Vamped by Lucienne Diver

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Vampires, Magic

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Gina Coello’s Perks and Pitfalls of Vamp Life. 1. Hello?! Eternal youth and beauty! 2. Free. Designer. Clothes. 3. My hot new boyfriend Bobby went from chess dud to vamp stud. 4. No reflection! First order of business: turn my own stylist to stop the downward spiral from chic to eek. 5. Vampire vixen Mellisande has taken an interest in my boyfried, and is now transforming the entire high school into her own personal vampire army. If anyone’s going to start their own undead entourage, it should be me. I guess I’ll just have to save everyone from fashion disasters and other fates worse than death.

This is the first in the Vamped series and it is a very campy vampire story. The main character Gina is your superficial high school character. Who has been turned by the kid from the chess club who is now hot as can be. The whole story is very well written and very light hearted. I’m curious if there will be a sequel to this as it is left open for one. I enjoyed reading it. It is light and funny.

Publisher: Flux

ISBN: 0738714747

Pages: 240

Series: Vamped

Volume: 1

Mona Lisa Awakening by Sunny

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Shapeshifters, Monére, Children of the Moon

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: From the time she was an orphan child, Mona Lisa knew she was different—but she never knew how different until a man of otherworldly beauty arrived during her night shift in the ER. Gryphon is hurting and hunted…and he attracts her as no man ever has before. He is a Monère, one of the children of the moon—and what’s more, so is she… Long exiled from the moon, the men of the Monère serve—and mate—with imperious Queens, who can channel the rays of their far-off homeland. Gryphon believes that Mona Lisa is a Queen—perhaps the first of Mixed Blood ever known. But her introduction to the nighttime court of the Monère, simmering with intrigue, casual lust, and calculated cruelty, is far from smooth. The other Queens are infuriated by her potential powers, and they are all menaced by a group of rogue males who have broken away from the women’s sway. Even as she battles threats from within and without, Mona Lisa is determined to discover who she is, and to explore the limits of her growing power—and her secret desires…

This is the first book in the Monere, Children of the Moon series. So I would say this is more about were-people (as they can change into different types of animals) with some moon magic as well. Learning about the Monère and their legends along with Mona Lisa made the story very dynamic. Gryphon is the kind of man that can take charge when he needs to. Very strong character, one that I want to know more about. He’s actually the character that pulled me into this story. I couldn’t wait to read the other books to this series, Mona Lisa Blossoming.

Publisher: Berkley Sensations

ISBN: 0425224554

Pages: 272

Series: Monere, Chidren of the Moon

Volume: 1

Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Faeries, Changelings, Magic, Wondrous Strange

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Since the dawn of time, the Faerie have taken… Seventeen-year-old actress Kelly Winslow always thought faeries were just something from childhood stories. Then she meets Sonny Flannery. He’s a changeling – a mortal taken as an infant and raised among Faerie – and within short order he’s turned Kelley’s heart inside out and her life upside down. For Kelley’s beloved Central Park isn’t just a park – it’s a gateway between her ordinary city and the Faerie’s dangerous, bewitching Otherworld. Now Kelley’s eyes are opening not just to the Faerie that surround her, but to the heritage that awaits her… a destiny both wondrous and strange.

This is the first book in the Wondrous Strange trilogy and is a great new take on a story about the Fae. It asks a lot of what ifs. Kelley is more then what she knows. And Sonny soon figures that out. He is drawn to her at first without understanding why. While she is finding out who and what she is she is falling for Sonny. This is such a beautiful telling that shows a great imagination. We get to meet the original Puck from William Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night's Dream. And learn more about the other Fae courts. I truly liked this book and can’t wait to read the next on Darklight.

Publisher: Harper Teen

ISBN: 0061575399

Pages: 352

Series: Wondrous Strange

Volume: 1

Impossible by Nancy Werlin

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Magic, Elves, Teen Pregnancy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Lucy is seventeen when she discovers that the women of her family have been cursed through the generations, forced to attempt three seemingly impossible tasks or to fall into madness upon their child's birth. But Lucy is the first girl who won't be alone as she tackles the list. She has her fiercely protective foster parents beside her. And she has Zach, whose strength amazes her more each day. Do they have enough love and resolve to overcome an age-old evil?

This is inspired by the ballad Scarborough Fair. Lucy knows that her birth mother is crazy and doesn’t really want much to do with her. But after she becomes pregnant herself she finds some information from her mother that sets her on a journey to save herself. All the people who love Lucy come together to help her as well. This is a beautiful romantic tale of love concurring over all. Lucy doesn’t give up even when she’s not entirely sure what is reality. The story is very imaginative in its telling. It is a bit deep at times but with the magic added in I found it to be a very nice story. I can't wait to read the next story in this series, Unthinkable.

Publisher: Speak

ISBN: 0142414913

Pages: 384

Series: Impossible

Volume: 1

Hannah by Kathryn Lasky

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal; Mermaids, Daughters of the Sea

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Hannah wants to be normal, but she’s not. The sea calls to her, and she can see a delicate tracing of scales on her legs. Billowing waves soothe her, but flat land makes her sick. She knows there’s something wild in her that’s different, wrong – and deeply thrilling. Only one person seems to know who – or what – Hannah is. He’s a guest in the house where she works as a scullery girl, and his fascinated gaze follows her. She doesn’t understand his terrifying allure, or her longing. But even as the mystery deepens, Hannah is sure of one thing. A sea change is coming.

This is the first book in the Daughters of the Sea. It is set in Boston where a orphaned girl finds that she has to live near the sea. As the story goes on you learn more about Hannah and the family that she works for. As she learns about herself and what she is becoming she finds a place for herself. It is a very sweet story. I feel like there is more to it though. It is a nice little read and anyone who like mermaids will like this. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, May.

Publisher: Scholastic Press

ISBN: 054523803X

Pages: 336

Series: Daughters of the Sea

Volume: 1

Midnight Magic by Rebecca York, Susan Kearney, Jeanie London

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Time Travel

Sub Genre: Romance, Historical, Contemporary, Science Fiction

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: A magical painting, a mystical gateway… Legend has it that a heartbroken artist used magical paint to create the beautiful “Midnight Magic”--and then stepped into the painting and was never seen again. Or so Sara Drimmon is told when she visits the Second Chance Gallery in Rebecca York's "Second Chance." Sara experiences the magic for herself when the painting sends her into her own past and gives her a second chance with her first love. Then it's Sara's turn to introduce someone to the painting--and she chooses Merline, a beautiful singer who's lost her voice. In Susan Kearney's "Ulterior Motives," the painting sends Merline thousands of years into the future, where she is no longer a superstar. Is Merline ready to trade stardom for love? In Jeanie London's "Temptation," an artist urges Nina de Lacy to look deeply into the painting. But Nina has her own magical way of seeing into the souls of men--and now she must choose between the destiny “Midnight Magic” offers her and the two men who wait for her to tell them their future…

This is a great anthology that circles on its own. Each story is connected to the painting Midnight Magic. The first sends Sara back in time. While the second one sends Merline 300 years into the future. And the last starts in the 1700’s but ending in 2006. The way that the stories are written they flow seamlessly into one another. I really enjoy how each one was so different and yet you could see where the story was to go. It was very imaginative and entertaining. This is one that is a good tale for whatever ails you, as there is Romance, Historical, Contemporary, Science Fiction and Paranormal all wrapped under one book.

Publisher: Tor Romance

ISBN: 0765354853

Pages: 352

Series:

Volume: 

Persistence of Memory by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Vampires, Were-people, Witches, Mental illness

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Sixteen-year-old Erin Misrahe just wants to be like everyone else in her new school. But Erin has more to worry about than passing AP Chemistry and making friends. In times of stress, she has always been overcome by her alter ego, Shevaun, whose violent behavior wreaks havoc on those around her. Erin can never remember anything about these episodes, and she’s grateful to have been spared them for a while. But when a protective old friend comes back into Erin’s life, he insists that Shevaun is a vampire who actually exists apart from Erin. Shevaun has dangerous allies, like the handsome witch Adjila – and they’re determined to sever Shevaun’s connection to Erin once and for all.

This story is of a girl that things that she is crazy. And is trying to become someone who can go to a normal school for the first time. But as it happens there are other things going on that she has no knowledge about. Like the things that go bump in the night are real. I don’t want to ruin the story as there is a lot that is discovered both about Erin and her friends. Needless to say there is magic, vampires, were-people and witches all involved. It is a good story. I enjoyed reading it and wouldn’t mind reading more of this world even if they don’t revisit the same characters.

Publisher: Delacorte Press

ISBN: 0440240042

Pages: 224

Series:

Volume: 

Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Dragons, Witches, Wizards, Magicians

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The wizards are coming! The wizards are coming! They’re back! Except Princess Cimorene is now Queen Cimorene of the Enchanted Forest and she, Kazul the dragon King, Morwen the witch, Telemain the magician, two cats, and a blue, flying donkey-rabbit named Killer, are on a very important journey. And it’s not going to be easy. The wizards have become very smart (sort of) and have found a way to capture the most powerful source of magic in the Enchanted Forest – King Mendanbar’s sword. If the sword is not returned to the forest in due time, the forest will begin to die. And you can bet your last dragon scale that Cimorene won’t stand for it…

This is the third book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. With the wizards returning things must be done. This story was very well written if not a little sad ending. So much is going on that you can’t wait to read on. It is a great set up for the next story. I really do love this story. I just can’t get enough of Cimorene and her friends. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Talking to Dragons.

Publisher: Sandpiper

ISBN: 0152046925

Pages: 272

Series: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles

Volume: 3

His Darkest Hunger by Juliana Stone

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Shapeshifters, Vampires, Magick, Jaguar Warrior

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Jaxon Castille: jaguar shifter, warrior, assassin. He has long hungered for the chance to make his former lover, Libby Jamieson, pay for her deadly betrayal. After three long years he's finally found her. The hunt is over . . . But the Libby that he finds is not what he expected. She has no memory of their tumultuous affair, of her treachery, of anything beyond her own name. A shadowy and deadly clan has marked them both for death, and in an instant, he game changes: the hunter has become the hunted. On the run, with the ghosts of their past between them and a dark, desperate hunger quickly reclaiming their bodies and souls, Libby and Jaxon must discover the truth behind the dark forces working against them. Together, they must grab hold of a destiny that has the power to either heal them or destroy them. But the truth is far more shattering than anyone could imagine . . .

This is the first book to the Jaguar Warrior. Libby can’t remember anything and is trying to just stay together in the small town she found herself. Jaxon has been wanting to take care of Libby after she betrayed him and his family. But everything changes when he finally finds Libby and see that things are very different. As they start to discover what happened to Libby for the past three years, they both grow closer. The story is very well written. Just when you think you know where the story is going it has a good twist. The characters in this book are great. I really liked this book and can’t wait to read the next book in this series, His Darkest Embrace.

Publisher: Avon

ISBN: 0061808776

Pages: 384

Series: Jaguar Warrior

Volume: 1

Light My Fire by Katie MacAlister

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Demons, Dragons, Magic, Guardian, Aisling Grey

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: It’s not easy being a demon lord, a Guardian, and a wyvern’s mate all at once. Luckily, I just moved to London to study all things Guardian with my mentor. A new start is just what I need since being betrayed (again!) by Drake, wyvern of the green dragons. Though I’m supposedly immortal, I’m not so sure my heart can take another beating. But I’m still officially Drake’s mate—and my presence is required at a meeting of the green dragons. How I’m going to keep my distance from that fire-breathing hunk is beyond me. It doesn’t help that several attempts have been made on my life. Or that I’m wanted by the entire otherworldly population of imps since Jim, my doggie demon sidekick, accidentally ate their ruler. Being an alpha-dragon and all, Drake is sure to get protective of me. Which might not be a bad thing when war breaks out and all hell breaks loose—literally…

This is the third book in the Aisling Grey, Guardian series. Ah… Meeting the rest of the family. Aisling has so much to do and all the while try not getting killed. With everything that is happening she still is hurt by what Drake has done to her. So she isn’t quite sure how to be around him and yet she does enjoy all his protectiveness. When every hits the roof it seems to come out alright. I really like the outcome of this book. I gave me that girly feel. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Holy Smokes.

Publisher: NAL

ISBN: 0451219821

Pages: 352

Series: Aisling Grey, Guardian

Volume: 3

Break From You by Rebecca Green Gasper

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Contemporary; Dating Abuse, Violence

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Brooke Myers wants to believe she has it all: the perfect guy, the perfect relationship, the perfect life. She wants to believe it so much that she's willing to overlook the fear, the isolation, and the pain her boyfriend has caused her. She knows it isn't right but tells herself that love isn't always easy. However, when a fire destroys the restaurant during homecoming dinner, she forms an instant bond with the boy who saves her, one her boyfriend wouldn’t like. With the pain of a concussion reminding her of how bad things can get, she is forced to re-evaluate the relationship she has with her boyfriend and face the ghosts that haunt her. Brooke once believed love was all it took…but is it enough? Is it truly love when you've lost yourself in it?

At the beginning of this book Brooke is trying to figure out a why to get a way from her perfect boyfriend, only doesn’t know how. When I picked up this book I literally couldn’t put it down. I had moments that had me in tears over what was happening in the story three different times. The writing is beautiful and keeps you involved the entire time. This story is something that is more then just a good read, it is something that can help other girls see that they may not be in a good relationship. I also loved that there where two different perspectives throughout the story. I’ve read many books that have tried to do this and have failed making it very chopped. This was nothing like that it flows well from one voice to the other. I can’t say enough about this book I will be on the look out for anything else by Rebecca Green Gasper.

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

ISBN: B009YLW5NG

Pages: 316

Series:

Volume:

Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs

Genre: Urban Fantasy; Fae, Werewolves, Vampires

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Anna Latham didn’t know how complicated life could be until she became a werewolf. And until she was mated to Charles Cornick, the son – and enforcer – of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves, she didn’t know how dangerous it could be either… Anna and Charles have just been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran’s controversial proposition: that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to humans. But the most feared Alpha in Europe is dead set against the plan – and it seems like someone else might be, too. When Anna is attacked by vampires using pact magic, the kind of power only werewolves should be able to draw on. Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whoever is behind it all – or risk losing everything…

This is the second book Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs, and starts off soon after the first one. Charles is still getting used to being mated to Anna. Anna is still dealing with what has happened to her in the past. To top things off they take Bran’s place in a summit to discuss with the European wolves about coming out. Anna’s learns a lot more of what she is capable of as well as teaching another Omega more about their role in the pack. Charles is trying to do what he can but at the same time he must focus on the summit, which leaves him more open then he would like. And while you think the story is going to head in one direction it make a sharp left turn. Which of course I absolutely loved. This is a great book and I’m glad to see that Anna and Charles are becoming stronger characters. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Fair Game.

Publisher: Ace

ISBN: 044101738X

Pages: 304

Series: Alpha and Omega

Volume: 2

Believe In Me by Jessica Inclán

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Psychics, Magic

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The Croyants des Trois are a powerful clan of telepaths and healers, and Felix Valasay, as gifted in magic as he is in seduction, is the black sheep of the family… Charm Me. For a Croyant, Felix Valasay lives a charmed life of sensual excess, so he's less than thrilled to be interrupted mid-hookup by notorious Croyant straight arrow, Sayblee Safipour. She'd been the smart one in their magic classes, the one he couldn't win over with a smile or a compliment or twelve, the one he'd wanted so desperately. Now he has the chance to wake up to her beautiful, calm face, to smell the sweetness of her skin, to be this close to those maddening curves… Figures Sayblee would find Felix “entertaining” when they have important Council business to attend to—setting a trap in Paris for the most dangerous, powerful sorcier their world has ever known. To do that they will need to hide in plain sight, living together like an ordinary Moyenne couple, using no magic at all. Keeping her mind shut against the dark forces trying to find them is tough. But keeping Felix's hot body out of her thoughts is nearly impossible. Sometimes the only way to avoid temptation is to yield to it…

This is the last book in the Valasay brother’s trilogy. Felix has been the kind of guy to have many girlfriends. He was even a legend back at school. While Sayblee was always the girl who did the right thing. Now they have to now go and be a Moyenne couple in Paris and work together. Felix was one of the characters I loved from the moment his character first showed up in the first book. The youngest brother of the Valasay boys, very cocky and even a little spoiled but still had a great sense of humor. I like the dynamic between Sayblee and Felix. I really enjoyed how this trilogy ended and will keep an eye out for anything that comes out by Jessica Inclán.

Publisher: Zebra Books

ISBN: 0821780840

Pages: 272

Series: Magical Temptation

Volume: 3

Dime Store Magic by Kelly Armstrong

Genre: Urban Fiction; Magic, Werewolves, Vampires, Witches, Shamans, Demons

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Paige Winterbourne was always either too young or too rebellious to succeed her mother as leader of one of the world’s most powerful elite organizations – the American Coven of Witches. Now that she is twenty-three and her mother is dead, the Elders can no longer deny her. But even Paige’s wildest antics can’t hold a candle to those of her new charge – an orphan who is all too willing to use her budding powers for evil… and evil is all too willing to claim her. For this girl is being pursued by a dark faction of the supernatural underworld. They are a vicious group who will do anything to woo the young, malleable, and extremely powerful neophyte, including commit murder – and frame Paige for the crime. It’s an initiation into adulthood, womanhood, and the brutal side of magic that Paige will have to go everything within her power to make sure they both survive.

This is the third book in the Women of the Otherworld. We first met Paige in Stolen when she loses her mother. She has to realized that she has what it takes to take care of herself and Savannah. But when she is accused of murder it’s going to take someone she’s not sure she can trust. Lucas Cortez. This story is hot, as is Lucas. This story goes into the witches of this and shows a more in depth side to Paige. I love it. Reading how Paige goes and works with Lucas, even falling for him. This is brilliant writing, I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Industrial Magic.

Publisher: Bantam

ISBN: 0553593773

Pages: 448

Series: Women of the Otherworld

Volume: 3

Daughter of the Flames by Zoe Marriott

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Fantasy, Magic

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: What if your deadliest enemy was the only one who could save you? In an ancient temple in the mountains, fifteen-year-old Zira trains in the martial arts to become a warrior priestess, defending the faith of the Ruan people. Then terror strikes at everything Zira loves, and the only home she knows is destroyed by the occupying forces of tyrannical King Abheron. To survive, she must unravel the secrets of her identity, decide her people’s fate – and accept her growing feelings for a man who should be her enemy.

Set in a magical land of Ruan and Sedorne, this story is a great fantasy. Zira has no idea who she is as she has been raised as an orphan. On the eve of her sixteenth birthday she discovers who she really is. And to have those she loves she turns to a lord whom owes her a favor. With the help of her friends Deo, Rashna, and Mira she finds what she is truly capable of. This is one of those great fantasy stories that shows a people coming together to fight for something better. Zira is so uncertain at first but with every step she becomes stronger and more sure of herself. I liked it very much and look forward to reading the next book FrostFire.

Publisher: Candlewick Press

ISBN: 0763637491

Pages: 368

Series: Ruan

Volume: 1

Dark of the Moon by Rachel Hawthorne

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Werewolves, Dark Guardian

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: I’ve loved him forever, but he can never be mine. Brittany is determined to prove herself to the Dark Guardians. And yet she’s been keeping a devastating secret: She hasn’t experienced any of the intense, early signs of change that mark a Dark Guardian’s transformation. The only intense feelings she has are for Conner – and she’s kept that a secret, too. But she knows she’ll never truly have Connor’s lover if she’s not a Shifter like him. At the first full moon after her birthday, her greatest fear is realized: She doesn’t transform. Brittany is so desperate to become a wolf that she’ll go to extremes she never thought possible… and put all the Dark Guardians in incredible danger.

This is the third book in the Dark Guardian series and it was a great twist. I found that Brittany was an amazingly strong character. Even though she isn’t a Shifter she still has many other abilities that she as developed. I love how Connor is dealing with his own realizations, not only about his feelings but also about Brittany. I really couldn’t get enough of this. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Shadow of the Moon.

Publisher: Harper Teen

ISBN: 0061709573

Pages: 272

Series: Dark Guardian

Volume: 3

The Devil’s Kiss by Sarwat Chadda

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Angels, Demons, Ghosts, Magic, Vampires, Werewolves, Knights Templar

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Bilqis SanGreal always knew that being a Knight Templar required the complete sacrifice of normalcy. Instead of hanging out with friends or flirting with boys, she spends her time in the darkest corners of London’s underworld, battling the Unholy in a centuries-old war for mankind’s soul. Even though she’s been solitary for years, Billi’s lone-wolf attitude is challenged when her childhood friend and fellow knight, Kay, returns from Jerusalem with a new radiance and a dangerous chip on his shoulder. Kay is ready to reclaim his place by Billi’s side, but she’s skeptical. While Billi was risking her neck fighting werewolves and vampires, Kay was reading auras in the lap of luxury. Now he spends his time showing off his new powers, cultivating the admiration of the other knights, and teasing Billi. It’s all to much to bear…until Billi meets Michael, a disturbingly handsome guy who understands her like no one else, effortlessly staking a claim on her heart. Kay wastes no time in complicating Billi’s life just as it’s starting to improve. In a moment of bravado, Kay uses the last of the Templars’ treasures, King Solomon’s Cursed Mirror, to look into the Ethereal Realm, drawing the attention of the Angel of Death. Even though Kay is the most powerful psychic the Templars have seen in centuries, he’s no match for the dark angel responsible for the plague that killed every first born child in Egypt so long ago. The Knights know that the angel needs the mirror in order to unleash the Tenth Plague again, but keeping it from him will be nearly impossible. To win this battle and save the lives of millions of children, the Templars will have to find renewed strength, and Billi will have to make sacrifices greater than she’d ever imagined.

The story is actually taking place in present day. Billi is your strong willed girl who just wants to have a normal life. While everyone around her wants her to live up to her destiny of being a Knight Templar. She is conflicted by Kay’s reappearance after a year away. Since she feels like her life is falling down and she has no choice, and everyone praising Kay over and over again she’s had it. But when all the cards are played she must do what she has to. This is a great story responsibility, and Billi has a little too much. But she does deal with it fairly well. I found that I wanted to read more about this world that Billi is a part of, as much as she may not like it. I love the take that a girl can be a Knight Templar. I can't wait to read more about Billi and her world, in Dark Goddess.

Publisher: Hyperion Teens

ISBN: 1423120221

Pages: 352

Series: Devil’s Kiss

Volume: 1