Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Gage McAllister is the oldest vampire in The Lost Boys Rock Band. He tries his best to protect his bandmates, show them they are worth the hard work, and tries his best to stay away from Acelynn, even if his whole being craves her. Years ago, she saved him, but there is something about her that reminds him of his past lover who died centuries ago. Scared of the heartache, he does what he thinks is best and keeps a healthy distance from her. However, there is something between them that keeps pulling them together and Gage’s desire to protect Acelynn gets stronger by the day. Can they find a way to be together, minus the heartache? Or are they destined to lose each other before they can properly love each other?

Protected by a Vampire is the fifth book in the Immortal Hearts of San Francisco Series by Susan M Griscom. Sizzling and seductive, the novel offers the perfect balance between a great plot and good times. Gage is such a cool character; he is sharp, attractive, intelligent and ready to take action. However, what I loved most about him was the fact that he didn’t shy away from his flaws and faults. He knew what he was doing wrong; he understood it and that made him attractive to me. Acelynn is just as sharp and intelligent, but she is less ruled by her emotions. She is more assertive of the two, which makes them a very complementary couple. The narrative was great and it flowed smoothly. I liked the descriptions a lot; they made the story more vivid and enjoyable. The author portrayed the relationship between the protagonists beautifully while also keeping the momentum and the mystery alive. Needless to say, a splendid romance!

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Shadow King is an urban fantasy novel written for adults, penned by author Susan K. Hamilton. Combining the modern world with the old legends of the Faerie and Fae people, this exciting and romantic adventure follows our heroine Seireadan Moore. A seer haunted by visions of the figure who destroyed everything in her past, Seireadan’s mission comes to head when she crosses paths with Fae mob boss Aohdan Collins. A playboy and a ruthless Boston gangster, Aohdan’s life is set on a new course when he meets Seireadan, and the pair soon embark on a magical and dark crime adventure that is sure to change them both forever.

Author Susan K. Hamilton has cleverly created a romance novel which ticks all the boxes, packaged beautifully within a lavish urban Fae fantasy setting. The excitement of the dangerous relationship between Seireadan and Aohdan has plenty of punch, with his mafia-style life and the violence and intrigue that go with it. But then, layered on top of the bad boy genre, we find the well described and highly emotive magical story line of Seireadan’s visions. Bringing an epic history of destroyed worlds and displaced people into the mix, the adventures deepens and gains meaning and complexity as the plot continues. Hamilton balances the genres and mixes them well, throwing in cinematic romance and violence with a flair for modern dialogue that keeps the scenes exciting on every page. Overall, Shadow King is a novel overflowing with content, and an exciting and satisfying tale not to be missed.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Water is the third book in The Elementals series by Luz B. Gilbert, a paranormal romance with interesting twists. One thing occupies Serin's mind — to get justice for the disappearance of her mate. She is a highly skilled fighter and a mission puts her in the path of death as she seeks the truth. All she wants is vengeance, but when she crosses paths with DEA agent Daniel Romero, the man with a mysterious connection to the disappearance of her mate, a bond quickly develops between them, a bond that also transforms into an attraction. While Serin seeks to protect everyone she loves, falling for the DEA agent might not be the best thing for her, or can it just be bad timing? Can she protect those she loves without being distracted by Daniel?

Luz B. Gilbert creates a kick-ass kind of character in Serin, but the stakes are high for her. She sets out on a mission with enemies everywhere and it is hard to know who to trust. The author uses Serin's encounter with DEA agent Daniel to build suspense, with readers wondering if the agent isn’t a disguised enemy waiting for the most appropriate moment to give Serin a deadly blow. The narrative has a strong premise. The protagonist is a character with a moral code of conduct — she puts her life on the line to protect her own — but she has just lost someone she cares about so much. Her anger is awakened and she takes readers with her on a roller coaster ride packed with action. This book is cunningly plotted and skillfully written, and the author has what it takes to grab and keep the attention of the reader.

Reviewed by Maureen Dangarembizi for Readers' Favorite

The Dragon’s Psychic by Linzi Baxter is a paranormal romance novel and book one in the Immortal Dragon series. Talia works for the supernatural council. She can see the history of an object when she touches it. Using her gift, she’s helped put away some of the most vicious supernatural murderers. That is until Gideon, head of the council, tries to blame the murder of two council members on their eight-year-old daughter. Kirin is a dragon shifter who has been contracted to find the missing child and psychic. He has always done his job and adding a little more gold to his hoard never hurt anyone. Catching up to the fugitives is easy but turning in his mate is not so simple.

The Dragon’s Psychic hit all the right buttons and is a great addition to the dragon shifter romantic sub-genre. It was most enjoyable. I loved the hero and heroine but I loved the little girl more. Alida's powers are just amazing and I can’t wait to see how she will impact the next books in the series. The story is not just about romance but also about doing what is right. For those who like stories on fated mates, this book should be right up their alley. There isn't as much conflict between the main characters but it certainly doesn't take away from the ending. Linzi Baxter introduces a host of alpha dragons sure to add sizzle to the coming books in the Immortal Dragon series. With the villain still at large, readers will enjoy uncovering the mystery as more books come out.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Kaida was an adopted child and ever since she turned sixteen a lot of inexplicable and weird things kept happening to her. She dreamed of her friendship with a boy called Brady. She wanted to know about her family's history and past, and she had taught several courses on the history of Paganism and modern Wiccan practices. Kaida had already done her research on the Galloway sisters and the original Meath clan when a letter from her biological mother sent her to Massachusetts and Six Fates Island. She met her other two sisters and Brady there. Brady and his two brothers, Riley and Tristan, and the Meaths always believed the Galloways were witches. Brady felt an inexplicable connection and unusual bonding with Kaida the first time he met her. Now the sisters have to break a three-century-old curse placed on the Meath and the Galloway families. Will they succeed in doing it? Will Kaida and Brady be able to bring the families together?

Bewitched (Fated Book 1) by Kelly Moran is the unusual love story of Kaida Galloway and Brady Meath set against the backdrop of witches, curses, fate, destiny, and dreams. Bewitched has intrigue, magic, suspense, love, betrayal, and revenge woven into it with some paranormal activity which makes it a compelling read. The author keeps up the suspense and weaves in a sense of urgency that makes the reader curious to know what is going to happen next. The description and details in narration add to the eeriness of the plot, and this modern-day story of witches and paganism will make the reader eager for Book 2. The romance, the curse, and the paranormal theme make this book an entertaining one and I will be keen to grab Book 2.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Ayil by Brenda Trim and Tami Julka is the 18th book in the Dark Warrior Alliance Series. Ayil is a powerful warrior angel of heaven on a mission and he is tasked to find out if one of the Phoenix clans is working with demons from hell. On the surface, the mission is very easy for Ayil and he believes that he will be able to get it done with just a little effort. However, he was not expecting to meet Kennex, a beautiful woman from the Phoenix clan who has no idea she has demonic energy inside her. His planning goes downhill when she is attacked and saving her becomes just as important as investigating her clan. But he can’t do much to help her if she will not trust him. She has reasons never to trust angels and he has every reason to make her trust him. There is no denying the chemistry between them so what is stopping them from taking the final step?

This was a heart-racing and mind-blowing novel that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the concept and its execution. I loved how the author ensured both Ayil and Kennex had time to sort out their issues before they jumped into any semblance of a relationship. I enjoyed Tami's and Brenda’s writing styles; they merged so well together that I never felt as if the narrative was distorted or needed something changed. The relationship between Ayil and Kennex was very harmonious; they were different but they complemented each other. There was no apparent “leader” of the two, they worked as a team and they worked together as a team. Their struggles, their dreams, and their emotions were all real and made this novel even more entertaining for me. Brilliantly done!

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Immaginario is the first book in the series by C.L. Monaghan, a gorgeous treat for fans of paranormal romance, a story that features an unusual love experience, obsession, and one woman's struggle to take control of her life. Naomi Douglas, a twenty-nine-year-old divorcee from Lincoln in East England, has an imagination that is profuse and effervescent, perhaps the one thing that would ruin her. A freelance proof-reader, feeling trapped in the doldrums of everyday life, she follows what she is good at, an escape, and thus she gives in to her fantasies, to the fictional character ofJoseph Ferrantino. Her fascination for this fictional character plunges her into the world of the paranormal, but can she take control of her life and win back her sanity, or is she destined for a path of no return?

A great success for a debut novel, one that female readers will adore, and with a protagonist that will arrest the attention of male readers as well. Naomi Douglas comes across as real and relatable, the kind of character that echoes the wild and silent yearnings of most readers, especially in the dullest hours of the day. The narrative voice is strong and the prose exciting. It doesn’t take long for the reader to feel the emotional depth of the story as they get drawn into the world of the protagonist right away. Immaginario is a gorgeous read, somewhat noir and tantalising. C.L. Monaghan knows how to make readers feel they are navigating the complex web of their own tortured minds.

Reviewed by Michelle Randall for Readers' Favorite

All her life, Belle has been raised as the daughter of a powerful alpha werewolf and his equally powerful wife. Just as her eighteenth birthday is nearing, her world is shattered when her parents finally reveal that they are not her biological parents. She was found on the edge of the pack boundary as an infant and they have raised her and loved her no matter what. But the Demon Lord is after her. Enter the Werewolf King, who claims he will protect her, but they immediately get off to a bad start. He doesn't believe she is a werewolf and she thinks he is joking. He thinks she is a witch, and she doesn't even think such things exist. Mated to the Werewolf King is the story of discovering who Belle really is and why the Demon Lord wants her, why he thinks she is his mate, and why his twin brother thinks she is his mate, but why she feels like the Werewolf King is who she wants, after she gets past his overly macho attitude. Author Alena Des has created a paranormal fantasy world of werewolves, vampires, demons, fae, witches and more, all living in the same world while a single girl has the power to upset the balance of everything without knowing it.

Mated to the Werewolf King is a complex and muti-layered family saga. We are finally able to learn the true story of Belle's parentage, but even then there are some difficulties. This story is not just your typical girl meets boy, falls for boy but has to prove its real for boy to accept. Author Alena Des has created a story that is complex yet feels almost natural. You can understand each point of view and why certain characters did what they did, but at the same time there is so much going on that this is one of those books that you could probably read two or three times and catch things each time that you missed the first time around. There is some violence, it's an all out battle for the world, and some sexual scenes, but pretty mild by today's standards.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

Captivated by a Vampire is the second book in the Immortal Hearts of San Francisco series, written by Susan Griscom. After being bitten and drained of her blood one night while out clubbing, Chelle Masterson adjusts to the change and allows her blood lust to ease. Her first night out alone finds her in a bar, eyeing potential feeds, with the first leaving Chelle battered and bruised. Chelle later runs into Josh Barrett, who’d been at the bar earlier with the man who had beaten her, leaving her a bloody mess on her birthday. Worried that the bruised woman standing in the pouring rain is homeless, Josh buys Chelle dinner and later asks her out on a date. The sparks between Josh and Chelle ignite into an inferno and, although she thirsts for his blood, she forces self-restraint as she falls deeply in love with this human who treats her so well. On seeing another vampire who looks familiar to Chelle, her mind immediately goes to her parents’ murder so many years ago. Chelle had been witness to their murder, but the trauma had blocked out all memory of it. When she discovers that Josh is an investigative reporter, Chelle urges him to look into her parents’ murder in the hopes that their killer can be found, but worries that Josh might discover her true identity. When he does, the shocking fallout goes far beyond what she could have ever imagined.

To be honest, when I first selected this title, I expected something Buffy-esque. While I am a Buffy fan, I was delighted at how different this book was and couldn't get enough of Susan Griscom’s tale of an innocent woman with a normal college life, transformed into a vampire of a different kind. The action starts immediately, unlike some novels which take too long to set the scene. With both of the main characters having such tragic backgrounds, which leads them to each other, the electricity between the two was so electric that I found my face aching after having smiled so many times at the joyful moments they spent together. Captivated by a Vampire is not a story of blood and gore, nor one of horror, but rather filled with a full spectrum of emotions that give the story real depth, leaving the reader craving more. I very much enjoyed the second book in the Immortal Hearts of San Francisco series and plan to grab the first book so I can read both in sequence, prior to the third book’s release. I recommend this book to all fans of the paranormal who enjoy a little bit of extra spice in their romance reading.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Inanna is a vampire and even her kind knows her as the Angel of Death. Her friend, Olivia, is dying, and she entreats Inanna to take care of her family once she is gone. When Olivia dies, Gabriel, her husband, checks out who Inanna is, but the attraction is so strong and intense the moment they meet. Gabriel can't help feeling as though they were fashioned for each other. But then, what has a vampire got to do with a human? Inanna knows that Gabriel is forbidden fruit, but can she stick to the rules and leave him alone when she feels that he is the one she’s longed for over the ages? Can she summon enough power to overcome her desire or will she embark on the road never travelled? The stakes are high, the dilemma so strong, with the attraction growing every single moment... Faced with impossible odds, will their love become another tragedy, leaving Inanna to what she has always been — an aged lonely vampire — or will they be able to change their stars?

Dark Longing by Aja James is a gripping tale of forbidden love, one of those stories that explore the complexities of the heart and the anatomy of desire. This story will appeal to readers who enjoy vampire stories, love the soul mate concept, and characters that are sophisticated. This story has a powerful premise — an attraction between two beings who are forbidden to be together. This establishes the conflict that is skillfully explored in the story and the author does an impeccable job in bringing out the tensions in Inanna. The characters are likeable and genuinely flawed, which augments the realism that is injected into the story. Aja James has a strong voice and the well-crafted paragraph breaks enrich the reading experience as well as the drama. Dark Longing is gripping, emotionally rich, and psychologically exciting. And if you love vampires, then Inanna will grab your attention and hold it throughout the ride. Not your run-of-the-mill vampire tale, but a sophisticated romance that will rattle your nerves.