Eight paranormal short stories by the fabulous authors of Romantic Edge Books! Supernatural and sizzling, this is one set you don't want to miss.
Masked (A Gwen Sparks short story) by Stephanie Nelson When Gregory Arthur—a tiger shifter—hires Gwen for Halloween night, she and Dorian must figure out why Gregory’s daughter is haunting his house before the suspected murderer figures them out. But like everything in Gwen’s life, not everything is as it seems. If she’s not careful, she may be the killer’s next victim.
Temporal Tango (Miss Series Short) by C.G. Powell Since Tango’s birth as a human, his mind has been charmed to forget most of his past. What secrets will be reviled when the spell is broken at midnight on the eve of Veronica’s eighteenth birthday? Immortal life as a cat was not all that it was cracked up to be, and somethings are better left forgotten.
Fire&Ice (A Little Flame Short, #7.5) by Melissa Lummis Fiamette Jurato isn't your everyday healer, but even she's never seen this particular problem before. And it doesn't help that her patient is a stubborn jackass of a troll. Seriously. A real troll. A spoonful of sugar can't make the medicine go down when the patient would rather die than swallow his pride.
Moon Dust (The Werevamp Diaries-1) by Olivia Hardin When Magical And Undead Creatures cross paths with humans, sometimes they get hurt. That's when Rhiannon, doctor to the paranormal world, steps into action. What she doesn't expect is to get an urgent call from her secret crush. Risking her life to grant him a favor might not be the smartest decision she's ever made, but sometimes love means taking chances.
Unforgettable (A Serendipity/Recipe for Death Short) by Tawdra Kandle When seers at Carruthers Institute sense impending world doom, Cathryn Whitmore sends for her top agents. Their mission could help battle the forces of evil, but it's also going to sorely test their love for each other--especially when someone from the past makes a surprise appearance.
Curse of the Tolomato Cemetery (Olde City Angels) by Mandie Stevens Eva and Thomas are used to dealing with things that go bump in the night, but on an unexpected day off, the last thing they expect to encounter are vampire pirates--and Thomas' old flame. When the vampires capture that ex-lover, the two must brave a haunted cemetery to stop the quest and save the day.
Disguise (Secrets of the Succubus) by Amanda Latzel Gisele Green’s lifestyle comes with nice perks--hello, unlimited orgasms–-but on All Hallows’ Eve not even expensive cosmetics can hide the succubus inside. Usually she’d stay hidden from public view, but this year she’s blackmailed into being part of the festivities. With all eyes on her, she must maintain her disguise, or lose the life she loves in the human world.
Knead to Know by Liz Schulte Maggie Edwards can’t sleep, eat, or die—but, she can bake. However, just before the Halloween grand opening of her bakery, a pesky reporter witnesses an accident in her kitchen and gets a little too close to the truth. If she can’t convince him to keep quiet, not only will she lose her chance at happiness, but they both could lose their lives.
As this is a compilation of short stories by several different authors, I'm going to make mini reviews of each short story, and offer a rating for each of the stories.
Temporal Tango (3.5 stars)
This is the first thing I've read by CG Powell. I wasn't sure what to expect from it, but I found the characters and world very well developed. There were several errors that caught my eye, and detracted from the overall polish of the story. I do wish that the author had chosen to use a different method to share the information in the story.
Curse of the Tolomato Cemetery (5 stars)
This is the first writing that I've read of Mandie Stevens. The story, even though clearly part of her world, stands well on its own, and it paints a clear picture of Eva and Thomas without having needed to read the series. There's a wonderful mix of humor, suspense, and action that carries the reader straight through the story. And, if you're like me, it leaves you wanting more. I will definitely be picking up the Olde City Angels series
Unforgettable (4 stars)
This is my second foray into the world of Tawdra Kandle. The story takes place well after the first book of hers I read, Serendipity. Where the story stands on its own quite a bit, it does feel that reading of her other novels would help make better sense, as the short story pulls heavily from the plot of Serendipity at times. The characters are very well rounded, and Tawdra's writing is top notch. The biggest reason I'm not rating it higher is that I get the feeling that I missed something for having not read the Recipe for Death series.
Moon Dust (4 stars)
I really enjoyed this Olivia Hardin short. The diary entries bookending the story are hilarious and fun, and I got a sense that it was connected to Olivia's Lynlee series without feeling like I was missing a part of the story for not having read that yet. Rhiannon is a fun character, with a big heart, and I look forward to finding out more about her in both Lynlee's series, and maybe further installments of her diary.
Knead to Know (4.5 stars)
Liz Schulte's short is a fun new addition to her world of the Abyss. Maggie is a sweet character, trying to cling to what she can of her life. I love the attention of detail that is given towards the baking craft, and how she keeps foisting her goods on others. Cameos from other Abyss characters are well placed without overshadowing Maggie. Really, my only complaint is with the "villain" of the story, and that was more that the character felt rushed into their actions. Otherwise, this was a great, fun read.
Disguise (5 stars)
This was my first exposure to Amanda Latzel, and I cannot wait to read more by her. This was such a well-contained short story that left me wanting to read more of her world. I loved the dynamic between Giselle and Killian, and the little mystery that is unraveling in Gutensburg is fascinating to watch. Before I knew it, I devoured the entire short story. I hope she is working on more for the world, as I would love to read more.
Fire&Ice (4 stars)
This was a fascinating short story by Melissa Lummis. The story is clearly integral to the ebb and flow of her Little Flame series, and that actually is the only reason that I rate this a 4 star rather than a 5. This short story does not stand well on its own, and as someone who hasn't read any of the series previously, it was clear that the short story was built on a foundation that the reader would have some pre-existing knowledge. I am curious to know more, and I will likely check out the first of the series to see if it is something that I would be interested in reading 7 books of. If you're already a fan of her series, though, this is a must read
Masked (4 stars)
This is a fun short story, exploring the further adventures of Gwen Sparks. This story takes place later in Stephanie Nelson's series, so if you're not current, there could be spoilers for the development of certain characters. The short story itself is fun, engaging, and it takes the reader for several twists and turns. The ending was the only disappointing bit for me, overall, but it kept the story light and fun.
WOW - what an amazing selection of stories by some awfully amazing authors!!!
Temporal Tango by CG Powell OMG - another awesome story by CG Powell!!! Since Tango’s birth as a human, his mind has been charmed to forget most of his past. BUT when he turns 18, he gets the spell broken that hides his memories. What he learns is amazing!!!
Curse of Tolomato Cemetery by Mandie Stevens OMG - I have always loved Mandie Stevens books and believe me when I say that this one again does NOT disappoint!!! Eva and Thomas are used to dealing with things that go bump in the night, but on an unexpected day off, the last thing they expect to encounter are vampire pirates--and Thomas' old flame. And beware when you read this, because you will think you are hearing around you what is going on the story!!!
Unforgettable by Tawdra Kandle WOOHOO - Tawdra Kandle has got to be one of my favorite authors and it amazes me how she just keeps the good stories going!!! When seers at Carruthers Institute sense impending world doom, Cathryn Whitmore sends for her top agents. Not only does this story keep you on the edge of your seat but OMG she leaves you with a cliffhanger and lets you know that the story continues in another book to be released soon.
Knead to Know by Liz Schulte Liz Schulte is definitely another one of my favorite authors and she too keeps writing some of the most amazing stories!! Maggie Edwards can’t sleep, eat, or die—but, she can bake. However, just before the Halloween grand opening of her bakery, a pesky reporter witnesses an accident in her kitchen and gets a little too close to the truth. And the story behind what she did and what she does will have you sitting on the edge of your seat throughout!!!
Moon Dust by Olivia Hardin WOW - yet another one of my favorite authors has a short story in this book!!! This is like hitting a JACKPOT for me!!! When Magical And Undead Creatures cross paths with humans, sometimes they get hurt. That's when Rhiannon, doctor to the paranormal world, steps into action. You will stay on the edge of your seat wondering if the good doctor will get what she needs in time????
Disguise by Amanda Latzel DANG - another new author for me -- and believe me Amanda Latzel is awesome if she writes other stories as she writes this one!!! Gisele Green’s lifestyle comes with nice perks--hello, unlimited orgasms–-but on All Hallows’ Eve not even expensive cosmetics can hide the succubus inside. The detail that Amanda writes this story with will amaze you and totally catch you off guard when you try to figure out exactly what is going on in Gisele's establishment!!!
Fire & Ice #7.5 by Melissa Lummis OMG - this was unreal!!! Now I need to look for more by Melissa Lummis!!! Fiamette Jurato isn't your everyday healer, but even she's never seen this particular problem before. I was amazed at the detailed descriptions that Melissa included in this story and how she kept my interest from beginning to end!!!
Masked A Gwen Sparks Short Story by Stephanie Nelson Wow - this was an awesome story. Never read anything by Stephanie Nelson before but I can guarantee that I will be looking to read more from her in the future. When Gregory Arthur—a tiger shifter—hires Gwen for Halloween night, she and Dorian must figure out why Gregory’s daughter is haunting his house before the suspected murderer figures them out. The things that Gwen goes through at the party is unreal and will totally catch you off guard. But even though this is just a very short story - it will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
TEMPORAL TANGO - CG Powell A spell placed on Tango is about to lift and reveal memories that have been hidden from him, secrets will be revealed ..... **************** CURSE OF TOLOMATO CEMETERY - Mandie Stevens This is an interesting mix of characters and intriguing story that easily held my attention and makes me want to know the full story about how they came together. **************** UNFORGETTABLE - Tawdra Kandle. I loved this story, the whole organisation of supernaturals fighting against the evil that wants to destroy everything, even in this short story it was easy to develop affection for the characters and become completely drawn in to the plot. **************** KNEAD TO KNOW - Liz Schulte A half vampire who bakes cup cakes ! A nice little story and I'm rather intrigued by Boone and the direction his and Maggie's friendship? Possible relationship ? May be heading. *************** MOON DUST - Olivia Hardin This story was unlike any I have read before, as well as werewolves, vampires, dragons etc we had daywalkers, a Chupacabra and a Sandman ! These unusual character create an interesting reading experience. *************** DISGUISE - Amanda Latzel Another new author to me and a great Halloween story that left me wanting This Master of Hell - Killian I'm waiting *sigh* *************** FIRE AND ICE - Melissa Lummis Vampires, trolls and a were dolphin, A great story with never a dull minute and an interesting love triangle and possibly a possession? I need more. ************** MASKED - Stephanie Nelson If you're not familiar with the Gwen Sparks series, why not ? This short involves Gwen and Dorian at a masquerade party to track down a killer ! I'm not going to spoil it for you so I'll just say, I love this couple and their series Is one of my favourites.
Personally I am not a massive fan of short stories as I like something to grip my teeth in to but as an avid fan of Stephanie Nelson and a member of her street gang I was offered an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have read work by a few of the authors who have put this collection of Halloween shorts together and I was quite eager to get to their stories especially Gwen and Maggie. I won't lie I did struggle with one or two of the shorts but only because I have not read the series the characters are from but this is NOT a problem as I can't actually wait to start these series as even in a short story I started to like and to 'get' these characters and I would like to get to know them better so they are now on my to do list.
I'm not going to give any spoilers because that's not how I roll but what I will say is that each short is short, sweet, fun and leaves you wanting MORE!. These collections of stories from hard working Indie Authors are a fantastic idea! Clearly all these authors know each other and if there is one author you particularly like you can imagine that the people they choose to collate with are going be at the same level of skill at writing and BOOM you know have a ton of other authors to read. So my advice to anyone trying to decide whether they should purchase this book I would say "yes go ahead, grab some snacks, go out to the Forrest with your friends and sit around a log fire each taking it in turn to read a short, it would be a great night whether it's Halloween or not!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ordinarily, I'm not a big short story reader. This collection, however, had me eager to pick the book up time and time again. They were all so fun and different that I think I'm also going to do something that I usually don't do - give a review of the overall collection instead of doing them by story.
The theme of this collection was definitely paranormal, with a Halloween spin. The characters ranged from demons to witches and everything in between (which includes weres also). If you're a paranormal reader, I can't think of anything that you could want that this collection wouldn't deliver. There's the silly, fun reads, the serious and darker reads, the romantic reads, and they are all really great. The pacing of all the stories, even when read one after another, is perfect.
These stories also did exactly what I assume short story anthologies are supposed to do: give a good introduction to new authors. I added a few to my "to-read" shelf immediately after finishing the stories. If you're looking for a fun and completely enjoyable read that will satisfy your spooky side, this is the book for you!
I found this book to be a nice change of pace from I usually read. I have read most of Tawdra's contemporary romances and absolutely love them so I expected no less from this paranormal romance. The characters are amusing at times but you can't help but fall in love with them. You get a good mix of paranormal characters in this story! I look forward to reading more paranormal romance from her.
Really entertaining and every story kept you wanting more. Each story explored different types of paranormal Creatures and what that type of powers they had. A fun collection!