Cuddle up with a blanket of inhuman abs this December as eighteen new paranormal romances hit the shelves. They might be angels, panther-shifters, werewolves, demons, vampires, or even genies—but the word “warrior” is key. Look for additions to longtime series from Alyssa Day, Dakota Cassidy, Caris Roane, Pamela Palmer and Sharie Kohler, and the start to a new series from Gena Showalter.
Fiction Affliction details releases in science fiction, fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and “genre-benders.”Keep track of them all here.
Note: All title summaries are taken and/or summarized from copy provided by the publisher.
WEEK ONE
Archangel of Mercy, by Christina Ashcroft (December 4, Berkley)
When Aurora Robinson attempts to open a rift between dimensions to embrace her true heritage, an arrogant Archangel is the only one who can save her from the jaws of hell. And while she owes Gabriel her life, she’s determined not to fall at his feet—despite the desire she feels whenever they’re together. After his wings were brutally destroyed millennia ago, Gabriel has no compassion for humans. But when he inexplicably finds himself defying ancient protocols to rescue a woman from a fate worse than death, he is shocked by the searing attraction he feels for a mortal. Gabriel offers the tempting woman protection at his private sanctuary. But as they both succumb to their desires, they discover an even deeper connection, one that threatens to consume them.
Black Moon (Alpha Pack #3), by J.D. Tyler (December 4, Signet)
Ever since he saved Dr. Mackenzie Grant’s life, panther-shifter and sorcerer Kalen Black has had trouble keeping the beautiful doctor out of his thoughts, and his heart. The brush with death awakened an intense passion between them, one that for the first time had the notorious loner letting down his guard. With the Alpha Pack battling an evil Fae who is slowly gaining control over Kalen’s mind, Kalen can no longer trust his own actions, and he breaks off his affair with Mackenzie in order to keep her safe. But when Mackenzie learns that she is carrying Kalen’s child, no amount of danger will keep her away from the man she loves. To protect his mate and unborn child, Kalen will have to battle a terrible evil, unleash the full fury of his power, and risk destroying them all.
Blood Vow (Blood Moon Rising Trilogy #3), by Karin Tabke (December 4, Berkley)
A volatile mix of both Lycan and Slayer, half-breed Falon is Alpha female of her pack, marked by both Lucien and Rafael, rival Alpha brothers that share equal hold on her heart. When Falon’s mysterious past completely unravels, it is revealed she is the daughter of the Master Slayer who murdered Lucien and Rafael’s parents. The revelation throws her relationship with both brothers into chaos. She realizes before her Alpha mates that they are destined to be one and pleads with them to accept the unusual triangle. If the brothers accept her as their mate then the Blood Law of an eye for an eye would be null and void. But if Lucien and Rafael cannot overcome their pride and accept their fate, the annihilation of the Lycan race waits within the shadow of the Blood Moon.
Deliver Me from Temptation (Paladin Warriors #2), by Tes Hilaire (December 4, Sourcebooks Casablanca)
Logan Calhoun is the last full-blooded Paladin, the future leader of a race of immortal warrior angels. The heavy responsibility of continuing the Paladin line falls to him, and the last thing he should do is get involved with a human. Then fate throws Jessica Waters, a homicide detective who doesn’t believe in fate or divine intervention, into his path. Her devotion lies in her Glock and a good set of handcuffs. Like Logan, she’s a warrior for her people, and she awakens within him something he’d never thought he’d feel. But she’s also as human as they come.
Hammer Down (Children of the Undying #1), by Moira Rogers (December 4, Samhain)
While the tattered remains of humanity huddle underground, Devi prefers living topside, making dangerous hauls through the demon-infested wasteland Earth has become. The wealth that comes from smuggling supplies to those shunned as summoner-born or demon-touched doesn’t hurt, either. The man she meets to arrange one of those under-the-table hauls is complicated, and handsome as hell. Zel’s first look at the wild-haired hauler threatens to distract him from his mission. As the leader of an outcast settlement, he can’t afford to trust too easily. Devi’s got a reputation for running a tight, disciplined crew, but her very willingness to deal with him means she has something to hide. Not to mention a tempting package like her could be the cleverest trap his enemies have ever set.
Heart of Atlantis (Warriors of Poseidon #8), by Alyssa Day (December 4, Berkley)
As a war wages between the immortals of Atlantis and those of the vampire realm, a Poseidon warrior fights to save his world, and the woman he loves. And no risk is too great. The desires of a high priest. Alaric, Poseidon’s High Priest, has made a vow to Quinn, the woman he loves and the leader of the Resistance: to save her friend Jack before his last bit of humanity has been drained. Should Alaric succeed, there’s one intimate danger: he may lose Quinn to the love of the man whose life he saved. But damn Atlantis to the nine hells, he’s willing to put Quinn’s wishes first, regardless of the consequences.
Heroes Without, Monsters Within (Blaze of Glory #2), by Sheryl Nantus (December 4, Samhain)
Since Jo “Surf” Tanis and her band of super-powered actors broke free of the government-sponsored superhero show, they’re all dealing with the aftershock of adjusting to reality. It doesn’t get more real than a mission to dig survivors out of what’s left of Erie, PA after a mysterious earthquake. Not to mention the soul-shaking feelings she has for Hunter, a team member whose past as an Agency Guardian casts a shadow over any possible relationship. One of the supers, an earth-warper named Ground Pounder, has gone rogue, using his freedom from the Agency’s brand of virtual slavery to put the “villain” back in supervillain. Failure to find him before any more innocent bystanders are hurt means the team could be back under the Agency’s thumb.
Nightbred (Lords of the Darkyn #2), by Lynn Viehl (December 4, Signet)
Jamys Durand has survived being made an immortal Darkyn, horrific torture, and years of grueling warrior training. But he has no future to offer Chris, the mortal woman he loves, without his own territory. When he learns of a lost Templar treasure, Jamys vows to possess it and win his lady’s heart. No one knows Chris Lang wants to be a tresora so she can live with Jamys, her secret love. Her superiors offer to make her dream come true, but only if she finds the lost treasure before Jamys can. Working together, Chris and Jamys track the jewels through a shadowy maze of priceless artifacts, decadent secrets, and one ruthless opponent who can possess an immortal’s mind, and will stop at nothing to have Chris.
The Accidental Genie (Accidentally Friends #7), by Dakota Cassidy (December 4, Berkley)
Jeannie Carlyle is a caterer extraordinaire. When her client asks her to open a rare bottle of gin for a party, Jeannie is shocked when a guy in poofy pants pops out and she gets sucked inside. Trapped in the bottle, she uses her cell phone to search the term “paranormal” and finds the number for OOPS: Out in the Open Paranormal Support. Werewolf Sloan Flaherty isn’t keen on dealing with distraught women, especially since his sister-in-law Marty forced him to man the OOPS phones. When Jeannie calls, Sloan is the only one available to find Jeannie’s bottle. After giving it a good rub, Jeannie emerges and starts calling Sloan “Master.” They need to figure out how to break their unwanted bond, before the wishes Jeannie can’t stop granting get them into more trouble.
Touch of Steel (Clockwork Agents #2), by Kate Cross (December 4, Signet)
Reeling from her brother’s death, beautiful American spy Claire Brooks has vowed revenge on the member of The Company who she believes to be responsible: Stanton Howard. But when she chases the man to London, Claire is captured by the Wardens of the Realm and placed in the custody of the dashing Alistair Payne. Seeing the prospect of retribution slipping away, Claire convinces Alistair that she has defected and will help him take down The Company. As they travel, Claire and Alistair must pretend to be engaged. Claire can’t deny the growing attraction she feels for her pretend fiancé, but when Howard is finally within her reach, she will have to decide if her true loyalties lie with The Company or with her heart.
WEEKS TWO AND THREE
No new releases
WEEK FOUR
Gates of Rapture (The World of Ascension #6), by Caris Roane (December 24, St. Martin’s)
As a vampire and a warrior, Leto Distra is deadly. But after years of being forced to drink dying blood, he is now part beast, a wild savage thing lurking beneath the surface. With war on the horizon, Leto is determined to help the Guardians of Ascension destroy the enemy who turned him into a monster. And there’s only one woman who can help him. Grace Albion is certain that she’s meant to be with Leto, but their future may be cut short by the impending battle. Now Grace must embrace her obsidian flame powers, and bind her powers with Leto’s, if they’re ever going to survive. With the fate of the world at stake, they must tap into powers they never knew they had, and unlock their deepest passions.
A Love Untamed (Feral Warriors #7), by Pamela Palmer (December 26, Avon)
The newest member of the elite Feral Warriors brotherhood, Fox is eager to prove himself on the frontlines of battle against the Daemons. When paired with the legendary Ilina warrior, Melisande, he expects the fierce beauty to quickly fall under the spell of his quite considerable charm. Instead, he finds himself spellbound by a woman who’s his match in every way. Beneath Melisande’s brittle exterior lies centuries of pain and a violent hatred of all shape-shifters, a hatred that slowly crumbles after they’re caught in a deadly and cunning Mage trap and she glimpses a surprising depth in her far-too-seductive partner. Their survival demands unconditional trust, and their salvation surrender to a wild, untamed love.
A Soul So Wicked (Chasers #6), by Sharie Kohler (December 26, Pocket)
A lycan generations old, Darius roams the earth seeking redemption as he hunts the one responsible for his terrible curse. The last thing he expects, however, is to find a tantalizing woman beneath the demon witch who’s as desperate for redemption, and love, as he is. For more than 1,000 years, Tresa, an enslaved demon witch who has spent her long life tormented by the devastating mistakes of her past, has roamed the earth fleeing her demon, trying to make amends and avoid unleashing further evil upon the world. Although she feels deserving of the torment she has brought on herself, in Darius’s arms she begins to feel the most dangerous thing of all: hope that maybe passion can burn hotter than the evil hunting her.
Gilded (The St. Croix Chronicles #2), by Karina Cooper (December 26, Avon)
In the gleaming heights of Victorian London, a world of deception awaits an unconventional Society lady. Though Society demands that I make a good marriage, I, Cherry St. Croix, have neither the time nor the interest. I am on the trail of a murder with no victim, a mystery with no motive, and the key to an alchemical formula that could be my family’s legacy. Above the foggy drift, an earl insists on my attention, while my friends watch my increasingly desperate attempts to remain my own woman. From the silken demands of the Midnight Menagerie, to whose dangerously seductive ringmaster I owe a debt, to the rigorous pressures of the peerage, all are conspiring to place before me a choice that will forever change my life.
Last Kiss Goodnight (Otherworld Assassin #1), by Gena Showalter (December 26, Pocket)
Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding. The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems, she’s his. Vika endures the captives’ taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can’t free them. Only, Solo is different, he protects her. But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him, and he’ll be put to a killer test.
A Taste of Ice (The Elementals #2), by Hanna Martine (December 31, Berkley)
Five years ago, Xavier escaped from the Ofarian Plant. Today he calls a Colorado mountain town home. It’s there he buries himself in his work, swearing off magic and relationships, until a woman threatens every promise he’s made to himself. Cat has always known she is different. Water speaks to her on an uncanny level, and she channels this gift into beautiful painted waterscapes. Now, a gallery is debuting her work in Colorado, and it’ll reveal far more about her than she imagined. The spark between Cat and Xavier is enough to throw both of them off balance. Dangerous because Xavier comes to suspect that Cat is an Ofarian, his people’s enemy. But they’re both about to discover a far greater, more malicious power at play.
Blessed by a Demon’s Mark (Kat Redding #3), by E.S. Moore (December 31, Kensington)
Kat Redding’s life is dangerous enough when she’s hunting the rogue vampires who prey on Pureblood humans. But now that Kat is thinking of getting out of the killing business, she’s faced with a slew of new problems. Like the demon Beligral, who offers help at an escalating cost, and the werewolf cult with whom she’s entwined professionally and personally. And then there’s Countess Baset, the terrifying vampire who wants Kat to become her personal assassin. It’s no wonder that Kat has been seeking refuge in the mysterious town known as Delai. Even in this haven, something feels askew. Delai is a little too serene. And the more she discovers, the more Kat realizes that the only choice left to her is not whether to do battle, but which side she’ll risk her life to defend.
Death’s Angel (Lost Angels #3), by Heather Killough-Walden (December 31, Signet)
Since the beginning of time, the archangels have longed to know true love. When four female angels were created for the four archangels, Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, and Azrael, a chaos spurred by jealousy erupted, and the archesses were secreted away to Earth. The four archangels followed. As the Angel of Death, Azrael could never be like his brothers. While the others fell to Earth in human form, Azrael descended as a vampire. At his brother Gabriel’s wedding, Azrael set his golden eyes on Sophie Bryce. He is certain she is his destined mate. But Sophie is haunted by unspeakable demons of her own. When supernatural forces emerge from the shadows, threatening Sophie, Azrael is the only one who can protect her. But to do it, he must reveal his true, savage self.
Author Suzanne Johnson is a book geek with a fondness for a good romance, as long as there’s at least one non-human involved. River Road, second in her Sentinels of New Orleans series, was released on November 13. Find Suzanne on Twitter and Facebook.
