Midnight Pleasures by Amanda Ashley, Maggie Shayne, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Ronda Thompson

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Werewolves, Witches, Dark Hunter, Dream Hunter
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Handsome and sensual, surrounded by an aura of danger, mystery, and the forbidden, a lover steps from the shadows. But is he mortal? Or is he an ancient god, a sorcerer, or a mythical beast who can possess a woman’s heart…and her very soul? Four of romance’’s most popular authors have created this spellbinding collection of stories filled with dark passion and desire. Under the cover of darkness, their heroes inhabit worlds haunted by ageless hungers and deadly forces stronger than any seen by day…and vanquished only by the power of love. Now travel into realms where dazzling wonders roam the night, where magic replaces reason, and where a kiss unleashes a raging fire in the blood. And here, if you dare, discover the seduction that begins at the bewitching hour when a man and woman partake in…

This book has four short stories but some of the greatest Paranormal Romance authors. The first story Darkfest by Amanda Ashley, is set in a prehistory time. Magic is around and the powerful magician Darkfest finds himself drawn towards the lovely Channa. While Phantom Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon is set in modern day and is part of the Dark Hunter/Dream Hunter series it is actually falls after Night Embrace. It is the first time we meet the Dream Hunters. Erin and V’Aidan are just great characters. Under Her Spell by Maggie Shayne is also set in a modern day. In this story we are getting a behind the scenes look on creating a TV show about witches. Only someone is playing with magic that he shouldn’t be. Lucky for him the new consultant on witchcraft is very good at what she does. A Wulf’s Curse by Ronda Thompson is more historical paranormal romance. With a young woman running away from an unwanted marriage only to become a part of a traveling show. I really loved this book. As each story was something that just took you on a ride following the characters as they each discovered what they would do for love. I really liked that.

Publisher: St. Martin’s
ISBN: 0312987625
Pages: 384
Series:
Volume:

Immortality by Maggie Shayne

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Witches

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Her name is Puabi – and she’s an Immortal High Witch whose past is littered with dark secrets. Convinced she has eluded death for the last time, she is shocked to find herself being rescued by a mysterious stranger who fills her with a desire she thought was lost forever… His name is Matthew Fairchild – and he is a millionaire tormented by guilt over the tragic death of his wife. The last thing he expected to encounter was a beautiful woman who possessed an uncanny resemblance to the woman he loved and lost. But Puabi is like no one he’s ever met before. Is it possible this enigmatic beauty can heal the bitter wounds that have nearly cost him his heart?

This is another short story, in it we me a Dark Immortal High Witch, Puabi. When Matthew finds her floating in the sea he thinks at first that she is dead. But as the two heal together and get to know one another their connection is stronger than either of them imagines. But then there is a twist with a little bit of deception. It’s one of the shorts that you find yourself totally within the story. I thought that it was a good story and loved the ending.

Publisher: Jove Books

ISBN: 0515140783

Pages: 96

Series:

Volume:

Heart of Darkness by Gena Showalter, Maggie Shayne, Susan Krinard

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Angels, Harpies, Demons, Reincarnation

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: From the masters of paranormal romance, three brand-new tales of seduction… The Darkest Angel by Gena Showalter. A Lords of the Underworld tale. An iron-willed demon assassin, the angel Lysander has never known lust—until he meets Bianka. Spawned from the bloodline of Lucifer, the beautiful but deadly Harpy is determined to lead the pure-hearted Lysander into temptation…. Love Me to Death by Maggie Shayne. Twenty-two years ago four teenage boys were convicted of a young girl's murder. Now, in the form of a beautiful woman, the "victim" is seeking vengeance. And only one man dares to dig into the past to uncover its secrets… and set her free. Lady of the Nile by Susan Krinard. Lady Tameri believes herself to be the reincarnation of an ancient Egyptian princess, and Leo Erskine has set out to prove her wrong…never dreaming that the two of them are about to discover a prophecy that will bind them together forever.

This anthology is about love coming through even under darker times.  From angels who try to fight their own temptation. To a reincarnation of a young girl who died too soon. The to finish off with the reincarnation of an ancient Egyptian princess who is part of a prophecy. All the stories within are well written. The characters where well formed and made you feel like you’re a part of the story. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Publisher: Harlequin

ISBN: 0373774311

Pages: 336

Series:

Volume: 

Hot Blooded By Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne, Emma Holly & Angela Knight

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Werewolves, Shifters, Vampires, Witches

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Dark Hunger by Christine Feehan. In a dark jungle, a beautiful activist liberates animals from a secret laboratory – and stumbles across an unexpected prisoner. She releases the Carpathian from his bonds – only to unleash his voracious appetite on herself… Awaiting Moonrise by Maggie Shayne. A science professor enters the steamy bayou to find a new species of animal, convinced that its presence is behind the stories of lycanthropy in the region, but finds herself tempted by a legendary creature straight out of her most sensual nightmare… The Night Owl by Emma Holly. Little ever seems to stir in the sleepy woods of a small Vermont town, until a new owner takes over the exclusive local inn. He is centuries old and has traveled far and wide to find his queen – and now nothing will stop him from claiming her…Seduction’s Gift by Angela Knight. All’s fair in the war between desire and resistance when a lady cop pulls over a speeder – and finds an immortal lover who is determined to seduce her into accepting her own passionate destiny…

So in this anthology we have some brilliant authors that will captivate you. We have Vampires, Shifters, Werewolves, and Witches. I thought that all the stories within this book where brilliant. Each authors writing is rich and pulls you into the story making you want to read more. I had never read anything by Emma Holly before and I can’t wait to read more of her work. Maggie Shayne, Christine Feehan and Angela Knight I can honestly say I can’t get enough of their work. I really like this book.

Publisher: Jove

ISBN: 0515136964    

Pages: 400

Series:

Volume:

Weddings From Hell by Maggie Shayne, Jeaniene Frost, Terri Garey, Kathryn Smith

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Vampires, Ghosts, Curses

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Some marriages are made in heaven . . . Some are not. What happens when "the happiest day of your life" turns into a nightmare? Forget the drunken best man or the bridesmaid dresses from the '80s . . . none of these wedding day disasters can compare to a cursed bride determined to make it down the aisle, or a vampire who is about to disrupt your wedding.

This is another anthology with a wedding theme. We have some of the bestselling authors for Paranormal Romance. With stories about vampires, ghosts, and family curses. I don’t want to go into them as they are short stories but they are brilliant. I will say that you do get to see Jeaniene Frost’s Bones in this as a secondary character. I love this book and couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. It’s one that I think you will all enjoy.

Publisher: Harper

ISBN: 0061472689

Pages: 384

Series:

Volume: