*Cover Art may not be final*
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The Breaking by Marcus Pelegrimas

Series: Skinners #5 Date/Publisher: June 1, 2011 by Eos Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Dark Faerie Tales Author Comments:  “Woo HOOOO!!  Check it out… In the original version I was given, the gargoyle's eyes were glowing red. That was cool, but I'm definitely not complaining. I love it. Also, I do kind of miss the hot, butt-shot of Paige from the last one. That's just me. Heh. Let me know what you think. This one hits shelves on May 31.” Julia’s Thoughts: I wish I had a neutral hand…this cover is an interesting tableau, but no one feature really stands out.  As Marcus mentions above, perhaps they should go back to the butt-shot (something to focus on, at least). Abigail’s Thoughts: Thumbs up for me. I like how it’s a group shot with Paige and Cole fighting back to back.

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Previous Book in the Series:

Black Night by Christina Henry

Series: Madeline Black #2 Date/Publisher: July/August 2011 (some conflict between sites as to which to expect) Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Author’s blog Author Comments: N/A Julia’s Thoughts: I like how the gates behind her mimic wings, a strong cover art follow up to the lovely BLACK WINGS. Abigail’s Thoughts: They suggested wings in the first cover too.  Very nice.  Plus Maddie looks less like Hillary Duff in this one

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Previous Book in the Series:

The Eternal Sea by Angie Frazier

Series: Everlasting #2 Date/Publisher: June 1 by Scholastic Press Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Author’s blog Author Comments:  “All I can say is...I LOVE IT! It's creepy and moody and perfectly captures the danger and intrigue of Camille's continuing adventure!” Julia’s Thoughts: I haven’t read EVERLASTING, but this cover appeals to me much more than it’s predecessor.  The point where I want to go back and start this series from the beginning. Abigail’s Thoughts: It’s so beautiful until you notice the skull in the clouds.  I love that touch of spooky.

Description:
After the thrilling journey that led Camille through the dangerous discovery of love, secrets, and a magical stone that grants immortality, Camille has everything she wants. She's escaped the men who wanted her dead, and now she is ready to build a new life with Oscar, her one true love. But things are not to be so simple. Oscar is acting strangely, and before they can even board a ship from Australia back home, to San Francisco, Camille learns that the journey is not over. If she does not follow the magic of the curse of Umandu, her life and Oscar's could be in grave danger.

Previous Book in the Series:

Anthology: Angels of Darkness
by Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, Meljean Brook, Sharon Shinn

Series: Includes Guardians #7.5 and Guild Hunter #4.5 Date/Publisher: October 2011 by Berkley Trade Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Brook’s blog and Singh’s blog Author Comments:  Brook: “What do you think?” Singh: “Love, love, LOVE!!!”  Julia’s Thoughts: I love the concept of this cover, and the line up of authors just about knocks me out of my chair.  There’s just one creepy detail about this cover, that once notice, ruined it for me.  The feathers are growing out of his *arms*.  I love the imagery about an angel wrapping his arms around his love, but ick, feather arms… Abigail’s Thoughts: You’re nuts!  It’s gorgeous, like an old Renaissance painting.  It could be that his wings are just wrapped around his arms…maybe?  Either way, I love it.

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Previous Book in the Series:

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The Lost by Caridad Pineiro

Series: The Sin Hunter series #1 (spin off from Sins series) Date/Publisher: July 26, 2011 Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Wicked Scribes Author Comments: N/A Julia’s Thoughts: This cover does pretty well with the “face close up/ornate title” layout.  I like the light across the model’s face, leading the eye right to that intricate “O.” Abigail’s Thoughts: These kind of covers are just ‘meh’ for me.  There are too many that look like this.

Description:
Adam Salvatore is no ordinary millionaire. The heir to an ancient race possessing a dark, powerful magic, he can shapeshift and create energy. His gifts make him a living weapon and have forced him to live in seclusion. But now an inhuman force hunts down Adam-just when he finds someone who makes him feel more human than he ever imagined possible . . .

Home from combat in Iraq, Bobbie Carerra wants only peace, yet soon joins Adam in a terrifying battle against paranormal enemies who hide in plain sight. She's drawn to his strength of mind and body; he's attracted to her courage and intoxicating energy. Their scorching passion can either transport them to the heights of ecstasy or-if Adam's powers rage out of control-destroy them. But when an invisible brotherhood tightens its nets and someone Adam trusts betrays him, only a heartrending decision can save them.

Previous Book in the Series:

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Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Series: The Infernal Devices #2 Date/Publisher: August 30, 2011 by Simon & Schuster Cover Artist: Cliff Nielsen  Cover Source: Author’s blog Author Comments: “…the background shows Temple Bar, on Fleet Street, near the Institute. "What desperation drove you to me, in the middle of the night, in a rainstorm? What has changed at the Institute? I can only think of one thing..." ~Magnus” Julia’s Thoughts: I know it’s only a placeholder, but it does a great job of getting me excited.  I love imagining which character is just out of view, waiting to step onto this cover. Abigail’s Thoughts: Only Cassandra Clare could get two thumbs up for a placeholder cover.  Can’t wait til May.

Description:
In Clockwork Prince, with the Magister vanished and the clock counting down on how long Charlotte can keep control of the Institute away from Benedict Lightwood, Will, Jem and Tessa must dig into the Magister's past to predict what he will do in the future, But secrets about the Magister aren't all they find buried — Tessa begins to uncover the truth about her own birth, and the ghosts of Will's past return to haunt him. As Tessa grows closer to Jem, and Will is driven further toward the brink of madness by jealousy and guilt, will they discover the truth in time to halt the next phase of the Magister's evil plan?

Previous Book in the Series:

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Series: N/A Date/Publisher: Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Susan at Wastepaper Prose Author Comments:  “And I will say this, because I didn’t get it at first… did you realllllly look at it?  Like, turn your head sideways, look at it?”  Julia’s Thoughts: Wow.  True love.  This cover reminds me of the cover art on Jonathan Carroll’s work, surreal and haunting.  I’m going to try to track down the cover artists for both to compare.  I loved this even before I figured out McEntire’s comment above, and then just wow, wow, LOVE. Abigail’s Thoughts: I didn’t even get it at first and I loved it.  I want the print for my wall.

Description:
Since the age of fourteen, Emerson Cole has seen strange things – dead things – swooning Southern Belles, soldiers, and other eerie apparitions of the past. She’s tried everything to get rid of the visions: medication, counseling, asylums. Nothing’s worked.

So when Emerson's well-meaning brother calls in yet another consultant from a mysterious organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to give it one last try.

Michael Weaver is no ordinary consultant. He's barely older than she is; he listens like no one she's ever met before; and he doesn't make her feel the least bit crazy. As Emerson ventures deeper into the world of the Hourglass, she begins to learn the truth about her past, her future--and her very life.

A seductive time-slip novel that merges the very best of the paranormal and science fiction genres, Myra McEntire’s Hourglass is a stunning debut from an author to watch.

Previous Book in the Series:

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 The Urban Fantasy Anthology Edited by Peter S. Beagle and Joe R. Lansdale

Series: N/A Date/Publisher: August 15, 2011 by Tachyon Publications Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Literary Escapism Author Comments: N/A Julia’s Thoughts: Hey, I know her!  As much as I’m fond of our blog-model, the lighting on her skin seems completely different than the cold subway tunnel around her.  It makes her look unnecessarily cut-and-pasted, I think someone needs to adjust color values before I can give this one a thumbs up. Abigail’s Thoughts: So with you on this one.  Although to be honest, it could have a big, steaming pile of poo on it and I’d still buy it for the Patricia Briggs story.

Description:
Star-studded and comprehensive, this imaginative anthology brings a myriad of modern fantasy voices under one roof. Previously difficult for readers to discover in its new modes, urban fantasy is represented here in all three of its distinct styles—playful new mythologies, sexy paranormal romances, and gritty urban noir. Whether they feature tattooed demon-hunters, angst-ridden vampires, supernatural gumshoes, or pixelated pixies, these authors—including Patricia Briggs, Neil Gaiman, and Charles de Lint—mash-up traditional fare with pop culture, creating iconic characters, conflicted moralities, and complex settings. The result is starkly original fiction that has broad-based appeal and is immensely entertaining.

Previous Book in the Series:

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Anthology:Chicks Kick Butt

Edited by Rachel Caine and Kerrie L. Hughes

Series: N/A Date/Publisher: June 7, 2011 by Tor Books Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Tor.com’s Facebook page Author Comments: N/A Julia’s Thoughts: I love the book concept, but this cover was a bit too out there for me.  I feel like I have no idea what genre they’re aiming for, but given how many authors are contributing, maybe that was a strategic choice. Abigail’s Thoughts: I kind of like it.  It’s got sort of a sci-fi/superhero vibe that I wasn’t expecting.  But again, this one’s all about the authors.

Description:

Chicks are awesome & never more so than when they are kicking some serious vampire/werewolf/demon/monster butt. Chicks Kick Butt is an anthology that features one of the best things about the urban fantasy genre strong, independent, and intelligent heroines who are quite capable of solving their own problems, and slaying their own dragons (or demons, as the case may be).
New stories from Rachel Caine, L.A. Banks, Rachel Vincent, Karen Chance, Lilith Saintcrow, Cheyenne McCray, Susan Krinard, Jeanne Stein, Jenna Black, Elizabeth Vaughan, Carole Nelson, Douglas, P.N. Elrod, Nancy Holder

Previous Book in the Series:

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Winging It by Deborah Cooke

Series: The Dragon Diaries Trilogy #2 Date/Publisher: Decebmer 2011 by NAL Trade Cover Artist: N/A Cover Source: Author’s Facebook page Author Comments:  “No teasing today - eye candy! Here's the cover for the second book in Zoë's Dragon Diaries YA trilogy. WOW!” Julia’s Thoughts: I like this one much better than FLYING BLIND.  Zoë still looks tough, but there’s a lot more life in her face.  Also, I love the colors on this one. Abigail’s Thoughts: Where is my neutral thumb?  It’s fine.  Not great, not bad.  Story sounds great though.

Description:

Previous Book in the Series:

And our picks for Best & Worst…

Best Cover	Worst Cover

So any new to you covers? Which are your Best & Worst picks?

You can read all the previous Top 10 Lists HERE

Julia’s Paranormal Picks for 2011

This was my first year diligently updating my GoodReads account, and I was a little shocked to see how many books I had read in 2010 (162 by their count, eep!).  Then I started looking through all of the amazing books that are going to be published in 2011 and I realized my total will be even higher this year.  The hardest parts about putting this list together was how it reminded me of all the books I can’t wait to read, all the books I wanted to re-read, and all the books I still have to catch up on (aren’t those great problems to have?).  Happy New Year, everyone, and happy, happy reading!

#10 Grave Dance by Kalayna Price
July 5, 2011

Description:

Grave witch Alex Craft can speak to the dead, but that doesn’t mean she likes what they have to say . . .

As a private investigator and consultant for the police, Alex Craft has seen a lot of dark magic. But even though she’s on good terms with Death himself—who happens to look fantastic in a pair of jeans—nothing has prepared her for her latest case. Alex is investigating a high profile murder when she’s attacked by the ‘shade’ she’s raising, which should be impossible. To top off her day, someone makes a serious attempt on her life, but Death saves her. Guess he likes having her around . . .

To solve this case Alex will have to team up with tough homicide detective Falin Andrews. Falin seems to be hiding something—though it’s certainly not his dislike of Alex—but Alex knows she needs his help to navigate the tangled webs of mortal and paranormal politics, and to track down a killer wielding a magic so malevolent, it may cost Alex her life . . . and her soul.

Kalayna Price’s Haven series kept popping up on my radar, but never succeeded in making it to my pre-order list.  The Alex Craft series, however, was a slam dunk from Book 1.  While I did like the novel world concept and Alex herself, I must admit, most of my anticipation is due to Death himself.  Mysterious and intriguing, with just the right mix of attraction and danger, I’m looking forward to reading GRAVE DANCE for his appearances alone.

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#9 Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill
May 3, 2011

 

Description:

Times are hard for newly minted vampire Merit. Ever since shapeshifters announced their presence to the world, humans have been rallying against supernaturals--and they're camping outside of Cadogan House with protest signs that could turn to pitchforks at any moment. Inside its doors, things between Merit and her Master, green-eyed heartbreaker Ethan Sullivan are ... tense. But then the mayor of Chicago calls Merit and Ethan to a clandestine meeting and tells them about a violent vamp attack that has left three women missing. His message is simple: get your House in order. Or else.

Merit needs to get to the bottom of this crime, but it doesn't help that she can't tell who's on her side. So she secretly calls in a favor from someone who's tall, dark, and part of underground vamp group that may have some deep intel on the attack. Merit soon finds herself in the heady, dark heart of Chicago's supernatural society--a world full of vampires who seem too ready to fulfill the protesting human's worst fears, and a place where she'll learn that you can't be a vampire without getting a little blood on your hands...

That sword, those pants... even without my enjoyment of past Chicagoland Vampire novels, I would have wanted to catch up just to read this one.  While the series started off slow for me, much of that was a function of Merit’s development as a character.  She has consistently impressed me more and more as the series progressed, and now I’m thoroughly hooked.  Events between Merit and Ethan in TWICE BITTEN had me on the edge of my seat, and I look forward to seeing how their tense stalemate plays out in close quarters.

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#8 The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong
April 12, 2011

Description:

Strange things are happening in Maya's tiny Vancouver Island town. First, her friend Serena, the captain of the swim team, drowns mysteriously in the middle of a calm lake. Then, one year later, mountain lions are spotted rather frequently around Maya's home—and her reactions to them are somewhat . . . unexpected. Her best friend, Daniel, has also been experiencing unexplainable premonitions about certain people and situations.

It doesn't help that the new bad boy in town, Rafe, has a dangerous secret, and he's interested in one special part of Maya's anatomy—her paw-print birthmark.

Kelley Armstrong’s last YA offerings, the Darkest Powers series, had much of what I enjoyed in her Adult offerings, with the sweet tension of adolescent love swirled in for good measure.  That history alone would have been enough to make me eager to read this book, but as the description includes both The Best Friend and The Bad Boy, I’m all about reading this book when it comes out in April.

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#7 Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
July 1, 2011

Description:

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh's exhilarating world of shapeshifters and psychics is "paranormal romance at its best" (Publishers Weekly). Now comes the story of an alpha wolf named Hawke used to getting exactly what he wants--and of the only woman who dares tangle with him.

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would've been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other's secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight…

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna's darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home…and the alpha who is its heartbeat…

While Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunters has my undivided attention, I’ve been a fair-weather fan of the Psy/Changlings.  Despite having reading all of the series, the Changlings are the only half of the equation that can get me psyched up ahead of time.  KISS OF SNOW focuses on the SnowDancer wolf pack, which would have been enough to get me excited.  Above and beyond that, KISS OF SNOW is the long anticipated story of Hawke and Sienna.  I have always been interested in how these two compelling characters will manage to find their happily-ever-after without the soul mate “Easy Button”, and I’m so glad my wait is almost over!

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#6 Heart of Steel by Meljean Brook
November 1, 2011

As the mercenary captain of the Lady Corsair, Yasmeen has learned to keep her heart as cold as steel, her only loyalty bound to her ship and her crew. So when a man who once tried to seize her airship returns from the dead, Yasmeen will be damned if she gives him another opportunity to take control.

Treasure-hunter Archimedes Fox isn’t interested in the Lady Corsair — he wants her coldhearted captain and the valuable da Vinci sketch she stole from him. To reclaim it, Archimedes is determined to seduce the stubborn woman who once tossed him to a ravenous pack of zombies, but she’s no easy conquest.

When da Vinci’s sketch attracts a dangerous amount of attention, Yasmeen and Archimedes journey to Horde-occupied Morocco — and straight into their enemy’s hands. But as they fight to save themselves and a city on the brink of rebellion, the greatest peril Yasmeen faces is from the man who seeks to melt her icy heart…

Heeding Abigail’s advice, I made sure to read the the novella in BURNING UP before venturing into THE IRON DUKE.  The one-two punch of both of these incredible stories had me hooked from the get go.  While I will still dip back into THE IRON DUKE to visit Mina and Rhys regularly (in fact, writing this paragraph inspired me to do so just this week), I can’t wait to pick up another book in this series.  Yasmeen certainly caught my attention in previous stories, and there’s nothing like throwing a man off of an airship on to cannibalistic zombies to start a romance off on the right foot.  So, despite the lack of cover art (or any firm pre-order information through a bookseller), I had to include this title on my top 10 list.  Re-reading can only tide me over for so long, I am dying to get my hands on this new story.

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#5 Late Eclipses and One Salt Sea
by Seanan McGuire
March 1, 2011 and September, 2011

October "Toby" Daye is half-human, half-fae-the only changeling who's earned knighthood. But when someone begins targeting her nearest and dearest, it becomes clear that Toby is being set up to take the fall for everything that's happening.

The October Daye series began “in media res,” and since that first amazing book when Toby was fresh out of the water (after being trapped for 14 years in a fish pond), I have been enthralled by the fast action, detailed world-building, and ever deepening mythology that surrounds her.  I was very excited about this series in 2011, with both LATE ECLIPSES and ONE SALT SEA due out, and thus far I haven’t been disappointed.  I had the privilege of reading an ARC for LATE ECLIPSES already (review due out next week), and revelations about Toby’s past (and tantalizing hints about her future) have me trolling the internet for any new details about ONE SALT SEA.

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#4 Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews
May 31, 2011

Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be—now that the Order is disparaging her good name, and many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate.

So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. Turns out this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price . . .

Much like The Hollows, the Kate Daniels series started out as a sleeper for me.  When I read MAGIC BITES (what seems like ages ago), I never would have guessed those first “Here, kitty kitty,” glimpses of Curran would be the start of one of my favorite couples.  A blend of masterful world building, witty dialogue, and gritty violence, this series has become one I pre-order well in advance and eagerly await.

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#3 River Marked by Patricia Briggs
March 1, 2011

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She’s never known any others of her kind. Until now.

An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River—one that her father’s people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help…one father. She’s never known any others of her kind. Until now.

This entry really belongs to both RIVER MARKED and the untitled Alpha & Omega book due out in October, as both are eagerly awaited this year.  Patricia Briggs has a gift for creating memorable character details (the scene with his tail from THE HOB’S BARGAIN being one of my favorites), and her latest books are no exception.  Building on an intertwining cast of characters, Briggs continues to offer deeper and more satisfying glimpses into their lives.  Sustaining interest beyond that first chemical attraction can even harder in books than it is in real life, and Briggs has proven unequivocally that she’s a master at taking the relationship to the next level.  I am so excited to know that this book will show us more about Mercy’s heritage, in addition to getting a glimpse of her deepening relationship with Adam.

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#2 Pale Demon by Kim Harrison
February 22, 2011

Condemned to death for black magic and shunned, Rachel Morgan has three days to somehow get to the annual witches convention in San Francisco and clear her name. If she fails, the only way she can escape death is to live in the demonic ever after . . . for ever after.

Banned from the flight lists, Rachel teams up with elven tycoon Trent Kalamack, headed for the West Coast for his own mysterious business. But Rachel isn’t the only passenger along for the ride. Can a witch, an elf, a living vampire, and a pixy in one car survive for over 2,300 miles? And that’s not counting the assassin on their tail.

A fearsome demon walks the sunlight, freed after centuries of torment to slay the innocent and devour souls. But his ultimate prey is Rachel Morgan. While the powerful witch with nerves of steel will do whatever it takes to stay alive, even embracing her own demonic nature may not be enough to save her.

Kim Harrison books are on my “instant buy” list, in both hardback and eBook (as you never know when a Rachel Morgan emergency will strike).  While The Hollows series started out slow (when I put down DEAD WITCH WALKING, I had no inkling of the relationship I had just embarked on), by now these characters are familiar and dear friends.  Above and beyond that, Kim Harrison is unmatched in her ability to interweave plot elements between books in an organic and natural fashion.  Her books read less like discrete stories than un-varnished glimpses into someone’s life.  Emotional, entertaining, and utterly unaffected, I eagerly await any opportunity to visit The Hollows.  At the end of BLACK MAGIC SANCTION, Rachel had quite a few complicated relationships in her life (both romantic and platonic), and I can’t wait to pick up the story where it left off.

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#1 Archangel’s Consort by Nalini Singh
January 25, 2011

 

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…

A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders.

The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.

An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed…

I had been a casual reader of Nalini Singh before I stumbled upon her Guild Hunter series, and from the first book I have been enthralled.  Elena Deveraux is one of my favorite Urban Fantasy heroines, and Raphael is the only “all-powerful, magical” alpha male that is actually written to be alien, dangerous, and entirely thrilling.  The world building is spectacular, one of the most thorough and dark I’ve ever encountered, and this series is one I’ve re-read on numerous occasions.  I’ve had my copy of ARCHANGEL’S CONSORT pre-ordered for quite some time now, and I am giddy with anticipation for it’s release next week.  This book tops my list if for no other reason than being so close I can taste it…

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Honorable mentions:

• Eye of the Tempest by Nicole Peeler (Jane True #4)
• As-of-yet-Untitled Disillusionist #3 by Carolyn Crane
• Shady Lady by Ann Aguirre (Corine Solomon #3)
• Aftermath by Ann Aguirre (Sirantha Jax #5)
• Defiance by Lili St. Crow (Strange Angels #4)