Four masters of urban fantasy and paranormal romance plunge readers into the dangerous, captivating world unearthed beyond the dark...
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh delivers a smoldering story with Secrets at Midnight , as the scent of Bastien Smith’s elusive lover ignites a possessiveness in him that’s as feral as it is ecstatic. And now that he’s found his mate, he’ll do anything to keep her.
In #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews’ novella,Magic Steals , when people start going missing, shapeshifting tigress Dali Harimau and jaguar shifter Jim Shrapshire must uncover the truth about the mysterious creatures responsible.
From Milla Vane—a warrior princess must tame The Beast of Blackmoor to earn a place among her people. But she quickly discovers that the beast isn't a monster, but a barbarian warrior who intends to do some taming himself.
It’s seer Makenna Frazier's first day on the job at Supernatural Protection and Investigations, and her first assignment is more than she bargained for when bodyguard duty for a leprechaun prince’s bachelor party goes every which way but right in national bestselling author Lisa Shearin’s Lucky Charms
*My Thoughts*
I am normally one who doesn't shy away from anthologies even though the stories are often in the 75-100 page range. I was definitely curious to read Night Shift knowing that 3 out of 4 authors my favorite authors were involved in this project. Sorry folks! I did not read the last story which apparently is the longest one in the book, and written by Milla Vane an alternate name for author Meljean Brook. This review is for the three novellas that I did read, and enjoyed.
Secrets at Midnight by Nalini Singh (B-)
"Some people, we know in a heartbeat." P54
Singh starts the Night Shift anthology off with Secrets at Midnight. As I haven't read anything in the Psy-Changeling series, nor do I know any of the characters that appear in this story, Secrets came as a nice change of pace for me. The story follows leopard changeling Bastien Smith’s as he searches for his elusive mate which just happens to be Kirby.
Kirby, however, truly believes she's human, until Bastien helps her discover the truth about herself, and her heritage. After dealing with Singh's Guild Hunter filled with erotic sexual encounters, Secrets is timid in nature. It is more of a love story without all the hot, sweaty sex. It is a story of two people exploring what it means to find the one that you were meant to be with. Yes, this is a predictable story, but I really don't mind all that much.
Magic Steals by Ilona Andrews (A)
"Everyone has that someone who is most important to them. That one person who trumps the rules. You are that to me. I would do anything for you" p165 Jim to Dali
This was the story that I was eager to read when requesting it from my library. Dali Harimau (weretiger) and Jim Shrapshire (werejaguar and Pack security) are my favorite couple next to Kate and Curran. Ever since Dali saved Jim from the Spider woman (Magic Dreams), readers have known that they would eventually end up together.
This story novella should be read by everyone who reads the Kate Daniels series. Dali isn't Kate, but she still has some wicked stills. Please do go into this thinking that she will pull out a sword and start defeating bad guys left and right. She's demure at times, often times timid, and a rare shifter who hates meat and blood. But, she loves Jim to pieces. Jim, on the other hand, is a known quantity, and someone that has had Kate's back for longer than she's been with Curran. I found this story very entertaining, but would have liked to have 1 or 2 more pages to see how Jim's family reacts to their new situation. Loved meeting Dali's mom, and her reaction to Jim. Absolutely priceless.
Lucky Charms by Lisa Shearin B+
Lucky Charms is the prequel to the SPI files featuring MaKenna Fraser. Mac moved from Weird Sisters, North Carolina to NYC to be a journalist, only to find herself being recruited and hired by the Supernatural Protection & Investigations, also known as (SPI). SPI's mission is to keep the world safe for humans and paranormals alike. As a seer, Mac can see through any disguise, shield, or spell that a paranormal pest can come up with. It's a handy skill to have when you are in NYC where the Supernatural have come to enjoy such amenities as flushing toilets.
Mac partners with former NYPD and military veteran Ian Byrne to track down 5 drunken Leprechauns who give SPI nothing but headaches and a run around town putting everyone in danger in the process. I have to say that for a novella, this story is packed full with humorous and witty dialogue and characters, danger, action, and plenty of possibilities for the series that has already released TWO books as of this post. I really do like the partnership between Ian and Mac. Because this is a novella, we really don't to find out who is stalking seers like Mac. Seriously need to consider buying book # 1 right now!
Author(s) - Singh, Andrews, Shearin, Vane
Title - Night Shift
Published by Berkley
Release Date: November 25, 2014
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: Paperback, 378 pages
You read the three best stories in the book, in my opinion. While I liked the last story, it wasn't as good as the other three and as more of a fantasy story, didn't fit in this anthology very well.
ReplyDeleteIf you like Guild Hunter series, I think you will like Psy/Changleing series too. This story was tame, but that is not the case for the series. It has the same heat level as Guild Hunter. I don't know if I could pick a favorite between the two.
I love Jim and Dali. This was my favorite story.
I will be looking into more of SPI stories. I've already bought book one on audio, but haven't listened yet.
Great review. :-)
Thanks, Melanie!
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