Jessie recs 'Black Moon,' 'Breathless' and 'Lullaby'

Some recommendations from this week's paranormal releases (and one from last week):

Paranormal romance

Black Moon, J.D. Tyler

What it's about: This is the third Alpha Pack novel and is about Kalen Black. I recommend reading the first two books in the series first, Primal Law and Savage Awakening. There's also a novella called Black Magic that is the beginning of Kalen and Mackenzie's relationship. Kalen Black and Mackenzie Grant have a passion between them that explodes off the pages ever since Kalen saved her life. The stakes are higher than ever for the Alpha Pack and Kalen and just keep rising when Mackenzie learns she's pregnant. Kalen and the pack will have to figure out a way to destroy the evil Fae and free Kalen's mind. Otherwise, more than just Kalen will be lost.

Why you should read it: The Alpha Pack books are fun paranormal romance. They have darkness, violence, lots of steam and, of course, more steam. I've enjoyed reading all but Kalen's novella … and that was because it was way too short and readers didn't get to truly enjoy his and Mackenzie's romance (that was also Kalen's fault). If you're looking for a solid paranormal romance to curl up with, I would recommend Tyler's.

Tidbit: When I asked J.D. about Kalen, she said, "Some characters are created, and some simply stroll from the shadows and take your breath away. Sorcerer/Necromancer/panther shifter Kalen Black from Black Moon was like that for me — I didn't sit down and painstakingly outline his character. When the Alpha Pack team was watching the old cemetery, a young man emerged from the darkness wearing an old, battered, leather duster, raven hair falling around his face, surveying the area with kohl-rimmed green eyes that reflected far too much sorrow. And in that moment, I knew I had met a rare, signature character that readers would love and who would define my series for the duration."

YA paranormal romance

Breathless (Firelight novella), Sophie Jordan

What it's about: This is a novella set in the Firelight world staring Az. Az was Jacinda's best friend, and it's about her decision to either stay in the human world or rejoin her draki pride. When she rescues a human boy from drowning, her whole world is turned upside down as she starts falling in love with him.

Why you should read it: I'm looking forward to reading this novella because it's probably Sophie's last Firelight book, at least for a while, and I've always loved Az. Plus, Firelight has been optioned for a film, and Nick Pustay (who wrote the 2010 movie Ramona and Beezus) has been hired to adapt it. Sophie is a talented author, and if you're new to the Firelight world, Breathless is a stand-alone book and a perfect way to fall in love with the writing style and characters.

Tidbit: I asked Sophie about the history behind Breathless, and she said, "When asked if I wanted to write a novella set in the world of Firelight, I was thrilled. I had just finished Hidden, so I was feeling a little nostalgic that the series had come to an end. I decided to write a stand-alone story from the point of view of Az. As Jacinda's best friend, she's been in all three Firelight books, and she's an intriguing character. Her draki "talent" (or paranormal gift), is that she is a water draki. This means she can submerge herself underwater indefinitely. Gills appear on her body, enabling her to breathe in water. It's a defensive mechanism, so, of course, I set her story near water … and of course, there's a smexy boy with an affinity for water just like her … and there's danger and suspense — always! Breathless was the most natural title for the novella. I had such fun returning to the world of Firelight. Who knows? I might revisit it again. There are just so many characters in the world begging for their own stories …"

E-book (released last week)

Lullaby, Amanda Hocking

What it's about:Lullaby is a part of the Watersong series involving killer mermaids. In the first book, Wake, Gemma leaves with the mermaids who turned her into their "fourth." She went with them peaceably as long as they spared Harper (her sister) and her friends. In Wake, Harper and Daniel (Harper's quasi boyfriend) go in search of Gemma and vow to bring her back home and transform her back into human Gemma. Meanwhile, Gemma is having trouble remembering why she didn't want to live with her "sisters." It's a world of beauty, of darkness and needs.

Why you should read it: Amanda Hocking has a gift. When she writes, people buy and read her books. I've read many of them, and my favorite still has to be her zombies. The Watersong series is more about emotion and power plays rather than action. There's a lot of violence (the sirens kill people for power and sustenance), but there really isn't fighting or combat-style of violence. This is perfect for readers looking to explore human despair, emotion and Harper's unending will to find her sister. All in all, it was enjoyable and a nice break from vampires. I recommend any of Amanda's books for a fun paranormal read.

Tidbit: When I asked Amanda about her Watersong series and Alex in general, she said, "Alex's character was almost named Fitzwilliam. It was REALLY close. I've always wanted to name a character Fitzwilliam, and Alex seemed the right balance of awkward and sweet to carry a name like that. But in the end, I thought it would be too distracting and pull people out of the story every time they read it, so I went with the more basic Alex. The Watersong series is a quartet, and there is an emphasis on the number four throughout the books. Some are more obvious than others, like how there's four sisters, and Penn, Thea and Lexi all have four letters in their name. But there's other more hidden 'fours' in there, too."

Jessie Potts, also known as Book Taster, adores books in all forms. She is a top 600 reviewer on Amazon and also does reviews for Bitten By Books and AllRomance.com.