Over the Moon by Patricia Briggs et al

What the blurb says...

Three bestselling superstars and one exciting new voice in paranormal romance in a hot new anthology.

When it comes to sexy werewolves, fairies, and magic, there's only one place for readers to go this winter: Over the Moon.

Angela Knight ventures to the borders of Mageverse, a land ruled by vampire knights.

MaryJanice Davidson returns to the wicked lair of the Wyndham werewolves.

Virginia Kantra finds magic and wonder in a strange fairy kingdom.

And Sunny discovers a Mixed Blood Queen in command of a new realm.

My review...

I loved the MJD tale the most, the others were... alright.. but not the reason I picked up this anthology.

Brimstone Kiss by Carole Nelson Douglas

What the Blurb says...

Delilah and her partner - tall, dark, handsome, and Hispanic ex-FBI guy Ric Montoya - are busy solving a "Romeo and Juliet" double-murder and she's got plenty more to deal with: vampires, werewolves, and tigers, oh my!

My review...

I still felt confused with this series, this is the second book in the series and it really is cryptic, you just bump from one thing to the next with no real explanation why and delilah doesn't even seem that bothered to find out why, what, when and where. Quicksilver is the one thing in this book I like, yet that is still a bit mysterious. This is the last book I will be reading in this series.

Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance by Trisha Telep et al

What the blurb says...

The biggest names in vampire romance have created a fascinating array of 30 short stories of hot blood and inhuman passions that will leave you thirsting for more. Authors include Sherri Erwin, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Jenna Black, Jenna Maclaine, Raven Hart, Delilah Devlin, Keri Arthur, Kimberly Raye, Alexis Morgan, Lilith Saintcrow, C.T. Adams, Cathy Clamp, Susan Sizemore, Dina James, Colleen Gleason, Barbara Emrys, Savannah Russe, Shiloh Walker, Vicki Pettersson, Rebecca York, Rachel Vincent, Amanda Ashley, Karen Chance, and Nancy Holder. These ain't your mother's vampires!

My review...

Wow, what a selection of stories, not all set in the 'world' that the author is known for, not all about characters previously written about. Well worth a read if you are wanting to find some new authors to worship.

Maneater by Thomas Emson

What the blurb says...

She's not sweet. She's not nice. She doesn't fight evil. She doesn't protect the weak. She doesn't serve humanity. She doesn't work in an office by day and have a secret identity by night. She doesn't have friends and family who know nothing about her but when they find out they love her anyway. She's not cool. She's not clever. She's not kind to animals. She won't help children, the elderly, and those less fortunate than herself. In fact, she doesn't care. But if you hurt her, she will kill you. Actually, she'll do worse than that - Meet Laura. She'll eat you alive.

My review...

This was a surprising gem. Well written, grisly, fascinating and could not put it down.

Prey by Melina Morel

What the Blurb says...

Evil Stalks the city that never sleeps...

Vivian Roussel prefers to keep a low profile - she is, after all, a werecat, descendant of an ancient demigoddess, and highly regarded in Manhattan's nightworld. But when she's robbed of a priceless icon, she has only one recourse for protection.

Surveillance expert and werecat Pavel Federov never gets personal with his clients.But he's drawn to Vivian. Pavel soon discovers that the thief has something far more dangerous in mind - for he's marked Vivian as his next target.

My review...

This novel kind of continues on from Devour, but could easily be read as a standalone novel. Again not a keeper, but an enjoyable read.

Devour by Melina Morel

What the blurb says...

A spellbinding debut, paranormal thriller

A Werewolf...
A vampire...
And the woman who wants them both.

The dashing Pierre du Montfort is a werewolf who's never had trouble hiding his cursed heritage. But now with his dark secret about to be unleashed, he's willing to do anything-and savage anyone-in order to stay alive...

Beautiful and intrepid werewolf hunter Catherine Marais has no qualms about her destiny. Nothing will stop her from destroying the last Montfort werewolf. Not even Ian Morgan-the 200-year-old vampire whose electrifying touch could tempt Catherine to indulge in a forbidden darkness from which she may never return...

My review...

A great standalone novel, it's not a keeper for me but I enjoyed reading it!

First Blood by Susan Sizemore et al

What the blurb says...

Four all-new stories of forbidden passion and dark desire.

You never forget your first blood...Susan Sizemore returns to the universe of her Laws of the Blood novels with a sizzling story of the relationship between a vampire enforcer and a werewolf.

Erin McCarthy’s Sasha Checkikov flees the bright lights and dangerous slayers of Vegas for New Orleans, where she is saved by a vampire haunted by his past—and hungry for passion.

Set in the Vampire Babylon world, Chris Marie Green’s story puts the bond between twin female vampires to the test when one of them falls for her prey.

Meljean Brook’s vampire Annie Gallagher needs help to save a young human girl, but she doesn’t expect the help to come from the FBI agent she loved—and had to give up— when she was transformed.

My review...

“Cave Canem” is a story set in Susan Sizemore’s ‘Laws of the Blood’ novels. We get a twofer starring both a vampire and a werewolf who have to team up and work together to overcome an ancient threat that’s reappeared. The sparks between these two could light up Las Vegas, especially once they quit fighting each other. Extra points for the cute Hellhounds.

Erin McCarthy returns to New Orleans with “Russian Roulette” a tale of a former slayer turned vampire who is about to find out why a bitter vampire has got to be the world’s worst ex-girlfriend…especially when you’re attracted to the object of her desire!!

From Chris Marie Green’s ‘Vampire Babylon’ world, “Double the Bite” is an intense disturbing retake on good and evil, and nature vs nurture when she pens the tale of twin sister vampires. Can good overcome evil and how far would you go to protect a new love…from your evil twin. Very dark, very deep, and a riveting read.

“Thicker Than Blood” is the final story from Meljean Brook and a new twist on enduring love and whether or not some sins can ever be forgiven. Strangely uplifting for an urban fantasy, paranormal story.

This anthology was hard to get through as the 'worlds' needed some advance knowledge, I seemed a bit out of depth with this collection.

On the Prowl by Karen MacInerney

What the Blurb says...

On the outside, Sophie Garou is living every woman’s dream: she has beauty, brains, and a big-time position in Austin’s’s most respected accounting firm (not to mention a very sexy, very successful new mysterious boyfriend). There’s one thing, though, that she’d rather keep under wraps: Sophie is a werewolf, which can get her in a whole lot of trouble.

Sophie’s life gets a little more hairy when her long-estranged father, Luc, arrives in the Live Music Capital to attend the werewolves’ annual Howl and reconnect with his daughter. Luc’s plans quickly fall apart after he’s accused of murder and arrested by his archrival Wolfgang, leader of the Houston pack (and one notoriously dirty dog). Wolfgang drools at the thought of Luc’s impending execution, but Sophie won’t let her father die without a fight. Determined to prove his innocence, she and her friends set out to find the real killer. Along the way, Sophie must deal with taboo attractions, Machiavellian intrigues, sinister agendas, and hair-raising betrayals.

My Review...
I really am getting into this series. Sophie is a rocking wimpy[ish] werewolf solving a crime that is nothing to do with her [well, is it?] to make her life easier. Second in the series and well worth a read.

Prom Nights from Hell by Meg Cabot et al

What the Blurb says...

In this exciting collection, bestselling authors Meg Cabot (How to Be Popular), Kim Harrison (A Fistful of Charms), Michele Jaffe (Bad Kitty), Stephenie Meyer (Twilight), and Lauren Myracle (ttyl) take bad prom nights to a whole new level—a paranormally bad level. Wardrobe malfunctions and two left feet don't hold a candle to discovering your date is the Grim Reaper—and he isn't here to tell you how hot you look.

From angels fighting demons to a creepy take on getting what you wish for, these five stories will entertain better than any DJ in a bad tux. No corsage or limo rental necessary. Just good, scary fun.

My review...

I love Anthologies it's a great way to find some new authors to worship!

Michele Jaffe gives scary a twist of humor in her story "Kiss and Tell," in which Miranda, blessed (or maybe cursed) with superpowers, takes it upon herself to protect a 14-year-old chauffering charge named Sibby. Sarcasm and a roller derby outfit, however, might not be enough for Miranda to keep Sibby safe from a potential murder.

If you're a fan of Stephenie Meyer's TWILIGHT, then you'll love "Hell on Earth." What looks like your normal prom becomes a jumbled mess of broken jewelry, ripped dresses and destroyed romances thanks to the new girl, Sheba, who's really a 186-year-old demon in disguise. But will Sheba's meddling older sister keep the prom from being anything less than perfectly hellish?

If you love the classic horror stories, then flip straight to "The Corsage" by Lauren Myracle, a retelling of W.W. Jacobs's "The Monkey's Paw." Frankie wishes for Will to ask her to the prom while holding a corsage she bought from a Juicy Couture-clad fortune teller. You know how the saying goes, though: Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it. Frankie's wish comes true, and now Will is just dying to ask her to the prom.

For a twist on the Grim Reaper tale, look at "Madison Avery and the Dim Reaper" by Kim Harrison. It's bad enough that Madison's date only takes her to the prom out of pity, but then the guy she leaves with kills her and completely botches her death. Now she's somewhere between human and ghost, relying on a stolen amulet to keep her solid.

And for those of you who are diehard vampire fans, open to page one and start reading "The Exterminator's Daughter" by Meg Cabot. Vampires are alive, well, living in New York and taking Mary's best friend Lila to the prom. Mary, a vampire exterminator with her very own crossbow, is determined to save Lila. With Dracula in disguise at her high school, will Mary's prom completely suck?

Howling at the Moon by Karen MacInerney

Finished on March 9th 2009.



What the Blurb says...

Romance is about to get a little hairy.

Sophie Garou seems to have it all: a great job at a prestigious accounting firm, a closet that rivals a Nordstrom showroom, and a terrific boyfriend who isn’t afraid to use the “M” word. There’s just one little itty-bitty problem: Sophie is a werewolf—and her time of month has a whole new meaning.

Needless to say, life among yummy flesh-and-blood humans is no piece of steak . . . er, cake!, but regular doses of wolfsbane tea and a mother who runs a magic shop have helped Sophie keep her paranormal pedigree under wraps. Still, when a sexy, golden-eyed werewolf prowls into town, Sophie finds herself struggling to keep her animal impulses in check—not to mention trying to keep things on track with her super hot (and super human) lawyer boyfriend. What’s more, someone is threatening to expose Sophie for what she really is. And when her mother is accused of selling a poison-laced potion, Sophie must sniff out a culprit before the fur hits the fan.

My review...

First in a new series. I'd heard alot of not great reviews, but wanted to see for myself if it was any good. And I really enjoyed it alot, Sophie is a likeable character. This will be a series I will follow with pleasure.

Pride by Rachel Vicent

Finished March 4th 2009.



What the Blurb says...

Here's hoping cats do have nine lives...

I’m on trial for my life. Accused of infecting my human ex-boyfriend—and killing him to cover up the crime. Infecting a human is one of three capital offenses recognized by the Pride—along with murder and disclosure of our existence to a human.

I’m two for three. A goner.

Now we've discovered a rogue stray terrorizing the mountainside, hunting a wild teenage tabbycat. It's up to us to find and stop him. With my lover Marc's help, I think I can protect the vulnerable tabby from both the ambitious rogue and the scheming of the territorial council.

If I survive my own trial…

My review...

This series just keeps getting better and better, Faythe and Marc are great characters that are well written. Third in the series.

The Devil's Due by Jenna Black

Finished March 2nd 2009.



What the blurb says...

POSSESSION WAS NEVER THIS MUCH FUN.

Trust or die, That's the choice Morgan Kingsley, exorcist, is given by the gorgeous rogue demon who's gotten inside her. The truth is, Morgan has dozens of reasons not to trust anyone, from the violence that torched her house and killed her father to a love-life that's left her questioning her relationship with her erstwhile boyfriend, Brian. But Lugh, a King among demons, won't take no for an answer. He's prying into her body, mind, and even her sex life. And he's just pulled Morgan into a power struggle that could have devastating consequences for both the human and demon worlds.

But Morgan still has a job to do: Investigate the highly bizarre possession of the son of a wealthy Philadelphia couple. That hunt leads Morgan into a realm of sexual depravity, then a terrifying kidnapping. Now, a woman who makes her living prying demons from their hosts finds her day job colliding with the night: a darkness that is attracting demons of the damnedest sort, including the one who's about to demand his ultimate due.

My review...

Third in the series, and this book to me is the best so far. Morgan has unravelled more of the mystery and you really start to see a bigger scarier picture.

Dancing with Werewolves by Carole Nelson Douglas

Finished on February 24th 2009.



What the blurb says...

It was the revelation of the millennium: witches, werewolves, vampires and other supernaturals are real. Fast-forward 13 years: TV reporter Delilah Street used to cover the small-town bogeyman beat back in Kansas, but now, in high-octane Las Vegas - which is run by a werewolf mob - she finds herself holding back the gates of Hell itself. But at least she has a hot new guy and one big bad wolfhound to help her out...

My review...
I didn' really 'get' into this book at all, I felt alot was left unexplained and I often felt confused and had to back track to make sure I hadn't missed something.

Welcome to the Jungle by Jim Butcher

Finished February 23rd 2009.



What the Blurb says...

When the supernatural world goes out of control, there's only one man to call: Harry Dresden, the only professional wizard in the phone book. A launch title in the Dabel Brothers graphic novel series, "Welcome to the Jungle" is an original adventure set in the "New York Times" bestselling Dresden Files universe.

My review...

This is my first foray into the Graphic Novels of the Dresdenverse. And I loved it, it was weird, as most first experiences are, but I came to love it. It's interesting to see the imaginations of Harry, in my own minds opinion he looks completley different. Not sure I would go this way again, I like my own imagination more :)

One SIlent Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Finished on February 17th 2009



What the Blurb says...

While the world carries on unawares, Stryker, who leads an army of demons and vampires, is plotting an all out onslaught against his enemies--which, unfortunately for us, includes the entire human race.

To avenge his sister, Stryker prepares to annihilate the Dark-Hunters. But things go awry when his oldest enemy returns.

Enter his ex-wife. Zephyra. Just when he thought nothing could stop him, he's now embroiled in a centuries old war with a shrew who gives new meaning to pain and a shrew who is the only woman he's ever really loved.

My review...

Read this out of sync with the series, this is 14th in the Dark Hunter series. It's a great read, bit dissapointing after reading 'Acheron' as it was so thick, it only took me a day to read this one.

Men of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong

Finished on February 16th 2009.



What the blurb says...

As a curious child, Clayton didn’t resist the bite—he asked for it. But surviving as a lone child werewolf was more than he could manage—until Jeremy came along and taught him how to straddle the human-werewolf worlds, gave him a home…and introduced him to the Pack. So begins this volume, featuring three of the most intriguing members of the American Pack—a hierarchical founding family where bloodlines mean everything, and each day presents a new, thrilling, and often deadly challenge. For as Clayton grows from a wild child to a clever teen who tests his beloved mentor at every turn, he must learn not only to control his animal instincts, but to navigate Pack politics—including showing his brutal arch nemesis, Malcolm, who the real Alpha is...

My review...

This is the first novella released by Kelley, it contains the previously released online short stories 'Infusion', 'Savage' and 'Ascension' and a never published before tale narrated by Jeremy. I loved having a printed version of the short stories, I had read them before.

Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Finished on February 14th 2009.



What the Blurb says...

From the World of the Dark-Hunters comes the most anticipated book to date...

Eleven thousand years ago a god was born. Cursed into the body of a human, Acheron endured a lifetime of hatred. His human death unleashed an unspeakable horror that almost destroyed the earth. Brought back against his will, he became the sole defender of mankind.

Only it was never that simple...

For centuries, he has fought for our survival and hidden a past he never wants revealed.

Now his survival, and ours, hinges on the very woman who threatens him. Old enemies reawaken and unite to kill them both.

War has never been more deadly... or more fun.

My review...
15th Book in the Dark Hunter series, this one has been much awaited. And what a book, when this huge parcel arrived on my desk, I was confused. It is by far the thickest DH book published, it's huge. And it's soooo detailed and packed with Ash-ness. Lovely book, sad tale. Could be read as a standalone, but everything makes more sense when you start at the beginning.

My Favourite Witch by Annette Blair

Finished February 8th 2009.



What the Blurb says...

After catching her jock-fiancee in bed with her sister, Kira Fitzgerald has opted for a new start, working for charity at The Pickering Foundation. Imagine her delight when she discovers that her new boss is also a jock. Imagine the jock's delight when he discovers that his new coordinator is an honest to goddess witch, of the spell-casting, penis-withering variety.

Because the jock's grandmother is their boss, and a matchmaker, not only do they have to work together, they have no choice but to share living quarters as well. Thank the Goddess Kira knows a few magic curses to keep the sexy-as-hell jock from rattling her nerves.

Jason Pickering Goddard has uttered a few curses himself, without the magic, at his bum leg, the result of a car accident that ended his hockey career--temporarily, he hopes--and at his grandmother who's roped him into helping save The Pickering Foundation's school for boys. Jason knows the doctors are wrong, and it's just a matter of time before he's back on the ice. But the only ice he sees coming for the moment is from Kira Fitzgerald, his new Coordinator of Special Events.

My review...

This is the second book in the Accidental Witch series, not my normal choice of book. It was a bit more obvious in this book, nice to see Melody and Logan back from the first in this series.

The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair

Finished February 6th 2009.



What the Blurb says...

When Salem, Massachusetts TV Producer, Logan Kilgarven, needs a sitter, his mysterious new downstairs neighbor comes highly recommended. But when Melody Seabright opens her star-studded door, Logan knows she's just the kind of woman who can knock him back on his bad-boy ass.

With showmanship, magic spells, sex appeal, and a dynamite concept--THE KITCHEN WITCH--the culinary challenged siren cons her way into hosting her own cooking show. Logan's boss is charmed, his son is in love, and Logan is in lust. Maybe she really is a witch....

Amid cooking disasters and cooking lessons, hot sexual encounters, and fighting the heat--in and out of the kitchen--Logan learns to see beyond the wacky witch to the woman beneath, while Melody is surprised to find herself worthy of love.

My review...

Not my normal choice of a read, I needed something to fill the witchy part of the 999 challenge. This series came up on eBay [again!] and purchased the whole series. It was fun and a pleasant read.

At Grave's End

At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost. Finished February 3rd 2009.



What the Blurb says...

Some Things Won't Stay Buried ... At Grave's End

It should be the best time of half-vampire Cat Crawfield's life. With her undead lover Bones at her side, she's successfully protected mortals from the rogue undead. But though Cat's worn disguise after disguise to keep her true identity a secret from the brazen bloodsuckers, her cover's finally been blown, placing her in terrible danger.

As if that wasn't enough, a woman from Bones's past is determined to bury him once and for all. Caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful vamp, yet determined to help Bones stop a lethal magic from being unleashed, Cat's about to learn the true meaning of bad blood. And the tricks she's learned as a special agent won't help her. She will need to fully embrace her vampire instincts in order to save herself – and Bones – from a fate worse than the grave.

My review...

This is the 3rd Book in the Night Huntress series. Cat and Bones have really developed as Characters. I love this series very much. It's just so well written and engrossing. Can't wait for 'Destined for an Early Grave'

Moon in the Mirror

Moon in the Mirror by P.R. Frost. Finished January 31st 2009.



What the Blurb says...
Theresa Noncoire was a successful fantasy writer. But Tess had another career as well, trained by the Sisterhood of the Celestial Blade Warriors to fight demonic incursions into our world. Teamed with a mischievous imp called Scrap, she's returned home after saving the world, only to discover that demonic trouble has followed her right to her own doorstep...

My review...
The second book in the Tess Noncoire series, follows on from 'Hounding the Moon'. Tess Noncoire and her imp, Scrap dive into another adventure with a return from Donovan Estevez and his family. It took a while to get into this book, only because the time spent out of the 'verse, it started off quite fast and I had to remember what had happened prior to this. You get to know more about Tess' family including the witchy moonfeather.

The Devil You Know

The Devil You Know by Jenna Black. Finished on January 22nd 2009



What the Blurb says...

The beautiful. The bad. The Possessed.

Some people worship them. Some people fear them. And some people—like Morgan Kingsley—go up against them toe-to-toe, flesh-to-flesh, and power against power. An exorcist by trade, Morgan is one of the few humans with an aura stronger than her possessor, even though her demon can tease her body senseless. She's also a woman who has just discovered a shocking truth: everything she once believed about her past, her identity, may have been a lie…

With a family secret exploding around her and with a full-scale demon war igniting, Morgan is a key player in an unsettled world. Then a rogue, sociopathic demon enters her life with a bang. His name is The Hunter. And since she is the prey, Morgan has only one choice: to hunt The Hunter down—no matter what heartbreaking truths she uncovers on the way…

My review...

This book continued on from Devil Inside, a really great book. It picks up almost immediatley and gets straight into the action. Really struggled to put this book down, sneak reading constantly :)

The Devil Inside

The Devil Inside by Jenna Black. Finished on January 15th 2009



What the Blurb says...

POSSESSION. MURDER. MAYHEM.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN….

Exorcism isn’t a job, it’s a calling—and a curse. Just ask Morgan Kingsley, a woman who has a stronger aura than any demon. Or so she thought. Now, in a pair of black leather pants and a kick-ass tattoo, Morgan is heading back to Philadelphia after a nasty little exorcism—and her life is about to be turned upside down…by the demon that’s gotten inside her.

Not just any demon. Six feet five inches of dark, delicious temptation, this one is to die for—that is, if he doesn’t get Morgan killed first. Because while some humans vilify demons and others idolize them, Morgan’s demon is leading a war of succession no human has ever imagined. For a woman trying to live a life, and hold on to the almost-perfect man, being possessed by a gorgeous rebel demon will mean a wild ride of uninhibited thrills, shocking surprises, and pure, unadulterated terror…

My review...

This is a new series for me, I had heard a few good and bad reviews. Saw a copy on eBay for a reasonable price so thought I'd give it a go. I really really enjoyed this book, the series has a really good premise and can't wait to read more from this author.

A Certain Slant of Light

A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb. Finished on January 8th 2009.



What the Blurb says...

In the class of the high school English teacher she has been haunting, Helen feels them: For the first time in 130 years, human eyes are looking at her. They belong to a boy, a boy who has not seemed remarkable until now. And Helen--terrified, but intrigued--is drawn to him. The fact that he is in a body and she is not presents this unlikely couple with their first challenge. But as the lovers struggle to find a way to be together, they begin to discover the secrets of their former lives and of the young people they come to possess.

My review...

This was a book bought on a recommendation, it was an eBay purchase. It stood on my TBR pile for a long time before I got around to reading it. It fits quite well into me 999 challenge. I didn't think I would get 'in' to the book to start with, almost put it down on a few occasions, but on the third chapter, I finally got into the swing of it. A bittersweet read, the ghosts are selfish and not realising in all the excitement of new love and refreshing experiences that they may be causing a lot more grief. Written very well and it was a beautiful read.

The Accidental Demon Slayer

The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox. Finished on January 3rd 2009.



What the Blurb says...

It’s never a good day when an ancient demon shows up on your toilet bowl…

For Lizzie Brown, that’s just the beginning. Soon her hyperactive terrier starts talking, and her long-lost biker witch Grandma is hurling Smuckers jars filled with magic. Just when she thinks she’s seen it all, Lizzie learns she’s a demon slayer – and all hell is after her.

Of course, that’s not the only thing after her. Dimitri Kallinikos, a devastatingly handsome shape-shifting griffin needs Lizzie to slay a demon of his own. But how do you talk a girl you’ve never met into going straight to the underworld? Lie. And if that doesn’t work, how dangerous could a little seduction be…?

My review...

I picked up this book on an Amazon Recommendation and my OH bought it for me as an xmas present. I loved this book from start to finish. Lizzie not only kicks ass, she is also witty and smart. Grandma is fab, she really is so fun and wacky a real treasure and pleaseant contradiction to Lizzie. Angie has written a great first book to a new series, can't wait to get hold of 'The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers'.