SHIFTER

Author: Angela Knight, Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day & Virginia Kantra ISBN: 9780425220351 3/2008 ANTHOLOGY Publisher: BERKLEY

Whether transforming under a blue moon or prowling the streets, the shifters come alive to fulfill the wildest of fantasies in this seductive anthology by four masters of paranormal romance. Includes Mad Dog Love by Angela Knight, Jaguar's Kiss by Lora Leigh, a novella by Alyssa Day and Sea Crossing by Virginia Kantra.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

SHIFTER is a collection of four erotic shapeshifting romance tales. It is a definite departure from my usual reading habits, I'll admit, but this is a hot, well-written anthology that certainly kept my attention! The fact that the stories are set in different times was something I did find a little bit unsettling, but it wasn't enough to really bother me. And while I'm not usually one for futuristic romances, the one in this book is done so well I found I enjoyed it more than I expected to.

Angela Knight's Mad Dog Love is a futuristic, edge-of-your-seat story whose werewolf slave hero caught my eye from the get-go. I thought I had this one figured out, thought that it was going to be pretty cut-and-dry, but Ms. Knight surprised me at the end. Very interesting!

A Jaguar's Kiss by Lora Leigh shows one woman's struggle to overcome the disappointments in her life and move forward. Natalie is a sympathetic character and while Saban is a bit over-the-top for my tastes, their take on destiny proves to be very satisfying.

Alyssa Day's Shifter's Lady brings two worlds together in such a way I couldn't help but be intrigued. Water and earth, mixing successfully? I had my doubts about this one, but Ms. Day proved me wrong. The elements do mix—well.

Virginia Kantra's Sea Crossing is perhaps my favorite of these stories, mainly because it's a historical romance—with a real twist. When a woman falls overboard and wakes in the company of a handsome stranger on a small island, I can't help but be intrigued. This story, blending legend and daily life, is flawless in its delivery. I really enjoyed this one.

All in all, SHIFTER is a great way to get a taste of four very different voices, in small, savory bites. I enjoyed this one, and will probably pick up a full-length novel or two by a couple of these ladies.

Kay James