Shards of Crimson

I'm not usually big on anthologies at all, but this one was awesome. My favorite story in here had to be School Bites by Jade Lee. It was HOT. I'm really hoping this isn't the end of the series because there are too many loose ends to tie up. Way to go Liz Maverick, Pattie O'Shea, Carolyn Jewel and Jade Lee. Don't make us wait too long for more!

The Crimson City series, created by Liz Maverick, is set in Los Angeles in the future when humans share the city with Vampires, Werewolves, Mechs and Demons. "Shards Of Crimson" has four short stories by Liz Maverick, Patti O'Shea, Carolyn Jewel and Jade Lee set within the Crimson City world and focusing on secondary characters from the earlier books. It's not necessary to have read any of the full-length novels to enjoy these stories but it can help to understand the background setting and some of the characters if you have. "A Time To Howl" by Liz Maverick is the first story and it covers the Rogues, a breakaway group from the main power structures of the city, comprising a werewolf Tajo, vampire Hayden and two humans Jill and Bridget. They work as mercenaries but find that they have been set up, when watching the main vampire headquarters, as someone tries to kill a princess of the Werewolves, Gia, who is about to be given as bride to one of the vampires. Tajo the Werewolf ends up taking her hostage to keep her safe until they find who is trying to kill her. Of course Stockholm Syndrome does its work and although Tajo is a rough and ready man and not fit for a princess nature takes its course and the pair of them have to face up to the vampires. Readers of this story would probably benefit from having read "Crimson Rogue" by Maverick as there are a lot of characters whose backstory we never quite fully understand. Although a good read with some moments of action there are also some unlikely plot devices and the relationship between the protagonists seems rather one-dimensional. "DX" by Carolyn Jewel was a very different story, focusing on Hell Marshall, recently sacked from her job at Internal Operations in Crimson City following her relationship with a vampire, Tuan Ng. Hell is brought back to the team on a one-off basis to investigate a demon killing - the demon (the most dangerous kind, a Bak-Faru) almost killed Tuan and as Hell knows Tuan it is thought she will have most success with the investigation. She's partnered with Agent Jaden Lightfeather and very quickly their hormones start flying. However it soon becomes apparent that enemy and friend are somewhat confused and Hell has to decide who to trust - whether an evil demon can in fact be safer and more trustworthy than a friend. This story had some interesting events and the underlying themes of the nature of trust and evil gave this story more depth. Hell knows that the hero has evil in him, she senses it, and yet she can also tell that he will protect her - it's unclear whether she's actually sold out for a handsome face and whether she will be happy with her future life but the tensions within the story make it a fun ride. This story worked well as a stand-alone and could be read without knowing any of the other Crimson City series as all necessary backstory is woven into the narration. It's an enjoyable read and very different from the preceding book in the collection. The thi

This return to Crimson City was absolutely wonderful. I would be very hard pressed to pick a favorite short story here because each one delivered a punch in the arm that keeps the reader turning pages. I'm keeping this review short. BUY IT!!!! BUY IT!!!!! BUY IT!!!!

I am so glad there are more books in this series. After reading the original ones, I disliked leaving that universe, particularly when I have gotten all the species and players sort of down. This book was a delight. I was feeling a bit sad when I started it, and was cheered right up. Four great romances were just what I needed to feel good again. All were really good and I have difficulty choosing my favorite. The first by Liz Maverick probably is my pick, but the last by Patti O'Shay is close. All were good though. This book is well worth buying. I encourage all readers to buy it new to encourage the publishers to keep printing the series.

"A Time to Howl" by Liz Maverick. In Crimson City, Tajo the werewolf tells his soulmate Princess Gia to forget him and leave, as he is a lone rogue. By doing this he breaks two hearts but he must confront Marius and the other Dumont vampires and their werewolf allies. "DX" by Carolyn Jewel. As a favor to a friend and to regain her government security clearance, private investigator Hell Marshall accepts a case from I-Ops to bring down a killing DX (demon of unknown origin). The DX seems easy to deal with when compared to how her heart beats when she is near her partner Special Forces Agent Jordan Lightfeather. "School Bites" by Jade Lee. At Ben Franklin Middle School, human teacher Toni Freedman intercedes in a fight between three male students when one of them Kumars Gray bit her. Principal John Wayne Wong wants to protect the woman he loves whether she is a wolf, human or both. "Dark Awakening" by Patti O'Shea. The evil Bak-Faru pursues Kimi who fears what will happen if her stalker catches her as she is new to the demon game. Her only hope rests with Nic a demon if they can keep their star-crossed attraction under control. These are four delightful romantic fantasies set in Crimson City, Los Angeles' latest reincarnation where four species battle for supremacy. Harriet Klausner