Surf's Up

Surf's Up is an anthology made up of 2 paranormal romances and 1 contemporary romance. The last story by Nina Bangs is typical Nina Bangs with vampires, talking cats, and were-beings just shorter in length. The first story by Janelle Denison is a contemporary romance and is the more sensual read of the three. I liked this story, it just seemed rushed right at the end. The second story by MaryJanice Davidson was my favorite. It had me laughing so hard with the quick wit and smart dialogue between the hero and heroine. The movie and tv references were also great extras that I enjoyed. The heroine comments and thoughts had me rolling on the floor at times. If I could rate them individually, I would give 5 stars for Paradise Bossed by MaryJanice Davidson.

This romance anthology's stories are loosely connected by water. It took me a minute to figure out how they were connected, so I figured I'd do you a favor and point it out. (I'm choosing to believe it wasn't obvious to everybody, though it probably was.) **** "Hot and Bothered" by Janelle Denison. Divorced jewelry designer Claire gets caught in a riptide and is rescued by her next-door neighbor Shea. They start a relationship based on the attraction both had felt but not acted on while she was married, but then a valuable jewel is missing, and Shea's past makes her suspect him. This was a nice, complete story. Nothing earth-shattering, but the characters are likeable and understandable, and it didn't feel rushed or forced. **** "Paradise Bossed" by MaryJanice Davidson. In an extremely unusual start to a romance story, heroine Nikki dies while snorkeling in the Caymans. She'd been on vacation with friends, who refuse to leave until her body is found. Nikki's ghost is still there, and they can't sense her, but psychic Tom can. He can also interact with her while astral projecting. I love MJD's writing. She's got a blend of wit and sensuality that just works for me. And I loved this story. Until the end, which has me worried. It's entirely possible I'm over-thinking this, though. ***½ "Hot Summer Bites" by Nina Bangs. Reporter Kristin is visiting the Castle of Dark Dreams to investigate rumors that the fantasies there are sexual in nature, and vampire Taurin is tasked with keeping her from causing trouble. Unfortunately, she's the same reporter who recently outed a group of vampires in Texas, and Taurin hates her. Cosmic troublemaker Sparkle Stardust, meanwhile, tasks her apprentice Deimos with getting the two together. This is a cute story, and there are some funny moments involving Deimos and weresharks, but I'm just not the reader for this series. Sparkle Stardust irritates me no end, and there seemed to be too much going on, too many characters and supernatural types introduced, for a story this short.

This was the first time I read Nina Bangs I'm glad I did. I have brought all her books.

Another sizzling, sexy paranormal from bestseller Nina Bangs. Have only finished her story of this anthology as yet, but it took only one sitting! Once again Nina entwines two hopelessly mismatched lives in her wonderful, comedic voice. Kristin Hughes is an investigative reporter. Taurin Veris is a hunky vampire who craves privacy. They know of- and actively dislike- each other, although they've never met. A few years ago Kristin's expose` on vampires in San Antonio was so effective, all the vampires there, including Taurin, were ripped from their homes by the publicity. Taurin responded by moving to Galveston and spending his spare time shadowing Kristin's career and sabotaging it as much as possible. Yes, there's no love lost between these two- until cosmic forces send mischief their way. Kristin gets wind that most of the fantasies being fulfilled in the Castle of Dark Dreams in Galveston contain kinky sex. Sniffing a huge expose` she checks into the hotel to find out for herself. Taurin's been given the assignment of babysitting the reporter and making sure she doesn't find out anything too damaging. Once he realizes the reporter is Kristin Hughes, he has more worries on his mind than the kinky sex expose`. What if she finds out most of the staff are vampires and demons? And how could such a horrible member of the paparazzi end up being so beautiful and fun anyway? The dirt Kristin uncovers will make her an award winning and famous reporter- only she has to get beyond her attraction to Taurin and bury her feelings of guilt. And the conflicts are only beginning! Highly recommend this quirky, hysterical beach read for a sexy adventure into the world of paranormal characters, imaginative plots that keep you guessing, and hot, sweaty, sexual tension. ooo la la! Sarah Andre

Nina Bangs, MaryJanice Davidson, and Janelle Denison team up once again for yet another enjoyable anthology with SURF'S UP. Janelle Denison opens the anthology with "Hot and Bothered". Jewelry designer Claire Reissing is enjoying the sight of the ocean and her sexy neighbor, Shea O'Brien, after a recent divorce. However, Shea has a secret in his past that could derail any chance for their love to grow. "Hot and Bothered" is a great beach read. The story itself is fairly simple but Janelle Denison does a great job at developing the relationship between Claire and Shea. Claire's cat, Zoey, is also adorable and cat lovers will relate to her antics. MaryJanice Davidson's "Paradise Bossed" is a sequel to "The Fixer-Upper" from MEN AT WORK. Jack and Cathy are now happily together and vacationing in the Cayman Islands with Cathy's best friend, Nikki. Nikki dies in a bizarre snorkeling encounter with a stingray but her ghost doesn't leave. Psychic Tom Fillman is called in and he and Nikki begin a very different type of relationship on the spirit plane as Tom has to leave his body to physically interact with Nikki. Where does MaryJanice Davidson get her ideas? The concept of a ghost having a relationship with someone who is astral projecting is quite simply brilliant. The initial scene between Nikki and Tom is hilarious as Nikki is conducting high school cheers; Tom is understandably not impressed by a grown woman cheerleading! "Hot Summer Bites" by Nina Bangs returns to the Castle of Dark Dreams where cosmic troublemaker Sparkle Stardust is at it again. This time she is testing her protégée, Deimos, and he is charged with uniting vampire Taurin Veris with investigative reporter, Kristin Hughes. The catch- both already dislike each other, sight unseen, after Kristin's prior report on the San Antonio vampires caused many to have to leave their homes and Taurin responded by attempting to seriously damage Kristin's career. Nina Bangs always delivers an incredible story and "Hot Summer Bites" is no exception. Deimos has been a recurring character in her stories and he really hasn't had a chance to shine until this one. The climax of the book is vintage Nina Bangs and creates an indelible impression of Deimos in this reviewer's mind. The wereshark scenes are also simply fabulous and one can only be amazed by how Ms. Bangs continues to keep this series seem fresh and new. SURF'S UP is a well-written with excellent stories by three wonderful authors. In fact, the only concern this reviewer has is the marketing of this book as the cover and blurb on the back of the book represent this book as a contemporary anthology of beach reads. While all three stories are contemporary and involve the beach, Nina Bangs and MaryJanice Davidson's stories are paranormal and will appeal more to fans of this genre. Regardless, readers should enjoy this anthology as it is certainly well worth reading! COURTESY OF CK2S