Monthly Archives: April 2012

THE TAKER by Alma Katsu-a review

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THE TAKER  by Alma Katsu

THE TAKER by Alma Katsu

THE TAKER can best be described as a novel of mixed genre. It is a historical fantasy that spans the past to the present with sci-fi undertones, gothic horror and there is a definite love story, of sorts. Some reviewers have labeled The Taker as a romance story that crosses the centuries, but for everything I have read, this is definitely not a romance novel. The Taker is well written, thought provoking and eerily depressing. The novel spans two centuries in the life of Lanore (Lanny) McIlvrae and is told through flashbacks and flash forwards using three different and varying points of view. My biggest concern is that the novel left me depressed yet wanting more. Apparently I am a reading-masochist at heart because I want to know what happens next and I know I will regret both-not reading and reading more.

The novel is divided into three parts and three stories. There are overlapping stories (between the parts) where flashbacks are required to explain the significance to the current day drama and within the parts-the story is told from two different points of view and the current day is narration *heavy sigh*. Some readers may find the back and forth confusing, but the individual storytellers recount the circumstances of how they came to be.

Lanny and Jonathan is a story of unrequited love. Lanny has loved Jonathan all of her life and the fact that she has lived more than 200 years, has never eased the longing and memories. But the heartache grows deeper and the sorrow of loss and pain becomes almost unbearable with every bitter story of conquest and denial. Jonathan’s history of womanizing will eventually catch up and it will be Lanny who will make the decision between life and death.

Lanny and Adair is another story of love, power and control. But as her Master, Adair demands things from those he has brought into his life, and his demands are hard, especially on Lanny. Adair believes he is unlovable, a man who has lived 100s if not 1000s of years, but with each incarnation, he becomes more despondent and bored. His need for Lanny can only be explained as a necessary evil. Is it because he knows she will never love him the way she has loved Jonathan, or does it go much deeper than a maker to his charge?

Lanny and Luke’s relationship is the overlapping narration throughout the story. On the run from the authorities, Luke aids Lanny in her cross country and cross continent trek searching for the answers as to who and what is Lanny McIlvrae. Their adventure is the storyline. Lanny recounts her story to Luke, flashing back to the time of her making and allowing Adair’s point of view to flash us back even further. It is this particular part of the storyline that is the apex of the story. All other storylines are told throughout Lanny and Luke’s adventures.

The Taker is a well-written novel. It is not a story of vampires and blood. It is dark, mysterious, depressing and passionate. The storyline will haunt and anger. There is grief for the loss of a love, of a child and a life once shared. But in all honesty when I finished the novel, I felt depressed. There was only loneliness and misery, sorrow and pain. There is no HEA. But this is only Book ONE. OK….*looking around for some Xanax and a couch*….on to The Reckoning July 2012 (Book TWO ) and The Devil’s Scribe (e-novella)

reviewed by Sandy

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JENNIFER LYON-Interview and Giveaway with the author

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JENNIFER LYON-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

The Reading Cafe would like to introduce author Jennifer Lyon. Jennifer grew up under the shadow of the Matterhorn at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. She attended Walt Disney elementary school and her very first playmate was her beloved dog, Duke, who was cast in the role of hero in all their adventures.

Clearly Jen was born to daydream. But it took her years to figure out how to turn her imagination into a career as an author. After marrying and becoming a full time mom to three sons, Jen launched her career with the award winning Samantha Shaw Mystery Series and other romantic mysteries under the name Jennifer Apodaca. Later, she took the name Jennifer Lyon, combined her love of witches, alpha males and sizzling romance into another award winning series, the Wing Slayer Hunters. For more information on Jen or her books, please visit her website www.jenniferlyonbooks.com

TRC: Hi Jennifer and welcome to The Reading Café. We would like to start with some background information.

Jennifer: Thank you so much for having me! I’m excited to be here.

TRC:Would you please tell us about yourself?

Jennifer:   I’m pretty ordinary. I found my husband at the dog pound…now I know what you’re thinking. You got a man instead of a dog? Are you crazy? Well here’s the thing, my husband puts gas in my car and washes it. A dog can’t do that. So…Okay I’m kidding. I was working at the animal shelter, and my husband was sent there to do an audit. We fell in love, married and had three sons. I loved being a full time mom, but I also wanted to write. Eventually, my husband went back to school for his masters degree, and I realized it was time for me to start persuing my dream too. It took me eight long years, but I finally published.

TRC: Do you recall how or where your interest in writing originated? What inspired you to write your first book?

Jennifer: I originally got interested in writing back in high school. My father had passed away suddenly the summer before my freshman year, and we had to move states. I was alone a lot, became a voracious reader, and dreamed of writing novels someday.

TRC: Do you have a specific writing style?

Jennifer: Desperate? LOL! It’s hard for me to pinpoint a style, I just write what I think serves the characters and story.

TRC: You have also written romance novels and the Samantha Shaw Mystery series under the name Jennifer Apodaca. Which genre do you prefer and why?

Jennifer: That’s a tough question. I’d have to say that deep down, paranormal is my first love. It’s the bigger worlds, with higher stakes, and characters with more to lose that attract and hold my attention. In the Wing Slayer Hunter books, the heroes have more to lose than just the heroine; they are fighting to keep their souls. You know how people say, “I’d give my soul for him/her?” When these guys say it, they mean it quite literally. Writing the mysteries was a lot of fun though.

TRC: Many authors and writers bounce ideas with their spouses or significant others. Who do you bounce ideas (with)? Do you have a muse?

Jennifer: When I wrote the mysteries, I did bounce ideas off my husband. But in the paranormal world, I work with a critique partner, Laura Wright, and two author friends, Maureen Child and Kate Carlisle. The more I write, the less I talk about it randomly with people. I’ve learned to save that passion for the actual writing.

TRC: Would you please tell us about your Wing Slayer Hunter series? What was your inspiration for this particular series of storylines?

Jennifer: Even though the Wing Slayer Hunter series is nothing like the old TV show BEWITCHED, that was my original inspiration. I saw it in reruns when I was a kid, and even then, it absolutely drove me nuts that a smart, powerful witch was married to an unsupportive, and in my opinion, unworthy man. So I created men WORTHY of witches; strong, extremely alpha men who are not threatened by a woman of power. And then I put them in stories that forced them to fight to earn the right of loving, and being loved, by a witch. That was my initial goal. But the Wing Slayer Hunter world is very different from the old TV sitcom—much darker, more dangerous, emotional and very sexy.

TRC: Your latest storyline is the new release e-novella-Forbidden Magic. Would you please tell us the premise of this particular story? (see our review post below)

Jennifer: My premise is: Which is more powerful—the choice of love or the bonds of fate?

Here is the back cover blurb to the story:

Wing Slayer Hunter, Ram Virtos, must find his soul mirror witch and convince her to mate with him before his Thunderbird tattoo kills him. But while that witch might be able to save Ram’s life, it is the mysterious Ginny Stone who inflames his passion.

Ginny has been deeply fascinated by Ram for months, but dared not act on it or she’d be torn from her mortal life on earth and thrust into her dreaded destiny as a half-breed angel. But when her beloved brother’s soul is at stake, she must do the one thing she both fears and desires…

Take Ram to her bed.

TRC:  Will Ram and Ginny ever see their HEA–together?

Jennifer:  I want that very much. I have their book planned and intend to write it. Next is Linc’s book, then Eli’s, and then Ram and Ginny. The answers the two of them are searching for just aren’t as easy as they had hoped at the end of FORBIDDEN MAGIC.

TRC: Your next instalment in the Wing Slayer Hunters series is Cage Magic. Will you please tell us something about the premise for this particular storyline?

Jennifer: This is Linc and Risa’s story. Evil erupts on the Las Vegas strip, and shield-witch Risa rescues a baby girl and runs, only to be captured by a true demon spawn. Linc touches Risa’s blood left at the scene of the abduction and quickly realizes they are soul mirrors. Now he must win Risa in a death match cage fight. And that’s just the first battle as the two of them struggle to overcome dark pasts and deep secrets while battling to defeat a fiendish enemy and save the baby that Risa loves as her own.

TRC: Your publisher has decided against continuing your Wing Slayer Hunter Series but your many fans and readers of the series have urged you to publish independently. What did you learn through the process to indie publishing?

Jennifer: I am still learning! First, I have to say that I am touched and amazed by the support of my fans. They, combined with my love of the series, are the reason I’m doing this. It’s a huge motivator for me. Otherwise, I’m essentially turning into a publisher as well as a writer. That’s something I thought I’d never want to do, yet as it turns out, I love the freedom and the control that gives me. It takes time to search out editors and various professionals to help me deliver a solid book, but I like having control of the production process of the book.
The downside is that I feel I’ve lost a safety net. I’ve worked with some really great editors, and I always knew they’d catch things like dropped plot threads, uneven pacing or characterization problems. Now it’s all on me, and I feel that responsibility deeply.
I will make mistakes, but so far, I’m enjoying the process and absolutely thrilled to be able to share more Wing Slayer Hunters with both established and new fans.

TRC: What were your challenges bringing Forbidden Magic to self-publication?

Jennifer: Many of the challenges were in my own head. And I ran into some scheduling headaches—all normal stuff that so far that I’ve been able to manage. I’ve had great support, particularly from Laura Wright and Maureen Child who were my first readers, helping to find any problems in the first draft. Also, my husband has been extremely supportive. I can’t think of a huge challenge, but I’m sure I will run into a few on this journey.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Jennifer: I know the publishing industry is changing rapidly, but I don’t think our desire for good, fulfilling stories will ever change. I love connecting with readers who love books as I do. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to hang out fellow book lovers!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Right now, I’m into Chicken Bruschetta Pasta

Favorite Dessert: Chocolate Lava Cake Dark or Milk Chocolate Dark

Favorite TV Show: Big Bang Theory

Favorite Movie: Ghost is the movie that springs to mind, but I don’t think I have a true favorite.

Last Movie that you saw: Act of Valor

Pink or Red Roses: Red

Do you have any pets? No, but I have visiting rights for my son’s dog, Bailey. He’s a Miniature Pincher/Chihuahua mix who has won all our hearts.

TRC: Thank you Jennifer for taking the time to answer our questions. We look forward to your next storyline in the Wing Slayer Hunter series. And we wish you the best of luck as an independent publisher.

Jennifer: Thank you! I’ve enjoying visiting with all of you today.

LINK TO: Jennifer Lyon’s Site

*************GIVEAWAY**************

The phenomenal Jennifer Lyon has offered a giveaway to 3 of our eligible members at The Reading Cafe: One signed copy of Night Magic:  One signed copy of Sinful Magic: one ecopy of Forbidden Magic

1.  You must be a member at The Reading Cafe.  If not, please register today, using the social log-ins or at the bottom of the page.

2.  Paperbook giveaway open to CANADA and U.S. only

3.  ecopy open internationally

4.  Giveaway open from April 26 to May 1, 2012

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FORBIDDEN MAGIC by Jennifer Lyon-a review

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FORBIDDEN MAGIC by Jennifer Lyon

FORBIDDEN MAGIC by Jennifer Lyon

Background information from Jennifer Lyon’s website: Once they were immortal guardians; hunters of demon witches and protectors of innocent earth witches. For centuries, the hunters and witches worked together to safeguard earth from demons, in particular, Asmodeus.

And then a dark curse destroyed the bond, turning the ancient allies into enemies. For the blood and sex curse cast by demon witches caused witch hunters to crave the power contained in witch blood. If they give in and kill a witch to harvest her blood, they go rogue and forfeit their eternal souls.

The witches that once banished demons and assisted mortals, now have lost their familiars and high magic. They must hide from the powerful men who once protected them, but now hunt them for their blood. No one is left to stand between mortals and demons. Until one group of witch hunters rises to become the guardians once more. With these words:
“I vow my allegiance to Wing Slayer, god of the witch hunters. I take the ancient oath of protection for the innocent and justice for the damned. And I swear to fight the curse to my death.”

Ramsey (Ram) Virtos is an ex-navy Seal, guardian and Wing Slayer Hunter so close to going rogue, that he is willing to risk everything for the one thing he could not have. The need for sex and witch blood is driving him to the edge. The electrical current shifting through his body is building at an impossible rate and the Thunderbird is riding him hard, needing his mate. But Ram’s soul-mirror witch had refused to accept him as her mate, which is fine by Ram. Because his heart is searching for someone else, someone who would accept him body, soul and heart. But without his soul-mirror-his Thunderbird is slowing killing the Wing Slayer Hunter.

Virginia (Ginny) Stone is an enigma. Her shining light is like a breath of fresh air. Working the family bar, Ginny always knew when Ram had entered the room. She had been in love with the Wing Slayer hunter since he helped save her brother’s life, but there was something about Ginny that only her brother Eli knew. As her powers grew, so did her ability to sense and see through touch, but there is a power and aura that surround Ginny, and one that Ram must never call his (own).

Eli Stone is a Wing Slayer Hunter and only males carried the hunter DNA, but Ginny was something else. And that part of her DNA was the very essence their father demanded. But Ginny’s secret ran much colder and deeper-her father is one of the most powerful supernatural immortals. With his power, he has the ability to control Ginny and Eli with emotional blackmail and Ginny is no longer willing to risk the life of her brother. At her father’s command Ginny is ordered to seduce one of the strongest Hunters or face the consequences of forcing her brother to turn rogue. But seducing Ram Virtos is worth the price –and she is willing to pay with her emotions and her heart– but the cost may be too high for the Wing Slayer Hunter.


Forbidden Magic is the latest(April 2012 release) storyline (e-novella) in Jennifer Lyon’s Wing Slayer Hunter series. There are some interesting family dynamics involving the Stone siblings and their father. Father of the Year is not a title anyone would bestow upon the being that sired Ginny. Ram and Ginny’s relationship grows from need to love, but their HEA is not within reach. There is still the fact that Ram has a soul-mirror, a mate who is refusing their union. But as Ram and his fellow Hunters continue to search for clues about his emerging Thunderbird and the prospects of finding true-love in the arms of another woman, Ginny will always fear, that life as she now knows it, could end in a heart beat or flash in time. And whatever demon is riding Ram is something stronger than anyone could have known.

I like that Jennifer includes the other characters from her previous storylines. Many authors will write a series, but rarely allow the previous heroes anything but an acknowledgment in future storylines. The fact that many of the females have power and knowledge that is required by the Hunters, makes is necessary for the storylines and thus the characters to overlap. This is another wonderful story from Jennifer Lyon. Forbidden Magic is a quick read, but a necessary read in all things Wing Slayer Hunter. I look forward to Cage Magic.

AMAZON Kindle LINK: .99cents- Forbidden Magic

B&N NOOK LINK: .99cents- Forbidden Magic

Reviewed by Sandy

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Katie Reus-Interview & Giveaway with the author

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Katie Reus-Interview with the Author

 

The Reading Cafe would like to introduce paranormal-romance author Katie Reus. You can find Katie’s website at: Katie Reus.

TRC:  Hi Katie.  Welcome to The Reading Cafe.

 We would like to start with some biographical background. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Katie: If you want the unofficial bio: I write romantic suspense and paranormal romance, live in the South, love red wine, the beach, spending time with my family and visiting old cemeteries. I love reading (no surprise!), flip-flops and have a 9 month old son who is incredibly adorable and takes up a lot of my time nowadays. If you want something more official, check out my website: http://katiereus.com/about/

TRC: When did you start writing? Have you always been interested in writing?

Katie: I started writing about six years ago and no, I haven’t always been interested in writing. The desire to write took me by surprise but I haven’t looked back since I started.

TRC: Many authors will bounce ideas and information with their partner or spouse. Who do you go to when you want to throw ideas around?

Katie: Heh, I love my husband but he usually gives me very inappropriate responses when I ask for help with ideas so for the most part I turn to writer friends. Kaylea Cross and Laura Wright are very fun sounding boards! And, Kaylea’s husband has even been known to help out with ideas too 😉

TRC: Who is your muse?

Katie: I don’t have one. I know some people talk about their muse, but I just write the stories in my head and some most days I wish there were more hours in the day because it feels as if I never have enough time to write all I want. I’m not one of those people who ‘waits for inspiration’ to strike. Unless I’m editing or on vacation, I write almost every single day.

TRC: You write both romantic suspense and paranormal romance. Which genre do you prefer to write? Which genre is the most difficult to write?

Katie: I actually enjoy writing them both equally, which might sound like an easy answer but it’s the truth. Usually I alternate between the genres and it’s a good way to keep things fresh. And both genres have equally difficult aspects. Researching laws, regulations, government procedures etc. can be a very time consuming part of romantic suspense and actual world building for paranormal is equally time consuming. But I’m a total geek and love research so it’s always fun.

TRC: Alpha Instinct (released Feb 7, 2012) is the first novel in your new Moon Shifter Series. Will you tell us something about this book and the series? Where did you come up with the idea?

Katie: It’s the first book in a projected 3 book & 1 novella series (I’m hoping my publisher will want to publish more!). The official back cover copy is:

Fear has a scent. So does desire…
Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after all the males and most of the females in her pack were mysteriously poisoned. As tough as she is, with no Alpha male, the pack is vulnerable to the devious shifter Taggart, who wants to claim both their ranch and Ana as his own. When Connor Armstrong comes back into her life, promising protection, it’s almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before—and reluctantly accept his offer to mate.

The minute Connor sees Ana again, it reawakens a raw hunger. He must have her for his bondmate—his wolf cries out for it. But his human side knows he must proceed with caution because of their complicated past. If he is to truly have her body and soul, he must go beyond his burning desire and win back her heart. Whatever it takes, he is determined not to leave her side again.

But Taggart and his rival pack are not their only enemies. A human element in town is targeting shifters. Their plan not only threatens Ana and Connor’s future, but the lives of the entire pack…

And as far as how I came up with this story, it sort of evolved from my original intent. What was supposed to have been a simple paranormal novella grew and I realized that a lot of the characters needed their story told. When I finally let my characters take over, everything flowed from there. Book 1.5 is an e-novella, due to be released in August 2012.

TRC: Have you chosen a title and a premise for the novella?

Katie: The title is Lover’s Instinct. Oh yeah, it’s completely finished and has already gone through edits. I’m just waiting on a cover! The official description is:

Lupine shifter Nikan Lawless has it bad for Esperanze Cordona, the sweet and curvy woman who only views him as a friend. But when Nikan is assigned to act as Esperanze’s bodyguard during a weekend education conference, he knows it’s the perfect opportunity to seduce her off her feet—away from the pack. To put his plan into motion Nikan cancels one of their hotel rooms, giving them time to get to know one another in a whole different way. But when a man from Esperanze’s past shows up in need of help, Nikan must shield her from a group of dangerous rogue shifters, all while trying to prove that they’re destined to be mates.

TRC:  Why release the novella in ebook format only, when the first book is available in several formats?

Katie:  That’s my publisher’s decision so I’m guessing the reason it’s available strictly in ebook is because of the length. It’s about 28,000 words which is shorter than even a category romance novel so I don’t think it would work in a print format. Book 2 (Primal Possession) releases the month after Lover’s Instinct and it will definitely be in print and digital format.

TRC: How has the electronic age helped or hindered you as an author?

Katie: It has definitely helped me. I started off digitally publishing and that’s how I gained readers in the first place. I love being published in mass market format but I hope to continue publishing in various formats. I’m all about being diversified! The electronic age has also opened up self-publishing options (something I never would have considered two years ago), which has been a great addition as far as new venues and reaching more readers.

TRC: You are releasing Protector’s Mate in April 2012. Would you tell us something about Protector’s Mate?(See our review below)

Katie: It will be available from Harlequin Nocturne as part of their new-ish Cravings line. It’s a paranormal novella and will be out in digital and audio format. The official cover copy is:

After two years in a war zone, werewolf Felicia Serna has finally returned to find another pack has taken over her territory…and the new second-in-command is the very man who haunts her fantasies. Alaric has wanted Felicia from the moment he laid eyes on her, and now he’s ready to claim her. When a threatening shifter begins stalking them, he’s determined to protect her…even if it means putting his seduction on hold. But even in the heat of danger, their red-hot passion cannot be denied. It is a stand-alone paranormal novel.

TRC: Do you prefer the series format, as you can continue the storylines?

Katie: It’s a stand-alone, though it is in the same world as Destined Mate (my first Nocturne Cravings novella). I do love writing a series. In a way it makes writing easier and more difficult. I get to develop the characters over much longer periods of time which is awesome because I love my characters. But I also have to keep a much thicker research and character folder so I keep everything consistent.

TRC: Which is more difficult for you to write-the stand alone novel or a continuous series and why?

Katie: A series is more difficult to write simply because there are a lot more characters and keeping everything consistent means I have to stay uber organized.

TRC: Your novel Danger in Paradise, was a re-release of a previous book Finding Hope. What was your decision to re-release a revised version of this particular book?

Katie: I received my rights back to the book from a small epress and knew I wanted to do more with the story. My sales were incredibly small and I knew a big part of that was their agency pricing and lack of exposure. My decision to release it on my own was a multitude of things; I’d have control over pricing, final cover, and would be able to add some stuff that was originally cut. I sold more copies in the first two months that I released it on my own than I did in two years with that publisher. Sales are continuing to rise every month so it’s a decision I’ve been very happy with.

TRC: His Secret Past (January 2012) was your latest release in the romantic suspense genre. Will you tell us something about His Secret Past?

Katie: I LOVED writing His Secret Past. I know you’re not supposed to have favorites, but this story will always be very special to me. It was the first thing I ever wrote (though definitely not the first thing I had published) and even though it’s undergone major edits and I ended up throwing out many many truly awful and unnecessary scenes, this is the story that propelled me into writing. The official cover copy is:

Six years ago, Alexis Baptiste’s world was turned upside down when Hunter Cassidy disappeared without a trace, leaving her alone and pregnant. She’s finally moving on with her life when he resurfaces, just in time to rescue her from a would-be assassin. Forced to join him on the run to protect herself and her young son, Alexis is now in even more danger: danger of falling for Hunter all over again.

Betrayed by rogue CIA agents after infiltrating an infamous drug cartel, former DEA agent Hunter Cassidy has spent years trying to clear his name. He’s not proud of the things he’s done, and knows he doesn’t deserve a future with Alexis, or the son he never knew he had, but he’s determined to protect them from the men who ruined his life. Convincing Alexis to trust him—and denying his feelings for her—is going to be the hardest mission he’s ever faced.

TRC: Will you ever consider writing a series in this particular genre?

Katie: I would love to write a romantic suspense series. Once I finish the current proposal I’m working on I plan to start working on the outline for a romantic suspense trilogy.

TRC: The last book you published in the erotic-romantic-suspense genre was Dangerous Deception. Are you no longer writing this particular genre? What was your decision to change directions with your writing style?

Katie: I still write erotic romance, I just do it under another name. After releasing three books in the erotic romance genre I knew I wanted a separation from my romantic suspense and paranormal romance. So I haven’t stopped writing it completely, but I don’t plan to write another erotic romance for at least another year—I don’t have time, lol! 😉

TRC: What are you working on today?

Katie: A proposal for my editor with Harlequin Nocturne.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Katie: Thank you to everyone who has stopped by today and thank you for having me!

LIGHTNING ROUND

FAVORITE FOOD: Enchiladas

FAVORITE DESSERT: Chocolate

FAVORITE MOVIE: Underworld Rise of the Lycans

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Being Human

LAST BOOK YOUR READ: Sheltered by Charlotte Stein

DARK OR MILK CHOCOLATE: Milk

PINK OR RED ROSES: Neither

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM: New Orleans Saints!

TRC: Katie, we would like to thank you very much for answering all of our very detailed questions. Looks like an e-novella. We wish you the best of luck with all of your future novels and stories.

Katie: Thank you so much for having me!

**************GIVEAWAY***********

Katie is offering an ebook copy of PROTECTOR’S MATE to one lucky eligible member at The Reading Cafe.

1.  To be eligible, you must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not, please register using one of the social logins (FB, Yahoo, Google etc) or at the bottom of the page.

2.  Giveaway is OPEN Internationally.

3.  Please leave a comment and say hello to Katie.

4.  Contest duration April 25-28, 2012

*****************************************

 

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PROTECTOR’S MATE by Katie Reus-a review

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PROTECTOR’S MATE by Katie Reus

PROTECTOR’S MATE by Katie Reus

Protector’s Mate is the second novel and April 2012 release in Katie Reus Nocturne Craving series of paranormal stories. Following shortly after the events in Destined Mate, Protector’s Mate follows shifter wolf Alaric and his soon to be mate Felicia, as they are followed by a trio of wolves hoping to stop their reunion.

Felicia Serna is a lone wolf who was abandoned by her family as a pup, and with no apparent pack to call her own, she enlisted for a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Five years later, she has never forgotten the man, who called to the wolf within.

Alaric is over 500 years old, second-in-command to Knox’s Alpha, and all male. But five years was too long to wait to claim his mate. The wolf within needed to know his female was safe, and he took it upon himself to ensure that her whereabouts were known all the times. With a few well-place emails Alaric was soon ‘talking’ with the woman who was his to claim.

When Felicia finally landed on home soil, it wasn’t only Alaric hoping to ‘capture’ the beauty. Needing to find a ‘safe house’, the couple must abandon their ride, and spend the night together. But it is the wolf within Alaric that is consumed with protecting his mate, and when the couple is threatened by wolves with another agenda Alaric calls in his family, to help defend and protect.

Protector’s Mate is a quick and easy read. And like Destined Mate, the novel is fast paced and moves quickly to the heart of the storyline. Katie has written these novellas as stand-alone paranormal stories, but so far I am enjoying the ‘serial ‘ style to the books. I hope she continues this particular line because the couples thus far, have been enjoyable and I want to know more about the American Pack and their adventures.

AMAZON Kindle LINK: Protector’s Mate
KOBO LINK:Protector’s Mate
B&N NOOK LINK: Protector’s Mate

Reviewed by Sandy

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DESTINED MATE by Katie Reus-a review

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DESTINED MATE by Katie Reus

DESTINED MATE by Katie Reus

DESTINED MATE is another novella written by erotic romance author Katie Reus. For 90 years, werewolf Alpha leader Knox has been searching for the only woman he has ever loved-Angela ‘Angel’ Lavigne-a vampire. But the vampires and werewolves have been at war for thousands of years. When she appears on wolf-pack property searching for a missing female vampire, it is Knox who takes a stand, hoping to lure the run-away vampire, back to his den.

90 years earlier Angela Lavigne was human, in love with the Alpha of the American pack, but a bite from a vampire changed her life. Knowing that Knox and his entire pack despised and hated all vampires, Angela ran for her life, never telling Knox what had happened. But a recently turned female vampire is missing and was reportedly held captive by one of the strongest and fiercest wolf packs. Hoping to exact her rescue, Angela enters wolf territory, and to her surprise, her ex-lover and the Alpha Knox is waiting.

Knox has been searching for Angela for almost a century. Tracking her across America and into Alaska, he had hopes of claiming his mate. But the elusive female was always, a few steps ahead. Hoping to finally claim Angela as his mate, Knox must fight Titus, the leader of Angela’s coven of vampires, for the rights. Both males claim rights to Angela, but Angela has feelings for only one man. When Knox proves that he is the more powerful male, he finally lays claim what he has always known-that Angela has been and always will be his mate.

But life in a wolf-pack is never easy, especially when the others must now submit to a vampire-as female alpha. With the knowledge that their leader has taken a vampire as mate, animosity and anger grow when the Alpha must leave on a business trip. Returning hope to find his mate has been threatened, Knox must enforce pack laws and banish the young pup for his behavior.

Destined Mate is a quick read-a short story. The attraction between Knox and Angela is mutual as well as fast-paced and energetic. There is no build-up or teasing as the storyline progresses, as the couple know exactly what they want. And once again, Katie ensures there is a story between the sexual encounters, and a HEA for our hero and his mate.

AMAZON LINK Kindle: Destined Mate
KOBO LINK: Destined Mate
B&N NOOK LINK: Destined Mate

Reviewed by Sandy

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