Rivermarked by Patricia Briggs

I cannot express how much I love this series by Patricia Briggs. Mercy Thompson is the woman I want as my best friend. The stories are so fun and adventurous. Mercy is the kind of woman who doesn't mind getting dirty and yet seems to still be a woman. She's not frilly but she still likes being treated like a woman.
In this book, she and Adam have finally gotten married. The wedding was hilarious. Adam takes her on a camping honeymoon near Mary Hill museum. I have to say that it would have been my ideal of a honeymoon had I thought of it. I loved the description of the area and the incorporation of the museum into the story.
Of course, this is Mercy we are talking about and what vacation would be complete without the ghost of her father and a huge monster in the river eating people.
I thought the story of Mercy's father was quite touching and the introduction of a few new characters (Mercy learns she's not the only one who can turn into an animal and not be a Werewolf). There's some Native American folklore which pulls out some of Mercy's heritage. It's a great book and I could talk about it all day but that would ruin some things for those who want to read the book (and possibly the series).

Hold Me Closer, Necromance by Lish McBride

This book was great. It was funny and suspenseful. As a first book, Lish McBride sure hit the ground running.
The book follows Sam whose life is just fine. He didn't make it through college but he has a job at the local burger place and is spending his time just coasting until he comes up with a better plan. Well, it didn't work out that way. He's discovered by Douglas, the biggest baddest necromancer in Seattle. Douglas knows that Sam is not who he thinks he is. Sam is a necromancer too. What happens next is unbelievable. Sams friend is murdered and her head is brought back to life. He is attacked by a rogue werewolf and then put in a cage with the local packs heir to the throne. If that isn't enough, a young "ghost" comes to help him sort it all out while he's trying to uncover his talent and his past.
The story would have worked without all the supernaturalness but what it adds is a level of ridiculous and flavor that makes the Twilight books fall way flat.
I look forward to Lish's next book and I secretly hope it involves the next chapter of Sam's life.

Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

Silver Borne is the 5th book in the Mercy Thompson Series. I have to say I love this series. Mercy Thompson is the ultimate woman - she's an auto mechanic who can't see to stay clean and pretty. She doesn't wear heels and yet she seems to function in the dating world just fine. She's dating her neighbor who just happens to be the Alpha Wolf of the local Werewolf pack. Oh, did I mention she can turn into a coyote. For those who love fantasy books - this is a great one and definitely therapy for those into the Twilight saga. Mercy is all woman and yet she's strong and her men are not stalkers (well unless they are stalking her but she doesn't date those guys). She literally kicks butt. The trouble she gets into is action packed and filled with all sorts of fantasy. It also helps that this is set in Washington (Tri-cities in the better half of the state). I love seeing my home state referenced in books and this one is my favorite. Silver Borne may actually be my favorite so far but then it's the freshest in my mind. For those who have not read any of the books I won't go into any details that might spoil prior books (sorry about ruining the dating part but you know early on he's the one she's going to pick). There is something about Werewolves that are better than Vampires in the dating world - they are loyal, fierce, warm and may even fetch your slippers - what else do you need in a man.