Darkfest by Amanda Ashley – Darkfest was a generally enjoyable read for me, mainly because of its fairy tale quality. It takes place at an unspecified time in the past which has a medieval feel to it, making it the first historical paranormal story I've read. The main characters were pretty likable. The hero, Lord Darkfest, has a mysterious air about him. He is a 300-year-old, nearly all-powerful wizard who is also a wolf shifter and has hints of even darker things in his soul as well. The heroine, Channa Leigh, is a beautiful but blind peasant girl who sings with the voice of an angel, stirring feelings and desires within the lonely wizard that he has never felt before. In his entire three centuries of life, Darkfest has never loved or made love to a woman, though there was a brief mention of him having mated with a female wolf while in his animal form. I wasn't really sure what the purpose of that passage was, as it didn't seem to add anything to the story, and I would have just preferred he unquestionably be a virgin in all his forms. Darkfest acted somewhat selfishly when he demanded that Channa Leigh come to live in his castle as payment for healing her mother, but I thought he redeemed himself through his determined quest to permanently restore her sight. Aside from a few moments of arrogance, he was a gentle hero that I liked. Channa Leigh was one of those sweet, guileless heroines who would be difficult not to like, and I greatly admired her independence in spite of her blindness. My main problem with this novella is that, as with most short stories, it is very hard to develop the characters and the plot to a point that it is fully satisfying. There were many questions about Darkfest that I felt were left unanswered, and Channa Leigh went from being afraid of him to being in love with him a little too quickly. Although Channa Leigh eventually figured out that there was a connection between Darkfest and the magical wolf who keeps visiting her, there was never a moment when he shifted for her or spoke the truth to solidify that in her mind. The ending was perhaps a little too simplistic as well, and while I don't mind sweet, non-explicit romances, I have to admit feeling a little cheated that the hero and heroine didn't even get a single love scene or even a cut scene after all the build-up. There were also a few discrepancies in the narrative such as in one place, Channa Leigh had lost her sight to illness and in another, it was an accident. In spite of some weaknesses, I found Darkfest to be a pleasant way to wile away a few hours, and anyone who likes a good fairy tale with a slightly dark flavor will probably find it enjoyable too. Rating: ****

Phantom Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon – I thoroughly enjoyed Phantom Lover. It had elements that were reminiscent of both Fantasy Lover and Dance with the Devil, my two favorite Dark-Hunter novels to date, only with its own twists and turns. Phantom Lover was also an introduction of sorts to the Dream-Hunters, as it is the first story in the series to have these beings as main characters. I really liked the uniqueness of Erin and V'aidan's first meeting and early relationship development taking place inside Erin's dreams. The human mind is such a fascinating thing to me and also very powerful, especially in its subconscious state, so it gave their falling in love at first sight and making love at their first meeting a more believable quality than most stories where this happens. I thought it also gave their interactions an enchantingly romantic quality. V'aidan is another of Sherrilyn Kenyon's tortured male leads. He is the hero who rescues Erin from her nightmares, but isn't all that he seems. I really liked V'aidan's almost childlike wonderment at everything in the human world, but most of all I was taken by his vulnerability and the amazement he exhibits at Erin's trust and love for him, things he has never known before. V'aidan also showed the kind, caring part of his soul by nurturing Erin's creativity which was something she had been neglecting. Erin was a very sweet, gentle heroine with an enormous capacity for forgiveness when she finds out the truth about V'aidan. Ultimately, Phantom Lover was very much about V'aidan's redemption, and when Erin went to him in his non-human form, offering her unconditional love, it brought a tear to my eye. Another thing I really appreciated about this novella is that the mythology seemed much more concise and easier to follow, and neither it nor the magical elements were overdone like I felt it was in some of the past Dark-Hunter books. In a series that has been rather hit-and-miss for me, this little novella was a definite hit. Perhaps there could have been a bit more character development, especially with V'Aidan's backstory and why he decided to protect Erin, but the emotional level was so sweetly satisfying, I can't help but give Phantom Lover keeper status. There wasn't really anything I disliked about this story, and with two winners in a row, my hope is that Sherrilyn Kenyon is back on track to giving me more good reads in the Dark-Hunter series. Phantom Lover used to be listed in the Dark-Hunter chronology between Night Embrace and Dance with the Devil, but is now being called a related story by the author. I am not aware of any carry-over characters between this story and others in the series, but V'Aidan's brother, M'Ordant was mentioned by name in Dance with the Devil, and may play a part in future books. There are currently 26 novels and short stories in the Dark-Hunter series. A complete list of all the books and their recommended reading order can be found on Sherrilyn Kenyon's website. Rating: ****1/2

Under Her Spell by Maggie Shayne – While the other stories in this anthology are primarily about werewolves and shape-shifters, Under Her Spell features witches and the practice of witchcraft, but it is not the fun Harry Potter type of fantasy witchcraft. Instead, Under Her Spell contains a very strong dose of Paganism (both the author and the heroine are Wiccan high priestesses), along with some horror movie moments involving black magic. None of this was really my cup of tea, and quite frankly much of it left me feeling rather creeped out. In fact, the synopsis didn't really interest me from the start, and I probably wouldn't have even read it except for the sake of completing the anthology. Since the story itself didn't resonate with me, I couldn't really relate to the characters either. Alex and Melissa's attraction was too quick and magical to suit my taste, and the one barely-there love scene seemed to come from out of nowhere. I just never felt a connection between, or to, these two characters. I'm also not usually a fan of Hollywood types, and Alex is the creator of a TV show about witches, with Melissa acting as his new technical consultant on all things magical. I would really have to agree with the show's head writer who expressed skepticism when he asked whether they were tying to produce a television drama or a Wicca 101 class. In all honesty, I felt like I was being given a lesson in Wicca all throughout the story. While I try to be open-minded about such things, I'm just not a fan of heavy religious messages of any sort in my fiction reading, especially ones that are so far removed from my own spiritual beliefs. In my opinion, the romance really took a back seat to the witchcraft in this story. If nothing else, I suppose Under Her Spell was an appropriate read for the current Halloween season, but it just wasn't anywhere near as enjoyable as the other three stories in this anthology were for me. Aside from my lack of connection to the characters and their narrative, which I suppose is partially due to personal preferences, the writing itself seemed to be pretty decent. This was my first read by Maggie Shayne, but if she always includes such a large dose of her religious beliefs in her writing then her works may not be for me. Rating: **

A Wulf's Curse by Ronda Thompson – A Wulf's Curse turned out to be a surprisingly good read at a time when I really needed one. Like the first story in this anthology, it is also a historical, but one that takes place in the Regency era. For a paranormal tale it was fairly light and easy, with a cast of very likable characters. Sterling has a mysterious air about him and is a man who holds everyone at arms-length, because of a curse that affects all the male members in his family line. In an attempt to escape his old life, he has taken up an itinerant lifestyle with a group of traveling performers, and is their Beast Tamer, working with two big cats. At the beginning, Sterling is a bit rude, but it quickly becomes apparent that he is a gentle man with a heart of gold. Elise is just the type of heroine I usually enjoy most, one who has a very sweet temperament, but is also quite spirited. I found her bravery and straight-forward honesty to be quite refreshing, and her ready acceptance of those who are different was heartwarming. I loved that when Elise performed her exotic dances in front of the crowds, she was, in her heart and mind, truly dancing for only one man, Sterling. I thought that the building of Sterling and Elise's love had a gentle, poignant quality to it with plenty of sexual tension, and their one love scene was sweetly sensuous. The secondary characters were a wonderful band of misfits, who most people viewed as little more than gypsies or circus freaks, but they were full of heart and soul. I don't think I've ever read a more colorful bunch before. I was somewhat disappointed that the two villainous characters began with a little bite, but kind of ended on a whimper, both being fairly easily dispatched. This wasn't too surprising though, because A Wulf's Curse was primarily character-driven, focusing mainly on the relationships between Sterling and Elise as well as the two of them and the rest of the troupe. It also conveys a strong and touching message about looking into a person's heart rather than judging them for what's on the outside, in addition to acceptance of oneself. Although Sterling's secret was fairly obvious right from the outset, it wasn't revealed until very near the end of the story. I thought this made the ending feel a little rushed with Elise and the other troupe members accepting his “difference” a little too easily, although I will admit that it fit well with the theme. Also, the ending, while happy, was not quite what I was expecting and that ties back into the inner workings of the curse which was only briefly explained. I would have liked to know more about the curse, but perhaps it will be explored in more depth in future installments of the series. A Wulf's Curse is the first story in the Wild Wulfs of London series, and my first read by the late Ronda Thompson. Overall, it was a very welcome and pleasant story that makes me look forward to continuing the series soon, as well as possibly exploring other books in Ms. Thompson's backlist. Rating: **** ( )

Product 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.

From the Inside Flap
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.

Borrowed solely for Kenyon story...enjoyed the entire book! ( )

Though I didn't care for some of the stories in this anthology all that much, I'm still glad I read it because I did enjoy the story by Ronda Thompson. :)

"Darkfest" by Amanda Ashley
My Rating: 3 stars
I found this one a bit chintzy and sappy. And then I realized I didn't really care for Amanda Ashley's full-length novel, Desire After Dark, that I'd read either. Romance buffs may enjoy it more but it didn't have enough of an interesting story line to go along with it to hold my interest.

"Phantom Lover" by Sherrilyn Kenyon
My Rating: 4 stars
I wasn't too impressed with this story. It was a bit too "sappy romance" for me and the rest of the action was only mediocre. Though I've felt that the romance in Kenyon's full-length Dark-Hunter novels was a bit sappy too, they generally had enough action and sub-plot going on to keep me interested anyway... although I do admit I get a bit glassy-eyed during the sappy love scenes that go on for 3 or 4 pages. But glossing over those parts, the rest of the story is still fairly engaging, which I didn't really find to be the case as much with this short story, probably due in great part to the short-story format and not having enough space to really flesh out a good sub-plot.

"Under Her Spell" by Maggie Shayne
My Rating: 5 stars
Melissa St. Cloud is hired as the technical consultant for a television series, The Enchantress. But instead of simply correcting the technical inaccuracies related to Witchcraft in the show itself, she ends up having to banish an evil spirit who is trying to consume Alex's life... literally!

I had mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, I liked the background story that went along with the it. However, the way the author approached the parts dealing with Wicca and Witchcraft, though accurate, seemed very much like a Wicca 101 lecture. Yes, granted she's trying to teach the reader something in the process, but for someone who's already experienced with all that like myself, it simply came off as rote, and the kind of thing that should be saved for a non-fiction Wicca 101 text.

"A Wulf's Curse" by Ronda Thompson
My Rating: 7 stars
Elise is running from her uncle and the arranged marriage he's set for her to a very cruel man. So she stows away in the wagon of a traveling road show, hoping to hitch a ride from London to Liverpool, and ends up right in the arms of the Beast Tamer, Sterling Wulf... and the Wulf part is more than just his last name! ;-)

This is my fist introduction to this author, and since I have some of her full-length novels coming in a bookring from CandyDarling, I had wanted to make sure I liked the author. Although this was strictly romance, I liked the author's writing style enough, and there was enough of a storyline outside of the romance with the traveling road show, that I enjoyed it nonetheless. IMO, this was the best story in this anthology. ( )

"Darkfest" by Amanda Ashley. Before the scribing of history, the Wizard Darkfest desires peasant Channa Leigh. He offers to save her dying mother's life in exchange for Channa staying with him at his remote castle for a year. Channa will do anything for her beloved mother even living with the devil.

"Phantom Lover" by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Erin McDaniels suffers from horrendous nightmares. Though her marketing report due-out fails to keep her awake, this time a champion V'Aidan challenges the serpent Krysti'Ana. V'Aidan and Erin make love, but when she awakens she realizes he resides in her dream realm.

"Under Her Spell" by Maggie Shayne. Alexander Quinn hired Wicca practitioner and UCLA alternate religious professor Dr. Melissa St. Cloud as a consultant on witchcraft set to bring reality to the film. However, the White Witch expert never expected to fall into the arms of the director nor have that lead them to a battle for their souls on the dark side.

"A Wulf's Curse" by Ronda Thompson. In 1820 England, Elise Collins keeps reminding herself she is an adventurer running from her arranged marriage though the beasts in the caravans frighten her. Even scarier is how she feels about the Beast Tamer, Sterling Wulf, whom she just recently met yet feels like she loved forever. Sterling's skills come from a special affinity with the animals and though he loves the newcomer, he keeps anything permanent from happening.

This quartet of supernatural romantic novellas contains strong tales that sub-genre fans will fully treasure due to the fervent lead protagonists enhanced by deep secondary characters.

Harriet Klausner