missing boy. I also loved how there was a total comeuppance to the story using the vampire as the angle. They’re not normally the good guys – and in this story they still certainly aren’t. But at least the vampire delivered some poetic justice.
This short story made me think of all of the people that go missing and the stories that are never told. It left me feeling a little melancholy, but in the end, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mary knows one thing… that her friend’s prom date is evil. And it’s her job to take him down. But things don’t always go quite to plan… they can be better.
I most definitely want more of Adam and Mary in my bookshelves. I’m not sure that I’ll get more. But it’s most certainly something that I desire! They work so well as a cute teensy couple. Yet, Mary is also completely kick butt and more than a little damaged. Just how I like my heroines.
I’m still a big believer in the fact that prom is completely, totally and utterly boring. But, this one feels a little bit more fun. Mostly because it involves a cute boy and vampire hunting. Alright, I might be a strong, independent woman, and my own prom I did have a cute date… but not a cute date that would use a water blaster to kill a vampire. Or shoot ketchup at him…
This novella involved not only Dracula’s son, but the exterminator’s daughter. And she also happens to be the daughter of a mad scientist… which, honestly, what’s not to love about that? There is so much fuel in this story for more amazing tales, and it’s a seriously fun little journey. Particularly when the ending is so… full of future possibilities.
I’ve read a few books in the Princess Diaries series. So I’m used to Cabot’s fun, cute and easy to read teenage stories. This fit all of the usual bills and was definitely a story that I would read again and again. A bit like Cabot’sother stories…
Title: Dead and Dateless Author: Kimberly Raye Series: Dead End Dating #2 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Vampires Dates read: 10th – 29th October 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Ballantine Books Year: 2007 5th sentence, 74th page: “It wasn’t your fault.”
She’d like her blood bottled, please!
The sassiest vampire in all of Manhattan, Lil Marchette, is the owner of Dead End Dating – a matchmaking service for hip, intelligent singles like herself. After only three months, business is booming, and she can finally pay her bills (and, more important, feed a hungry cosmetics addiction). But when one of her clients turns up dead (as in never coming back), Lil is named as the prime suspect.
Murder?
Sure, she’s a vampire, but she can’t even work up her nerve when it comes to blood-sucking. Hacking somebody to pieces is so out of the question.
To make matters worse, Lil must also contend with a pack of werewolves who ask – no, demand – that she find each one a tall, dark, and handsome mate before the next full moon. Plus, the to-die-for-if-I-wasn’t-already-dead Ty Bonner, a lusciously sexy lover but totally unsuitable eternity mate, is never far from her midnight fantasies. But Lil has no time for such thoughts. She must prove her innocence and focus on pairing off the dead and the furry – and maybe stake a claim to her own tasty true love.
Alright, Lil is kind of a bit of a pain throughout this story. Which I’m pretty sure I found in the first tale as well. She’s just a little too… well, girly for lack of a better word. Not someone that I can really sympathise with very well. Having said that, even though she has a tendency to be a little irritating, I also loved her character. It’s kind of making fun at some of the socialites and those with a tendency to focus on their looks. At least, that’s how I take her character. Because, at the end of the day, even though she’s kind of vapid and a little irritating, she’s also seriously sweet and has a great heart. You just can’t help but love her, even when you’re beginning to feel a little irritated by her characterisation in moments…
I love Ty as a counterpoint to Lil. A bit like my own partner and I, where Lil is light and air and all positive, rainbow vibes, Ty is dark, twisty and communicationally stunted. Yet, I think that this turns them into the perfect partnership. After all, the saying opposites attract is around for a reason… I’m seriously, seriously hoping that they work out as a couple in the next few books… not entirely sure what my feelings will be if Raye pulls that rug out from under me…
To top off the humour and the slightly satirical feel of this story, I absolutely loved the werewolf mating ritual in this story. And, also how that all works out as a secondary plot to you know… Lil being wanted for murder. Particularly her hunt for an alpha red head. And her unique solution to the issue. It had me grinning and giggling throughout the whole story. And I love that Raye was able to take a well-known paranormal species and give them yet another new twist (like she did with the creation of vampires).
I was quite surprised at who the villain was in this story. I feel like I really should have guessed… but, whilst I wasn’t completely floored and shocked… I definitely didn’t predict it either. Which, ultimately is something that I tend to love in a good book anyway. After all, being able to guess things all the time can get a little… well, boring. And this novel is anything but boring. I can’t wait to sink my fangs… I mean teeth… into Your Coffin or Mine?
Title: Coyote, Spider, Bat Author: Steven Saus In: Westward Weird (Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes) Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Gods, Mythology, Vampires, Weird western Dates read: 20th October 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Short story Publisher: Daw Books Year: 2012 5th sentence, 74th page: That’s what got these men all ready to jump into the arms of your girls.
Coyote returns home to find her husband killed. Spider leaves home to save his lover. Then they confront Bat.
I really enjoyed the mix of mythologies in this short story. There is a nice balance between Native American and European mythology, whilst also showing the process of settling and colonisation in early America. It’s a really intriguing and well balanced story and one that I would read many more times.
I seriously love the fact that the Gods in this story are stronger than the vampires. But, there is still that horrible sense of colonisation and the beginning of the end. Or at least, a point of change after the grand battle in this short story. It’s a great way to deal with multiple themes. And I think that if I reread this, possibly with a little more knowledge of American history (of which I have none), I’d probably pick up on other great ideas and themes.
Not only is this a great short story. It’s also a great revenge story. One that I look forward to reading again and again in the future.
Title: Archangel’s Kiss Author: Nalini Singh Series: Guild Hunter #2 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Angels, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Vampires Dates read: 25th September – 4th October 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Berkley Sensation Year: 2010 5th sentence, 74th page: Taking the hint, she said good-bye to Jessamy and walked down the steps, her nape prickling in primitive awareness.
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find herself changed – an angel with wings the colors of midnight and dawn – but her fragile body needs time to heal before she can take flight. Her over, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, is used to being in control – especially when it comes to the woman he considers his own. But Elena has never done well with authority…
They’ve barely begun to understand each other when Raphael receives an invitation to a ball from teh archangel Lijuan. To refuse would be a sign of fatal weakness, so Raphael must ready Elena for the flight to Beijin – and to the nightmare that awaits them there. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan holds a power that lies with the dead. And she has oragnized the msot perfect and most vicious of welcomes of Elena…
So there’s definitely a reason why Nalini Singh is one of my favourite authors. Every time I open one of her books I’m completely hooked. The only reason I have been taking massive breaks between her books is that I need to you know… do adult things. And this novel is honestly no exception. I loved finding out how Elena and Raphael renegotiated their relationship after the events in Angels’ Blood.
Whilst not my typical romance, I did love how Raphael and Elena are able to constantly negotiate with each other. And, as is typical with a partnership of two strong individuals (I speak from experience) there’s lots and lots of renegotiating and bumping up against each other. It’s not easy, but it works. Singh honestly writes some of the healthiest relationships I see in paranormal romance…
I actually finished reading this a few days ago, but I cannot stop thinking about it. There was so much action, intrigue and politics in this story. I’m not normally a fan of anything with too much political negotiations, particularly within my own life. But I absolutely loved all the machinations in this story. And I can’t wait to see where it takes us in Archangel’s Consort. My fingers keep twitching towards it and starting another new book… but I currently have over 30 books on my currently reading list!
I found Lijuan to be a seriously scary, but still sympathetic character. Michaela may just be a bitch. But Lijuan is a whole other ball game… one that drew me in from the very beginning and made me completely drawn in to the story from the very beginning. She wasn’t quite a villain… but she definitely wasn’t a good guy. The perfect antagonist amongst a slew of antagonists in this series.
Elena is most definitely one of my favourite strong women protagonists. She is tough and independent. But also willing to bend to the circumstances. Finding out more about her past in this story just pulled me in all that much more and bumped her even further up my imaginary list.
Cat and Bones’s romantic vacation is interrupted when they’re enlisted to guard a spoiled heiress with both human and undead hitmen on her tail. Things quickly go from bad to worse when details of their assignment make their way through the supernatural grapevine, and what started as a simple bodyguard job ends up being a fight for survival that neither Cat nor Bones saw coming. This story takes place after the events of Destined For An Early Grave and before the events of This Side Of The Grave.
I loved this short story. Didn’t exactly love that it takes place after the next novel I want to read in this series… it kind of gave a few big spoilers as to what happens. But, as always, hopefully by the time I actually get to reading that novel I won’t remember all of the minutiae and can still be surprised. Although, let’s admit it – I’ll be surprised regardless because Frost always manages to pack a lot of storyline and information into one story. Which, I, of course, love.
I absolutely adore Bones and Cat as a couple. They are sexual, intense and more than a little violent. All things that I apparently love in my fictional couples. We won’t delve too much into my brain to discover why I love the fact that Cat cuts ghouls heads off and blows up cars and such… it’s quite cute that this is their vacation and there is untold drama occurring.
One of the parts of this story that was a bit of a give-away, but still enjoyable was the way in which Bones taught Justina to defend herself. It was cute, a little awkward and involved lots of stabbing. It definitely hinted at this great idea that there was going to be some healing of old wounds and fractures in Cat’s relationship with her mother throughout the series… YAY!
Title: Blood on the Wall Author: Heather Graham In: Home Improvement (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner) Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Vampires, Werewolves Dates read: 23rd July 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books Year: 2011 5th sentence, 74th page: And, of course, because DeFeo’s ancestor, Antoine Montville, had been suspected of Satanism, but something like it.
A young man just wants to build up his own cult and reputation. But when a werewolf comes to town, things are turned on their head and he finally realises that maybe he’s not been making the best decisions…
I really didn’t expect all of the twists and turns that reared their ugly heads throughout this short story. Every time I thought that I could predict what was going on, something else reared its head and surprised me. It was incredibly fun and welcome. I love when a story like this completely takes me by surprise.
One of the things that I love about this story is that the cultist in this story isn’t paranormal. And the one that you think is kind of normal? Not so much. It literally turns everything on its head throughout this story. In the best way possible.
This is a fantastic short story – it involves vampires, werewolves, crimes and cults. It kind of has everything that I love in a short story. Even if it is slightly, unexpectedly off-kilter to what I am used to. And all of those surprises… I’ll definitely be reading this one again!
Title: A Quick Bite Author: Lynsay Sands Series: Argeneau #1 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Paranormal romance, Vampires Dates read: 10th – 14th July 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Avon Year: 2005 5th sentence, 74th page: Lissianna knew she should be grateful for the gift, but she’d really rather had had him for dinner.
That hot guy tied to Lissianna Argeneau’s bed? He’s not dessert – he’s the main course!
Lissianna has been spending her centuries pining for Mr. Right, not just a quick snack, and this sexy guy she finds in her bed looks like he might be a candidate. but there’s another, more pressing issue: her tendency to faint at the sight of blood… an especially annoying quirk for a vampire. Of course it doesn’t hurt thtat this man has a delicious-looking neck. What kind of cold-blooded vampire woman could resist a bite of that?
Dr. Gregory Hewitt recovers from the shock of waking up in a stranger’s bedroom pretty quickly – once he sees a gorgeous woman about to treat him to a wild night of passion. But is it possible for the good doctor to find true love with a vampire vixen, or will he be just a good meal? That’s a question Dr. Greg might be willing to sink his teeth into… if he can just get Lissianna to bite.
This was everything that I enjoy in a good paranormal romance and a Lynsay Sands book – it was quick, fun and easy. Light-hearted and a little titillating. And just generally a great way to spend a nice portion of time immersed in another world. It wasn’t one of those books that will necessarily linger with me long after I’ve turned the final page. But it’s one that I will probably pick up again down the line with a sense of enjoyment.
I really enjoyed Sands’ take on vampires and vampire lore in this story. For starters, it uses nanos and advanced technology to talk about the advent of vampirism. Secondly, there is the fact that the lead vampire in this story – Lissiana, has a blood phobia. It actually left me laughing out loud. Who would have thought that such a thing would be in a vampire romance novel? I can’t imagine ever fainting at the sight of blood… the fact that it’s a vampire… well, I was actually laughing out loud throughout.
There is a scene in this book in which Greg describes his past relationship and why he ended it. And the focus of this is the fact that what he wants more than anything is a partner. Just like Lissi. There is a total focus on being partners, not enslaved to one another. That no one has greater power over the other. But rather, they just help each other out. I think that its such a beautiful sentiment and one that I would love to see more of in a lot of the romances that I read. It’s just… this is, to me, what a relationship is all about – partnership.
I never thought I would use the phrase “pleasantly titillating” in a book review. But I’m going to use it here. There was just something that was a little fun about those moments in which Greg and Lissi are caught in the more compromising positions. It adds a good level of humour and amusement to the story. It also gives a bit of a cringe-factor to some of the moments… definitely something that I found pleasant and fun in this story. I’m not quite sure how Sands managed to walk that line… but I really, really enjoyed it.
Title: Biting Bad Author: Chloe Neill Series: Chicagoland Vampires #8 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Vampires Dates read: 29th June 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: New American Library Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: A giant soaking tub sat in one corner, and tonight, it bore a surprise.
Merit has been a vampire for only a short while, but she’s already seen a lifetime’s worth of trouble. She and her Master, centuries-old Ethan Sullivan, have risked their lives time and again to save the city they love. But not all of Chicago is loving them back.
Anti-vampire riots are erupting all over town, striking vampires where it hurts the most. A splinter group armed with Molotov cocktails and deep-seated hate is intent on clearing the fanged from the Windy City, come hell or high water.
Merit and her allies rush to figure out who’s behind the attacks, who will be targeted next, and whether there’s any way to stop the wanton destruction. The battle for Chicago is just beginning, and Merit is running out of time.
I remember being a bit “eh” about House Rules. It was a good book, but didn’t really grab my attention, and so I took a break from this series. I kind of expected to get the same feeling from Biting Bad, but figured I’d give it a shot anyway. And boy, am I glad that I did. This was almost a revamp of the energy that I found in the first few Chicagoland Vampires books. It had all of that paranormal fun that I was hoping for, plus a number of riots and a lot of sword-wielding. What more could a girl ask for?
Ethan and Merit have taken a long, long time to find their happy-place in their relationship. At first it was supremely frustrating… stubborn and stubborn just constantly clashing and butting heads. But, as this series has evolved, that stubbornness has had a truly endearing quality. And I love that in Biting Bad, they’ve finally found their sweet-spot with their different character quirks and managed to find their happily ever after. Or at least, the beginnings of it.
There is something a little more unique about Chicagoland Vampires in the genre of vampire stories. Probably because it deals a lot more with the inter-politics between humans and vampires – most stories they are not political stories which are discussed between the two races. In fact, they are largely separate. I love that there is a hugely political spin to not just all of the character interactions, but also huge aspects of the storyline. Right down to where the different branches of the police are called in.
I really wasn’t expecting the ending to this story. I thought that some aspects of this novel would carry on until the next and some would cease to exist in this story. I was pretty much 100% wrong on both aspects. Which just makes me want to read the next novel even more… I just have to dig it out of my shelves first…
Earth and Skye 