Katie Reus, Cravings, and a Gift Card! Back to Blog
Update: Thanks for all the great comments!! The winner of DESTINED MATE is…Monique, and the $10 Amazon gift card winner is…Eva/ TXBookjunkie. Congrats!
Do you like sexy paranormal romances? (I do, I do!) If you do, too, then Katie Reus is an author I highly recommend. She’s here today, offering a giveaway of DESTINED MATE, her recent release from Harlequin Nocturne Cravings. (Thanks, Katie!) And, for extra blog release day fun, one commenter to this post will also win a $10 Amazon.com gift card. So–you can get a great read and a gift card to use as you want.
Thank you so much to Cynthia for having me here today! I’ve been anxiously awaiting her new release, Angel of Darkness, and it’s finally here!! Since she’s been awesome enough to let me join in her blog party, I’d like to offer a copy of Destined Mate, my recent release from Harlequin Nocturne Cravings to one commenter. As a teaser, here’s an excerpt. Just leave a comment telling me what you like about the holiday season and you’ll be entered to win.
Official Excerpt:
Angela inhaled the various forest scents and tried to steady her breathing. She knew she was insane to sneak onto the land of the most powerful werewolf in the United States. But she had no choice.
Her best friend had been taken by these animals and she planned to get her back. She didn’t care what her tribe leader, Titus, said. She’d been stuck living with his coven for the past fifty years and while she normally didn’t mind his Draconian rules, she’d gladly suffer the consequences to get Natalia back. If she was still alive. Who knew what those animals had done to her by now? Natalia had only been gone about a week but the animosity between vampires and werewolves went back thousands of years. It didn’t matter that in a few months their two species would be signing a peace treaty. Right now nothing had been signed and her friend was fair game.
The icy wind whistled through the leaves of the giant red oak trees. Even though it was January, a lot of the foliage was still thick and would help block her scent.
She peered around the giant tree she’d been using as cover. Her eyes narrowed when she spotted the outline of a huge male by another tree about forty yards away. Even though he was in human form, she knew he was a shifter. Of the wolf variety if she scented right.
Luck was on her side since she was downwind of him. Withdrawing her gun, she glanced around the rest of the forest but didn’t see or smell anything else unusual. Since his back was to her, she darted twenty yards closer until she hid behind another large tree.
She wasn’t sure if she could take on a trained, warrior wolf by herself so she knew she couldn’t miss this first shot. Raising her weapon, she held her breath and aimed directly for the spot below his skull.
The small puff of noise the tranquilizer dart made as it shot through her suppresser was enough for him to notice.
He stiffened but it was too late.
By the time he turned toward her, the tranq was already embedded deep in his skin. The giant shifter stumbled once, twisted in her direction then narrowed his gaze at her before he fell face-first in the dirt and grass.
Her friend Mick had been right. Those sedatives did their job fast. Unfortunately it wouldn’t last long on a shifter his size. She quickly secured his hands behind his back with silver bindings, took his weapons and his radio.
If others found out about her presence, she’d know about it soon enough. She hooked the radio on her belt and tossed his guns and blades behind a nearby tree before continuing north. She’d been traveling on foot for miles so she knew it wouldn’t be long until she reached her destination.
The sound of nearby male voices made her freeze in her tracks. Instead of trying to hide, she crouched down where she was. Until she figured out where the voices were coming from, she didn’t want to make any sudden movements or risk anyone scenting her.
“I’ve been trying to get King on his radio but he won’t pick up,” one of them said.
Another male chuckled. “He’s probably getting a piece of tail… Hey, what the…”
Crap. They’d spotted her. With her heightened night vision she could finally see the two outlines of male figures near a tree line. Judging by their stiff and alert posture, they’d seen her, too. It didn’t matter that she wore all dark camouflage, blended in with her surroundings and had a much lower heat signature than they did. All they’d have to do was see something about her that didn’t blend in with nature. Like her eyes. They likely looked like freaking Christmas lights to them.
She had two options. One was running. Even if she escaped it wouldn’t matter. Her friend would still be captive.
She’d have to take the other option—go on the offensive.
Wordlessly she jumped from her position and sprinted at them. From what she could scent, there were only two of them and they hadn’t made a move to notify anyone of her presence. Probably because they thought they could take her on their own. And maybe they could.
As she ran, they silently spread out to her right and left. Despite her keen awareness she couldn’t read their expressions in the dark. Knowing she’d only be able to bring one of them down at a time, she raised her gun and fired at the one on her right.
The soft thud of the tranq hitting flesh was music to her ears.
“Oh, shit…” He hit the ground faster than the first guy.
Before she could even think about swinging her arm around to take a second shot, a heavy weight rammed into her. Damn wolves were just as fast as she was. She flew through the air and landed on her side.
All the air rushed from her lungs but she quickly jumped to her feet to square off with the werewolf. To her surprise, the male hadn’t shifted form. He still wore black cargo pants and a long-sleeved black shirt.
“What are you doing on our land, little vampire?” His voice was almost mocking.
Little? Baring her teeth, she lunged at him, fist raised.
He dodged her punch but she was ready for him. She might be one of the youngest of her species but she was agile and she trained every day. As he moved his head to the left, she kicked out, high and hard.
When her booted foot made contact with the other side of his head, he grunted a string of curses. He hit the ground with a thud and she heard the unmistakable growl of the beast within him.
He’d be shifting soon. And while he did, she’d be hauling ass away from him. Werewolves were weakest when they shifted form and she knew it would give her time to run. She could stick around and try to tranq him, too, but knocking out a wolf in shifted form was a lot harder. As his body started to change form, she turned and ran.
Behind her, she heard the breaking and snapping of his bones. Her heart slammed against her ribs. Wouldn’t be much longer now before she was being hunted. Her legs pumped hard and her palms dampened.
Now wasn’t the time to freak out. She had to keep a level head. As she breached the clearing of trees, her heart jumped into her throat.
A brick house—a freaking mansion—lay on a giant spread of land surrounded by the forest. She didn’t know how many rooms it had but the mansion had to be as big, if not bigger, than the one she lived in with thirty other vampires.
There were at least a dozen males patrolling the grounds and judging from their outlines, they were all armed to the teeth.
Flipping on the radio she’d taken, she kept the volume low. As she listened to the chatter, she realized she’d been discovered. It was only a matter of time before everyone knew of her presence. Her instinct to fight kicked in with a rush of raw rage she’d never experienced before. She might be outnumbered but she’d come this far. No turning back now.
Using one of her main advantages—lightning fast speed—she rushed toward the house. Her boots barely touched the earth as she sprinted right into the den of wolves.
*End excerpt*
Thanks for reading! Remember, all you have to do is tell me what you like about this awesome holiday season to be entered to win a digital copy of Destined Mate (and that Amazon gift card!). If you want the official blurb for Destined Mate, here it is:
Almost a century ago Angela was turned into a vampire against her will so she ran from her werewolf lover rather than face his disdain for her kind. After her best friend turns up missing, she has no choice but to follow the trail straight into a den of wolves and the arms of the man she fears most.
The last person Knox expected to invade his land was Angela. For so many years he’s thought about what he’d do to her when he finally got her where he wanted. When her tribe leader comes searching for her, determined to drag her home, Knox risks everything to finally claim her.
Warning: You can expect a red-hot shower scene, a smartass heroine who isn’t afraid to use her teeth and an alpha wolf who’s willing to fight anyone and anything to keep his vampire lover by his side.
A little about me: I’ve been reading romance since I discovered my mom’s hidden stash at a young age and the addiction stayed with me into adulthood. I write paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense for Carina Press, Harlequin Nocturne, and in early 2012 the first book in my paranormal series will release from NAL/Signet Eclipse. To learn more about me please visit my website, my blog, facebook or find me on twitter @katiereus.
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What I love about the holidays are the decorations 😀 and of course family time
khelseyrjackson@gmail.com
love me some alpha shifters 😉
What I love about the season is all the lights! Colored light that is . It is such a pity to see a house decorated with white light. I put up tons of lights on and in my house 🙂
I would have to say that my favorite part of the holidays is giving that special someone that “perfect” gift and seeing their face totally light up when they open it! Yet another wonderful book I will have to get!
Thanks so much. Sounds really good. I love having a family dinner and seeing my boys opening their presents.
My favorite thing about the holidays is spending time with my family and friends, expecially the ones I don’t get to see very often!
Hey, Katie!! Don’t enter me in the contest, as I’ve been totally glooming ALL your books ~~ I just did a post on my blog about you, lol!! I’m currently scarfing up your Maimi Scorcher books ~~ OMG, they are smokin’ HAWT, and loving those shifters!!
Thanks to Cynthia for having you on here a while back and turning me onto your books!!
If you guys haven’t read her yet, you are SO missing out ~~ and she writes under Savannah Stuart, too!!
My favorite thing about the holiday season is my xmas tree. My mom started collecting me ornaments when I was born. And now she does it for my kids. We have a little memory from each year written in the ornament boxes. I love reminiscing while we decorate.
Book looks good too! I am a sucker for a vamp/were combo.
My favorite part of the holidays is ALL OF IT. The decorations, the gifts and the family time together make Christmas the best time of the year. LOL
Hi, Katie!! Thanks for joining the party! 🙂
I love watching my boys get excited over their presents. It is always entertaining watching my husband shop for them too. He goes way overboard and they are spoiled.
What I love about the holidays is decorating, baking and spending time with my family. Oh and shopping.
Excellent excerpt! Thank you.
I like the snow covering the lights outside. It’s so pretty. I also like all the scents of the holiday season. It reminds me of when I was a kid and I find it comforting. Thank you so much.
I enjoy the songs, sights, sites, and the food. I always enjoy being with my family.
Thank you for the excerpt. Destined Mate sounds like an exciting read.
My favorite part about the holidays is the whole family gathering together and spending quality time with each other. We are all very busy with our lives during the year and as the family grows, it’s harder to make plans that fit into everyone’s schedules. The Holidays are a time we all put things aside for some fun family time and holiday cheer. Happy Holidays to you all!
I love Christmas because my family always gets together to share the holidays together, and this year we have a new edition to our family so it will be extra special. Family and food what could be better!
I enjoy the decorations and the lights of the holidays. And it used to be that I loved watching new and old Christmas movies but I don’t watch a lot of TV anymore, I’m always reading. But a good holiday themed book works just as well for me. 🙂
I’m new to Katie’s books but I LOVE paranormal romances so I would definitely love to read Destined Mate. Thanks for this opportunity!
Pam
vanillaorchids69(at)gmail(dot)com
My favorite thing about the holidays is the holiday cheer, spending time with family and the music.
I love Christmas because I get to spend some quality time with my family without having to deal with school work adn studying.
Love the magic of the holidays, the music the lights and especially the family gatherings.
First– I have to say HOW DID I MISS YOU? Oh man, I love shifters, and even if I don’t win I’m buying this book. You had me at “smart ass heroine” and “alpha wolf”.
I’m a sucker for the holiday season. Even though I don’t like crowds I love decorations, the music, the first snows where it’s all fluffy and white, and I love buying people gifts. Watching everyone open their gifts is wonderful:)
What I like about Christmas is the decorations, christmas shopping and the FOOD. I love tamales for christmas. I love your book cover. This looks like a great read. Happy holidays.—Rachel
My favorite part is buy gifts for others and seeing them open them up. 🙂
You so had me at “Smart-ass heroine.” This is added to my TBR list for sure.
Saph
saphsbookblog at gmail dot com
Excellent excerpt can’t wait to read your book!!! My favorite things about the holidays is sharing great food and wine with friends, listening to great Christmas music, and of course driving around and taking in all the Christmas lights and decorations!!!
What I love about the holiday season is the optimism you have for everything be it getting family together and getting that perfect gift for everyone on your list. Or letting bygones be bygones with people you were upset with earlier in the year. The holiday season is a new start and knowing/hoping everything in your world will end up perfect.
Wow! can’t wait to read the book, the exert was incredible and left me hanging off the edge of my seat! Looking for to finding out what happens to Angela and Natalia XD
I love all of the lights and trees. I love the music and especially the birth of our Jesus Christ! I love lots of things about the holiday season..Even the giving attitude of most people! LOL Would love to win! Have a great one!
I love the weather best about the holidays, since snuggling is a requirement. Even in Phoenix. Though the beauty of a fully-lit menorah is a close second 🙂
This sounds really interesting. Definitely a “to read”.
I have to say my favorite is pumpkin pie.
What I love about the holidays… Probably the looks on my 2 year olds’ face when we set up the Xmas tree and lights. I love it!!!
The books looks awesome, definitely going on my To Read list..
Thanks so much for having me, Cynthia! And thank you everyone who’s stopped by so far! These are some great answers! This is my favorite time of year and I absolutely love all the yummy desserts (pumpkin pie, pecan pie, key lime pie…hmm, I see a theme) and the holiday music. Yes, I’m a geek 🙂
Drinking hot chocolate and decorating the Christmas tree with family and wrapping all your present on Christmas Eve!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Hi Cynthia and Katie,
Congrats on your new release “Angel of Darkness” Cynthia! Hi Katie – your book sounds great. I cant wait to read it. Just wated to stop by and show you both some love!!
I love the shopping and the bustle and the music. But I absolutely adore watching the children’s faces and seeing their excitement!
Shifters are my favorite paranormal heroes. I loved the excerpt! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Destined Mate sounds great!Thanks for the giveaway
Destined Mated sounds like a great story.
What I like about the holiday season is all the great decorations, the music and all the fantastic food!
Oh wow, this excerpt has me drooling. I love my werewolves!!
My favorite thing about the holiday is surprising my husband with the perfect gift that he’d never dream I’d think of getting for him. Sometimes it’s naughty, and sometimes it’s nice, so he’s always guessing, haha!
My favorite part is being together as a family. My oldest is on college and gone a lot and my husband is a truck driver so also gone alot especially in December. I’m always glas when we are all home for a few days together without anywhere we HAVE to go.
Love the excerpt. Very exciting.
Lisa B
What I love about the seasons – how creative some people go with the lights. We have some very talented people out there, and then some that goes overboard. My family never really decorated outside too much.
Great excerpt.
I love to decorate the house. Seeing family. Watching the kids get all excited and seeing what Santa brought them 🙂
I love that I’m not under a deadline anymore, and the carefree feeling. Plus I get to spend time with my family and my books!:D
I love the excitement of children as they anticipate the holidays. What I really enjoy are the days from the afternoon of the 25th to New Years. I am not a big shopper, so it is a time to relax, enjoy the peace and quiet and let it all just sort of sink in. If only the Peace and Love could last year round.
Thanks for participating in the giveaways.
I love the lights and breaking out the candy making
recipes I love making candy as gifts LOL
The thing that I love about the Holiday Season is that most people tend to be a little nicer.
Loved the excerpt! (Man my TBR pile is getting ready to topple now that I’m adding another sexy book ~ thank you very much!)
I grew up on a Christmas tree farm and the sight (and scent) of a newly decorated REAL Christmas tree always invokes the warm memories of wonderful Christmases past. I guess my favorite part though, is creating new holiday memories with my (now 11 year old)son.
I love it all – decorations, music, food, and definitely family time!
What I like? Oh I am a bad bad girl, the presents!!! 😀
Hey Katie, thanks for joining the party 🙂
Love your books and haven’t gotten this one yet. That excerpt has me on the edge of my seat 🙂
Thanks for the great giveaway, have a great day!!!!!!
Gotta say this is a new author to me and after reading some of the posts I am going to have to check her out. I have read almost everything Cynthia has wrote and she is one of my favorites so if you haven’t read her then you need to. Thanks Katie for being here and introducing me to you work!
The thing I love about the Holiday season is the time spent with my families. I love the chaos and the baking and cooking. I also love to see the look on my daughter’s faces the first time they see the christmas tree on Christmas morning, it is always special to me to know that I can bring them that much joy