A Date with the Other Side by Erin McCarthy

While Shelby Tucker makes a living by giving tours of haunted houses, she’s never actually seen a ghost – at least until the Boston Macnamara rents one of the houses. Boston is in town to inspect the plastics plant, which is the town’s major employer for possible shutdown. Now a batch of random accidents is pushing the two together. But are the accidents random or is someone or something’s magic at work.

I liked this story enough to check out some of Erin’s other stories. I enjoyed the humor and wish more writers would incorporate it into their stories.

Keywords: Details: Berkley, January 2007

Excellence Rating: Very Good

Heiress for Hire by Erin McCarthy

This cute story about the rich girl who’s cut off from her father’s money falling in love with a small town farmer will bring smiles to your face while you read it.

Details: Bantam, July 2007

Excellence Rating: Very Good

California Demon by Julie Kenner

Like any other soccer mom, Kate Conner wants only the best for her daughter. So when she learns a demon has invaded her daughter’s high school with a scheme to wreak havoc on Earth, the retired demon hunter takes action. Unfortunately, Kate has to balance her search for the demons with her husband’s political aspirations, her daughter’s first crush and various attacks on her life. Assuming she lives long enough, will Kate unravel the demon’s plot in time to stop him, or will the world suffer the consequences?

This book combines Julie's brand of paranormal humor and her somwhat offbeat characters to create a great story. However, there are two flaws to this book. First, it’s only available in trade format, which I hate because of the extra weight and the price premium (however if you’re patient, this book will be released in paperback in June 2007 ). The second is that the ending of this book leaves a key story element open, which means I can’t wait for the next book in the series (due out in July 2007 ). While this book stands by itself, you really should read the first story in the series, Carpe Demon, in order to understand Kate’s recent history. If you love paranormal stories and chick-lit, this book is a must read.

Score: Great

Details: Berkley, June 2006