TIED WITH A BOW
Tied with a Bow, is a 4 story paranormal anthology from Lora Leigh, Virginia Kantra, Eileen Wilks and Kimberly Frost. Released November 1, 2011, three of the four storylines take place around the holidays, but not one is specific to the theme presented on the cover.
UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR by Virginia Kantra
This novella is a prequel to the Children of the Air series. Julien Hartwell, is an angel, assigned to earth to bring back the souls of the dying during the plague-riddled European 1700s. But when a young mother on the verge of death sees the spirit of the angel, she begs him to save and protect her 12 year old daughter Aimee. If Julien reveals his identity to protect the child, he will be banned from heaven for eternity and become one of the fallen. 9 years later, the now-fallen angel , once again rescues, the now adult Aimee from a series of misadventures and mistreatment at the hands of her extended family, only to realize this is the same Aimee, he sacrificed his immortal life to protect.
We meet Aimee’s extended family of aunts and uncles, as well as her cousin Howard, a manipulative, self-centered womanizer who has already impregnated one of the household staff, and continues to sexually harass the young Aimee, at every opportunity. Julien is presented as the epitome of beauty in both his ethereal and earthly forms, and we are introduced to Damon Carle, the Earl of Amherst, ‘father’ to eleven fallen angels.
I enjoyed this story. It was an easy read, with the usual compliment of improbable love, romance, beautiful people, a HEA and the potential for several more storylines.
FIRST LIGHT by Kimberly Frost
Another new series launch, Kimberly introduces Kate Devan, a Pulitzer prize winning reporter/muse who dreams of a beautiful stranger (from a time long ago) after she has found a blood encrusted ring. Fast forward, Kate stumbles upon the same man from her dreams, buried in the snow, now hunted by vampires and demons. Archangel Nathaniel and Kate begin their adventure, with no knowledge of who or what he is. All they have in common is the bloodied ring and group of otherworldly stalkers intent on taking both of the down, to get possession of the prized antique ring.
With the introductions of Merrick, Gadhreel, Ice and Gold, an explanation as to why archangels find it difficult to befriend a human, once again, the future holds several possibilities for love and desire in world of immortals, monsters and angels with wings.
HUMAN ERROR by Eileen Wilks
Human Error is the 6th novella and 14th storyline in Eileen Wilks “Lupi” series.
Dragons, demons, witches, skinwalkers, lupin and gnomes are only a few of the supernatural beings, added to the list of potential enemies and friend.
Arjennie Delacroix, from a family of Wiccan, and Benedict, her lupin mate return home for the celebration of Yule, only to walk into a force of power that upsets the peace and calm of the local countryside. When the local authorities approach the Delacroix family for assistance tracking a ‘strange’ killer, Benedict’s hackles are raised, at the mysterious scents and unfamiliar markings, not usually acknowledged by the humans. Searching for the killer, who is now believed to have abducted a small child, Arjennie surmises a ‘mythical skinwalker’ to be the prime suspect in a series of events, that culminates with Benedict getting shot, the Wiccans once again, involved in a ‘circle’ of protection and a surprising revelation, from the family pet.
I have never read any of the previous books in the World of the Lupin series, but is the other storylines are similar to this novella, I am going to be increased by TBR pile, exponentially.
AN INCONVENIENT MATE by Lora Leigh
Another installment in the Breed series, this novella introduces 25year old Isabelle Martinez, a member of the Navajo Nation and ruling council, and Malachi, the Coyote Breed male, who is destined to become her mate and lover. But the inconvenience of the mating heat and a hunger for more, between the two is the premise behind the title.
Malachi and Isabelle are both in town for a business meeting between the Breeds and the Navajo council regarding some missing children and adults. The Breeds suspect the Martinez family knows the whereabouts of the missing people, but are refusing to divulge any information, to keep secret the pacts and agreements. Enter Holden, a man from Isabelle’s past, who is intent on reclaiming a woman, who despises the ground upon which he walks. To further complicate the scenario, Holden works for a faction hoping to isolate the Breeds from society, and believes himself, the better suitor. If he can’t have Isabelle, no one will.
I have read and enjoyed all of Leigh’s Breed books, and this short story welcomes another Breed male who has finally found his mate. As with all of her storylines, there is explicit sex and violence. The inclusion of several of different characters including Rule Breaker, Lawe Justice, Ashley and Stygian, sets the stage for the release of December’s Breed book titled Lawe’s Justice. I can’t wait for December.
Sandy
