Wicked First Excerpt from Katie Rues’ First Surrender

FIRST SURRENDER by Katie Reus

He’s dangerous, sexy, and everything she wants. And he’s about to make his claim…

Hayden, the dangerously sexy, tattooed ex-SEAL is one of the best friends Sierra has ever had—and the main star in her wildest fantasies. But he doesn’t see her that way. And she’d die of embarrassment if he found out she was still a virgin.

Hayden’s struggled to keep his attraction to the beautiful, dark haired casino chef a secret. But when an attacker targets Sierra, Hayden’s protective instincts go into overdrive. With the attraction between them burning out of control, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her and make her his.

EXCERPT FROM KATIE REUS’

Her cheeks flushed a delicious shade of pink as she sat at the table. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

He grunted, not wanting her appreciation.

“So have you heard anything from Jay or Iris? I know it hasn’t been that long, but I thought they might have found something.” She shivered lightly and Hayden resisted the urge to drag her into his arms and comfort her. He needed to show restraint when she was so vulnerable.

He shook his head as he set a plate of food in front of her. “Unfortunately, no. But give them time.”

Compared to the masterpieces she created, chicken and rice was nothing, but it would fill her up and warm her body. So far she’d been handling everything well, but he was waiting for her adrenaline to crash. Before she fell asleep, he wanted her fed. So when she took a few bites but only pushed her food around with a fork, he frowned.

“Is it that bad or are you not hungry?” he asked before taking a sip of his beer.

“It’s great, I’m just…I don’t know what I am but I’m not really hungry. It’s so sweet that you cooked for me. I’m sorry I screwed up your plans tonight though.” She said the last part in a rush and he didn’t miss the flash of…hurt in her eyes before she masked it.

But that didn’t make sense. “Plans?” He’d only had plans with her. Like every other Thursday for practically the past year.

“Your date.” She set her fork down now, not even pretending to eat.

Hayden blinked at her. What was she talking about? “I didn’t have a date—except with you. It’s Thursday.”

Now she looked confused. “Oh.”

A few things suddenly clicked into place. “You thought I had a date tonight? Is that why you left the security floor upset earlier?” He’d planned to ask her about it, but then the shit had hit the fan and that had been the least of his concerns.

“I wasn’t upset. I was mad you didn’t just tell me. I wouldn’t have wasted a trip up to the fiftieth floor if I’d known you had plans. But…you really didn’t?” she asked, her voice shaking slightly.

The thought that he might have had a date upset her no matter what she said. He could see it written all over her pretty face. Putting his own fork down, he scooted his chair closer and turned her so that she was facing him directly. He was going to set the record straight. “I don’t know who told you I had a date, but they were mistaken.” Casino gossip was notoriously wrong so he wasn’t surprised someone had come up with that bullshit. Practically everything got twisted out of proportion there. Hell, he’d heard that Sierra had hooked up with two of his security guys and he knew for a fact that wasn’t true. “I haven’t been on a date or fucked anyone since the week I met you.”

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*****

WICKED FIRSTS

Authors: Elisabeth Naughton, Alexandra Ivy, Cynthia Eden, Laura Wright, Katie Reus, Joan Swan

Publication Date: August 19, 201399 cent SALE for FIRST week only!
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Six New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors bring you six all-new contemporary and super sexy suspense stories of first loves, first attractions, first temptations, first times and first obsessions.

FIRST EXPOSURE by Elisabeth Naughton
A film that could make her career. A weekend that will change her life…

When actress Avery Scott’s assistant goes missing researching a role for Avery at an exclusive adults-only resort, Avery finds herself with only one choice: travel to the resort herself and look for clues. She hires an elite operative from Aegis Security to accompany her. She just doesn’t expect to get former undercover FBI agent Cade Blackwell—the man who ripped out her teenage heart twelve years before. One weekend at the sexiest resort in the world with the only man she’s ever loved will expose her to more than just a kinky new lifestyle. It’ll expose her to numerous wicked firsts that will test every ounce of her self-control. And if she’s not careful, she could lose her heart—and her life—in the process. Visit Elisabeth’s website to find more of her incredible books.http://www.elisabethnaughton.com/

FIRST RAPTURE by Alexandra Ivy

Madison Philips has only one reason to return to Las Vegas: Luc Angeli. The tall, dark bad boy took her virginity on her eighteenth birthday and then walked away, now she’s back, and ready for revenge. Luc Angeli spent his youth trying to earn the approval of his philandering father. Now he’s his own man, but there’s still something missing from his life. He doesn’t know what it is until he catches sight of Madison across a balcony. Suddenly he knows this woman is what he’s been searching for, and this time he’s not walking away. Visit Alexandra’s website to find more of her incredible books.
http://www.alexandraivy.com/

FIRST TASTE OF DARKNESS by Cynthia Eden

Hot sex. No regrets. Jess Delaney has spent her life playing the role of the good-girl. On a trip to Vegas, she decides to walk on the wild side when she meets mysterious Blake Landon. Rich, powerful, and carrying plenty of secrets, Blake is unlike any man she has ever met before. But as the passion burns between them, danger waits in the darkness…a danger that may just claim Jess’s life… Visit Cynthia’s website to find more of her incredible books.http://www.cynthiaeden.com/

FIRST INK by Laura Wright

Rush
Women in his bed, celebs and rockers in his chair, life is pretty freaking swell. Then she walks back into it again. Not for pleasure, but for pain. For Ink. A bleeding heart to match the one she left him with five years ago.

Addison

She can’t forget him or the pain she caused him. All she has is a hope for redemption. But it’ll only work if he lets her inside his exclusive world, under his famous artist’s needle and into his bed—once again.Visit Laura’s website to find more of her incredible books http://laurawright.com/

FIRST SURRENDER by Katie Reus

He’s dangerous, sexy, and everything she wants. And he’s about to make his claim…

Visit Katie’s website to find more of her incredible books http://katiereus.com/FIRST TEMPTATION by Joan Swan

Counterterrorist agent Taft Walker is up for the challenge of posing as an adult store owner with a new female undercover partner who is also a sex-toy virgin. At least until he sees the real woman beneath her tough façade.Border Patrol Agent Zoe Brooks is ready to get off the front lines. She’s willing to tolerate a swaggering partner like Taft for a new opportunity. But she’s not prepared for the way he understands her deepest, sexiest desires.

Visit Joan’s website to find more of her incredible books http://joanswan.com/

August 19, 2013August 15, 2013

Spotlight Feature of Joan Swan’s First Temptation

First Temptation

by Joan Swan

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Box Set Name: “Wicked Firsts” – 6 novellas from 6 bestselling authors

Publisher: The Indie Six, LLC

Pub Date: August 19, 2013

Length: 120,000 words (total collection)

Pre-Order Your Copy at Amazon.com for Only $0.99

Now Through Release Week!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/15C4iCO

Counterterrorist agent Taft Walker is up for the challenge of posing as an adult store owner with a new female undercover partner who is also a sex-toy virgin. At least until he sees the real woman beneath her tough façade.

Border Patrol Agent Zoe Brooks is ready to get off the front lines. She’s willing to tolerate a swaggering partner like Taft for a new opportunity. But she’s not prepared for the way he understands her deepest, sexiest desires.

Outside, the sky was dark, but Zoe still handed out fliers to gather spectators for her bright idea. They’d brought in another agent to pose as a cashier for the “event,” and she busily rang up sales at the register.

Taft glanced at his watch.

It was about time for the show to start.

“Hey, Honcho?” Dalton’s voice came over Taft’s earpiece. The other agent was positioned outside the store near Zoe. “Got some interesting action here.”

“I’m listening.”

“Our fringe players just showed up,” Dalton said, indicating Cantos and Vasquez. “Brooks is chatting them up now.”

“And the interesting part?”

“They’re…not alone.” Dalton hesitated, and Taft waited with clenched teeth and fists. “I’m trying to get a better view, but I’m pretty damned sure they’ve got the target with them.”

“Fuck.” Taft dropped his arms. His brain immediately searched for alternative plans. They hadn’t expected Picasso tonight. “What kind of security has he got with him?”

“Three beefy bouncer types. He’s wearing shades and a fedora, but…I’m pretty sure…”

Taft pushed off the wall. Alarm heated him from the inside out. He focused in on Zoe through the window again, but it was hard to see her with all the people milling around.

“Call three of the six guys in from the perimeter. And call in for backup.”

Taft made his way through the store toward two other agents, a man and a woman posing as a couple.

“Are we taking him now, Honcho?”

Dalton had dubbed Taft Honcho, short for head honcho. “Not unless it goes to shit. Way too many civilians here. I’ll call the boss, then come out to get her.”

“Copy that,” Dalton returned.

Taft paused before he reached the agents where he could see Zoe out the window and dialed Rio on his cell. She stood with her back toward Taft, encircled by men. And even though the body language of the group was loose and easy, even though the men were smiling and chuckling as Zoe spoke and gestured, Taft’s muscles tensed.

He forced his mind to imagine her as any other female partner. Or another male partner who happened to be small in stature. He couldn’t say the nerves were truly equal. He had to admit there was a personal element to his concern. But he felt better knowing he would still be acting just as cautiously even if it weren’t Zoe. Neither of them could afford to be weak in the heat of things.

“What’s up?” Rio answered.

“The target’s here with three bodyguards.”

“That was fast.”

“Too fast. We’re not prepared. Zoe’s idea was a little too popular. This place is packed. We don’t have enough men or enough of a plan to take him now. I need a team to follow him when he leaves.”

“Hold on.”

Rio got on another phone and ordered an undercover team to rendezvous at the mall with Taft’s agents to tail Picasso, then returned to Taft’s call.

“You got it,” Rio said. “This could work out even better. If we can follow him to where they’ve got him stashed, we can take him there. Keep your eye on him and hold tight. I’ve alerted SWAT.”

Taft pocketed his phone, released a long breath, and approached the agents. The woman, Aurora, had discovered a portable vibrator disguised as a tube of lipstick and was checking the vibration strengths against her palm.

“This is nifty,” she said to Taft when he stopped.

“A good seller too,” he said, still searching for a decent view of Zoe. “Listen, the target’s here.” Both agents instantly focused on Taft. “I don’t know if he’s going to come in, but he’s got muscle with him. I’ve called in guys from the perimeter and backup. But we’re in defense mode, got it? Nothing is going down here tonight. Too many people.”

Both agents nodded.

“I’m going to bring Brooks in and get this party started.”

Meet Author Joan Swan:

USA Today Bestselling Author Joan Swan writes sexy romantic suspense for Kensington (Phoenix Rising Series) and independently (Covert Affairs Series). She also works as a sonographer at a top medical facility in San Francisco and lives in magnificent wine country on the central coast of California with her husband and two daughters.

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About the WICKED FIRSTS Box Set:

Giveaway Details:

The tour wide giveaway consists of 3 digital copies per the number of tour stops, and three designer purses filled with goodies! Please see the Rafflecopter widget for entry options and full Terms & Conditions.

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Want to check out more of the Tour stops? Click HERE

August 13, 2013August 11, 2013

Spotlight feature, excerpt (2 of 6) & tour wide giveaway of Katie Reus’ First Surrender

First Surrender

by Katie Reus

Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance

Box Set Name: “Wicked Firsts” – 6 novellas from 6 bestselling authors

Publisher: The Indie Six, LLC

Pub Date: August 19, 2013

Length: 120,000 words (total collection)

Back Cover: First Surrender by Katie Reus

He’s dangerous, sexy, and everything she wants…

Sierra hit it off with Hayden from the moment they met. The dangerously sexy, tattooed ex-SEAL is one of the best friends she’s ever had—and the main star in her wildest fantasies. But he doesn’t see her that way. And she’d die of embarrassment if he found out she was still a virgin.

And he’s about to make his claim…

Hayden’s struggled to keep his attraction to the beautiful, dark haired casino chef a secret. He’s not good enough for her. But when an attacker targets Sierra, Hayden’s protective instincts go into overdrive. With the attraction between them burning out of control, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her and convince her they’re meant to be together.

First Surrender – The Serafina: Sin City Series

Marty started to respond but Iris Christiansen strode through the glass doorway looking fierce in black pants, a crisp white button down shirt and a sleek, clearly custom-made black jacket. Everything about the other woman was, well, fierce. She was gorgeous but also a little scary, especially since Sierra knew the former Marine was always well-armed. The tall woman gave Marty one look and he scampered away.

Luckily she gave Sierra a bright smile. “What’s up, Sierra? You got a problem at the restaurant?”

Still struggling to find her voice, she shook her head. “No problem, just leaving. See you tomorrow.” Sierra tried to hurry away, but Iris followed her to the elevators.

“What’s going on? You don’t look okay.”

Sierra swallowed hard. Lord, was she that transparent? “Just had a long day. Busy, you know?” Gah, why wouldn’t the elevator hurry up?

Iris raised a dark eyebrow. “Do I need to kick his ass?”

Staring at her, Sierra frowned. “What? Who?”

“Hayden. What’s he done now?”

The mention of his name made Sierra’s stomach flip-flop. It also pissed her off. If he’d had a date he could have had the decency to tell her. Shrugging jerkily, she breathed out a sigh of relief when the elevator stopped and dinged. “Hayden hasn’t done anything.” And she wondered why Iris would assume this had anything to do with the man. It wasn’t like they were dating.

Iris didn’t respond, but her lips pulled into a thin line as the doors shut behind Sierra. Once she was alone, Sierra didn’t bother to keep up a happy face. Hayden hadn’t mentioned dating anyone in the past year, though she knew the man had to be dating. He was walking, talking sex appeal. Absently she rubbed the center of her chest. So, he was dating. No big deal. Right? Ugh, yeah right. Swallowing back the traitorous tears threatening to overwhelm her, she hurried into the below ground parking garage. Normally Hayden or someone else walked her to her vehicle but she didn’t want to bother asking anyone else. Not when she felt like crying. No way was she embarrassing herself and becoming a source of casino gossip.

Picking up her pace, her sandals slapped quickly across the concrete. As she reached the second row of cars, a tiny scream escaped her lips as a man wearing a mask jumped out from behind her Jeep. The guy was huge, maybe six feet tall, and when she saw the flash of metal—a knife!—in his hands, her chest constricted as a hundred horrible scenarios raced through her mind. Knowing she’d only get one chance she let out a blood-curdling scream at the top of her lungs as she backtracked and started running in the other direction.

Blood rushed in her ears as she continued screaming and digging in her purse for her pepper spray. She knew she wouldn’t be a physical match against anyone and—pain exploded in her scalp as he grabbed her by the hair and jerked back.

Instinctively she reached back to try to stop him and quickly realized her mistake. Using a lot of force, he slammed her forehead against a nearby car. Another burst of pain launched inside her skull as she tried to shove away from the vehicle. He pulled her head back again and she struggled to find breath—suddenly she was falling.

*****

About the WICKED FIRSTS Box Set:

Six New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors (Laura Wright, Alexandra Ivy, Cynthia Eden, Katie Reus, Elisabeth Naughton, and Joan Swan) bring you six all-new contemporary and super sexy suspense stories of first loves, first attractions, first temptations, first times and first obsessions.

Pre-Order the Wicked First Box Set at Amazon.com for Only $0.99

Now Through Release Week!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/15C4iCO

Meet Author Katie Reus:

Katie Reus is the USA Today bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, Moon Shifter series and Deadly Ops series. She 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.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. To learn more about her please visit her website, blog, facebook or find her on twitter @katiereus.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Giveaway Time

Five (5) Wicked Firsts box sets will be gifted tour wide between 8/12 – 8/19.

The more stops you comment on, the great your chances of winning! Please follow the Rafflecopter directions.

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For more opportunities to win some goodies, check out the Joint Twitter Party with Katie Reus and Cynthia Eden at: http://events.litconnect.com/joint-twitter-party-wicked-firsts-box-set-with-katie-reus-cynthia-eden/

Tour Stops:

8/12: The Jeep Diva

8/13: Books-n-Kisses

8/14: Nina’s Literary Escape

8/15: Ramblings From This Chick

8/16: Just Contemporary Romance

8/16: Book Lovin’ Mamas

May 23, 2013May 22, 2013

DARK NIGHTS DANGEROUS MEN

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | ARe
6 Bestselling Authors, 6 Sexy Reads…

From romantic suspense to paranormal romance; from a full length novel to a bite sized novella, whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got the story for you!
Total collection: 317,000 words

STOLEN FURY by Elisabeth Naughton

To unearth a centuries-old secret, an archaeologist must team up with the rakish thief who’s stolen both an ancient relic and her heart…

Word count: 100,000

BOUND BY BLOOD by Cynthia Eden

Married to the enemy. In order to save her clan, vampire princess Morgan LaBeaux will do anything…even marry werewolf alpha Jace Vaughn. She may have to trust him with her life, but Morgan vows to never give the wolf her heart.

Word Count: 21,000

NO ONE TO TRUST by Katie Reus

When Elizabeth Martinez is shoved into the cross hairs of one of Miami’s death-dealing drug lords she has no choice but to depend on former Marine Porter Caldwell, her ex-boyfriend and the one man she’s tried desperately to forget.

Word count: 45,000

RAPHAEL by Alexandra Ivy

The brilliant and dangerous diplomat of the Pantera shapeshifters, Raphael has devoted his life to discovering the key to the infertility that is threatening the extinction of his puma race. Creating a vast network of spies worldwide, he never expected to discover that the answer might be beneath his very nose. But when Ashe, a beautiful human female, crosses his path, his most primitive instincts are stirred. Unable to resist, he takes her to his bed, and is shocked when she becomes pregnant with his child. It’s a miracle that might prove to be the salvation of his people, but only if he can keep her safe from the mercenaries determined to kill her.

Word count: 21,000

PARISH by Laura Wright

Untamed and undeniably sexy, Parish, leader of the Pantera hunters, rarely leaves the magic of the Wildlands to deal with the humans he despises. But with the prized and risky Pantera birth on the way, puma shifter, Parish must travel to New Orleans to find and bring back a human doctor. The moment he sees the lovely, talented and all too human Dr. Julia Cabot he cannot resist the wild, potent drive to make her his. Betrayed and destroyed by love, Julia will not let her heart choose her path again. But as she and Parish fight to save the life of an unborn child, a fierce and overwhelming bond develops between them, threatening her frozen heart with the secret hope and ultimate temptation of love and family.

Word count: 20,000

INTIMATE ENEMIES by Joan Swan

An emergency physician on leave returns to Baja Mexico in search of answers in the deaths of her mother and stepbrother and uncovers buried secrets that threaten her life and a man who threatens her heart.

Word count: 110,000

And if that was not enough…. Not only is Dark Nights, Dangerous Men on sale for $0.99 (ends Saturday May 25th)!!!!

The ladies are offering up Three $5 Amazon Gift Cards!!!! How do you enter you ask?

Help Spread the word.

Please share this sale on Facebook, Twitter, your blog or any other media outlet.

Let the everyone know that the sale ends Saturday….

Please come back here and leave me the link to where you posted

Your email address

Giveaway ends Friday at Midnight PST

I will announce winners Saturday morning and announced here by Noon

Go forth and spread the news…..

March 6, 2013March 3, 2013

Kelly’s review of Mating Instinct by Katie Reus

TITLE: Mating Instinct
SERIES: Moon Shifter #3
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
Characters: Jayce Kazan & Kat Saburova
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/12/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
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

REVIEW:
Mating Instinct is Katie Reus’ third book in the Moon Shifter series. In Mating Instinct we get to see how Kat is adjusting to the events that happened to her in Primal Possession (bk 2, I would suggest reading this series in order).

They say change is good, but that doesn’t mean it is easy and nothing has been easy for Kat over the last year. She has walked away from the love of her life, was kidnapped, tortured and almost killed, then to save her life she has been turned. But even after all of this Kat has still come out on top. Maybe a little scared but she refuses to be anything but strong and more determined. The one thing Kat never planned was Jayce walking back into her life, demanding and on a mission to prove to her that she belongs to him and only him. Forever.

Jayce has tried in the past to protect Kat from his enemies, but he underestimated the humans of the world. Now Jayce had to live with the fact that he didn’t protect Kat when she need him most and it almost cost her, her life. Jayce vows to never let that happen again. Even when Kat puts herself in the crosshairs of her enemy.

I really did enjoy this book. There was two storylines happening at once so I was a little confused. Jayce seemed to be working on a case while trying to protecting Kat. But by the end of the book I understood what and where Katie was going with the dual storylines

I love Jayce & Kat. While Jayce tries to be this big-bad ass enforcer he does have a soft side and we see that with Kat and a new member of the pack. Kat is very brave after everything she has gone through. Stubborn yes, but very brave. Jayce and Kat are a great team and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two.

I am super excited about the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 28, 2013February 28, 2013

Interview & Giveaway with Katie Reus

Books-n-Kisses is so happy to have our pal Katie Reus back on the blog today to chat about her upcoming release Mating Instinct.

BnK: Hi Katie, Welcome back to Books-n-Kisses. We are always happy to have you on the blog again.

Katie: I love visiting so thanks so much for having me here!

BnK: For my followers who may not know you. Please tell us a little more about yourself.

Katie: I’m a writer, a mom, a wife, and a lover of books! Really good red wine and dark chocolate are two of my weaknesses. I’m a total action movie junkie, wear flip-flops year round and rarely leave home without my kindle. I spend my days writing dark paranormal romance and action-packed romantic suspense—usually while wearing yoga pants.

BnK: Let’s talk about your newest release Mating Instinct. Tell us a little about this book.

Katie: I’m so excited about this release! It’s the third book in the Moon Shifter series and full of so much sexual tension and angst between the two main characters. The official description explains what it’s about perfectly:

As the beast within struggles to break free, he must learn to be what she needs…

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…

BnK: What was the hardest and most rewarding part of writing Jayce & Kat’s story?

Katie: About halfway through Alpha Instinct (book 1), I knew Jayce and Kat would be getting a story so the most rewarding part was when I finished that first rough draft. I put so much emotion into Mating Instinct and it’s definitely one of my more character driven books so just finishing it was a giant relief. The hardest part…hmm, injecting all the emotion that was necessary for these two characters to get past their own bullshit and baggage and find happiness.

BnK: Open Mating Instinct to a random page. Give us a few lines and tell us what is happening.

Katie:

Jayce continued to stare at her, his chest falling and rising erratically. Oh, yeah, she’d pissed him off really good.

“Get. On. My. Bike.” The words tore from his chest with apparent difficulty.

She really should just give in. Especially when he was in a mood like this. But she wasn’t in the mood to be passive or appeasing. She was in the mood to fight. “No.” With her gaze still on him, her eyes mocking, she pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. Before she had a chance to call someone for a ride, Jayce plucked it from her hand and shoved it in his front jeans pocket.

Kat stepped toward him until they were inches apart and held out a hand. “Give me my phone.”

“If you want it, come get it.” He lifted a dark eyebrow in challenge.

Swallowing hard, she looked at the front of his jeans where the bulge of her phone was. Yeah, that so wasn’t happening.

I love this scene! This is near the beginning of the book and the first time Kat and Jayce have spoken to each other since the events that unfolded at the end of Primal Possession (book 2). They’re both full of anger, but the sexual tension between them ignites as soon as they see each other again.

BnK: What is next in the Moon Shifter Series?

Katie: His Chosen Wolf, novella 3.5, and Avenger’s Mate, book #4. Both of these stories take place in New Orleans. HCW features characters not yet introduced, but their story is uber hot and full of a lot of supernatural action! It’s a pre-cursor to the events that start off Avenger’s Mate, which is Erin and Noah’s story. If you’ve read the first couple books in the series then you know who they are and I’m insanely excited about this book too. It takes place in a city I adore and in addition to a critical investigation they’re part of, they’ve got a lot of stuff to work through before they can find their HEA (there’s also a sweet secondary romance). It’s a very raw story with some issues I think a lot of women will be able to relate to.

BnK: Katie, I know you have a lot of irons in the fire. Tell us about your other new releases Tempting the Jaguar and Enemy Mine.

Katie: These are both paranormal novellas so the stories are really tight and focused on the two main characters. For the brief descriptions: Tempting the Jaguar is about Estrella, a packless jaguar shifter who finds herself being relentlessly pursued by the very sexy, protective wolf shifter, Rainer. For those who have read Destined Mate and Protector’s Mate, Rainer is Alaric’s youngest brother and he is delicious! Full details here.

Enemy Mine is a star-crossed romance about a shifter and vampire whose families are sworn enemies and I absolutely LOVE this story. I wrote this before it was even contracted because it was just one of those stories I needed to get on paper. Melina and Kiernan spent a hot night together a year before Enemy Mine starts and he’s tired of waiting on her to come to her senses and realize they’re meant to be together. When she’s attacked, he steps up and protects her, not caring what either of their families think. Full details here.

BnK: You also have a romantic suspense series too (see I told you she was a busy girl). Tell us a little more about your Red Stone Security Series.

Katie: I love my Red Stone men (and women!). The Red Stone Security group is a Miami-based security company that protects dignitaries and other wealthy people. All the employees who deal with the security side of things are former military or law-enforcement and are highly trained (and oh so sexy). The first three books feature the three brothers who run the company and the next two feature two of their very sexy male employees. All my guys fall hard and fast for their ladies and while they’re all uber alpha, none of them are jerks. I’m planning for the next book to release in April and it features my first RSS female security lead. She’s pretty badass so I’m excited to see how readers react to this one. Even though all the stories are tied together by Red Stone, they can be read as complete stand-alones.

BnK: How do you keep so many books and characters from blending together?

Katie: Just like every person in my daily life is different, with amazingly different backgrounds and things that have shaped them, it’s the same with my stories and characters. To me, they’re ‘real’ in a sense because they’ve all got unique quirks and views on life. As far as keeping everything organized, I have a very detailed Excel spreadsheet for each series I write that helps me keep track of familial relationships, different plot threads, etc.

BnK: What is the best advice you ever got about becoming a writer?

Katie: Oh wow, this is hard! I’ve received so much great advice it’s hard to pick one thing, but learning to move past rejections quickly was something I was advised about many times. And all those people knew what they were talking about! I’ve learned not to dwell on the negative and instead focus on the positive. I’m too busy writing to worry about things I can’t change.

BnK: Katie, it was a pleasure to have you here again. Is there anything we forgot to talk about that you would like to add?

Katie: I think we covered a lot so thank you again for having me as a guest!

A little more about Katie: Katie has been reading romance since a young age—ever since she discovered her mom’s hidden stash. Luckily the addiction stayed with her into adulthood. She writes paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense for Carina Press, Harlequin Nocturne, and NAL/Signet Eclipse. To learn more about her please visit her website, blog, facebook or find her on twitter @katiereus.

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GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY

Katie is giving away a signed set of the MOON SHIFTER series (All 3 books – Alpha Instinct, Primal Possession and Mating Instinct), Romance Trading Cards (for Alpha Instinct, Lover’s Instinct & Primal Possession) and a custom made wolf themed book thong to ONE lucky winner that follows the tour. Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway:

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*****

Mating Instinct
Book 3

NAL/Signet Eclipse

Release Date: March 5, 2013

As the beast within struggles to break free, he must learn to be what she needs…

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…

Amazon (paperback) / Amazon (Kindle) / Barnes & Noble (paperback) / Barnes & Noble (Nook)
BAM / Book Depository / Indie Bound Books / Kobo Books (coming soon) / Penguin

MATING INSTINCT Blog Tour

2/11 – Curling up with a Good Book

2/12 – Dark Faeire Tales

2/13 – Mad Hatter Reads

2/14 – The Jeep Diva

2/15 – I Smell Sheep

2/16 – Sizzling Hot Books

2/18 – Reading Between the Wines

2/19 – Bookin’ It Reviews

2/20 – Rabid Reads

2/21 – Book Lovin’ Mamas

2/22 – Close Encounters with the Night Kind

2/23 – United by Books

2/23 – Ramblings From This Chick

2/24 – Book Monster Reviews

2/24 – Literal Addiction

2/25 – Salacious Reads

2/26 – Cocktails and Books

2/27 – Urban Girl Reader

2/28 – Books-n-Kisses

3/01 – Page Flipperz

3/01 – So Many Reads…So Little Time

3/02 – The Reading Café

3/03 – Under the Covers

3/04 – Paranormal Haven

3/05 – Vampires, Werewolves, Fairies Oh My!

3/06 – SOS Aloha Blog

3/07 – Total Book Nerd

April 29, 2012

Kelly’s review of Protectors Mate by Katie Reus

TITLE: Protector’s Mate
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/01/2012
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
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

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly
NUMBER OF STARS: 3.5 Stars

Protector’s Mate is Katie Reus’ follow up book to Destined Mates. While this is not a series, both books are set in the same world. In Proctor’s Mate we get to know Alaric, who is Knox’s (from Destined Mate) second in command, better.

Alaric has waited patiently for the woman who will become his mate. But when someone trys to kill her Alaric will do everything he can to protect her. Alaric is a total bad-ass type of guy. But he is also very sweet and loving towards Felicia. While Felicia is unsure and stubborn, but learns very quickly not everyone dislikes her as she was lead to believe for so long.

I enjoyed this story. It was a little short, but that is what happens with a novella. I would love for Katie to for a follow up story on these two. Huge thank you to Katie for allowing me to read and review this book for her.

April 22, 2012

Kelly’s Review of Alpha Instinct by Katie Reus

TITLE: Alpha Instinct
Book #1 in the Moon Shifter Series
AUTHOR: Katie Reus
PUBLICATION DATE:   02/07/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
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…

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kelly            NUMBER OF STARS: 4 ½ Stars

REVIEW:
Connor is back and he wants Ana. He has waited a very long time for her and now he won’t take no for an answer. But sometimes strong handing the woman you love is not the best way to convince her you are the love of her life. Sometimes you have to be an Alpha. When Ana’s pack is under attack yet again by an unknown force, Connor will do anything and everything in his power to protect his woman and his new pack

Ana is now the leader of her pack, after someone poisoned and killed all the males and pregnant females of her pack. Not only does Ana have to worry about who poisoned her pack coming back, the neighboring pack is trying to take over her pack. Ana needs to find a way to prove to the other pack that just because she is a female doesn’t mean she is going to let them push her around. But when a meeting with the rival pack leader goes wrong Ana finds herself in very big trouble with no way out. That is until Connor, the love of her life, the man who left without a word steps in and saves her.   While Ana is thankful for Connor’s help, she can’t understand why he is back. But she promises herself that she will not fall for him again.

Connor and Ana are a great couple. They both love each other so much, but don’t know the best way to show it and with so much history between them it is hard to know if this time is real. Ana fears Connor will walk out on her again, while Connor fears that he will never be good enough for Ana. When in all reality they are a great Alpha team and when they learn to work together their pack will be stronger than ever.

I really enjoyed this first book in Katie Reus new Moon Shifter series. Katie does a great job of setting up the Moon Shifter world. Rival packs, murders, kidnappings, lost loves, new loves, Alpha males vs Alpha females.   I am very much looking forward to Katie’s next installment in the Moon Shifter series an e-novella Lover’s Instinct (Aug 2012) and book 2 Primal Possession (Sept 2012)

March 1, 2012

Interview & Giveaway with Katie Reus

Books-n-Kisses is super, duper excited to welcome the wonderful Katie Reus to the blog today. So excited to learn more about you Katie and you new book Alpha Instinct.

Thank you so much Kelly for having me here today!

1. Can you please share with us a little about yourself?

Katie: If you want the really condensed 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 seven 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/

2. Have you always wanted to be an author?

Katie: No! This need to write took me by surprise about six years ago and I haven’t looked back since.

3. Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?

Katie: I don’t really have any ‘typical’ writing days anymore. I used to have a very strict schedule but with a seven month old in the house, I write on my laptop anywhere in the house now instead of at my desk. I usually write during naptimes and once my little man has gone to bed. I’ve seriously turned into a vampire. In the past year I’ve become very adaptable so the only thing I really need is a cup of coffee for my morning hour writing sprint. Other than that, I just need my computer 😉

4. Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Katie: Most challenging: I loathe writing a synopsis of any book before writing the actual story. As in, I hate it so much I’d rather scrub my house from top to bottom and even iron, something that makes me shudder even thinking about. Rewarding: Reader mail! There’s nothing like receiving a sweet email from someone telling me how much they loved one of my books.

5. Can you please tell us about your latest book?

Katie: Alpha Instinctis the first book in a new paranormal series (Moon Shifter) now available from NAL/Signet Eclipse. This is the official back cover copy:

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…

6. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

Katie: 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.

7. Can you share with us your current work in progress?

Katie: I’m working on a novella for my editor with Harlequin Nocturne for their Cravings line.

8. Who are some of your favorite authors?

Katie: Linda Howard, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kaylea Cross, Laura Wright, Cynthia Eden, JR Ward, Lisa Marie Rice, Karen Marie Moning and Nalini Singh just to name a few.

9. Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?

Katie: Most of my favorite authors write about alpha males so I think it’s only natural that I write about the type of men I enjoy reading about. As far as actual voice, I think that’s pretty specific for each writer.

10. What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

Katie: I’m dying to read Angel’s Flight by Nalini Singh. I think I’ve actually read at least one of the novellas in the recently released anthology, but there’s a new story in it featuring Galen and I’ve been foaming at the mouth waiting for his story to release.

If you’d like to find me online, check out my website, blog, facebook page, Goodreads or find me on twitter @katiereus

One reader who comments on today’s blog will be randomly selected to win a print copy of Alpha Instinct (US eligible only). Contest will be open until noon Central time on Saturday, March 3, 2012. Please leave your email address in the comments section. Good luck and thanks so much for stopping by!

Thanks again for having me!

Bnk: Anytime Katie, I look forward to reading Alpha Instinct. I have heard nothing but GREAT things. Please come back again.

To enter the giveaway please fill out the Rafflecopter from below.

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GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

*****

WICKED FIRSTS

First Temptation

Giveaway Details:

First Surrender

He’s dangerous, sexy, and everything she wants…

And he’s about to make his claim…

*****

About the WICKED FIRSTS Box Set:

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DARK NIGHTS DANGEROUS MEN

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*****

Mating Instinct Book 3

Mating Instinct
Book 3