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

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

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner an Eclipse novella by Stephenie Meyer

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Urban Fantasy; Vampires, Werewolves, Shapeshifters
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Fans of the Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner. A character first introduced in Eclipse, and darker side of the Newborn Vampire world she inhabits. Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superhuman reflexes, and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood. . . life before she became a vampire. All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don’t draw attention to yourself, and above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn’t know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out. Then Bree finds an unexpected friend in Diego, a newborn just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator, whom they know only as her. As they come to realize that the newborns are pawns in a game larger than anything they could have imagined, Bree and Diego must choose sides and decide whom to trust. But when everything you know about vampires is based on a lie, how do you find the truth?

As many of you know this is a novella that takes place in the book of Eclipse. It shows us what was going on with the newborn army before they attacked. Bree may be a newborn but she is very curious. She finds that Diego is just like her. As the two learn about their new life they learn that there is much more to it. Getting to read about what was going on just added more to the Eclipse book. I found that it was a nice quick read and really enjoyed it.

Publisher: Little, Brown
ISBN: 031612558X
Pages: 192
Series: Twilight SagaVolume: 3.5

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

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

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Vampires, Shapeshifters
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob --- knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?

This is the third book in the Twilight saga and this this one would have to be my favorite so far. There is a lot of action as well as the understanding between the Cullens and the Quileute to fight together. Learning the story behind Jasper as was a juicy tidbit I wasn't expecting. The conclusion of school for them and then going into the summer of having a huge knock out fight, was great. Then there was the love triangle of Bella, Edward and Jacob, and the mess that it was creating on everyone. It really had a great climactic and it didn't just go pop fizzle at the end like some of these other stories. And again it was written to make you feel as though you are right there along side all of the characters working through everything. Being loosely based off of Wuthering Heights, which I never honestly liked, did not hurt the story. I could see how it was similar, which made me almost re-read the classic. Stephenie created this almost unearthly moment in the climax of the story which left me on the edge of my seat. I loved how everything just fell into place. If she hadn’t already decided to write another book the saga could have ended here. But I’m glad she didn’t, I love seeing the and then… of any story. I can’t wait to read the next book in this saga, Breaking Dawn.
Publisher: Little BrownISBN: 0316027650Pages: 640Series: Twilight SagaVolume: 3

Night Embrace by Sherrilyn Kenyon

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

Back Cover: Dear Reader, Life is great for me. I have my chicory coffee, my warm beignets, and my best friend on the cell phone. Once the sun goes down, I am the baddest thing prowling the night: I command the elements, and I know no fear. For centuries, I've protected the innocent and watched over the mankind, making sure they are safe in a world where nothing is ever certain. All I want in return is a hot babe in a red dress, who wants nothing more from me then one night. Instead, I get a runaway Mardi Gras float that tries to turn me into roadkill and a beautiful woman who saves my life but can't remember where she put my pants. Flamboyant and extravagant, Sunshine Runningwolf should be the perfect woman for me. She wants nothing past tonight, no ties, no long-term commitments. But every time I look at her, I start yearning for dreams that I buried centuries ago. With her unconventional ways and ability to baffle me, Sunshine is the one person I find myself needing. But for me to love her would mean her death. I am cursed never to know peace or happiness-not so long as my enemy waits in the night to destroy us both. -Talon of the Morrigantes

This is the sixth book in the Dark Hunter series and it belongs to Talon and Sunshine’s story. This brings in the Celtic gods to the story. You get to see other sides to characters that you have already fallen in love with. Sunshine is bubbly and fun not looking for any long term relationships. While Talon who hasn’t wanted a relationship with anyone, that is until he meets Sunshine. I love the new Gods that are introduced. This story has it all love, Armageddon, friendship, so much. It is another page turner that you’ll not want to put it down till you’re done. I can’t wait to read what is going to happen next in this very dynamic world in Dance with the Devil the next book of this great series.

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN: 0312984820
Pages: 416
Series: Dark Hunter
Volume: 6

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Werewolves
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The "star-crossed" lovers theme continues as Bella and Edward find themselves facing new obstacles, including a devastating separation, the mysterious appearance of dangerous wolves roaming the forest in Forks, a terrifying threat of revenge from a female vampire and a deliciously sinister encounter with Italy's reigning royal family of vampires, the Volturi. Passionate, riveting, and full of surprising twists and turns, this vampire love saga is well on its way to literary immortality.
As much as a lot of people didn't like this book because there wasn't much Edward in it, I loved the dynamic between Jacob and Bella. I even like how Jacob and Alice interacted with one another while trying to play nice for Bella. You are able to get an understanding to the relationship that grows into true friendship with Jacob and Bella. And the way Italy is described I could almost feel like I was there watching on. While this story is loosely based off of Romeo and Juliet, which I love. I found myself liking this story more for the ways it is not similar to it. It is such a well written story you can almost feel the pain of loss that Bella is going through. And while some people may not have liked it, I believe that you have to have this to round out the saga for the later story lines. I personally thought it was amazing. Looking forward to reading the next book in the Twilight Saga, Eclipse.

Publisher: Little Brown
ISBN: 0316024961
Pages: 608
Series: Twilight Saga
Volume: 2

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

Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon

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

Back Cover: Dear Reader: Have you ever wanted to know what it's like to be immortal? To journey through the night stalking the evil that preys on humans? To have unlimited wealth, unlimited power? That is my existence, and it is dark and dangerous. I play hero to thousands, but am known to none. And I love every minutes of it. Or so I thought until one night when I woke up handcuffed to my worst nightmare: a conservative woman in a button-down shirt. Or in Amanda's case, one buttoned all the way up to her chin. She's smart, sexy, witty, and wants nothing to do with the paranormal -- in other words, me. My attraction to Amanda Devereaux goes against everything I stand for. Not to mention the last time I fell in love it cost me not only my human life, but also my very soul. Yet every time I look at her, I find myself wanting to try again. Wanting to believe that love and loyalty do exist. Even more disturbing, I find myself wondering if there's any way a woman like Amanda can love a man whose battle scars run deep, and whose heart was damaged by a betrayal so savage that he's not sure it will ever beat again. – Kyrian of Thrace

This is the fourth book in the Dark Hunter series, but it is the first story where we get to see an actual Dark Hunter. There are so many characters that we get to see again as well as meet so many different ones. The Devereaux girls are scary and just awesome. Then we get to meet Kyrian who is Julian of Macedon best friend from his past life. Amanda deals with mistaken identity from her identical sister. When things start to come after Amanda, Kyrian must protect her from the other things that go bump in the night. This is one of my favorite couples of this series. So much is going on but it’s all so good. It’s a total page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Night Embrace.

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN: 0312979983
Pages: 323
Series: Dark Hunter
Volume: 4

Dragonswan by Sherrilyn Kenyon

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

Back Cover: Beautiful scholar Channon MacRea has spent years studying the legendary Dragon Tapestry, devoting days and nights to deciphering the impenetrable Old English symbolism. Then one evening the unnaturally handsome Sebastian appears. He claims to hold the key to solving the key to solving the tapestry’s mysteries. Bearing magnificently taut and tanned flesh marked by intriguing scars of battle, he also claims to be a dragon slayer trapped between two worlds. For Channon there’s only one way to finally uncover the secrets of the intricate embroidery – by following the seductive stranger into a fantastic alternate world of magic, danger, and erotic adventure.

This is another story that is part of Dark Hunter series and is printed in In Other Worls with 2 other shorts, they don’t actually have a Dark Hunter in this story either. It is also a short story that was printed on a short run in its own little book. But even for it being a short one it still is a great story. We get to meet some of the were-hunters, and these ones are dragons, which I loved. It is a beautiful story and very sweet. I really enjoyed reading this and look forward to reading the next book in the series, Night Pleasures.

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN: 0425233200
Pages: 304
Series: Dark Hunter
Volume: 2

Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Young AdultSub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Zombies, Vampires, Werepeople, ShapeshiftersRating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: At fourteen, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends. . .until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity. Nick quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one: a world where the captain of the football team is a werewolf and the girl he has a crush on goes out at night to stake the undead. But before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students are turning into flesh eating zombies. And he’s next on the menu. As if starting high school isn't hard enough. . . now Nick has to hide his new friends from his mom, his chainsaw from the principal, and keep the zombies and the demon Simi from eating his brains, all without getting grounded or suspended. How in the world is he supposed to do that?

This is the first in the Chronicles of Nick series which is a spin-off of Sherrilyn’s Dark Hunter series, per her webpage it both a prequel and a sequel. Nick is a 14 year old kid who if finding out that there are some things that go bump in the night. So much is changing as he is learning about this new world. Then students start to turn into zombies. This is brilliant writing and as a fan of the Dark Hunter world this is great to see some new perspective on what has happened in the past with one of the characters that we get to know in a whole new way. Nick is still smart mouthed as always but your now seeing more into his own world, like what he had to deal with growing up. I loved reading this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Invincible.

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 978-0312603045
Pages: 480
Series: Chronicles of Nick
Volume: 1

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

Shadow of the Moon by Rachel Hawthorne

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Dark Guardian, Shapeshifters, Werewolves,

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: I can feel every Shifter's emotions except Daniel's—the only one whose heart I long to know. Hayden was born a werewolf, a Dark Guardian. But her ability to sense the feelings of fellow werewolves has made her life unbearable. She runs away, only to be tracked by charming, mysterious Daniel, a newcomer to the pack and the one Shifter immune to her powers. As she reluctantly follows him home, Hayden finds herself falling dangerously in love. . . . But even as her feelings for Daniel deepen, Hayden begins to wonder if he is who he claims to be. Where did he come from and why has no one ever seen him transform? When they stumble upon the body of a Shifter still in wolf form, her worries grow. Someone is killing her kind. Is her handsome tracker really a hunter? And is Hayden now his prey?

This is the fourth book in the Dark Guardian series. Hayden was born a werewolf but did not spend that much time with them as she can feel all the emotions of every Shifter she is near. After someone is horribly killed she runs to save anyone else from sharing her fate as the next victim. Daniel is sent to bring her home and to be her mate to help her through her change. This is a great story as you get to see a new side to Daniel who we met in the last book. Hayden is a deep character who wants to keep others just a little further away. The two characters are well paired. I really enjoyed this story and hope that we will get to meet some new characters from this world.

Publisher: Harper Teen

ISBN: 0061962902

Pages: 256

Series: Dark Guardian

Volume: 4