The full moon is their mistress. They are predators of pleasure and pain. Feared by humans, envied by werewolves, the Dire Wolves are immortal shifters, obeying no laws but their own bestial natures. Once they were many, but now only six remain, a dangerous wolfpack forever on the hunt…

Rifter leads the pack, embracing the lifestyle and ethics of an outlaw biker even as he battles an ancient enemy who has become a new, powerful force. But with his Brother Wolf raging inside him, howling to be unleashed, he needs to satisfy his hungers. And when he meets a drop-dead gorgeous blonde drinking alone in a bar that caters to both human and inhuman, Rifter’s primal instinct is to claim her.

Gwen has her own desires, long unfulfilled. She hopes a passionate night with the leather-clad, Harley-riding biker will ease her suffering. The seizures that have wracked her body her entire life are incurable—and they’re killing her.

But none of that will matter if Rifter can’t stop the growing threat to them all — trappers who are determined to enslave humankind and use the Dire wolves as part of their nefarious plan.

For a complete review which may contain SPOILERS, please click 'Read More' below:

I have to get this out of the way before we dive into the actual review. OMG, that cover!! Yeah, that one. Right up there. That cover that is so yummy, it's lickable. Phew! *fans self* Alright, I'm good now. Proceed to review.

Dire wolves are like werewolves hopped up on steroids, with an extra shot of testosterone. They are the baddest of the bad. They're tall, and big and sexy. And they ride motorcycles. They have some really cool extra powers. Oh, and they're Immortal. You may think you've read every werewolf tale there is, but you'd be wrong.

After getting into a wee bit of trouble with their maker and a giant purge, this pack of six is all that remains. Rifter is the somewhat reluctant leader of the pack and de facto King. Being alive for a long, long time with no end in sight has made him a grumpy wolf indeed. When he picks up Gwen at a bar, his only thoughts are about how fast he can get her clothes off.

Gwen has been suffering from seizures for years, and lately they've only gotten worse. The medicine's not helping and the doctors have told her the end is near. With no family left and few friends, she is lonelier than even she knows. Determined to live life to the fullest, she seizes the opportunity to go to bed with the handsome, virile Rifter.

Gwen and Rifter make an amazingly balanced couple and you want so badly for them to be together in the end. There are plenty of twists and surprises that keep you guessing up till the very end. With a bad witch aligned with weretrappers, and a rogue pack of weres bent on human domination, the Dires have their hands full. The action is super fast, almost frenzied at times, leaving you with no lack of ass-kickings and wolf-on-wolf melees.

As a fan of Larissa Ione's Demonica series, I loved the mention of Eidolon and UGH. (Did you catch that too?)

This book really grabs you from the beginning and pulls you into the world of the Dires. The way the guys interact with each other, the one upping and insulting, and the total bond of loyalty was very reminiscent of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series for me. (A really good thing!) Stephanie Tyler really knows how to write tough Alpha men. And as much as I loved Rifter's character, I am in love with Vice. I cannot wait to pry that man's brain open and find all the little secrets he's hiding. I have a feeling he will become a fan favorite and that Stephanie Tyler is going to make us wait to read his story.

Next up is Stray's tale in Dire Wants, set to release November 2012, just in time for my birthday!

The Calydons are a race of ancient immortals cursed with a dark side. Each Calydon is destined to meet his soul mate, to be so drawn to her that he is unable to resist bonding with her through the rituals of his race...   ...but their destiny is to destroy each other and all they care about the moment their bond is complete.  

Quinn Masters will stop at nothing to rescue his rogue teammate. To save his blood brother and ensure his brand of justice triumphs, Quinn will break every rule of his kind and partner with the sensuous, courageous woman destined to be his ultimate destruction.  

Haunted by a brutal past, Illusionist Grace Matthews will risk everything to save her kidnapped sister, including putting her life in the sinfully capable hands of an immortal warrior whose ravaging kisses and intense passion propel her ruthlessly toward a fateful destiny she can't afford to believe in.

For a complete review which may contain SPOILERS, please click 'Read More' below:

Stephanie Rowe does it again! Darkness Awakened is an exciting journey full of fast and furious action, sizzling attraction, bad-ass Immortals and strong women with the power of Illusion. Immerse yourself in this fascinating new world and don't be surprised if you never want to leave!

This book starts off with plenty of action that doesn't stop until the last page.  The world building unfolds with the perfect spacing - not too much information revealed at once, nor too little. The Calydons are immortal warriors with a terrible curse hanging over their heads. The Illusionists are unique people with the power to project  terrifying images.

You've gotta love a hunky Alpha male who knows how to wield his weapon and isn't afraid to go all "he-man" possessive on his woman. You ALSO have to love a strong, independent woman who doesn't let him get away with being too domineering, someone you can really respect. Quinn and Grace are both loyal to the bone, making them the perfect fighting force against the evil that threatens all their lives. And can I just say that the Calydons have THE coolest tattoos EVER!? Each warrior's weapon is branded on his arms, to be called out whenever the need for battle arises. I seriously want one!

The sizzling, immediate attraction between Quinn and Grace is super hot. They know they shouldn't give into the firestorm of passion, but they are ultimately helpless to ignore it. Make sure you have a fan nearby when you read this, you're going to need it.

I was so invested in the outcome of Quinn and Grace's struggles, it was almost hard to breathe as things became more complicated and the happily-ever-after seemed further out of reach. Stephanie Rowe knows how to write characters you will root for with just the right amount of tension to make the ending a true triumph.
I cannot wait to go back to the world of the Calydons with the next book in the trilogy, Darkness Seduced, which will be available on April 15th.

Ever since Kait Swanney could remember, the old crones of the village have been warning her to stay away from the selkies. They claim that like sirens of old, the seal men creep from the inky waters, shed their skins, and entice women to their deaths beneath the North Sea. But avoiding an encounter becomes impossible when Kait is spotted at the water’s edge, moments after the murder of a half-selkie infant.

Kait is awoken unexpectedly by a beautiful, naked selkie man seeking revenge. After she declares her innocence, the intruder darts into the night, but not before inadvertently bewitching her with an overpowering lure.

Kait obsesses over a reunion deep beneath the bay and risks her own life to be reunited with her selkie. But when she lands the dangerous lover, the chaos that follows leaves Kait little time to wonder—is it love setting her on fire or has she simply been lured?

For a complete review which may contain SPOILERS, please click 'Read More' below:

The Lure of Shapinsay is the first novel by Krista Holle. Set in Scotland in the 1800’s it centers around the unusual relationship between a human woman, Kait, and a male selkie.

Kait is independent and outspoken, not a popular combination for a woman of her time. When her best friend gives birth to a half human/half selkie baby and the baby is thrown into the sea to die she is horrified and heartbroken.  A male selkie sees her on the shore and believing she is responsible for the baby’s death, he takes to the land seeking revenge. Kait must convince this glorious selkie she is innocent. She is entranced by this handsome stranger and his lure is so strong that she risks death more than once to find him again. She has always been drawn to the ocean and has no doubt that Eamon, as she names him, is her mate and that there has to be a way for them to be together!

Seeking revenge, Eamon nevers expects to be drawn to the beautiful, headstrong human woman named Kait. He fights his desire for her knowing that there is no hope for more than a brief passion. He is not sure who has bewitched whom though when he cannot find a way to stop her from slipping into his heart. Can he really trust a human?  Will she steal his skin when he sheds it to be temporarily human and trap him, land bound forever? When Eamon finally trusts his heart will there ever be a way for he and Kait to be together?

I really enjoyed the unique and fresh storyline of this book.  Set in Scotland as it is, the intensive use of the Scottish language can be a bit of a distraction from the plot especially at the beginning.  It does, however, give a different edge to the story. The main characters are well defined but I would have liked their chemistry to have developed a little more quickly. I really enjoyed the unique conclusion to the book. I won’t spoil the surprise by revealing more.  A very nice read!!

Journeying by steam-powered sled to London's Frost Fair to perform, Tara and three friends are trapped in a blizzard in the woods. A gruff, handsome stranger offers them shelter—and wants one thing in return.  Stories.

The travellers are glad to oblige. Their host, Rolph, is especially captivated by Tara's story of an orphaned girl raised by the Fae in the world of the spirits. Equally intrigued by Rolph, and aware of an electric pull between them, Tara encourages him to share a story of his own. When Rolph weaves a tale of a man who is doomed by his own folly to turn into a wolf at the full moon, Tara suspects there is more than a grain of truth in his words.

When the veil between the mortal and spiritual worlds is parted, and danger threatens, will Tara make the ultimate sacrifice to save Rolph?

For a complete review which may contain SPOILERS, please click 'Read More' below:

This enthralling novella, a re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, pulls you in from the very first chapter. Ms. Danse does such a superb job with her descriptions and details that you can picture the story in your mind.

When Tara and her band of traveling entertainers become mired in a blizzard, they seek refuge in a nearby cabin. The cabin’s owner Rolph is gruff and mysterious, and Tara is immediately drawn to his coarse looks and heated eyes.

In exchange for the shelter and food, the entertainers offer up stories for their host. These stories were a wonderful bonus to the story, four books for the price of one! Tara coaxes Rolph to tell a story of his own, one that is more sad and haunting than her own.

As the blizzard continues and the group is forced to make repairs to their transportation, Tara relishes the chance to get to know Rolph more. They have more in common than they can imagine, and the past will be revisited in a big way. Can Tara find the Beauty in the Beast?

As entertaining as its heroine’s profession, this book will stay with you long after you’ve read the last words.

Her instincts tell her he's dangerous...

While her overprotective brother's away, Meara Greymere's planning to play—and it wouldn't hurt to find herself a mate in the process. The last thing she needs is one of his SEAL buddies spoiling her fun, even if the guy is the hottest one she's ever seen...

His powers of persuasion are impossible to resist...

Finn Emerson is a battle-hardened Navy SEAL and alpha wolf. He's a little overqualified for baby-sitting, but feisty Meara is attracting trouble like a magnet... As the only responsible alpha male in the vicinity, Finn is going to have to protect this intriguing woman from a horde of questionable men, and definitely from himself...

For a complete review which may contain SPOILERS, please click 'Read More' below:

Finn Emerson can think of a lot of things he’d rather be doing than babysitting his SEAL buddy’s baby sister.  She’s stubborn, opinionated, contrary and if that’s not enough- she’s on the prowl for a mate. Could it be that none of the contenders are good enough for Meara because Finn, himself, has been caught firmly in her enticing web of charm? With an assassin closing in and traitors in the ranks, he will stop at nothing to protect the woman who has ignited his passions and captured his heart.

Meara Greymere is not a happy woman!  Forced to flee for her life with egocentric Finn Emerson is more than any women should have to endure.  Even if he is just about the sexiest Alpha she’s ever seen.  On the run, supported by those they never would have trusted and betrayed by those they did, Meara realizes just how much Finn means to her.  She just might have to keep him!

I really enjoyed this book!  It is so well paced and the characters are strong and well defined.  Ms. Spear masterfully weaves passion and action into a fast paced, sexy plot that begs to be read in one sitting.  Finn and Meara have great chemistry and I loved Meara’s spunkiness! I was quite taken with the secondary character, Bjornolf, and hope he has a book of his own soon!  If you’re looking for romance, humor, action and sizzle (and what romance reader isn’t?) then pick up a copy of A SEAL in Wolfs Clothing and prepare to be entertained!

Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two Vampire coalitions: Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors….

He might be known for his effortless charm, but Guardian Jackson Foss is hiding a terrible secret. For months, he has battled the emergence of his dark nature—deadly urges that threaten to consume him. And those cravings only intensify when he meets Arianna Wells, the human he's been assigned to protect.

Smart and perceptive, Arianna doesn't seem like a dangerous temptress. Yet she awakens in Jackson an unstoppable need that, if left unchecked, will brand him a traitor…a crime punishable by death. But soon their bond may be Arianna's only hope. For stalking her in the shadows is a merciless enemy—one who will stop at nothing to claim her completely...

For a complete review which may contain SPOILERS, please click 'Read More' below:

Laurie London provides us with another exceptional Paranormal Romance with her third installment in the Sweet Blood Series, Tempted by Blood!

Arianna Wells knows there is something more in the shadows of the night.  Her Mother was taken by them when she was a child and she won’t rest until she discovers what lurks in the darkness.  She spends her free time investigating paranormal activities and writing about them, (as Icy Shadows), on her blog, Paranormalish.  When her young cousin is almost captured, again, by Darkblood vampires who want to drain her unique “Sweet Blood” and sell the vials to the highest bidders, her world changes forever. The sexy  vampire Guardian who saves them is unable to wipe her memory and so begins a high speed adventure that challengers her trust and her heart!

Guardian Jackson Foss has enough on his plate without the complication of Arianna and the raging desire he feels for her.  Named a playboy by his peers, only he knows his cravings for human energy and blood has escalated. He fears he is becoming a revert- an out of control vampire just like his ancestors. Tasked with guarding Arianna and her young cousin, he is torn between passion and his fear that he could harm them.  He is taken by Arianna’s strength and courage and finally gives in to his passions.  With the Darkbloods hot on their trail will he be able to protect the one woman who has found a place in his heart... not only from the Darkbloods... but from himself?

Although the war between vampire sects is not a new story, Laurie London puts an inventive spin on it that is new and refreshing.  The plot is fast paced and suspenseful and the depth of the main characters is the perfect balance of angst and erotic sizzle! Although the third in her wonderful Sweet Blood Series, this book is also a perfect stand alone story.  Having said that I highly recommend that you purchase the first two books, as once you have experienced this series you WILL want more of these delicious Guardians!

A STRANGER IN THE NIGHT...
He had once been a warrior of the Light, one of the revered Paladin. A protector. But now he lives in darkness, and the shadows are his sanctuary. Every day is a struggle to overcome the bloodlust. Especially the day Karissa shows up at his doorstep.

COMES KNOCKING ON THE DOOR.
She is light and bright and everything beautiful—despite her scratches and torn clothes. Every creature of the night is after her. So is every male Paladin. Because Karissa is the last female of their kind. But she is his. He may not have a soul, but he can't deny his heart.

For a complete review which may contain SPOILERS, please click 'Read More' below:

Tes Hilaire’s first book in the new Paladin Warriors Series, Deliver Me from Darkness, engages us in a new world of light and dark fraught with Angels, Demons, Vampires  and just enough romance, angst and action to leave us eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Karissa  knows she has gifts but never imagined that she is the only female Paladin in existence, or that the man her Grandfather said she must seek out in the event of his death, is actually her brother.  A brother who unwittingly leaves her in the care of her soul mate, a Paladin turned vampire who believes he has lost his soul. If that isn’t enough - vampires, demons  and every other baddie are desperately trying to kidnap her!  Karissa comes to realize that Roland is not your typical vampire.  He has a heart and a soul and he belongs to her, whether he likes it or not!

Roland believes he is of the darkness.  Once a mighty Paladin warrior, he now struggles with the bloodlust of his vampire curse.  When Karissa is thrust into his life he can think of nothing but his impatience for her to be gone. That is until he realizes she is his mate, soul or no soul.  He will stop at nothing to protect her – even from himself!

This was an excellent read; fast paced, well written, inventive and imaginative. The characters have depth and substance and are very likeable.  The balance of strength and vulnerability is perfect. The plot engages us from the first few paragraphs until the very last page.  I especially enjoyed Gabriella, a secondary character that I hope we see more of in the next book!  

They’re Drop-Dead Handsome—and We’re Not Kidding!

Welcome to the first and only magazine devoted to loving the immortal man in all of his furry, feathery, fiery glory. As always, this month’s issue is a forbidden-fruit salad of features, fiction, fashion, and more, including:

-Blood Stains on His Collar, Doritos in His Bed: Is Your Immortal Just a Little Bit…Immoral?
- A Kiss is Not Just a Kiss: Immortals We Crave Divulge Their Lip-smacking Turn-ons
- Off the Set with the Real Vampires of Vegas: Your Favorite AfterLifetime TV Vamps Let Their Hair Down
-Ask Gabrielle: Angelic Etiquette for Modern Gals and Ghouls
- A View from a Guy: Zombie Jack’s Turn
- Undead and Well-Read: What’s Hot Between the Covers This Month
- Angel in the Kitchen: Heavenly Dishes That Don’t Take an Eternity to Prepare

There’s even a page-turning, strange-but-true paranormal romance that’ll keep you up all day! Don’t get caught UNDEAD without it!

For a complete review which may contain SPOILERS, please click 'Read More' below:

When our copy of Dating the Undead arrived in the mail, it wasn't a pretty picture here at When Pen Met Paper. Think full on girl fight complete with hissing, claws, and hair pulling as we vied to see who would get her hands on the shiny new Gena first. (Can you tell we're huge fans??) In the end, it came down to just two - The Beast and Book Addict. So we decided to share. Generous of us, isn't it?

Dating the Undead  is a "book" that reads like a magazine. Think of your favorite zine with articles about how to get the man of your dreams, tips on staying fit, and awesome quizzes. Yeah,  Dating the Undead has all that and more. Plus, it's all about your favorite hunky supernaturals.

Some of our favorite highlights include the "Couple Cravings Quiz: Do you have what it takes to date a creature of 'myth'?" (We do!) and "Killer Cocktails: Potent potables to slay your Dragon, slay your Vampire, or singe your Angel" (the Dirty Devil looks delish!)

Dating the Undead is chockfull of dating advice, product recommendations, and insiders' knowledge to everything supernatural. It's written with Gena's typical tongue-in-cheek humor that we love from her books. The absolute BEST part? A two chapter sneak peek at Gena Showalter's next Lords of the Underworld book, The Darkest Seduction.  Who hasn't been (im)patiently, eagerly awaiting the story of Paris?!

We've looked through Dating the Undead several times now, and we still find something new we didn't notice before. So what are you waiting for? Pick up your copy of Dating the Undead today and maybe you'll pick up a hot immortal tomorrow!

Oh, and where do we sign up for our monthly subscription?

ETERNAL COMMITMENT IS NOT ON HER AGENDA...
Scorned by the vampire community for her lack of power, Isabel Anthony lives a carefree existence masquerading as human--although, drifting among the debauched human nightlife; she prefers the patrons' blood to other indulgences. But when she meets the king of vampires this party girl's life turns dark and dangerous.

BUT TIME'S RUNNING OUT FOR THE KING OF VAMPIRES...
Dead-set on finding the prophesied mate who will unlock his fiery powers, Thad Morgan must find his queen before their race is destroyed. Their enemies are gaining ground, and Thad needs his powers to unite his subjects. But when his search leads him to the defiant Isabel, he wonders if fate has gotten it seriously wrong...

For a complete review which may contain SPOILERS, please click 'Read More' below:

Thad has quite the quandary… his Father, King of the Vampires has passed away and he is expected to step into his shoes…. One caveat…. he still has not come into his powers.  He is now on a search for his “mate” who is prophesied to bring him his power and reign as his queen.

Isabel lost her parents at a young age and has had no real contact with the “vampire world”, as she has not come into her powers as well.  When she is approached by Thad she is disbelieving in her value to the vampire world.  When her best friend, a human, is attacked by their mortal enemies, the wizards, she is pulled into the drama and life and death realism of the vampire world.  Can they find love amid the pressures of rulership?

When I began this book I was quite impressed about the uniqueness of  Ms. Staab’s Vampire world as well as the vulnerability of the main characters.  That said, I was hoping that our hero along with his powers, would become a real alpha male as the story progressed.  Unfortunately he never quite seemed to really take on the strong leadership role I would have liked.

I did quite enjoy the witty repartee between all of the characters, as well as the self deprecation which made them seem very approachable and real.  At times the secondary and major characters seemed a bit too similar but eventually had enough individuality to sustain my attention.

I quite enjoyed this book although I thought the ending a bit unrealistic and untrue to the main characters.  They didn’t seem the type, although pressured by time and circumstances, to enter into a marriage without the hero’s second in command and the heroine’s best friend.  I am looking forward to the next book in this series because it was very well written and the plot was a genuine success!