(She looks so badass – I want to be her)
Must Love Hellhounds Anthology – Charlaine Harris, Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews, Meljean Brook
September 1, 2009
Urban Fantasy
368 pages, paperback
Berkley
It is hard to go wrong buying an anthology with the authors Charlaine Harris, Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews and Meljean Brook. As the title promises, each story features hellhounds in one way or another.
The Britlingens Go to Hell – Charlaine Harris
Batanya and Clovache are bodyguards hired by a thief named Crick to help him retrieve a conjuring ball that he lost in Hell. Crick has stolen this conjuring ball from Lucifer, and in his haste to leave, he misplaced it. He needs the ball back because he was commissioned to steal it and if he doesn’t produce the item to his client he will be killed. Of course his chances of surviving his trip into Hell are not that great either – but that is why he hired Batanya and Clovache.
This was my least favorite story in the anthology. I was confused about the type of world the story was being told in. I know it is a short story and you have to jump into the action quickly, but I would have liked a bit more description of the rules of the world. Crick, Batanya and Clovache have some witty dialogue between them and the story itself of going into Hell and trying to steal from Lucifer was engaging. I did have to roll my eyes at who was imprisoned in Hell, lost in time travel. I won’t say who it is , but it seemed a little hokey to me. The hellhounds show up in Hell as a type of prison guard. Overall, this story just gets an ok from me.
Angels’ Judgement – Nalini Singh
Set in the same world as her first book in the Guild Hunter’s series, Angels’ Blood, this is the story of Sarah and Deacon. It takes place before Angels’ Blood. Sarah is still a hunter, one who brings in vampires who have fled their angel masters. She has been offered the head position of The Guild, and not all the archangels are thrilled to see a change in leadership. While she ponders her decision, the current head of The Guild, Simon, who is seeking retirement, sends Deacon, the slayer, to watch over her. Simon knows she may be tested and there is also a hunter going around killing vampires. Deacon can hunt the rogue and keep an eye on Sarah at the same time. Sarah is no pushover however. She wants in on the hunt, and Deacon soon realizes she has everything it takes to be the next Guild Director.
I loved Angels’ Blood and was very excited to get back to that world again. Although we don’t get to see a lot of the angels or vampires in this story, we get a very hot romance between Deacon and Sarah. Deacon is all bad ass and scary, and very attracted to Sarah. Sarah doesn’t think a relationship will work out between them – how can she be hoity-toity Guild Director while dating the very secretive slayer? She decides to jump in for a fling, but finds it very hard to let go. I have a new favorite saying now too – Sarah may not be getting much sleep with Deacon around but she is “amped up on happy hormones.” LOL. I love happy hormones! A great story with lots of action and steamy romance – really enjoyed it.
Magic Mourns – Ilona Andrews
This was my favorite in the book. This story takes place shortly after the latest Kate Daniels book, Magic Strikes (A must read series – trust Smexy). Kate is recovering from injuries, and Curran is doing his self-imposed punishment of hard labor. This story is told in Andrea’s POV. Andrea is Kate’s co-worker and best friend. Andrea is also a hyena shifter, and another hyena shifter, Raphael has been trying to woo her for awhile now. Raphael is known as a bouda, and will hump any female in sight. But his attraction to Andrea is far different – more serious and mature. He has been trying to prove that to her but it is hard for Andrea to see through his past. Someone close to Raphael dies and his body goes missing. When Andrea first runs into Raphael in this story, he is being chased by a hellhound as big as a house – a big house. They soon learn their may be a connection to the missing body.
I loved getting Andrea’s POV! She is such a great character – not quite as sarcastic as Kate, but she knows how to handle herself and has the confidence that Kate also exudes. She likes to use big guns too…I always like a heroine that loves weapons ;) She does her best to try to stop the advances from Raphael although deep down she knows he is being sincere. One of my favorite quotes from her as she is looking at Raphael:
If I weren’t a trained professional, I’d have fainted from the sheer overload of his badassness.
Raphael is a lethal killer and the combination of him and Andrea’s skill are no match for what they face. However he is a bouda, and bouda males prefer the beta role. Andrea is a natural alpha, giving orders, taking the lead. I find that fascinating in this couple. A fun role reversal. I loved this story and can’t wait for more from this world.
Blind Spot – Meljean Brook
I have a confession – this is my first Meljean brook book. *hangs head in shame* I have her Guardians series in my tbr, but just haven’t gotten to them yet. *ducks rotten tomato* I really enjoyed this story though and I am looking forward to reading more from her. Although I believe there are references to previous works and characters in this story, it read well on its own.
Maggie Wren, with hellhound Sir Pup, arrives in New York to retrieve Geoffrey Blake and find his missing sister. Much to Maggie’s surprise, she finds Geoff is blind, but he is not completely helpless. With the help of Sir Pup and some other hidden talents, he can make it on his own quite well. Someone from Maggie’s past comes up in the hunt for Geoff’s sister, and the question of whether she can be trusted comes into play. Maggie’s employer, who is also Geoff’s uncle looms in the background, ready to strike if an allegiance goes astray. Maggie, Geoff and Sir Pup must quickly find Geoff’s sister and find trust in one another.
I really enjoyed this story – I immediately liked Maggie. She is ex-CIA, tough and independent. She takes her job very seriously. Even though this was a short story, much of her past was talked about which really helped see where she was coming from. Geoff was a little bit more of a mystery to me. He is definitely sexy and sure of himself, but not overly alpha which I liked. And while there was romance, it was more of a promise of something in the future then an immediate conclusion. Which just means I will really have to start this series now. My favorite part:
[…]he saw darkness. He heard the scrape of her chair. Warm lips pressed hard against his. Her fingers raked through his hair. His shocked inhalation brought her into him. Christ, she smelled incredible. Tasted like heaven. He wanted more, wanted to see her, too.
That’s hot.
Must Love Hellhounds was a very enjoyable read, a nice fix until further novels come out.
Rating: 4 stars.
Charlaine Harris’ website
Nalini Singh’s website
Ilona Andrews’ website
Meljean Brook’s website
Sounds good. I have to buy this one. I can't wait to read Magic Mourns. I always enjoyed the boudas in Ilona's books.
Great review hon!
I saw this book this weekend and I wanted to get it but I already had 6 books in my hands! I'm gonna pick it up hopefully this weekend!
All your favorites in one place..
How much better can it get..
Glad you enjoyed it.
E.H>
Wonderful review! I'm waiting not so patiently for the library to get this in. :) I may need to break down and buy it.
So looking forward to reading Andrea and Raphael's story. Loved them in Magic Strikes.
I rarely read anthologies but I suppose I should. A chance to sample authors new to me. I love the cover on this one.
Susi – Love Ilona Andrews:)
Patti – 6?? Whatcha get?
EH – I know..it was a great group of authors!!
Leslie – I really enjoyed Andrea!
FV – yeah, I don't read Anths much either. But this one just drew me in:)
I am not an anthology kind of girl but this book is on its way to me. Outside of Charlaine Harris many authors of interest and Nalini Singh, I am more then ready for some Guild Hunter vibe, with or without the vamps and angels :)
Dunno about this one since I haven't read any of those books. I would like to dip into those worlds first
So glad you enjoyed the anthology, Mandi :) I think this is one of the best anthology released in the past few years with a stellar line-up :)
Patti tagged me, but I don't know that many people who have blogs. I decided to throw it back to someone who follows her blog (Book Addict. Hope you don't mind, but you've been tagged.
I don't mind:) I will write it up in a bit:)
I really want to read the Ilona Andrews short story. I love Raphael, and I think his pursuit of Andrea is very sweet – I love when he's telling Kate all the ways that the were males have courted their mates over the years – and then he goes into a trance thinking about Andrea in a schoolgirl uniform.
I can see where you're coming from about Charlaine Harris's short story – those 2 character appeared in the 7th Sookie book, and they played a bit role in that. It's a little weird to drudge them up now.
I liked this anthology best of all the ones I've ever read. I mean how can you go wrong with Ilona, Nalini and Meljean (wasn't really impressed with Harris contribution – haven't read any Sookie *ducks*)!
As always – wonderful thorough review Mandi!
Man I love the cover for this book and all the stories sound so good. :)
Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you enjoyed.
:)
Oh, your review makes me even more happier that I'm getting this book soon. Thanks for the review because the only author I've read out the group is Charlaine Harris and I was worried about back stories. Yeah, I love the cover too!