Dark Secrets: A Paranormal Noir Anthology

Dark Secrets: A Paranormal Noir Anthology

Publisher: Rashda Khan

September 2015

Pages: 562

Paranormal Romances

Marion, Missing by Rachel Caine

Valentine is a detective.  He is also facing two problems.  He has been offered a kidnapping case that his partner refuses to let him say no to and the case has a strong chance of getting him killed. He figures it is the least he can do for her as she is a ghost and he feels it is his fault she is dead.

Femme Fatale by Cynthia Eden

Mick Swayne is a PI that has had clients that are thieves, liars and even killers so he figures he has seen it all. He feels he can handle anyone and anything.  Then Savannah Moreau walks into his office. She is seductive, beautiful and a vampire? Mick is hired by the gorgeous vamp to help her track down a killer that is hunting in Chicago. With everything step that Mick goes deeper into Savannah’s paranormal world he starts wondering if he can actually trust his new client.

Dance with the Devil by Megan Hart

You better be ready to dance when the devil starts the music.

Kathleen Murphy has fame, fortune and success, everything she has ever dreamed of and all due to the fact she sold her soul to the devil.  Now she just has to do the devil’s bidding. When Jake enters her world the last the thing she wants to do is get him involved in her world even when love comes knocking. Kathleen though has no choice but to learn the steps as the devil has started up the jukebox.

The Consort A Hunt Club novella by Suzanne Johnson

Faulkner Hearne is the captain of the ruthless Fae Hunters.  When he is ordered to capture the consort of Faerie’s cruel Prince of Summer after she flees to modern New Orleans through the veil he finds his duty at odds with this heart. Now Faulk has to decide if he will risk a war with the Faerie to save her or if he will hand her over to certain death at the hands of the prince.

Heart’s Blood by Jeffe Kennedy

The retelling of a princess robbed of husband, rank and even her name. Nix is nothing. Princess Natilde, her former waiting woman, is attacked as she journeyed to wed Prince Cavan. She is stripped of everything and her place is taken. Nix becomes a goose girl as she has no serving skills. Just maybe if Nix keeps her promise to never reveal the truth Natilde won’t carry out her vile threats. When Prince Cavan entered his arranged marriage, he was determined to if not have a loving relationship to at least have a congenial one with his future queen.  At least for their kingdoms. With each day he is more repelled by his wife and is absurdly drawn to the lovely Nix. Cavan and Nix struggle to find the magic to restore what has gone horribly wrong, if they even can, as between them they have anguish, dark secrets and broken vows. 

The Djinn in the Mirror by Mina Khan

With a young witch and a wicked sexy djinn it is a paranormal Cinderella story.

Dahlia is the stepdaughter of a wizard that is power hungry. If a djinn in a mirror will rescue her from impending death she promises to free him. Ashmael, is the djinn and he has his own agenda. He is determined to seduce and trick his way to freedom. There is only one problem with his plan as he ends up falling for Dahlia. Now he has to see if he can win his freedom and save the girl.

This box set will let readers discover some new to them authors and open up some interesting paranormal worlds. While some readers will find a couple of the stories a little disturbing overall the stories are engrossing and with six different books in the set readers will find each one a fast read and can easily read each one during a quick break.  They will also find a lot of the stories staying with them long after they have finished it.  They have action and suspense and different paranormal characters that make for some very interesting reading. Readers will soon find themselves having a new favorite paranormal character.

I give this one 4 red roses

LRH

Amethyst Flame

Amethyst Flame The Flame Series Book 2 by Caris Roane

Publisher: Twin Bridges Creations LLC

September 2015

Pages: 170

Contemporary, Paranormal Romance

Alter world Five Bridges

Vaughn is a vampire Officer with the Crescent Border Patrol when he is called to the deadly place called the Graveyard because of a triple homicide. Warning bells go off for him when he finds out that Emma Delacey is also summoned to the same crime scene. In the alter world of Five Bridges he knows a relationship with the beautiful witch will not be good so he tried to suppress his desire for her. The problem is that no woman since he has become an alter vampire has called to him the way Emma does with her auburn hair and green eyes. Vaughn must face his deepest fears as an evil wizard hounds them both, especially as it seems Emma is the key to saving Vaughn’s sister from a madman’s torture.

This is proving to be a very good series that is very different than most vampire stories.  The world that has come alive in the first two books in the series is proving to be amazing.  The book is filled with action that doesn’t stop until the very end.  It will be interesting to see where this series goes as it has some great secondary characters that if they have their own books will be fascinating. Readers will find the book hard to put down once they start as they will want to find out what is going to happen next and just how things will work out for Vaughn and Emma.

I give this one 4 red roses

LRH

Fatal Affair

Fatal Affair by Marie Force

Publisher: Carina Press

April 2015

ISBN: 978-0-373-00257-3

Pages: 412

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Washington, DC & Virginia

Detective Sergeant Sam Holland of the Washington, DC, Metro Police had a disastrous investigation and now needs a big win to salvage both her career and confidence.  When Sam is assigned to the case of Senator John O’Connor when he is found murdered in his bed she gets the perfect opportunity. 

When Sam has to team up with Nick Cappuano, O’Connor’s chief of staff and friend matters get complicated. Especially as he is the man she had a memorable one-night stand with years earlier.  Sam has to fight to stay focused on the case as their sexual chemistry still sizzles.  With bodies piling up she can’t afford another mistake like sleeping with a material witness.

This story starts a series off with a bang.  The twists and turns keep coming throughout the story until the very end.  Watching both Sam and Nick work through both their past and issues makes for a book that is extremely hard to put down. Just as the reader thinks they know what is happening and why it is happening and who is behind everything another twist comes to throw everything into doubt.  The story is also action packed and makes for a book that will have readers hooked on the series with just this one book. For readers that love suspense this is definitely one story to check out.

I give this one 5 red roses

LRH

Undaunted

Undaunted by Ronnie Douglas

Publisher: William Morrow

September 2015

ISBN: 978-0-06-238960-2

Pages: 272

Contemporary MC Romance

Williamsville, Tennessee

After her father is indicted for embezzlement Aubrey Evans needs to get her life back on track.  She has a Plan and all she needs to do is follow it by hightailing it out of small-town Tennessee, save up money for college tuition and stay away from hard-muscled boys on motorcycles. Though with someone like Zion there is no ignoring anything. Zion is a knight in black leather and she can’t resist him even if he looks like every bad idea she has been told to avoid. He is always there whenever she is in trouble. The principled, protective man beneath the appealing rough exterior is what tempts her like crazy.

Zion knows Aubrey plans to leave as soon as she can.  He senses the naughty girl that is hiding inside, one whose intense desires match his own even if she is claiming all she wants is friendship. He knows it will only be a matter of time before he can weaken her resolve but until then he will be patient and play by her rules.

With a local crime spree going on they join forces to figure out just what is going on but soon it is clear that the danger goes deeper than Aubrey first thought.  Zion intends to be there for Aubrey now and always especially when she needs someone dark, tall and undaunted to keep her safe.

This is the start of a series that will have readers wanting the next book right now.  The characters, suspense and action prove to be addictive and make for a book that readers will read in one sitting.  They won’t want to put it down for any reason and will stay up late to finish it.  It is a very satisfying read.  It also has some wonderful secondary characters that readers will want to see have their own stories.  This is definitely a must read.

I give this one 5 red roses

LRH

Luke Armed and Dangerous

Luke Armed and Dangerous by Cheyenne McCray

Publisher: Cheyenne McCray LLC

August 2015

ISBN: 978-1-939778-64-2

Pages: 259

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Douglas, Arizona

Trinity MacKenna has returned to her family’s ranch in southeastern Arizona after spending four years abroad. With a home in London, practically engaged to a gorgeous English gentleman and a brilliant career, her life is going just the way she planned it.  Then her life is turned upside down when she meets Luke who is a cowboy. He is definitely not part of Trinity’s carefully arranged plans even if everything about him is dark, dangerous, virile and sexy. 

When Luke Denver first sees the sensual strawberry blond he knows he’s got to have her. With Trinity’s combination of boldness, shyness, sophistication and innocence Luke is instantly intrigued by her. Luke is determined to make her his, no matter the cost, even when Trinity tells him she’s taken he won’t let that stop him.

This is the second book in a series that is proving to be addictive with all the action and suspense anyone could ask for.  The characters practically jump off the pages at the reader as they get more and more into the story.  Just as the reader thinks they have it figured out another twist comes along to make them doubt they know where this one is going.  The action is fast paced right up until the very end of the book.  It will also have readers wanting to read the next book just to see where the overall story of the series is going and just what will happen next.  It is also a good idea to have an ice cold glass of water nearby when reading this one. 

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

LRH

The Girl Without a Name

The Girl Without a Name by Sandra Block

Publisher: Grand Central

September 2015

ISBN: 978-1-4555-8377-5

Pages: 368

Contemporary, Suspense with some Romantic elements

Buffalo, New York

Dr. Zoe Goldman is having an ordinary day or what passes for one in the psych ward when a highly unusual case arrives.  Wandering on the streets of Buffalo in a catatonic state is a young African American girl that was brought in by police. Zoe’s treatment is the last hope to discover the girl’s identity when all the leads have been exhausted and no one has come forward to claim her.

Zoe takes matters into her own hands to track down Jane Doe’s family and piece together their checkered history when drugs prove ineffective and medical science seems to be failing. Zoe finds monsters hiding where they are least expected as she unearths their secrets. Before it is too late Zoe has to solve the mystery. Someone is trying to make sure that this young girl never remembers.

This is an amazing story that keeps the reader guessing just what happened to Jane Doe.  As the different threads of the story pull together it makes for a story that is very hard to forget.  The characters move the story along at a fast pace and seeing Zoe as she races to find the truth before it is too late provides a book that is very hard to put down.  The characters come alive for the reader with every word that is read.  For readers that enjoy suspense books this is definitely one to check out.  This one keeps the twists and turns coming and they don’t stop until the very end. 

I give this one 5 red roses

LRH

Blood Flame

Blood Flame by Caris Roane

Publisher: Twin Bridges Creations, LLC

August 2015

Pages: 166

Contemporary Paranormal Romance

Alternate Phoenix, Arizona

Connor is an officer with the Crescent Border Patrol. He is also a vampire. Though at the moment he is trying to suppress his desire for Iris Meldeere who is a powerful witch.  He can’t fall in love with a woman that has the power to kill him with just the tips of her fingers, can he? Soon they are thrown together while they are working a double homicide. Connor finds his deepest fantasies fulfilled when Iris succumbs to his seduction. Love begins consuming them both as they battle together to stay alive.  With the dark secrets of his past he has to wonder if the witch will be able to forgive them. 

This is the start of a new series that starts out fast and doesn’t stop until the very end.  The world building is fascinating and complex.  It makes for a story that the reader will get wrapped up in as they read to find out just what is going on and who is behind what is happening. While both Iris and Connor are both damaged by their pasts it is engrossing to see them work to get past their past so that they can find a happy future together.  It will have readers wanting to read more from this world. 

I give this one 4-1/2 red roses

LRH

The Young Elites

The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Publisher: Putnam

October 2014

ISBN: 978-0-399-16783-6

Pages: 355

Fantasy Romantic YA

Adelina Amouteru survived the blood fever.  The deadly illness swept through her nation a decade ago.  While most of the infected perished the children who survived ended up with strange markings on them.  Adelina was left with a jagged scar where her left eye once was, her black hair turned silver and her lashes went pale. Her cruel father sees her as malfetto, an abomination.  He is also convinced that she is ruining the family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. There are rumors that some of the fever’s survivors have more than just scars.  They are believed to have powerful and mysterious gifts. They are also called the Young Elites, though their identities are kept secret.

Teren Santoro is the Leader of the Inquisition Axis. He also works for the king.  It is his job to seek out the Young Elites and destroy them before they can destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites are dangerous and vengeful.  Though it is Teren that just might possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society.  It is within this secret sect, who also are some of the Young Elites that they seek out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can find them. The Daggers discover someone with powers the like they have never seen when they find Adelina. 

Adelina would like to believe that Teren is the true enemy and that Enzo is on her side.  As each fights a very different and personal battle they will find their lives colliding in unexpected ways.  Though one thing they all agree on is that Adelina abilities don’t belong in this world. There is a vengeful blackness in her heart. She also desires to destroy all who dare cross her.

This proves to be a very addictive book to read.  The characters and world building expand with each word read.  The story takes some very interesting twists and turns that keep the reader turning the pages just to see where this one is headed.  While there is a slight cliffhanger at the end it works very well with the story line and will have readers eagerly awaiting the next book to come out.  The reader really gets to understand Adelina and why she does what she does.  Readers will also want things to work out for Adelina. 

I give this one 5 red roses

LRH

Suspicions

Suspicions The Battling McGuire Boys by Cynthia Eden

Publisher: Harlequin

September 2015

ISBN: 978-0-373-69855-4

Pages: 224

Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Austin, Texas

Mark Montgomery still remembers the night Ava McGuire galloped onto his ranch terrified out of her mind nor will he ever forget.  The hardest part after saving his best friend’s sister from harm was letting her go.  Ava is now back looking for a safe haven again.  The desire that is rekindled between them is about to engulf them both.

Ava is uncovering the truth about that long-ago night but it also plunges her into a world where she can trust no one.  Except maybe Mark who she has been in love with for years.  Mark has secrets. Now the question is will those secrets be their downfall as the passion they share draws them closer together even as a vengeful killer stalks them.

This book proves to be just as great as the other books in the series. This is proving to be series that stays with readers long after they finish each book.  It will also have readers wanting the next book in the series now to find out what will happen next.  This is proving to be a very addictive series that grabs readers by the throat and doesn’t let go until the last page and then only until the next book comes out.  For readers that enjoy romantic suspense books this is definitely a must read.  It will also have readers wanting more from this author. 

I give this one 5 plus red roses

LRH

Talon

Talon by Julie Kagawa

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

October 2014

ISBN: 978-0-373-21139-5

Pages: 464

Contemporary Paranormal Romance, YA

California

Long ago, the Order of St. George, a legendary society of dragon slayers hunted dragons to near extinction.  The dragons of Talon have become strong and cunning by hiding in human form and growing their numbers in secret.  Now with humans none the wiser the dragons are now positioned to take over the world.

Ember and Dante Hill are the only sister and brother known to dragonkind. Ember has been trained to infiltrate society but before she takes her destined place in Talon she wants to experience life as a teen and enjoy a summer of freedom. Destiny though is a matter of perspective.  Ember soon has everything she has been taught challenged by a rogue dragon. Ember and her brother are being hunted by the Order of St. George and at the same time she is struggling to accept her future.

Garret Xavier Sebastian is a soldier whose sole mission is to seek and destroy all dragons.  Particularly Talon’s newest recruits.  First he has to be certain that he has found his prey before he can kill.  He also learns that when it comes to Ember Hill nothing is certain. Garret begins questioning everything the Order has taught and ingrained in him when he faces Ember’s confidence, all-too-human desires and bravery. He also questions what he is willing to give up so he can find out the truth about dragons.

This is an amazing book that readers will find hard to put down once they start.  It is full of action and adventure and the reader is never sure what will happen next or where this one will end up.  The plot is well written and the characters are great and complex.  It will also have readers wanting to read the next book in the series to see what will happen next. As Ember and Garret have their beliefs and everything they have been taught turned on its head you never know just how either will react to what is suddenly happening in each of their worlds.  This book is just different enough to really stand out for readers and will be a book that will be hard to forget once the reader is done. 

I give this one 5 red roses

LRH