ON THE HUNT anthology by Alexandra Ivy, Rebecca Zanetti, Dianne Duval, and Hannah Jayne- a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 25, 2015

I have a difficult time reviewing anthologies especially if some of the novellas or short stories offered are from series I have not previously read. So why, you ask, do I read and review anthologies? Well, the easy answer is that many novellas included in the anthologies are part of existing series that I read and enjoy, or are introductory storylines to new authors and series. The problem surfaces when some of the entries are from series that I have not read and therefore I feel I am out of my element because of missing information-the cohesiveness and familiarity with the characters or backstory is absent and I don’t or can’t feel a connection to the story. Saying that, ON THE HUNT is an anthology with four paranormal storylines: three from existing series and one from Rebecca Zanetti’s new Scorpius Syndrome. Each of the author’s style of writing differs in ‘feel’ and ‘emotion’; two of the novellas look at a second chance romance while one offers up the possibility for love in the afterlife.

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ON THE HUNT by Alexandra Ivy
Mika Tanner has loved Bailey Morrell, a beautiful Healer, since childhood. But his duty as a Sentinel, a supernatural guardian of an ancient race, clashed with her rebellious spirit. Now a dangerous new anarchist group not only threatens life as they know it—but any chance of their being together again…

REVIEW: ON THE HUNT is the latest entry into Alexandra Ivy’s paranormal romance THE SENTINEL series focusing on a rare supernatural species known as high bloods –blessed (and cursed) with powers and magical abilities. To protect the high bloods from themselves and discrimination from the outside world, the ‘freaks’ and ‘mutations’ are secluded in the domed city of Valhalla organized with a social infrastructure and hierarchy of Sentinels. This is Sentinel Hunter Mika Tanner and Healer Bailey Morrell’s second chance storyline.

Told from third person point of view the focus of the story is the hunt for Jacob Benson-a runaway acolyte whose mysterious disappearance will find Mika and Bailey reconnecting with one another after a ten year separation, giving the couple a second chance at happiness and love. While Mika searches for Jacob, Bailey will become the target of a cult-like group determined to eradicate the supernatural powers.

ON THE HUNT is a story of conflict: Bailey and her need to run from Mika; and a new enemy bent on destroying anyone considered a ‘freak’ and ‘mutation’. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the characters are animated and confident; the romance is a reconnection between two lost souls. If you are a fan of THE SENTINEL series by Alexandra Ivy-you don’t want to miss out on this installment.

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SCORPIUS RISING by Rebecca Zanetti
While searching for a meteorite, Nora Mendina is arrested by her sheriff ex-husband—who’s only gotten hotter than the Nevada desert since she last saw him. When the meteorite breaks open, the few survivors gain extraordinary powers, unleashing a crazed super genius killer. Can Nora and her ex stop the murders…while igniting a new love affair?

REVIEW: SCORPIUS RISING is the first installment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult The Scorpius Syndrome cross genre (sci-fi/UF/Dystopian) romance series focusing on a biological pandemic that is about to sweep the world. This is Agent and Presidential advisor Deacon McDougall, and microbiologist Dr. Nora Medina’s second chance story that introduces the background information and the resulting fall out from exposure to an unknown bacteria- from space.

Told from third person point of view SCORPIUS RISING reveals the transmission process, resulting side effects, and potential future ramifications of a bacteria that could very well be the next big thing in biological warfare. Deacon McDougall goes on the hunt for the woman he left behind eight years before, in the hopes his ex-wife has the capability of finding a way to stop the virulent strain of bacteria now known as the Scorpius.

SCORPIUS RISING looks at the possibility of a catastrophic disaster if an unknown biological organism makes its’ way to Earth, and the resulting death toll in a very short time. The premise is both startling and sensational; the characters are intense; the romance is provocative, highly sexual, and hot. My only complaint is what I consider the ‘over the top’ after affects showing in some of the Scorpius victims. SCORPIUS RISING is a great start to a new series!!

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PHANTOM EMBRACE by Dianne Duvall
Immortal Yuri Sokolov was born with the ability to see spirits, yet he’s never seen one as lovely as Cat Seddon, the woman who haunts his home and his dreams. But amid their star-crossed love, a new danger may have Yuri facing a different kind of eternity.

REVIEW: PHANTOM EMBRACE is book 5.5 in Diane Duvall’s adult Immortal Guardians paranormal, romance series. This is immortal Guardian Yuri Sokolov and Cat Seddon’s storyline. Yuri has the power to see spirits, and Cat is a ghost who haunts Yuri’s nights and dreams.

Told from third person point of view PHANTOM EMBRACE focuses on the continuing hunt for the evil vampires but a new threat finds the Guardians and Yuri facing a different kind of immortality-one that seems to please Yuri more than it should. PHANTOM EMBRACE also follows the building of an improbable relationship between Yuri and Cat. While Cat remains in spirit form Yuri is unable to touch the woman with whom he is falling in love.

Dianne Duvall is a gifted writer who allows for the probability that not everyone is aware of the series history thusly imparting important backstory and series information wherever possible allowing for cohesion and familiarity. For readers new to the series, there is no confusion; the storyline flows smoothly with great characters, friendly camaraderie, and seductive romance. Great storyline that packs a punch.

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STAKE OUT by Hannah Jayne
Vampire fashion designer Nina LaShay has a lot on her plate—just two days until fashion week and the model who was flirting with her photographer boyfriend is now a corpse in her studio. But when dead turns into undead and dangerous, Nina must find out who’s responsible…before the beautiful baby vamp takes too many bites out of the Big Apple.

REVIEW: STAKE OUT is number 6.5 in Hannah Jayne’s UNDERWORLD DETECTIVE AGENCY paranormal series. This is fashion designer/vampire Nina LaShay’s storyline.

Told from third person point of view STAKE OUT follows a series of gruesome killings-ones that Nina believes have been perpetrated by a new born vampire- a Halfling with the need to feed-and a woman who was previously under Nina’s employ. Preparing for fashion week finds Nina struggling to uncover the person responsible for the death of many of Nina’s models, and the arrival of a new fashion competitor on the runway.

I am not familiar with this particular series therefore if any of the characters have recurring roles throughout the series, of this, I am not aware. Nina’s nephew Vlad is quite the ‘elegant’ vampire- a throwback to the original era of vampire dress, while Pike (a bird shifter) has taken ahold of Nina’s heart. STAKE OUT is a cute story with some humorous moments, action, suspense, and graphic violence but no sexual scenarios. The romance is limited byway of a stolen kiss and a profession of attraction.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy