Storm Born - Richele Mead

When Eugenie Markham, a powerful shaman and mercenary, is hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, she, while dealing with demon assassins, a seductive fairy king, and a gorgeous shape-shifter, uncovers dark secrets about her past that could destroy the world. Original.

*** I enjoyed this one. It is different from her other series but good. I think there are many things still to discover with Eugenie/Odile and the Otherworld. There was a love triangle, past parentage mysteries revealed and lots of action as everyone from the Otherworld tried to make Euginie their own. I recommend this one!

Tempt Me with Darkness - Shayla Black

From Publishers Weekly; "More Spamalot than Camelot, the debut of Black's Doomsday Brotherhood series introduces Marrok of Cadbury, who was a brave warrior in King Arthur's army until his unhappy lover, Morganna le Fay, cursed him with immortality and perpetual sexual frustration. Fifteen centuries later, Marrok is working as a sculptor in London and searching for a way to unlock Morganna's nasty little book of spells, the Doomsday Diary, though he's not sure he can break the curse without unleashing the book's deadly magic. Marrok also has to hide the Diary from villainous wizard Mathias d'Arc (Cruel, clever, hedonistic, rapacious. Brilliantly evil.) and decide whether beautiful art gallery owner Olivia Gray, Morganna's descendant, is his greatest nemesis or his sexual salvation. This orgasmic paranormal might make T.H. White turn over in his grave but will keep Black's fans panting for the next installment." (Sept.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

This book was a good one. I like when magic and the paranormal meet modern times. I hope there will be more stories and I want to learn how powerful Olivia turns out to be. It was a page turner and I enjoyed it. Definately a steamy paranormal as the auther states when Olivia has to have intimate contact with Marrok almost constantly to survive after inadvertantly naming him her mate in magic terms before her ascent into her powers.

Dark Desires After Dusk - Kresley Cole

RITA Award-winning author Kresley Cole continues her bestselling Immortals After Dark series with this electrifying tale of a ruthless demon mercenary and the lovely young halfling who enchants him.
A seductive beauty he cannever have, yet can't resist...
Cadeon Woede will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.
A tormented warrior sheshould fear, but can't deny... Raised as a human, Holly never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon's wicked touch. Surrender to dark desires... Yet just when he earns Holly's trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs -- and claim his heart?

* I love this series of the Immortals after Dark! And this book is a great addition to the story. What a fun read. It is a hot read as well. I enjoyed seeing more of Cadeon and learning his past. I am glad he gets his own story. Holly is a great new addition to the Lore as well. I can picture her in my mind and love how she develops through out the the book. The Ascension is still coming on strong so I look forward to the next installment. Nix is always entertaining and I cannot wait to hear who she pairs up next.

Swallowing Darkness - Laurell K Hamilton

Amazon Editorial ReviewsProduct Description.

"I am Meredith, princess of faerie, wielder of the hands of Flesh and Blood, and at long last, I am with child–twins, fathered by my royal guard. Though my uncle, Taranis, King of Light and Illusion, claims that he is the true father since he abducted me from my home, betrayed, and defiled me. And now he has branded my guards as a threat to my unborn children.Bearing an heir has placed me halfway to my aunt’s throne, that much closer to my reign over the Unseelie Court–and well ahead of her son, my cousin Cel, in this race. Now I must stay alive to see my children born and claim my place as queen.But not all in faerie are pleased with the news, and conspirators from every court in the realm plot against me and mine. They seek to strip my guards, my lovers, from me by poisoned word or cold steel. But I still have supporters, and even friends, among the goblins and the sluagh, who will stand by me.I am Meredith Nic Essus, and those who would defy and destroy me are destined to pay a terrible price–for I am truly my father’s daughter. To protect what is mine, I will sacrifice anything–even if it means waging a great battle against my darkest enemies and making the most momentous decision ever made as princess of faerie."

I was concerned about this one before I read it because of the reviews from other readers. However, I enjoyed it and I still have unanswered questions. Many questions were answered along with who killed Merry's father (which I knew from the beginning who it was). Still there are many continuing questions. I thought it was a bit rushed at the end and I did not like the ending in some ways. I am not sure the Goddess would have given Merry and Doyle the choice they made if it was for the good of all Fairie. There was some foreshadowing since the Goddess did indicate she would take away from those who did not believe...so we are now to understand Merry and her kings will live "in peace" in Los Angeles. Clearly despite Cel no longer being a threat Merry will not have peace nor will her children. Plus she talks about the rape by Taranis but nothing happens about it in this book. I am glad to know the babies will be able to know all of their fathers.

I did like the fact Merry finally made peace with her hands of power and decided she would be strong. She is the defender in this book for a change! We knew she was tough and this book proves she can think and take care of herself.

Lady of Light & Shadows - CL Wilson

"Released right on the heels of her impressive October debut, Lord of the Fading Lands , Wilson's sequel picks up, appropriately, right on the heels of the first title's denouement. Ellysetta Baristani and her betrothed Fey lord, returning hero Rain Tairen Soul, are days away from their wedding, but the wicked Eld lords are drawing ever closer to locating Ellysetta, whose magic they hope to use for their own ends. As the intrigues of the Eld plot ripple throughout the court, Ellysetta wrestles with personal demons and the mysterious power within her. Meanwhile, tensions on the country's borders mount as the specter of war draws nearer. Wilson jumps back into her tale without skipping a beat, expanding her world with finesse while boldly taking her story in entirely unexpected directions. As Ellysetta comes into her own as a proper heroine, driving the story toward its breath-taking conclusion, gratified fans may find their elation giving way to anxiety, as the wait for the next volume will be considerably longer. (Nov.). Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information. PW Reviews 2007 September #4 (W7I4)

I really enjoyed this sequel. I thought it was even better than the first one. I was very happy to return to the world of Ellie and Rain. There were even more surprises in this one. Very enjoyable read!! I am looking forward to the 3rd and 4th of the series.

Sepulchre - Kate Mosse.

"Mosse's latest novel about love and obsession smoothly alternates between historical viewpoints. First off is 1891 Paris, where young Lonie Vernier idolizes her older brother Anatole. Unbeknownst to her, Anatole hides many secrets, including his connection to the dangerously insane Victor Constant. Perhaps a sojourn to their widowed aunt's estate in the Pyrenees of southwest France will keep the Verniers safe. Meanwhile, in the present day, Meredith Martin visits France ostensibly to work on her biography of Debussy; her true agenda is to investigate her own ancestors. She quickly gets caught up in a mystery concerning the death of a local hotel owner. Toss in a mystical set of tarot cards, a haunted mausoleum, an old photograph, and the return of a key character from Mosse's best-selling Labyrinth , and you have a charming, if slow-paced, tale. Mosse's careful descriptions of the French countryside, local cuisine, and her smatterings of French and Occitan phrases make this novel both an engaging travelog and a romantic mystery. Recommended for public libraries." [See Prepub Alert, LJ 12/07.]�Laurel Bliss, San Diego State Univ. Lib.

[Page 64]. Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

It took me a while to get used the style of alternating modern and past times and to determine the relationships among the characters. By the middle of the book I was finally able to read more than a chapter or so at a time. It was a good book but not one that I enjoyed at the time. I did like her first book better (which I read after this one). I did not think it was a great mystery but still a good read.

Labyrinth - Kate Mosse

"Three secrets. Two women. One Grail." That's how the publisher sums up this first book from the cofounder of Britain's noted Orange Prize, who was honored as a European Woman of Achievement in 2000. While volunteering at a dig in the Pyrenees, Alice discovers two skeletons, several artifacts, and the drawing of a labyrinth. They lead her back to a woman named -Alais, whose father entrusted her with the secret of the Grail at the time of the-Albigensian heresy. Foreign rights sold to nine countries. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

I enjoyed this one better than Sepuchre. Perhaps because I was more familar with the writing style this one seemed easier to get into it. I enjoyed Alice and Alaise. While about the search for the Grail, it was more about family, betrayal and love in the end. It makes me want to visit the Pyrenees and the area described in such detail. It follows many of the same Grail stories I have read before which also made it easier to follow. A very good read!

Lord of the Fading Lands - CL Wilson

From Publishers Weekly:

This fantasy-romance debut features faerie king Rain Tairen Soul, a man tormented by age-old grief: a thousand years ago, the woman he loved was slain in battle, and in his rage he laid waste to half the world. Now his people are dying out and the evil mages of Eld are rising again. When Rain hears the call of his lost soul mate, Ellysetta, he journeys to the neighboring kingdom to find her; when he claims a woodcarver's daughter as his mate, he scandalizes the nobility of her country and rouses the interest of Eld's wicked wizards, who come seeking her in order to get at Rain. The first book in a series, much of this volume is devoted to establishing the characters and their world, at the expense of plot. Though the extended courtship between Rain and Ellysetta can grow tedious, the story moves well enough to hold readers' interest and draw them into the sequel (due in November), which should advance the plot significantly. A promising start, this series should have great appeal for fans of fantasy and will likely reward romance readers for whom patience is not a problem. (Oct.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

By the end of the story I was anxious for more! It was good and I like the growth of Ellie and she deals with Rain with his overwhelming nature. She is spunky. I was drawn into the fantasy world after the first chapters and enjoyed it. Definitely see where romance will be brewing. Also there are suspense elements. From the book jacket I was not sure I would enjoy it but I was pleasantly surprised. I am looking forward to reading the next two books continuing the adventure.

Pure Blood - Caitlin Kittredge

This is the second Nocturne City novel following Night Life. Detective Luna Wilder is back on duty following her three month medical leave as a result of the injuries she suffered in Night Life fighting demons. This time there is no Dmitri to help her and her cousin Sunny has moved out to live back with their grandmother who does not approve of or like Luna. A new captain at work assigns Luna (who always works alone) a new partner she calls Barbie who instantly rubs her the wrong way. A routine investigation puts Luna in the middle of a war between caster witches and blood witches that she may not escape. She also comes face to face with the werewolf who changed her. I enjoyed this one as well as the first one. It was good, nothing to scary and nice to see the same characters again. I would recommend this one.

Highlander Ever After - Jennifer Ashley

I enjoyed this one as well as the two previous ones about the "royals of Nvengaria". Princess Zarabeth is a strong character as is Egan her highland protecter. Zarabeth has been in love with Egan since she was twelve years old. But until she is forced to flee her husband to protect her cousin Damien (King of Nvengaria) and assasins is she able to actually spend time with him to develop her initial attraction into a powerful desire that cannot be denied by a curse or the threats on her life. This was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it.

Dark Embrace - Brenda Joyce

Aidan, the Wolf of Awe, has abandoned the Brotherhood and forsaken his vows. Feared by all and trusted by none, he hunts alone, seeking vengeance against the evil that destroyed his son. He has not saved an Innocent in sixty-six years—until he hears Brianna Rose's scream of terror across centuries, and leaps to modern-day Manhattan to rescue her.…
Brie is a gifted empath who spends her time fighting evil from the safety of her laptop—and fantasizing about the medieval Highlander she met just once. Still, her life is pretty ordinary—until she awakens one night consumed with Aidan's pain and rage. When Aidan suddenly appears and takes her hostage, Brie cannot believe how dark and dangerous he has become. She knows she should be afraid, but instead, she will fight across time for his redemption…and his love. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Not as good as the first two books but I am looking forward to the other Rose stories. I enjoyed it but it could have had more romance. Lots of characters as well.

Dark Harvest - Lynda Hilburn

This is the second of a series. I missed the first one but you do not have to have read the first one to enjoy this one. It is about Dr. Kismet Knight who is psychologist the vampires of Denver. She is becoming the "expert" on paranormal things along with learning her way through her new relationship with vampire Devereaux. Interesting book with suspense built in and looking forward to the next one. (Hopefully the library will get the first one as well).

The Accidental Demon Slayer - Angie Fox

Cute first book by Angie Fox. This is a modern take on demon hunting and family ties. Of course it has romance thrown in too. Plus a talking Jack Russell puppy named Pirate which everyone loves. It makes me wonder what Wolfie, Markie and Madison are saying! Its starts of Lizzie's 30th birthday when her long lost grandmother shows up minutes before a demon and tells Lizzie she is the demon hunter she and grandmother's coven of witches has been waiting for. From there Lizzie ends up on the back of her grandmother's Hog (harley) and Pirate to the open road to escape from demons and avoid ending up in Hell.

Killer Charms - Marianne Stillings

The 3rd of the Darling siblings book. This one is about little sister Andie. It also tells the story of their family past linking back to the earthquake of 1906 in San Francisco. Andie is to invertigate a con artist who turns out to be something much more. This was a good, quick read. It was nice to see some of the old characters briefly. If you like modern light suspense and romance all three of these books are great.