Category: Giveaways

What Are You Reading? (+ Iris Johansen Giveaway)

Posted October 5, 2018 by Holly in Features, Giveaways | 13 Comments

Casee: October is going well for me so far. I started Nalini’s Rock Kiss series. I remember beta reading Rock Addiction way back in the day, but for some reason I never read the rest of the series when it came out. I have no idea why. So I just reread Rock Addiction for the third time, which made me love it even more. Then I read Rock Hard. Now I’m reading Rock Redemption. I’m really enjoying this series.

I’m also listening to Steadfast by Sarina Bowen. I was telling Holly and Rowena that I didn’t understand what was so great about Jude. They both told me how much they lurved him. I still didn’t get it. Lets just say, I get it now. Jude. sigh

Holly: I had a slower reading week this week. Life has been kind of crazy. I finished Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill, which I didn’t love. It was just okay. It read more like young adult than straight UF, and that bothered me a lot. I reread Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs.

For audiobooks, I listened to On the Surface by Kate Willoughby. The hero was super adorable, but the final conflict was annoying and marred my enjoyment somewhat. I also listened to Once Upon a Sure Thing by Lauren Blakely.

Rowena: Like Holly, I’ve had a pretty slow reading week. I only listened to one audiobook at work because I was busy with other stuff but I did enjoy the books that I read. I read Rebel Hard (Hard Play #2) by Nalini Singh and even though Nayna was a bit frustrating at times, I enjoyed her story and even connected with all of the cultural stuff. The romance rocked too. Raj was such a dreamboat. I also read Fight or Flight by Samantha Young and after a rocky beginning, the hero stopped being a dickhead and I enjoyed the romance and how strong the heroine was. Lots of fun that story was.

I also listened to Archangel’s Consort (Guild Hunter #3) by Nalini Singh and enjoyed being back in Raphael and Elena’s world after a brief, okay I’m lying, a long ass break. I’ve got the next few audiobooks lined up and can’t wait to keep the Guild Hunter party going.

Right now, I’m reading Shadow and Ice (Gods of War #1) by Gena Showalter and then after this, I’ll be reading Kill the Queen (Crown of Shards #1) by Jennifer Estep.

Giveaway Alert

We are very fortunate here at Book Binge. We have loads and loads of books to read and we want to share the wealth so each week, we’ll be tacking on a Freebie Friday giveaway to our What Are You Reading posts. This week, we’re giving away…

No Easy Target by Iris Johansen
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: October 3, 2017
Format: Print
Source: Publisher
Point-of-View: Third
Genres: Fiction
Pages: 400
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
Goodreads

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen, an explosive thriller featuring fan favorite Margaret Douglas, an animal psychicON THE RUN Margaret Douglas has worked hard to put her painful past behind her. Raised off the grid in an abusive home, her only escape was the nearby forest where she sought refuge whenever she could. There, in the peaceful woods, she discovered a strange gift: the ability to understand animals and to communicate with them. Now, Margaret wants nothing more than to live a quiet life, close to the animals and under the radar. But her abilities have not gone unnoticed...and there are those who would use them for their own purposes. Determined not to be a pawn in anyone's game, every time someone gets too close, Margaret uproots her life and outruns them.INTO THE LINE OF FIRE When CIA operative John Lassiter breaks into Margaret's apartment, she vanishes again. Still, Lassiter has good reason to be persistent: one of his men is being held captive by an unrelenting enemy--someone who has set his sights on Margaret. Which means that Lassiter must control her to use her as bait...With danger in hot pursuit, Margaret finds herself matching wits with a man who refuses to stop or be stopped. Turning from the hunted to the hunter, Margaret must use everything she has ever learned to not only survive, but to defeat a great evil. And to prove once and for all that she's no easy target. . .

This edition of the book is the deluxe, tall rack mass market paperback.

What are you reading this week? Any new favorites or books that drove you crazy? Share!

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Monthly Reads: September 2018

Posted October 4, 2018 by Casee in Features, Giveaways | 7 Comments

Casee: Okay, you guys. Prepare yourself for something that has not happened since the good old days. You know, the days where I couldn’t count the number of books I read that month on one hand? Yeah, those days. September was a splendipilous month for me. I read/listened to fifteen (15!) books. I discovered new authors (Ilona Andrews & Lauren Layne), I went back to old favorites (Karen Rose & Linda Howard). Overall I would have to say that I am extremely satisfied (giddy!) about my September reads. Without further ado, here are my reads for the month…

Order of Protection by Lexi Blake | 3 out of 5
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (audio) | 4 out of 5
Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews | 4.5 out of 5
The Woman Left Behind by Linda Howard (audio) | 3 out of 5
Monster in the Closet by Karen Rose (audio) | 4 out of 5
White Hot by Ilona Andrews | 5 out of 5
Irresistibly Yours by Lauren Layne (audio) | 4 out of 5
Wildfire by Ilona Andrews | 5 out of 5
I Wish You Were Mine by Lauren Layne (audio) | 3.5 out of 5
Someone Like You by Lauren Layne | 4 out of 5
Consumed by J.R. Ward | 2.5 out of 5
Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy | 4 out of 5
Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen (audio) | 4 out of 5
Us by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy | 4.5 out of 5
Cherish Hard by Nalini Singh | 3 out of 5

I can easily say that my very least favorite read of the month was Consumed by J.R. Ward. I wish I didn’t care, but I wasted precious time reading that book. My favorite reads were definitely all the Ilona Andrews & the two Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy reads. Those two are an ace team. I heart them. Here’s to hoping that October is as good as September!

Holly: I had a pretty good reading month. I managed to finish 26 books. I had 3 others I wanted to read, but time got away from me.

Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven | 4.25 out of 5
Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks (re-read) | 4.25 out of 5
Hot Dad by Whitley Cox | 1 out of 5
Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone | 4 out of 5
The Lion’s Lady by Julie Garwood (reread) | 4.5 out of 5
Dead Heat by Patricia Briggs (reread) | 4.25 out of 5
The Only One by Lauren Blakely (audio) | 1.5 out of 5
Trophy Husband by Lauren Blakely (audio) | 3.75 out of 5
Light My Fire by Christie Ridgway | 3 out of 5
Feral Magic by Robin D. Owens (audio) | 3 out of 5
Fairytale Come Alive by Kristen Ashley (reread) | 4 out of 5
Touch the Sky by Kari Cole | 3.5 out of 5
The Sexy One by Lauren Blakely (audio) | 3.5 out of 5
For the Love of English by A.M. Hargrove (audio) | 2.5 out of 5
Part-Time Lover by Lauren Blakely (audio) | 4.25 out of 5
The Seduction of Elliot McBride by Jennifer Ashley (audio) (reread) | 4.25 out of 5
The Will by Kristen Ashley (reread) | 3.75 out of 5
Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Lover by Jennifer Ashley (audio) (reread) | 4.25 out of 5
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley (audio) (reread) | 4.25 out of 5
Satisfaction by Lexi Blake | 1.5 out of 5
Complicated by Kristen Ashley (reread) | 4.25 out of 5
Getting Schooled by Emma Chase (audio) | 4.25 out of 5
Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs (reread) | 3.75 out of 5
Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill | 2.75 out of 5
Nights with Him by Lauren Blakely (audio) | 3.5 out of 5
The Hot One by Lauren Blakely (audio) | DNF

My favorite read of the month was Part-Time Lover by Lauren Blakely, with an honorable mention to Getting Schooled by Emma Chase. I also really liked Phoenix Unbound, but the beginning was a little slow. My least favorite read was Hot Dad by Whitley Cox. That book was a mess from start to finish.

Rowena: September was another strong reading month for me. I didn’t have too many things going on in my personal life and that led to more reading time. I also listened to a few audiobooks at work and that did wonders on making my work day go by so much faster than usual. I read 19 books and that’s normally unheard of for me but what can I say?? I’m happy with these results. I hope October is just as good to me as September was.

Here’s what I read last month:

For the Dukes Eyes Only (School for Dukes #2) by Lenora Bell | 4.25 out of 5
Untamed (MacKinnon’s Rangers #2) by Pamela Clare | 4 out of 5
Beyond the Night (The Heros of New Vegas #1) by Colleen Gleason | 4 out of 5
Say You’ll Stay by Corinne Michaels | 1 out of 5
The Lion’s Lady (Crown’s Spies #1) by Julie Garwood (re-read) | 4.25 out of 5
Guardian Angel (Crown’s SPies #2) by Julie Garwood (re-read) | 4.25 out of 5
Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan | 2.75 out of 5
Long Shot (Hoops #1) by Kennedy Ryan | 4.75 out of 5
Block Shot (Hoops #2) by Kennedy Ryan | 4 out of 5
Seduction of a Highland Lass (McCabe Trilogy #2) by Maya Banks | 4.75 out of 5
The Duke Buys a Bride (The Rogue Files #3) by Sophie Jordan | 3 out of 5
The Gift (Crown’s Spies #4) by Julie Garwood (re-read) | 4 out of 5
Dead Heat (Alpha & Omega #4) by Patricia Briggs | 5 out of 5
Hot Dad by Whitley Cox | 1 out of 5
Finding Dandelion (Dearest #2) by Lex Martin | 3.75 out of 5
Burn Bright (Alpha & Omega #5) by Patricia Briggs | 4 out of 5
America’s Sweetheart (Real Love #5) by Jessica Lemmon | 4 out of 5
Never Love a Highlander (McCabe Trilogy #3) by Maya Banks | 4.5 out of 5
Kissing Madeleine (Dearest #3) by Lex Martin | 4 out of 5

My favorite reads of the month are Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan and Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks. Both books rocked my socks, made me cry buckets and I just enjoyed those books so much.

My least favorite reads of the month go to Say You’ll Stay by Corinne Michaels and Hot Dad by Whitley Cox. Both of those books were a mess and I didn’t enjoy them at all.

Giveaway Alert

Three lucky winners will choose their prize (one book) from any of the books we logged this month. If you want to be entered to win, leave a comment on this post telling us what your favorite – and least favorite – reads of the month were.

So…what was your favorite read of the month? And your least favorite? Use the Gleam Widget to enter! Good luck!

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Tagged: Casee's Monthly Reads, Giveaways, Holly's Monthly Reads, Monthly Reads, Rowena's Monthly Reads

Sunday Spotlight: The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox

Posted September 30, 2018 by Holly in Features, Giveaways | 3 Comments

Sunday Spotlight is a feature we began in 2016. This year we’re spotlighting our favorite books, old and new. We’ll be raving about the books we love and being total fangirls. You’ve been warned. 🙂

Sunday Spotlight

I love Gothic novels. Especially in the fall and winter. There’s just something so lovely about sipping tea on a dark, stormy night and reading a creepy tale. I’m absolutely in love with this cover and I can’t wait to see what’s happening behind the doors of Willow Hall.

The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox
Publisher: Graydon House
Publication Date: October 2, 2018
Point-of-View: First
Genres: Gothic, Horror
Pages: 368
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
Goodreads

Two centuries after the Salem witch trials, there’s still one witch left in Massachusetts. But she doesn’t even know it.

Take this as a warning: if you are not able or willing to control yourself, it will not only be you who suffers the consequences, but those around you, as well.

New Oldbury, 1821

In the wake of a scandal, the Montrose family and their three daughters—Catherine, Lydia and Emeline—flee Boston for their new country home, Willow Hall.

The estate seems sleepy and idyllic. But a subtle menace creeps into the atmosphere, remnants of a dark history that call to Lydia, and to the youngest, Emeline.

All three daughters will be irrevocably changed by what follows, but none more than Lydia, who must draw on a power she never knew she possessed if she wants to protect those she loves. For Willow Hall’s secrets will rise, in the end…

"Hester Fox's THE WITCH OF WILLOW HALL offers a fascinating location, a great plot with history and twists, and characters that live and breathe. I love the novel, and will be looking forward to all new works by this talented author!" --Heather Graham, New York Times bestselling author

"Beautifully written, skillfully plotted, and filled with quiet terror, readers will devour this absorbing, Gothic tale of romance and suspense. Perfect for fans of Simone St James and Kate Morton." -- Anna Lee Huber, the national bestselling author of the historical Lady Darby Mysteries

"Beautifully written, with an intriguing plot full of suspense and mystery, The Witch of Willow Hall will cast a spell over every reader." -- Lisa Hall, author of Tell Me No Lies and Between You and Me

"I was entranced by this intriguing and spellbinding novel with its messages of love and loyalty and being true to who you really are. I hope Hester Fox goes on to write many more such novels--I for one will be buying them." -- Kathleen McGurl, author of The Girl from Ballymor

"With its sense of creeping menace and chilling undertones, this compelling story had me gripped from the first page. The vividly drawn characters cast their spell so convincingly, I couldn't stop reading until I discovered what happened to them. A wonderful debut novel.”--Linda Finlay, author of The Flower Seller

Order the Book:

AMAZON || BARNES AND NOBLE || KOBO

Excerpt

“It’s too hot for coffee,” Emeline announces suddenly, even though she’s not allowed to have a sip of the beverage. “It’s too hot for dresses and shoes and hair and fingernails. It’s too hot for stockings and feathers and fur.”

Mr. Barrett and Father break off their conversation, and silence falls over the parlor. Mother shoots our guests an apologetic look and then a pleading one at Emeline. “I’m so sorry. It’s past her bedtime and she’s getting tired.”

But Emeline isn’t done. She’s goes over to Mr. Barrett and looks up at him. “It’s too hot,” she repeats. “And I’m not tired at all. There’s a pond behind the house, did you know? I want to go to the pond and see the mermaids.”

I should take her upstairs to bed, but I don’t move. Mr. Barrett is looking down at her with a queer expression, a crease between his brows. She takes his hand in hers. His aren’t tapered and elegant like Cyrus’s; Mr. Barrett’s hands are capable, strong, and Emeline’s hand completely disappears in his. “Please, let’s go to the pond where it’s cool and we can swim with the mermaids. I want to go play with the little boy at the pond.”

“What little boy? What on earth are you talking about, Emmy?” But Emeline ignores Mother’s question and her lip begins to tremble when it becomes clear that she isn’t going to get her way.

By this time even Catherine and Mr. Pierce have paused in their giggles and whispers and both are staring. Crimson spreads over Catherine’s face. “Really, Emeline. Leave poor Mr. Barrett alone.”

Mother gets up slowly, and I can tell she doesn’t have the energy for this. “It’s dark out, Emmy. And Mr. Pierce and Mr. Barrett have business to discuss with your father.” She reaches out to take her hand, but Emeline dives out of her grasp.

I’m mortified. I understand Emeline, but Mr. Barrett will never return to our house if she behaves like this. I try to catch her attention, but she misses the cautioning look.

“I don’t want to go to bed!” I’ve never seen Emeline in such a pout before. She must be tired beyond reason, and the heat certainly isn’t helping. Hands clenched at her sides, she looks as if she’s on the verge of bursting into tears. But instead she just stomps her little foot.

But just as her foot comes down on the carpet, both doors slam shut with a great bang.

Mother jumps, Catherine lets out a little cry and Father’s eyebrows look as if they are about to fly off his face. The room goes silent, the only movement the residual wobbling of a vase on the table.

We all look at each other. Even Emeline looks surprised, because if we didn’t know better, it was almost as if she caused the doors to fly shut with her foot.
Father is the first to speak. He clears his throat and glances around. “Must be the wind,” he mumbles. “You think you have a house built new and it wouldn’t be full of drafts and loose doors, but I suppose there’s no such thing as peace of mind in New England construction.”

Mother is quick to agree with him, and Mr. Pierce gives a dubious nod. But we all know that there was no breeze, that it’s been so still that a feather would have hardly quivered, let alone two doors slamming. No one wants to say so though at the risk of frightening Emeline.

Giveaway Alert

We’re giving one lucky winner their choice of one of our Sunday Spotlight books. Use the widget below to enter for one of this month’s features.

Are you as excited for this release as we are? Let us know how excited you are and what other books you’re looking forward to this year!

About the Author

Hester Fox

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | GOODREADS

Hester Fox has a background in the museum field as a collections maintenance technician. This job has taken her from historic houses to fine art museums, where she has cleaned and cared for collections that range from paintings by old masters to ancient artifacts to early American furniture. She is a keen painter and has a Master’s in historical archaeology, as well as a background in medieval studies and art history. Hester lives outside of Boston with her husband and their two cats. The Witch Of Willow Hall is her first novel.

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Tagged: Giveaways, Gothic, Harlequin, Hester Fox, Horror, Sunday Spotlight

What Are You Reading? (+ Eloisa James Giveaway)

Posted September 28, 2018 by Casee in Giveaways, Reviews | 18 Comments

Casee: I just finished up Consumed by J.R. Ward. It did not go well. After that cluster, I couldn’t decide what to read. I’ve been crushing on Ilona Andrews ever since I finished the Hidden Legacy series, but I don’t want to commit to the Kate Daniels series yet. So I decided to go with Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. I haven’t read m/m romance for years because I’m extremely picky about this genre. There’s a fine line to walk when writing m/m. You have to put feelings in the book, but can’t make the men look like they’re not manly. It can’t be all sex because they can’t look like they’re manwhores. Of course this is just my personal opinion/preference. I’m over halfway through the book and these two authors are doing an amazing job so far. I’m really liking these characters.

I’m also listening to Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen on audio. After the failure that was The Year We Hid Away, which Holly and Rowena loved, I knew that I had to give Bowen a second chance. Although the first book I read by her wasn’t for me, I still wanted to give her a chance. I’m really glad I did. I’m highly enjoying this book. I find myself laughing out loud and wishing I could take notes while I’m driving (which I don’t do). I only listen to audiobooks during the week. I’m going to have to finish this one up on my Kindle because I’m not going to be able to wait until Monday to finish it.

Holly: I finished reading Hot Dad by Whitley Cox, which I didn’t like at all. Hot Dad was a hot mess. Rowena and I will be reviewing it together soon. I reread Burn Bright and Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs. Burn Bright was slower than I remember, but Iron Kissed always gets me in the feels.

For audiobooks, I listened to Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks. I’d read the book previously, but the details were very hazy. I loved it. It’s such a fabulous story. The heroine is truly amazing. If you haven’t already, you must pick it up (coughrowenacough). Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone was really good. It was different (not a romance, though there is a romantic element and it ends in an HEA of sorts), but I recommend it. I liked Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven, the start of a new fantasy series. The world-building and sweeping tale really drew me in.

I’m currently listening to Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks and reading Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill. I should finish both today. I plan to pick up Archangel’s Prophecy by Nalini Singh next, then Lionheart by Thea Harrison.

Rowena: I can’t believe it’s been an entire week since I finished Hot Dad by Whitley Cox and Dearest Clementine by Lex Martin. Both books weren’t the great reads I was hoping they’d be though I didn’t hate Dearest Clementine the way that I did Hot Dad. Holly and I have taken to calling that book Hot Mess which I think it’s a better description of the book as a whole.

After Hot Dad, I jumped into the audiobook for the second book in the Dearest series by Lex Martin, Finding Dandelion and that was an okay listen. It wasn’t perfect but it wasn’t bad then I moved on to Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs and that completely cheered me up as only Charles and Anna can do. After that, I listened to Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks because I had to finish out that series and what a freaking fantastic ending to a fabulous series. I loved it. I just finished America’s Sweetheart by Jessica Lemmon and that was another good one. I really enjoyed getting to know Jax and Allie so that worked for me.

Now, I’m reading Hard Rebel by Nalini Singh and listening to Kissing Madeleine by Lex Martin. Both are going okay so far so everyone, please cross your fingers that they stay that way throughout the rest of the books. After this, I’ll be reading Fight or Flight by Samantha Young. Happy reading everyone!

Giveaway Alert

Born to Be Wilde (The Wildes of Lindow Castle, #3) by Eloisa James
Series: The Wildes of Lindow Castle #3
Also in this series: Wilde in Love, Too Wilde to Wed, Born to Be Wilde (The Wildes of Lindow Castle #3)
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: July 31, 2018
Format: Print
Source: Publisher
Point-of-View: Third
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 384
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
Goodreads

The richest bachelor in England plays matchmaker…for an heiress he wants for himself!

For beautiful, witty Lavinia Gray, there's only one thing worse than having to ask the appalling Parth Sterling to marry her: being turned down by him.

Now the richest bachelor in England, Parth is not about to marry a woman as reckless and fashion-obsessed as Lavinia; he's chosen a far more suitable bride.

But when he learns of Lavinia's desperate circumstances, he offers to find her a husband. Even better, he'll find her a prince.

As usual, there's no problem Parth can't fix. But the more time he spends with the beguiling Lavinia, the more he finds himself wondering…

Why does the woman who's completely wrong feel so right in his arms?

What are you reading this week? Any new favorites or books that drove you crazy? Share!

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Tagged: Casee's Reading, Giveaways, Holly's Reading, Rowena's Reading, What Are You Reading

Sunday Spotlight: Cross Breed by Lora Leigh

Posted September 23, 2018 by Casee in Features, Giveaways | 7 Comments

Sunday Spotlight

I have been reading this series almost since the beginning. I think I read Tempting the Beast when there were only four books out all together. Long before she came to Berkley. Even back then there was just something about the Breeds. No matter what the circumstances, they never broke. It didn’t matter how much they were tortured they never faltered in their beliefs. They made a stand in the world and that was that.

In Cross Breed we finally get the story of Cassie Sinclair. She has really met her match in her mate. I think the lovers of the series will enjoy this book and like the arc that it will be taking. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did. My review will be up tomorrow!

Sunday Spotlight: Cross Breed by Lora Leigh

Cross Breed (Breeds, #23) by Lora Leigh
Series: Breeds #23
Also in this series: Megan's Mark (Breeds, #6), Dawn's Awakening (Breeds, #11), The Magical Christmas Cat (Breeds, #17, Psy/Changeling, #3.5, Murphy Sisters, #2), Mercury's War (Breeds, #12), Coyote's Mate (Breeds, #13), Bengal's Heart (Breeds, #14), Lion's Heat (Breeds, #15), Lion's Heat (Breeds, #15), Stygian's Honor (Breeds, #19), Navarro's Promise (Breeds, #17), Cross Breed (Breeds, #23)
Publisher: Berkley Books
Publication Date: September 25, 2018
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 384
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Ripped Bodice | Google Play Books
Goodreads

Fans of #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh’s scorching Breed series first met Cassie as a little girl in Elizabeth’s Wolf. Now Cassie has finally come into her own as a young woman, and she’s about to discover the one she is destined for—but it is unclear whether her fate is to be mated for life, or marked for death…

The Breeds are humans altered before conception with the DNA of the predators of Earth. But although they all carry the genetic material of beasts within them, Cassandra Sinclair stands apart. A unique mix of wolf, coyote and human, she is revered by many—but preyed upon by others. She is fiercely protected by her community…but no one manages to stop her when she slips away one day to offer her body in exchange for her sister’s safety.

The man she succumbs to surprises her by unleashing her inner animal in ways she never dreamed possible—and provokes her deep, furious rage. To Cassie’s shock, he is the mate she has long awaited. She may never be able to forgive his deception. Still, as dangerous enemies track her, and as the threat of all-out war between Breeds and the humans who despise them hovers in the air, they must join forces and hold fast to each other.

But the passionate union between them holds a potential that could change the world—and some will do anything to stop it…

Order the Book:

AMAZON || BARNES AND NOBLE || KOBO

Excerpt

CROSS BREED by Lora Leigh

He wasn’t one to hesitate when he knew something had to be done. The moment he’d intercepted the transmission that the Council had a sibling to Cassandra Sinclair, he’d known he’d have to go after her. It was simply a stroke of luck that put him in the right place at the right time.

But having Cassie’s message come when it had had been surprising, and just as in the past, he’d added it to their little game. Then on a last-minute whim he had raised the stakes. Just to see if she would go along.

The fact that she had agreed to meet, to give him her body for a single night, had presented a challenge he couldn’t resist. It was almost a dare, and he’d warned her once not to dare him.

His mate.

He’d known for years she was his mate, just as he’d known she’d fight him. The knowledge of that fight had held him back. He’d concentrated on other matters, on Breed freedom and his deceptions against the Genetics Council. Until last night.

He’d lost his mind, and now there was no saving it.

Son of a bitch.

Pushing his fingers through his hair, he lifted the bottle of whisky to his lips and drank deeply. Not that he could get drunk with the damned rotgut shit he’d bought at the hotel. The burn wasn’t even enough to take his mind from the hell he’d created for himself.

He’d thought for certain if he obeyed her insane little conditions he could still have her without the consequences that came with mating one’s mate. By not sharing the hormone that had filled the glands beneath his tongue, surely she’d escape relatively unscathed and he could still touch her, take her.

Oh, how very wrong he’d been.

He’d avoided this for six years. Since those stolen moments in Seth Lawrence’s atrium when he’d realized what she was to him, he’d tried to avoid this.

Or had he? He hadn’t exactly been thinking clearly for weeks now, ever since he caught the faintest scent of another Breed clinging to her. So faint at first, he hadn’t been certain it was there. He’d had to get closer, brush against her, and his head had nearly exploded with rage.

“Jonas is getting testy.” Mongrel stepped into the room, careful to stay way back as he made the announcement. “Loki said the director’s at that do-or-die stage.”

Dog merely grunted. Jonas stayed at a do-or-die stage. It was part of his genetics.

“He says the Wolf Styx is in the director’s office with her. No one knows what the hell is going on, though,” Mongrel added.

Dog’s lip lifted in a silent snarl as he fought back his fury.

Styx Mackenzie. That fucking Wolf Breed had nearly met a bullet more than once because of his closeness to Cassie. Had he not mated when he did, then he’d probably be dead.

He lifted the bottle and drank deeply once again.

He was going to have to get better booze if he wanted to get drunk. Hell, he could use a good drunk right now.

“Report is Vanderale’s heli-jet left Johannesburg less than an hour ago. Dane’s flying in. Things are getting ready to go to hell, Dog.” There was an edge of worry in his friend’s voice.

Things had already gone to hell.

Dane Vanderale, a hybrid breed, son to the first Leo, and a manipulating son of a bitch unlike any Dog had ever known, was sure to stick his damned nose into the situation.

Pushing his fingers restlessly through his hair, Dog placed the bottle carefully on the table and turned to face the other Breed.

“Initiate immediate evac,” he ordered him decisively, knowing what had to be done. “Get our people out, have them rendezvous at the house. I’ll need everyone in place.”

Years of planning, manipulating and careful calculations were coming to an end. The end he’d been working toward was in sight, and it was now endangered by a mating he’d hoped to delay.

“It’s already been done. I sent out the call myself. Everyone’s moving,” Mongrel assured him. “The mating scent’s damned strong. Won’t matter where you go, you won’t be able to hide it.”

Sometimes it could be covered, even hidden for short lengths of time, with the right hormonal treatments. But for some, there was no way to hide it. He’d waited too long—the hormone had only strengthened in his system over the years—and now it was raging through him.

Shit. Dane had warned him. Now he was going to have to listen to the bastard’s I-told-you-so’s. That was never pleasant. Hell. He should have just kept her.
Now he was going to have to find a way to slip into Jonas’s office, then slip into his mate’s bed. Because even if the Heat wasn’t burning her alive yet, by God, it damned sure was burning through him like wildfire.

Breeds

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About the Author

Lora Leigh

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Lora Leigh dreams in bright, vivid images of the characters’ intent on taking over her writing life, and fights a constant battle to put them on the hard drive of her computer before they can disappear as fast as they appeared.

Lora’s family and her writing life coexist, if not in harmony, in relative peace with each other. Surrounded by a menagerie of pets, friends, and a son who keeps her quick wit engaged, Lora finds her life filled with joys, aided by her fans whose hearts remind her daily why she writes.