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Mageverse #3.5
Over The Moon
Three bestselling superstars and one exciting new voice in paranormal romance in a hot new anthology.
When it comes to sexy werewolves, fairies, and magic, there's only one place for readers to go this winter: Over the Moon.
Angela Knight ventures to the borders of Mageverse, a land ruled by vampire knights.
MaryJanice Davidson returns to the wicked lair of the Wyndham werewolves.
Virginia Kantra finds magic and wonder in a strange fairy kingdom.
And Sunny discovers a Mixed Blood Queen in command of a new realm.
When it comes to sexy werewolves, fairies, and magic, there's only one place for readers to go this winter: Over the Moon.
Angela Knight ventures to the borders of Mageverse, a land ruled by vampire knights.
MaryJanice Davidson returns to the wicked lair of the Wyndham werewolves.
Virginia Kantra finds magic and wonder in a strange fairy kingdom.
And Sunny discovers a Mixed Blood Queen in command of a new realm.
330 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 2, 2007
26 people are currently reading
1810 people want to read
About the author
Angela Knight
139 books1,027 followersAngela Knight is an American author of mostly erotic fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
February 16, 2008
I wish I could rate the stories separately instead of the anthology as a whole, because Kantra's story would get four stars, Davidson's would get three, Knight's would get two, and Sunny's would get one (because I can't actually give it zero stars).
Kantra's story claims to be an Eros/Psyche story, but to me it's more like a modern play on Tam Lin. The main character finds a rift between the mortal and faerie worlds while hiking the Appalachian trail and meets a fascinating man who is not what he seems. It's a very nonstandard romance, with no flowery prose and only one, brief love scene, but the story itself really interested me.
Davidson's story is funny, and I really appreciated that the heroine is a black woman. It's rare that you see heroines of color in mainstream romances.
Knight's story had some seriously hot sex, and the plot had potential to be interesting, but as a short story, everything happened way too fast. The hero and heroine fall madly in love and do some crazy werewolf soulbonding thing the day after they meet for the first time. Blech.
I couldn't even finish Sunny's story. Take Anita Blake and make her a thousand times more beautiful, sexy, and speshul, and you've got this Mona Lisa character. I gave up after the author had described her three regular lovers and went into how the Prince of Hell or whoever he was is totally hot in the pants for her, too. Puh-leeze.
Kantra's story claims to be an Eros/Psyche story, but to me it's more like a modern play on Tam Lin. The main character finds a rift between the mortal and faerie worlds while hiking the Appalachian trail and meets a fascinating man who is not what he seems. It's a very nonstandard romance, with no flowery prose and only one, brief love scene, but the story itself really interested me.
Davidson's story is funny, and I really appreciated that the heroine is a black woman. It's rare that you see heroines of color in mainstream romances.
Knight's story had some seriously hot sex, and the plot had potential to be interesting, but as a short story, everything happened way too fast. The hero and heroine fall madly in love and do some crazy werewolf soulbonding thing the day after they meet for the first time. Blech.
I couldn't even finish Sunny's story. Take Anita Blake and make her a thousand times more beautiful, sexy, and speshul, and you've got this Mona Lisa character. I gave up after the author had described her three regular lovers and went into how the Prince of Hell or whoever he was is totally hot in the pants for her, too. Puh-leeze.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2011
Like most anthologies, you get hits and misses, and Over the Moon was a mixed bag and no exception. I grabbed this one because it contains the second book in author Sunny's Monere Children of the Moon series, and I was happy to read something by the other three new to me authors who I've heard of previously.
Moon Dance - Angela Knight
This is #7 in the author's Mageverse series, but I had no difficulty following it and didn't feel as though I was missing big chunks of information. I know a grand total of nothing about the Mageverse series, but this book of werewolves with the protective outsider cop Lucas Rollings, and member of the Chosen Elena Livingstone on the run from her arranged marriage and abusive future groom, has me interested enough to at least check it out. 3.5 stars
Between the Mountain and the Moon - Virginia Kantra
This was one of the better short stories I've read. Cait MacLean stumbles (or is lured) into the dangerous fae realm at the whim of the cold Fairy Queen who seeks revenge against Cait's parents. Cait finds an unlikely saviour in the Prince, Rhys, who sacrifices his existence to save hers. Cait must navigate this mysterious and dangerous realm to find a way to get him back. Although this was a short story, the author managed to create a complex world populated with fascinating characters. It's made me really excited to read her Children of the Sea series. (This one is not erotic.) 4 stars The author notes that this book is connected to an earlier novella "Midsummer Night's Magic", found in the Man of My Dreams anthology, which tells the story of
Driftwood - MaryJanice Davidson
Although not listed as such, the author notes that this story is connected to her Undead and Wyndham Werewolf series. The shortest, and by far my least favourite of the bunch. I didn't like the writing at all, and it has certainly not inspired me to seek out anything else from this author. In fact, I will definitely not be reading either of those series.
This story of a vampire out for revenge and a beta werewolf becoming unlikely partners just didn't work on any level for me. The dialogue was juvenile, the characters were one-dimensional (even for a short), and it was one of those books trying hard to be funny and cool, and failing on both fronts. It ended up being just plain silly. 1 star
Mona Lisa Three - Sunny
My reason for getting this book, and I'm glad I did. It was worth it to see the changing dynamics in Mona Lisa's relationship/s with Gryphon and Amber, culminating in the menage she was sure would never happen. We also met Halcyon's Demon Dead sister Lucinda, and see Mona Lisa heal Beldar's bite from a Hellhound without actually having intercourse with him (yay!) before she prepares to move to her new territory in Louisiana.
Definitely worth reading as part of the series (and an improvement on the first one), but first time readers will probably be completely lost. This one wouldn't work well as a stand alone. 3.5 stars
Moon Dance - Angela Knight
This is #7 in the author's Mageverse series, but I had no difficulty following it and didn't feel as though I was missing big chunks of information. I know a grand total of nothing about the Mageverse series, but this book of werewolves with the protective outsider cop Lucas Rollings, and member of the Chosen Elena Livingstone on the run from her arranged marriage and abusive future groom, has me interested enough to at least check it out. 3.5 stars
Between the Mountain and the Moon - Virginia Kantra
This was one of the better short stories I've read. Cait MacLean stumbles (or is lured) into the dangerous fae realm at the whim of the cold Fairy Queen who seeks revenge against Cait's parents. Cait finds an unlikely saviour in the Prince, Rhys, who sacrifices his existence to save hers. Cait must navigate this mysterious and dangerous realm to find a way to get him back. Although this was a short story, the author managed to create a complex world populated with fascinating characters. It's made me really excited to read her Children of the Sea series. (This one is not erotic.) 4 stars The author notes that this book is connected to an earlier novella "Midsummer Night's Magic", found in the Man of My Dreams anthology, which tells the story of
Driftwood - MaryJanice Davidson
Although not listed as such, the author notes that this story is connected to her Undead and Wyndham Werewolf series. The shortest, and by far my least favourite of the bunch. I didn't like the writing at all, and it has certainly not inspired me to seek out anything else from this author. In fact, I will definitely not be reading either of those series.
This story of a vampire out for revenge and a beta werewolf becoming unlikely partners just didn't work on any level for me. The dialogue was juvenile, the characters were one-dimensional (even for a short), and it was one of those books trying hard to be funny and cool, and failing on both fronts. It ended up being just plain silly. 1 star
Mona Lisa Three - Sunny
My reason for getting this book, and I'm glad I did. It was worth it to see the changing dynamics in Mona Lisa's relationship/s with Gryphon and Amber, culminating in the menage she was sure would never happen. We also met Halcyon's Demon Dead sister Lucinda, and see Mona Lisa heal Beldar's bite from a Hellhound without actually having intercourse with him (yay!) before she prepares to move to her new territory in Louisiana.
Definitely worth reading as part of the series (and an improvement on the first one), but first time readers will probably be completely lost. This one wouldn't work well as a stand alone. 3.5 stars
March 5, 2010
I bought this for my local book group. I've always been a fan of werewolf stories and was hoping this book wouldn't bore me to death like so many of the romances I've recently read.
The first story is by Angela Knight. When a female werewolf in heat runs away from an arranged marriage to a brutish alpha wolf, she lands pretty much on top of a police officer who just happens to be a werewolf himself. Imagine the odds of that? She needs a baby in order to maintain her independence from the alpha wolf but the reasons are so convoluted that I'm not even going to attempt to explain. I could see where this was going a mile away and really who couldn't? But it held my attention and there's a lot to be said for that.
The second story by Virginia Kantra seems to be a sequel to a story in an anthology released quite a few years ago which I never read. It's about a young lady who decides to go on an extended hike in the wilderness and ends up stumbling across the sidhe. I felt lost throughout most of it. The basis of the story relies on the previous story and all the references to the previous tale frustrated and confused me instead of clearing things up. The atmosphere is very well done but in the end I still felt confused and the love story didn't make all that much sense. This one needed to be longer or packaged with its prequel, if you ask me.
The pace picks up with MaryJanice Davidson's tale "Driftwood", an unlikely love story between a beta werewolf and a bossy female vampire who wants nothing to do with him. The two hook-up when he finds her stuck in a hole on the beach and attempts a rescue. The results are silly, sarcastic and a lot of fun.
The final story by new author known only as "Sunny" is giving me the same issues as the Kantra story. I feel like I've been thrown into a sequel of a book I haven't read. Are author's intentionally trying to make me worry if I have Mad Cow disease? Is this some sort of backlash for all of my bad reviews? Maybe I deserve it. Anyway, the story is about some sort of alien/paranormal/fatally attractive half-blood Queen and her two male lovers who are little more than Jean-Claude/Richard clones right down to their descriptions. It's almost as if the author took Laurell K. Hamilton's characters and wrote them a little fanfic piece in which they're a happy threesome. I'm kind of annoyed so far but will finish the story if only to complain some more about it here.
Well, I'm nearly finished with Sunny's story and despite the fact that it is a blatant rip-off of Laurell K. Hamilton's work as well Anne Bishop's "Blood" books, I kind of liked it. The characters were decently drawn and their motivation well explained despite the fact that the driving force of the story is pretty much sex for power, for healing, for kicks . . . I'll probably search out the other two books in this series. Just out of curiosity, of course.
The first story is by Angela Knight. When a female werewolf in heat runs away from an arranged marriage to a brutish alpha wolf, she lands pretty much on top of a police officer who just happens to be a werewolf himself. Imagine the odds of that? She needs a baby in order to maintain her independence from the alpha wolf but the reasons are so convoluted that I'm not even going to attempt to explain. I could see where this was going a mile away and really who couldn't? But it held my attention and there's a lot to be said for that.
The second story by Virginia Kantra seems to be a sequel to a story in an anthology released quite a few years ago which I never read. It's about a young lady who decides to go on an extended hike in the wilderness and ends up stumbling across the sidhe. I felt lost throughout most of it. The basis of the story relies on the previous story and all the references to the previous tale frustrated and confused me instead of clearing things up. The atmosphere is very well done but in the end I still felt confused and the love story didn't make all that much sense. This one needed to be longer or packaged with its prequel, if you ask me.
The pace picks up with MaryJanice Davidson's tale "Driftwood", an unlikely love story between a beta werewolf and a bossy female vampire who wants nothing to do with him. The two hook-up when he finds her stuck in a hole on the beach and attempts a rescue. The results are silly, sarcastic and a lot of fun.
The final story by new author known only as "Sunny" is giving me the same issues as the Kantra story. I feel like I've been thrown into a sequel of a book I haven't read. Are author's intentionally trying to make me worry if I have Mad Cow disease? Is this some sort of backlash for all of my bad reviews? Maybe I deserve it. Anyway, the story is about some sort of alien/paranormal/fatally attractive half-blood Queen and her two male lovers who are little more than Jean-Claude/Richard clones right down to their descriptions. It's almost as if the author took Laurell K. Hamilton's characters and wrote them a little fanfic piece in which they're a happy threesome. I'm kind of annoyed so far but will finish the story if only to complain some more about it here.
Well, I'm nearly finished with Sunny's story and despite the fact that it is a blatant rip-off of Laurell K. Hamilton's work as well Anne Bishop's "Blood" books, I kind of liked it. The characters were decently drawn and their motivation well explained despite the fact that the driving force of the story is pretty much sex for power, for healing, for kicks . . . I'll probably search out the other two books in this series. Just out of curiosity, of course.
November 14, 2010
I have been reading a ton more anthologies than I have in the past! I haven’t read a standalone book from any of these authors, but after this I certainly will. I find that when I read anthologies there is usually one or sometimes two stories that stand out. In this book the stand out story was definitely Driftwood by Mary Janice Davidson. Picture me parked in the school parking lot waiting to pick up my kids, and snorting loudly with laughter. Weird Ohio weather made it possible to roll the car windows down at the end of October making my giggling easy to hear. Yeah, I got some crazy looks. The story centers around a male rogue werewolf and a loner female vampire. The conversations between these two had me giggling nonstop. Burke Wolftaur (yeah a werewolf named Wolftaur) is so laid back, so duhhhhhhhhhh and Serena Crull is so in your face, girrrrrrlllll no you didn’t! Yeah do you get me? It’s hilarious. I will be picking up one of her full length books as soon as I can!
Moon Dance by Angela Knight was also incredibly good. This was a fast paced novella about werewolf politics. Seems they are just as cut throat as human politics. Go figure. Elena is being forced to marry her biggest nightmare, a werewolf by the same of Stephan. He is vicious and will stop at nothing to impregnate Elena to further their pure blood lines. Only one other alpha can stand up against him. A turned human and cop, Lucas. Lucas is most definitely all alpha and when approached for help by Elena he vows to protect her. The sex is hot and the action is intense. It was over way to quickly for me.
Between The Mountain and The Moon by Virginia Kantra had me torn. I felt there was a too much back story and other realm politics, which made the story hard to follow. While the main characters certainly connected in the hidden hot spring, I as the reader wasn’t feeling it. The world she portrayed was well done but the interactions left me slightly cold. I haven’t given up on Kantra though. She has some mermaid shifter stories that I have had my eye on for a while.
The last novella in the book is Mona Lisa Three by Sunny. This is a story of a mix blood queen looking to take her place among the hierarchy of her people. The entire novella I felt like I was missing something…like understanding. I didn’t understand what was going on half the time…until people starting taking their clothes off. I give her credit for writing a menage scene that I had yet to read before. However, I felt completely unconnected to the rest of the story. From reading the Amazon setup I gather this is a sequel. Based on this one though I will probably just let it lie….and look for something else by the author to try.
All in all Knight’s and Davidson’s stories are a reason to pick this one up!
Moon Dance by Angela Knight was also incredibly good. This was a fast paced novella about werewolf politics. Seems they are just as cut throat as human politics. Go figure. Elena is being forced to marry her biggest nightmare, a werewolf by the same of Stephan. He is vicious and will stop at nothing to impregnate Elena to further their pure blood lines. Only one other alpha can stand up against him. A turned human and cop, Lucas. Lucas is most definitely all alpha and when approached for help by Elena he vows to protect her. The sex is hot and the action is intense. It was over way to quickly for me.
Between The Mountain and The Moon by Virginia Kantra had me torn. I felt there was a too much back story and other realm politics, which made the story hard to follow. While the main characters certainly connected in the hidden hot spring, I as the reader wasn’t feeling it. The world she portrayed was well done but the interactions left me slightly cold. I haven’t given up on Kantra though. She has some mermaid shifter stories that I have had my eye on for a while.
The last novella in the book is Mona Lisa Three by Sunny. This is a story of a mix blood queen looking to take her place among the hierarchy of her people. The entire novella I felt like I was missing something…like understanding. I didn’t understand what was going on half the time…until people starting taking their clothes off. I give her credit for writing a menage scene that I had yet to read before. However, I felt completely unconnected to the rest of the story. From reading the Amazon setup I gather this is a sequel. Based on this one though I will probably just let it lie….and look for something else by the author to try.
All in all Knight’s and Davidson’s stories are a reason to pick this one up!
March 24, 2008
While entertaining, I felt these stories were over before they even began. Sometimes it's surprising how fast these characters fall in love, but if I don't think about it, then it becomes a very enjoyable romance. :) I felt that Sunny, the author of Mona Lisa Three, used her page limit to it's best potential. I felt the novella was really developed. This could be because the story was a sequel and she had room to just continue from the original.
January 2, 2019
There are four stories in this book. They are:
1. Moon Dance by Angela Knight (Mageverse, #7)
2. Between the Mountain and the Moon by Virginia Kantra
3. Driftwood by MaryJanice Davidson
4. Mona Lisa Three by Sunny
One day, I'll get around to reading this book... ;-)
1. Moon Dance by Angela Knight (Mageverse, #7)
2. Between the Mountain and the Moon by Virginia Kantra
3. Driftwood by MaryJanice Davidson
4. Mona Lisa Three by Sunny
One day, I'll get around to reading this book... ;-)
May 28, 2023
It amazes me how disappointing this anthology is considering I have read and generally liked stories written by most of these authors.
Moon Dance by Angela Knight
I generally like Angela Knight's stories and have sought out her books in the past, but this story, even for a novella, is way too simplistic. A woman seeks help from a man against her would-be fiancé, while also asks him to get her pregnant. Uh...that's a bit much even for me.
Between the Mountain and the Moon by Virginia Kantra
I think this is the best story in this book. It's loosely related to Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and the Wild Hunt. I wish the author would spend a bit more time on the mythology of the Wild Hunt. What I don't get is - why does she even like him? He manipulates her for revenge and doesn't even try to be gentle with her.
Driftwood by MaryJanice Davidson
This is the worst one of the bunch. The two characters are extremely unlikable. Both Burke and Serena are also really goofy and immature. While her reason for revenge is probably justified, the way it's told makes her seems very childish. And the story concludes really too easily.
Mona Lisa Three by Sunny
What is the point of this story? It doesn't really go anywhere. Sure there is some sort of conclusion, but I just want to go "so?" Lucinda shows up a couple of times and then she just leaves. She has two lovers. There are several others who want to be her lovers. Again, so what?
Moon Dance by Angela Knight
I generally like Angela Knight's stories and have sought out her books in the past, but this story, even for a novella, is way too simplistic. A woman seeks help from a man against her would-be fiancé, while also asks him to get her pregnant. Uh...that's a bit much even for me.
Between the Mountain and the Moon by Virginia Kantra
I think this is the best story in this book. It's loosely related to Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and the Wild Hunt. I wish the author would spend a bit more time on the mythology of the Wild Hunt. What I don't get is - why does she even like him? He manipulates her for revenge and doesn't even try to be gentle with her.
Driftwood by MaryJanice Davidson
This is the worst one of the bunch. The two characters are extremely unlikable. Both Burke and Serena are also really goofy and immature. While her reason for revenge is probably justified, the way it's told makes her seems very childish. And the story concludes really too easily.
Mona Lisa Three by Sunny
What is the point of this story? It doesn't really go anywhere. Sure there is some sort of conclusion, but I just want to go "so?" Lucinda shows up a couple of times and then she just leaves. She has two lovers. There are several others who want to be her lovers. Again, so what?
September 14, 2018
This was a wild and fun book. Something you can read in the waiting room. Four novellas of romance and the supernatural. This wasn't something I say is memorable, but it was delightful to pass the time. Werewolves, Fae, and dark Queens.
Full Review:
https://beentherereadthat.blog/2018/0...
Full Review:
https://beentherereadthat.blog/2018/0...
May 2, 2023
Interesting introductions to a few authors
I found each of the stories somewhat related yet each one has a different focus and stands on their own strengths and merits. I will likely look for more of a taste if I can find the early works still available.
I found each of the stories somewhat related yet each one has a different focus and stands on their own strengths and merits. I will likely look for more of a taste if I can find the early works still available.
October 5, 2018
Two and a half stars ⭐️⭐️ As quite often happens with anthologies, it’s hit or miss. “Moon Dance” was my favorite and “Mona Lisa” my least - so implausible.
November 11, 2018
Knight's story was well-written.
November 21, 2020
Grabbed this for the MaryJanice Story was pleasantly surprised by the others. I didn't read the Sunny story, started it but didn't get into it.
April 30, 2021
Over The Moon, a very good read!
Usually I select a book consisting of short stories because I like a couple of the authors. With Over The Moon, I liked all the authors.
Usually I select a book consisting of short stories because I like a couple of the authors. With Over The Moon, I liked all the authors.
December 11, 2021
The first couple of story were decent but towards the end I couldn't get in to them and ended up not finishing it.
December 24, 2022
I liked it.
December 14, 2024
Good novellas, enjoyed all thoroughly!
February 11, 2011
- Moon Dance by Angela Knight
Lucas Rolling of the Harrisville Police Department had been bitten. Now that he was a Direkind (werewolf) his size and strength showed him to be an alpha type. An alpha was what Elena Livingston needed if she wanted out of the marriage her aging father had just arranged for her.
**** Book 3.5 ….. Really enjoyed Lucas and Elena in this story. A few different approaches to were-lore making this a story that I would like to see more of. The magic of Merlin angle and the hierarchy of the Chosen was only barely touched on, but very interesting. Turns out this is just a novella (short story) in the Mageverse series, I really need to get Masters of the Night (the first full sized book of the series).
- Between the Mountain and the Moon by Virginia Kantra
Deciding that a hike on the Appalachian Trail might help focus on the rest of her life, Cait MacLean headed out with a few friends. Getting separated from her friends and meeting other hikers, she found herself doing things that normally she would have put more thought into. Meeting her on the mountain trail had gone as planned but seeing her, getting to know her made Rhys realize that he wanted to change the rest of the plans.
**** The fairy tale world comes to life for Cate and her family. Would have liked more information about how this fairy tale worked, most of the story I was curious then after I started to figure things out I found that it was a good combination of fairy tale, romance and suspense even if it did take a while to get to the good stuff. The authors note says that Cait’s mom & dads story can be found as a novella (Midsummer Nights Magic).
- Driftwood by MaryJanice Davidson
Finally finding where the vampire that trended her and killer her best friend was living, Serena Crull made her way to Cape Cod. Getting stuck in a sand put and finding no way out might have changed her plane for revenge if Burke Wolftaur hadn’t found her. Leaving her there was the hardest thing he had ever done, but the full moon was rising and he was about to change. Coming back to dig her out and only expecting to find her body, he was surprised and became devoted after finding her alive and mad.
*** Book 5.5 ….. I have had problems with the last book I read in the series that this is loosely connected to, but this novella was actually a bit better. Not sure how Serena got stuck in the sand pit but I did enjoy the unique meeting it prompted. Burke had many sides to him, something I thought him stupid and the sometimes kind but overall I liked him as the strong beta he was. Liked Serena’s understanding and accepting side that she showed at the end of the story more than her attitude in the beginning. Still stumbling with the writing style of this author, it seems to take a lot of getting use to.
- Mona Lisa Three by Sunny
Preparing to leave the city and find her new home, Mona Lisa found her mother Mona Sera asking a favor. Healing Beldar was not something she wanted to do considering what he had tried to do to her. With the help of her personal guards Gryphon, Amber and Chami, she may be able to get them all out of the city alive and together.
*** Book 2 ….. What a strange series. Might be that I haven’t read enough to understand it, but for the most part I find it (the character of Mona Lisa) an excuse to have a another sex scene. Don’t understand the appeal of Mona Lisa other than her gift of healing. Again maybe because I have only read this series (Monere: Children of the Moon) in a couple of novellas. I might be missing something. It was interesting enough that I will probably find Mona Lisa Awakening, the first novel of the series.
Lucas Rolling of the Harrisville Police Department had been bitten. Now that he was a Direkind (werewolf) his size and strength showed him to be an alpha type. An alpha was what Elena Livingston needed if she wanted out of the marriage her aging father had just arranged for her.
**** Book 3.5 ….. Really enjoyed Lucas and Elena in this story. A few different approaches to were-lore making this a story that I would like to see more of. The magic of Merlin angle and the hierarchy of the Chosen was only barely touched on, but very interesting. Turns out this is just a novella (short story) in the Mageverse series, I really need to get Masters of the Night (the first full sized book of the series).
- Between the Mountain and the Moon by Virginia Kantra
Deciding that a hike on the Appalachian Trail might help focus on the rest of her life, Cait MacLean headed out with a few friends. Getting separated from her friends and meeting other hikers, she found herself doing things that normally she would have put more thought into. Meeting her on the mountain trail had gone as planned but seeing her, getting to know her made Rhys realize that he wanted to change the rest of the plans.
**** The fairy tale world comes to life for Cate and her family. Would have liked more information about how this fairy tale worked, most of the story I was curious then after I started to figure things out I found that it was a good combination of fairy tale, romance and suspense even if it did take a while to get to the good stuff. The authors note says that Cait’s mom & dads story can be found as a novella (Midsummer Nights Magic).
- Driftwood by MaryJanice Davidson
Finally finding where the vampire that trended her and killer her best friend was living, Serena Crull made her way to Cape Cod. Getting stuck in a sand put and finding no way out might have changed her plane for revenge if Burke Wolftaur hadn’t found her. Leaving her there was the hardest thing he had ever done, but the full moon was rising and he was about to change. Coming back to dig her out and only expecting to find her body, he was surprised and became devoted after finding her alive and mad.
*** Book 5.5 ….. I have had problems with the last book I read in the series that this is loosely connected to, but this novella was actually a bit better. Not sure how Serena got stuck in the sand pit but I did enjoy the unique meeting it prompted. Burke had many sides to him, something I thought him stupid and the sometimes kind but overall I liked him as the strong beta he was. Liked Serena’s understanding and accepting side that she showed at the end of the story more than her attitude in the beginning. Still stumbling with the writing style of this author, it seems to take a lot of getting use to.
- Mona Lisa Three by Sunny
Preparing to leave the city and find her new home, Mona Lisa found her mother Mona Sera asking a favor. Healing Beldar was not something she wanted to do considering what he had tried to do to her. With the help of her personal guards Gryphon, Amber and Chami, she may be able to get them all out of the city alive and together.
*** Book 2 ….. What a strange series. Might be that I haven’t read enough to understand it, but for the most part I find it (the character of Mona Lisa) an excuse to have a another sex scene. Don’t understand the appeal of Mona Lisa other than her gift of healing. Again maybe because I have only read this series (Monere: Children of the Moon) in a couple of novellas. I might be missing something. It was interesting enough that I will probably find Mona Lisa Awakening, the first novel of the series.
October 6, 2022
Everything about this anthology made me happy. Although one novella wasn't in a series that I've read before, they're all by authors on my shelves that I genuinely enjoy. All four tales were steamy and yummy. They had great aspects of the paranormal in them. And, most importantly, each and every one of these tales can easily be read alone, even if you have no idea about the rest of the series.
Reading this was like a great walk through a familiar neighbourhood. Knight, Davidson, and Sunny's series represented in this anthology are in my shelves, ready to go. In fact, reading these novellas bumped those books up my TBR. And even Kantra's tale has another novella sitting on my shelves ready to go. And it acted as a reminder to finish another series by her that I've begun.
I seriously adored this collection of four novellas. They were perfect read on my kobo late at night when I wasn't really ready to do the whole going to sleep thing. Long enough to enthral me, but short enough that I could start and finish them right before falling asleep. A great anthology, one that I will most definitely look forward to reading again and again.
For individual reviews, head to: https://earthandskye.org/over-the-moo...
Reading this was like a great walk through a familiar neighbourhood. Knight, Davidson, and Sunny's series represented in this anthology are in my shelves, ready to go. In fact, reading these novellas bumped those books up my TBR. And even Kantra's tale has another novella sitting on my shelves ready to go. And it acted as a reminder to finish another series by her that I've begun.
I seriously adored this collection of four novellas. They were perfect read on my kobo late at night when I wasn't really ready to do the whole going to sleep thing. Long enough to enthral me, but short enough that I could start and finish them right before falling asleep. A great anthology, one that I will most definitely look forward to reading again and again.
For individual reviews, head to: https://earthandskye.org/over-the-moo...
April 18, 2008
All parts of a series (somewhat), and not bad at all!
Now, let's face it, there hasn't been a story by Angela Knight that I didn't like. This one was alright. Not the best that I've read but not the worst. I wish there'd been a little more to it. The couple came together way too fast, way too easy. Both knew what they wanted in life. The sex scenes and action scenes were well played out. Not bad at all!
The next was Virginia Kantra. While the name strikes me familiar, I can't remember if I ever read anything of hers. What I read here, though, I really liked. 'He' gives himself up to save the girl. Her parents should have been honest with her. She goes back to save him. The perfect story. It was well written, the characters strong, a fantastic read.
Story #3 was by MaryJanice Davidson. Now, I've read a couple of her 'short-stories/anthologies', and the more I read, the more I wanted to get some of her books. But I really didn't like this one. It held nothing for me at all, and I don't know why. I really didn't feel a connection between the two main characters at all. To me, it felt like they ended up together cause it was just the way it was; I didn't feel anything between them. And the end didn't suit. You understand why she's going after the vamp who turned her and killed her friend, but the end of this story turned off what spark I had. I wasn't impressed... and you have no idea how hard it is for me to say that.
The last, by Sunny, was pretty neat. I'm actually thinking of picking up her novels. I could have done without one of the sex scenes in the novel. Not that there was something wrong with it, and I like a menage-a-trois (written tastefully) as much as the next person, but this one really didn't do it for me. But the entire story was intriguing. I'd never read her before, but I do believe I'll be picking up the 'Monere' series. I thought the characters strong - sort of like Laurell K. Hamilton's 'Anita Blake' series, but not quite. It has its own breath, its own appeal. I liked it.
Now, let's face it, there hasn't been a story by Angela Knight that I didn't like. This one was alright. Not the best that I've read but not the worst. I wish there'd been a little more to it. The couple came together way too fast, way too easy. Both knew what they wanted in life. The sex scenes and action scenes were well played out. Not bad at all!
The next was Virginia Kantra. While the name strikes me familiar, I can't remember if I ever read anything of hers. What I read here, though, I really liked. 'He' gives himself up to save the girl. Her parents should have been honest with her. She goes back to save him. The perfect story. It was well written, the characters strong, a fantastic read.
Story #3 was by MaryJanice Davidson. Now, I've read a couple of her 'short-stories/anthologies', and the more I read, the more I wanted to get some of her books. But I really didn't like this one. It held nothing for me at all, and I don't know why. I really didn't feel a connection between the two main characters at all. To me, it felt like they ended up together cause it was just the way it was; I didn't feel anything between them. And the end didn't suit. You understand why she's going after the vamp who turned her and killed her friend, but the end of this story turned off what spark I had. I wasn't impressed... and you have no idea how hard it is for me to say that.
The last, by Sunny, was pretty neat. I'm actually thinking of picking up her novels. I could have done without one of the sex scenes in the novel. Not that there was something wrong with it, and I like a menage-a-trois (written tastefully) as much as the next person, but this one really didn't do it for me. But the entire story was intriguing. I'd never read her before, but I do believe I'll be picking up the 'Monere' series. I thought the characters strong - sort of like Laurell K. Hamilton's 'Anita Blake' series, but not quite. It has its own breath, its own appeal. I liked it.
May 1, 2009
Four short stories by different authors. All with hot supernatural men-types in them. Yum! I'm only in the second story but I'm already giving the book 4 stars... sexy reading.
***
OK now that I'm done reading the book...
Story 1:
'Moon Dance' - by Angela Knight
One word: corny. The love scenes were good but the rest of the plot was hazy. I felt like I started in the middle of a story with no background on the context. I won't bother reading anything else by this author.
Story 2:
'Between the Mountain and the Moon' - Virginia Kantra
I loved this one the best. It's unabashedly faerie tale all the way. I liked how she had separate worlds of magic and our world/real world. And how they overlapped. Reminded me a little of Harry Potter's world, how he has a normal/Muggle life and a magic life. I will seek out more writings by this author, good fantasy escape reading, just what I like.
Story 3:
'Driftwood' - MaryJanice Davidson
I liked her take on the vampire, different than the same old standard. I don't want to give it away. Story seemed too short to me, I'm not sure if it was because I wanted to read more or because she ended it too quickly. I'm midway on this one, decide for yourself.
Story 4:
'Mona Lisa Three' - Sunny
Very sexy (OK, X-rated) but also had a good plot. There is storyline before and after this part takes place, but I felt like I was getting a good understanding of who the characters were, and where they were in their life stories. I will definitely read more, she has a whole series involving these characters, and I can't wait to find the books!
Thanks to Michelle for lending me this book, it was a good intro to some different authors and styles.
***
OK now that I'm done reading the book...
Story 1:
'Moon Dance' - by Angela Knight
One word: corny. The love scenes were good but the rest of the plot was hazy. I felt like I started in the middle of a story with no background on the context. I won't bother reading anything else by this author.
Story 2:
'Between the Mountain and the Moon' - Virginia Kantra
I loved this one the best. It's unabashedly faerie tale all the way. I liked how she had separate worlds of magic and our world/real world. And how they overlapped. Reminded me a little of Harry Potter's world, how he has a normal/Muggle life and a magic life. I will seek out more writings by this author, good fantasy escape reading, just what I like.
Story 3:
'Driftwood' - MaryJanice Davidson
I liked her take on the vampire, different than the same old standard. I don't want to give it away. Story seemed too short to me, I'm not sure if it was because I wanted to read more or because she ended it too quickly. I'm midway on this one, decide for yourself.
Story 4:
'Mona Lisa Three' - Sunny
Very sexy (OK, X-rated) but also had a good plot. There is storyline before and after this part takes place, but I felt like I was getting a good understanding of who the characters were, and where they were in their life stories. I will definitely read more, she has a whole series involving these characters, and I can't wait to find the books!
Thanks to Michelle for lending me this book, it was a good intro to some different authors and styles.
February 5, 2010
Angela Knight's story was great! I loved it. 5 stars. her werewolves are the best! I'm not sure I understand the rules to her Mageverse, though. The one in Shifter was sci-fi future-y. One was fae and dragons. This was present-day. A female blue-blood of the direwolf Chosen is used by her father to secure power in their council. He plans to marry her off to the cruel stephen, but she runs after he tries to rape her, and she enlists Lucas' help...a Bitten cop. They have great sex, beat the bad guys and try to change the medieval thinking of the direwolves.
The next story is Virginia Kantra's, and I loved it! She writes of a girl backpacking through the mountains, but who unknowingly stumbles into the realm of the Fae. The man who helps her is a son of the Queen, but his mission is to bind her to him and then deliver her to the Queen. Turns out Cait is daughter to one of the Queen's former lovers who got away, but the queen wants revenge. Well, Rhys seduces her, but falls for her, then can't give her up. The queen exacts her revenge on Rhys, and Cait tries to save him.
Mary Janice davidson writes of a vampire who gets tangled up with a werewolf and they go after another vampire to kill him. It's okay, not that great.
Sunny writes of her Monere series. Queen Mona Lisa is a 21 yr old human/ fae queen. Her mother Mona Sera is an evil queen who sends her newly discovered daughter to post-Katrina NOLA, expecting her to have a hard time with the people there. You have to get the next in the series to find out, but the menage sex is really hot! yep, you heard me, 2 hot men, one hot chick.
The next story is Virginia Kantra's, and I loved it! She writes of a girl backpacking through the mountains, but who unknowingly stumbles into the realm of the Fae. The man who helps her is a son of the Queen, but his mission is to bind her to him and then deliver her to the Queen. Turns out Cait is daughter to one of the Queen's former lovers who got away, but the queen wants revenge. Well, Rhys seduces her, but falls for her, then can't give her up. The queen exacts her revenge on Rhys, and Cait tries to save him.
Mary Janice davidson writes of a vampire who gets tangled up with a werewolf and they go after another vampire to kill him. It's okay, not that great.
Sunny writes of her Monere series. Queen Mona Lisa is a 21 yr old human/ fae queen. Her mother Mona Sera is an evil queen who sends her newly discovered daughter to post-Katrina NOLA, expecting her to have a hard time with the people there. You have to get the next in the series to find out, but the menage sex is really hot! yep, you heard me, 2 hot men, one hot chick.
November 14, 2012
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book.
I've never read anything by Angela Knight before, but I really liked her story MOON DANCE. I was intrigued by her Direwolfs and the world they live in, and plan to look up more of her books.
BETWEEN THE MOUNTAIN AND THE MOON, by Virginia Kantra, was an interesting story, but didn't appeal to me simply because of my preconceived notions of the sidhe world. In this story they seem evil, and that threw me off, but the premise of the story was a good one.
MaryJanice Davidson's story, DRIFTWOOD, was the reason I got the book in the first place. It's another fun, short, sarcastically funny read in typcial MJD style.
I've never read anything by Sunny, so I had no preconceptions when I began reading MONA LISA THREE. I have to say that I loved it -- and that I'm also surprised that the author hasn't been sued for blatant plagiarism by Laurell K. Hamilton. Sunny has taken every single plot element from both the Anita Blake and Meredith Gentry series' and placed them into her world of Mona Lisa and the Monere. Since I enjoy LKH, that's no doubt the reason I love Sunny's story. It's even more sexually erotic than LKH's stories, and I really like her world that revolves around a group of people who get their power from the moon. But at the same time it's so much like LKH's worlds that you get a distinct feeling of deja vu with each paragraph. I'm still going to look up her first two books featuring Mona Lisa and the Monere -- before the lawyers come knocking at Sunny's door.
I've never read anything by Angela Knight before, but I really liked her story MOON DANCE. I was intrigued by her Direwolfs and the world they live in, and plan to look up more of her books.
BETWEEN THE MOUNTAIN AND THE MOON, by Virginia Kantra, was an interesting story, but didn't appeal to me simply because of my preconceived notions of the sidhe world. In this story they seem evil, and that threw me off, but the premise of the story was a good one.
MaryJanice Davidson's story, DRIFTWOOD, was the reason I got the book in the first place. It's another fun, short, sarcastically funny read in typcial MJD style.
I've never read anything by Sunny, so I had no preconceptions when I began reading MONA LISA THREE. I have to say that I loved it -- and that I'm also surprised that the author hasn't been sued for blatant plagiarism by Laurell K. Hamilton. Sunny has taken every single plot element from both the Anita Blake and Meredith Gentry series' and placed them into her world of Mona Lisa and the Monere. Since I enjoy LKH, that's no doubt the reason I love Sunny's story. It's even more sexually erotic than LKH's stories, and I really like her world that revolves around a group of people who get their power from the moon. But at the same time it's so much like LKH's worlds that you get a distinct feeling of deja vu with each paragraph. I'm still going to look up her first two books featuring Mona Lisa and the Monere -- before the lawyers come knocking at Sunny's door.
January 22, 2015
1) Angela Knight. My first introduction to her: Lady heroine, female werewolf in heat, ran away from an arranged marriage to ugly mean werewolf dude, bumps into/is rescued by hotass sexy yummy werewolf police officer. Pregnancy is involved.
2)Confusing story about staying in the forest and not being able to get out or something or other, I forget..
BIG SPOILER (I basically tell you everything..)
3)MJD's story!!! FINALLY FOUND IT!!! All I remember is this chick, this vamp chick, fell in a hole and werewolf dude jumped down, he's claustrophobic, he couldn't stand it anymore and changed, jumped out of the hole, left vamp chick, came back a few nights later, she's still stuck in the hole but she's been buried now (by people/kids on the beach) Anyhoo she bit him, ran away, he followed and wouldn't let her go because he'd fallen in love or something or other. I reallly liked this story. I remember her being gutsy admirable and strong and likable and Mouthy. He was adorable, puppy-dog cute, hot, funny, a little/or was it a lot(?) possessive and I wanted him.
4)Mona Lisa and that one guy who I PREFER A GREAT DEAL M.O.R.R.R.R.E. than D-guy/Dontaine.. YEP.
If I were to buy this book it would be for MJD's story.
If I were to pick this up and read it again (which I will) it would be for MJD's story then Sunny's then Ms. Knight and maybe skim through the other story too.
2)Confusing story about staying in the forest and not being able to get out or something or other, I forget..
BIG SPOILER (I basically tell you everything..)
3)MJD's story!!! FINALLY FOUND IT!!! All I remember is this chick, this vamp chick, fell in a hole and werewolf dude jumped down, he's claustrophobic, he couldn't stand it anymore and changed, jumped out of the hole, left vamp chick, came back a few nights later, she's still stuck in the hole but she's been buried now (by people/kids on the beach) Anyhoo she bit him, ran away, he followed and wouldn't let her go because he'd fallen in love or something or other. I reallly liked this story. I remember her being gutsy admirable and strong and likable and Mouthy. He was adorable, puppy-dog cute, hot, funny, a little/or was it a lot(?) possessive and I wanted him.
4)Mona Lisa and that one guy who I PREFER A GREAT DEAL M.O.R.R.R.R.E. than D-guy/Dontaine.. YEP.
If I were to buy this book it would be for MJD's story.
If I were to pick this up and read it again (which I will) it would be for MJD's story then Sunny's then Ms. Knight and maybe skim through the other story too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2013
Angela Knight's Mageverse novella happens further along in the series than I've read, and so don't quite understand how good werewolves fit into that fictional universe, but Lucas Hollings and Elena Livingston are easy to root for. Their tale is a heroic one in the truest sense of the word.
Virginia Kantra's sequel to her previous novella "Midsummer Night's Magic" continues to dramatize the cruelty and caprice of the Fae, contrasting more powerfully the sacrificial love that triumphs over that cruelty. Kantra also has a gift for lyricism in her prose that enhances the otherworldly setting for her story. She falters a little in her development of the relationship between Caitlin and Rhys leaving it unconvincing that they have come to care for each other deeply enough to sacrifice so dearly for each other.
MaryJanice Davidson's "Driftwood," is an entertaining story about one of the Wyndham werewolves.
"Mona Lisa Three" by Sunny draws on previous novels in her series, so it takes a little scrambling to follow if, like me, the reader is unfamiliar with them. Still despite the story being quite a bit more sexually graphic than I am comfortable with, the story and the title character drew me in and made me care about what was happening.
Virginia Kantra's sequel to her previous novella "Midsummer Night's Magic" continues to dramatize the cruelty and caprice of the Fae, contrasting more powerfully the sacrificial love that triumphs over that cruelty. Kantra also has a gift for lyricism in her prose that enhances the otherworldly setting for her story. She falters a little in her development of the relationship between Caitlin and Rhys leaving it unconvincing that they have come to care for each other deeply enough to sacrifice so dearly for each other.
MaryJanice Davidson's "Driftwood," is an entertaining story about one of the Wyndham werewolves.
"Mona Lisa Three" by Sunny draws on previous novels in her series, so it takes a little scrambling to follow if, like me, the reader is unfamiliar with them. Still despite the story being quite a bit more sexually graphic than I am comfortable with, the story and the title character drew me in and made me care about what was happening.
September 13, 2016
Moon Dance by Angela Knight - 2 stars
Between the Mountain and the Moon by Virginia Kantra - 3 stars
Driftwood by MaryJanice Davidson - 3 stars
Mona Lisa Three by Sunny - 2 stars
Between the Mountain and the Moon by Virginia Kantra - 3 stars
Driftwood by MaryJanice Davidson - 3 stars
Mona Lisa Three by Sunny - 2 stars
September 20, 2015
Four novellas by well-known PNR authors:
1. Angela Knight: Moon Dance Revisit the Mageverse world=this story focuses on Direkind on Earth, and we learn more about its history, and of course, enjoy a hot romance.
2. Virginia Kantra: Between the Mountain and the Moon Meet the Sidhe in North America: This is a bit different from her Children of the Sea series, but it continues another short story she wrote. In this, some rather unusual things happen on a hiking trip, and Cait learns some interesting things about her parents.
3. MaryJanice Davidson: Driftwood One of Queen Betsy's vamps is on a quest, and meets a werewolf along the way with unexpected results.
4. Sunny: Mona Lisa Three Mona Lisa is preparing her move to Louisiana, but has an unexpected visitor and task to finish before she and her entourage can leave.
I really enjoyed #1 & #2 and regularly read those authors. #3 & Queen Betsy just aren't my "thing" but it was a good short story. #4 was also OK, and wouldn't mind picking up some of her others, but won't rush out to buy.
1. Angela Knight: Moon Dance Revisit the Mageverse world=this story focuses on Direkind on Earth, and we learn more about its history, and of course, enjoy a hot romance.
2. Virginia Kantra: Between the Mountain and the Moon Meet the Sidhe in North America: This is a bit different from her Children of the Sea series, but it continues another short story she wrote. In this, some rather unusual things happen on a hiking trip, and Cait learns some interesting things about her parents.
3. MaryJanice Davidson: Driftwood One of Queen Betsy's vamps is on a quest, and meets a werewolf along the way with unexpected results.
4. Sunny: Mona Lisa Three Mona Lisa is preparing her move to Louisiana, but has an unexpected visitor and task to finish before she and her entourage can leave.
I really enjoyed #1 & #2 and regularly read those authors. #3 & Queen Betsy just aren't my "thing" but it was a good short story. #4 was also OK, and wouldn't mind picking up some of her others, but won't rush out to buy.
March 10, 2012
I only read two of the stories. Moon Dance & Between the Moon and the Mountain. I really liked Moon Dance. I appreciated that Elena was trying to fight the patriarchal system of werewolf hierarchy but I was sad that she didn't want to share rule. Seriously you find super hot dude that doesn't buy into the idea that he's superior to you and then you act like he's not worthy of anything but making you pregnant? GRRR! Other than that Lucas and Elena are fun and crazy sexy together.
After reading Between the Moon in the Mountain I couldn't read the rest of the anthology. I'm not a fairy land person. And even though this story isn't the stuff of fairytales it also wasn't as interesting to me. For me the story didn't flow. I think that because I don't know the mythology around the beings described that I didn't connect with the story. The sex scenes weren't hot and too much lying and deception on the part of the hero.
After reading Between the Moon in the Mountain I couldn't read the rest of the anthology. I'm not a fairy land person. And even though this story isn't the stuff of fairytales it also wasn't as interesting to me. For me the story didn't flow. I think that because I don't know the mythology around the beings described that I didn't connect with the story. The sex scenes weren't hot and too much lying and deception on the part of the hero.
February 2, 2016
Moon Dance by Angela Knight: Even though I'm not a big fan of the furry paranormal stories, I loved this story. It had everything I look for in a full novel: plot, strong leads, suspense and plenty of steaminess. IMO the best of the four stories.
Between the Mountain and the Moon by Virginia Kantra: More like a fairy tale. Also enjoyed this story.
Driftwood by MaryJanice Davidson: Maybe I'm just getting tired of MJD's sarcastic style, but I agree with other reviewers. She phoned this one in. I wouldn't even bother reading it.
Mona Lisa Three by Sunny: Just OK. Although the more I read the more I started to list the ways this storyline is similar to Laurel K. Hamilton's Merry Gentry series. There are so many similarities that I'm frankly surprised she hasn't been sued for copyright infringement. Oh well, given the very slow pace that LKH's books are progressing at, this is a decent substitute and I'll probably read more of Sunny's books just for that reason.
Between the Mountain and the Moon by Virginia Kantra: More like a fairy tale. Also enjoyed this story.
Driftwood by MaryJanice Davidson: Maybe I'm just getting tired of MJD's sarcastic style, but I agree with other reviewers. She phoned this one in. I wouldn't even bother reading it.
Mona Lisa Three by Sunny: Just OK. Although the more I read the more I started to list the ways this storyline is similar to Laurel K. Hamilton's Merry Gentry series. There are so many similarities that I'm frankly surprised she hasn't been sued for copyright infringement. Oh well, given the very slow pace that LKH's books are progressing at, this is a decent substitute and I'll probably read more of Sunny's books just for that reason.
May 31, 2009
I enjoy anthologies as they almost always help me discover a previously unknown author whose work impresses me enough to look out for more works him or her. This was the case with "Between the Mountain and the Moon" by Virginia Kantra, a story of overlapping fae/human worlds and what happens when a hiker goes astray on mountain trail. And "Driftwood" by MaryJanice Davidson was pleasant, especially since this is the first piece I've read by her. Angela Knight's werewolf bit was okay - a little over the top. Angela Knight was the only author I've read before, so I was prepared to expect a steamy story. As for the Sunny story, another first author for me, I couldn't even finish it.
August 31, 2011
This review is only for the Angela Knight story in this anthology titled Moon Dance. It's part of the Mageverse series, which I'm reading for the second (in some cases third) time. The story of Lucas and Elena is short and hot as needed for an anthology, but that creates a few problems. Once again, Angela Knight has her characters making an emotional plunge into a serious lifelong commitment out of necessity rather than desire. They've known each other less than a full day when it happens, which makes a mockery of such a spiritual event in my opinion. Other than that, this story fits well into the series even though it doesn't move the story line along at all.
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