Hunting Season (Gathering) [Paperback]

SL does what she does best, delivering a fast paced, hot paranormal romance with plenty of tongue in cheek humour and some laugh out loud moments. She has created a modern day mythological tale as the agents of the Nordic Gods interact in New Jersey. Odin has his Ravens; strong male warriors who follow his bidding, whilst Skuld; the Goddess of Fate has her Gathering of Crows. Brought back from a violent death, a Crow remains mortal but is changed by Skuld; developing enhanced strength and fighting skills, plus wings, talons and a healthy attitude towards hurting anyone who meddles with ancient godly relics. These women are more likely to remove your head first rather than ask questions, but the fun loving, vivacious Crows sure know how to throw one heck of a party.

Second in command of the New Jersey Crows is Neecy Lawrence. Turned at just 16 when her drug dealer boyfriend gunned her down, the highly independent Neecy has spent the last 15 years trying to make up for the things she did before becoming a Crow. She lacks a carefree attitude but raven Wilhelm Yager sees right through her cool exterior and knows they are perfect for each other. He knows it, the Gods know it and the Crows know it; in fact the only person who refuses to acknowledge how right they are together is Neecy herself. As Will sets about the most forthright and persistent seduction ever (think more handcuffs and fisticuffs than chocolates and roses), he needs all his skills to worm his way into Neecy's heart.

There are plenty of action packed fight scenes and some hot monkey sex sessions, but it is the characters that make this book. Neecy and Will are great together, but I'm loving Janelle and her relationship with Mike; whom she has a tendency to punch repeatedly in the face. Her love interest looks to be another Raven though, who will undoubtedly face a similar battle to Will's when he makes his intentions clear. Back to Mike; his cringe worthy and totally inappropriate sexist comments in front of a group of bloody thirsty females would be suicidal it he wasn't so funny, and I hope he takes a lead in the future. "Hunting Season" is a tremendously enjoyable start to a new series and is certainly on par with this author's excellent "Dragon Kin" books. Unfortunately there are no details available yet as to further books in "The Gathering" series, but I'm crossing my fingers that when book 2 is available Janelle takes a lead role.

My review will be quick to the point.
Her books have what all brilliant paranormal romances should have.

1. Good plot: check
2. Good writing: check
3. Yummy male lead: check
4. Kickass female lead: check
5. Romance: check!! ;P

Overall: I love this book. I can't wait for more (please shelly give me more...).

Love Shelly's sense of humour, and i really looked forward to this being re-issued, it is a great book introduces a new take on a familiar tale, (the vikings their gods, and mythology) a bit similar to the mythology of Kresley Coles series. But i was very disappointed to learn there are no plans to continue the series, we are introduced to some absoloutly amazing characters and what is a brilliant book and you can tell that this was intended to be a series with intercomnnecting storyline and characters, so as a standalone this does take away somewhat from your enjoyment of the book, that said it is an excellent read, but only 4 stars because when you get to the end there will be that burning desire to know when can i get the next one?...............and bad news is you can't