This book was received free with the request for an honest review. The review is long, but I feel it only fair to invest my time in being thorough since I didn’t have to invest money in buying the book.

Ever After is a paranormal romance anthology. On one hand, I love anthologies because they give you an opportunity to try out new authors in small bursts, rather than committing to an entire novel. If you are like me and can’t bear to not finish a book, not matter whether or not you really like it, that can be a big mark in the pro column. They also can introduce you to existing series, or you can get in on the ground floor of new series. On the other hand, I sometimes find anthologies frustrating because being introduced to those existing series can feel like being dropped into the middle of a story. Some authors are much more adept than others at briefly setting the stage so that you understand enough of what is going on to appreciate the story, but no so much that it gives away major spoilers for previous books. The length of the short stories in anthologies varies; I much prefer the less number, longer story version. Every After is a 5-story anthology, all by authors I’ve never read. I found this book to be a mix of the anthology pros and cons.

His Choice, by Carrie Ann Ryan is a novella in her Dante’s Circle series. Fawkes, son of Lucifer, has reached the age when he needs to decide if he is going to spend his live on the side of good or evil. If he chooses good, he will slowly begin to die unless he finds his true mate. If he chooses evil, he’ll spend eternity collecting human souls. He finds his potential mate in Leslie, a submissive wolf who after a betrayal by her brother is trying to find her way in her pack. I felt a little bit like I was missing some key plot points from earlier books, but not enough to make this story too confusing to follow. I liked the characters, and really liked that there was some passage of time. I get tired of novels where after three days the hero and heroine are pledging eternal love. The big problem with this one was an overabundance of typos! There were others in the book, but holey moley were they prevalent in this story.

Beasts of Burden, by Marie Harte, is the start of a new series. This one features Eira, a Valkyrie in service to the goddess Freya. She has an unexplainable attraction to two of Freya’s guards, Hall and Avarr. Little does she know the guards have an equal fascination with her, but have been forbidden for a time from pursuing her by Freya. This story introduces the concept of the Games of the Gods, allowed only at certain times to entertain the gods and goddesses. I assume the upcoming books will feature the games in some way. The main story, however, circles around Eira, Hall and Avarr.

Rebecca Royce’s novella Alpha Rising is the beginning of her new Fallen Apha’s series. Lilliana is a waitress who has been different from others all of her life and doesn’t understand why. Travis is a werewolf pack leader who knows exactly why Lilliana is different, and he aims to take her as his mate. Unfortunately there are forces at work (aren’t there always??) to keep them apart. This was one of my favorites. There is action, romance and the introduction of a number of characters that I hope get their own books.

A Rebel’s Heart is part of Lia Davis’ Ashwood Falls series. Sarah is a shifter who has lost several mates, the latest 5 years ago in a car accident that also took her best friend. Her children are grown, and she’s tired of mourning. She’s ready to start aging and end her life naturally. Damian, Sarah’s friend, actually survived the car accident and has been secretly working against those who would like to eradicate their race. When an attempt is made on Sarah’s life Damian must come out of hiding, and decides to profess his love to Sarah as well. Sarah isn’t sure she can survive another mating. This is another good story, with a nice pace and enough background that you understand where you are in the timeline.

Destined for Eden, by Lea Shaw, a novella in her Shadows of Destiny series. Eden is a werewolf raised by shifters (there is an important and distinct difference in this series). There is a supernatural war brewing, and Eden is on the side of the resistance. For her first mission she is paired with Dalton, a seasoned resistance veteran, who resents being paired with a novice. Their mission is to travel to the werewolf compound to try and get the wolves to join the resistance. Most of the story is about their travels, and Dalton slowing coming to understand and respect Eden. Of all the stories this one was my favorite. Both characters are scarred in their own ways, and seeing them each realize there can be a happily ever after is a treat.

Overall this is an enjoyable anthology and I recommend it. ( )