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Showing posts with label Katie Reus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Katie Reus. Show all posts
Monday, May 6, 2013
Review: Heart of the Jaguar by Katie Reus
Heart of the Jaguar
Author: Katie Reus
Release Date: May 1, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin
Shifter Novellas
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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Dr. Cindy Shahi is resigned to being mateless, but her inner jaguar has needs that must be sated. An encounter with a deliciously sexy stranger is the perfect chance for a night of no-strings primal passion.
Elias was content to be a lone wolf until the moment he laid eyes--and much more--on Cindy. Their intense attraction can mean only one thing: the mating call. And when it becomes clear someone isn't happy about their budding relationship, all of Elias's protective instincts go on high alert. He'll do anything to keep Cindy safe--and convince her that he intends to claim her as his own, no matter what.
What I’m talking about:
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Heart of the Jaguar opens with the wedding of Bear Mountain Wolf Pack leader Owen and his mate, Gabriela, whom we met in the story A Jaguar’s Kiss. Here we are reintroduced to the town doctor Cindy, a jaguar shifter, who is in attendance with her best friend Israel, brother of Gabriela.
While in attendance, Cindy spies Elias, a wolf shifter, who is in town for his good friend’s wedding. Unknown to anyone at the time, Elias plans to settle down into the Bear Mountain pack and become second-in-command to Owen.
After being hurt badly in a relationship during graduate school, Cindy has remained aloof and distant when it comes to men. It’s been a while since Cindy has fulfilled her jaguar’s sexual needs, and no-strings-attached sex is just what she needs. Cindy and Elias experience an intense initial attraction, and since Cindy thinks Elias is only in town for the wedding, he is the perfect candidate to fill her desires.
Once again Ms. Reus shines with her sexy shifter novellas! Heart of the Jaguar is loosely tied to the previous books, with locale and characters linking them; however, it is not necessary to read any of the prior stories to enjoy each of them individually.
What I enjoy most about Ms. Reus’s shifter novellas, which holds true for this one as well, is that the story stays focused on the primary couple growing in their relationship, with any conflict coming from an external source and not internal between the hero and heroine. In Heart of the Jaguar, Cindy and Elias are open and honest with their intensions from the start. They realize that there is huge chemistry between them and are open to it being something more than physical. Elias recognizes it as the mating call. Instead of just sitting back on the information, he shares this with Cindy.
I also like that Cindy lays her concerns on the table early on in the relationship, even knowing that she may lose Elias because of it. Cindy has some issues that caused the breakup with her former fiancé, but rather than hide from Elias and her own feelings, she trusts him and opens her heart to the mating call. The author could have used any number of things to keep the couple separated and delay their union, but instead she choses to allow the characters to take chances, permitting their love to develop and thrive.
The mystery of who is threatening Cindy is secondary to the romance and concludes without major drama or incident. It was a good plot vehicle for getting the pair together on a more permanent basis. In addition, the storyline added just a touch of suspense which made the short story more exciting.
Overall, Heart of the Jaguar is another well-written, sexy shifter novella from Ms. Reus. The story has great set-up and romance. The mating is quick - it's a novella - so there are speedy "I love you’s," which I'm not a huge fan of. However, it felt right - the timing wasn't out of the blue. The pair had immediate chemistry and it worked.
Ms. Reus's shifter novellas are the perfect “get away” romance reading. You can take yourself on a mini-vacation for an hour or so, getting lost in the exciting, sexy world she has created. Heart of the Jaguar is no exception with it’s romance with sizzling smex. The conflict is muted but adds to the overall story. Heart of the Jaguar is a very enjoyable romantic read.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Review: Mating Instinct by Katie Reus
Mating Instinct
Author: Katie Reus
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Moon Shifters #3
ISBN: #978-0451239600
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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As the beast within struggles to break free, he must learn to be what she needs...
Surviving for centuries, powerful lupine shifter Jayce Kazan managed to stay away from humans until he met Kat Saburova and was consumed by the need to protect her. But while Jayce shared his passion with the human seer, he refused to make her his bondmate—a refusal that caused the end of their relationship.
A year later, an attack that left Kat near death has resulted in another lupine shifter turning her. Furious that he wasn’t the one to save her, Jayce is determined to show Kat that he is the one she should rely on. But the newly turned shifter is still traumatized and worried that she’ll hurt those she loves, unless she can learn to control her inner wolf.
And as Jayce struggles to protect Kat from her own worst instincts and convince her to rekindle their love, the extremists who almost killed her are looking to finish the job…
What G & U are talking about:
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Mating Instinct is the fascinating third novel in the Moon Shifter series. There was a huge back-story and build up to this novel in that it is where Jayce and Kat finally fess up with each other and make a decision.
Although the series started a bit rough for Gikany and Una, as each book progresses we find ourselves drawn more into the world and its characters. So much so that we found the novella, Lover’s Instinct – bought it, downloaded it and read it after finishing Mating Instinct. Although it wasn’t necessary – we love the characters too much to skip the story of how a lovely beta female mated with one of the sexy warriors.
Jayce is not just a sexy warrior, he is the enforcer for the whole council. It is his job to put down wolves that go feral and solve issues that cause havoc in the pack – permanently. His sexiness comes from his rugged and scarred appearance. His face puts most people in a state of panic – but not Kat. Not only does she not fear him, she goes toe-to-toe with this dangerous wolf without batting an eye (but maybe armed with a baseball bat). However, Jayce broke Kat’s heart, and without telling him she ends their relationship before he can.
During the course of the previous book, Primal Possession, Kat is turned into a wolf shifter in order to save her life by one of Connor’s warriors. Jayce is haunted by the simple fact that he didn’t find her in time, didn’t save her and was not the one who gave her the gift of life. Kat is still angry with the lies that Jayce told her, and also angry that he failed in saving her. However what makes Kat the most frustrated is that her heart seems to forever bear Jayce’s name. Therefore Kat keeps her distance from Jayce and the pack in an effort to be left alone to find the one who gave the order that resulted in her torture and almost death. However, if Kat thinks she can hunt this higher-ranking Antiparanormal League (APL) member on her own – she is underestimating Jayce.
Mating Instinct is full of passion, poor communication and burning desire. Kat and Jayce had left the bridge between them burned and broken. To watch them deny the deep attraction and love they have for each other is heartbreaking. The most difficult issue between them is their silence and the refusal they have to be the first one to open up and talk. Jayce, being an enforcer, is a man of few words – something Kat seems to forget. Kat on the other hand desperately wants to save face from the one who crushed her heart so viciously. Yet, if they would just step out from the hurt and self-torment, they would be able to start healing – together.
As Kat and Jayce work through (or against) their attraction and desires, there is a horrible force at work. It seems members of the APL are taking vampire blood – making them stronger and therefore a greater threat. However, to make matters worse, it seems a shifter is on a killing spree and all the arrows seem to point to Jayce. Which means Jayce needs to find out who the killer is and stop them before the public finds out and turns fully against shifters.
Gikany and Una thoroughly enjoyed Mating Instinct. We anxiously anticipate the next novel in the Moon Shifter series. If you enjoy passionate, romantic paranormal stories filled with action and mystery – give this series a shot.
Their Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Review: Tempting the Jaguar by Katie Reus
Tempting the Jaguar
Author: Katie Reus
Release Date: Feb. 1, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne Cravings
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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Jaguar shifter Estrella Rios is packless, and she likes it that way. No one is going to tell her what to do, least of all the sexy but arrogant wolf shifter who intends to claim her as his mate…
Rainer wants to know what a lone cat is doing in his pack's territory without permission—but mostly he just wants her. From the moment he meets Estrella, their attraction is scorching and undeniable. But enemy vampires have set their sights on Estrella, too, and keeping her safe proves difficult, especially when it's clear there's more to Estrella's heritage than either of them could imagine. Now they must discover the truth before it becomes too late for Rainer to ever claim her heart…
But enemy vampires have set their sights on Estrella, too, and keeping her safe proves difficult…and keeping his hands off her is impossible.
What I’m talking about:
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Estrella Rios is a lone Jaguar shifter… a woman without a pack, and she's never known pack life. Raised by humans since she was five, Estrella considers herself a human, with a pesky side of shifting. She's never told anyone what she is and knows nothing about shifter life or protocol.
One night while working at an art gallery, Rainer (brother of the Alpha's second-in-command) approached Estrella for being in the alpha's territory without giving notice. After she brushes him off, he follows her and saves her from a vampire attack. Soon the pair are on the run from the vampires who had been hunting Estrella.
The pair have immediate chemistry, and Rainer recognizes it as the mating call. After the adrenaline rush from their initial running from the vamps, the pair cannot keep their hands off of one another. Their encounters are steamy! However, I love that Rainier recognizes that in order to win Estrella over, he will have to give her control of their situation. He is willing to give up his need to take and mark her after she admits she's never been with a shifter. Rainier does not want to scare her off even though he wants to possess her and make her his mate. It's very romantic!
Even after their initial coupling, Estrella cannot give up her human ways of thinking - which I feel is very appropriate given her background. She sticks to her guns and doesn’t let the shifters take control. I admired Estrella throughout the story and even gave her a few “you go girl” thoughts while reading. Meanwhile, Rainer accepts all that Estrella is, knowing that in time they can make it work. He stands up for her, even if it wasn’t the smart move in his brother’s eyes. It is because of his admirable treatment of her that Estrella learns she can finally “let go” and be the woman she is inside: shifter and all. The couple create a solid relationship, and I admire the direction they take in the end. It’s not your standard shifter-mating HEA, but it is romantic, appropriate and happy!
Near the end, a secret twist is revealed, one that isn’t too much of a shock for those paying attention to the clues. If this story was longer - or part of a series - I would want to think more about how this news would impact the overall story arc. But since the novella is pretty much stand alone, I will leave it as a good twist, but not earth shattering.
Overall Tempting the Jaguar is an entertaining novella. Ms. Reus has a knack for giving the reader steamy romance and exciting action in an engaging read. As with her other novellas, this story is something that could be developed into a great full-length book, but it is enjoyable as is.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series
Friday, October 19, 2012
Review: A Jaguar's Kiss by Katie Reus
A Jaguar’s Kiss
Author: Katie Reus
Release Date: Oct. 1, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturnal Cravings
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Owen Wright, alpha of his wolf pack, hasn’t seen jaguar shifter Gabriela Segura in nearly ten years. She was his first love—until he did something to drive her away just as their relationship was heating up. Now Gabriela has returned to Montana, and his craving for her is stronger than ever.
But a recent string of brutal attacks on humans have the wolves suspicious of the jaguars, threatening the tenuous peace between the packs. Before he can claim Gabriela as his mate, they must join forces to prove her family’s innocence and track down the true predator.
What I’m talking about:
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Gabriela Segura left her small town of Bear Mountain, Montana almost five years ago. Secret work for the government and a broken heart has kept her away. But after losing her entire team, it was time for Gabriela to head home and regroup, hoping to avoid the man, Owen Wright, who hurt her ten years ago. When she arrives in town, she is almost immediately taken against her will by Owen’s little brother, who thinks he can use her as leverage to find out who’s been killing innocent humans in town.
Thankfully, once Owen finds out what Ethan did, he orders Gabriela freed. The couple reunite and sparks fly, now that the two are both consenting adults and clearly ready to pick up where they left off all those years ago. Although uncertain of what their passion will lead to, the pair agree to work together to solve the mystery of the human deaths.
A Jaguar’s Kiss is an entertaining addition to Ms. Reus' HQN Nocturnal Cravings novella series. In this third story, the setting moves from Alabama to Montana, where we are introduced to the Jaguar shifter species, as well as a new wolf pack. Although the setting and characters are all new, the story takes place in the same world as the first two novellas. This book is completely stand alone.
I like that the reader is given information about Gabriela and Owen’s past in small doses throughout the story, rather than one large information dump at the beginning. For example, we learn that although she’s only been away for four (plus) years, Gabriela has not seen or spoken with her childhood best friend and first love, Owen in a decade. For a while, the reader isn’t privy what happened just at the cusp of a relationship moving beyond friends when the pair were teens. Yet in time, the truth comes out, but only when the couple is ready to deal with the past and determine if there will be a future. It is enjoyable to see how both individuals have grown and matured in their time apart.
I thoroughly delighted in the easy nature of this novella. We are given just enough history to allow for us to care about the couple and cheer on their success. And wow! are they are hot together - years of pent up sexual frustration explode. I admire that Owen and Gabriela didn't even ask "who were you with while we were apart," or get hung up on past actions. And although she is determined to stay mad - Gabriela realizes it's not worth her happiness, and she takes a risk with her heart.
The mystery of who/what is behind the killings is dealt with quickly, but satisfactorily. It's not the drive of the novella - but provides reason for the pair to work together. Additional side stories such as involvement of Gabriela’s brother and Owen's sister serve to add some depth to the shortened-length story.
After reading three of her novellas, I have to say the Ms. Reus excels at the shortened format. She understands how to give the reader just enough background to understand the situation and care for the characters. She provides a conflict that can be wrapped up by the end without feeling contrived. If you are looking for a sexy, entertaining afternoon read, look no further than A Jaguar’s Kiss.
My Rating:
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Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series
*Note: The first two books are related and are better read in order. The third book, A Jaguar’s Kiss, is stand alone.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Contest Winner - Primal Possession
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for the guest post from the always charming Katie Reus and entering the giveaway. A special thanks goes out to Katie!
The Winner as selected by Rafflecopter:
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I am sending the winner an email to contact me with their full name and mailing address. Please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your information so the author can send you the book. You have until Monday September 10, 2012 (end of day) to contact me. If I don’t hear from you by then, I will draw another winner.
Thank you and Happy Reading!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Review: Primal Possession by Katie Reus
Primal Possession
Author: Katie Reus
Release Date: Sept. 4, 2012
Publisher: Signet
Moon Shifter #2
ISBN: #978-0451237781
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (362 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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To protect her, he will unleash the beast within…
As his pack’s second-in-command, lupine shifter Liam Armstrong gives orders and takes what he wants—until he meets red-headed, blue-eyed December McIntyre. Liam knows the human beauty is his intended mate the moment he sees her, but December is far too strong-willed to accept his protection.
December, whose brother is the town sheriff, has every reason to mistrust shifters after one killed her youngest sibling. But the forceful and handsome Liam has gotten under her skin in a way she hadn’t thought possible, and the desire she feels for him is almost too much to bear.
When a radical hate group targets all humans known to sympathize with paranormal beings, December is attacked in her bookstore. Reluctantly, she turns to the only one who can help her: Liam. And he is going to take her to places within herself she never knew existed.
What G & U are talking about:
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Primal Possession is the second release in the Moon Shifter series by Katie Reus. Gikany and Una had a few issues with the previous book, and we are happy to say that some of those issues were absent in this book. There are a few pet peeves in the novel but overall we enjoyed it and thought it was good.
In Alpha Instinct we were introduced to December and Liam. Ever since their meeting, Gikany and Una have been eager to read this book. We enjoyed their interactions and the obstacles that they would eventually need to overcome and we could not wait to see it play out. In Primal Possession we see it play out and although it doesn’t go exactly as we thought, it was still enjoyable. Their interactions were heartfelt and intriguing. Their passion and desire for each other was palpable. We would be doing a disservice if we did not mention that Liam and December’s romance just steams off the pages (Una had to wear contacts so her glasses didn’t fog up).
However, we felt there are a few moments where December seemed a bit weak, always listening and doing as her brother or Liam directed. Though she would rankle, she still would go along with them. However at the end of the novel she seemed to have gained some strength in her backbone. There is a scene…it’s a total spoiler so we won’t tell you it, but it was just brilliant! With December’s past overshadowing her and Liam’s protective instincts going “stupid”, it was satisfying to see them work it out.
The pace of the Primal Possession was simple and flowed nicely. It’s not overly complex; the clues are there to figure most of the plot out. However, it is the interactions and the mythology of the world that keeps us fascinated. The introduction of the Fae was thoroughly intriguing. We were surprised at how powerful they are and we are eager to see what type of role they will play. Also, with the mention of vampires, we are anxious to see them play a part in this series as well. Gikany and Una enjoy how in the Moon Shifter series that the world isn’t just unwrapped and handed to us. We are slowly immersed as if on a need-to-know basis. It helps to give the paranormal an air of mystery which we enjoy.
Thankfully there were not too many point-of-views (POVs) in this novel. It was very easy to follow and those POVs we had were integral to the plot and character development. We loved how we are given the foundation and introduction in Primal Possession for the couple in the next book, Mating Instinct. If you are interested there is a teaser chapter at the end. One element that is mentioned and seems to be an ingrained issue is the reoccurrence of men leaving to “protect” their woman or for their own good. Your mate is in danger and you leave so she will be safe, just seems so idiotic (which, Erin, a female shifter so eloquently points out). We cannot wait to see Erin’s story, by the way.
Even with the few pet peeves, we liked Primal Possession better than Alpha Instinct. Gikany and Una enjoyed Liam and December’s story and look forward to reading about Jayce and Kat’s story in Mating Instinct. Considering what transpired in Primal Possession we may receive third degree burns from just holding the book! As preparing for this review, we found that there is a 1.5 novella in the Moon Shifter series. Needless to say, we are going to pick it up and check it out. However, we didn’t notice anything while reading Primal Possession that hinted at us missing something. So feel free to jump in with Alpha Instinct if you enjoy paranormal romance, and especially hot shifters.
Their Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Enter to Win:
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
3.5 stars,
G-U Review,
Katie Reus,
Moon Shifters,
paranormal romance,
shifters,
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Author Guest Post: Katie Reus
Hello Readers! Today I bring you romance author Katie Reus. Katie fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. Her publishers include Carina Press, Harlequin Nocturne, Ellora’s Cave and earlier this year the first book in her new paranormal series released from NAL/Signet Eclipse (Penguin).
Regardless of genre, she always includes a happy ending. When she’s not creating stories she loves spending time with her husband and son.
Hurricane Recipe:
As his pack’s second-in-command, lupine shifter Liam Armstrong gives orders and takes what he wants—until he meets red-headed, blue-eyed December McIntyre. Liam knows the human beauty is his intended mate the moment he sees her, but December is far too strong-willed to accept his protection.
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Regardless of genre, she always includes a happy ending. When she’s not creating stories she loves spending time with her husband and son.
Please help me welcome Katie to That’s What I’m Talking About.
Thanks so much to Jen for having me here! I met the fabulous Jen not too long ago at AAD in New Orleans. She’s funny and totally adorable and I love her hair. We first met at Pat O’Briens, my first night there (I think it was her second?) right off Bourbon Street. Everyone there was drinking hurricanes! Well, except me. I had just finished some ridiculous lemony way-too-sugary concoction at the last bar we were at so I had moved on to water (yes, I’m a wild one) at Pat O’Briens. Somehow I still got a hurricane glass to take home with me at the end of the night because of a lovely woman, but that’s another story.
So for my post today since I now associate Hurricane drinks and the fabulous Jen together, I thought I’d share what the hurricane recipe is. I was a bartender after all, many years ago, so it feels only appropriate.
Hurricane Recipe:
2 oz light rum
2 oz dark rum
2 oz passion fruit juice
1 oz orange juice
½ oz fresh lime juice
1 Tbspn simple syrup
1 Tbspn grenadine
Garnish: orange slice
Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake then strain into a Hurricane glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange slice and/or cherry.
Whoa, that’s a lot of fruit and sugar! Probably why it’s so delicious and goes down so smoothly ;) I’ll admit, I’m not much of a sweet drinker. I prefer red wine or something along the lines of a Blue Moon in the beer department. Pinot Noir is my fave red wine and Riesling is my fave white wine. So what’s your favorite beverage? Doesn’t have to be alcoholic! Leave a comment and be entered to win a print copy of Primal Possession (US only), my upcoming release in the Moon Shifter series!
Thanks so much, Katie! It was so awesome finally meeting you and hanging out at AADNOLA! I sure hope we can do it again some day! (And let me tell you all, Katie has the FABULOUS hair!)
You can find Katie on line at
More on Primal Possession
Moon Shifter #2, Signet Eclipse, Sept. 4, 2012
To protect her, he will unleash the beast within…
As his pack’s second-in-command, lupine shifter Liam Armstrong gives orders and takes what he wants—until he meets red-headed, blue-eyed December McIntyre. Liam knows the human beauty is his intended mate the moment he sees her, but December is far too strong-willed to accept his protection.
December, whose brother is the town sheriff, has every reason to mistrust shifters after one killed her youngest sibling. But the forceful and handsome Liam has gotten under her skin in a way she hadn’t thought possible, and the desire she feels for him is almost too much to bear.
When a radical hate group targets all humans known to sympathize with paranormal beings, December is attacked in her bookstore. Reluctantly, she turns to the only one who can help her: Liam. And he is going to take her to places within herself she never knew existed.
Purchase info: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository
GIVEAWAY:
Thank you to Katie Reus for stopping by today and also for generously donating one (1) copy of Primal Possession to giveaway. To be entered, please use the RAFFLECOPTER form below. As part of your entry, please leave a comment answering the question: What’s your favorite beverage (doesn’t have to be alcoholic)? You do not need to be a google friends connect follower of my blog, but it is always appreciated. Contest is open from August 28, 2012 until September 3, 2012 at 12:01 AM EDT. Contest is restricted to US mailing addresses only. One (1) winner will be selected from eligible entries. I am not responsible for items lost in the mail. If you have problems with the RAFFLECOPTER form, please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com.
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Friday, April 6, 2012
Review: Protector's Mate
Protector’s Mate
Author: Katie Reus http://katiereus.com/
Release Date: April 1, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturnal Cravings
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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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.
What I’m talking about:
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Felicia is a wolf shifter that was betrayed and hurt by her own pack. She fled overseas to use her nursing skills in a war zone. After her service is up, she sneaks back home, hoping to make a quiet life for herself. Alaric, second command of Felicia’s new pack, has lusted after Felicia for years - always keeping a distance since she was too young to commit to the mating call. (We meet Alaric in the first book, Destined Mate.) Knowing that he cannot live without Felicia, he picks her up at the airport, and the pair come under attack.
This second novella in Ms. Reus’s unnamed shifter series starts of with a bang and keeps going. Without the need of much world-building (although you don't need to read first novella), Protector’s Mate jumps right into the romance between Alaric and Felicia. We learn about the current situation and the characters’ pasts organically - either through scene building or since we are privy to both Alaric and Felicia’s point-of-view, we get insight into their pasts via internal thought process. The story flows smoothly, which is critical for a novella-length story.
Basically they both lust for the other. I love that Alaric has known from the moment he met Felicia that she was his mate, but he held off claiming her or bringing her to his pack because of her age (19). He didn't trust himself not to claim her, so gave her space. So swoon-worthy. I was instantly invested in the couple and enjoyed reading how they let go of their pasts to move forward together.
The couple comes together so perfectly. Their first kiss is equal parts steamy, sweet and romantic. And the smex is hot! Both characters are strong yet vulnerable. Felicia has been mentally and emotionally broken by her former pack and leader. Yet she gives herself an attitude "adjustment" as Alaric makes his advances on her. She went from "why would anyone want me" to "not sure why, but he does want me so I am going to open up and enjoy it." That never seems to happen in romances - and I admire the strength and fortitude Felicia demonstrates time and time again throughout the story.
Other than the focus on the primary couple, there is external conflict and a few bad guys. It’s just enough to add action and minor tension to the storyline, but it doesn’t take away focus from the love story. This is just as it should be for a novella-length story.
Protector’s Mate is a quick read, free of major road bumps, and an all-around enjoyable story. It is sexy with just enough tension for the shorter length.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Sunday Snippet #98
Alpha Intinct
Author: Katie Reus
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
7 February 2012
Shaking her head, she started to leave them when a gray wolf cub tumbled past her. “What the …?”
A second later, a female jaguar cub followed hot on his tail. The spotted animal raced past her so quickly, it took a moment for her to digest what she was seeing. Ana turned and started after them, to find Ryan scooping them up, one in each hand.
“What the hell is going on?” She hadn’t meant to shout but the words flew out.
The few horses whinnied nervously. By now they were used to wolves, but the scent of a jaguar was something else entirely. A new predator – tiny as she was – would take some getting used to.
Both cubs buried their faces against Ryan’s neck. He grinned and held out the tiny jaguar. “This is Vivian.” She tried to scramble away but he held her tight. Then he held out the gray wolf, who attempted to wiggle out of Ryan’s hand. “And this is Lucas.”
Her heart instantly warmed at the sight of the two cubs. Even the jaguar. It had been a long time since their family had any little ones running around. Most of her packmates were younger than her and weren’t interested in settling down yet. And all the pregnant shifters, with the exception of her mother, had died from the poisoning. Almost on cue, an ache sparked in her chest at the thought of her mother dying from a broken heart, unable to live without her mate. But Ana pushed past the pain as she eyed the little ones. Seeing them somehow made the ache inside her easier. Life was treasured among her kind and, well, the cubs were totally adorable. “This might sound like an obvious question, but who are they and where did they come from?”
“Uh…” Ryan looked down and for the first time since she’d met him, he seemed uncomfortable. His neck turned a dark shade of red.
Behind Ana, Teresa chuckled at his obvious discomfort, which earned her a glare from Ryan.
Okay, if he wasn’t going to answer, she’d try another tactic. “Were they with you guys the other night in the woods?”
He shrugged and the jaguar tried to burrow deeper against his neck. “Sort of.”
“That’s not an answer,” she said through gritted teeth.
“I think you should talk to Connor about this.”
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