Mermaid's Kiss by Joey W. Hill

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Angels, Mermaids, Magic, Sea Witches, Daughters of Arianne, Witches, Retelling, Fairy Tale

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Some destinies are made to be denied… As the Prime Legion Commander for the Goddess, Jonah has been battling the Dark Ones for centuries. He has led countless angels into battle, and has seen too many of them slaughtered. Now, his noble spirit has begun to tire with the weight of endless war—which allows a Dark One to strike a blow that severs his wing and knocks him into the sea. Anna is a Daughter of Arianne — a direct descendant of the mermaid whose poignant legend and lore is much darker and more complex than the human-made fairytale. For tragedy and isolation are the fate of all the Daughters of Arianne. Anna’s longing for love compels her to risk her very life to protect and hide the fallen Jonah. And the longer Jonah delays his return to the heavens, the more Anna’s secret passions are tempted.  Anna knows that Jonah’s destiny lies beyond her desire—and that if she repeats her ancestor’s mistakes, heartache will be her only reward. But as she falls more in love with him, Anna wonders if she’s destined to lose her heart and her dreams to save Jonah’s soul…

This is the first book in the Daughters of Arianne series. This is a whole new take on the Little Mermaid fairy tale. It is much darker than you originally thought. We begin with a descendent of the little mermaid, Anna. Who has only a short time left before she dies due to the curse from her ancestor, Arianne. She just happens to save an angel Jonah. Who is tired of losing those that he loves in battle. He has lost his way and it is going to take Anna to be able to try and save him and the world. I really enjoyed this story as it took one of my favorite fairy tales and added depth as well as new dimensions to it. I could see how these women had lived both part of the sea and yet apart from it as well. I found that the story is endearing and can’t wait to read the next one in the series, A Witch’s Beauty.

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

ISBN: 0425223809

Pages: 384

Series: Mermaid

Volume: 1

Wicked Enchantment by Anya Bast

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Fae, Magic, Incubus, Mages, Goblins, Wild Hunt, Necromancer, Phaendir

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

                                      

Back Cover: When you’re half-incubus, your reputation precedes you… All eyes are on Gabriel Mac Braire the day he makes his first appearance in Seelie Court, including those of Aislinn Finvarra. Despite deep bitterness over her last failed relationship, Aislinn cannot help but be curious about the half incubus who is known to possess dark magick, both lethal and sexual in nature. Rumors abound of the women who have become enslaved to his irresistible charms. So when the Summer Queen of the fae orders Aislinn herself to act as his guide in the court, she is understandably on guard. She’s fallen under the spell of far less persuasive men before. In addition, Gabriel might be more than he seems, and his true mission is far from innocent. This time, Aislinn must protect not only her heart, but her very life…

This time Anya Bast takes us into a new world of her Fae. In this book the fae are on a reservation that the Phaendir and the humans created hundreds of years ago. They live as best they can but still wish to have their freedoms back. There are two courts that of the Rose and that of the Black. The Rose court is very big on status and bloodlines. Gabriel is much more than he seems and keeps Aislinn on her toes. Aislinn is just beginning to discover herself and what she is capable of. The two are great together are great. I love how there are so many layers to this story. Anya can create these worlds that pull you in and make them truly believable. I love this story and can’t wait to read the next one in this series, Cruel Enchantment

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

ISBN: 0425232018

Pages: 336

Series: Dark Magick

Volume: 2

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Fantasy; People with Abilities

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight--she's a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king's thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po's friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace--or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

This is Kristin Cashore’s first novel, and it’s a page turner. It is set up in a fantasy world where some people are graced with an ability. It can be anything from an increased sense of hearing to the ability to kill. I truly enjoyed the main character. Her struggle with her grace and how she tries to make up for what she is ordered to do. The world in which the story takes place is compelling. Prince Po is a brilliant character that has his own growth throughout the story. I am looking forward to reading Fire.

Publisher: Graphia

ISBN: 0547258305

Pages: 480

Series: Graceling Realm

Volume: 1

Witch Fury by Anya Bast

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Witches and Demons

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Sarafina Connell is having the worst week of her life. It takes an even darker turn when an infamous playboy kidnaps her and reveals a world she never knew existed…It’s a world where magick is real, and where Sarafina is given a chance to join a secret cabal that is bent on gaining absolute power. They could use a woman like her – a witch with an untapped gift for creating fire. But she isn’t about to get in league with the devil. Rescued from her captors, Sarafina is introduced to a coven that is duty-bound to fight the forces of darkness. She’s pleased that her savior is the imposingly seductive Theo - until the trust between them goes up in flames. However, as the war between good and evil is waged, Sarafina and Theo realize they have no choice but to unite in the battle for supremacy – that’s getting hotter by the minute.

So this is the ending to the Elemental witches. Ok so its not totally you need to go to Anya Bast’s page as there is a short story that takes place after this. But as far as the printed books it seems that this is the end. While I am sad to see the end I did love how Anya finished off the series. Sarafina is another kick but character who burns hot all around. And you get to see more of Theo. Theo was the most tortured character in this series, or at least that is my opinion. But what a great character. And the dialog between these two is almost spit fire. I thought that this ending didn’t disappoint at all. I think anyone who is interested in a great paranormal romance about witches needs to add this to their shelves. Now even though there isn’t any more elemental witches she is working on Wicked Enchantment dealing with Fairies. I am looking forward to that as I love Anya’s writing and the Fay.

As an added bonus I have included a review of her downloadable free short story Micah’s Magick.

This is Micah’s and Emily’s story you can get it on Anya Bast’s webpage for free. But it has spoilers in it so read the books first. It’s a nice little rap up for Micah. And Emily is very sweet. Download a copy for yourself.

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

ISBN: 042522869X

Pages: 320

Series: Elemental Witches

Volume: 4 & 4.5

Witch Heart by Anya Bast

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Witches and Demons

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: With a strange and powerful type of elemental magick, Claire isn’t destined to remain a demon’s handmaiden. Yet this has been her fate since she was six, when her warlock mother brought her to Eudae. Now an adult, she’s about to discover her true power – and how far others are willing to go to take it away… As part of a Coven mission, Adam Tyrell rescues Claire from her enslavement – and finds himself immediately taken with the beautiful witch. But this charming playboy soon learns that it’s easier to steal Claire from demons than to win her heart, for her life as a servant has ravaged her spirit. But Adam’s determination to protect her from the warlocks who want to harness her magick for evil begins to weaken Claire’s resistance – and in the heat of danger they find themselves surrendering to the lure of their deepest desires…

Anya makes some of the best butt-kicking female characters. Yeah they men want to save them but they don’t have to. And Claire is the perfect example of one of these characters. She is strong on her own and as we son in Witch Blood she is an amazing teacher to Thomas. When she is taken from all that she knows and put back into her own world she’s excited and scared all at the same time. And the way she shows both Adam and Theo that she is stronger than both of them is great. You begin to understand the playboy Adam and why he is the way he is. But I truly enjoyed Clair, by far one of my favorite characters ever. I look forward to reading the next book in this series, Witch Fury.

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

ISBN: 0425225534

Pages: 320

Series: Elemental Witches

Volume: 3

Atlantis Rising by Alyssa Day

Genre: Paranormal Romance; The Warriors of Poseidon, Magic, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Atlantis, Gods, Empaths

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Eleven thousand years ago, before the seas swallowed the Atlanteans, Poseidon assigned a few chosen warriors to act as sentinels for humans in the new world. There was only one rule – desiring them was forbidden. But rules were made to be broken… When she calls… Riley Dawson is more than a dedicated Virginia Beach social worker. She’s blessed with a mind link that only Atlanteans have been able to access for thousands of years. Being an empath may explain her wistful connection to the roiling waves of the ocean, the sanctuary it provides, and the sexual urges that seem to emanate from fathoms below… He will come. Conlan, the high prince of Atlantis, has surfaced on a mission to retrieve Poseidon’s stolen Trident. Yet something else has possessed Conlan: the intimate emotions – and desires – of a human. Irresistibly drawn to the uncanny beauty, Conlan soon shares more than his mind. But in the midst of a battle to reclaim Poseidon’s power, how long can a forbidden love last between two different souls from two different worlds?

This is the first book in the Warriors of Poseidon series. Conlan has been tortured for the past 7 years by a Vampire goddess. When he finally comes home things are not as they left them. The Trident has been stolen and he must get it back. Then when he comes to the surface to find it he meets Riley. Riley is about to be attacked by a gang of shifters. And that’s just in the first few chapters. This book is the kind that once you start reading it you can’t put it down. Riley is one of those characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. The dynamic between her and the other characters is brilliant. I really loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one in the series, Atlantis Awakening.

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

ISBN: 0425214494

Pages: 304

Series: Warriors of Poseidon

Volume: 1

Witch Blood by Anya Bast

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Witches and Demons

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: A water witch, Isabelle Novak has always led a chaotic, nomadic existence. But her life spins out of control when her sister – her only friend and emotional anchor – is killed by a demon. Driven by grief and a desire for revenge, she turns her back on the Coven and is sacred rede: Harm ye none… When Isabelle first encounters Thomas Monahan, she’s running on pure rage and sorrow, channeling her pain into power – and trying to freeze the life out of the warlock she holds responsible for her sister’s death. Together she and Thomas form an uneasy alliance to hunt and destroy a demon of tremendous power. As head of the Coven, earth witch Thomas must thwart Isabelle’s dark impulses, but his very presence stirs deeper desires she never knew she had…

Isabelle is your strong female character that you want to fight for. She is the one that seems to be fighting her inner demons almost as much as the ones that Stephen keeps bring in. Very dynamic character and Thomas is a good balance for her. I liked the introduction of the other demons. And their diverse culture as well. You got to see a different side of Thomas that just made you get all warm and fuzzy inside. I really loved this story and am looking forward to reading the next one in the series, Witch Heart.

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

ISBN: 0425220435

Pages: 304

Series: Elemental Witches

Volume: 2

Night Life by Elizabeth Guest

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Vampires, Magic, Pharaohs Rising

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: He returned from death…Venerable pharaoh and ancient god of the Nile, Adrian King once sat upon his throne and led his people nobly, only to be betrayed. But a sacred ritual has allowed him to reawaken thousands of years after his death – as a vampire. Now the owner of the Royal Palace, a hotel and casino in Las Vegas, he is haunted by dreams of a beautiful woman – and by the dawning of an evil presence. …and brought her fantasies to life. Egyptologist Christine Day is drawn to the Royal Palace by its breathtaking authenticity. She is the woman Adrian has been dreaming of, the only one who can evoke real sensual passions in this fierce warrior and leader. Compelled to share his well-kept secret with Christine, he puts her at great risk. For others have awakened who will not rest until Adrian is destroyed again, even if it means taking the only true love he’s ever known…

This is the first book in the Pharaohs Rising series. Adrian King was once one of the great pharaoh. A warrior king in fact. But he had no great love and died young. Christine Day is an Egyptologist who has a true passion for her work. When the two meet there is true magic. This is one of those novels to take with you on a long plane ride or if you want something light to read on a vacation. There is action and romance mixed in with a bit of danger. I liked it and will look for the second book in the series, Night Hunger.

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

ISBN: 0425214826

Pages: 304

Series: Pharaohs Rising

Volume: 1

Witch Fire by Anya Bast

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Witches, Demons

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Mira Hoskins doesn’t know she’s a natural-born witch who possesses the rare – and powerful – element of air. And she expects to find herself tied to a mahogany bed frame, captive of a man who aches to fulfill her every desire and let loose the magick that dwells inside her… Heat emanates from elemental fire witch Jack McAllister. The Coven, a governing authority of witches, has sent him to protect Mira from a band of warlocks who drain witches of power…and life. Long ago, he saw Mira’s parents murdered by this same dark magick. He’d like to quell his guilt and offer her everything she deserves. But she’s the long-lost cousin of his boss – making seduction off-limits. With Jack’s strong guidance, Mira is luring forth her inner magick. But his sense of duty is quickly swelling into insatiable hunger. He was warned about the natural attraction between air and fire. Now he risks being consumed by the woman he shouldn’t want – but can’t stay away from…

A friend had recommended that I read this series a while back but I could never find book 1 Witch Fire. So I just read other things until it showed up for me to read. I thought that it was great. The elemental magick was a slightly different take on it. I love that fire witches are healers. Mira not knowing anything about the magick world that she was born into made it perfect for you to learn right along. Making it feel like the world building of the story foundation flowed. Instead of being forced and having a hard time to understand where the story was going. Jack as a teacher was a great character who was so scared to hurt Mira. And yet in the next breath can’t stay away from her. I loved this first in the 4 book series. I went and bought the rest of the series to find out what happens. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Witch Blood.

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

ISBN: 0425216144

Pages: 304

Series: Elemental Witches

Volume: 1

The Sun Witch by Linda Winstead Jones

Genre: Romance

Sub Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: For 300 years, the Fyne women have called the mountain Orianan their home, inheriting the supernatural arts from their mothers--but a long-ago curse makes true love unattainable for them. When she meets the green-eyed soldier of her dreams, youngest sister Sophie discovers that she has been gifted with abundant fertility. Now, she and her lover must call on all their strengths, both earthly and supernatural, to fight the curse which promises to end their happiness.

This is the first book in a trilogy of the Fyne Sisters. Sophie is the youngest of the three sisters and has always thought of herself as being the least powerful of them. She knows that the curse that has plagued her family is real watching her oldest sister go through the pain of losing love. She has decided that she will have lovers and that is all. She happens upon Kane. They have one blissful afternoon together and she gives him a gift of happiness and luck. Much happens and he comes looking for her. There is a lot more to this story but I am afraid that I will give too much away. Let me just say that is quite adventurous and has many twists and turns. It is an interesting tale that is a nice read, and look forward to read the next book, The Moon Witch.

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

ISBN: 0425199401

Pages: 336

Series: Fyne Sisters

Volume: 1