Mona Lisa Darkening 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. As a Mixed-Blood daughter of the Monère, she rules her own domain in the Louisiana Bayou. But her life of power is about to be lost, and Mona Lisa must survive a realm in which she is divided from within…On the vernal equinox, when night equals day and the barriers between worlds become gossamer thin, Mona Lisa gathers her people beneath the full moon. Instead of drawing down the replenishing white light of the moon, a terrifying darkness descends upon her and takes her into NetherHell——the cursed realm of the damned. In this place, the evil queen whose essence shares Mona Lisa’s body is strong enough to fight her host for control—and she does. But in NetherHell, Mona Lisa’’s internal struggle is only the beginning. Captured by a Gargoyle warlord who wants her for his own, Mona Lisa is torn from both within and without by desire, love, and ecstasy. And when her first love crosses the boundaries of the world to rescue her, she must choose her own destiny—before others choose it for her……

This is the fourth book in the Monere, Children of the Moon series. It is a little different, with the introduction of NetherHell. With Mona Lisa and the evil queen within her having dialog made for very interesting reading. Their travels and Gryphon coming back to try and save her was so sweet. And the ending was very unexpected. All in all the series is very well constructed. I liked the different take on the Moon legends adding in the were-people was especially enjoyable. This is something that I will keep an eye out for anything new that may come out with the same characters. I really liked it and look forward to reading the next book, Mona Lisa Eclipsing.
Publisher: Berkley Sensations
ISBN: 0425226476
Pages: 304
Series: Monere, Children of the Moon
Volume: 4

Mona Lisa Craving 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. As daughter of the Mixed-Blood of the Monère, she has arrived to rule a new domain in the Louisiana Bayou. Now, under the full moon, she’s feeling a new and uncontrollable surge—and an instinctive new craving… Dante, the warrior son of a healer, was cursed by the high priestess to endure a never-ending cycle of life and death, born and reborn into an ever-diminishing bloodline. Someone shares one of his past lives. Her name was Mona Lyria. Back then, on the moon in another world, she was his victim. Today, she is Mona Lisa. This time, she is his savior. Dante’s wish is to die by her hands to end his cursed existence. But she feels fate has given them both a second chance. For even stronger than her craving for blood is her craving for what every Monère female desires, and needs…to bear life. Now she has found her mate. But with this blessing could come a new curse under the shadow of a new moon.

This is the third book in the Monere, Children of the Moon series. Mona Lisa is learning so much more about herself and the world of Monere. With Dante in the mix it just adds to the story making the world feel richer. This is by far my favorite of the stories of Mona Lisa. Dante who has known her in previous lives is very troubled. And yet she still wants to save him even with what has happened between them in the past. There is some sadness in this story but it is still very well done. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Mona Lisa Darkening.

Publisher: Berkley Sensations
ISBN: 1615579699
Pages: 288
Series: Monere, Children of the Moon
Volume: 3

Mona Lisa Blossoming 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 orphaned child, Mona Lisa knew she was different—but she never knew how different until the truth was revealed. She was a Mixed Blood of the Monère, the children of the moon. Stronger, faster, and more beautiful than any human, they were the origins of Earth’s darkest legends—and Mona Lisa was their newest Queen… Accompanied by a loyal cadre of warriors and kin, Mona Lisa enters her territory of Louisiana for the first time. She slowly learns the erotic and savage customs of the Monère elite—though some of her new subjects are uneasy at being ruled by one whose lineage is diluted with the blood of humanity. Her reign is threatened by enemies old and new, and she is ensnared in the thrall of dark forces she cannot deny. In a hidden world of animal passions and unrelenting lust, Mona Lisa soon grasps the tremendous power she must command if she is to hold her realm together…and if she is ever to come into her own.

This story has a great amount of intrigue. I love the descriptions of the Louisiana is perfect. There is more fighting between the Queen’s that bring it to a darker level. Gryphon is still around but there are other characters that are very enjoyable as well. The way Mona Lisa protects her people gains her their respect. Even with those who are out to harm her she shows that they do not know what they are fighting. I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read the next book in the series, Mona Lisa Craving.

Publisher: Berkley Sensations

ISBN: 0425224945

Pages: 272

Series: Monere, Children of the Moon

Volume: 2

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

Sea Witch by Virginia Kantra

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Selkies

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Her spell cannot be broken… From the water… For year, Margred has gone without the touch of another. Now, her need has driven her beyond her own world. For she is a selkie – a legendary being of the sea, able to shape-shift into seductive human form. Finally, she has found the one she wants… From the land… A burned-out veteran of the big-city streets, Caleb Hunter was only too happy to take the job as police chief on the peaceful Maine island of World’s End. Nothing ever happens in this tiny community surrounded by the sea – until he meets a woman who’s everything he’s ever dreamed of. And more… To each other… Their passion is undeniable. Irresistible. But when a murderer begins targeting women in World’s End, Caleb must face the terrible possibility that the killings are somehow connected to the mysterious Margred – and that the power of their love may change the fate of humankind…

This is the first book in the Children of the Sea. It is a book that is a bit mystery, paranormal, and romance. Margred isn’t looking for anything long term. Her heart is with the sea and she just is in her need and Caleb is perfect for that. While Caleb doesn’t know much about Margred he feels the need to be with her and hopefully keep her with him. The story is one that I found to be a quick read. We get sucked into the drama that is surrounding Caleb and his past while hoping that Margred will stay with him. It was something that I thought is a good story with characters that you do care about. But it didn't captivate me like I would have thought.  I will see where this series will go from here in the next book, Sea Fever.

Publisher: Berkley Sensations

ISBN: 0425221997

Pages: 304

Series: Children of the Sea

Volume: 1

Bedeviled Angel by Annette Blair

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Witches, Dragons, Magic, A Works Like Magick, Angels

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: At the Works Like Magick employment agency in Salem, Massachusetts, matching clients in need with magical temps is a piece of cake, especially when the temp happens to be heaven-sent... In a building collapse, Chance Godricson is meant to live and Queisha Saint-Denis to die, but he sent her up his escape tunnel before him, and it collapsed behind her. At that moment, he became her guardian angel. Now Queisha's about to face the most difficult challenge of her life and Chance wants to be there for her. Enter Angus, a fellow angel, who knocks Chance back to earth, and to Queisha, without permission. Will the archangels let Chance stay? For how long? And at what cost? When Queisha Saint-Denis agreed to be a surrogate mother for a jet-setting--but childless--couple, she never dreamed she'd see a return on her gift.  Literally.  But now she's looking at two adorable orphans, who come with a lot of baggage: there's a battle brewing over who "inherits" them and their huge fortune, plus an unwanted (and alarmingly attractive) guardian, whom she's sure has been hired by the dueling family members to keep an eye on her more than the children. Chance Godricson is keeping an eye on Queisha.  in fact, he's her guardian angel.  Ever since he gave his life to save hers, Chance has felt an undeniable connection to Queisha.  And now that he's back on Earth, in her house, surrounded by two scene-stealing moppets and a woman he finds irresistible, Chance is about to discover that helping Queisha and still staying angelic is not going to be easy...

This is the second book in a Works Like Magick series. Chance has been a guardian angel since his death. He has been guarding Queisha for that whole time and wants so much more. When something happens to the twin girls that Queisha helped to bring into this world are brought to live with her again. The only thing is Queisha is scared to step out her onto her own lawn. The two have to work together for the girls and to try and help Queisha.  This story takes place soon after the last book. But you don’t see much of the characters from the last book. The interaction with the kids was brilliant. I loved how they were different and yet the same. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward in reading the next one in the series, Vampire Dragon.

Publisher: Berkley Sensations

ISBN: 0425235971

Pages: 304

Series: Works Like Magick

Volume: 2

Mortal Danger by Eileen Wilks

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Werewolves, Magic, Demons, Sensitives, Warlocks

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Former homicide cop Lily Yu has a lot on her plate. There’s her sister’s wedding, a missing magical staff with unknown powers, and her grandmother’s sudden decision to visit the old country just when Lily could use a little advise. Maybe she should turn to the man she’s involved with, but for all the passion that flares between them, she doesn’t really know Rule Turner. Yet she’s tied to him for life, both of them caught in an unbreakable mate bond. That Rule is a werewolf, a prince of his people, only complicates matters… Now an agent in a special unit of the FBI’s Magical Crimes Division, Lily’s job is to hunt down Harlowe, a charismatic cult leader bent on bringing an ancient evil into the world. But what Lily doesn’t realize is that Harlowe has set a trap – for her. And then the unthinkable happens. In the blink of an eye, Lily’s world divides and collides, and she is thrust into a new and frightening reality her only hope will be to trust Rule – and herself – or Lily will be lost forever…

This is the second book in the World of the Lupi. And I think this is the first time that I like the second book even more then the first one. The whole plot twist where Lily is split into two was brilliant. The development of Rule and her relationship takes the story to a whole new level. I can’t get enough of this. I found the whole story quite nail bighting. I don’t want to say to much as I think everyone should read this since it’s so good. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Blood Lines.

Publisher: Berkley Sensations

ISBN: 0425198782

Pages: 320

Series: World of the Lupi

Volume: 2

Tempting Danger by Eileen Wilks

 

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Werewolves, Magic, Demons, Sensitives, Warlocks

Sub Genre: Urban Fantsy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Lily Yu is a San Diego police detective investigating a series of grisly murders that appear to be the work of a werewolf. To hunt down the killer, she must infiltrate the clans. Only one man can help her – a werewolf named Rule Turner, a prince of the lupi, whose charismatic presence disturbs Lily. Rule has his own reasons for helping the investigation – reasons he doesn’t want to share with Lily. Logic and honor demand she keep her distance, but the attraction between them is immediate and devastating – and beyond human reason. Now in a race to fend off evil, Lily finds herself in uncharted territory, tested as never before, and, at her back, a man she’s not sure she can trust…

This story is one that I found to be one of those page turners that you just can’t put down. So much is happening and you just can’t seem to get enough of it all. Lily is one of those great female characters that has a good head on her shoulders. Always trying to keep her magic ability away from everyone else as she doesn’t want to be used. So when she meets up with Rule she isn’t sure what to make of him as he seems like he is the main suspect in the murder she is investigating. Even though she believes that he is innocent her other detectives do not and start to think badly of her. But as they both start to rely on one another it brings them together. They both still have a lot to learn about one another and yet they are great together. I liked the whole dynamic of this story. I can’t wait to see where this is going in the next book, Mortal Danger.

Publisher: Berkley Sensations

ISBN: 0425198782

Pages: 320

Series: World of the Lupi

Volume: 1

Naked Dragon by Annette Blair

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Witches, Dragons, Magic, A Works Like Magick

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: As owner of the Works Like Magick Employment Agency in Salem, Massachusetts, Vivica Quinlan has a gift for perfectly matching clients with magical temps that works like a charm every time… McKenna Greylock contacts Vivica in desperate need of a jack-of-all-trades handyman to help repair her Victorian bed-and-breakfast. She has a shoestring budget and ninety days to meet the building inspector’s approval – or the house will be repossessed and purchased by a duplicitous developer. To McKenna’s surprise, Vivica sends the gorgeous Bastian Dragonelli, who not only possesses the speed, strength, and agility to get the job done, but also sets her soul ablaze with a fiery passion she’s never experienced before. And if McKenna can accept Bastian’s true nature – as a dragon warrior – she’ll find her life heating up in more ways than one…

This is the first book in Annette’s A Works Like Magick series. We first meet Bastian who comes to our world to save his brothers and himself. He is given a mission that will open it up for his brothers to follow for their own journey. McKenna is trying to save her family’s legacy and open a bed-and-breakfast while an evil developer wants to build condos. The two come together and grow a fast connection. McKenna is uneasy to trust Bastian who is not telling her everything about himself. All the while Bastian is still learning to be human and not spook her from running away from him. I found this story to be endearing and funny. I really liked the characters. McKenna has such a big heart not only for her family and home but also for her friends. Bastian is funny as he takes everything very literally. I can’t wait to read next book in this series, Bedeviled Angel.

Publisher: Berkley Sensations

ISBN: 042523200X

Pages: 336

Series: Works Like Magick

Volume: 1