| Title | : | The Mammoth Book Of Paranormal Romance 2 |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1849013705 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781849013703 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 528 |
| Publication | : | First published August 26, 2010 |
TO HELL WITH LOVE by Jackie Kessler
PRINCES OF DOMINION by Ava Gray
SPIRIT OF THE PRAIRIE by Shirley Damsgaard
THE DEMON’S SECRET by Nathalie Gray
MARINE BIOLOGY by Gail Carriger
ZOLA’S PRIDE by Moira Rogers
IN DREAMS by Elissa Wilds
THE GAUNTLET by Karen Chance
THE GETAWAY by Sonya Bateman
MR SANDMAN by Sherri Browning Erwin
THE SIN-EATER’S PROMISE by Michele Hauf
FRAGILE MAGIC by Sharon Ashwood
NIGHTDRAKE by Lara Adrian
THE SONS OF RA by Helen Scott Taylor
EVE OF WARFARE by S.J. Day
THE MAJESTIC by Seressia Glass
ANSWER THE WICKED by Kim Lenox
The Mammoth Book Of Paranormal Romance 2 Reviews
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The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2 edited by Trisha Telep
4 starsI’ll review this similar to how I reviewed The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance. I was looking forward to this collection since I had enjoyed the last one so much. I felt that this one fell short of its predecessor and it could’ve been better… way better.
To Hell With Love by Jackie Kessler
2 stars
When Caitlin’s sister opens a gift that was meant for Caitlin from her ex-husband, Caitlin and her ex must travel into her sister’s mind to retrieve her. I wanted to like this story. I did, but it was just, well, bland. It lacked originality in some areas and I was just mostly bored with the story and the way it was executed.Princes of Dominion by Ava Gray
5 stars
Camael, an angel falls for a human woman and won’t give her up. His love comes with a terrible sacrifice, not just from him but from his fellow angels as well. This story was amazing. I really enjoyed it. I think that this would’ve been better as a full length novel though. I mean that ending was just like saying “Hey, look you could start a series!” I would definitely read that series. I’ve never heard of Ava Gray before this, but she’s a great writer definitely checking her out.Spirit of the Prairie by Shirley Damsgaard
3 stars
R.J. is a reporter doing a story on a Native American cultural center and discovers more than she bargained for. I liked this one, but I don’t know it felt lacking. The shapeshifting aspect of the novel was excellent though and I feel like it was the stories strongest point. I had heard of Damsgaard and want to read her Ophelia & Abby series, but I’m more hesitant because of this story.The Demon’s Secret by Nathalie Gray
2 stars
Cain is a Harvester, someone who collects secrets leading the way to Heaven and Hell, competes with Bethany, another Harvester, but only ends up helping her. I couldn’t get into this story and I was disappointed by it. From the reviews I’ve seen people have also struggled with it. I was guess I was expecting something more since I hadn’t love the previous story, but was just disappointed.Marine Biology by Gail Carriger
5 stars
A closeted gay Alpha werewolf has to go back home and face his family. He ends up meeting an old high school crush that turns out to be a mermaid and has to deal with a ghost that just wants to meddle in his father’s life. I have been wanting to read something by Carriger since I discovered her Parasol Protectorate series (that I still haven’t gotten my hands on) and I was so excited to read this one. This story was so funny and cute. Carriger is a great writer and I can’t wait to get my hands on her other work.Zola’s Pride by Moira Rogers
4 stars
Zola was thrown out and chased away by her mother’s Pride and she left everything behind including the man she loved and Walker is back and needs her help. I have not read the Southern Arcana series or have heard of it, so that’s probably why I was confused every now and then while reading, but I did enjoy the story.In Dreams by Elissa Wilds
5 stars
A woman learns how to astro-project and meets a mysterious man in her dreams that begins to take over her life. This story was fantastic. I’ve never read anything about astro-projection, but I really liked it. I enjoyed how the story ending and was just so… thrilled that I read something new and enjoyed it.The Gauntlet by Karen Chance
3.5 stars
Gillian is an imprisoned witch and leads a riot with the help of Chris Marlowe, vampire, to break free of her captors. I have heard of Chance and have been wanting to read her for a while, but this story seemed to drag. There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s a talented writer, but this story lacked and seemed to fall short. The story had action, but that was all the story had. I love good action but not when it’s over done. Hopefully the next time I try Chance I won’t be let down.The Getaway by Sonya Bateman
4 stars
Jazz and her part dijinn boyfriend, Gavyn, go on a romantic getaway, but end up stranded where people seem to disappear frequently. Pretty good, but I was just kind of like, “What???” at the end and the “villain” was, well, annoying.Mr. Sandman by Sherri Browning Erwin
5 stars
Eve retreats to her aunt’s bed & breakfast and finds a man suffering from amnesia lying naked on the beach. Mythology! Yes, mythology plays a role in this story and it plays its role well. I loved this story. It was intriguing and I want more.The Sin-Eater’s Promise by Michele Hauf
4 stars
A soul gatherer hunts down a sin eater that has been intercepting his souls and finds himself caring for the woman he has to kill. I enjoyed this one, but I didn’t love it like I hoped I would.Fragile Magic by Sharon Ashwood
5 stars
A half fae woman that hides her heritage rescues a baby gargoyle and ends up taking him a vet where she meets a hunky werewolf. I loved this story. It was cute, funny, and the baby gargoyle was the best. I want a gargoyle now.Nigthdrake by Lara Adrian
5 stars
Nisha the Heartless is a transporter and is caring cargo she can’t wait to get rid of. But when her cargo starts talking, she can’t help but talk back and discovers a Drakor, a dragon. I loved this story. Since reading it I have read another of Adrian’s work, but I didn’t like it as much as this one. This story was great and different; just overall fantastic.The Sons of Ra by Helen Scott Taylor
5 stars
Trisha returns to Paris to get help from the Comte de Montgatine, a man she loved and lost almost twenty years ago. I loved the whole aspect of this story it was fascinating and completely different. I want more of the Sons of Ra.Eve of Warfare by S.J. Day
3.5
Eve is torn between Alec Cain and Reed Abel. Apparently this is the short story promised to readers since the writer is no longer continuing the Marked series. I know who she chooses, but I want to read the series because well I think if I read the series I would enjoy this ending a lot more.The Majestic by Seressia Glass
3 stars
A story between two people who get a second chance at love. This story wasn’t anything special and I felt it could’ve been a lot better.Answer the Wicked by Kim Lenox
5 stars
A nurse is caught in the middle of a battle between immortal beings and a man desperate to enslave humans. I don’t know why but I just loved this story. It was great and I want more.I didn’t like this one as much as the Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance, but there were stories I did enjoy and love. I was expecting a lot more from this collection and a lot of the stories fell short. Some of the stories didn’t even have any romance at all. I suggest the next mammoth book should be The Mammoth Book of Mythological Romance. I would read it, buy it, and probably and hopefully love it. I want a big book full of mythology and I want it soon.
Cover Thoughts: I don’t love the cover. The guy on it is unappealing and why does it look like there’s a planet behind him. I just don’t like the cover very much, but I do like the colors. So the cover is likeable, but could’ve been better.
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Read:
“To Hell With Love” - Jackie Kessler. 3/5 stars
“Princes of Dominion” - Ann Aguirre. 4/5 stars
“Spirit of the Prairie” - Shirley Damsgaard. 4/5 stars
“The Demon’s Secret” - Nathalie Gray. 4/5 stars
“Marine Biology” - Gail Carriger. 5/5 stars
“Zola’s Pride” - Moira Rogers. 5/5 stars
“In Dreams” - Elissa Wilds. 3/5 stars
“The Gauntlet” - Karen Chance. 4/5 stars
“The Getaway” - Sonya Bateman. 4/5 stars
“Mr Sandman” - Sherri Browning Erwin. 3/5 stars
“The Sin-Eater’s Promise” - Michele Hauf. 3/5 stars
“Fragile Magic’’ - Naomi Lester. 5/5 stars FAVOURITE
“NightDrake’’ - Lara Adrian. 3/5 stars
“The Sons of Ra” - Helen Scott Taylor. 4/5 stars
“Eve of Warfare” - Sylvia Day. 2/5 stars
“The Majestic” - Seressia Glass. 2/5 stars
“Answer the Wicked” - Kim Lenox. 4/5 stars -
Another example of where an anthology with too many stories becomes a chore to read. The 2nd half finally started to grab my interest but I wanted so much just to put this book in my "couldn't finish" stack. I'm proud that I hung in there (patting myself on the back). I only rated 15 out of the 17 stories. 3 stars average.
To Hell w/ Love by Jackie Kessler. Caitlin's sister opens Caitlin's memory box and is stuck. Now Caitlin & her ex have to rescue her. Sweet story. ***
Prince of Dominion by Ava Gray. Camael has been watching Kei thru the Veil. I have a real problem reading stories about God and the Angels. I couldn't finish this. No rating.
Spirit of the Prairie by Shirley Damsgaard. RJ goes to an American Indian cultural center opening and meets Sean, the guy who came up with the idea and is part Indian. RJ says "damn straight" way too often (I kept thinking she should spitting chew out of the side of her mouth everytime she said it) and her calling Sean "birdman" was stupid. **
The Demon's Secret by Nathalie Gray. Cain collects secrets from the dying. Bethany works doing the same thing. An Angel in disguise gives them a 2nd chance. Okay story. ***
Marine Biology by Gail Carriger. Alec, a werewolf, runs into an old high school friend Marvin, a merman. Instant attraction and nothing to stop them now that they're older. Loved this story. ****
Zola's Pride by Moira Rogers. Walker comes back into Zola's life looking for help with his splintered pride. Sometimes young love is the real thing. Good story. ****
In Dreams by Elissa Woods. Anna meets her astral plane lover and then a look-alike at a bar. He mentions "forever" 2 minutes after meeting her. **
The Gauntlet by Karen Chance. Kit Marlowe goes to liberate Gillian, a witch, from jail and is thrust into the middle of a battle. Way too many battle scenes. Love Karen Chance, didn't love this story. **
The Getaway by Sonya Bateman. Jazz & Gavyn go on a romantic get reacquainted weekend, meet a genie playing mind games. Jazz is pretty mean-mouthed to Gavyn. Not my cup of tea. **
Mr. Sandman by Sherri Browning Erwin. Eve draws her perfect man in the sand who just happens to be Ares, the god of war. Of course they fall in love immediately. **
The Sin-Eater's Promise by Michele Hauf. A soul bringer and a soul eater meet and argue. Actually a pretty good story. ***
Fragile Magic by Sharon Ashwood. Selina rescues a baby Gargoyle with a broken wing and takes him to a vet, Jake, who's a werewolf. Great story. Would love this in a full size book. *****
Nightdrake by Lara Adrian. Nisha lives in a world that's changed because the axis shifted. Lots of humans died and then some supernatural beings came out of the woodwork because they were dying too. She thinks she hates them, but ends up helping them. Liked the story up until the ending. ***
The Sons of Ra by Helen Scott Taylor. Trish goes to visit Christian 20 years after he broke up with her. He had his reasons. Okay story. ***
Eve of Warfare by S.J. Day. Another story about Angels that makes me uncomfortable to read. Couldn't finish, no rating.
The Majestic by Seressia Glass. Rinna and Bale are "Others" who meet at a bar, get together, separate for 2 years and then find out they feel the same way about each other. Very imaginative story . ***
Answer the Wicked by Kim Lennox. Malise is a nurse to Mr. Rathburn. Before he nears his end, an old friend visits, who then changes Malise's life. Good story. *** -
The short story, “Fragile Magic,” appears in the Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2.
I haven’t read all the stories in this anthology yet, so I’m not going to review the entire thing. I just wanted to talk about this particular story by Sharon Ashwood because I really liked it (way more than the few other stories I read in this anthology).
In “Fragile Magic,” the main character rescues a baby gargoyle. He is injured, and she has to find a veterinarian. The man she takes him to is a werewolf, albeit super-hot werewolf. She helps the vet save a patient using her previously tenuous fae magic.
I loved this short story. Part of the reason might because I’m a sucker for stories with cute animals. Still, it was well-written, and it didn’t suffer from insta-love like some of the other stories I’ve read.
I’ve heard that this story is set in the same world as other books, but since the characters are different, it is a stand-alone.
Based on this short story, I’d like to read more by Sharon Ashwood.
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Jen's Review of "The Gauntlet"
The Story
Gillian and her daughter are prisoners. When a vampire comes and tries to claim Gillian, she uses a spell that damages the prison, creating an opportunity for escape. While Gillian and her daughter are trying to escape, the vampire offers his assistance. Gillian has to decide whether to trust him. Meanwhile, an old witch gives her new powers. Gillian ends up learning things about herself.
Kit wants Gillian to help him. First he has to get her to safety.
After reading this story, I wondered why it was picked for a romance anthology. There was only a little hint that a romance might blossom between the characters. It read more like a prequel for a fantasy novel, which makes sense because the Cassandra Palmer series is usually listed as urban fantasy, not paranormal romance.
Even if it didn't really fit in the anthology, I did enjoy the story. In fact, I liked it better than I liked the first Cassie Palmer book, Touch the Dark. I'm not going to pass judgment on the entire series, though, because I haven't read enough of it to say.
The Characters
Gillian is the main character. She is strong, protective of her daughter, and determined to get them both to safety. I liked Gillian a lot.
The daughter, Elinor, is mostly a prop in the story. I didn't feel anything either way for her.
In the third chapter, the reader learns that the vampire's name is Kit. That chapter is told from his point of view. As much as is possible in a short story, Kit was a well-developed character who was well-motivated and likable.
The Writing
I don't have anything negative to say about Karen Chance's writing. The story made sense, moved quickly, and was easy to picture in my mind. I was impressed by the amount of worldbuilding that went into this piece.
Do I Recommend?
I think urban fantasy or fantasy readers would enjoy reading "The Gauntlet" even if they haven't read any of the Cassandra Palmer series. Although it ends with some questions unanswered, it is an entertaining read by itself. I do recommend reading it if you haven't read it already. Like I said, it's free to read on Karen Chance's website.
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*More reviews of other stories in this anthology will come soon. -
Sharon Ashwood's "Fragile Magic" was my favorite story. It is apart of Sharon's Dark Forgotten world but with different characters. Selina is a half-fey art dealing accountant who is finding her magic side but that goes up in smoke when she accidently adopts an adorable gargoyle, Gary. However, Gary needs a vet who happens to be a hottie Dr. Jake who has some wolfie tendencies.
Ava Gray's "Princes of Dominion" was not my favorite. It was a ok novella. An angel enters the human world to see a beautiful girl.
Lara Adrian's "NightDrake" was an interesting story of Nisha will do any job if the price is right, some call her Nisha the Heartless. She hates Strange and does trust them. Until she ends up picking up a crate for delivery with live cargo. What is inside changes Nisha's life.
Helen Scott Taylor's "Sons of Ra" was a novella with a mix of Eygptian mythologies which was different. Tricia need information on an art piece from her first love who broke her heart. Who knew she would find he is exactly the same, hasn't aged a day.
Moira Roger's "Zola's Pride" is #2.5 of the Southern Arcana Series. It has new lion shifters in New Orleans. Alec shows up to be his normal pain in the ass but you love him anyway. -
This book was very good. I really enjoyed the Sharon Ashwood and Sherri Browning Erwin's stories the best. It's worth the read. -
Review to come....
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Admittedly it took me quite a while to read this. As much as I love paranormal romance, I think I just in general tend to prefer the full length versions. There's just more time to connect to and love the characters and the relationship... but, it's still fun getting a taste of the different authors in the genre.
I enjoyed writing the reviews for each of these stories. They were fun to write and read. Plus, I have a few new series to add to my wish list and shelves now... because I really needed more books to add to the pule... I mean, will I stop when my house explodes? Probably not.
This was a fun adventure to go on. I'd definitely pick up this collection again, but I might just take a while to make everything feel like new again...
For individual short story reviews, head to:
https://earthandskye.org/the-mammoth-... -
Not too many vamps or were-folk in this second volume of The Mammoth Book of Paranormal romance. Instead - angels, witches, and demons share the spotlight with a few more unusual paranormal creatures. Many of the authors offer tidbits from their series and several authors including Lara Adrian and Gail Carriger offered something completely different - I was hoping for a [[ASIN:0553589377 Midnight Breed]] and a [[ASIN:0316056634 Parasol Protectorate)]] short. I was actually familiar with all but two authors in this collection, but surprisingly my favorite story was by the new-to-me Moira Rodgers. There's a good variety of stories here but not too many that really grabbed me this time 'round.
1. "To Hell With Love" by Jackie Kessler (28 pages) ~ Connected to Kessler's [[ASIN:0821780964 'Hell']] series ~ When a gift intended for her traps her `twin' Jessie in a memory world, Caitlin will have to team up with her ex to save Jessie - one fo the sexiest stories in the book (her series is after all about a succubus) and this series is not a favorite of mine, but I did like the ending. (ok)
2. "Princes of Dominion" by Ava Gray aka Ann Aguirre (24 pages) ~ An innocent angel is tempted by a beautiful woman into pleasures of the flesh. (ok)
3. "Spirit of the Prarie" by Shirley Damsgaard (40 pages) ~ A reporter looking to make her mark finds the story of a lifetime while covering the opening of a native American cultural center. (ok)
4. "The Demon's Secret" by Natalie Gray (35 pages) ~ Two soul collectors vie for the same prize - I just couldn't get into this one and skimmed it so I can't give it a fair rating.
5. "Marine Biology" by Gail Carriger (33 pages) ~ A werewolf who wasn't supposed to live finally decides to live ~ This was sort of humorous, but it does have the flirtatous start of a gay romance (kisses only). (pretty good)
6. "Zola's Pride" by Moira Rodgers(33 pages) ~ A [[ASIN:160504329X Southern Arcana]] short ~ Lioness shifter Zola has made a new life for herself and her new strength is what is needed when a member of her old pride comes seeking her help. This was my favorite story, I really liked Zola a great deal and since there was a preexisting relationship between the leads the romance worked in the short space.(really liked it)
7. "In Dreams" by Elissa Wilds (18 pages) - A woman learns to astro-project and finds the lover of her dreams. (ok)
8. "The Gauntlet" by Karen Chance (49 pages)~ It has a tie to Chance's [[ASIN:0451460936 Cassandra Palmer]]/Dorina Basarab World and stars Kit Marlowe in the past ~ I enjoyed the story, which according to the foreword is a novella prequel to a new series. (liked it)
9. "The Getaway" by Sonia Bateman (39 pages) ~ A connected short from her [[ASIN:1439160848 Master of None]] Djinn series. ~ Jazz and the unlucky Donatti get lost on the way to a romantic getaway. The short gives a good feel for Bateman's likable loser-no-more lead Donatti. (liked it)
10. "Mr Sandman" by Sherri Browning Erwin (21 pages) - A woman's dream man becomes flesh - there's a mythlogical tie-in to this one. (pretty good)
11. "The Sin-Eater's Promise" by Michele Hauf (24 pages) ~ A soul gatherer hunts down the sin eater who is intercepting his souls and finds himself starting to care for the woman committed to doing wrong for the right reasons. (ok)
12. "Fragile Magic" by Sharon Ashwood aka Naomi Bellis (345 pages) - A standalone short set in Ashwood's '[[ASIN:0451226178 Dark Forgotten]] world' ~ A half fae woman who has hidden away her less than stellar magical side must make a choice between the life she's built and a life she can save. An enjoyable little short with an appealing lead, a hunky werewolf and cute baby gargoyle. (liked it)
13. "NightDrake" by Lara Adrian (23 pages) - A futuristic - a mercenary woman unexpectedly moves beyond fear and finds her heart when transporting supernatural cargo. (pretty good)
14. "The Sons of Ra" by Helen Scott Taylor (33 pages) - Her search for information about a mysterious object brings a women to the notice of a group of unusual men - I found myself angry with the heroine for letting the man who was the cause of years of suffering back into her life - some major groveling was needed. (ok)
15. "Eve of Warfare" by S.J. Day aka Sylvia Day (44 pages) ~ This is the '[[ASIN:0765360411 Marked]]' series finale that Day promised since she won't be continuing the series, bummer. ~ Eve again is the pawn which puts Alec Cain into play when it's time to hunt a heavenly vampire - The final book of the series left us wondering Alec Cain or Reed Able. This does wrap up the series, but I really wish this could have been a full length book. In this short Eve's genius doesn't really shine through but a loop hole does get her want she's always wanted, and I've liked the dilemma of choosing between the brothers and would have liked a bit more struggle with the decision. (pretty good)
16. "The Majestic" by Seressia Glass ~ A [[ASIN:1439156794 Shadowchasers]]connected short (23 pages) - A supernatural creature who longs to leave tradition behind, decides to live as a human and complications ensue - it's got love on the wing which I like (ok)
17. "Answer the Wicked" by Kim Lenox ~ A [[ASIN:045122678X Shadow Guard]] short (23 pages) - A woman attracts the attention of the target when a shadow guard attempts a reclaimation. (ok) -
Some stories were quite good. Several of them were, however, very silly and not very good at all.
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A nice collection of supernatural character stories
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There's one story with an angel who signs! I'm guessing not ASL though because it's set in Canada.
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With a book of this size i didnt think i would like as much of it as i did. i have read these kinda books before and there is usually one story i dont like. that was not the case with this book. Because there are so many stories im just gonna go story by story and do a lil blurb.
To Hell With Love by Jackie Kessler: A gift from a woman's ex-husband goes to her sister trapping her in a memory, she must call on her ex-husband to help free her. The former love between a witch and a warlock is reopened as they try to save her sister.
Princes of Dominion by Ava Gray: When an angel falls for a human woman, how far will he go to be with her. Forget her or give up everything he has ever known.
Spirit of the Prairie by Shirley Damsgaard: A modern story of Indian life. when the choice between a community center/museum or a casino is made, problems start because people wanted the casino for their area to bring more business rather than a center. a reporter there to document the trouble and a shape-shifting native battle outsiders & insiders to save the center from disaster.
The Demon's Secret by Natalie Gray: The legendary Cain is charged with collecting secrets from the dead in the hopes that one day he will gain his freedom back. but what happens when another like him from his past comes after the same secrets. Will he risk punishment or complete his mission.
Marine Biology by Gail Carriger: A gay werewolf finds new love in the form of a mermaid who is a former friend in high school. whats not to love about this.
Zola's Pride by Moira Rogers: a blast from the past as the remains of a lion shifters pride comes to seek a new life with the only one strong enough to lead them, an outcast. with the twist of an old love coming back into play.
In Dreams by Elissa Wilds: story about how the deceased husband brings love to his heartbroken wife first in dreams then reality.
The Gauntlet by Karen Chance: The passing of the torch of sorts for witches. with a vamipre thrown in for good measure... kinda the low point in the book.
The Getaway by Sonya Bateman: When a couple is lost they have to survive the magic of a djinn to have a nice relaxing time.
Mr. Sandman by Sherri Browning Erwin: what if the man of your dreams just washed up on the beach where you happened to draw his likeness? What if the man is not just a man but a god? How far would you go to keep him?
The Sin-Eater's Promise by Michele Hauf: With the promise of a kiss will a sin-eater stop eating the sins from the dead. having the power to remove the sins from the dead by eating them and allowing the soul up to heaven how will a soul-bringer stop a sin-eater from removing sins.
Fragile Magic by Sharon Ashwood: a gargoyle, a fae with an empaths power & a werewolf... MAGIC
NightDrake by Lara Adrian: set in the future, a mercenary is charged with transporting the live cargo of a shifter. when the shifter is suffering, will the mercenary continue her job or help the shifter.
The Sons Of Ra by Helen Scott Taylor: An art enthusiast seeks help from someone who has knowledge of the subject, only to find that the one with the knowledge is a person from her past who has been around a long time.
Eve of Warfare by S.J. Day: Cain and Abel battle for the same woman. Vampires & fallen agnels vs. angels, angel helpers & lycans battle against each other hopin to stop the threat on humans and other beings. Its up to Eve & Cain (formers lovers) to follow a lead of a vampire who hopes to capture angels and enslave them. While Able waits in the wings for his chance at love with Eve.
The Majestic by Seressia Glass: A story of a second chance at love between two beings who feed of the adrenalin rushes of those around them. Another low point in the book.
Answer the Wicked by Kim Lenox: Immortal warriors battle against an evil being desperate to enslave humans. with a kind, yet steely nurse caught in the middle -
If love transcends all boundaries, paranormal romance is its natural conclusion. This title features over twenty tales that transport you to the worlds in which mythical beasts, magical creatures of various shapes and sizes, heart-stoppingly handsome ghosts, angels and mortals with extra-sensory powers live out extraordinary desires.
The stories were ok and I enjoyed most of them. A lot of them read like the start or part of a series. Not sure if this is right or not. My favorite was probably "Marine Biology". Would definitely read more if it was a series. -
A big collection of Paranormal short stories. A bit dull in the beginning, i almost didn´t finish but it was much better in the second half. 3,5 Stars. More good reads than bad. I´m glad i didn´t give up.
Jackie Kessler´s To Hell with Love, an envelope gets delivered to the wrong sister and the witch Caitlin needs to rescue her sister from a memory gift from her ex. Worth the read.
Ava Gray´s Princes of Domination, Camael, a Seraphim, falls for a human, Rei. He seduces her and leaves, not knowing her troubles. A good read.
Shirley Damsgaard´s Spirit of the Praire, R.J, a reporter doing a story about the opening of a cultural center falls for one of the Native Americans and learns more than she ever thought she could. A good read.
Nathalie Gray´s The Demon´s Secret, Cain, a Harvester leading the way to Heaven or Hell, competes with another Harvester, Bethany, and ends up helping her. Worth the read.
Gail Carriger´s Marine Biology, i got tired just reading the first page, to tiresome, did not finish.
Moira Roger´s Zola´s Pride, the reason i wanted to read this anthology since i love the Southern Arcana series. Zola was thrown out and chased away from her mothers Pride years ago, having to leave all she´d known and the man she loved. Now Walker is returning to ask her for help. Love the short story.
Elissa Wilds´ In Dreams, Anna tries astral travels to forget the grief after the death of her husband and she meets literally the man of her dreams. A great story.
Karen Chance´s The Gauntlet, Gillian, an imprisoned witch, leads a riot with the help of Chris Marlowe, the vampire we know from the Cassandra Palmer series. Love the short story.
Sonya Bateman´s the Getaway, Jazz and her part djinn boyfriend Gavyn, gets an adventure when they´re on their way to a weekend getaway to reconnect. Love the story.
Sherri Browning Erwin´s Mr Sandman, Eve who had it all loses it and retreats to her aunts B&B to get away from it all. Here she encounters a man suffering from amnesia, naked on the beach. Love the story.
Michele Hauf´s the Sin-Eater´s Promise, a soul-bringer and a sin-eater
matches powers. An OK read.
Sharon Ashwood´s Fragile Magic, Selina, a half fey, rescues a gargoyle and meets a vet who turns out to be a werewolf. Loved this short story, i´m a sucker for a gargoyle in need, =)
Lara Adrian´s NightDrake, Nisha the Heartless is a transporter with a cargo she´s waiting to be relieved of. Against her better judgement she responds when he talks. Soon all she lives by is down the drain and she´s on the run with Drakor. Futuristic and i loved the story.
Helen Scott Taylor´s the Sons of Ra, Trisha returns to beg for help by the Comte de Montgatine, the man she loved and lost twenty years ago. Loved it.
S.J Day´s Eve of Warfare, Eve, a demon bounty hunter, goes undercover and thrown together with her former lover who´s never forgotten what he lost. Loved it.
Seressia Glass´ The Majestic, the story about Rinna and Bale, two banaranjan and how they met. Loved it.
Kim Lenox Answer the Wicked, Malise Bristol learns the truth about her patient mr Rathburn. Loved the story. -
Really enjoyed all the different story lines.
-
This second volume of the Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance featured a variety of stories about angels, fairies, Greek gods, merpeople and a few demons. While there were one or two stories featuring vampires and werewolves there weren’t that many which kind of disappointed me. However despite this I really enjoyed this selection of stories and found most of them really entertaining, some of them have convinced me to check out some of the authors other works.
There were some of the stories were a huge miss for me. I think they were mainly the tie-in novellas where the authors had wrote a short story connected with an existing or previous series. S.J. Day’s story, the final story in her Marked series, was one I couldn’t get in to. I found it too hard to relate to her characters and their backgrounds – probably because I hadn’t read the previous books in the series.
My favourite novella was Fragile Magic by Sharon Ashwood. It was entertaining and even though it was taken from one of her series it featured different characters which meant I didn’t have to read her other books to really enjoy this one. The characters were likeable, there was a good romance plot-line to the story and I just loved Gary the Gargoyle – he was so adorable and by the end of story I wanted my own gargoyle.
All in all I really enjoyed this book, I always love reading anthologies, and I can’t wait for their next instalment. -
Gail Carriger - Marine Biology
werewolf marine biologist doesn't feel he fits in his pack, Finfolk come to track down Irish mafia (Selkies) let the fun begin. I prefer my werewolves a bit less than some of his pack, but I'd definitely recommend
Shirley Damsgaard - Spirit of the Prairie
reporter does story on Indian Cultural Center and finds more than she expected, HFN
Mr. Sandman by Sherri Brown Erwin - 4
While I had a problem with one part of the story, the majority was entertaining and worth the read
The Majestic by Seressia Glass - 4
hybrid woman runs from the one she cares about, she returns after two years to apologize and hopeful begin again. Story revisits her past before she ran, while she waits for Balle to meet her
The Demon's Secret by Nathalie Gray - 4
New twist on Demons and souls. Lots of action scenes, author doesn't give away the ending til the end. Definitely recommend
To Hell with Love by Jakie Kessler - 4
Caitlin contacts her ex to save her sister, rekindle their past
Answer the Wicked by Kim Lenox - 3
Began as nurse caring for old man, another man comes to visit and things change and paranormal things happen. I didn't care for it, it didn't have a lot of depth.
Pele's Tears by Catherine Mulvany - 3
Not really sure that sci-fi is best genre, but Para didn't seem right either. Lost love reunited after her grandmother's apparent suicide. Lukewarm for me -
THE GAUNTLET by Karen Chance - cassie palmer # 0.5 - a Kit Marlowe short story and a companion piece to The Queen's Witch. Kit Marlowe, as a not-too-old vampire, goes to liberate Gillian, a witch, from jail and is thrust into the middle of a battle. "...a rain of arrows shot by. One of them grazed Kit's arm, leaving a stinging track across his skin, while another buried itself in the wood between his spread legs. He stared at it wildly - there were certain things he was not willing to sacrifice for queen and country."
THE GETAWAY by Sonya Bateman - Gavyn donotti # 1.5 - Getaway driver Jazz and ex-thief Donatti are out for a romantic weekend. But they’re lost in the mountains, and something magical and dangerous is going on. And for once, it’s not Donatti's fault.
"cut the wisecracks. I'm trying to drive." "can't have that now. you'll get a DWL, and that'll go on your record forever. whey they put you away, they'll make you watch barney videos and listen to rico suave all day in your cell." "DWL? do I even want to know?" "driving while laughing. its a serious offense in the great state of new York. have you ever seen a trooper crack a smile?"
"It's dislocated, this is going to hurt." "got any booze?" "fresh out." "okay. i'll just man up and faint."
-I was only familiar with these two authors/series. I didn't care for the rest of the book which mostly seemed to be sickeningly sweet romance stories that were just too easy. -
Zola’s Pride by Moira Rogers is a short story in The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2. Zola’s Pride is about Zola and Walker Gravois.
Zola and Walker are Lion Shape Shifters who were once a part of the same pride. Zola was thrown out of her pride when her mother and their leader, felt she was a threat to her.
Walker and Zola were romantically involved, but was told to stay away from Zola or her mother would have her killed.
Zola moved to New Orleans, where she has an amicable relationship with the wolf pack and a thriving business. After her mother’s death, Walker finds Zola and asks her to take over the pride to protect their family. When Zola finds out that her pride is being killed by a rival of her mother’s, she assumes the responsibility with the help of the local wolf pack. Walker and Zola rekindle their relationship and love.
To end the feud, Walker meets two of the rivals on his own, only to have been followed by Zola. Zola and Walker fight side-by-side, protecting each other. The two rivals are defeated and returned to their pride with the understanding that Zola’s pride is off limits. Walker and Zola plan to send the pride to New Orleans and live happily ever after.
I enjoyed the history between Zola and Walker, but there was a lack of details and depth. -
Eh, you know what, I am skipping most of these. yes I can read short stories, would I choose to? No, because they are short and I need to be interested in the first sentence. This one is for the future since I do not want to hog it for 6 months.
So I have not finished it but I read a few I liked
To Hell With Love – Jackie Kessler
Eh, boring. Witch, ex-husband, sis in trouble *yawn*
Princes of Dominion – Ava Gray
Now this one I liked, an angel meets a woman and falls for her. Historically set and what is there not to like. I want more in a good way.
Spirit of the Prairie – Shirley Damsgaard:
The Demon’s Secret – Nathalie Gray
I guess this one was the one I read 2 weeks ago...it was ok
Marine Biology – Gail Carriger
An M/M story about a werewolf and a merman, it was fun :D Carriger is good, even with short stories.
Zola’s Pride – Moira Rogers:
In Dreams – Elissa Wilds
The Gauntlet – Karen Chance
The Getaway – Sonya Bateman
Mr. Sandman – Sherri Browning Erwin
Wow, instalove anyone?! But i still liked it as she drew a man in the sand and he came alive, I would want more of these two
The Sin-Eater’s Promise – Michele Hauf
Fragile Magic – Sharon Ashwood
Nightdrake – Lara Adrian
The Sons of Ra – Helen Scott Taylor
Eve of Warfare – S.J. Day
Majestic – Seressia Glass
Answer the Wicked – Kim Lenox -
The first book I liked better. Didn’t find anything that excited me.
Funny, the most in memory is the “Marine Biology” by Gail Carriger and I don’t like male and mail couples, but it was really funny short story, quirky, catchy and hilarious.
“The demons secret” by Nathalie Gray was a little like what I like - loads of action, badass couple and nonstop action, nice, but not 10/10.
The rest was ok, but nothing too exciting, some of them I even thought were too long, couldn’t wait for the end, usually it’s the other way around, the short stories seems to be too quick to end.
I enjoyed reading it, when I wanted nothing else to do, just read something easy but nothing too complicated but the book haven’t left me with any ideas. -
I was surprised some of the stories ended up here since I felt they didn't have romance in them. Oh well. Like all anthologies, some catch you at the first sentence, others leave you bored. The ones I read and liked (at least a little):
Princes of Dominion-
Huh. Historical, not sure where it is set. Not a world that I would want to live in. This is an angel story (not that big on these). The angel falls in love with a woman and falls (of course they do!).
Spirit of the Prairie-
This was one of my favorites. However, very little romance in this one. A smidgeon (and that's generous). I liked the Native American background. Ending was a bit abrupt- I wanted more.
The Demon's Secret-
Lots of action. Interesting.
Zola's Pride-
I really like this series (and need to get caught up)
The Gauntlet-
It's a Karen Chance story. What else can I say?
The Majestic-
I have the Shadowchaser books from this author sitting in my TBR pile and I'm excited to read more. -
Firstly, I shall say that the four stars are for the two or three stories I actually completely read, not the boon itself. Secondly, does it count as being read if I skimmed through the whole damn thing ?
It is books like this one that make me really glad I like paranormal YA books better. The first three stories in the book I skipped, and I regret nothing. Why, you may ask? Well, because I don't want to read a story where after twelve seconds of meeting a delicious looking man, your tenderloins get moist. No thank you. At least in YA books, they have somewhat better restraint, which is sad to say is something the adult world of books seems to lack.
But that aside, I also hate reading a bunch of short stories because you have to be thrown the information at, and hope you catch it all. I became confused, I was wincing, it was awful. I am not even sure why I picked it up knowing my dislike if short stories that confuse me rather than please me anyways. -
To Hell With Love (Jackie Kessler)
Princes of Dominion (Ava Gray)
Spirit of the Prairi (Shirley Damsgaard)
The Demon’s Secret (Nathalie Gray)
Marine Biology (Gail Carriger)
Zola’s Pride (Moira Rogers) - (Southern Arcana #2.5)
In Dreams (Elissa Wilds)
The Gauntlet (Karen Chance)
The Getaway (Sonya Bateman) - (Gavyn Donatti series)
Mr. Sandman (Sherri Browning Erwin)
The Sin-Eater’s Promise (Michele Hauf)
Fragile Magic (Sharon Ashwood)
Nightdrake (Lara Adrian)
The Sons of Ra (Helen Scott Taylor)
Eve of Warfare (S.J. Day) - (Marked #3.25)
Majestic (Seressia Glass)
Answer the Wicked (Kim Lenox) -
If I had to pick one word to describe this book, it would be "Boring."
For the most part, this book was a snoozer. There really wasn't much romance to it, which is very surprising due to the title. This book was definitely a disappointment. While I admit that I prefer novels to short stories, I do read shorts expecting to find several (or at least more than one) authors I would like to read more of. In this case, I only found one story that I wanted to explore further, and the author hasn't written anything more of interest.
Some of the stories were simply confusing, set in worlds or situations that made no sense without knowing a back story. Others left me staring off into space wondering, "Why would someone even bother to write that? I don't get it."
I kept reading through the whole book, hoping to find something good to read, but I never did. -
I often have trouble with short stories because it feels like they don't tell me enough. But most of these were at least 3 stars, and there were only a few that were lower than that. The collection as a whole deserves a story-by-story review, but I'm not going to do it right now. I'll say that the Carriger story was weak and disappointing, I already knew the Karen Chance story and never thought it one of her best, and the Ilona Andrews story demonstrated that outside of the Kate Daniels universe, shorts aren't sufficient for IA's superlative world-building skills to really shine. All of the other authors were new to me; most I enjoyed, a few I didn't. Very good collection over-all, can't imagine that there wouldn't be something here for nearly every paranormal reader.
