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Twenty-one is the age one needs to have reached in order to check out this month’s twenty-one steamy paranormal romance releases. There are new series starts from Thea Harrison and Kate Douglas, and series additions from Shannon K. Butcher, Kylie Griffin, N.J. Walters, Hannah Howell, Michele Bardsley, Zoe Archer, Moira Rogers, Lynn Kurland, and Karina Cooper.

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

A Patch of Darkness (Sierra Fox #1), by Yolanda Sfetsos, (April 2, Samhain)

In a perfect world, Sierra Fox would have stayed away from the Council she left years ago. But in this world, it’s her job to round up troublesome spooks and bring them before that very same Council. Though her desk is piled high with open cases, she can’t resist an anonymous summons to a mysterious late-night meeting with a bunch of other hunters. The news is dire: something is tearing at the fabric of the universe. If the hunters can’t find who or why in time, something’s going to give in a very messy way. As current cases, family secrets, new clues and her tangled love life slowly wind themselves into an impossible knot, Sierra finds herself the target of a power-sucking duo intent on stealing her mojo. And realizing she holds the key to the last hope of sealing the widening rift.

Allegiance Sworn (The Light Blade #3), by Kylie Griffin, (April 2, Berkley)

With the alliance of the humans and the half-blood Na’Chi forged, the demon Na’Reish prepare for war by seizing human blood-slaves. Light Blade warrior Arek Barial finds himself claimed by a Na’Reishi female who offers him an unexpected choice. Imhara Kaal lives a dangerous double life as a Na’Reish Clan-leader and an advocate for a caste-free life that honors the Old Ways. Openly rebelling against the Na’Reish would mean her death, unless she can find an emissary willing to present her petition to the human Blade council. But Arek isn’t about to blindly follow a demon, despite the intense attraction growing between them. While hatred for the Na’Reish is all he has ever known, Arek must learn to trust Imhara, or risk the destruction of all three races.

Assassin’s Gambit (Hearts and Thrones #1), by Amy Raby, (April 2, Signet)

Vitala Salonius, champion of the warlike game of Caturanga, is as deadly as she is beautiful. She’s a trained assassin for the resistance, and her true play is for ultimate power. She plans to seduce her way into the emperor’s bed and deal him one final, fatal blow. As the ruler of a country on the brink of war and the son of a deposed emperor, Lucien must be wary of an attempt on his life. He’s drawn to the stunning Caturanga player visiting the palace. Lucien’s quick mind and considerable skills awaken unexpected desires in Vitala. She must decide where her heart and loyalties lie and navigate the dangerous war of politics before her gambit causes her to lose both Lucien and her heart for good.

Bite Me, Your Grace, by Brooklyn Ann, (April 2, Sourcebooks Casablanca)

England’s “vampire craze” causes much vexation for the Lord Vampire of London, Ian Ashton. To save his reputation, Ian enlists aspiring authoress Angelica Winthrop without realizing she has hidden plans of her own. Angelica Winthrop’s life goal is to ruin her reputation, avoid marriage, and become a gothic authoress like her idol, Mary Shelley. To find inspiration for her new story, she breaks into the home of Ian Ashton, Duke of Burnrath, not knowing she will be coming up against the Lord Vampire of London. Romance sparks and reputations are at stake. But who knows the real difference between fact and fiction?

Falling Blind (Sentinel Wars #7), by Shannon K. Butcher, (April 2, Signet)

A beautiful, independent Theronai, Rory Rainey knows that her attempts to be a warrior are futile, unless she can stop the demonic visions that torment her. Determined to be free, Rory sets out to find the mysterious guardian who can cure her, before she loses her sight, or her life. But Rory’s journey brings its own dangers when she is attacked by a pack of Synestryn sent by the demon lord Raygh. Cornered and desperate, Rory narrowly escapes with the help of a sword-wielding stranger. Cain knows that Rory needs his protection to survive, just as he knows that her power is compatible with his own. And when Rory binds herself to Cain, the warrior knows he will do anything to keep her safe from the threat of the demon lord that pursues her.

Finding Chrissten (Legacy #5), by N.J. Walters, (April 2, Samhain)

For eighteen horrific months, Chrissten Lawton was at the mercy of a crazy doctor and his pureblood werewolf flunky. She was subjected to experiments, beaten, mated against her will, and fading fast. Just as she reaches the breaking point, the Haven pack comes to her rescue. One of her rescuers stays by her side night and day, and something within her responds to this wolf’s gentleness. From the moment Hank Brewer picked up Chrissten’s unique scent, he’s been driven to help her overcome her trauma-fed fears. As he dedicates every waking moment to her healing, their fragile link leads them toward something they both hesitate to name. Chrissten’s mate is still on the loose and he won’t rest until she, and the rest of Haven’s females, are taken for the cruel enjoyment of his rogue pack.

Flirting Under a Full Moon (Flirting with Fangs Trilogy #1), by Ashlyn Chase, (April 2, Sourcebooks Casablanca)

If Brandee Hanson ever wants to go from waitress to photographer, she’ll have to take some once-in-a-lifetime shots. But when she catches the gorgeous private investigator, Nick Wolfensen, on camera, transforming into a werewolf, she is thrown into a world of vampires, shapeshifters, and other paranormal misfits. In order to keep his secret and stay clear of the supernatural council, Nick will have to convince Brandee not to release the photo. Fortunately, he was looking for an excuse to spend more time with the beautiful waitress anyway.

If He’s Tempted (Wherlocke #5), by Hannah Howell, (April 2, Zebra)

Lady Olympia Wherlocke has the gift of foresight. When Lady Agatha Mallam asks Olympia to locate her brother so he can rescue her from an arranged marriage, she knows exactly where to find Lord Brant Mallam, Earl of Fieldgate. What happens next is something she never envisioned. Since his betrothed died, Lord Brant Mallam has drowned his sorrow with wine and women. His dissolute ways have only emboldened his calculating mother. But with the help of the enchanting Olympia, he concocts a daring plan to end his mother’s devious designs for his sister. While each step in their bold scheme works to perfection, the sins of the past could unravel a growing desire that neither Olympia or Brant can control.

Midnight Justice, by Kimberly Dean, Jodi Redford, and Vivi Andrews, (April 2, Samhain)

Blade of Moonlight by Kimberly Dean: When Luna awakens after a hunt gone wrong, she’s surprised to be tied to a notorious villain’s bed. Luna has no business on his turf, and Scythe plans to enjoy administering punishment. Breaking Bad by Jodi Redford: Ruby sets out to break the Shadow Czars’ hold over Earth. Teague hides his heritage until he has to use his powers to save Ruby. With an army of minions after them, they may not survive the night. Superlovin’ by Vivi Andrews: When Darla’s boyfriend dumps her, she takes her superpowers to the skies. Lucien almost has the information he needs to free his baby sister when DynaGirl catches him elbow-deep in a top-secret safe. The only way to distract her? Kiss her senseless. Except he’s the one taking the fall.

Only Lycans Need Apply (Broken Heart Vampires #9), by Michele Bardsley, (April 2, Signet)

When I found the ancient tomb of the two most powerful vampires in history, I knew I was in for a lot of trouble. But archaeologists like me, Moira Jameson, are ready for trouble. Maybe not human-species-threatening trouble. Or the kind of trouble that arrives in the form of a sexy werewolf named Drake. A walking corpse named Karn wants to reveal vampires, and all of parakind, to the humans. Everyone else thinks that’s a bad idea. Then a pyramid mysteriously appears in Broken Heart, Oklahoma, and I’m appointed to get inside, survive booby traps, and awaken two very old, very hungry vampires. Luckily, Drake has my back. Archaeology sometimes reveals some very nasty surprises. And I’ll have to decide between saving myself, or saving the world.

Rising Darkness (Game of Shadows #1), by Thea Harrison, (April 2, Berkley)

In the hospital ER where she works, Mary is used to chaos. But lately, every aspect of her life seems adrift. Voices appear in her head. The disturbing dreams she’s had all her life are becoming more intense. Then she meets Michael. He’s enigmatic and knows more than he can say. In his company, she slowly remembers the truth about herself. Thousands of years ago, there were eight of them. The one called the Deceiver came to destroy the world, and the other seven followed to stop him. Reincarnated over and over, they carry on, and Mary finds herself drawn into the battle once again. The more she learns, the more she realizes that Michael will go to any lengths to destroy the Deceiver. Then she remembers who killed her during her last life, nine hundred years ago: Michael.

Sinner’s Heart (Hellraisers #3), by Zoe Archer, (April 2, Zebra)

Abraham Stirling, Lord Rothwell, was a fighter once, a soldier in the Colonies. Bram returned to London with more nightmares than tales of glory. Now he drowns his senses in the arms of countless women. His friends, the Hellraisers, ensure he needn’t sin alone. Until the Devil grants them each a wish, undoing their camaraderie as they explore their wicked powers. Bram finds himself magically bound to Valeria Livia Corva, the priestess who raised the Devil the first time, and died to send the demon back. The raw passion she witnesses in Bram’s memories isn’t much different from her behavior when she had a body to enjoy. It doesn’t make it any easier to convince Bram to become a warrior again., lest all London burn. The fierce desires reawakening within her might just start the blaze.

Stripper (Fringe #4), by Anitra Lynn McLeod, (April 2, Samhain)

Duster Jennings loves his job as master-of-arms on Windmere, the only independent planet in the galaxy. Except he has no life. Not since his dream of a family was ripped to shreds by Diane Black. Duster pays a fortune to board a courtesan ship and hire a “stripper,” a specialist in erasing unwanted memories. Except when he wakes up, his memories are intact, his money is gone, and the woman he vowed to forget is holding him captive. When Diane Black discovers her mysterious client is Duster, she’s overjoyed to learn he’s still alive. Seven years ago her mission was to kill him. Instead she fell in love. Duster’s fury knows no bounds. When their ship is attacked, survival means trusting each other with their backs, even if they can no longer trust their hearts.

Under the Hill: Dogfighters (Under the Hill #2), Alex Beecroft, (April 2, Samhain)

Kidnapped by the faerie queen, Ben is confronted with his own supernatural heritage, a royal family and a lover he doesn’t remember. Chris and his wacky cohorts seem almost normal. Back on Earth, Chris Gatrell is having trouble convincing the police that he didn’t do away with Ben and hide the body. He presses his motley crew of ghost hunters to steal a Mosquito bomber, and prays the ghosts of his WWII crew will carry them through the portal to Ben’s rescue. Chris’s elf-trapped WWII love, Geoff, has a dragon and he’s not afraid to use it. If only he could be entirely sure which of the elf queens is the real enemy. In the cataclysmic battle to come, more than one lover, human and elf alike, may be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Worlds Apart, by Barbara Elsborg, (April 2, Samhain)

Niall is in hiding. He’s trapped between the world he longs for and a place he can’t leave behind. He’s allowed one year to capture his heart’s desire. But speaking those three simple words, the most important words in his life, might very well kill him. As a private investigator, Taylor walks daily through the ashes of love burned out. He’s witnessed the aftermath of love, destroyed marriages and wrecked lives that leave behind nothing but bitter memories of betrayal. Niall sparks a completely unexpected reaction in both mind and body. Roo has spent her entire life bouncing from relationship to relationship. When she finds herself out in the cold again, she discovers love can come from the most surprising of places. Her choices are simple. The wrong choice could be devastating.

 

WEEK TWO

No new releases.

 

WEEK THREE

Wicked Cravings (The Phoenix Pack #2), by Suzanne Wright, (April 16, Montlake)

Despite having been besotted with Dante Garcea since she was a child, wolf shifter Jaime Farrow figures that it’s time to move past the crush. Hiding her intense attraction to him isn’t easy, but with bigger issues to worry about and with the submissive wolf act to maintain, Jaime is resolute on moving forward. As the pack Beta, Dante doesn’t have the space or time in his life for a relationship. He ignores his intense hunger for the willful Jaime. When her flirtations abruptly end, Dante finds that he doesn’t like losing her attention. He finds something else too, Jaime’s hiding something. He sets out to break through her defenses, even though being around her intensifies his cravings for her. What he finds is a problem that Jaime is convinced not even a powerful Beta can solve.

 

WEEK FOUR

Diana’s Hound (Bloodhounds #4), by Moira Rogers, (April 23, Samhain)

Nate Powell lived one full life as a world-class inventor before a disaster born of magic and science returned him to his prime and turned him into a half-vampire, half-bloodhound abomination. Diana is another creature that shouldn t exist a female bloodhound. While the males of Iron Creek accept her as a fellow warrior, Nate seems torn between a desire to study her and a need to protect her. When they learn that a rogue hound is selling women across the border, Diana and Nate are chosen to infiltrate the vampires capital city. Before long, their inner bloodhounds feel the mating pull and a hound never outlives their mate for long. In a fight to keep each other alive, they could both end up worse than dead.

As Twilight Falls, by Amanda Ashley, (April 30, Zebra)

Photographing ghost towns across the American West, Kadie Andrews takes a wrong turn and ends up in Morgan Creek, a spot that isn’t on the map. It’s a quaint little place, but there’s something off about its complacent residents. When twilight falls, it takes on a truly sinister air. Kadie finds herself a prisoner, hunted for her blood. Her spirit and beauty have captured the attention of the town’s leader, the mysterious Rylan Saintcrow. When he takes her in his arms, she can feel his power. When he presses his lips against hers, she can taste his need. Saintcrow may be the most powerful creature she’s ever imagined, but Kadie knows in her heart that he is also a man. A man who needs a woman. To want him, desire him, crave him. To be his willing prisoner, for all eternity.

Dark Wolf (Spirit Wild #1), by Kate Douglas, (April 30, Aphrodisia)

Sebastian Xenakis is still coming into his power as a wizard. He can shapeshift by magical means and runs as a wolf using the power he draws from the elements. But young women are dying, raped by a human and then slaughtered by a wolf. Suspicion falls on the shapeshifting Chanku, but Sebastian wonders if he might somehow be guilty of the crimes. Then he meets Lily Cheval, the uncrowned princess of the powerful Chanku, and realizes he will do whatever it takes to clear his name and win her love. But evil walks where Sebastian goes, and there are mysteries neither Lily nor her father, the powerful wizard, Anton Cheval, cannot unravel. Is Sebastian the perfect mate for Lily, or is he instead, one she should fear?

One for the Wicked (Dark Mission #5), by Karina Cooper, (April 30, Avon)

Dr. Kayleigh Lauderdale possesses the only cure for what’s killing the city’s witches. Desperate to acquire it, the resistance sends their best agent, but Shawn Lowe has his own agenda and it doesn’t include saving anyone, least of all, the daughter of his sworn enemy. He has to ignore the attraction he feels the instant they meet, because he can’t give in until he gets what he wants. Kayleigh can’t believe how out of control Shawn makes her feel. He lies to her with one breath and excites her beyond reason the next. A reckless encounter could steal her heart, while the danger hovering over the city may prove too much for either of them to handle. When the world turns upside down, it will take everything Kayleigh and Shawn have to hold on, to life, to hope, to each other.

Roses in Moonlight (De Piaget #15), by Lynn Kurland, (April 30, Jove)

Derrick Cameron, antiquities dealer and adventurer, is furious when the priceless piece of Elizabethan lace he’s been pursuing slips right by him. He will retrieve it, even if it means dragging a very skeptical, albeit adorable, Samantha back in time with him. He is used to living dangerously, in whatever century he finds himself. Samantha Drummond never dreamed the package her British employer gave her would lead her into places like Elizabethan England, or throw her into the company of an attractive, but highly suspect Highlander who not only thinks she’s a thief, but also involves her in his mad schemes to retrieve his stolen treasure. Samantha and Derrick are forced into an unlikely alliance by peril, never imagining that what they’re forging is a timeless love.


Author Suzanne Johnson is a book geek with a fondness for a good dystopia. Her Sentinels of New Orleans urban fantasy series is published by Tor Books. You can find Suzanne on Facebook and on her daily book blog, Preternatura.

About the Author

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Suzanne Johnson

Author

Urban fantasy author with a new series, set in immediate post-Katrina New Orleans, starting with ROYAL STREET on April 10, 2012, from Tor Books. Urban fantasy author with a new series, set in immediate post-Katrina New Orleans, starting with ROYAL STREET on April 10, 2012, from Tor Books.
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