On the Prowl by Patricia Briggs, Eileen Wilks, Karen Chance, Sunny

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Shifters, Vampires, Fey, Magic, Mages, Monere
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: On the make. On the scent. On the edge. On the Prowl…Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs. The werewolf Anna finds a new sense of self when the son of the werewolf king comes to town to quell unrest in the Chicago pack – and inspires a power in Anna that she’’s never felt better. Inhuman by Eileen Wilks. Kai has a secret gift of sensing thoughts and desires. When she senses in her neighbor Nathan could be dangerous. Because he has a secret gift, too, and it’s about to be let loose. Buying Trouble by Karen Chance. In a New York auction house, a Lord of the Fey crosses paths with a fiery redheaded mage named Claire. But in this strange underground society, the rarity up for sale is Claire herself. Mona Lisa Betwining by Sunny. Among the children of the moon, Mona Lisa is of Mixed Blood – part Monere, part human, and destined to be alone. Then she meets a man who could be her salvation – or her downfall…

This is an anthology that mixes four great authors. Now I have written on two of the stories in here, the story by Patricia Briggs and the by Sunny. I felt I should also touch on the other two stories here in as they are also very good reads. Eileen Wilks is about people finding out secrets about one another. While the Karen Chance story is about buying rarities. The whole book is a gem. I have read the whole book several times as I really like it. This is a short story that is very nice in describing what is happening with Mona Lisa as she is beginning to see that she is changed.

Publisher: Berkley
ISBN: 0425216594
Pages: 352
Series:

Volume:

Dragon Lovers by Jo Beverley, Mary Jo Putney, Barbara Samuel, Karen Harbaugh

Genre: Fantasy; Dragons, Shifters, Magic

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The flames of desire can burn…Romance and fantasy collide in these enchanting stories featuring dragons-and love-in all their many forms. Four of today's most popular authors bring to life mythical creatures, otherworlds of yesterday and today, and the passionate melding of hearts. From a virgin princess's first love to a shape-changing samurai bridegroom, from a young widow and her sexy handyman's secret project to a knight and his distressed damsel, the courage, beauty, and strength of dragons inspire the most unforgettable stories ever told.

This anthology brings four stories of dragons. Each story brings its own little twist. Most of the stories are set in an older more mythical time while there is one contemporary tale. I thought that the stories where good but not as good as they could have been. It’s a great book if you need something to kill some time. The stories are slightly predictable. I don’t think I will read this book a second time.

Publisher: Signet Eclipse

ISBN: 0451225368

Pages: 368

Series:

Volume:

Black Magic by Cherry Adair

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Wizards, Magic, Shifters

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: She hates using magic. . . Ever since the death of her parents, Sara Temple has rejected her magical gifts. Then, in a moment of extreme danger, she unknowingly sends out a telepathic cry for help—to the one man she is convinced she never wants to see again. He’s a powerful wizard. . . Jackson Slater thought he was done forever with his ex-fiancée, but when he hears her desperate plea, he teleports halfway around the world to aid her in a situation where magic has gone suddenly, brutally wrong. They’ve been chosen to save the world. . . But while Sara and Jack remain convinced they are completely mismatched, the Wizard Council feels otherwise. A dark force is killing some of the world’s most influential wizards, and the ex-lovers have just proved their abilities are mysteriously amplified when they work together. But with the fate of the world at stake, will the violent emotions still simmering between them drive them farther apart . . . or bring them back into each other’s arms?

Sara may have magic but she doesn’t use it as she believes that it was the cause of her parents death. But when she is in danger she calls out to the one man who broke her heart. Jack never expected to hear from Sara again but when she calls him he can’t help but to respond. Now they have to work together to save the world. Neither one of them wants to work with the other. But there seems to be more going on than just them or what those around them are saying. This is a great paranormal romance. Once I started reading it I couldn’t put the book down. There is a lot going on that you will be on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who the bad guy is. I loved this book it had all my favorite elements, magic, love and a very bad guy to fight.

Publisher: Pocket Star

ISBN: 1439153817

Pages: 400

Series:

Volume: 

Bitten by Cupid by Lynsay Sands, Pamela Palmer, Jaime Rush

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Shifters, People with Abilities, Vampires

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: With their very lives at stake, love was the last thing on their minds. But then they were Bitten by Cupid… A daring vampire thinks she can conquer anything, but when she’s paired with a mortal detective, she’ll find her life – and her heart – in grave danger… An innocent woman falls into the arms of a mysterious man when she can’t get a killer’s terrifying thoughts out of her head… A stunning beauty should be thrilled when her lost love finally returns, but instead she fears for their immortal lives… On Valentine’s Day, some woman want roses. But some just want to make it through the day alive. In Bitten by Cupid, New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands and newcomers Pamela Palmer and Jaime Rush present three tales of dangerous desire, where giving in to temptation could turn deadly, and even immortality won’t keep you safe from Cupid’s bow.

This is one of the best Valentine’s Day anthologies I’ve ever read. The stories within are very different. In the first you have a vampire who must come to terms with her situation. While the next story is about a woman who doesn’t want to hurt the ones that she love including her recently returned first love. As for the last is a story about two people with abilities that are trying to catch a killer before one of them is made into the next victim. I loved the way the characters interacted with one another. Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. It is very strongly set on Valentine’s Day unlike some anthologies that are loosely set around a holiday. It is a ready that you will not want to miss out on.

Publisher: Avon

ISBN: 0061894451

Pages: 384

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:

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

How to be a Vampire by Amy Gray

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal; Vampires, Magic, Shifters

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: A fangs-on guide for the newly undead. Here the secrets of the undead are revealed, from how to be turned to how to fill eternity once you’ve been bitten, including: Telling your family that you’re a child of the night. Dressing like the mysterious creature you are. Dos and don’ts of dating a mortal. Escape mortality. Embrace the darkness. Become a vampire.

This is a beautiful book. The print quality alone is worth the buy. It is the book that any goth or person interested in becoming a vampire should read. It has a lot of the lore about vampires from all over the world within it. It as well as has a few quizzes for you to take. I found this book to be quite entertaining to read. I loved the look of the whole book as well. And recommend it to anyone who loves vampires.

Publisher: Candlewick Press

ISBN: 0763649155

Pages: 144

Series:

Volume:

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Demons, Witches, Magic, Faeries, Shifters, Vampires, Warlocks, Werewolves

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted. Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident. Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?

 This is the third book in the Hex Hall series. Sophie is powerless and sent to Brannicks by Cal. Not knowing what has happened to everyone that she loves she has no idea what she is in store for. This is a story that answers so many questions about this series. It brings all your favorite character's together. Sophie isn't as snarky in this book but she is strong willed and knows her own mind. There are many surprises and twists within this book. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I loved reading this book and I can't wait to read the spin-off series, School Spirits.

Publisher: Hyperion Book

ISBN: 978-1423121329

Pages: 336

Series: Hex Hall

Volume: 3

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Demons, Witches, Magic, Faeries, Shifters, Vampires, Warlocks, Werewolves

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch. That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth. Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers. But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

This is the second book in the Hex Hall series. Sophie goes to spend the summer with her father, with her friends Cal and Jenna. But nothing is as it seems. Sophie has a feeling that something isn't quite right. Archer reappears again to a very shaky alliance. This makes for brilliant writing. All our favorite characters are back and we have new ones as well in Daisy, Nick and Lara. Sophie is strong in this story as well. Cal and Archer are brilliant. Archer's dialog with Sophie is great. I loved this book and can't wait to read the next book in the series, Spell Bound.

Publisher: Hyperion Book

ISBN: 978-1423128441

Pages: 384

Series: Hex Hall

Volume: 2

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal; Vampires, Witches, Warlocks, Werewolves, Shifters, Magic, Faeries, Demons

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect. As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

This is the first book in the Hex Hall series. Sophie has moved around many times so while she is trying to make friends she does one little spell that turns out to go very wrong. Now she is being sent to Hex Hall. Where she learns more about others like her. But she doesn’t seem to be making very good friends. Sophie is a great character that you really connect with early on. The other characters are just as well written. I really loved this book and can’t wait to see where this series is going. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Demonglass.

Publisher: Hyperion

ISBN: 1423121392

Pages: 352

Series: Hex Hall

Volume: 1

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Faeries, Vampires, Mermaids, Werewolves, Elementals, Shifters

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

                        

Back Cover: Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours. But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. So much for normal.

This is the first book in the Paranormalcy trilogy. Evie just wants to be a normal teenager. But as she has an ability that no one understands, to see through all glamour that paranormals have, she can’t be. But things are changing. The first is that a shape-shifter breaks into the Center and no one knows anything about him. And that is just the beginning. This is a great new take mixing in all the different paranormals in one story. There is so much that can happen with this trilogy. The story itself is brilliantly written. Evie is a strong kick but character but she is still very naive. I loved reading this book. The characters are great and well formed. Lend is one of those characters you love to fall for, while Reth is the perfect bad guy. Put this book on your must read list. And I can't wait to read the second book in the Paranormalcy trilogy, Supernaturally.

Publisher: Harper Teen

ISBN: 0061985848

Pages: 352

Series: Paranormalcy

Volume: 1

Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill

Genre: Urban Fantasy; A Chicagoland Vampires, Vampires, Magic, Shifters, Fae, Nymphs, Chicago

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: They killed me. They healed me. They changed me. Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was mine. I was doing fine until Chicago's vampires announced their existence to the world-and then a rogue vampire attacked me. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker... and this one decided the best way to save my life was to make me the walking undead. Turns out my savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now I've traded sweating over my thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan "Lord o' the Manor" Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four hundred year old vampire, he has centuries' worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects my gratitude-and servitude. Right... But my burgeoning powers (all of a sudden, I'm surprisingly handy with some serious weaponry), an inconvenient sunlight allergy, and Ethan's attitude are the least of my concerns. Someone's still out to get me. Is it the rogue vampire who bit me? A vamp from a rival House? An angry mob bearing torches? My initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war-and there will be blood…

This is the first book in the Chicagoland Vampires series. Merit was attached one night while walking across campus of her college. Ethan came and scared her attacker away but the only way to save her was to make her a vampire. As the story unfolds we find out about the different Houses and some of the rules of being a vampire. The story telling is amazingly written. Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. The main character Merit is a pistol and can give as well as she takes. I love the interaction between her and the other characters. I really can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Friday Night Bites.

Publisher: New American Library

ISBN: 0451226259

Pages: 352

Series: Chicagoland Vampires

Volume: 1

Entwined by Fate by Stella and Audra Price

Genre: Erotica

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Ophidian, Snakes, Shifters

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Thirty females of the Ophidian race have gone missing, most from the transient nest of Las Vegas, a rogue and unofficial nest run by the Saint, John Merrick. Believed to be dead by every Archon in the states, Merrick leads a quiet and unassuming life, saving those of his race that are lost and need it most. It's a solitary existence, one that he hates every day. He yearns for his mate, the woman he left over a decade before, and the woman who thinks him dead to this day. When Elise Rizdon gets the official invitation to the Archon meeting in Ohio by the leader of a new Midwestern nest, she never expected to see the love of her life at the woman's side, a man she was told was dead and buried. She lost him once upon a time, and she never fully recovered. Focusing on the issues, and not the man that has always made her body burn is not going to be easy. A disturbing event is on the horizon, one that threatens all Ophidian's and their way of life. In order to survive they will have to work together, give up old grudges and take chances on the things that matter most. Love, life and the continuation of their race.

This is the first book in the Ophidian series. The story is about people who can change into snakes, which I absolutely loved. The perspective on this story changes to several different characters with a seamless transition. There are so many great characters to this story that I can’t really have just one favorite. Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. It has all my favorite elements: danger, romance, rescuing and happy endings. I really did enjoy reading this book.

Publisher: Tease Publishing Book

ISBN: 1607670771

Pages: 332

Series:

Volume: 

Lucifer's Daughter by Eve Langlais

Genre: Erotic Romance

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Angels, Demons, Succubi, Shifters, Magic, Wizards

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Being Lucifer’s daughter can be hell. Hi, I’m Muriel, the only white sheep in a sea of black ones, and a virgin to boot. I am determined to wait for love, but my dad, more commonly known as Lucifer, just wants me to stop being an embarrassment. I’m hoping the hunk that I met in my bar will turn out to be the one–just looking at him makes my insides melt like marshmallows over the coals of hell, but trusting is hard when it seems everyone I get close to ends up trying to kill me. Not only am I dealing with an extreme case of lust, there’s a new threat in hell, one my dad says to ignore. Something easier said than done since it seems everywhere I turn demons are trying to kill me. But I’m okay with that, because one thing I’ve learned being a princess of hell is that sometimes I have to grab a demon by the horns and slap it around a bit. A rebellion in hell, demon assassins and scorching kisses, could my life get any more interesting?

This is the first book in the Muriel series. Now that it is hot and not suitable for anyone under 18. That being said Muriel is trying to live her life out here on earth after having grown up in Hell with her father and many other siblings. Things are going ok until people start trying to kill her again. But then Auric enters the picture and things change very quickly. The dialog in this book is very creative and makes the story flow. I love Muriel as much as she is a good girl in a bad family she still tries. Auric is hot and yet knows when to make a public apology. I really enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read the next one in the series, Snowballs In Hell.

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

ISBN: 9781595787408

Pages: ebook

Series: Princess of Hell

Volume: 1

Red Hot Fury by Kasey MacKenzie

Genre: Urban Fantasy; Fury, Warhound, Harpy, Shapeshifters, Sidhe, Magic, Shades of Fury

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Hell hath nothing worse than a Fury scorned... As a Fury, Marissa Holloway belongs to an Arcane race that has avenged wrongdoing since time immemorial. As Boston's Chief Magical Investigator for the past five years, she's doing what she was born to: solving supernatural crimes. It's far from business as usual when the body of one of Riss's sister Furies washes up in Boston harbor. Riss discovers that the corpse's identity has been magically altered, but as soon as she reports her findings, she's immediately--and inexplicably--suspended from her job. Then a human assassin makes an attempt on her life, and Riss starts to realize that someone may be trying to stir up strife between mortals and Arcanes. When a Fury gets mad, she gets even, and Riss is determined to untangle this case. Without the support of the mortal PD, Riss turns to the one man she can trust to watch her back--shapeshifting Warhound Scott Murphy. But since Scott is also Riss's ex, she'll have to keep a tight leash on more than just the supernatural rage that feeds her power as they try to solve a murder--and stop a war...

This is Kasey MacKenzie first book and it is the first book of the Shades of Fury series. Riss is a Fury who doesn’t actually want to work with the magical. She would rather work with mundanes but it doesn’t always work out that way. After getting called into a crime scene that is full of magic she is nearly killed. Now she must ask an ex-boyfriend for his help in keeping her alive but without getting hurt. The story keeps you on your toes and you can’t anticipate anything, which only makes for a brilliantly written story. I love Riss and her spunk. I can’t wait to read the next book the series, Green-Eyed Envy.

Publisher: Ace Fantasy

ISBN: 0441018920

Pages: 352

Series: Shades of Fury

Volume: 1