Staff Top Picks: December 2008

Leslie's
December 08 Top Pick

PRINCESS OF THE SWORD
(Nine Kingdoms: Book 3)
by Lynn Kurland

Berkley Pub Group
January 6, 2009
ISBN #0425225682
EAN #9780425225684
368 pages
Trade Size

Synopsis:

When darkenss falls

As the mercenary daughter of Gair, the black mage of Ceangail, Morgan is the only one who can stop the terrible sorcery her father unleashed. To do so, she must race against time and find the spell that will allow her to close the well of evil he opened. But that quest will lead her to places she never dreamed existed and into a darkness she would give anything to avoid..

The magic rises

The fate of the Kingdom of Neroche is intertwined with the closing of Gair's well. Miach the archmage of Neroche , is determined to hep Morgain find what she needs, not only because of the safety of the Nine Kingdoms hands in the balance but also because he will do anythin gto protect her. Together they must search out the mysteries of Ceangail, and the dangers of Morgan's own bloodlines.
Now to rescue the kingdom for total ruin, Morgan and Miach have only each other to trust heart and soul....


Leslie says: What will become of this pair of unlikely lovers? Join them on the conclusion of their journey which began with STAR OF THE MORNING and continued with THE MAGE’S DAUGHTER. Follow them as they soar the skies, steal into dangerous places to uncover spells, and fight for their lives, their kingdoms and their love. Fate has a plethora of surprises in store for the tragically orphaned duo – Morgan, a woman whose only desire was to wield a sword who instead finds herself a princess with a heritage of frightening magic and Miach, a prince whose heritage is magic but whose fondest wish was to be a simple farmer. Victory will force new responsibilities on the pair that they’d neither expected nor welcomed. Is their love strong enough to face the challenge?

I do hope Ms. Kurland will continue to offer us fantasy fare along with her incredibly popular romance novels. She has a knack for this genre that will have the reader longing to know the fate of numerous secondary characters as well as the rest of the Nine Kingdoms long after PRINCESS OF THE SWORD has been put to bed. Cathar is intriguing, Rigaud needs a good thumping and I imagine a child born to Morgan and Miach would be a right handful, no? Ah well, until then I highly recommend this incredibly magical and action packed fantasy series!

Read Leslie’s Review: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=30112


Leslie also recommends:
November 4, 2008: THE DRAGON MASTER by Allyson James
November 27, 2007: STAR CRASH by Elysa Hendricks

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Deborah’s
December 08 Top Read

ETERNAL SEDUCTION
by Jennifer Turner

CreateSpace
October 8, 2008
ISBN #1440422060
EAN #9781440422065
224 pages
Paperback

Synopsis: After living on the streets of New York City for over a decade, Logan Ellis admits her perceptions might be a little skewed. But twisted or not, there's a satisfying irony in watching a well dressed vampire stand in the middle of a ghetto alley, windblown trash scraping small circles near his feet. What she finds even more intriguing, is waiting for him to decide whether or not he's going to kill her.

Kerestyan Nelek hasn't quite made up his mind. As the Lord of New York, he can't allow a homeless drug addict, whose memories are packed with knowledge of vampiric existence, to run free in his city. It's not the first time he's been in this situation with a human, it's just the first time in thousands of years he's come face to face with one who doesn't seem to care. And that's what makes the decision so damn difficult.

What horrors would you have to witness before you went numb? How many years would it take for you to feel that way? What would it take to make you care again?

Logan's answers are simple: the worst humanity has to offer, almost thirtyand something she never expected.


Deborah says: “Eternal Seduction is a dark novel with strong characters. A true storyteller, Turner keeps a fast pace, seasoned well with wit, and offers you an electrifying pair in Nelek and Logan. A wonderful debut novel I highly recommend.”


Read Deborah’s Review: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=29854

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mippy Recommends:
August 26, 2008: TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS by Shayla Black
January 6, 2009: STAY THE NIGHT by Lynn Viehl
September 30, 2008: NIGHT FALL by Cherry Adair

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Staff Top Picks: November 2008

Leslie's
November 08 Top Pick

PHENOMENAL GIRL 5
(Elite Hands of Justice: Book 1)
by A. J. Menden

Love Spell (Shomi)
October 28, 2008
ISBN #0505527863
EAN #9780505527868
368 pages
Paperback

Synopsis: Lainey Livingston has just been made a member of the Elite Hands of Justice, the world's premiere cadre of superheroes. Her work with the Red Knights and the Power Squad was impressive; her apprehension stats are above normal, and her great strength and ability to fly are equally remarkable. But no one gets a free pass to active duty, and Lainey's next test is going to be her hardest. She's to train with the Reincarnist.

Robert Elliot, the Reincarnist. A magician who has lived multiple lifetimes, he's the smartest man in the world—and Lainey's last obstacle. He was personally responsible for seeing Pushstar wash out. But his eyes are the softest, kindest that Lainey has ever seen, and he's just the sort to knock her for a loop. Lesson #1: Romantic entanglements among crime fighters are super exploitable, and falling in love with a man who "can't die" is like waving a red flag at a bull. Especially not when the most fiendish plot ever is about to break over Megalopolis like a wave of fire.


Leslie says: “Ms. Menden's characterizations are so brilliant that for the reader Megolopolis, the world, the EJH, and even the fiendish plot come in a distant second to the relationship evolving between Lainey and The Reincarnist. The story forces the reader to invest their own emotions, ripping us apart and putting us back together again. All I can say is Wow! PHENOMINAL GIRL 5 is a stunning debut – a definite keeper - highly recommended!”

But that's not all! Book 2, TEKGRRL, featuring EJH heroine Mindy Clark is on the way. I can't wait.


Read Leslie's Review: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=28853

Leslie also recommends:
November 4, 2008: ANY GIVEN DOOMSDAY by Lori Handeland
August 5, 2008: SEA FEVER by Virginia Kantra
July 1, 2008: SEA WITCH by Virginia Kantra

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Deborah’s
November 08 Top Read

THE BRIDE OF TIME
by Dawn Thompson

Love Spell
July 29, 2008
ISBN #0505527286
EAN #9780505527288
368 pages
Paperback

Synopsis: SOME LOVES...
There was little of joy and beauty for Tessa LaPrelle, a scullery maid in 1903 London, but a painting called The Bride of Time. The nude raised eyebrows and speculation that Tessa had posed. Impossible! Even if some man could make her so wanton, even if the subject had Tessa's thick chestnut hair, the work had been commissioned a hundred years previous, at the start of the Regency!

...KNOW THE BRUSH OF ETERNITY
Regardless, it wasn't the subject or its uncanny resemblance to her that drew Tessa to The Bride. Nor was it fascination with the artist: one Giles Longworth, whose portrait showed eyes black as sin, wind-combed mahogany hair and broad, muscular shoulders. If any could make her wanton it was he; but he was also accused of sorcery, of dark evil things. Some even said Longworth had been a werewolf, the throats of his alleged victims torn from their bodies. No, what drew Tessa was a small window in the painting's corner, a seeming portal to that wild Cornish wilderness, to misty moors in a time gone by. Sometimes she dreamt she had been running all her life--from what and to whom, she was about to discover.


Deborah says: “I actually wanted to re-read this book. It stayed with me, haunted me, and I wanted to visit it again. Very rare that I do that with lack of spare time these days. Thompson nailed it with this Time Travel - Werewolf book. It's perfection. Beautiful writing - Thompson's trademark -the intriguing story, and power to make Master Monty into the ultimate villain is simply mesmerizing. Just not too many stories I want to re-read these days. I will re-read this one yet again...watch.”


Read Deborah’s Review: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=28447


Deborah also recommends:
October 8, 2008: ETERNAL SEDUCTION by Jennifer Turner
December 30, 2008: LORD OF THE FOREST by Dawn Thompson
November 25, 2008: EMBRACING MIDNIGHT by Devyn Quinn

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mippy Recommends:
October 28, 2008: LIVING WITH THE DEAD by Kelley Armstrong
December 30, 2008: IN THE BLOOD by Adrian Phoenix
June 3, 2008: WALK ON THE WILDSIDE by Christine Warren

Staff Top Picks: October 2008

Leslie’s
October 08 Top Read

KING OF SWORD AND SKY
(Tairen Soul: Book 3)
by C. L. Wilson

Dorchester (Leisure Books)
September 30, 2008
ISBN #0843960590
EAN #9780843960594
400 pages
Paperback

Synopsis: Returning to the Fading Lands with his Celierian truemate, Rain discovers a dissension among the most powerful members of his own council. As the Eld plot their next deadly strike, Ellysetta struggles to master her powerful magic and discover how to save the tairen, while Rain confronts open challenge to his rule and prepares to lead the Fey army to war.


Leslie says: "With her debut novel LORD OF THE FADING LANDS, C. L. Wilson instantly established herself as a “must read” author. With each successive book in this series the reader is drawn deeper into Rain and Ellysetta's world. One cannot help but immediately yearn for the next installment.The third and latest, KING OF SWORD AND SKY is a suspenseful and mesmerizing read to be savored slowly and carefully as its complex plot unfolds.

Ellysetta is simply amazing! Although she has, as yet, been unable to find her inner tairen or to bond wholly with Rain she is strong and loyal and will stop at nothing to save the pride and their fey kin whether she risks her own soul or breaks every law in the land to do so, and she will stand be her truemate’s side come hell or high water. Will she be able to fight the growing darkness inside her or will the Eye’s prophesy come to pass? Tune in as the saga continues with QUEEN OF SONG AND SOULS in June of 2009."

Read Leslie's Review: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=29745


Leslie also recommends:
September 30, 2008: IRREVERSIBLE by Liz Maverick
September 30, 2008: KNIGHTS FORK by Rowena Cherry
September 30, 2008: THE CROSSING by Joy Nash
October 28, 2008: WINTER'S DAUGHTER by J. C. Wilder (paperback reissue)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mippy’s
October 08 Top Read

ANY GIVEN DOOMSDAY

(The Phoenix Chronicles: Book 1)
by Lori Handeland

St. Martin's Press
November 4, 2008
ISBN #0312949197
EAN #9780312949198
352 pages
Paperback

Synopsis: The countdown begins now...
Elizabeth Phoenix once used her unique skills as a psychic to help in the Milwaukee Police Department’s fight against injustice. But when Liz’s foster mother is found viciously murdered—and Liz is discovered unconscious at the scene—her only memory of the crime comes in the form of terrifying dreams...of creatures more horrific than anything Liz has seen in real life. What do these visions mean? And what in the world do they have to do with her former lover, Jimmy Sanducci?

While the police question Jimmy in the murder, Jimmy opens Liz’s eyes to a supernatural war that has raged since the dawn of time in which innocent people are hunted by malevolent beings disguised as humans. Only a chosen few have the ability to fight their evil, and Jimmy believes Liz is among them. Now, with her senses heightened, new feelings are rising within Liz—ones that re-ignite her dangerous attraction to Jimmy. But Jimmy has a secret that will rock Liz to her core…and put the survival of the human race in peril.


Mippy says: “I found myself glued to this strikingly edgy and fast paced story and could not put it down. I eagerly await the next chapter of The Phoenix Chronicles and highly recommend fans of the urban fantasy genre not to miss out on this gripping new series.”


Read Mippy’s Review: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=29523


Mippy also recommends:
November 4, 2008: A MERMAID’S KISS by Joey W. Hill (erotic paranormal)
June 1, 2008: THE DARKEST KISS by Gena Showalter
June 3, 2008: WALK ON THE WILDSIDE by Christine Warren

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Deborah’s
October 08 Top Read

DOWN HOME EVER LOVIN' MULE BLUES
by Jacquie Rogers

Highland Press
September 15, 2008
ISBN #0980035686
EAN #9780980035681
200 pages
Trade Size

Synopsis: It Happened in the Idaho Desert…
The rodeo clown: Brody wants the thrill of bullfighting and the wind at his feet. The actuary: Rita doesn't want anything to do with a busted up cowboy-and odds are, Brody will be. The mule: Socrates understands humans. And love, even if humans don't. Can Socrates lead Brody to Rita's heart? Will Rita let herself take the biggest risk of all?


Deborah says: “I don't know when I have ever laughed so much, or felt so happy after reading a book. The story of Socrates the miniature matchmaking mule is just so original, so witty that is over shadows most of what I have read of late.”


Read Deborah’s Review: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=29433


Deborah also recommends:
September 15, 2008: CHINOOK, WINE and SINK HER by Morgan Q. O'Reilly (contemporary)
December 1, 2007: HER WARRIOR LORD by Celia Jade

Staff Top Picks: September 2008

PNR Staff Top Picks for September 2008

Leslie’s
September 08 Top Read

WANDERLUST
(Sirantha Jax: Book 2)
by Ann Aguirre

Ace Books
August 26, 2008
ISBN #0441016278
EAN #9780441016273
320 pages
Paperback

Synopsis: Sirantha Jax doesn't take chances...she jumps at them...
Sirantha Jax is a "Jumper," a woman who possesses the unique genetic makeup needed to navigate faster than light ships through grimspace. Jax has worked for the Farwan Corporation her entire career. But now the word's out that the Corp deliberately crashed a passenger ship, and their stranglehold on intergalactic commerce has crumbled-which means that Jax is out of a job.
She's also broke, due to being declared dead a little prematurely. So when the government asks her to head up a vital diplomatic mission, Jax takes it. Her mandate: journey to the planet Ithiss-Tor and convince them to join the Conglomerate.
But Jax's payday is light years away. First, she'll have to contend with Syndicate criminals, a stormy relationship with her pilot, man-eating aliens, and her own grimspace-weakened body. She'll be lucky just to make it to Ithiss-Tor alive...


Leslie says: “I love the way Ann Aquirre puts the reader inside of each character giving a better understanding of their motivations and their angst. It’s impossible not to care about each and every one of them, even when their emotions are covered by sarcasm and bravado….WANDERLUST is an action packed, engrossing and addictive science fiction thrill ride that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat waiting for the next fix. I want a t-shirt that says, “Jax is addicted to grimspace, I’m addicted to Jax!”


Read Leslie’s Review: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=29218


Leslie also recommends:
July 29, 2008: COUNTDOWN by Michelle Maddox
August 26, 2008: IMMORTALS: THE REDEEMING by Jennifer Ashley
August 26, 2008: RAZOR GIRL by Marianne Mancusi
August 26, 2008: THE DRAGON EARL by Jade Lee
September 2, 2008: HEART FATE by Robin D. Owens

Dee’s
September 08 Top Read

The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
by J. R. Ward

NAL
October 7, 2008
ISBN #0451225007
EAN #9780451225009
384 pages
Trade Size

Synopsis: New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward delivers a behind-the-scenes look at her “to die for”( Publishers Weekly) Black Dagger Brotherhood series — and a brand-new short story starring Zsadist and Bella.
This is a book no Black Dagger Brotherhood fan should miss — an insider’s guide that will seduce readers as powerfully as the sexy band of Brothers and the world they live in. And also included is an original short story about stars Zsadist and Bella!
This comprehensive guide features insider information on the Brotherhood, their dossiers, stats, and special gifts. Readers will savor interviews with their favorite characters, deleted scenes, exciting material from the J.R. Ward message board and the answers to their burning questions. They’ll learn what it’s like for J.R. Ward to write each installment of the series, and in a fascinating twist, read an interview with the author—conducted by the Brothers. Plus readers will get a sneak peek at the much anticipated next book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Lover Avenged.


Dee says: “This is just the thing to tide fans of this phenomenal series over until Rhev’s story, Lover Avenged. Zsadist and Bella’s novella alone is worth buying the book, even if it didn’t have tons of must read insider info!”


More Info:
http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/book.php?id=13641

Mippy’s
September 08 Top Read

STORM BORN
(Dark Swan: Book 1)
by Richelle Mead

Kensington Zebra
August 5, 2008
ISBN #1420100963
EAN #9781420100969
384 pages
Paperback

Synopsis: Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants...
Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl's got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy--one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie's first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.
Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne'er-do-well, and the ones who don't want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her...


Mippy says: “If you are looking for a non-stop, action-packed urban fantasy, I think you should definitely give Storm Born a read.”


Read Mippy’s Review:
http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=29057


Mippy also recommends:
September 23, 2008: UNTAMED: (House of Night: Book 4) by P. C. Cast/Kristin Cast
September 16, 2008: FAEFEVER: (Fever: Book 3) by Karen Marie Moning
May 27, 2008: DAMIEN: (Nightwalkers: Book 4) by Jacquelyn Franks
October 2, 2007: MINE TILL MIDNIGHT: (The Hathaways: Book 1) by Lisa Kleypas (Historical Romance – Regency)

Stephanie’s
September 08 Top Read

CLAIMING SKYLER
(Shifters: Book 2)
by Jaden Sinclair

Amira Press
September 26, 2008
ISBN #1934475963
EAN #9781934475966
e-Book

Synopsis: She has watched him from afar, thinking of him as her knight in shinning armor, but when her heart gets broken, Skyler Draeger discovers there isn’t much to her fairy tale.
Adrian Laswell made a big mistake one night and it seems an even bigger one when he makes his claim on Skyler. He lets a few months go by before he reappears in her life only to discover that claiming Skyler isn’t going to be as easy as he imagined.
An old saying goes that there is nothing worse than a woman scorned, only a man has no concept of that until he comes face to face with a shifter female. Now the battle of wills is on and a shadow lurks over their shoulders. Can Adrian mend Skyler's broken heart, or will his mistake prevent her from loving him forever?


Stephanie says: “Ms. Sinclair can weave a tale of love, heated passion, humor and intrigue that keeps you going. Her characters are passionate and really draw the reader into the story. The one thing I can guarantee you with a Jaden Sinclair book is a very good time, a very hot and steamy good time that is.”


Read Stephanie’s Review:
http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=29249

Staff Top Picks: August 2008

PNR Staff Top Picks for August 2008

Leslie's
August 08 Top Pick

SHADES OF DARK
(sequel to GABRIEL'S GHOST)
by Linnea Sinclair

Bantam
Available: July 29, 2008
ISBN #0553589652
EAN #9780553589658
432 pages
Paperback

Synopsis: For two fugitive lovers, space has no haven, no mercy, no light - only...SHADES OF DARK...

Before her court-martial, Captain Chasidah "Chaz" Bergren was the pride of the Sixth Fleet. Now she's a fugitive from the "justice" of a corrupt Empire. Along with her lover, the former monk, mercenary, and telepath Gabriel Ross Sullivan, Chaz hoped to leave the past light-years behind...until the news of her brother Thad's arrest and upcoming execution for treason. It's a ploy by Sully's cousin Hayden Burke to force them out of hiding and it works.

With a killer targeting human females and a renegade gen lab breeding jukor war machines, Chaz and Sully already had their hands full of treachery, betrayal - not to mention each other. Throw in Chaz's Imperial ex-husband, Admiral Philip Guthrie, and a Kyi-Ragkiril mentor out to seduce Sully and not just loyalties but lives are at stake. For when Sully makes a fateful choice changing their relationship forever, Chaz must also choose - between what duty demands and what her heart tells her she must do.

Leslie says: "All I can say is wow, this book should win every literary award on the planet, and then some. If you read one SF romance this year, make it SHADES OF DARK. And if you haven't yet read GABRIEL'S GHOST run, don't walk, to the nearest bookstore and read it first. BTW fans of this series - get excited! Ms. Sinclair is working on a story for Admiral Philip Guthrie, which she is calling HOPE'S FOLLY. I personally cannot wait."

Read Leslie's Review: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=28186

Leslie also recommends:
August 26, 2008: DARK LIGHT by Jayne Castle
August 5, 2008: HOT MAMA by Jennifer Estep (Mass Market Reissue)
September 2, 2008: JINX by Jennifer Estep

Dee's
August 08 Top Pick

NIGHTKEEPER’S
(Final Prophecy: Book 1)
by Jessica Andersen

Signet
June 3, 2008
ISBN #045122437X
EAN #9780451224378
464 pages
Paperback

Synopsis: A Novel of the Final Prophecy

The Mayan doomsday prophecy states that the world will end on December 21, 2012. The NOVELS OF THE FINAL PROPHECY tell of the ancient myths that come to life in the last four years before that end-date, and their opposition by the Nightkeepers, descendants of an ancient magic-wielding race sworn to protect mankind from the apocalypse.

In NIGHTKEEPERS, their last king is forced to team up with a Miami-Dade narcotics detective in order to reunite his scattered warriors and fight Zipacna, god of the Mayan underworld. Wielding ancestral magic based on bloodletting and sex, the king will have to choose between his duty and his love for the human woman who is the gods' destined sacrifice.

Dee Says: “A unique premise, non-stop action and hot romance, what more could you want?”

More info: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/book.php?id=13886

Mippy's

August 08 Top PickETERNAL PLEASURE
by Nina Bangs

Dorchester (Leisure Books)
July 1, 2008
ISBN #0843959533
EAN #9780843959536
384 pages
Paperback

Synopsis

THE ELEVEN--an alliance of ultimate predators. Primal, lethal, irresistible.

THE PROPHECY--an ancient Mayan prediction that the world will end on 12-21-12.

THE PREY--where can you hide from pure evil?

Kelly Maloy opens her car door to much more than a great looking stranger at the Houston airport. Terror, desire, and a horrible truth climb in with him. She's only supposed to drive Ty Endeka around the city for a few weeks. Too bad no one tells her that once day fades she'll become part of a battle fought in the darkened streets with an enemy that isn't human. And the sensual man who feeds her fantasies hides a soul that gives new meaning to animal magnetism.

Eleven Gods of the Night...

The only creatures more deadly are the ones they've been summoned to destroy.

Mippy Says: “what I really loved about the whole book was how unique both the main heroes and the storyline is. It is a totally fresh and creative idea and it definitely left me with a wow factor that I hadn't expected! I highly recommend Eternal Pleasure to anyone out there who loves paranormal romance and is looking for something different in this ever-growing genre.”

Read Mippy's Review: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=28988

Mippy also recommends:
July 29, 2008: NIGHTWALKER by Jocelyn Drake (Urban Fantasy)
July 29, 2008: CRY WOLF by Patricia Briggs (Urban Fantasy)
August 5, 2008: ACHERON by Sherrilyn Kenyon
September 2, 2008: DARK CURSE by Christine Feehan

Stephanie's
August 08 Top Pick

HOSTAGE TO PLEASURE
(Psy/Changeling: Book 6)
by Nalini Singh

Berkley Pub Group
September 2, 2008
ISBN #0425223256
EAN #9780425223253
352 pages
Paperback

Synopsis: Now, as the deadly Psy Council tightens its grip, a rebel Psy scientist finds herself at the mercy of a changeling who has sworn vengeance against her kind...

Separated from her son and forced to create a neural implant that will mean the effective enslavement of her psychically gifted race, Ashaya Aleine is the perfect Psy--cool, calm, emotionless...at least on the surface. Inside, she's fighting a desperate battle to save her son and escape the vicious cold of the PsyNet. Yet when escape comes, it leads not to safety, but to the lethal danger of a sniper's embrace.

DarkRiver sniper Dorian Christensen lost his sister to a Psy killer. Though he lacks the changeling ability to shift into animal form, his leopard lives within. And that leopard's rage at the brutal loss is a clawing darkness that hungers for vengeance. Falling for a Psy has never been on Dorian's agenda. But charged with protecting Ashaya and her son, he discovers that passion has a way of changing the rules...

Stephanie says: “Hostage to Pleasure was well worth the wait, you will not be disappointed. Let's face it, Ms. Singh never disappoints. This book is a roller coaster of emotion and just as thrilling as a roller coaster too. I loved every page and hated to see it end. This series is one of the best on the market. Do yourself a favor and read them all, then enjoy Hostage to Pleasure.”

Read Stephanie's Review: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=28953

Staff Top Picks: July 2008

Announcing the Debut

of

PNR Staff Top Picks for July 08

Leslie’s

July 08 Top Read

HIDDEN by Eve Kenin

(Northern Waste Book 2)

Dorchester Shomi

July 1, 2008

ISBN: #0505527618

EAN #9780505527615

352 pages

Paperback

Synopsis: Tatiana has honed her genetic gifts to perfection. She can withstand the subzero temperatures of the Northern Waste, read somebody's mind with the briefest touch, and slice through bone with her bare hands. Which makes her one badass chick, all right. Nothing gets to her. Until she meets Tristan. Villain or ally, she can't be sure. But one thing she does know: he has gifts too-including the ability to ramp up her heart rate to dangerous levels. But before they can start some chemistry of their own, they have to survive being trapped in an underground lab, hunted by a madman, and exposed to a plague that could destroy mankind.

Leslie says: “I had not thought that DRIVEN could be topped, but with HIDDEN the author has done just that. HIDDEN has earned a place of its own on the keeper shelf, making Eve Kenin a "must buy" author. This is storytelling at its best. Ms. Kenin is a pro at generating edgy suspense and building relationships; pulling the reader in and making them care about her gutsy protagonists and the state of their world. Tristan and Tatiana are unbelievable strong and determined but at the same time vulnerable and compassionate, in other words - human. The emotional relationship between them develops rapidly, perhaps a necessity in a world where surviving to see another day is an uncertainty, but wholly believable. Their courage in the face of what appear to be insurmountable odds is awe inspiring. A highly recommended tale, not to be missed!”

Read Leslie's Review: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=28720

Leslie also recommends:

May 25, 2008: Moonstruck by Susan Grant

May 27, 2008: With Every Breath by Lynn Kurland

February 26, 2008: Grimspace by Ann Aguirre

February 26, 2008: Dragonborn by Jade Lee

February 26, 2008: Netherwood by Michele Lang

January 2, 2008: The Mage's Daughter by Lynn Kurland

January 29, 2008: Twist by Colby Hodge

January 1, 2008: Time Transit by Kay Austin

Dee’s

July 08 Top Read

NIGHT CHILD by Jes Bettis

(Occult Investigator, Book 1)

Ace Books

May 27, 2008

ISBN: #0441016022

EAN #9780441016020

304 pages

Paperback

Synopsis: For occult investigator Tess Corday, the evidence can be out of this world.

What would a vampire courtroom look like? How do you test a demon's DNA? Tess Corday answers these questions as an OSI (Occult Special Investigator) working in the city of Vancouver. Using a mixture of cutting-edge forensics technology and old-fashioned magic, Tess solves all manner of violent crimes within the supernatural community. If someone unlawfully kills a goblin or a warlock (and there are plenty in the seedier districts of town), she gets the call. But when a routine murder investigation leads Tess to a thirteen-year-old girl named Mia Polanski, her life is plunged into chaos. Mia is trapped in the middle of a turf-war between vampires and necromancers, and as she struggles to protect the innocent girl, Tess finds herself getting closer each second to a conspiracy that could rock the mystical world. All she has to do is stay alive. But first she needs to unravel the mystery of the NIGHT CHILD.

Dee says: "This story works on so many levels. Jes Battis has captured the essence of his characters; they are fairly living and breathing to the reader. Lovers of paranormal and urban fantasy will revel in the dark and dangerous world the author has created. A captivating start to an awesome new series.

Book Info: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/book.php?id=14007

Dee also recommends:

July 29, 2008: Lord of the Dark by Dawn Thompson

June 3, 2008: Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward

February 1, 2008: Death By Ploot Ploot by Dara Joy

February 20, 2008: Battered Not Broken by Celia Kyle

December 1, 2007: Sexy Devil by Sasha White

October 30, 2007: The Road to Hell by Jackie Kessler

Mippy’s

July Top Read

HOTTER THAN HELL by Jackie Kessler

(Hell On Earth: Book 3)

Kensington Zebra

July 29, 2008

ISBN: #0821781049

EAN #9780821781043

304 pages

Paperback

Synopsis: In HELL'S BELLES and THE ROAD TO HELL, Jackie Kessler brought readers into an unforgettable Underworld populated by alluring demons and sexy devils. Now Daunuan, the most irresistible incubus of all, is facing one Hell of a challenge... So whose soul do you have to damn to get a promotion around here?

Daunuan was never the ambitious type. There's so much to love about his job just the way it is--mind-blowing sexual prowess, the power to seduce any human, excellent dental plan. But now Pan, the King of Lust, has offered to make Daun his right-hand incubus--a position other demons would give their left horn for. All he has to do is entice a soul destined for heaven into a damnable act of lust. Should take, oh, seven minutes, tops.

Then he meets his target, Virginia Reed. She's cute. Funny. Smart. Unfathomably resistant to his charms. He can't understand it. But Daun has centuries of seduction to his credit. He's the best there is. Sooner or later he'll transform this polar icecap of a female into a pool of molten desire, and every instinct tells him she'll be worth the effort.

Meanwhile, he has to deal with a plague of rogue demons Hell-bent on taking him down, sent by an unknown enemy with a serious grudge. And one other problem: the dawning realization that he's falling in love--that unholiest of four-letter words--with the woman he's about to doom for all eternity...

Mippy says: “Ms. Kessler has penned, in my opinion, the best book of the Hell on Earth series to date. Daunuan is forced to face many things about himself that he'd rather avoid all together. Between his budding relationship with the very closed and cautious, Vee, and his feelings for the ex- succubus Jezebel, we are given a deeper insight to Daun than we have yet to see since meeting the incubus. This book is filled with Kessler's characteristic witty dialogue, fantastic quirky characters, and an emotional depth not seen in the prior books. The story grabs hold of you from page one and demands your attention. This is one of those rare books that I found myself literally laughing out loud at Daun's antics. Ms. Kessler really has outdone herself this time around and has given readers a real treat with a book that is not only heartfelt and engaging but one that is also a sensuous and adventurous tale. Kessler clearly is staking her claim in the urban fantasy genre as an author that is here to stay -- and we're only too glad to have her.”

Read Mippy's Review: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=28687

Mippy also recommends:

July 1, 2008: Twilight Fall by Lynn Viehl

June 24, 2008: Undead and Unworthy by MaryJanice Davidson

May 6, 20008: From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris

May 1, 2008: The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter

May 6, 2008: Because Your Vampire Said So by Michele Bardsley

May 6, 2008: Playing With Fire by Katie MacAlister

April 1, 2008: Rogue by Rachel Vincent

April 10, 2008: Frostbite by Richelle Mead *YA*

March 25, 2008: Personal Demon by Kelley Armstrong

March 1, 2008: Last Wolf Standing by Rhyannon Byrd

March 4, 2008: Timeless Moon by CT Adams & Cathy Clamp

March 11, 2008: Staked by J.F. Lewis

February 26, 2008: Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry

February 26, 2008: Vampire, Interrupted by Lynsay Sands

February 26, 2008: The Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison

February 5, 2008: The Accidental Werewolf by Dakota Cassidy

February 11, 2008: Biting the Bullet by Jennifer Rardin

February 5, 2008: Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke

January 8, 2008: A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix

January 2, 2008: Sucker Bet by Erin McCarthy

January 2, 2008: Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs

January 2, 2008: Elijah by Jacquelyn Frank

January 29, 2008: Vampires Are Forever by Lynsay Sands

Oldies but Goodies:

December 26, 2007: The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands

November 27, 2007: The Down Home Zombie Blues by Linnea Sinclair

November 2007: Halfway to the Grave by Jeanine Frost

October 2, 2007: Betrayed by PC Cast & Kristin Cast *YA*

February 27, 2007: Dante's Girl by Natasha Rhodes

Stephanie's

July 08 Top Read

LOVER ENSHRINED by J. R. Ward

(Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 6)

Signet Eclipse

June 3, 2008

ISBN: #0451222725

EAN #9780451222725

521 pages

Paperback

Synopsis: In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other—six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. And now, a dutiful twin must choose between two lives...

Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself- she sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.

Stephanie says: “Lover Enshrined is the story of Phury and Cormia and is a must read for any JR Ward fan. In true Ward style the Brother's always have your back and this book is no exception.”

Read the Review: http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=28250

Stephanie also recommends:

June 16, 2008: Time For Clocks & Demons by Anthony Stevens

May 25, 2008: Interplanetary Passion by Jaden Sinclair

May 20, 2008: Dark Desires After Dusk by Kresley Cole

May 5, 2008: New Ickford Manor by Anthony Stevens

April 15, 2008: Claiming Their Mate by Paige McKellan
April 1, 2008: Dark Needs at Night's Edge by Kresley Cole

March 28, 2008: Stefan's Mark by Jaden Sinclair

March 20, 2008: Demon’s Torment by Rachel D. Thompson

March 5, 2008: Golden Eyes by Maya Banks

February 26, 2008: Predatory Game by Christine Feehan

February 20, 2008: Battered Not Broken by Celia Kyle

February 16, 2008: Captive of Desire by Jaden Sinclair
February 5, 2008: Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh

February 5, 2008: Into the Mist by Maya Banks

January 30, 2008: Stone and Earth by Cindy Spencer Pape