Love At First Bite by Sherrilyn Kenyon, L.A. Banks, Susan Squires, Ronda Thompson

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

Back Cover: PRIMAL KISSES. EROTIC SECRETS. ETERNAL PASSION. Sink your teeth into these sexy supernatural stories from some of today’s hottest authors.
“Until Death Do Us Part” by Sherrilyn Kenyon Over five hundred years ago, Esperetta’s soul was bound to her husband’’s by dark magic, and when Velkan became a Dark-Hunter, to her horror, she became immortal as well. Now, they must come together to fight an old enemy…and the passion that threatens to consume them once more.
“Ride the Night Wind” by L.A. Banks Dark dreams haunt Jose Ciponte, dreams of a woman so beautiful he aches for her-and a deadly enemy who stalks them in the night. And now those dreams have become a reality…… “The Gift” by Susan Squires All Major Davis Ware wants to do is propose to the beautiful Emma Fairchild. Instead, he is called back into battle, and a desperate fate. And Emma will venture into hell itself to save him.
“The Forgotten One” by Ronda Thompson Lady Anne Baldwin longs to break free from her proper bonds. When she meets the mysterious Merrick, whose eyes glow like a wolf’s, she may have found more than she bargained for

This is another brilliant anthology. As the back cover goes into a little of each story I won’t add to it, I will say that the writing is amazing. Even though these are short stories they are perfectly developed. I really loved this book. I know that you all will love this book as well.

Publisher: St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312349297
Pages: 384
Series:
Volume:

The Wicked and the Wondrous by Christine Feehan

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Witches, Magic, Ghosts
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Two romantic tales of dark forces and Christmas miracles… The Twilight Before Christmas. Bestselling novelist Kate Drake, one of seven sisters with amazing powers of witchcraft, wants to open a bookstore in a charming but run-down mill in her California hometown. Decorated former U.S. Army Ranger Matt Granite, now a contractor, doesn’’t mind helping – and getting closer to Kate. But when an earthquake exposes a crypt in the mill’s foundation, a centuries-old evil threatens to destroy both Christmas and the gift of soul-searing passion Kate’’s hometown hero wants her to keep forever… After the Music. Terrified by mysterious threats, Jessica Fitzpatrick takes her twin wards to the island mansion of their estranged father, Dillon Wentworth, a famous musician who shut out the world after a fire claimed his wife’’s life and left him disfigured. With Christmas approaching, the spark between Dillon and Jessica might light the future, but the evil machinations of those who share his wife’s love of the occult may plunge the family into darkness – unless a Christmas miracle occurs…

We celebrate the a small tradition at Moonlight Reads called Christmas in July and this year we thought we would do a Christmas Post on our day of celebrations. This is two great Christmas tales. Twilight Before Christmas is a story of Kate from the Drake sisters. The writer come home to start her own bookstore. But after an earthquake something comes out that she has and her sisters have to take care. All the while Matt who has held a candle for her finally begins to let her know it. Then in After the Music Jessica goes home to Dillon’s solitude island. Not telling anyone that she was coming with Dillon’s twin children in tow. Both stories have their own amount of danger, suspense, magic, and yes even Christmas. I really like it and think it is the perfect book for Christmas Holiday.

Publisher: Pocket Star Books
ISBN: 1416503897
Pages: 528
Series:
Volume:

Kiss of the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Shapeshifters, Vampires, Immortals, Time travel, Gods, Magic
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Dear Reader, What do you get when you have one immortal Viking warrior no one can remember five minutes after he leaves their presence, a princess on the run for her life, and one seriously annoyed demigod? Basically, you get my life. It started out simple enough. One night I went to save a woman in trouble. The next thing I knew, the doorway to hell had opened and out stepped Daimons-vampires the likes of which I'd never seen before. Led by the son of Apollo, they are out to end the curse that has banished them all to darkness. The only problem with that is they have to kill Cassandra Peters to do it and if she dies, so dies the sun, the earth and all who dwell here. Life's just a bowl full of cherries, ain't it? Brought together by fate, it's now my job to protect a daughter of the very race I have been hunting for centuries. Neither of us dares to trust the other. But she is the only one who remembers me... More than that, with her courage and strength, she is the only one who has ever touched a heart that I thought had died centuries ago. The only way for a Dark-Hunter to regain his soul is through the love of a woman. But what happens when that woman isn't exactly human? Wulf Tryggvasen

This is the ninth story in the Dark Hunters series. Wulf has this little problem no one remembers him after he leaves, unless your blood related to him. Then he meets Cassandra who actually does remember him. The only thing is she’s supposed to die soon and a group of soul sucking beings is trying to kill her in order to kill Apollo. This is addition to the Dark Hunters is brilliant. It puts a twist on things and there is another pantheon introduced into the series. I love how Wulf interacts with everyone. He can be a hard warrior and then the most protective person for those he cares about. This is one of my favorite stories in the series and I can’t wait to read the next one, Night Play.

Publisher: St. Martin's
ISBN: 0312992416
Pages: 384
Series: Dark Hunter
Volume: 10

Page by Tamora Pierce

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Protector of the Small
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Summer is over and Keladry of Mindelan is back in training at the royal palace – no longer on probation, but an official page now. Three more years of instruction lie before her. She know that each year the training will be more grueling and that she will have to prove herself over and over. She will have to battle bullies – including her archenemy, Joren – and her nearly crippling fear of heights. Kel also knows that she has a circle of solid friends, from the funny Neal to the teasing Cleon, and the support of her ill-tempered gelding, Peachblossom. What Kel doesn’t know is that the years will hold many surprises. She will make new friends, draw the attention of the King, and save several lives. She will also be thrown into a situation in which she must take control – an act of courage skill, and intuition that will affect how everyone sees her and change forever the way that pages are trained.

This is the second book in the Protector of the Small series. After her first year she is finally a page. Dealing with bullies is just one of the many things that she tackles. The great thing about this story is not only is Kel a strong character but so are all the supporting ones. It’s another great adventure for this group and well worth the read. You see even more of the characters that you love from her past series set in Tortall. I love this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Squire.

Publisher: Laurel LeafISBN: 0679889183
Pages: 268
Series: Protector of the Small
Volume: 2

Things To Do In Denver When You’re Un-Dead by Mark Everett Stone

Genre: Urban Fantasy; Vampires, Ghouls, Zombies, Demons, Mythical Creatures, Magic, Magicians, Ghosts
Sub Genre: Fantasy; Paranormal, Horror
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: For ten years Kal Hakala has been the Bureau of Supernatural Investigation’s top man, the longest surviving agent in its blood-soaked history. The World At Large has no idea that The World Under exists. And its vampires, demons, zombies, and mythic monsters are growing increasingly restless. In all Kal’s time with the Bureau, there has been no case he couldn’t crack, no monster he couldn’t kill. Then a plague of zombies comes to Denver, along with a vicious serial killer dubbed The Organ Donor. A childhood encounter with a legendary monster has left Kal with an endless supply of rage and hatred for all things Supernatural. But now the target is on his forehead, and the Un-Dead don’t die easy. The Bureau has a few aces of its own—a few magicians, a cyber-ghost. Unfortunately Kal is a perennial loner ... And the World Under is wise to His tricks.

This is the first book from the Files of the BSI. It follows Kal while he is on a mission in Denver with flashbacks from when he started with the Bureau and other parts of his past. When I started to read this book it had me from page one. The way that it is written sucks you right in almost as if you are standing there. The story is engaging and though it jumps from present to past it flows so well. That to me is great storytelling. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next in the series, What Happens in Vegas Dies in Vegas.

Publisher: Camel Press
ISBN: 978-1603818599
Pages: 318
Series: From the Files of the BSI
Volume: 1

Infamous by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy, Gods, Vampires, Time Travel, Were-People, Demons, Magic
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The world has fallen in love with Nick Gautier and the Dark-Hunters. Now Nick’s saga continues in the next eagerly anticipated volume... Go to school. Get good grades. Stay out of trouble. That’s the mandate for most kids. But Nick Gautier isn’t the average teenager. He’s a boy with a destiny not even he fully understands. And his first mandate is to stay alive while everyone, even his own father, tries to kill him. He’s learned to annihilate zombies and raise the dead, divination and clairvoyance, so why is learning to drive and keep a girlfriend so dang hard? But that isn’t the primary skill he has to master. Survival is. And in order to survive, his next lesson makes all the others pale in comparison. He is on the brink of becoming either the greatest hero mankind has ever known. Or he’ll be the one who ends the world. With enemies new and old gathering forces, he will have to call on every part of himself to fight or he’ll lose everyone he cares about. Even himself.

This is the third book in the Chronicles of Nick. In this book there is so much going on and it doesn’t help when he gets in trouble with his mom. This is one of those books that once you start it you can’t put it down. Learning more about what is going on and some of the changes that are taking place because of things being changed by future Nick’s tampering. So much is going on including see more of his father. I really like were this story is going and how it show some of the characters that we have grown to love in a whole new light. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series, Inferno.

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 1250002826
Pages: 480
Series: Chronicles of Nick
Volume: 3

Switched By Amanda Hocking

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Fae, Magic
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Amanda Hocking is an indie publishing sensation whose self-published novels have sold millions of copies all over the world, and Switched is the book that started the phenomenon. Prepare to be enchanted… When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes. Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit. But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home. Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become… As a special gift to readers, this book contains a new, never-before-published bonus story, “The Vittra Attacks,” set in the magical world of the Trylle.

This is the first book of the Trylle trilogy. Wendy had a very hard time as a little girl due to the fact that her mother tired to kill her. She now is with her big brother and things seem to be fine. But when Finn is around her she can’t help but have a very strong reaction to him. Then everything goes pear shaped and she discovers she isn’t whom she think she is. The story flows quite well and makes you want to know what is going to happen next. Wendy is one of those characters that you feel for from the start. I really liked reading this book and can’t wait to read the next book, Torn.

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 978-1250006318
Pages: 336
Series: Trylle
Volume: 1

Stroke of Midnight by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Amanda Ashley, L. A. Banks, Lori Handeland

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Vampires, Were-people, Werewolves, Magic, Dark Hunters, Shapeshifters, Witches, Skinwalkers
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: In an unseen world that lurks in the shadows, they roam the night – feral, passionate, and dangerous. And when their world touches ours, a primitive desire takes hold, leaving mere mortals powerless in its wake… Four of romance’’s most intriguing authors have come together to create a mesmerizing anthology – unforgettable tales of vampires, shapeshifters, and werewolves. At the heart of these deeply sensual tales are everyday people facing extraordinary events – men and women thrown together by fate and an irresistible desire. In this world, your eyes can betray you as myth becomes reality, curses are vanquished, and love is the only weapon that can stand in the face of evil. In this world, there is a moment when passion and forbidden desire collide at the … Stroke of Midnight.

This anthology has three stories set in modern day and one in a historical time. It includes a tale from the Dark Hunter world that takes place at Dragon Con in Atlanta, GA. While the historical story is about a cursed man who takes maiden in hopes to avenge the death of his father. Then there is the story of a biker who works to save an innocent young woman from things going bump in the night. While the last story deals with skinwalkers trying to get more power. Each story is a great weaving of storytelling. I found that each one though very different flowed well from one to the other. I really enjoyed reading this book and couldn’t put it down once I started it.

Publisher: St. Martin’s
ISBN: 0312998767
Pages: 368
Series:
Volume:

Dance with the Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Gods, Immortals, Shapeshifters, Time Travel
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Zarek’s point of view: Dark-Hunter: A soulless guardian who stands between mankind and those who would see mankind destroyed. Yeah, right. The only part of that Code of Honor I got was eternity and solitude. Insanity: A condition many say I suffer from after being alone for so long. But I don’t suffer from my insanity – I enjoy every minute of it. Trust: I can’t trust anyone…not even myself. The only thing I trust in is my ability to do the wrong thing in any situation and to put a hurt on anyone who gets in my way. Truth: I endured a lifetime as a Roman slave, and 900 years as an exiled Dark-Hunter. Now I’m tired of enduring. I want the truth about what happened the night I was exiled – I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Astrid (Greek, meaning star): An exceptional woman who can see straight to the truth. Brave and strong, she is a point of light in the darkness. She touches me and I tremble. She smiles and my cold heart shatters. Zarek: They say even the most damned man can be forgiven. I never believed that until the night Astrid opened her door to me and made this feral beast want to be human again. Made me want to love and be loved. But how can an ex-slave whose soul is owned by a Greek goddess ever dream of touching, let alone holding, a fiery star?

This story actually comes after the short story in Midnight Pleasures and is also in Dark Bites, but is considered the 8th book in the Dark Hunter series. Zarek has always been a loner. He doesn’t play nice with others and is against the world as he feels that it hasn’t really given him anything. Astrid is a sister to the fates and a judge of the Dark-Hunters. She is still in need of protection as she has not spent much time on earth. This is one of the stories of redemption in the Dark-Hunter’s world. Both characters are perfect for one another. I really like this story because the Zarek is a more complex character, you really can’t fit him into a little box. Getting to see more of the world of the Gods brilliantly written. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Kiss of the Night.

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN: 0312984839
Pages: 368
Series: Dark Hunter
Volume: 8

First Test by Tamora Pierce

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Protector of the Small

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Keladry (known as Kel) is the first girl to take advantage of the decree that permits girls to train for the knighthood. The only thing that can stop her is Lord Wyldon, the training master of pages and squires. He does not think girls should be knights and puts her on probation for one year. It is a trial period that no male page has to endure and one that separates the friendly Kel even more from her fellow trainees. But Kel is not someone to underestimate. . .This is the first book in the Protector of the Small series. Kel is the first girl since Alanna to try and openly become a knight. But as she is not hiding who she is they have decided to make her go through one year of probation before letting her be a page. This is the first character that doesn’t have any magical ability. And has quite a few flaws. She is a strong character who makes some amazing friends. I liked the story. Getting to see some of my favorite characters all grown up was amazing. I can’t wait to read the next book, Page.

Publisher: Laurel LeafISBN: 0375829059
Pages: 240
Series: Protector of the Small
Volume: 1

Dark Bites by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Vampires, Shapeshifters, Were-people, Gods, Magic, Dark Hunters, Dream Hunters, Were Hunters, Hellchasers
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: For years, fans have been clamoring for an all-in-one collection of #1 bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon’s novellas. At their enthusiastic behest, we have delivered this brand-new short story collection, Dark Bites, including stories previously exclusive to Sherrilyn’s website, as well as an all-new, never-before seen Dark-Hunter story! Sherrilyn Kenyon takes readers from the Dark-Hunters to the demigods, from Dream-Hunters to demons, and everything in between. Dangerous and exciting, each story is one thrill ride after the next, proving time and again how Sherrilyn has captivated millions of readers worldwide. Now, readers are invited to go deep into Kenyon’s rich and imaginative world and experience the heart-racing moments that never stop coming!　

This is a collection of short stories for the Dark Hunters, Dream Hunters, Were Hunters and Hellchasers series. Now as many of you may know all of these series make up a single world. I personally think of it as all part of the Dark Hunter world. This is great that they have put the majority of the short stories all together in one book. I will not go into each of these short stories as there are 13 different stories with in. I love this book and can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Dance with the Devil.

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 978-0312376864
Pages: 579
Series: Dark Hunters
Volume: 5,6,10,16,17,19,24,25,34

Starman by Sara Douglass

Genre: Fantasy; Magic
Sub Genre:
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Axis is the StarMan of prophecy and legend, destined to lead the three races of his world to unite as one people. The Prophecy foretold that Axis would defeat his half-brother, reclaim the land of Tencendor, and find a traitor in his camp. The Prophecy has also foretold of many a choice that Axis must make in order to fulfill his destiny…but neglected to mention that one of those choices would be to choose the love of either the beautiful and courageous Faraday or the feisty and hauntingly enchanting Azhure. To Faraday he had pledged his love and a place by his side as ruler of Tencendor; to Azhure he had given his children, his time, and his devotion. While Azhure explores her newfound powers as an Icarii Enchantress, and Faraday replants the ancient forests of the Mother, the evil Goragel is plotting Axis’s downfall, invading the sky with ice and terror and the flesh-hungery Gryphons. His most daring move is to follow prophecy, to taunt Axis with the pain of his beloved. But which beloved woman will Goragel choose… and will she be the one whose death will distract Axis from saving the world.

This is the third book in the in the Axis saga. Axis is trying to figure out which women he will choose Faraday and Azhure. While these two strong women have their own parts to play they within the Prophecy. The story takes you on a magical ride that keeps you guessing on what will happen next. Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. The characters are so well written being full and dynamic. While the book almost seems to complete the story there is another book in this saga, Sinner, which I can’t wait to read.

Publisher: Tor Fantasy
ISBN: 978-0765342812
Pages: 688
Series: Axis
Volume: 3

The Farthest-Away Mountain by Lynne Reid Banks

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Witches
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: This is the tale of the young heroine Dakin, who sets out on a terrifying journey through wicked woods and haunted mountain paths to find the farthest-away mountain and break the spell by which it's been bound for two hundred years.

Dakin is a young woman who hears the call of the farthest-away mountain. She goes to find out what is there. As this is a short book I worry about giving to much away so I will not go in depth over this story. It is brilliantly written and keeps you guessing what will happen through out the story. I loved Dakin and how strong she is. This is one of my favorite stories that I have ever read.

Publisher: HarperTrophy
ISBN: 978-0380713035
Pages: 144
Series:
Volume:

Destiny by Elizabeth Haydon

Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Dragons
Sub Genre: Science Fiction, Time Travel
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: To stand against the F'dor--an ancient, vile being intent on destroying the world--a fellowship has been forged: Rhapsody, a Singer of great talent and beauty; Achmed, an assassin with unearthly talents; and Grunthor, a giant of jolly disposition and lethal skill with weapons. Driven by prophetic visions, the three know that time is running short, know that they must find their elusive enemy before his darkness consumes them all. But after their final, brutal confrontation with the F'dor, their world crosses the threshold of disaster and faces utter oblivion. The action reaches a fevered pitch, achieving a crescendo of tragedy, love, and triumph of human spirit over world-shattering cataclysm. With death at hand and the world crumbling at their feet, these three will finally discover their true Destiny.

This is the third book in Symphony of Ages series. Rhapsody, Achmed and Grunthor have gone through so much and yet there is so much more to come for them. The epic fantasy of this series I more than I can convey. Many things that you have been wondering about are answered here. I can’t wait to see where this world will go from here as it seems like it wrapped up beautifully. The next book in this series is, Requiem for the Sun.

Publisher: Tor
ISBN: 978-0812570830
Pages: 864
Series: Symphony of Ages
Volume: 3

Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy, Gods, Vampires, Time Travel, Were-People, Demons, Magic
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Nick Gautier’s day just keeps getting better and better. Yeah, he survived the zombie attacks, only to wake up and find himself enslaved to a world of shapeshifters and demons out to claim his soul. His new principal thinks he’s even more of a hoodlum than the last one, his coach is trying to recruit him to things he can’t even mention and the girl he’s not seeing, but is, has secrets that terrify him. But more than that, he’s being groomed by the darkest of powers and if he doesn’t learn how to raise the dead by the end of the week, he will become one of them...

This is the second book in the Chronicles of Nick. Nick is hoping life will start to normalize, even though he is now working for a vampire and his mom is working for shapeshifters. Then there is a coach that wants to befriend Nick which is a little weird. There is so much going on in this book and you begin to see how dynamic this world is. Nick is growing as a character and you see a little bit of the character that he becomes in the adult series. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Infamous.

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 1250002826
Pages: 432
Series: Chronicles of Nick
Volume: 2