DARK AND DAMAGED is a wonderful and eclectic collection of paranormal love stories. DARK AND DAMAGED struck my interest because I am a fan of Jennifer Ashley and Bonnie Vanak. All of the other authors in this anthology are new to me. However, I have discovered some new favorites. All of the eight stories in this collection are sexy, inventive, and amazing. Although the tone and the subject matter differ, most of the stories are about trust and unlikely allies working together. Another common element in each story is a strong and capable heroine. Many of the stories are either the first book in a series or work as a stand-alone.

LION EYES is Book 7.25 in Jennifer Ashley's Shifters Unbound series. I always jump for joy when a new installment in her series comes out. LION EYES is an "on the run" themed story and has lots of excitement. Seamus is a lion Shifter and a thoroughly good guy and protector who meets up with Shifter groupie Bree Fayette. Although human, Bree and her mother are equally as strong, in some ways, as the Shifter females they later meet. I love seeing series favorites like Tiger and Olaf. The chemistry between Bree and Seamus works and makes for some steamy and sweet scenes.

BLOOD FLAME is Book 1 in Caris Roane's Flame series. The danger and suspense in BLOOD FLAME are intense, but I like that they don't overshadow the romance. There are several things I like about BLOOD FLAME. The romance that develops between the vampire Connor and the witch Iris is deliciously sensual. I like the story told from both perspectives, and I like how strong Iris is, despite knowing tragedy in her past. Caris Roane creates two very complex characters in a world that is not black and white. I look forward to reading future books in this series.

TEMPTED BY FIRE is Book 1 in Erin Kellison's Dragons of Bloodfire series. I love books about dragon shifters, but TEMPTED BY FIRE is different from other dragon stories I've read. For me, TEMPTED BY FIRE is part paranormal romance and part hardboiled detective story. I like that Thane and Ember work together to uncover who the bad guy is, as well as fighting together. I look forward to reading more stories in the Dragons of Bloodfire series.

HER SINFUL ANGEL is Book 8 in Felicity Heaton's Her Angel series. HER SINFUL ANGEL intrigued me right away based on the setting and the identity of the hero. Felicity Heaton makes Lucifer both a powerful and deeply sympathetic character. HER SINFUL ANGEL has many of the same elements that make up a good "beauty and the beast" themed story. The struggle to trust each other makes the romance between Lucifer and Nina more erotic. I will definitely go back and read the previous books in this series.

THE RESURRECTION OF SAM SLOAN is novella 2.5 in Erin Quinn's Beyond series. THE RESURRECTION OF SAM SLOAN is one of the most fascinating stories in this collection. Having never read a previous story in this Beyond series, I wasn't familiar with some of the terms. However, I was still able to appreciate the fantastic and otherworldly elements. The reaper who possesses Maggie's husband is such an interesting character and his infatuation with Maggie is so romantic. It's such a captivating idea to have a being take over someone's body, and therefore his life. THE RESURRECTION OF SAM SLOAN is one of the most unique love stories I've ever read. The demons and ghostly phenomena add excitement to mix in with the drama and romance. I am eager to read more stories in this Beyond series.

REDEMPTION is Mating Mini 4 in Bonnie Vanak's Werewolves of Montana series. There are so many elements in REDEMPTION that seem evocative of an erotic fairy tale to me. Robert and Aurora are caught in the machinations of powerful wizards and thrown together. After a brief meeting years ago, Aurora finds herself gifted to werewolf alpha Robert Keynes. Right away Aurora seems sympathetic -- having been enslaved for 15 years. The natural and intense sexual attraction Aurora and Robert feel for each other wars with their inability to totally trust. Great story-telling, eroticism, and complex characters make REDEMPTION a must-read werewolf story.

RAGING DAWN is a stand-alone novella in Colleen Gleason's Gardella Vampire Hunters series. Reading RAGING DAWN made me think of the classic Hitchcock film Notorious because of the intrigue and the prickly attitude of the hero toward the heroine at first. Even though this story is part of a series, Colleen Gleason gives a prologue and background information about the hero in order to help the reader understand him. I don't normally like stories about spies or spying, but sexual tension between vampire hunters Max and Savina is amazing and the excitement is off the charts. The chemistry between them is so good, I wouldn't mind reading more stories about the two of them working of cases together. This story is fun, full of suspense, and super hot!

REBEL'S DESIRE is Book 4 in Laurie London's Iron Portal series. REBEL'S DESIRE is a little bit sci-fi/fantasy with lots of action and sexiness thrown in. The trouble surrounding Keely because of who she is and her special gifts is reminiscent of the X-Men comics. Keely has had to survive and rely on her wits, but she appreciates Toryn being somebody she can finally lean on. REBEL'S DESIRE has a frenetic pace with lots of twists and turns.