Must Love Hellhounds (Anthology)

There’s a new anthology that was recently released and you really should get your hands on it. Must Love Hellhounds includes stories from Charlaine Harris, Meljean Brook, Ilona Andrews and Nalini Singh, four of my all-time favorite authors.

The Britlingens Go to Hell by Charlaine Harris
From the Publisher: Follow paranormal bodyguards Clovache and Batanya into Lucifer’s realm, where they encounter his fearsome four-legged pets.

Honestly, of all the stories within this compilation, I would have to say that this was the one that disappointed me.  I’ve only read Charlaine’s Sookie Stackhouse series so I don’t know what her other series are like, but I wasn’t too excited about The Britlingens Go to Hell.  It just wasn’t really exciting and I felt like she could have done better.  There were actions and passages that seemed disjointed and abrupt that it made me question whether my Kindle copy was screwy (this was my first Kindle read).  However, the rest of the novel rated far better, so I don’t think it was the Kindle’s fault (which is also the reason I’m posting this now instead of doing the dual review like I had previously mentioned).

Overall, not that great and I was kind of bored through most of it.  There was some action in the story, but a lot of it was more alluded to than actually seen.  At least that was the way I felt.

Angels’ Judgment by Nalini Singh
From the Publisher: Seek out a traitor in the midst of a guild of non- lethal vampire trackers, one that intends to eradicate the entire species of bloodsuckers.

Angels’ Judgment is a part of Singh’s new Guild Hunters series and is the story behind the Guild Director and her husband – Sara and Deacon.  I have to say that I loved it.  Nalini spun her magic and created a fascinating story that easily captured my attention.  The pacing was dead on, plus we had a couple of cameo appearances by both Raphael and Elena.  The best part, neither of these two stole the show and the story remain fixed on Sara and Deacon.  It was great getting a closer look at Sara and how she became the new Guild Director, plus there was a lot of interesting byplay where Deacon is concerned.  It’s been awhile since I’ve read Angels’ Blood, but I can’t remember many scenes with Deacon where I can with Sara and we’re given the reason behind both.

Overall, another fabulous story by Singh that not only kept me entertained, but added more depth to her new world that I have already thoroughly enjoyed.

Magic Mourns by Ilona Andrews
From the Publisher: Find out why the giant three-headed dog that guards the gates of Hades has left the underworld for the real world—and whose scent he’s following.

I loved the Kate Daniels world and getting this view without Kate and Curran was fabulous.  This story has been a long time coming and I have to say that it was totally worth waiting for.  Andrea and Rafael have been playing around with each for a bit now and I knew getting them together would be a great story.  The pacing was amazing and we were given a storyline that is not only a familiar Greek myth, but Andrews use of it completely ties it with the series.  Seriously, I loved the fact that it took a giant three-headed dog, who breathed fire, to get these two together.  Cerberus is the ultimate hellhound in my opinion and it was great that he was included in this collection.

Overall, the story was awesome and kept me chained to the Kindle, but that shouldn’t surprise any fans of Andrews.  Magic Mourns does take place after Magic Strikes, but I wouldn’t say you had to read it before going on to Magic Bleeds.  Kate does make an appearance, but only in relation to the story, and Curran is completely MIA.  There are a few things that may show up later in the series, but I really can’t see any Andrews fan passing this up either.

Blind Spot by Meljean Brook
From the Publisher: Embark on a perilous search for the kidnapped niece of a powerful vampire alongside her blind— and damn sexy—companion and a hellhound.

I have to say that Blind Spot took me someplace I wasn’t expecting.  The direction Brook took with a blind man was not only fabulous but so completely original.  I’ve never come across this particular talent and the way it was used was brillant especially when you add it to a relationship in bloom.  The chemistry between Maggie and Geoffrey was amusing to watch, and even with the handicap, they worked well together.  The plot was done at a satisfying pace and there really was never a time the story lagged or had any drawn out moments.

Overall, I have to say that Blind Spot was another great story and it made me want to get caught up with the Guardains.  I’ve only read two books out of the series, but each time I visit it, it just makes me want to pick up the next book all that sooner.

Overall, Must Love Hellhounds was a superb collection of stories from some of the hottest authors out there in the UF and PNR genres.  While I wasn’t a huge fan of the Harris contribution, I really think that’s mainly because it wasn’t what I was expecting from her and may be more in line with her style than I’m used to.  Either way, I would definitely recommend this anthology to anyone wanting to try these authors for the first time and especially to those who love these authors as much as I do.

Also reviewed by:
Loving True Blood in Dallas
Darque Reviews
Babbling About Books and More
Smexy Books
Wendy’s Minding Spot

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.

2 Comments

  1. *sigh*. I was at a signing on Friday night and I fondled this one, but decided to skip it or wait for it to come out in mass market. I’m cheap like that. Of the 4 series, Brooks’ is the only one I’m completely hooked on (although I read the first Ilona Andrews and don’t know why I haven’t gotten around to the rest of it, since I did like it a lot).

    Nice review. You’re giving me pangs of regret.

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