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

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

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

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:

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

Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Greek Gods, Immortals

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Dear Reader, Being trapped in a bedroom with a woman is a grand thing. Being trapped in hundreds of bedrooms over two thousand years isn’t. And being cursed into a book as a love-slave, I knew everything about women. How to touch them, how to savor them, and most of all, how to pleasure them. But when I was summoned to fulfill Grace Alexander’s sexual fantasies, I found the first woman in history who saw me as a man with a tormented past. She alone bothered to take me out of the bedroom and into the world. She taught me to love again. But I was not born to know love. I was cursed to walk eternity alone. As a general, I had long ago accepted my sentence. Yet now I have found Grace – the one thing my wounded heart cannot survive without. Sure, love can heal all wounds, but can it break a two-thousand-year-old curse? – Julian of Macedon

This is the first book in the Dark Hunter series based on Sherrilyn Kenyon's website. It is a story that doesn't actually have a Dark Hunter in it but it is based in the world of the Dark Hunters and these characters are ones that you will see throughout the series. Grace has been a woman that has had a bad luck in love. Julian has spent two-thousand-years locked in a book only to come out to be a sex slave to whomever calls him out. I am in love with the whole Dark Hunter world, I feel like I am a part of it all. It is that well written. Though the story doesn’t actually have any of the Dark Hunters in it you can begin to see the great set up for what could happen. It’s the story of Julian of Macedon and his heroin Grace Alexander. She has great friends who care about her and one of them actually is the one who sorta introduces Julian to Grace. This is a great story. And if you like this you will love where the series takes you in the next book, Dragonswan.

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks

ISBN: 0312979975

Pages: 352

Series: Dark Hunter

Volume: 1

Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Space, The League

Sub Genre: Science Fiction

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: In the Ichidian Universe, The League and their ruthless assassins rule all. Expertly trained and highly valued, the League Assassins are the backbone of the government. But not even the League is immune to corruption . . . He was born and trained to kill. Command Assassin Nykyrian Quikiades once turned his back on the League — and has been hunted by them ever since. Though many have tried, none can kill him or stop him from completing his current mission: to protect Kiara Zamir, a woman whose father’s political alliance has made her a target.  She must accept his protection or die. As her world becomes even deadlier, Kiara must entrust her life to the same kind of beast who once killed her mother and left her for dead. Old enemies and new threaten them both and the only way they can survive is to overcome their suspicions and learn to trust in the very ones who threaten them the most: each other.

This is the first book in the League series. The story takes us out into space. Nykerian is one of the most notorious assassins who has done his job brilliantly but at one point realizes that he just can’t kill this one assignment. Because of that he signs his own death warrant. Kiara has assassins after her so her father hires Nykerian and his friends to protect her. She just doesn’t know what to make of any of them. This is a great divergence from Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunter. In reading her author’s notes these characters where her childhood friends. They characters are so well developed. You can’t help but fall in love with these felons. I truly loved this book and can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Born of Fire.

Publisher: St. Martin’s

ISBN: 0312942303

Pages: 560

Series: League

Volume: 1

The Dark One by Ronda Thompson

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Werewolves, The Wild Wulfs of London

Sub Genre: Historical Romance; 1800’s

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: A passion ignited. Rosalind Rutherford knows full well the scandal she courts when she attempts to seduce the notorious Armond Wulf—in fact, she’s counting on it as a means to escape her sadistic stepbrother’s control. Unfortunately, Lord Wulf’s better instincts prevail...although not before he gives Rosalind a tantalizing taste of what she’s missing. And when the opportunity arises to rescue Armond from a grim fate while changing her own, Rosalind knows she must seize it... A curse unleashed. Armond can no more ignore the Rutherford woman than his ancestor could resist the temptress who cursed the Wulf men with a terrifying transformation that occurs at the appearance of the full moon—and is set in motion by love. Now, to save her reputation and his freedom, Armond must marry Rosalind. But he vows that while they may share the pleasures of the marriage bed, she will never have his heart... A love everlasting. Yet as strange and mysterious events bring them closer in body and soul, Armond finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings for his new wife locked away. Especially when the reality of unquenchable desire—and certain danger—burn stronger than ever by the light of a full moon...

This is the first of the Wild Wulfs of London books. Rosalind just wants to be go back to the country and away from her horrid stepbrother. Armond doesn’t want to get married and has sworn that he would never do so along with the rest of his brothers. But everything changes as more females are found dead. But Armond is hiding something. This is one of the best historical paranormal romances that I have read. The characters are well written and you feel for them throughout the book. Armond is one who would rather make himself unhappy than to make others unhappy. Rosalind has to deal with her stepbrother but she is no delicate rose she does have a back bone. This is a very great book and I can’t read the next one in the series, The Untamed One.

Publisher: St. Martin’s

ISBN: 0312935730

Pages: 352

Series: Wild Wulfs of London

Volume: 1

Big Bad Wolf by Christine Warren

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Shapeshifters, Vampires, The Others, Witches

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Missy Roper’s fantasies have revolved around Graham Winters since the moment they met. But the imposing leader of the Silverback werewolf clan always seemed oblivious to Missy’s existence. At least he was, until Missy collides with him at a party and then abruptly runs away – arousing Graham’s interest … and wild desires. Big Bad Wolf. Lupin law decrees that every Alpha must have a mate, and all Graham’s instincts tell him that the sensual, beguiling Missy is his. Trouble is, Missy is human – every delectable inch of her. Convincing his clan that she’s his destined mate, and keeping her safe from his enemies, will be the biggest challenge Graham has ever faced. And now that he is determined to have her – as his lover and his mate – Missy’s world is changing in ways she never imagined…

This is the second book in Christine Warren’s The Others series. Even though it is the most recent in publication. This story follows the kindergarten teacher Missy Roper and Alpha of the Silverback werewolves, Graham Winters. Missy is almost a meek woman who doesn’t have the best self image, while Graham is your very typical Alpha character. But as this story goes on we see that Missy can hold her own against the other werewolves. She grows as a character from beginning to end. The perspective changes between Missy and Graham but it is done in such a way that you feel like you’re getting the whole story and not just one side of it. I really loved this book and can’t wait till Christine finishes her rewrites on the next book in the series, originally names Faer Fetched.

Publisher: St. Martin’s

ISBN: 031294795X

Pages: 320

Series: Novels of the Others

Volume: 2

Wages of Sin by Jenna Maclaine

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, Magic, Early 1800’s, Cin Craven, Demons

Sub Genre: Historical Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Dulcinea Craven descends from a long line of witches, and she has just inherited wild, untrained magical powers that she has no idea how to control. Now a ruthless vampire and an age-old demon are determined to enslave Cin and steal her power for their own. Her only hope is The Righteous, a band of warrior vampires who slay the rogue undead. Among them is Michael, a fierce swordsman who inflames Cin’s most primal hungers. Showing her a sensual pleasure beyond anything in the mortal realm, she must choose between the human existence she has always known, and immortality as a vampire—a new life filled with forbidden urges, dark yearning, and unearthly passions…

This is the first novel for Cin Craven series and is set in 1815 England. It begins off with Cin explaining how she got her name. That she is a witch and comes from a long line of hereditary witches through her mother’s line. But her world gets turned upside down by an unwanted suitor. I don’t read a lot of historical romances but this book had something that I couldn't wait to read. I found the story to be very inventive. Once I had started reading it I couldn't put it down. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Grave Sin.

Publisher: St. Martin’s      

ISBN: 0312946163

Pages: 352

Series: Cin Craven

Volume: 1

One Bite with a Stranger by Christine Warren

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Vampire, Shapeshifters, Witches, Magic, Novels of the Others

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: When Regina’s friends insist on setting her up on a “Fantasy Fix” to help her get over her cheating ex, she dreams up some kinky out-of-this-world encounters that they could never possibly bring to life. But the next thing Regina knows, her friends have got her laced into a shiny black corset, tight leather pants, and a sexy pair of stilettos. It’s time for some downtown vampire-fantasy fun… The Vampire Ball in Manhattan’s East Village isn’t really Dmitri Vidame’s idea of a good time, but as a member of the Council that governs The Others, he has to keep an eye on all the young vamps who prey on the pretenders. After he feasts his dark eyes on fiery Regina at the bar, he knows that he must have her. But for the first time Dmitri meets a woman who is more than a match for his indomitable will. And he will be the fantasy Regina hoped for… until she- and her feisty friends – discover her sexy new lover’s bloodsucking secret…

So this is considered the sixth book to come out by Christine Warren but it really is the first book in the Others series. It has been rewritten, extended, and published under a different name from the original, Fantasy Fix. Regina’s friends came up with a game one night about having a fantasy night with someone else. She never expected to have to go through with one of her fantasies that’s why she chose such difficult fantasies. But now she is at a club with all her friends waiting to meet a guy who is going to pretend to be a vampire. Who she meets is Dmitri and he wants Regina for his own. This is one of those books that once you start it you don’t want to put it down. It’s hot and steamy and yet there are moments that truly make you laugh. Regina and Dmitri are brilliant together. And for added fun you have Regina’s friends, who can’t help but get involved. I loved reading this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series, The Big Bad Wolf.

Publisher: St. Martin’s

ISBN: 0312947933

Pages: 352

Series: Novels of the Others

Volume: 1