Molly Harper's Paranormal World

Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors
Jane Jameson, Book 4
Author: Molly Harper
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books
Released: February 28, 2012
Available from Amazon in Paperback and e-book

SUMMARY: Just as Jane Jameson’s unlife seems to be stabilizing, fate sinks its fangs firmly into her butt. Despite her near-phobia of wedding planning, her no-frills nighttime nuptials to her sexy boyfriend, Gabriel, are coming along smoothly. That is, until she turns a fatally wounded teenage acquaintance, and the Council pronounces her responsible for the newborn vamp until he can control his thirst.

Tensions inside the house are growing…and outside, a sinister force is aiming a stake straight for the center of Gabriel’s heart. Most brides just have to worry about choosing the right dress, but Jane fears that, at this rate, she’ll never make it down the aisle for the wedding all nice girls dream of…

In Molly Harper's world there really is a handbook for the undead. Jane Jameson appreciates this because she is now, through no fault of her own, part of undead society and she lives for books and research as a librarian. If anyone needs a handbook it's Jane. We meet her in Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs, and continue to get to know her and her friends, through 3 more books. In the newest story, Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors, we join her in preparing for her wedding, which in true Jane fashion is not simple, nor free of danger.

Ms. Harper has a wonderful, witty, and charming style of writing. Her characters, from adorable babies to ghostly senior citizens are over the top, yet the reader can identify with them because not one of us can claim we don't have crazy in our group of friends and family. What I truly love about these books is that with all the antics, witty banter and the adventure the reader falls in love with Jane's passion and loyalty to those she loves. There are the sexy, steamy moments with Gabriel, Jane's sire, and the touching moments with Zeb, her bestfriend since childhood. I smiled as she made new friends, and wished I could go out on the town with them. We grieve with Jane, celebrate with her, giggle, sniffle, gasp, get angry and cheer her on as she "fixes" people and situations in her life.

I'm sad that Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors is the last Jane Jameson story, but happy to know that her and her friends will be at least a small part of the next two stories released by Molly Harper. It's also comforting to know that Jane and her friends are no farther away then a reread of all four books in her series. If you haven't read any of Jane Jameson series, now is a perfect time to start because you don't have to wait for the books. You can read them one right after the other in all their shiny goodness.

Jane Jameson Series
1. Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs
2. Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men
3. Nice Girls Don't Live Forever
4. Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors

Molly Harper's website has more information on the books and her other stories here: http://www.mollyharper.com/

Allison Pang's A Sliver of Shadow

A Sliver of Shadow
Abby Sinclair 2
By Allison Pang
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books
Released: 2/28/2012
Available from Amazon in e-book and paperback

SUMMARY: Just when her new life as a TouchStone – a mortal bound to help OtherFolk cross between Faery and human worlds – seems to be settling down, Abby Sinclair is left in charge when the Protectorate, Moira, leaves for the Faery Court. And when the Protectorate’s away…let’s just say things spiral out of control when a spell on Abby backfires and the Faery Queen declares the Doors between their worlds officially closed.

The results are disastrous for both sides: OtherFolk trapped in the mortal world are beginning to fade, while Faerie is on the brink of war with the daemons of Hell. Along with her brooding eleven prince Talivar and sexy incubus Brystion, Abby ventures to the CrossRoads in an attempt to override the Queen’s magic. But nothing in this beautiful, dangerous realm will compare to the discoveries she’s making about her past, her destiny, and what she will sacrifice for those she loves.

Allison Pang has created a world that is magical and beautiful, yet edgy and dark at the same time. The heroine, Abby, is a wonderful character who is full of passion, loyalty, and a need to do the right thing even when it means sadness or sacrifice.

In the second book of the series, we are reunited with characters, including a sarcastic, perverted minature unicorn, a broody incubus, a beautiful fairy baby, a crippled prince and the friends that have Abby's back. The author reveals more about all of the characters, taking us deeper into the intrique of this magical world.

We also meet new characters, and travel in the land of the fae. A Sliver of Shadow is full of action, romance, friendship, danger, tested loyalties, and much more. I had trouble putting the book down once I started, wanting to know what was going to happen next. I have to mention that I was especially fond of Talivar, an elf who, according to our heroine Abby, looks like Legalos with a leather eye patch and facial "scruff". Let's take a minute to envision this:

Sigh. Next to Abby, he's my favorite character in A Sliver of Shadow, and we learn much about him in this story. Yes, I'd wear a Team Talivar t-shirt in a heartbeat.

Fans of Jaye Wells, Melissa Marr and Kim Harrison will love Allison Pang. I can't wait to read the third story in the series, A Trace of Moonlight, which is scheduled for October 2012.

You can read an excerpt of the first and second book here: http://www.heartofthedreaming.com/a-sliver-of-shadow/

~Brenda

Bloodhounds from Moira Rogers

Hunter's Prey
Bloodhounds, Book 2
Author: Moira Rogers
Format: Kindle Edition
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Release Date: March 6, 2012

SUMMARY: Ophelia retired from life as a prostitute, but her new position is even more complicated. Managing the bloodhound manor in Iron Creek is difficult and time-consuming, a job she enjoys less with each passing day. Then there's her inconvenient attraction to Hunter. The newly turned hound seems eager to enjoy her company, but wary of anything more intimate.

Having survived the violence of his first full moon out of a cage, Hunter isn't looking forward to his first new moon. Ophelia offers to be the woman who sates his needs during the three long days of sexual fury, but he can't abide the thought of hurting her in a state of mindless lust. Especially since she longs to settle into a respectable life, and his needs are anything but respectable.

Warning: Contains a mostly feral, vampire-hunting hero and a tough survivor of a heroine whose retired-hooker heart is more steel than gold. Also included: dangerous frontier intrigue, fancy brothels, mad-scientist weapons and a good dose of wicked loving in an alternate Wild West.

I've loved Moira Rogers' wolf stories for a long time now because of the witty banter, the sexy alphas, the strong heroines and, of course, the amazing writing. When I heard they were working on a series that was set in an alternate Old West with shifters I was thrilled, but when I found out they were giving it a steampunk twist I was downright giddy. Today the second book in the series, Hunter's Prey, was released. If you missed the first book, Wilder's Mate, I'd recommend picking it up at the same time. You could read them out of order without too much of a problem, but reading them together simply adds to the awesomeness of the stories.

Hunter's Prey is a blending of romance, action, adventure and the supernatural. The setting is an alternative Old West where the citizens struggle to survive in a world where cattle rustlers and bandits are the least of their problems compared to Vampire drug lords, good guys who are scarier than the bad guys, steam powered weapons and flying ships. Hunter, our hero, refuses to see himself as a good guy since he was forced into his role as a Bloodhound, turning savage at the full moon. He feels love, happiness and family is no longer a possibility in his life. Ophelia has given up her life as a prostitute to help manage the household of two genius inventors and three bloodhounds. She's frustrated and doesn't know how long she can continue her new role unless something changes to lighten her responsibilities so she can find time for herself.

The interaction between Hunter and Ophelia is much different than the relationship between Wilder and Satira, which is lighter, perhaps a bit more wild. Hunter is quiet, brooding and dark, but yet polite, especially to the women. Ophelia is refined with a quiet, steady strength. She's practical and blunt when it comes to the needs of those around her. They both seem to keep their needs and passions locked inside where they simmer, aching to get out. It's a journey of discovery and self acceptance.

I loved the interaction between all of the characters in Hunter's Prey. The attention to detail in The Bloodhound series is amazing. I find myself rereading the stories because they are so unique and compelling. While the action and romance is the primary focus, the Western setting and the steampunk theme gives the stories a fascinating twist.

The BLOODHOUND SERIES

Book One: Wilder's Mate
- 3/8/2011

Book Two: Hunter's Prey
- 3/6/2012

Book Three: Archer's Lady

-Coming 7/3/2012

Merrick's Destiny: takes place between Wilder's Mate and Hunter's Prey. It was released in February 2012 as an exclusive from All Romance e-Books.

MY THOUGHTS:
Merrick's Destiny can easily be read as a stand alone, or even as an introduction to the series. I loved it from start to finish. Merrick is gruff, and I think the cover is a great representation of him. I know some readers were put off by it, but I wasn't. Bloodhounds are rough, often uncivilized, barely controlled and yes, sexy, but they can't all be pretty boys. Merrick and Paralee are one of my favorite couples. He's rough, protective and old school. She's independent, tough, smart and certainly not thinking of mating with anyone, let alone a Bloodhound. The story is Western Steampunk, complete with gadgets, flying machines, magic, and action. It's a fast paced story with heart. Fans of Moira Rogers will love it, and if you haven't read the series or anything by the author, grab this as an introduction.

For excerpts and more visit: http://www.moirarogers.com/bloodhounds