Demon Mistress by Yasmine Galenorn

Demon Mistress is the sixth book in the Otherworld series and continues the story from Menolly's perspective. I've previously reviewed Dragon Wytch (Aug. 2008) and Night Huntress (March 2009) so I won't go into the premise of the series again. You need to read the books in order to fully understand everything that is going on.

Although these books are marketed as paranormal romance, I think they fit better in the fantasy genre. There was not much romance in this book, although I was happy to see Menolly did find a couple of partners to help fight her loneliness. She can be a difficult character to like, because what she has been through and what she has become makes her stand apart from the others.

Besides the ongoing Otherworld politics and the search for the spirit seals, the sisters face two potential disasters. One is a monster unlike one they've ever seen before that seems to suck the souls of Fae and it gets its hooks into Delilah. The other is a secret society that has been raising ghouls, among other things that could cause a great deal of trouble. The book is full of action and interesting paranormal elements but I think the strongest element in the book is the relationship between the three sisters.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Bone Magic, which will be out in January. I'll rate this book 8.0 out of 10.

Heart Fate by Robin D. Owens

Owens is one of my very favorite authors. She writes beautiful romantic fantasy. Most of her books are set on the world of Celta and her world building is fascinating down to the smallest detail. Most of the people on Celta have magical power (called Flair) and many have animal companions (called Fams.)

I've read all of the books in this series and they are all great reads. My favorite of them all is Heart Thief, which brought me to tears several times. The books all have a happy ending, where two Heart Mates find each other.

What I like about this book:
Although Heart Fate is the 7th book in the series, it does not feel stale. It deals with the usual Heart Mates and how they find each other and find happiness, but it also deals with more serious issues of divorce and abuse. There was also more information about the sentient residences, which was very interesting. I did tear up a couple times because the emotion was so intense. Although there was not a great deal of action, there was a huge amount of growth of both the hero and the heroine which was very satisfying to watch. I wish I didn't have to wait so long for the next book in the series!

I'd rate this book a 9 out of 10.