My Zombie Valentine by Katie MacAlister, Angie Fox, Marianne Mancusi, Lisa Cach

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Zombies, Magic, Vampires, Demons

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Four women are about to dig up the truth. Tired of boyfriends who drain you dry? Sick of guys who stay out all night howling at the moon? You can do better. Some men want you not only for your body, but your brains. Especially your brains. It’s true! There are men out there who care – early-rising, down-to-earth, indefatigable men who’ll follow you for miles. They’ll take the time to surprise you, over and over. One sniff of that perfume, and you’ll have to use a shotgun to fight them off. And then, once you get together, all they want is to share a nice meal. And another. And another. Romeo and Juliet, eat your hearts out.

This is an anthology of some great authors. Each story has something to do with zombies. The first is about a girl with two souls who helps the undead. The second is about a Voodoo priestess raising her one true love. The third is about zombies taking over a movie set. While the last one is about a plastic surgeon who is creating zombies. Each story is very well written. I found this to be a fun book. There is love and humor as well as danger and suspense throughout the book. I like that there was something different in each story. They had their own take on zombies which made for a great read. I really enjoyed it.

Publisher: Leisure Books

ISBN: 0843963603

Pages: 360

Series:

Volume:

Dark Prince by Christine Feehan

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Vampires, People with Abilities, Dark Series

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: He came to her in the night, a predator -- strength and power chiseled his features. The seduction was deep and elemental; he affected her soul. His need. His darkness. His terrible haunting loneliness. Her senses aroused, she craved the dangerous force of his body. Burned for him. And he had only touched her with his mind. She came to him at dawn, his bleakest hour. As the beast raged inside him, threatening to consume him, he vented his centuries-old despair in an anguished cry that filled the waning night. And she answered, a ray of light, piercing his darkness. A beautiful angel. Her compassion, courage, and innocence awakened in him an exquisite longing and tenderness. He knew he must possess her, for only she could tame his savage side and lift the dark shadow from his soul. Apart they were desolate, bereft. Intertwined physically and spiritually, they could heal one another and experience an eternity of nights filled with love.

This is the first book in the Dark Series. Mikhail is falling into darkness. He is becoming more alone every day. Then when he finally starts to think of ending it he hears someone telling him that isn’t the way. Raven has come to heal and she finds another wounded person in need of her. The story is one that moves fast and you will be on the edge right along with it. Raven is a modern American woman with her own view. While Mikhail is a bit more old fashioned. It doesn’t help that he also is the leader of his people. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next one in the series, Dark Desire.

Publisher: Leisure Books

ISBN: 0843955287

Pages: 447

Series: Dark

Volume: 1

Shadow Fall by Erin Kellison

Genre: Dark Fantasy; Faery, Wraith, Shadowman, Otherworld, Angels, Shadow

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Sacrifice…Custo Santovari accepted pain, blood, even death, to save his best friend. But a man with all his sins just isn't cut out to be an angel. Mystery…One moment he's fleeing Heaven; the next, he's waking up stark naked in Manhattan. In the middle of a war. Called there by a woman who's desperately afraid of the dark. Shadow…It gathers around Annabella as she performs, filled with fantastic images of another world, bringing both a golden hero and a nightmare lover. Wolf…He pursues her relentlessly, twisting her desires even as she gives herself to the man she loves. Because each of us has a wild side, and Annabella is about to unleash the beast.

This is the second book in the Shadow series. The book starts off with Custo’s death and then skips up two years after words. He has broken out of Heaven and trying to make his way back to the mortal world. He comes across Annabella as she dances making it possible to go back. But he isn’t the only thing that comes over. Now they must work together to get the Wolf back to Shadow. The story is constantly moving, which only makes for good reading. I find Custo’s character a lot more fun than Adam’s. We do get to see some of the characters from the first book just a little older. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next book, Shadowman.

Publisher: Leisure Books

ISBN: 0505528304

Pages: 336

Series: Shadow Series

Volume: 2

Pride Mates by Jennifer Ashley

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Shifters, Magic, Fae, Shifters Unbound

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Call of the wild. To most, they are animals -- even when in human form. They are to be collared and kept on the fringes of society, scorned because they are feared, hated for their extraordinary powers. And attorney Kim Fraser has to go right into the heart of their lair. It's her job to defend those in need. But there's absolutely nothing defenseless about Liam Morrissey. His soft Irish lilt and feline grace can't disguise his sheer strength. Nor can the silver chain at his throat, designed to control the aggression of his kind, completely reassure her that this man has been tamed. Yet when a feral shifter begins to stalk them both, Liam is the only one she trusts with her life. She'll let him claim her -- for her protection, for her pride, and for a passion that knows no bounds.

This is the first book in the Pride series. Kim is your no nonsense attorney, whom likes things check and double checked. But she’s in a little over her head when she takes on a case with shifters. She then meets Liam in hopes to get her client set free on the false charges up against him. Liam has his secrets but when it comes to Kim he can’t seem to keep his hands off her. This book is the beginning of Shifters Unbound series. It’s set in an alternative universe where shifters live on the outskirts. They are very discriminated against, such as they can’t even get cable or DSL. Let alone some places want even let them sit and have a cup of coffee. The story is very well written you can almost feel like it was all real. The characters are brilliant. I loved the interaction between Kim and Liam but also of Sean, Glory and the rest of the family. I really loved this story and can’t wait to read the next one in the series, Shifter Lovin'.

Publisher: Leisure Books

ISBN: 0843960051

Pages: 304

Series: Pride

Volume: 1

Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison

Genre: Urban Fantasy; Faery, Wraith, Shadowman, Otherworld

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Death Some people will do anything to avoid it. Even trade their immortal souls for endless existence. Wraiths Secretly, inexorably, they are infiltrating our world, sucking the essence out of unsuspecting victims with their hideous parody of a kiss. Segue Adam Thorne founded the Segue Institute to study and destroy his monster of a brother, but the key to its success is held in the pale, slender hand of a woman on the run. There is something unknowing sensuality, her uncanny way of slipping into Shadow. Twilight This is the place between life and what comes after – a dark forest of fantasy, filled with beauty, peril, mystery. And Talia is about to open the door.

This is the first book in the Otherworld series. Adam is just trying to find a way to kill off the wraiths. Actually just one in particular, his brother. Talia is hoping to land a great job now that she has graduated. Only as she is getting things together she is attacked and running for her life. Adam is finally able to find Talia but they are both in for surprises that neither of them are prepared for. This is a dark fantasy that truly is dark. There is a lot going on throughout the story but it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I really loved this book can’t wait to read the next one in the series, Shadow Fall.

Publisher: Leisure Books

ISBN: 1428511296

Pages: 336

Series: Shadow Series

Volume: 1

The Mad, Bad Duke by Jennifer Ashley

Genre: Historical Romance; 1800’s, Nvengaria

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Demons, Mages

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Meagan Tavistock can easily see how Alexander earned the nickname Mad, Bad Duke. His deep blue eyes promise sinful pleasure and his rich voice intimates that as soon as they are skin to skin, he’ll fulfill desires she isn’t even aware of. When a love spell misses its intended target, Meagan can no longer resist the temptation...until the magic wears off, leaving the pair in a most compromising position. Their only option is a marriage that thrusts Meagan into a new world of high danger, dark secrets, and a passion so intense she can’t help wondering: Is it the lingering power of the spell or true love at last?

This is the second book in the Nvengaria series. It is the Meagan and Alexander’s story. Meagan goes with a friend to pick up a love spell for her friend so she can have an affair. But the spell instead brings Meagan and Alexander together. But there is more magic in play. Not including the intrigue and danger. I think I liked this book even more than the first book. There is so much going on but it flows so well together. Meagan is a great character who is strong and knows what she wants. Alexander has a few control issues as well as a secret of his own. This is one of those books that I couldn’t put down. I can’t wait to read the next book, Highlander Ever After.

Publisher: Leisure Books

ISBN: 0843956070

Pages: 370

Series: Nvengaria

Volume: 2

Penelope & Prince Charming by Jennifer Ashley

Genre: Historical Romance; 1800’s, Nvengaria

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Demons, Mages

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The playboy prince. His blue eyes beguiled. His muscular form could have satisfied any fantasy. He had a delicious foreign accent—and to top it off, he was royalty! What woman would dare refuse the most sought-after lover in Europe? Miss Twice-a-Jilt Penelope Trask, that’s who. And, unfortunately for Damien, marrying Penelope was only way to inherit his kingdom. Good thing this enchantingly infuriating woman didn’t seem completely immune to his many charms. The passionate way she returned his kisses told Damien he wasn’t the only one head over heels. But wooing was difficult amid assassination attempts, wild magic, and desire so strong it threatened to overwhelm him every time they touched. Why had no one mentioned the road to happily-ever-after was so difficult?

This is the first book in the Nvengaria series. Penelope has had to jilt two men in the past after finding out what they really wanted out of marriage. Damien is trying to fulfill a prophecy and help to save his kingdom. What the two aren’t prepared for is falling in love. The story is a great weaving of both historical storytelling and an added paranormal magical twist. The world is well built. The characters you can’t help but to fall in love with. Even the when you think that you know where the story was going it changed. I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, The Mad, Bad Duke.

Publisher: Leisure Books

ISBN: 0843956062

Pages: 373

Series: Nvengaria

Volume: 1