Anthology: Night Shift

A collection of stories by Ilona Andrews, Lisa Shearin, Nalini Singh and Milla Vane, published November 25, 2014.
Genre: urban fantasy / paranormal romance
Cover: sweet



Nalini Singh – Secrets at Midnight

New York Times best-selling author Nalini Singh delivers a smoldering story with Secrets at Midnight, as the scent of Bastien Smith's elusive lover ignites a possessiveness in him that's as feral as it is ecstatic. And now that he's found his mate, he'll do anything to keep her.

Perhaps a very predictable story, but I loved it nonetheless. I have to admit I can’t remember Bastien from previous books in this series, but he is delectable, and he has some bachelor brothers, so there could be more sweet stories in the future. I liked Bastien’s mate, Kirby. She did not have a good childhood, living in the foster care system, but she is a very sweet woman and she can handle Bastien. To tell more would spoil the story for those who do not find it predictable.

Ilona Andrews – Magic Steals

In one New York Times best-selling author Ilona Andrews' novella Magic Steals, when people start going missing, shapeshifting tigress Dali Harimau and jaguar shifter Jim Shrapshire must uncover the truth about the mysterious creatures responsible.

I have enjoyed another short story about Dali, who is half-blind and still races cars, and Jim before, and this one was even better. We get to see Dali in action. Dali is Balinese, and she is blessed with some kind of holy magic, to fight evil. She is all about preserving balance. Usually she uses calligraphy to craft her curses, but this time, a more direct approach is needed. And now someone is using black magic to kill people, and Dali is the one who can defeat him. Jim has never seen his white tiger in action, and he sure is in for a treat. But he won’t back down, and he won’t be scared away, even when an enchanted car tries to eat him.

Fascinating little story, and a lovely love story all in one. I will re-read this one for sure.

Lisa Shearin – Lucky Charms

It's seer Makenna Frazier's first day on the job at Supernatural Protection and Investigations, when bodyguard duty for a leprechaun prince's bachelor party goes every which way but right in nationally best-selling author Lisa Shearin's Lucky Charms.

The prequel to the first book in the SPI files series, and this was a fun read. The book hints at this story a few times, so I am glad I had the chance to read about Mac’s first day on the job. We are introduced to a lot of intriguing characters, and I would not mind reading more about the goblin mage.

Milla Vane – The Beast of Blackmoor

In Milla Vane's The Beast of Blackmoor, a warrior princess must tame a savage beast to earn a place among her people. But she quickly discovers that the beast isn't a monster, but a barbarian warrior who intends to do some taming himself.

I DNF-ed this story, I really disliked the first two chapters and did not want to try for more.


Of course I had to buy and devour this anthology, three of my favourite authors with new stories for me to read, and one new to me author to try. I really enjoyed my favourite author’s new stories and am glad I read them. And perhaps if you try this book, you will enjoy the fourth one as well.

8 stars.

© 2014 Reviews by Aurian