NOTE: This story has been re-released in the Dark Bites anthology.Celebrity necromancer Jaime Vegas is headlining a sold-out séance tour, but behind the scenes, a disgruntled ghost has a bone to pick, in Kelley Armstrong's The Ungrateful Dead.Plus tales guaranteed to get under your skin - in a good way - from:* Janet Berliner* Don D'Ammassa* Nancy Holder* Nancy Kilpatrick* J. A. Konrath* F. Paul Wilson* Joe R. Lansdale* Will Ludwigsen* Sharyn McCrumb* Mark Onspaugh* Mike Resnick* Steven Savile* D. L. Snell* Eric James Stone* Jeff Strand* Lucien Soulban* Matt Venne* Christopher WelchSo let the blood flow and laughter reign - because when it comes to facing our deepest, darkest fears, a little humor goes a long way!

    At their enthusiastic behest, we have delivered this brand-new short story collection, including stories previously exclusive to Sherrilyn’s website, as well as an all-new, never-before seen story!Sherrilyn Kenyon takes readers from the Dark-Hunters to the demigods, from Dream-Hunters to demons, and everything in between. Dangerous and exciting, each story is one thrill ride after the next, proving time and again how Sherrilyn has captivated millions of readers worldwide. Now, readers are invited to go deep into Kenyon’s rich and imaginative world and experience the heart-racing moments that never stop coming!Included novellas:House of the Rising Son Phantom Lover (V’Aidan) Winter Born (Dante) A Dark-Hunter Christmas (Gallagher) Until Death We Do Part (Velkan) A Hard Day’s Night Searcher (Rafael) Shadow of the Moon (Fury) Fear the Darkness Where Angels Fear to Tread (Zeke) Love Bytes Santa Wears Spurs Redemption (bonus scene from The Guardian)

    From Bram Stoker to Stephenie Meyer and beyond, vampire stories are here to stay. For those fresh-blooded fans of paranormal romance or for those whose hunt and hunger never dies, these stories have what readers want!This collection of original tales comes from some of the hottest, most popular, and best-selling YA writers, including:• Holly Black (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Tithe)• Libba Bray (A Great and Terrible Beauty)• Melissa De La Cruz (Blue Blood)• Cassandra Clare (City of Bones)• Rachel Caine (Morganville Vampires)• Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie (Wicked)• Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof, Queen of Cool)• Kelley Armstrong (Women of Otherworld)• Maria V. Snyder• Sarah Rees Brennan• Lili St. Crow• Karen Mahoney• Dina JamesThey will make everyone a sucker for eternal kisses.

    Kadence is the goddess of Oppression, more angel than woman. Together they will enter the flames to battle a dangerous horde of demon lords - and discover a passion unlike any other.The Amazon's Curse - a tale of AtlantisZane, a fierce vampire warrior, has been enslaved by the Amazons. Nola, a lovely Amazon soldier, has been cursed with invisibility. Now, these two stubborn enemies must overcome the pasts that haunt them and embrace a love that can set them free….The Darkest Prison - a Lords of the Underworld taleOnce, Atlas, the Titan god of Strength, was the Greek goddess Nike's slave. Now, he is her master. And soon these sworn rivals destined to destroy each other will be forced to risk everything for a chance at love.

    This half-human, half–Drow private eye investigates paranormal crimes by day and is an elite Tracker of demons by night. She prefers working solo—and playing rough. So when a terrifying force starts murdering innocent humans and paranorms, and leaving strange demonic symbols burned into their buildings, it’s a case Nyx takes very personally… Meanwhile, Nyx’s fellow Trackers are being killed one by one—and a sexy new Tracker named Torin is shadowing her every move. Torin has powers Nyx can’t read, and sometimes she wonders whose side he’s on. Nyx’s instincts tell her something’s brewing in the city’s meanest supernatural streets, and that it’s ready to unleash hell on Earth. Who can she trust? Now it’s five minutes to permanent midnight…and Nyx’s last chance means risking everything—even her own life.

    Just as abruptly, the demon is attacked by a tall, hunky guy flashing a sword, who later claims to have "just been passing through."Adrian is an Immortal, a son of Isis in third Dynasty Egypt, and ultimate loner. It doesn't take much for Adrian and Amber to begin a passionate affair, but it will take a lot longer for this ultimate control freak to surrender his heart.As Amber looks for her sister's murderer, Adrian continues to search for his brother Tain, missing for 700 years. But the hunts cause severe complications. Amber assembles a multi-talented team—a dragon, a werewolf, a powerful vampire, a movie star, a police detective, a worldwide coven of good witches, Immortal brothers and their mother goddess—to meet the challenge.

    She just needs to convince him they belong together, and being snowbound in a secluded cabin will make this a Christmas neither will forget. It's "Home for the Holidays" in Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series. Cat and Bones may long to wrap presents and set up a tree, but this Christmas, an evil vampire and long-buried family secrets will threaten to take a bite out of their holiday cheer.

    Cast Being a psychic detective who can channel only negative emotions makes Kent Raef good at catching murderers, but bad at maintaining relationships. Then Lauren Wilcox arrives with a most intriguing case: her twin sister has been murdered and is communing with Lauren's spirit-and sharing her body. Raef's the only one who can track the killer and free the spirit. But soon he begins to wonder just which twin he wants to save...and why.... HAUNTED New York Times Bestselling Author Gena Showalter Artist Aurora Harper is convinced she's witnessed a crime-a murder so brutal she's repressed the memories, only to paint the scene by the light of the moon. Now she needs her new neighbor, Detective Levi Reid, to help her track down the victim-and the killer. Levi's dealing with his own memory issues, but one thing he knows for sure: Harper is meant to be his, and nothing can take her away from him-not in this life...and not in death....

    Someone has kidnapped his fated mate, Cat, and Patrick is imprisoned. He makes a deal with the devil to be freed, and when he finds Cat, she has no memory of him or the life they lived together. Can Patrick convince Cat that he is her fated mate?Grizzly Bell Rock by Cynthia FoxWhen the feisty O'Reilly sisters, Gracie and Catherine, travel over the river and through the woods straight into Mistletoe Hollow and its population of shifters, Two hunky shopkeepers show them the best Christmas presents come with four legs and fur.How the Bear Stole Christmas by Claire RyannWhen an opportunity to run a friend's coffee shop for the winter season lands Andi in the path of the surly man that the locals call "the Grinch" will she be able to see beneath his gruff exterior to discover that the California Grizzly never really went extinct?New Year Wolf by J.K. HarperCaleb Bardou is a fighter at heart. When he was justifiably stripped of his Pack Guardian status, it knocked him out cold. But with his hard-won mate, Rielle, now by his side, Caleb forges a promising new path--until his arch nemesis threatens to take the shine off Caleb and Rielle's bright new year.Before the Hunt by J.M. KlaireWhen a wolf shifter with commitment issues teams up with a runaway bride to find her a new groom, the claws come out and the fur flies.Bearing the Freeze by Christa KelleyPolar bear shifter Gage Weston, known to the world as the Paranormal Problem-Solver, returns to his hometown to face down the one problem he could never solve: Mending Lily Tisdale's broken heart.The Cowbear's Secret Christmas Baby by Liv BrywoodForced to hunt down the cowboy shifter who broke her heart, Rachel must convince Brady to help her save the dying son he never knew existed.The Alpha Warlock Shifter's Gift (An Alpha Warlock of Kala West Short) by Auriella SkyeIt's Christmas time in Kala West, but with werewolf Danika being forced to marry a stranger and half-breed Blaine's out-casting from the warlock community, they aren't in the holiday spirit. When the two realize their past connection to each other, even Florida won't be a match for the magical heat between them.Winter Solstice by Gen GéricaultOn the longest, darkest day of the year, magic sizzles the snow between cursed bear shifter Clayton Afters and his witchy true mate, Clementine Weatherspoon--but the winter solstice is full of surprises for this fated pair.The Panther's Runaway Surrogate by Alyse ZaftigSurrogate Devanta is on the run, but the baby's father, a billionaire panther shifter, won't rest until he catches her.Bear Naked for Christmas by Edith HawkesChristmas in the arms of a handsome stranger, with a furry secret, wasn't on Katie's wishlist, but she sure wasn't going to say no and return him!Jingle Bell Howl by Misha CarverWhen reckless Laney Reynolds defies her parents and steals her mother's car to go on a ski trip for Christmas vacation, things spiral out of control quickly. Will Nate, the handsome and charming billionaire wolf shifter be able to save her from herself as well as the forces that threaten to harm her? Snow Leopard Mountain by Suki SelborneWhen workaholic executive assistant Cadence takes a business trip to Aspen, she never expected to find herself a suspect in a kidnapping -- or to be swept off her feet by Sawyer, a hot snow leopard shifter who might just know how to make her dreams come true.Found by Olivia ArranWhen Alpha Adam Colstone escapes to his winter cabin for some much needed solitude and relaxation, rescuing a voluptuous she-wolf from frostbite was definitely not part of his plan. Waking up in the arms of a sizzling hot stranger, Claire Kendal thought all her Christmases had come at once...but she had to keep on running-didn't she?

    Angelina helps three mortals find love in this trilogy of sexy, witty, irresistible vampire novellas.

    This title features over twenty tales that transport you to the worlds in which mythical beasts, magical creatures of various shapes and sizes, heart-stoppingly handsome ghosts, angels and mortals with extra-sensory powers live out extraordinary desires.TO HELL WITH LOVE by Jackie KesslerPRINCES OF DOMINION by Ava GraySPIRIT OF THE PRAIRIE by Shirley DamsgaardTHE DEMON’S SECRET by Nathalie GrayMARINE BIOLOGY by Gail CarrigerZOLA’S PRIDE by Moira RogersIN DREAMS by Elissa WildsTHE GAUNTLET by Karen ChanceTHE GETAWAY by Sonya BatemanMR SANDMAN by Sherri Browning ErwinTHE SIN-EATER’S PROMISE by Michele HaufFRAGILE MAGIC by Sharon AshwoodNIGHTDRAKE by Lara AdrianTHE SONS OF RA by Helen Scott TaylorEVE OF WARFARE by S.J. DayTHE MAJESTIC by Seressia GlassANSWER THE WICKED by Kim Lenox

    But the world has changed drastically during that time, and there are so many things that he's not ready for. He hated being a vampire when it first happened, and he hates it now.She's barely 18, a young girl with terminal cancer, once the height of popularity. Chosen by another vampire clan to keep them "updated" in the world, her blood infected and not tempting to them, she is brought into his household to teach him, page by page, the modern world and how to live despite her inevitable death. With the Christmas season approaching, she teaches him that there is more to life than just living. There's generosity and goodwill. Although she has a boyfriend back home and he has no interest in living, slowly, a love and understanding blossoms between them that no one else can penetrate. A secret pact enfolds as her life force begins to fade. Will he be able to grant her the greatest gift of all?

    1 Ley Line Drifter by Kim Harrison - Pixy Jenks faces murderous dryad locked inside statue 2 Reckoning by Jeaniene Frost - Bones, faces New Orleans ghouls who eat victims alive - horror 3 Dark Matters by Vicki Pettersson - JJ superhero has illicit affair with Shadow agent Solange 4 The Dead, the Damned, and the Forgotten by Jocelynn Drake - Savannah vampire Keeper Mira investigates murder 5 Two Lines by Melissa Marr - Eavan resists sex and murder that morph her into a glaistig until Daniel Brennan, sex slaver, tempts her into both.

    Shannon, a demon hunter with the agency, is looking forward to leaving behind the small town and the vampire she’s been stuck with for the past two years. Things are getting complicated fast and she wants out. A fresh start, free of her vampire partner, awaits her if she can survive their final mission and the lonely Christmas holidays. It was one last mission. Rafe, a vampire doing time with the agency, watches it approach with dread weighing heavily in his stomach. Two years of working with Shannon has been difficult, especially since he started falling for her, but he doesn’t want their partnership to end. He has barely a few days to make her face her feelings and stop her from leaving, and he intends to do just that. When a slimy demon threatens the season of peace and goodwill, it’s the chance Rafe has been waiting for and the moment Shannon secretly fears. Rafe’s determination to prise open her heart and her own resolve to keep it closed clash as violently as they do with the demon, and threatens to end as messily. Can Rafe make Shannon see that his love for her is real and that she feels something for him too? Can Shannon face her fears and her past, and stop herself from running away from both? Will a wish on a star bring her what her heart truly desires—a vampire for Christmas? Other paranormal romance books by Felicity Heaton Her Angel romance series (Read the first book, Her Dark Angel, for FREE on Amazon Kindle) Eternal Mates romance series Vampire Erotic Theatre / V.E.T romance series (Read the first book, Covet, for FREE on Amazon Kindle) Vampires Realm romance series (Read the first book, Prophecy: Child of Light, for FREE on Amazon Kindle)

    Prepare for a wild ride, whether you're looking for nail-biting drama, mystery, intense action, humor, new breeds of paranormals, or passionate romance. Indulge in this amazing boxed set from 6 bestselling urban fantasy authors:SM Reine - Sacrificed in ShadowMarie Hall - Crimson Night, DarkDeanna Chase - Influential MagicDanielle Monsch - Fairy Tales and Ever AftersKate Danley - Maggie for HireDannika Dark - SterlingSACRIFICED IN SHADOW (Ascension #1) by SM ReineLincoln Marshall is a small-town deputy with a very big problem. Six members of his church have been found dead, killed by a rogue werewolf. He'll have to make a deal with the Devil to save victims that have gone missing -- maybe literally. Elise Kavanagh, preternatural investigator and exorcist, is the expert when it comes to violent deaths at the jaws of evil. She's also among the most powerful demons that Hell has spawned. Elise jumps at Lincoln's case, and it's not just because of his down-home charm. Someone's laid a trap for her in Northgate, and she wants to find out who.... CRIMSON NIGHT by Marie Hall Welcome one and all to Carnival Diabolique- my name is Pandora, and I'm a Nephilim. What does that mean? I'm half demon, what's my other name? Lust. But I'm not all bad. I fight for light, for goodness and truth. But people are starting to disappear and lately I've felt a dark presence lurking around me. I think it might be a death priest and that's really bad. This should have been easy, me killing fanged freaks, getting rid of my pesky priest problem, but I'm about to be betrayed by the one person I thought I could trust with my life and before the night is through I'll be covered in crimson... -Dark Urban FantasyINFLUENTIAL MAGIC by Deanna Chase Welcome to the Crescent City, the home of Willow Rhoswen, faery and magical baker extraordinaire. While fighting for her life, Willow is caught between two gorgeous men as she navigates the corruption of a powerful vampire organization and her own supernatural government agency.FAIRY TALES AND EVER AFTERS by Danielle MonschIf you like your fairy tales just a little twisted, this is the series for you! Three tales follow our fairy godmothers as they figure out ways to help the damsels - and mansels - in distress, all the while making sure every couple gets their happily ever after. MAGGIE FOR HIRE by Kate Danley When monsters appear on earth, Maggie MacKay is on the job. No one is better at hauling the creepy crawlies back where they belong… no one except her dad, who disappeared mysteriously in the middle of an assignment. When an elf named Killian shows up with a gig, Maggie finds herself at the center of a plot to turn the earth into a vampire playground. The only hope for survival is tracking down two missing statues and a secret that disappeared with Maggie's father.Warning: This book contains cussing, brawling, and unladylike behavior. Proceed with caution. STERLING (Mageri #1) by Dannika Dark Follow the journey of a young woman's claim to immortality and her own identity. Zoë Merrick's human life ends when she is brutally attacked by a Mage who gives her the gift of immortality. She soon discovers they are not magicians, but powerful beings who can manipulate energy. Justus De Gradi steps forward to act as her Ghuardian, teaching her how to fight to protect the light within her. Will she learn to accept her fate and trust those around her? Urban Fantasy Romance Series.