This month I had the pleasure of reading two romance novels by two very good authors.

The first, "Ravenous: The Dark Forgotten" (334 pages; Signet Eclipse; $6.99), was written by Sharon Ashwood, a veteran of paranormal romances. This is one of her best.

The book is set in a world in which paranormal is normal, and witches and vampires openly share neighborhood subdivisions with mere mortals. Holly Carver is a witch with defective powers who has built a small business shooing ghosts and demons from haunted houses.

Allesandro is a 600-year-old vampire who is not only in love with Holly, but is also her partner. A vampire in love is a dangerous thing, and Allesandro uses all the strength he has to protect Holly from demons and from himself.

A portal to the demon realm has opened, and the human world is in trouble if the witch and the vampire can't close it. As Allesandro's love helps to heal the hole in Holly's magic, she becomes the instrument by which the world is saved. Spoiler: The chapter that culminates in the war between the realms is a must-read.

If you like paranormals, this novel will be right up your alley. Look for a sequel starring Mac, one of the most compelling supporting characters of "Ravenous." A sneak preview can be read at the end of the book.

This month, I also read "Warrior of the Highlands" (307 pages; Berkley Sensation, $7.99) by Veronica Wolff. What I liked most about this historical romance was Wolff's vivid description of the Highlands in 1646 as seen through the eyes of someone from the future.

Imagine Haley Fitzpatrick's horror when she realized that she was somehow whisked into the past through her present-day research of an ancient sword. She just needs some ideas for her dissertation on medieval weapons when she finds herself face to face with a real live Highland warrior, Alasdair MacColla, who thinks she is a spy for his sworn enemy. Witnessing MacColla's honor and bravery, Haley soon falls in love with him.

Unfortunately, as a history buff, she knows the precise moment that MacColla will die. How does one change the course of history?

"Warrior of the Highlands" was well written and engaging though the literary mechanism used to take Haley into the past was a bit trite.

The next novel in Veronica Wolff's Highland series will be "Lord of the Highlands." I find myself looking forward to it.

Contact Whispering Pines writer Laura Snyder at lsnyder@lauraonlife.com or visit www.lauraonlife.com.