Started Reading: February 29, 2008
Completed Reading: March 14, 2008
Book rating: 8 out of 10 stars
Book Description
Handsome and sensual, surrounded by an aura of danger, mystery, and the forbidden, a lover steps from the shadows. But is he mortal? Or is he an ancient god, a sorcerer, or a mythical beast who can possess a woman’s heart….and her very soul? Four of romance’s most popular authors have created this spellbinding collection of stores filled with dark passion and desire. Under the cover of darkness, their heroes inhabit worlds haunted by ageless hungers and deadly forces stronger than any seen by day….and vanquished only by the power of love. Now travel into realms where dazzling wonders roam the night, where magic replaces reason, and where a kiss unleashes a raging fire in the blood. And here, if you dare, discover the seduction that begins at the bewitching hour when a man and woman partake in….Midnight Pleasures.
Darkfest by Amanda Ashley
The price of saving her dying mother is Channa’s promise to spend a year at the castle of tormented nobleman, Lord Darkfest…to obey him as his servant or, as his secrets are revealed, to become his salvation. And her own.
Phantom Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Haunted by recurring nightmares of terrifying beasts, Erin McDaniels is afraid to sleep-until a hero arrives in her dreams to save her…and makes erotic, incredible love to her. But can she find him again when she is awake?
Under Her Spell by Maggie Shayne
A consultant for a TV series about one gorgeous witch, “white witch” Melissa St. Cloud plans to make the show authentic. But once on the set she is pulled into the arms of a man who opens up a doorway to the darkside and chilling peril.
A Wulf’s Curse by Ronda Thompson
Running away from an arranged marriage, Elise steals aboard a wagon in a traveling circus and finds herself in the bed of the Beast Master, Sterling Wulf, who is something other than he seems…and suddenly all Elise desires.
My review
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this collection of four romance novellas. Below are my reviews for the individual stories.
Darkfest by Amanda Ashley (7/10)
This story was quite nice, although a bit childish. I laughed at how Darkfest took care of the malevolent beings the encountered in the forest, by zapping them into oblivion. The fantasy setting was naive, but the story itself was interesting enough for me to finish it. Props for the author for making the male hero a virgin – that’s not something we see often enough. Usually the woman is a virgin, while the hero has numerous “conquests” in his past, thus reinforcing the double standard in our society.
Virginity in the Romance Novel at Smart Bitches Who Love Trashy Books
Phantom Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon 8/10
Although not yet called by the name, this novella introduces us to the world of the dream-hunters. This Sherrilyn Kenyon tale from 2003 was very enjoyable, and I’d even say better, than her more recent stories. Fun, sexy romance, although the plot was a bit predictable.
Under Her Spell by Maggie Shayne 9/10
This was the best story of the four in this collection. The tv show Alex and Melissa were working on reminded me of Charmed – I wouldn’t be surprised if Maggie Shayne thought up the storyline because she was annoyed at the inaccurate representation of Wicca in Charmed. Great main characters, and bonus points for Melissa being a Wicca.
A Wulf’s Curse by Ronda Thompson 8/10
I was surprised that this story was a historical. It was good and entertaining. I have The Dark One, Ronda Thompson’s first novel in The Wild Wulfs of London series waiting to be read.
See my review at bookcrossing.
