nemerith's review
5.0
So, as this is an anthology, I will review the stories as I read them.
I'm so spoiled with these stories in this anthology, I have found new authors and new series to read *sigh* so good!
Worship Me
I was so happy when Kel and Aurelia told us Adora would have her own story!
I loved it! It's short (but not too short); it also has the required romance and action (but not too much).
It was well written with no (noticeable) errors, and there was some heat (if that is important to you.
A delightful read, I pretty much love every book they write, but it just feels like they get better and better (happy me!).
Supernatural Syndicate
At the moment, I have a love/hate relationship with the books the author is writing. Some are so good, and others just aren't. This one falls in the middle. The story's premise is great and has potential, but the story itself does not make sense. Questionable events happen without any reason or explanation, characters behaving one way and then totally different the next we see them,... The heat level was scorching but felt impersonal.
The characters and story have amazing potential (and, of course, I love Raithe), but I think (a lot) more editing needs to be done.
This story isn't finished, so not sure if there will be a continuation.
Dark Alleys and Bad Ideas
I loved this novella!!!!! This is the setup for the spinoff, but it reminded me that I really need to bump up the Blueblood Vampires novels in my tbr pile.
Conor (a vampire in the Red Guard) and Jill (a human detective) have sizzling chemistry, and while, at first, they don't want to be near one another, they will find that fate has something special in store for them. Even in this short novella, I have to say, I loved the writing, character development, and overall vibe. The heat level was HOT :D
Yes... I need more blueblood vampires in my life!
Ashes and Wine
Another novella that I loved (wow, I'm so spoiled in this anthology!). What's not to love? We have fae princes, captured brides, and deals that you need to think about from all angles cause the fae are crafty! I loved the worldbuilding and the characters. The heat level was hot (and sweet at the same time). While not overly much happened, we got to know Lili and Vaemon a fair bit, and I can't wait to read more about them in upcoming novels!
The Candle and Blade
A short novella by CN Crawford and Linsey Hall... and I absolutely loved it!
I didn't want it to end. I want to read more about Sion, Selene/Lilian and York, and Brioc.
If someone knows where I might read more of this... please let me know!
The characters are interesting and feel very alive. While we don't know much about Sion, except a bit of how he ended up here, we learn quite a bit about Lilian (who, tbh, might be more than she seems). The interactions are good, fun, and well-detailed. There is a tiny bit of spice, but it feels more like a teaser of things to come :)
I just really, really enjoyed this little snippet. I would read the hell out of a book about these characters :D
Twisted Fates
I haven't read anything by the author, Hannah McBride, but I really liked this novella!
I want to warn you, though, if you haven't read the Blackwater Pack series, and you might want to in the future, skip this for now, as it has spoilers (it takes place after the series, I think). I haven't read the series, but the first book, Sanctum, is now on my evergrowing TBR pile :D
I liked the characters a lot; they had depth and felt alive. Sierra has a lot of baggage from what she has done, so we know a little more about her than we do about Kace. The interactions were well written; the scenes were detailed enough, and even without knowing a single thing about the series, I got to know the relevant information about what went down.
As I've said, I will surely be visiting this series again in the future!
Elemental Storms
It took me a bit to get into the story, but when I did... god, I love mythology and bringing gods (and goddesses) into the 'real' world :D
Sienna is hoping against hope that this last-ditch effort will get her what she truly desires: resurrecting her parents. She has been in a downward spiral ever since they died, and this is the last thing she can try... well, except going over to the dark side.
What she doesn't bargain for are four gods, Dion, Seth, Ares, and Loki, to step out of a portal and want to experience her world in return for a meeting with Hades.
I enjoyed reading this crossover novella between the Essential Elements and the Storms of Blackwood world. The characters were interesting, the scenes were well-written, and it was a great read once I got into the story. As I apparently already have the first book in the Storms of Blackwood series, that one has been bumped up on my reading list. If you love mythology, you have to read it!
Fake Date with a Demon
Yes, Yes, Yessss!!! This is what I love reading :D :D
*sigh* I wish there was more...(except for the first book in the Claimed by the Demon series, Prince of Ruin)
Azeroth, the demon who is apparently also the bogeyman to other demons, and Tayla, a techno witch exiled from her coven, make such a great couple! I mean... this novella was hot as hell :D I loved the characters. They were exciting and had depth to them, even in this very short story. The writing was good, the scenes were detailed and clear, and it sucked me in. Alas, it was over before I knew it. Needless to say, I will be following this author for more!
Hunted Dragon
As I've come to expect from the author, another great story, or rather, a prequel to a series I wasn't aware of, "The Marked Dragon Prince Trilogy."
Join Prince Thorn, his nanny Cassie and the assassin Vlad in what will be bound to be a crucial character-building moment in Prince Thorn's life.
This prequel was very well written, with interesting characters and a touch of romance. It made me want to start reading the actual series right away to know how things continued :D I can't gush or reveal more, as that would be spoiling, but seriously, if you love dragon shifters, fated mates, and all that good stuff... pick it up!
Death's Kiss
Ah, how bittersweet this prequel was. Love is growing between a reaper-like woman and a man.
For some reason, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, but this felt so damn wholesome (well... as can be, of course).
Compelling characters, a good narrative, and my heart in need of a break to glue it back together...
This story is the setup for Doom & Destiny, which comes out in November 2023, and which, of course, I will be reading!
I'm so spoiled with these stories in this anthology, I have found new authors and new series to read *sigh* so good!
Worship Me
I was so happy when Kel and Aurelia told us Adora would have her own story!
I loved it! It's short (but not too short); it also has the required romance and action (but not too much).
It was well written with no (noticeable) errors, and there was some heat (if that is important to you.
A delightful read, I pretty much love every book they write, but it just feels like they get better and better (happy me!).
Supernatural Syndicate
At the moment, I have a love/hate relationship with the books the author is writing. Some are so good, and others just aren't. This one falls in the middle. The story's premise is great and has potential, but the story itself does not make sense. Questionable events happen without any reason or explanation, characters behaving one way and then totally different the next we see them,... The heat level was scorching but felt impersonal.
The characters and story have amazing potential (and, of course, I love Raithe), but I think (a lot) more editing needs to be done.
This story isn't finished, so not sure if there will be a continuation.
Dark Alleys and Bad Ideas
I loved this novella!!!!! This is the setup for the spinoff, but it reminded me that I really need to bump up the Blueblood Vampires novels in my tbr pile.
Conor (a vampire in the Red Guard) and Jill (a human detective) have sizzling chemistry, and while, at first, they don't want to be near one another, they will find that fate has something special in store for them. Even in this short novella, I have to say, I loved the writing, character development, and overall vibe. The heat level was HOT :D
Yes... I need more blueblood vampires in my life!
Ashes and Wine
Another novella that I loved (wow, I'm so spoiled in this anthology!). What's not to love? We have fae princes, captured brides, and deals that you need to think about from all angles cause the fae are crafty! I loved the worldbuilding and the characters. The heat level was hot (and sweet at the same time). While not overly much happened, we got to know Lili and Vaemon a fair bit, and I can't wait to read more about them in upcoming novels!
The Candle and Blade
A short novella by CN Crawford and Linsey Hall... and I absolutely loved it!
I didn't want it to end. I want to read more about Sion, Selene/Lilian and York, and Brioc.
If someone knows where I might read more of this... please let me know!
The characters are interesting and feel very alive. While we don't know much about Sion, except a bit of how he ended up here, we learn quite a bit about Lilian (who, tbh, might be more than she seems). The interactions are good, fun, and well-detailed. There is a tiny bit of spice, but it feels more like a teaser of things to come :)
I just really, really enjoyed this little snippet. I would read the hell out of a book about these characters :D
Twisted Fates
I haven't read anything by the author, Hannah McBride, but I really liked this novella!
I want to warn you, though, if you haven't read the Blackwater Pack series, and you might want to in the future, skip this for now, as it has spoilers (it takes place after the series, I think). I haven't read the series, but the first book, Sanctum, is now on my evergrowing TBR pile :D
I liked the characters a lot; they had depth and felt alive. Sierra has a lot of baggage from what she has done, so we know a little more about her than we do about Kace. The interactions were well written; the scenes were detailed enough, and even without knowing a single thing about the series, I got to know the relevant information about what went down.
As I've said, I will surely be visiting this series again in the future!
Elemental Storms
It took me a bit to get into the story, but when I did... god, I love mythology and bringing gods (and goddesses) into the 'real' world :D
Sienna is hoping against hope that this last-ditch effort will get her what she truly desires: resurrecting her parents. She has been in a downward spiral ever since they died, and this is the last thing she can try... well, except going over to the dark side.
What she doesn't bargain for are four gods, Dion, Seth, Ares, and Loki, to step out of a portal and want to experience her world in return for a meeting with Hades.
I enjoyed reading this crossover novella between the Essential Elements and the Storms of Blackwood world. The characters were interesting, the scenes were well-written, and it was a great read once I got into the story. As I apparently already have the first book in the Storms of Blackwood series, that one has been bumped up on my reading list. If you love mythology, you have to read it!
Fake Date with a Demon
Yes, Yes, Yessss!!! This is what I love reading :D :D
*sigh* I wish there was more...(except for the first book in the Claimed by the Demon series, Prince of Ruin)
Azeroth, the demon who is apparently also the bogeyman to other demons, and Tayla, a techno witch exiled from her coven, make such a great couple! I mean... this novella was hot as hell :D I loved the characters. They were exciting and had depth to them, even in this very short story. The writing was good, the scenes were detailed and clear, and it sucked me in. Alas, it was over before I knew it. Needless to say, I will be following this author for more!
Hunted Dragon
As I've come to expect from the author, another great story, or rather, a prequel to a series I wasn't aware of, "The Marked Dragon Prince Trilogy."
Join Prince Thorn, his nanny Cassie and the assassin Vlad in what will be bound to be a crucial character-building moment in Prince Thorn's life.
This prequel was very well written, with interesting characters and a touch of romance. It made me want to start reading the actual series right away to know how things continued :D I can't gush or reveal more, as that would be spoiling, but seriously, if you love dragon shifters, fated mates, and all that good stuff... pick it up!
Death's Kiss
Ah, how bittersweet this prequel was. Love is growing between a reaper-like woman and a man.
For some reason, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, but this felt so damn wholesome (well... as can be, of course).
Compelling characters, a good narrative, and my heart in need of a break to glue it back together...
This story is the setup for Doom & Destiny, which comes out in November 2023, and which, of course, I will be reading!
wilda85's review
5.0
Twisted fates: I’m not Sierra’s number one fan but this was the perfect redemption story for her. My heart completely broke for her but I’m so happy she for her HEA. I definitely need more of them in the future!
cemyers42's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Not surprisingly some if these stories were pretty meh and some were fantastic where i wished for a full length novel! I particularly enjoyed Bec McMaster (always!), Alexi Blake/Emm Darcy/May Sage, Aurelia Jane & Kel, and SK Reign.
klee73010's review
5.0
Picked this up for the Amelia Hutchins title and ended up adding several new to me authors to my TBR. Some stories are really spicy and others are more steam than spice. There are a lot of alpha male types, but a lot of different types of stories. Definitely recommend to any lover of paranormal romance or fantasy romance.
book_lover_97's review
5.0
Death's Kiss by Sk Reign
This is such an intriguing and alluring short story which follows two main characters referred to as him and her. It reads as a prequel as I can't wait to read more about these two!
This is such an intriguing and alluring short story which follows two main characters referred to as him and her. It reads as a prequel as I can't wait to read more about these two!
lady_h_reads's review
5.0
This is an excellent collection of paranormal and fantasy short stories/novellas from various authors in the field. I have only had the opportunity to read one of the stories but will continue to update the review as I get through the rest.
Death’s Kiss by SK Reign 5/5
So much is packed into this short story. The two main characters are never named, remaining ‘her’ and ‘him’ throughout. They should not work – she is a reaper (but not really, as she arises from a time before reapers existed), and he is mortal. She is drawn to him, the only person in all her thousands of years of existence who has ever seen her, yet being near him weakens her, and the possibility of her reaping his soul increases.
They should not work, but they do. Their love story is so pure, so heartbreakingly real. But get your tissues ready for that ending.
Death’s Kiss can be read alone as a short story or as a prequel to an upcoming series. I know I am hooked.
Death’s Kiss by SK Reign 5/5
So much is packed into this short story. The two main characters are never named, remaining ‘her’ and ‘him’ throughout. They should not work – she is a reaper (but not really, as she arises from a time before reapers existed), and he is mortal. She is drawn to him, the only person in all her thousands of years of existence who has ever seen her, yet being near him weakens her, and the possibility of her reaping his soul increases.
They should not work, but they do. Their love story is so pure, so heartbreakingly real. But get your tissues ready for that ending.
Death’s Kiss can be read alone as a short story or as a prequel to an upcoming series. I know I am hooked.
ririmlls's review
3.0
Just read the one by Amelia Hutchins for now, The syndicate (which is like the series Scandal, featuring a heroine who is called the Fixer and the Mc aiming for presidency in a paranormal setting) and it was a good premise!
I’m not into dub-con hence the rating but it was a very good surprise and I can’t wait for the full fledged novel!
3.5 stars ⭐️
I’m not into dub-con hence the rating but it was a very good surprise and I can’t wait for the full fledged novel!
3.5 stars ⭐️
belindaclemons_123's review
5.0
Jen L Grey's Hunted Dragon is the prequel to Thorn's trilogy. I really adored Vlad and Cass and like ve reading how they met and bonded.
Worship Me by Kel Carpenter and Aurelia Jane is about Pan and Adora who is Dannika's sister from Reject Me in the Immortal Vices and Virtues world. Their story is amazing and I liked that we got her story because I really liked her in Reject Me.
I can't wait to start the other books in this set.
Worship Me by Kel Carpenter and Aurelia Jane is about Pan and Adora who is Dannika's sister from Reject Me in the Immortal Vices and Virtues world. Their story is amazing and I liked that we got her story because I really liked her in Reject Me.
I can't wait to start the other books in this set.
bookdragonheart's review
5.0
Amazing authors in this anthology!!
Review for Worship Me:
Another entry to the Immortal Vices and Virtues universe, we get a glimpse of the mysterious land of shifters, Arcadia. The shifter god-king, Pan, and Adora, the peacock shifter sister of Danni from book one of this series. This is the only novella in this series, and it gets to the story very quickly. Pan is being blackmailed to find Adora and return her to her family. His world and people rely on his completing this task. But there is a much deeper connection between them, and it’s not a pleasant history. Adora is a very strong personality, and yet the prospect of meeting her family, other peacock shifters, has her agreeing to go with Pam when he approaches her. As they venture to their destination, there is plenty of action and sexual tension, a slow burn, but being a novella, the overall wait isn’t unbearable, and the delay not only makes sense, but totally works for the story. The banter and pace are great, and the story is another great piece of the Immortal Vices and Virtues universe.
Review for Worship Me:
Another entry to the Immortal Vices and Virtues universe, we get a glimpse of the mysterious land of shifters, Arcadia. The shifter god-king, Pan, and Adora, the peacock shifter sister of Danni from book one of this series. This is the only novella in this series, and it gets to the story very quickly. Pan is being blackmailed to find Adora and return her to her family. His world and people rely on his completing this task. But there is a much deeper connection between them, and it’s not a pleasant history. Adora is a very strong personality, and yet the prospect of meeting her family, other peacock shifters, has her agreeing to go with Pam when he approaches her. As they venture to their destination, there is plenty of action and sexual tension, a slow burn, but being a novella, the overall wait isn’t unbearable, and the delay not only makes sense, but totally works for the story. The banter and pace are great, and the story is another great piece of the Immortal Vices and Virtues universe.