Tag Archives: Werewolves

Pirate Dave and the Captain’s Ghost by Toni L. P. Kelner

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for an apple for the creature book cover

Title: Pirate Dave and the Captain’s Ghost
Author: Toni L. P. Kelner
In: An Apple for the Creature (Charlaine Harris & Toni L. P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Urban fantasy, Vampires, Werewolves
Dates read: 13th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Ace Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “It’s his own hellish actions – “

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

She’s on a werewolf retreat having a wow of a time. Until a ghost decides that he takes exception to her love life. And suddenly her retreat makes her want to go into retreat…

Thoughts

This story was nothing like what I expected from the title. I was expecting a pirate ghost story and had absolutely no idea how a schooling would tie into this. After all, it is the concluding story for a collection of urban fantasies which feature teachers and school. I was not expecting a story about a werewolf and vampire in a relationship. Who own a pirate-themed water park and who were getting haunted…

I seem to be finding more and more books / series with a vampire-werewolf mating. I don’t find many that really investigate the reactions to this interracial relationship. It’s something that people in real life have to go through, dealing with the prejudices against their other half. I like that this was the original driver for the conflict in the story. Everything was going fine until one person (ghost) with a prejudice against vampires manages to make everyone so awkward and uncomfortable that she is then left alone. Completely.

The interconnectedness of this story and the twist at the end were really fun. I finished this story with a huge grin on my face and the desire to see if this is part of a greater series. I also loved that it ended up with a ghost becoming friends with a werewolf and helping them create a haunted ship.

 <- The Bad Hour ReviewAn Apple for the Creature Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

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.”

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

Burning Moon by Rebecca York

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
cravings

Title: Burning Moon
Author: Rebecca York
Series: Moon #3.5
In: Cravings (Laurell K. Hamilton, Mary Janice Davidson, Eileen Wilks & Rebecca York)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Werewolves
Dates read: 3rd July 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: They only confused her more.

Synopsis

All werewolf Grant Marshall wants to do is rip out the throat of the man who killed his wife–then swim out into the Atlantic Ocean and never come back. He tracks his wife’s killer to a small New Jersey seaside town, where he meets Antonia, a blind tarot card reader–the woman with the power to change his fate.

Thoughts

If you look at my bookshelves, and my romance section, you’ll see that I love books with werewolves and shapeshifters. If they happen to be paranormal romances, I tend to eat them up all that much quicker. There is just something that is so sensual and intense about stories with werewolves… I suppose it’s the animalistic and strong sense that these paranormal creatures bring to their stories. Which of course meant that this was going to be the kind of story in my wheelhouse. The fact that it features a quest for revenge and a blind, tarot-card reading woman just made it that much better.

This as mostly a cute and sweet story. Although, there was a little extra darkness and suspense to the tale than a normal paranormal romance. Most of the romances I’ve read lately are incredibly light and easy to read. This still matched that description, but the idea of hunting down a serial killer aided with creating an extra layer of suspense that I completely lapped up.

To add an extra layer of darkness to this storyline, the motives and voice of the murderer is added. Only about halfway through the novella and it certainly made me glad that I was reading this novella during the day. On a bright, sunny day. A man who preys on women he perceives as disabled is wrong on so many levels. And it made me very unhappy and uncomfortable as I realised he was zeroing in on my favourite blind tarot reader…

<- Originally HumanCravings ->

Image source: Amazon

The Temptation of Robin Green by Carrie Vaughn

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

Title: The Temptation of Robin Green
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville #0.5
In: The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance (Trisha Telep) & Kitty’s Greatest Hits (Carrie Vaughn)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Dates read: 3rd July 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Hoofed footfalls shuffled towards her through the wood shavings that covered the floor.

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

Robin Green is a virgin and a scientist. But, when her newest research subject is an irresistible selkie, she might just be willing to give up anything for the temptation of being near him.

Thoughts

I don’t really know how I felt about this short story. I liked the idea, but since it was the first story in a collection of paranormal romance tales, I was expecting something a little more lustful and a lot less…well, pathetic. I wish I had a better word for Robin Green, but mostly I just found her pathetic. And kind of irritating. I’m hoping that I meet her again later in the series so that I can improve my opinion of her.

The idea of supernatural beings in a secret government research facility, not being treated as humans is not in the least bit surprising. After all, history is rife with similar activities against minority groups. And, even though this is a fantasy, it still made me incredibly uncomfortable. Which I suppose is the aim of the story. Or at least, one of the aims. The whole woman running away with a selkie was probably more so the point…

I still haven’t read any of the novels in the Kitty Norville series, but, yet again, reading a short story set in that world has made me itch to pick up the series and immerse myself in a whole new world.

 <- Conquistador de la Noche ReviewLooking After Family Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Book of Daniel by Carrie Vaughn

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for kittys' greatest hits book cover

Title: The Book of Daniel
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville #0.1
In: Kitty’s Greatest Hits (Carrie Vaughn)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Werewolves
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Daniel started from a nightmare, his eyes growing wide all at once, his breathing fast and panicked.

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

Daniel is the right hand man of the king. But people are jealous, and their jealousy could get him killed. If he didn’t have a secret that will help him survive.

Thoughts

I normally don’t love stories that have a Christian connotation. Something about going to a Lutheran high school and being exposed to WAY too much of the faith for my comfort. But this story was the perfect amount of Christianity and paranormal fantasy. The more I read stories like this, the more my prejudices seem to be wiped away, or at least lessened.

When I first started getting into paranormal fantasy stories, I thought that werewolves were the paranormal creature that I loved the most (probably has something / a lot to do with the Mercedes Thompson series). But the more I read of this genre, the more obscure and fun creatures I find to fall in love with. And feline shapeshifters are at the top of that list. Which just makes Daniel kind of amazing, as this is his secret power.

The Book of Daniel takes you to a completely different world. One that existed centuries ago, before any of us were born, and even before our grandparents were a glint in their parents’ eyes. I’m not sure how this short story relates into the greater Kitty Norville series, but it certainly adds an extra layer of world building and makes me more than eager to get my nose stuck in this series.

 <- Kitty’s Greatest Hits ReviewBellum Romanum Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Boy Who Cried Wolf by Holly Black

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for troll's-eye view book cover

Title: The Boy Who Cried Wolf
Author: Holly Black
In: Troll’s-Eye View (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Villains, Werewolves
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Firebird Fantasy
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: There was barely any wind, and the swells were small.

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

When a young lad sniffs a flower, he quickly finds out that not everything he reads about in books is fiction. Will he have what it takes to save his family?

Thoughts

While I really enjoyed this short story, what bumped up my great opinion of it was Black’s explanation for why she wrote it in the first place. On childhood vacations, she often wished that she could turn into a wolf and eat her family – so she wrote about a boy who could. And, honestly, who hasn’t felt like that on a family vacation?

This was a fun, easy and quick read. It took the idea of a boy who doesn’t quite fit in and twisted and turned it into a tale that was a little bit scary, a little bit about being right and a lot about family. It has that darkness that I tend to associate with Holly Black and one that I thoroughly enjoy.

 <- Puss in Boots, the Sequel ReviewTroll Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Unappreciated Gifts by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: Unappreciated Gifts
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Alpha & Omega #3.5, Mercy-Verse #21
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Dates read: 29th January 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: But Kelly did indeed know how to dance, and they soon progressed beyond the simpler moves into some more daring, dramatic… even melodramatic moves.

Synopsis

Some members of Adam’s pack think Asil should get out more, so they’ve challenged him to accept a series of blind dates . . .

Thoughts

I really, really like Asil. And I really, really like Christmas. So a story that features both… I’m most likely going to enjoy that. And when it is written in the drily humorous tones of Patricia Briggs… yeah. I really couldn’t put this down. I wandered around the house (and walked into a few doorways) for about ten minutes while I just completely devoured this story.

The premise of giving a “gift” of five dates for Asil was funny from the very beginning. And I was expecting it to be a series of five short almost mini stories which outlined each of his adventures. Instead, it was just about the first one. And honestly, that was enough. It was kind of hilarious, really sweet and definitely highlighted just why I love Asil so much. After all, he has this sly sense of humour and a strong sense of dignity. Both things that I love in a man (and a character).

Unappreciated Gifts is a fun little, Christmassy return to the world of Mercedes Thompson. It is a good little laugh and a nice way to fall into the world, without being dragged too deeply under.

<- Fair GameDead Heat ->

Image source: Goodreads

Redemption by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
shifting-shadows

Title: Redemption
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercedes Thompson #7.4, Mercy-Verse #20
In: Shifting Shadows (Patricia Briggs)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Dates read: 29th January 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: “I figured out the install problem, too, thank you.

Synopsis

Ben (a major character in the Mercy Thompson series) is not good with people, particularly women, but he’s become strangely protective of a young lady in his office. This story was originally published in Shifting Shadows.

Thoughts

Ben is intriguing from his very first appearance in Moon Called. Although, not exactly all that attractive. Just… interesting. Yet, as the series progresses, he becomes a fair more enjoyable and beloved character. One that I constantly want to hear more and more about as the insanity of the storylines unfolds… so I was more than a little ecstatic when I found out that there was a short story solely based around Ben…

One of my favourite things about this short story is that it highlights the fact that dominance isn’t just about being bigger, tougher and stronger than everyone else. Rather, it is also about the willingness to protect and care for those who are weaker than you. And, since Ben is starting to grow up in this series… he is finally beginning to understand this! And understand some of his horrible past.

This might not be a truly feel good story, especially since it touches on many issues from his past, but it is a really good one. It lets you get to know a character that I completely adore. And it also allows you to gain further understanding into the structure of the wolf packs.

<- Frost BurnedHopcross Jilly ->

Image source: Patricia Briggs

Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for frost burned patricia briggs book cover

Title: Frost Burned
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercedes Thompson #7, Mercy-Verse #19
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Dates read: 28th – 29th January 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: “Sweats,” Kyle whispered to me, rolling off the chair like it hurt.

Synopsis

In this #1 New York Times bestseller, author Patricia Briggs “has reached perfection”, as Mercy Thompson faces a shapeshifter’s biggest fear…

After an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Mercy and her stepdaughter, Jesse, can’t reach Alpha werewolf Adam – or anyone else in the pack, for that matter. They’ve all been abducted.

Through their mating bond, all Mercy knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. But she fears his disappearance may be related to the political battle the werewolves have been fighting to gain acceptance from the public – and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outmatched and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from any ally she can get, no matter how unlikely.

Thoughts

I always forget how much I love the books in the Mercedes Thompson world. Actually, I don’t quite forget… I just don’t think that they could possibly be that good. And then I open one, and I don’t know why I don’t just read these books on repeat. (Probably because I have FAR too many other books that I also want to read…. It makes decision making incredibly hard).

Frost Burned is the seventh in the Mercedes Thompson series and takes place after Mercy has finally healed from her… activities… in River Marked. It starts with one of those beautiful moments in which everything seems to be going well. And then it’s not. Which is kind of how all such books end up going. However, unlike most books I’ve read, it kind of seems like the main catastrophe and storyline is over. When the book is only halfway through. That’s when you kind of know that the shit is about to seriously hit the fan.

Ben takes a much more central role in this story than the other stories. And so does Asil. Both characters that I absolutely adore and find completely intriguing. They have intense backgrounds and aren’t what you would traditionally classify as “good”. Which is probably why I like them so much. Their presence in Mercy’s life and the fact that, in spite of all odds, she actually likes them, helps to increase the stakes of what is happening.

Unlike the other books so far in the Mercedes Thompson series, there isn’t one big storyline, per se. Rather than a very clear beginning, middle and end with only one big obstacle to overcome, there are a small handful. It means that instead of the expected highs and lows, this story is more like a rollercoaster. And because of that, all that much more difficult to put down.

<- River MarkedRedemption ->

Image source: Amazon

The Curse of Wolf Crag by Susan Sizemore

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

Title: The Curse of Wolf Crag
Author: Susan Sizemore
In: The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Scottish romance, Werewolves
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: I tricked you, all right.

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

Tara left Wolf Crag to escape a past, but when the past comes back to haunt her she begins to wonder if maybe running away wasn’t such a great idea after all.

Thoughts

This story needed to be longer. I loved it. I thought that the romance in it was great. But the development of the relationship went from negative to positive waaaaaaaaaaay too fast. I love when past antagonisms fester and must be overcome to create a happy future together. However, in the caes of The Curse of Wolf Crag, one moment Tara is yelling at her beau and the next she is having sex with him. Talk about negative to positive on the flip of a coin…

The imagery of the Scottish isles where the worlds of fae and human collide works so nicely. Especially when juxtaposed against the modern setting in which the story starts. Talk of curses, fae and the past give this tale a very romanticised, beautiful feeling. The mists across the crag give the story a further feeling of mysticism and otherworldliness. And although I loved this story, I think that it would have been ten times better if it was just that wee bit longer.

 <- The Rebel ReviewBeloved Beast Review ->
Image source: Hachette Australia