On Jan 26, 2010, Jennifer Ashley will introduce her newest series, Shifters Unbound, with Pride Mates.

Twenty years ago, shape shifters of all kinds banded together and announced themselves to the world, only to be shunted to areas no human wanted (“Shiftertowns”). They are forced to wear Collars that control their hunting and fighting instincts (referred to by Shifters as “Taking the Collar”).

Liam Morrissey is currently liaison between the Shifters of Austin, TX, and the humans of the city. Kim Fraser, attorney, finds herself in the unique position of having to defend a Shifter on a murder charge.

She ventures to Shiftertown to seek out Liam’s help, and there stumbles across too many secrets the Shifters want kept secret. The un-mated Liam is forced to protect Kim against the wrath of his clan leader and his own father, and to his surprise he discovers a powerful attraction to the sassy, sexy lady. –Jennifer Ashley’s website

Favorite Lines: “There were nights when I let no one near me, when I knew that the boys who came to try their luck were just taking an opportunity, and I’d fight them, kick and scratch in a silent battle under the harsh fabric coverings. There were nights when I hadn’t the strength to fight and would reach down, moving my hands fast to get the encounter over with as quickly as I could. There were nights when I’d lie unresisting and close my eyes, slipping my fingers under boys’ clothing in case I might find succor there…Fewer friendships come out of the creches. We do too much to one another within them.” (p. 170-71)

Read the review of Benighted by Kit Whitfield at Scooper Speaks. This story isn’t one that you’ll want to read while you eat or immediately following, so before reading Benighted make Potato and Sausage Hash with Moroccan Flavors.

My name is Alexia Williams. In my world, North America is divided between north and south but not the way it’s taught in the history books. After losing my family to the shifters, I joined the Combined Human States Army. Now I find myself on the front lines, defending the wall between my species and theirs. My mission is simple: keep the animals on their side by whatever means necessary and I’m good at it.

I don’t talk to them. I don’t sympathize with them. I sure as hell don’t admire them until one saves my life. Andor isn’t like any shifter I’ve ever met. He’s a three-hundred-year-old golden eagle asking for help finding missing shifters who may be in my lands.

I just have to decide between helping the animals or ignoring signs that my fellow humans aren’t what I thought they were. But how can I help a species I hate and fear? Even if Andor makes me feel alive again? In the land of the shifters they call me Death.

They Call Me Death by Missy Jane is published by Samhain Publishing and is  slated to be released Dec. 1, 2009, according to Amazon.

Halloween is coming and the Witch Elders Council needs a new High Priestess. Despite her Nana’s disapproval and her still-secret vampire stain, Persephone Alcmedi reluctantly joins the competition — but only to keep a corrupt contender from winning.

Meanwhile, Seph’s mind-blowing intimacy with sexy rock’n’roll werewolf Johnny makes her fear the stain’s grip on her is tightening.

Misunderstanding her reaction, Johnny moves out and slakes his lust with band groupies.

A heartbroken Seph can’t properly prepare for the tournament and, worse, Sebastien, the vampire-wizard whose stain she bears, turns up to judge.

When finalists start turning up dead, the competition becomes a quest for survival.

Coming December 29, 2009!

“I hope you like General Tso’s Chicken!” (p. 81) Me too, because that’s what you’ll be eating while you read Linda Robertson’s Vicious Circle, a story about a witch involved in werewolf business who is targeted by vampires. You can read my review of it at Scooper Speaks.

Favorite Lines: “I lay naked and filthy on the ground, panting, trembling like I’d been struck by lightning. A spider crawled across my foot and I shook it off.” (p. 70)

A year ago Jane nearly lost her life taking down an entire blood family of deadly rogue vampires that preyed on the helpless local populace of an Appalachian town. Now, after months of recuperation, she’s back and ready to fight again. Except this time, she’s hired by those she’s trained to kill—vampires…

Check out Faith Hunter’s newest release Skinwalker for a steady paced and well crafted novel about shifters and vampires. You won’t be sorry.

While you’re at it, visit Scooper Speaks to read my review.

Food and Skinwalker:  Beef Kabobs With Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Favorite Lines: “You asked my price. That is it: a pound of silver…and you. I’ll take you wherever you wish, so long as I can take you whenever I wish.” (p. 24)

Immortal Outlaw is a paranormal, historical romance about Steinarr and Marian, a take on the old Robin Hood story. Steinarr was cursed to become a lion shifter at night and Marian is the daughter of a nobleman. The two are trying to follow the clues so that Marian’s ‘cousin’ can take his rightful position as the lord of Huntington and their journey leads them all around Nottinghamshire.

On their journey cheese and bread is eaten a lot, so I figured it would be the perfect meal to go along with the story.  While you eat, read the book or start with my review of Immortal Outlaw at Scooper Speaks. Check the author’s site for an except of the story. Immortal Outlaw will be released in June 2009.

Favorite Line: “You’d think that lightening struck her p**sy, too.” (p. 100)

Emma Holly is known for her erotica so don’t be surprised by the many pages full of twinge worthy sex. It is also book one in a trilogy.

Read the review of Kissing Midnight by Emma Holly at Scooper Speaks. Kissing Midnight goes on sale in June 2009.

Food to go with your fiction: roast beef. Eat it while you read. Click on the picture to find the recipe.

Favorite Line: “Tell her to give it to me tonight, in front of Victor.”

Yeah, I know that doesn’t tell you much, but I bet you want to know what I’m talking about. It has to do with Sookie and Eric and it’s a biggie.

Check out my review of Dead and Gone at Scooper Speaks. Then come back here so we can talk about it.

Favorite lines: “His teeth struck at my neck, close to the spot where my scars rode, and I screamed, showing him in earnest.” (p. 268)

For the review of Second Skin visit Scooper Speaks, where you’ll also find the reviews of the first two books in the Nocturne City series.