Over The Moon [Mass Market Paperback]

I finished this book couple of days ago, and realized something kind of odd. While I was reading the stories, I'd have said I was enjoying them (well, 3 of them anyway), but at the end I was left feeling dissatisfied and wondering if I need to give up on buying short story collections, since this isn't the first time I've been left feeling this way.

One of my gripes is that all four of these stories are sequels or part of continuing stories that had been started in novels or other anthologies. I was familiar with the "worlds" of Knight's and Davidson's stories, since I read (and enjoy) those authors' novels regularly. Those two were my reason for buying the book.

Kantra's story was a sequel of sorts, but from references in this story, it was clear that the prequel was based on the legend of Tam-lin. While I hadn't read Kantra's prequel, I've read other books based on that legend, so I understood the references and didn't feel too lost.

The last story, however, was by Sunny, (a new-to-me writer) and it was, in some ways, like opening up a novel right in the middle and reading just one chapter without bothering to read the beginning or end. I find it a little frustrating that the publisher didn't include even one story that was strictly a stand-alone tale, where you didn't need extensive knowledge of folk tales or an author's back list to fully appreciate the story.

It was also frustrating because I thought each of these tales could have potentially been a novel if the writer had gone more in-depth into character, motivation, etc. and I would've enjoyed the novels more than I enjoyed the short stories. I felt cheated at the end, like I only got a tiny bite of a larger story and that tiny bite wasn't very satisfying.

Then there was the problem that bothered me even more - the last story in the book (and only the last story) was so poorly edited that the grammatical errors were driving me crazy before it was over. That would have been annoying in any part of the book, but for it to be the last story in the book - my final impression of the anthology - yikes! Not good!

I spotted misuse of I/me, mixing up of singular and plural within the same sentence, but the error that was bugging me the most was the author's habit of using phrases like "truthful sincerity." As opposed to what - deceptive sincerity? Truthful lies? Doesn't that seem like a case of *repetitive redundancy*? Just sayin'...

Another one I remember was a scene where the protagonist, who is a shape-changer, was saying something about her "feline cat nature." Whew! What a relief that she doesn't have the dreaded canine cat nature, which causes sufferers to chase themselves up trees until they collapse in exhaustion. Bah!

Then there was the *strong* resemblance of the story to Hamilton's Merry Gentry novels, something already noted by several other reviewers. I found that off-putting as well.

It's a shame because I thought Sunny's writing showed talent, but I was so annoyed by the problems in that story that there's no way I'm going to buy the novels and take a chance on having those same issues drive me nuts for 200+ pages.

Unfortunately, I think this one's going in the used book store pile.

Moon Dance by Angela Knight

Lucas Rollings was introduced to the world of the Direkind when he was shot and nearly killed one night. When his friend saved his life, Lucas had no idea what he was in for. Five years later, Elena Livingston is about to come looking for Lucas. As a member of the Chosen, the Direkind elite, she needs his help, desperately.

Lucas and Elena come together in an explosive meeting. Elena is running for her life, trying to keep away from the man who will do anything to get her pregnant...including rape her. I loved Lucas, he was so hot my toes curled, and Elena is admirable in her wishes for the Direkind. Moon Dance is a combustible combination of sex, magic and a little dash of violence.

Between the Mountain and the Moon by Virginia Kantra

Caitlin MacLean is sore, tired and her blisters have blisters. She is on this hike as a graduation present to herself, despite her parents' wish for her to cancel it. When she runs across another group of hikers, it is the mysterious Rhys Danuson that captures her attention. But, Rhys has other plans for her...plans that involve a decades long feud and the machinations of the fae.

Between the Mountain and the Moon captured me from the start with a likable protagonist, a sexy mysterious man and enough hints of mystery to have me turning the pages to find out what happens next. This was my first story by Virginia Kantra, and I'll definitely be looking for more.

Driftwood by MaryJanice Davidson

Burke Wolftauer is walking along the beach, half an hour before the moon is about to appear. He is already in a bad mood, courtesy of some ignorants driving onto the beach with all the air in their tires. When he comes across Serena Crull buried in a hole, he decides to help her...until his claustrophobia and the moon interfere. When he goes back the next day, thinking to find her dead body, he doesn't realize what he's in for.

MaryJanice Davidson has always been my go-to author when I want a laugh-out-loud funny read. Driftwood combines the world of the Wyndham werewolves with the world of the vampires once again for a breath-takingly funny glimpse at what happens when a wolf and a vamp meet under less than auspicious circumstances.

Mona Lisa Three by Sunny

Mona Lisa has only a few days before she is to go to her new territory in Louisiana. Her life has changed unbelievably since finding out she was Monere, and now she is responsible for the men and women in her group - including her younger brother, her guards and the two men she loves most. Unfortunately, her mother, Mona Sera, has one last task for Mona Lisa before she leaves New York.

Mona Lisa Three allows a small glimpse into the lives and loves of Mona Lisa. The cast of characters is large enough to pique my interest and I find myself falling more in love with them after every page. Mona Lisa is appealing, Gryphon and Amber are intriguing and the others...simply add more layers to an incredible world.

Over the Moon is a compilation of four incredible novellas that left me panting for more. Separately, each of these stories brings a unique twist to the Paranormal genre, but together, Over The Moon is a can't-put-down read.

Shannon

Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

See what happens when some of the top authors in the paranormal genre combine their talents to produce the anthology, OVER THE MOON....

Angela Knight kickstarts this anthology with "Moon Dance", a tale of the Direkind. Elena Livingston is one of the Chosen, a werewolf directly descended from the first Direwolf created by the legendary Merlin. Unfortunately, the Chosen tend to be ruled by their Traditions, so Elena's father intends to force her to marry the abusive Stephen Bradford. Elena flees for the protection of Lieutenant Lucas Rollings, one of the Bitten. Will love flourish despite the deep divide between their social classes?

Angela Knight always writes a hot story and "Moon Dance" is no exception! The Burning Moon attraction instantly flares between Elena and Lucas as this is one phenomenal romance. Angela Knight sensitively addresses the issue of abuse and discrimination in this fascinating tale. Stephen is a classic case of the typical abuser and his arrogance had me cheering for his downfall. Fans of the Mageverse series will enjoy this deeper glimpse into the inner workings of politics within the Direkind.

"Between the Mountain and the Moon" by Virginia Kantra is a tale of the treachery of the Sidhe. Cait MacLean is hiking along the Appalachian Trail when she meets three mysterious strangers, Goodfellow, Ursus, and Rhys. Cait soon finds herself entranced with Rhys but Rhys is hiding a deadly secret.

Virginia Kantra's Sidhe tale is quite eerie. The Appalachian Trail has always held a certain mystique and Ms Kantra uses this to create a wickedly clever fantasy in which the world of the Sidhe springs to vivid life. The attraction between Cait and Rhys is a bit dark but this is entirely fitting for a story set in the realm of the Sidhe. Virginia Kantra is better know for her romantic suspense stories but she proves with Between the Mountain and the Moon that she is a force to be reckoned with in the paranormal genre as well.

MaryJanice Davidson's "Driftwood" is a tale that briefly unites her Wyndham werewolves and the vampires from the Undead series. Serena Crull and Burke Wolftauer meet in the most unexpected place- a deep pit at the beach. Sparks immediately fly between the two but Serena has a mission to ease the ghosts of her past. Will Burke understand?

"Driftwood" is the weakest story in the anthology. MaryJanice Davidson's heroines are always sassy and Serena is no exception. However, I admit to a bit of disappointment with the lack of depth to either Serena or Burke. Serena, in particular, seems almost a carbon copy of any other MaryJanice Davidson heroine with no real distinguishing traits to make her stand out. The plot itself is a bit more interesting although the ending is completely implausible, even for a reader used to suspending disbelief quite frequently. MaryJanice Davidson is an author I automatically buy and I expected more from her than what I found in "Driftwood".

The anthology concludes with "Mona Lisa Three" by Sunny. Mona Lisa is the first Mixed Blood Monere Queen. She has a gift of healing through sex and she'll need to use her gift more than ever when her mother, Queen Mona Sera, issues her an ultimatum.

Sunny provides a breath of fresh air to the more erotic paranormal field. "Mona Lisa Three" is a part of her series featuring the Monere and has certainly whetted my appetite for this new series. While references are made to events that appear to be a part of the first book, enough information is still provided to make this a stand alone short story. Mona Lisa is a well developed character who is both sexy and smart. Readers who like their stories dark and spicy should enjoy "Mona Lisa Three".

OVER THE MOON is an enjoyable anthology that offers readers several different slices of the paranormal genre. Each one of these very talented authors brings a slightly different perspective to OVER THE MOON, practically guaranteeing that there will be a bit of something for everyone. OVER THE MOON is definitely one hot read!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

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