Burning Up Anthology by Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra, Meljean Brook
August 3, 2010
Paranormal Romance
368 Pages, Paperback
Berkley
Reviewed by Tori
Burning up is an anthology of four smokin’ hot paranormal romance stories by some of the top authors in the industry. All of these are stand alone and do not require you to read previous books by these authors to understand.
“Whisper of Sin” by Nalini Singh
Nalini Singh takes us back in history to when the Dark River Changelings were just settling in San Francisco. In this sexy smoldering story we see how Dark River soldier Emmett meets his beloved Ria.
Full of action, humor and smexy shifter lovin’. Wonderful fast solid story and we see some of our favorite characters in their younger years.
Rating: 4/5
“Blood and Rose” by Angela Knight
Amaris must save her sister from becoming a pawn in an evil wizards plans to dominate the world. She is ordered to seduce Raniero, servant to the king, as to not reveal the wizards plans. Amaris fears and distrusts vampires. When Amaris and Raniero meet, Amaris realizes that in order to survive and save her sister she must trust Raniero with her life and her heart.
Very intense plot with a lot going on for such a short story. I also had a small problem with the chemistry between the protagonists. I’m not a fan of forced seduction.
Rating: 3/5
“Shifting Sea” by Virginia Kantra
Major John Harris is tired of war and after being released from the Army he travels to his estate to settle down. Along the way he meets a mysterious woman who stirs his passion. Morwenna is a shifter of the sea but longs to live as a human. Can John and Morweena see past their differences in order to have a future together?
Nice light PNR. Would have loved a little more "oomph" from the story. The plot is minuscule and avenues I thought Ms. Kantra would have expanded on didn’t happen.
Rating: 3/5
“Here There By Monsters” By Meljean Brook
Ivy has survived the Horde but now she fears something else is coming for her. She begs pirate Mad Machan for safe passage aboard his ship. Circumstances cause Ivy to run and hide from Machan. Two years later Machan finds her and blackmails her aboard his ship. He needs her help and wants her heart. As Ivy and Machan battle on the ship and in the bed; these two lonely souls find a passion worthy of the high seas.
This sampler of Ms. Brook’s foray into steampunk is a absolute winner. Fascinating storyline, strong characters, and plenty of action that kept me hooked to the end.
Rating: 4/5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
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Goodreads
I can't wait to read thiiiiiiiis!! Great review, loved how you rated each story separately.
I wanna read that Singh story and I really want to read Brooks too now
Some antho's I just need to read even though I'm not an avid antho reader. Singh/Knight are authors I just love & Brook is one I really want to give a go! Glad to read you enjoyed this one too Tori :)
I enjoyed Singh's novella also. Haven't finished the other stories in the anthology yet, but looking forward to Brook's intro to her new series.
I am always delighted when these anthologies are released with one problem: the stories are always so good but never long enough. This one looks exceptional and thank you for sharing it with us. Another trip to the bookstore, it looks like . . .
Rex-Thanks. Reviewing each one lets me jabber more me. lol
Blodeuedd- I love when authors give back stories. Meljean Brooks releases her full steampunk story soon. SQUEEE!
Leontine-Im an antro ho, I admit it. But this one was above par.
Eva / TXBookjunkie- I'd read Singh's grocery list. lol
Dr J- I know. :( I always find one or 2 stories in an anthro that makes me long for more. Meljean's full steampunk comes out soon though so SQUEEE!
I don't particularly care for anthologies, but this one sounds pretty good. Great review Tori!
Great review- I haven't read any of these authors before, but anthos are fun every once in awhile!
I just got this over the weekend and read Meljean's story (and LOVED it), can't wait to read the rest! Great review!
Nice Tori, sounds like this one worked well for you. Can you believe I've never read steam punk before. me=loser. lol
amyt865-I loved it
A Buckeye Girl Reads-Wow. You need to go read some of these authors. They are all good.
Lizzielvr-Wasn't it FAB? Made me get all piratey. lol
Fiction Vixen-Really? Gail Carriger's series is steampunk. I'm funny abt my steampunk.
SOLD.
I've still not started any by Meljean and I'm not all that familiar with steampunk and from your review, I gotta read this.
Was going to get it for Singh's Changeling story anyway because that's a must too!
Thanks for the review!
Hmmm… I swear that I commented on this review already, but I guess I just read it! Oh well..
Thanks for the great reviews. I've bought this one for the p/c and new Meljean stories and plan to read it next. Thanks for sharing!