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Mysteria #2
Mysteria Lane
The New York Times bestselling authors of Mysteria return to the town where paranormal passions run high—and everyone makes their own rules.Located in the picturesque mountains of Colorado, Mysteria is a place where the supernatural co-exists with the natural. It’s a town of bewitching seduction, dark magic, and sensual demons... In MaryJanice Davidson's "Disdaining Trouble," the Desdain Triplets may look like little angels, but a new man in town is bringing out the devil in one of them...As Satan’s most devoted emissary, Shay levels disaster on the world like a real pro. Now, she’s come to Mysteria with a hot new job, and giving grave new meaning to the term "Nanny from Hell" in this story from Susan Grant.In Gena Showalter's "A Tawdry Affair," Glory, witch of love, wants her man. Unfortunately, he barely knows she exists. Until a magic pen brings to life her creative fantasies of seduction, sex, and delicious revenge…In a town of bloodsucking vampires, a vegan like Summer can have trouble adapting. But Colin Vlad has what it takes to change a woman’s mind—not to mention her appetite in P. C. Cast's "It's in His Kiss."
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2008
25 people are currently reading
2348 people want to read
About the author
MaryJanice Davidson
145 books5,400 followersMaryJanice Davidson is an American author and motivational speaker who writes mostly paranormal romance, but also young adult and non-fiction. She is the creator of the popular UNDEAD series and the time-traveling historical fiction A CONTEMPORARY ASSHAT AT THE COURT OF HENRY VIII. MaryJanice is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who writes a bi-weekly column for USA Today and lives in St. Paul with her family. You can reach her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 11, 2009
I waffled between three and four stars for this anthology of four stories by four pretty big-name paranormal romance authors. "Mysteria Lane" is a sequel to "Mysteria", a 2006 book by the same four authors about a town filled with magic and paranormal beings snuggled in the mountains of Colorado. Because it's an anthology, it's one that's hard to rate as I enjoyed some stories more than others and overall I think this book is not as good as the first one.
"Disdaining Trouble" by MaryJanice Davidson is about one of a set of troublesome and trouble-making witchy triplets. When the oldest triplet is accidentally knocked into the magic wishing well by the latest victim of the triplet's magic, her mother's wish for her to 'grow up' ends up transporting her to a very different and very dangerous world. When she magically returns, only a few minutes have passed in Mysteria while she herself has spent twelve years fighting for her life. Now the new, grown up triplet isn't sure where she belongs, but wherever it is she hopes the handsome Thad will be with her. ***My least liked of the four which bummed me out as I'm a big MJ Davidson fan. I just found the heroine irksome and the plot silly.
"The Nanny from Hell" by Susan Grant about a demon sent by Satan to take revenge on a hero and heroine from the first book. When a car accident dumps her in the wishing well, Shay's wish to be human is granted. Unfortunately, Satan hasn't forgotten about her...or her task. Good thing her new best buddy is a wickedly handsome demon hunter. ***Pretty hot story that made me wish for a demon hunter of my own.
"A Tawdry Affair" by Gena Showalter regarding what happens when low self-esteem meets witchcraft. Glory is a love witch who's had the hots for Falon for what seems like forever. When he rejects her advance, she's sure it's because she's a bit pudgy since he'll apparently 'do' just about any other girl. Her resentment and hurt grow until a magic pen enables her to take revenge on Falon. But the difference between what Glory 'thinks' and the real reason for Falon's refusal may just make her revenge rebound. ***If I'd liked Glory better, this would have been my favorite. If it wasn't for the hot sex, I'd have thought this was a young adult story because of Glory's pettiness.
"It's In His Kiss" by PC Cast. A woman tries to control her very strange 'opposite magic' by living in perpetual control over everything in her life. What happens when she discovers what she thought she wanted isn't what's right for her? ***My favorite of the three, yet probably lowest on the heat meter. Very excellent short story with engaging characters and a well-hidden life lesson.
I'd certainly buy another anthology set in Mysteria, but I wouldn't put it on my 'must buy' list.
"Disdaining Trouble" by MaryJanice Davidson is about one of a set of troublesome and trouble-making witchy triplets. When the oldest triplet is accidentally knocked into the magic wishing well by the latest victim of the triplet's magic, her mother's wish for her to 'grow up' ends up transporting her to a very different and very dangerous world. When she magically returns, only a few minutes have passed in Mysteria while she herself has spent twelve years fighting for her life. Now the new, grown up triplet isn't sure where she belongs, but wherever it is she hopes the handsome Thad will be with her. ***My least liked of the four which bummed me out as I'm a big MJ Davidson fan. I just found the heroine irksome and the plot silly.
"The Nanny from Hell" by Susan Grant about a demon sent by Satan to take revenge on a hero and heroine from the first book. When a car accident dumps her in the wishing well, Shay's wish to be human is granted. Unfortunately, Satan hasn't forgotten about her...or her task. Good thing her new best buddy is a wickedly handsome demon hunter. ***Pretty hot story that made me wish for a demon hunter of my own.
"A Tawdry Affair" by Gena Showalter regarding what happens when low self-esteem meets witchcraft. Glory is a love witch who's had the hots for Falon for what seems like forever. When he rejects her advance, she's sure it's because she's a bit pudgy since he'll apparently 'do' just about any other girl. Her resentment and hurt grow until a magic pen enables her to take revenge on Falon. But the difference between what Glory 'thinks' and the real reason for Falon's refusal may just make her revenge rebound. ***If I'd liked Glory better, this would have been my favorite. If it wasn't for the hot sex, I'd have thought this was a young adult story because of Glory's pettiness.
"It's In His Kiss" by PC Cast. A woman tries to control her very strange 'opposite magic' by living in perpetual control over everything in her life. What happens when she discovers what she thought she wanted isn't what's right for her? ***My favorite of the three, yet probably lowest on the heat meter. Very excellent short story with engaging characters and a well-hidden life lesson.
I'd certainly buy another anthology set in Mysteria, but I wouldn't put it on my 'must buy' list.
October 15, 2008
This anthology is the sequel to another anthology called "Mysteria". Since Mysteria is one of the best anthologies I've read in the paranormal romance genre, I couldn't wait to read Mysteria Lane.
This book turned out to be pretty good, though not quite as strong as Mysteria. Like Mysteria, Mysteria Lane tell four different love stories of various characters in the supernatural town of Mysteria. Witches, werewolves, vampires, demons, fae, and other supernatural creatures all live together in this seemingly normal American town. Each of the stories picks up where the previous book left off, adding a new love affair in each. You definately should read the books in order to get the most out of them.
This book is light, fun, and entertaining. Worth the time if you like happily ever after paranormal romances.
This book turned out to be pretty good, though not quite as strong as Mysteria. Like Mysteria, Mysteria Lane tell four different love stories of various characters in the supernatural town of Mysteria. Witches, werewolves, vampires, demons, fae, and other supernatural creatures all live together in this seemingly normal American town. Each of the stories picks up where the previous book left off, adding a new love affair in each. You definately should read the books in order to get the most out of them.
This book is light, fun, and entertaining. Worth the time if you like happily ever after paranormal romances.
December 25, 2009
I clicked back and forth on the three star and the four star and ended up leaving it at four. Even though there was something fun about every story and I thought the plot of each story was fun - the characters and the actualization of the stories fell short for me.
In the first story "Disdaining Trouble" by Mary-Janice Davidson - the main character refers to herself as "This Woman" which drove me up a wall and all I could hear in my head was "Bob Dole likes peaches." (Meaning that a person speaking about themselves in the third person is irritating.) Mary Janice Davidson is the reason I read the first book and now this one as well. I feel like this was a pretty weak story. Maybe it was more that it should have been a longer story? I don't know. Something fell short for me here.
The second story "The Nanny from Hell" by Susan Grant had it's moments. A demon was sent from hell to destroy the child that is a threat to Satan. She drives into town and runs into the wishing fountain which grants her wish to become human - making it pretty impossible to kill a baby. Oh - and there is a hunky demon hunter who is like desperado on crack - pretty yummy.
Story number three was "A Tawdry Affair" by Gena Showalter. This story was about Glory the Love Witch and how she is going to get revenge on the wicked man who rejected her. This story had SOOOO much potential - and instead of it being clever and fun it was petty and kind of irritating. Glory irritated me and I wanted to slap her a little bit.
And the final story "It's In His Kiss" by PC Cast was cute. Summer is a teacher who just returned to Mysteria after getting her degree. She has the magical trait of all magic going crazy around her. So if someone casts a spell near her interesting things happen. Then works out quite well on a fieldtrip to the local art museum with her class. I won't give away what happens - but it was a fun little story.
I think the last story might by my favorite because it didn't over-reach. It was a small idea and it worked out well for the short story. I think the other three stories could have been books in their own right - they were just too much story to boil down into a 60 page story.
Overall an enjoyable read.
In the first story "Disdaining Trouble" by Mary-Janice Davidson - the main character refers to herself as "This Woman" which drove me up a wall and all I could hear in my head was "Bob Dole likes peaches." (Meaning that a person speaking about themselves in the third person is irritating.) Mary Janice Davidson is the reason I read the first book and now this one as well. I feel like this was a pretty weak story. Maybe it was more that it should have been a longer story? I don't know. Something fell short for me here.
The second story "The Nanny from Hell" by Susan Grant had it's moments. A demon was sent from hell to destroy the child that is a threat to Satan. She drives into town and runs into the wishing fountain which grants her wish to become human - making it pretty impossible to kill a baby. Oh - and there is a hunky demon hunter who is like desperado on crack - pretty yummy.
Story number three was "A Tawdry Affair" by Gena Showalter. This story was about Glory the Love Witch and how she is going to get revenge on the wicked man who rejected her. This story had SOOOO much potential - and instead of it being clever and fun it was petty and kind of irritating. Glory irritated me and I wanted to slap her a little bit.
And the final story "It's In His Kiss" by PC Cast was cute. Summer is a teacher who just returned to Mysteria after getting her degree. She has the magical trait of all magic going crazy around her. So if someone casts a spell near her interesting things happen. Then works out quite well on a fieldtrip to the local art museum with her class. I won't give away what happens - but it was a fun little story.
I think the last story might by my favorite because it didn't over-reach. It was a small idea and it worked out well for the short story. I think the other three stories could have been books in their own right - they were just too much story to boil down into a 60 page story.
Overall an enjoyable read.
July 9, 2011
the first story of the book was really entertaining. The plot was playful with 3 sisters that were very mischievous.no recap just my opinion I thought this author defiantly has potential. It was as if the story was lacking in the relationship department the man really didn't come across as strong alpha male more like love struck puppy:) but it worked and so i give Mary's story 3and half and a really close 4.
Susan's story I never finished because it just didnt grab me i gave it until chapter 2 and still I couldn't take it. the plot showed hope but i just felt like i was getting too much back story of which i didnt care for so 1 star but really i didnt finish it.
Gena the reason for me even considering this "Mysteria Lane" To me MRS Showalter brought the fire! Seriously her story was the BOMB! I must say i didnt quite believe Glory was the "good witch" she was so not "good" maybe her sisters were worst in comparison but besides that little bit tech part it was truly a great story! I completely thought the magical pen was adorable and of course I loved the anticipation of Glory and Falon relationship, it was believable. And this is Gena's classic writing style and it works for me I like the idea of a relationship needing to build even if the attraction is immediate. And not only does the relationship build but so does the love scenes and when story is written that way it can be better appreciated. and so easy 4 and half 5 star for Gena!
My first P.C. Cast story and so I thought very good characters loved the friendship characters it felt real and I felt as though I was hanging with girls. I felt the relationship was very rushed between Summer and Colin. There is humorousness in this writing and made it a pleasurable story so kudos for that! how many stars? 3ish close to 4.
All and all I plan to read more of Mary J D and P.C. cast and of course Gena Showalter !
Susan's story I never finished because it just didnt grab me i gave it until chapter 2 and still I couldn't take it. the plot showed hope but i just felt like i was getting too much back story of which i didnt care for so 1 star but really i didnt finish it.
Gena the reason for me even considering this "Mysteria Lane" To me MRS Showalter brought the fire! Seriously her story was the BOMB! I must say i didnt quite believe Glory was the "good witch" she was so not "good" maybe her sisters were worst in comparison but besides that little bit tech part it was truly a great story! I completely thought the magical pen was adorable and of course I loved the anticipation of Glory and Falon relationship, it was believable. And this is Gena's classic writing style and it works for me I like the idea of a relationship needing to build even if the attraction is immediate. And not only does the relationship build but so does the love scenes and when story is written that way it can be better appreciated. and so easy 4 and half 5 star for Gena!
My first P.C. Cast story and so I thought very good characters loved the friendship characters it felt real and I felt as though I was hanging with girls. I felt the relationship was very rushed between Summer and Colin. There is humorousness in this writing and made it a pleasurable story so kudos for that! how many stars? 3ish close to 4.
All and all I plan to read more of Mary J D and P.C. cast and of course Gena Showalter !
November 21, 2010
Anthology. All the stories were good. I still need to read the first Mysteria book but this one was good.
1. Disdaining Trouble by MaryJanice Davidson. Triplet 14 year old witches are causing trouble when sitting on the wishing well. The mother wishes they would grow up at the same time one of them falls in the well. 5 seconds later a fully grown 30 year old comes out. Cute story which was trying very hard to be funny. ***
2. The Nanny from Hell by Susan Grant. Shay's a demon that get in trouble because she enjoys playing human too much. She's sent to Mysteria to kill Damon and Harmony's baby Damon Jr. There she runs into Quay who looks like her first human lover that Satan made her kill. A little sappy. ***
3. A Tawdry Affair by Gena Showalter. Glory had a crush on Falon, who is working his way through all the single ladies in Mysteria. She's a little overweight, but she overheard him say he's interested in all females. Except her, when she showed up on his stoop with an overcoat on and nothing else, he laughed and told her she wasn't his type. For that humiliation, she gets help from her sister to extract revenge. I liked this story. ***
4. It's In His Kiss by P.C. Cast. Summer subs for her sister at the high school they used to go to. While there, she'd liked to explore her feelings for her high school crush. However, she meets Colin at a school field trip and can't help or stop how she feels about. Good story.***
1. Disdaining Trouble by MaryJanice Davidson. Triplet 14 year old witches are causing trouble when sitting on the wishing well. The mother wishes they would grow up at the same time one of them falls in the well. 5 seconds later a fully grown 30 year old comes out. Cute story which was trying very hard to be funny. ***
2. The Nanny from Hell by Susan Grant. Shay's a demon that get in trouble because she enjoys playing human too much. She's sent to Mysteria to kill Damon and Harmony's baby Damon Jr. There she runs into Quay who looks like her first human lover that Satan made her kill. A little sappy. ***
3. A Tawdry Affair by Gena Showalter. Glory had a crush on Falon, who is working his way through all the single ladies in Mysteria. She's a little overweight, but she overheard him say he's interested in all females. Except her, when she showed up on his stoop with an overcoat on and nothing else, he laughed and told her she wasn't his type. For that humiliation, she gets help from her sister to extract revenge. I liked this story. ***
4. It's In His Kiss by P.C. Cast. Summer subs for her sister at the high school they used to go to. While there, she'd liked to explore her feelings for her high school crush. However, she meets Colin at a school field trip and can't help or stop how she feels about. Good story.***
September 21, 2012
Fantastic book, it makes me wish for a 3rd collection or something, just some more stories from Mysteria, especially since there were some continuing plot lines from each story to the next, and I want more of that!!
February 1, 2021
Actual, averaged out rating is more like 3.5 stars when factoring in the individual star ratings of the four stories.
Davidson: 2 stars. I was so disappointed by this one. Perhaps this one would have been more likable had I read Mysteria but this story still would have had the issue of too much going on. Honestly this could have easily been fleshed out into two or three different stories or even one stand alone book with ease. This story was also the least romance-y of the four books. Yes there’s sex and dating but, everything else that’s happening in this town is a much bigger focus. Mild spoiler for the plot of this story (please skip to the next paragraph if you don’t want a spoiler). There is a case of alternative dimension rapid aging of a character who then finds love and there’s like, some ick factor because she was just 14 years old and now she’s ten years older and banging a dude who’s now super into her and I had a hard time wrapping my head around this. It felt very unnecessary.
Grant: 3 stars. I don’t think I’ve read anything by Grant before and now I’m intrigued to try some of her other stuff. The demon plot wasn’t very original but the writing was well done and I greatly appreciated Grant’s ability to write a sequel story that was accessible to readers who hadn’t read the previous story.
Showalter: 4 stars. This was my favorite of the four stories hands down. I love the idea of a family of witches all having different types of magic that are good for different things. It keeps a world interesting without overpowering your magic users. This is an enemies to lovers trope that’s body and sex positive in addition to being the steamiest of the four in my opinion.
Cast: 3.5 stars. I started reading Cast’s adult novels at a too young age so I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this one now that I’m of a proper reading age (ie not in high school). Cast’s romantic pairings tend to read like a Harlequin romance novel from the 80’s and this one was no exception. At this point I think I’m a bit sick of romances where the vampire is so much older than the heroine so that put an immediate damper on the story for me. Also I just, can’t read stories about teachers. I’m a teacher and 1) I get to read in my teacher free time, I don’t want to be reminded of teacher time. 2) I can’t help but judge everything about the teacher aspects of a story so I was definitely not the right audience for this book. The storyline was fine but, this one just wasn’t for me.
Davidson: 2 stars. I was so disappointed by this one. Perhaps this one would have been more likable had I read Mysteria but this story still would have had the issue of too much going on. Honestly this could have easily been fleshed out into two or three different stories or even one stand alone book with ease. This story was also the least romance-y of the four books. Yes there’s sex and dating but, everything else that’s happening in this town is a much bigger focus. Mild spoiler for the plot of this story (please skip to the next paragraph if you don’t want a spoiler). There is a case of alternative dimension rapid aging of a character who then finds love and there’s like, some ick factor because she was just 14 years old and now she’s ten years older and banging a dude who’s now super into her and I had a hard time wrapping my head around this. It felt very unnecessary.
Grant: 3 stars. I don’t think I’ve read anything by Grant before and now I’m intrigued to try some of her other stuff. The demon plot wasn’t very original but the writing was well done and I greatly appreciated Grant’s ability to write a sequel story that was accessible to readers who hadn’t read the previous story.
Showalter: 4 stars. This was my favorite of the four stories hands down. I love the idea of a family of witches all having different types of magic that are good for different things. It keeps a world interesting without overpowering your magic users. This is an enemies to lovers trope that’s body and sex positive in addition to being the steamiest of the four in my opinion.
Cast: 3.5 stars. I started reading Cast’s adult novels at a too young age so I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this one now that I’m of a proper reading age (ie not in high school). Cast’s romantic pairings tend to read like a Harlequin romance novel from the 80’s and this one was no exception. At this point I think I’m a bit sick of romances where the vampire is so much older than the heroine so that put an immediate damper on the story for me. Also I just, can’t read stories about teachers. I’m a teacher and 1) I get to read in my teacher free time, I don’t want to be reminded of teacher time. 2) I can’t help but judge everything about the teacher aspects of a story so I was definitely not the right audience for this book. The storyline was fine but, this one just wasn’t for me.
June 24, 2022
I read this for a challenge prompt that required reading an anthology. From the beginning I didn't feel particularly drawn into it but thought it would be a fast way to knock one of the prompts off my list since romances are generally quick reads. I now kinda regret trying to go the quick and easy route. While it was a fast read the stories were so lackluster. There was no time for character development so the relationships felt flimsy and insubstantial and mostly silly. They were occasionally entertaining but mostly I felt a bit annoyed with the stories. Particularly P.C. Cast's and the character who CONSTANTLY called her friend "girlfriend" during conversations. It rang so false.
June 15, 2017
I'm not one to go for romance at all nowadays, but it was kind of refreshing on these stories. And the storylines were really new and interesting. Especially the vampire one. Really liked it! Wish I lived on Mysteria Lane...
June 5, 2018
A Tawdry Affair by Gena Showalter - 2
Far fetched, witch attempts to take revenge for being slighted with a magical pen. He doesn't want her, then he does, then she doesn't want him… bleh
Far fetched, witch attempts to take revenge for being slighted with a magical pen. He doesn't want her, then he does, then she doesn't want him… bleh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2018
Really liked all 8 stories...more please! 😁
July 1, 2020
A collection of fun and cute stories.
August 1, 2023
Lots of fun. Lots of magic and magical creature
Read
December 26, 2024Really enjoyable novellas!
March 2, 2009
I haven't yet read Mysteria, but this anthology makes me want to revisit the magical town. Davidson's and Grant's contributions were the best.
Disdaining Trouble, MaryJanice Davidson: Another amusing tale from the master of sarcasm. The Desdaine triplets enjoy wreaking havoc, until the disappearance and reappearance of their sister seems to cause them to take pause. A ghost named Rae finds an unlikely companion in a stubborn river nymph. And a local, normal pizza guy falls in love with a highly abnormal demon-hunter. The characters are outrageous, the pace is fast, and the dialogue is acerbic and witty.
The Nanny from Hell, Susan Grant
A demon with an obsession for humanity (and an unhealthy taste for cuddling) is sent on a mission to take down Lucifer's future rival. What she finds in Mysteria is unexpected--will she complete her task? Or will Mysteria work its magic on her as it's done to another demon in the past? A great story involving demons, hunters, and a baby who is a LOT more than he seems. Well-written and while not wholly original, quite amusing and fast-paced. Makes me want to look into more of Grant's writing.
A Tawdry Affair, Gena Showalter
Eh. Porn. I just can't take to Showalter's writing. A witch bent on revenge uses a magical pen to get back at the man who rejected her. Unlike the first two stories, this one's plot is thin and designed to get the characters into bed. I like some story-telling with my romantic entanglements!
It's in His Kiss, P. C. Cast
Summer: "He's cute beyond belief! Don't you think he looks just like Legolas?"
Jenny: "I guess so, only gayer. If that's possible."
A Rochester look-alike of a vampire helps a control-freak schoolteacher realize that not everything in life has to adhere to her plans. All while a Certified Discipline Nymph puts in her two cents. This is a good blend of humor and romance, but the resolution was a bit sudden and weak.
Disdaining Trouble, MaryJanice Davidson: Another amusing tale from the master of sarcasm. The Desdaine triplets enjoy wreaking havoc, until the disappearance and reappearance of their sister seems to cause them to take pause. A ghost named Rae finds an unlikely companion in a stubborn river nymph. And a local, normal pizza guy falls in love with a highly abnormal demon-hunter. The characters are outrageous, the pace is fast, and the dialogue is acerbic and witty.
The Nanny from Hell, Susan Grant
A demon with an obsession for humanity (and an unhealthy taste for cuddling) is sent on a mission to take down Lucifer's future rival. What she finds in Mysteria is unexpected--will she complete her task? Or will Mysteria work its magic on her as it's done to another demon in the past? A great story involving demons, hunters, and a baby who is a LOT more than he seems. Well-written and while not wholly original, quite amusing and fast-paced. Makes me want to look into more of Grant's writing.
A Tawdry Affair, Gena Showalter
Eh. Porn. I just can't take to Showalter's writing. A witch bent on revenge uses a magical pen to get back at the man who rejected her. Unlike the first two stories, this one's plot is thin and designed to get the characters into bed. I like some story-telling with my romantic entanglements!
It's in His Kiss, P. C. Cast
Summer: "He's cute beyond belief! Don't you think he looks just like Legolas?"
Jenny: "I guess so, only gayer. If that's possible."
A Rochester look-alike of a vampire helps a control-freak schoolteacher realize that not everything in life has to adhere to her plans. All while a Certified Discipline Nymph puts in her two cents. This is a good blend of humor and romance, but the resolution was a bit sudden and weak.
March 29, 2016
MYSTERIA LANE is a paranormal romance anthology, though I would add humor to that description as all the stories in the collection are sure make you chuckle occasionally. MYSTERIA LANE, like its predecessor MYSTERIA, is set in a mystical town called Mysteria where it's not unusual to see a lady dressed in the latest fashions beheading some wicked demon from another plane of existence.
The fun of MYSTERIA LANE is that the four authors—MaryJanice Davidson, Susan Grant, Gena Showalter and P.C. Cast, four recognizable authors of the paranormal genre—have created an endless resource for which they can make stories about. There are enough secondary characters and characters with the briefest introduction to create several more stories. For instance, the Desdaine triplets from MJD's story, Disdaining Trouble, are familiar pranksters from the first anthology and are mentioned in the other three stories as well.
The only trouble I had was time relativity from one story to the next. The stories aren't told in Story A first, Story B second, etc., but from various times scattered about. This can get confusing. especially when the events of Disdaining Trouble, the first story of the anthology, aren't referenced in the other stories. As something rather big happens to the characters therein, this was surprising. I'm not sure if this was intentional to avoid giving away details of each individual author's story, or if it was merely overlooked for the grander picture.
However you look at it, the anthology is an enjoyable read. Fun, witty characters make Mysteria a town everybody would want for their own—even with temperamental wishing wells and horny ghosts.
The fun of MYSTERIA LANE is that the four authors—MaryJanice Davidson, Susan Grant, Gena Showalter and P.C. Cast, four recognizable authors of the paranormal genre—have created an endless resource for which they can make stories about. There are enough secondary characters and characters with the briefest introduction to create several more stories. For instance, the Desdaine triplets from MJD's story, Disdaining Trouble, are familiar pranksters from the first anthology and are mentioned in the other three stories as well.
The only trouble I had was time relativity from one story to the next. The stories aren't told in Story A first, Story B second, etc., but from various times scattered about. This can get confusing. especially when the events of Disdaining Trouble, the first story of the anthology, aren't referenced in the other stories. As something rather big happens to the characters therein, this was surprising. I'm not sure if this was intentional to avoid giving away details of each individual author's story, or if it was merely overlooked for the grander picture.
However you look at it, the anthology is an enjoyable read. Fun, witty characters make Mysteria a town everybody would want for their own—even with temperamental wishing wells and horny ghosts.
October 18, 2009
Welcome back to Mysteria, Colorado. Meeting up with some of the same residence that were met last time, and a few new ones, including the cantankerous ghost, a water nymph, the Faithfull’s (complete with a junior demon, I mean Damon Jr.), demon hunters, a new demon, several witches, vampires, werewolves, fairies, a Certified Discipline Nymph, a school teacher whose magic is a little different, and the pizza man. With all the beautiful pink love petals falling from the sky all over the town of Mysteria, how can there not be new love blooming and growing.
I enjoy revisiting characters that I have read before. The return to Mysteria was better then the first trip there. I was a little confused during the first story (Mary Janice Davidson), it was an interesting story it was just not up to the standard of the previous book. The way Susan Grant’s story was a continuation of the stories from the first book was great, the reminder of Lucifer and his anger was well done. The fun and exciting way these 4 writers have of putting together a great story is neat. Once again, Gena Showalter and P.C. Cast wrote together so well, it was almost like one continuing story. Bringing back the vampire and werewolf lovers for the witch sisters was so great and Falon was a surprise. Then there is Colin and Summer, what a way to end this book. I love the happy endings for all of the stories, but this one is my favorite. I have to admit to never having read Jane Eyre, with the comparison made of Colin to Mr. Rochester, I might take up that classic now.
I enjoy revisiting characters that I have read before. The return to Mysteria was better then the first trip there. I was a little confused during the first story (Mary Janice Davidson), it was an interesting story it was just not up to the standard of the previous book. The way Susan Grant’s story was a continuation of the stories from the first book was great, the reminder of Lucifer and his anger was well done. The fun and exciting way these 4 writers have of putting together a great story is neat. Once again, Gena Showalter and P.C. Cast wrote together so well, it was almost like one continuing story. Bringing back the vampire and werewolf lovers for the witch sisters was so great and Falon was a surprise. Then there is Colin and Summer, what a way to end this book. I love the happy endings for all of the stories, but this one is my favorite. I have to admit to never having read Jane Eyre, with the comparison made of Colin to Mr. Rochester, I might take up that classic now.
July 14, 2009
This was a fun book of short stories by four great paranormal authors.
MaryJanice Davidson wrote Disdaining Trouble. After reading it, I still have no idea what the triplets were. And the story was only okay for me. I just didn't fall in love with it. Maybe its because Ms. Davidson's Queen Betsy series is my favorite paranormal series so I had such high hopes for the short story, but it just wasn't all that great for me.
Susan Grant wrote The Nanny from Hell. I really liked this story. I loved how Shay was a demon who wanted to fall in love. It just sits right with the romantic in me :) And I loved the baby, Damon!
Gena Showalter wrote A Tawdry Affair. I think this was my favorite story in the book. Glory was a witch who didn't quite fit into the way she thought she should look (she thought she was on the slightly heavy side) but that didn't matter to Falon. When Glory uses a magic pen to write the story of her and Falon, magic ensues. All I can say is, where can I get a magic pen??
P.C. Cast wrote It's In His Kiss. This was another fun story where I didn't know what the main character, Summer was. But I could identify with the school teacher part of the story and I really like Colin's character!
MaryJanice Davidson wrote Disdaining Trouble. After reading it, I still have no idea what the triplets were. And the story was only okay for me. I just didn't fall in love with it. Maybe its because Ms. Davidson's Queen Betsy series is my favorite paranormal series so I had such high hopes for the short story, but it just wasn't all that great for me.
Susan Grant wrote The Nanny from Hell. I really liked this story. I loved how Shay was a demon who wanted to fall in love. It just sits right with the romantic in me :) And I loved the baby, Damon!
Gena Showalter wrote A Tawdry Affair. I think this was my favorite story in the book. Glory was a witch who didn't quite fit into the way she thought she should look (she thought she was on the slightly heavy side) but that didn't matter to Falon. When Glory uses a magic pen to write the story of her and Falon, magic ensues. All I can say is, where can I get a magic pen??
P.C. Cast wrote It's In His Kiss. This was another fun story where I didn't know what the main character, Summer was. But I could identify with the school teacher part of the story and I really like Colin's character!
March 14, 2014
As with the first of these two books this was interesting but not really an anthology as I am used to, as the many of the characters crossed over from author to author, story to story.
I have enjoyed reading books by MaryJanice Davidson and P.C. Cast in the past but until I read Mysteria I had not to my knowledge read anything by the other two authors. These stories get a bit steamy and are almost a little too lovey dovey, happily ever after for me, but it was enjoyable just like the 1st one.
I enjoyed all the different species living together in this strange mountain town with it's pink pollen or flowers or whatever they are, and the crazy fairies as well as the "hormones and germs" lol!
I have enjoyed reading books by MaryJanice Davidson and P.C. Cast in the past but until I read Mysteria I had not to my knowledge read anything by the other two authors. These stories get a bit steamy and are almost a little too lovey dovey, happily ever after for me, but it was enjoyable just like the 1st one.
I enjoyed all the different species living together in this strange mountain town with it's pink pollen or flowers or whatever they are, and the crazy fairies as well as the "hormones and germs" lol!
February 2, 2022
A Tawdry Affair by Gena Showalter
I adored this contribution about a chubby witch named Glory who has been devastated by Falon's rejection. She is insecure and hurt and thinks she is unattractive. Falon is actually really hot for her but uncomfortable with his feelings so he pushes her away. This had my favored elements of a chubby insecure heroine, and a hero that rejects and hurts the heroine (a foil for a plot revolving around the hero soothing the angst and convincing the heroine of her beauty and his love). On top of this, it is my favorite genre! A definite win, going on my recurring reads shelf. Loved it. (4.5 stars)
I'll come back to the other stories.
Disdaining Trouble by MaryJanice Davidson
Nanny from Hell by Susan Grant.
It's in His Kiss by P. C. Cast
I adored this contribution about a chubby witch named Glory who has been devastated by Falon's rejection. She is insecure and hurt and thinks she is unattractive. Falon is actually really hot for her but uncomfortable with his feelings so he pushes her away. This had my favored elements of a chubby insecure heroine, and a hero that rejects and hurts the heroine (a foil for a plot revolving around the hero soothing the angst and convincing the heroine of her beauty and his love). On top of this, it is my favorite genre! A definite win, going on my recurring reads shelf. Loved it. (4.5 stars)
I'll come back to the other stories.
Disdaining Trouble by MaryJanice Davidson
Nanny from Hell by Susan Grant.
It's in His Kiss by P. C. Cast
February 1, 2012
A nice set of 4 stories set in Mysteria, a town created for the supernatural. It has been a while since I read the first book in this series, so I really did not remember any of the characters that were in this book but the concept was still there. As with the first book, the story by MaryJanice Davidson was the worst. Very disjointed with little to no plot and a couple of different story lines that really did not mesh well. The other 3 stories in the book were fun, quick reads. The story by PC Cast was a 'sweet' romance while the story by Gena Showalter was a 'hot' romance. Susan Grant's story was a little more out there, but still an enjoyable read. Overall the book does not have anything that is going to be memorable over the long haul, but was a fun bit of quick entertainment.
May 24, 2012
This book only got 2 stars as I was going by the "it was ok" rating. And that's how I felt about it - it was ok.
I was familiar with three of the four authors in the anthology and was very surprised that I didn't love their entries more. In fact with some I was a little disappointed. Of the eight stories in the two anthologies I think I can say about three were really entertaining and enjoyable. The others were interesting but didn't keep me turning pages. I read them but I wasn't desperately wanting more.
I really liked the concept of a town where all the different species and magics (and non magics) can live peacefully and interact. I think the possibilities are endless of what can occur. I just felt that this didn't deliver for me.
I was familiar with three of the four authors in the anthology and was very surprised that I didn't love their entries more. In fact with some I was a little disappointed. Of the eight stories in the two anthologies I think I can say about three were really entertaining and enjoyable. The others were interesting but didn't keep me turning pages. I read them but I wasn't desperately wanting more.
I really liked the concept of a town where all the different species and magics (and non magics) can live peacefully and interact. I think the possibilities are endless of what can occur. I just felt that this didn't deliver for me.
February 3, 2016
I didn't think this book could be so good. I had this one and the prequel of it lying around in my bookshelf for nearly unto 3 years now and never could bring myself to read it. My first dip into these books wasn't favourable, which is why I never read them. But since I wanted to read some anthologies now and finish off unread books I took these 2 out and actually found out, that both books are great!
The stories are witty and captivating. I love reading all of the authors, and have done so for quite some time now. I'm glad I bought them, even though it took me a long while to actually read them. Now it's done, and I'm really happy!
The stories are witty and captivating. I love reading all of the authors, and have done so for quite some time now. I'm glad I bought them, even though it took me a long while to actually read them. Now it's done, and I'm really happy!
June 23, 2010
Mysteria Lane is the sequel to Mysteria, and once again includes four short stories about love in the town of Mysteria, a mysterious town where everyone knows your name, even if they don't know what you are. As with the first book, I enjoyed this one, and once again found it a fun, light, and easy read. Also like the first one, I loved the stories by Cast and Showalter. With Grant's coming in third. Unlike the first one, I was not found of Davidson's story. If asked, I would recommend this book to readers who are fans of the authors and/or paranormal romance.
December 18, 2012
This book almost received 5 stars from me. By the time I started it, I was over the fact the town's name has been changed, got used to all the multiple characters coming at me from everywhere, and pretty much had all their back stories straight... sorta. A couple more new characters in this one but that was all fine until It's In His Kiss. The Heroine annoyed me to the point I stopped reading multiple times and had to force myself to pick it back up. I loved the rest of the book but could have done without that one story.
January 3, 2019
I have not read this book yet, but I own it, so pulled it off my to be read (eventually) shelf.
There are 4 short stories in it.
1. Mortal in Mysteria by Susan Grant
2. Alone Wolf by MaryJanice Davidson
3. The Witches of Mysteria and the Dead Who Love Them by Gena Showalter
4. Candy Cox and the Big Bad (Were) Wolf by P.C. Cast
Enjoy. Let me know if this is a good read or not and I'll I read it sooner rather than later...
There are 4 short stories in it.
1. Mortal in Mysteria by Susan Grant
2. Alone Wolf by MaryJanice Davidson
3. The Witches of Mysteria and the Dead Who Love Them by Gena Showalter
4. Candy Cox and the Big Bad (Were) Wolf by P.C. Cast
Enjoy. Let me know if this is a good read or not and I'll I read it sooner rather than later...
March 25, 2012
he second book these fantastic authors have gotten together and collaborated on. What was the result you'll ask? Well a fantasicbook filled with more loveable, funny and sometimes just plain insaine characters from mysteria. These authors complement each others writing style so well in this second installment it was great to read more about this crazy town,
I'm hoping even though these were released a while ago I'm hoping they will get together and write some new stories focused in mysteria.
I'm hoping even though these were released a while ago I'm hoping they will get together and write some new stories focused in mysteria.
October 22, 2012
I truly can't say that I really liked any of the 4 stories. I know they were shorter than the average novella which didn't give them much time to develop the characters and relationships, but I didn't feel any connection between the heroes and heroines. Didn't find the stories particularly amusing either. I was going to give up mid way through story two, but given they were all by different authors, I thought another story might be better. Didn't happen.
February 29, 2012
Barf!! Stereotypical Caribbean 'witch doctor'. As a Jamaican this appalls me. Davidson, i like your Queen Betsy series but you should have done more research. A witch doctor isn't the same as a Vodun priest nor a obeah man nor a myal man. There is a difference. And the speech patterns *shudders* Get it right!!!!
All in all fair effort. I liked how the stories tied in.
All in all fair effort. I liked how the stories tied in.
June 11, 2009
This wasn't the best work from most of these authors. The first Mysteria book was much better, with a coherent plot line jointing together disparate stories by different authors. This seemed to be about some people gettin' some.
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