Review of Running With Wolves by Cynthia Cooke

Running With Wolves by Cynthia Cooke

“She is the descendant of a powerful bloodline, destined to wed another.

He is a loyal pack member, fated to serve…

Shay Mallory knows nothing of her shifter heritage. The strange auras and voices were only scary stories whispered by her father before he disappeared. What she does know is that something has always been missing in her life.

So when Jason Stratton, a compelling stranger, comes to town, offering her protection and something more, Shay leaps at the chance to know him better. But despite their immediate bond, it is Jason's duty to deliver Shay untouched to The Colony—and into another man's bed. Now, with demonic forces circling, the very future of their kind depends on Jason and Shay resisting their growing passion. For Jason possesses something that no other Alpha can ever claim…Shay's heart.”

Shay spends a lot of time fixing up her home, which seems to be falling apart at the seams. She keeps to herself as best she can to avoid the constant buzz of other people’s thoughts. Then out of the blue a stranger comes to her rescue. Jason showed up just in time to safe Shay from some real evil, but she doesn’t understand that just yet. Along with himself, Jason brings a few secrets that Shay’s father kept to himself. And soon they’re off on an adventure into a world of werewolves, demons and her long lost family in The Colony.

The story started out very well. It caught my attention and held it. The confrontation between Shay and the things that are going on around her really made me connect with the character. I found the mythology the author created for this story to be very in depth and unique. The characters were very well thought out, and believable. I had a hard time holding the connection with Shay when she was informed she was the daughter of The Colony’s past leader, but the author brought me right back by throwing me right into Shay’s confusion over it all. 

Over all it’s a great read for anyone who enjoys a good werewolf romance and anyone looking to read a little different version of the werewolf creation myth.

My Sexy Saturday: Sexy Afternoon

So I've found a new site, My Sexy Saturday. This site offers a blog hop every week featuring a different aspect of a novel. This week they'd like to hear about a "sexy afternoon" and I found just the right spot in my upcoming novel, Fox hunt, to feature. Our hero and leading lady are sharing an afternoon (more like an evening) with a video game.

Fox Hunt Snippet:

"At first, she had taken notice of every time they brushed against each other. Whether it was just their elbows bumping, or the feel of his thigh under her knee as she adjusted her sitting position, it slowed her down an instant whenever it happened. Dilly realized that Mike seemed unfazed by the slight touches and so she quickly forgot about them.

She got caught up in one particularly difficult level. They had spent nearly half an hour racing after the tiny gem scrolling across the screen. Dilly’s heart raced right along with the characters every time they got close to catching the red jewel, but they kept running out of time or getting smashed by a wall or other random obstacle before reaching the goal. Mike was just as determined to catch the gem, and she even heard him let out a good natured “Fuck!” when the thing got away yet again.

Nudging his shoulder with her own, Dilly confidently said, “We’re gonna get it this time.” The level started over, and both Dilly and Mike were completely lost in it. Waving her hands about as she raced the game, Dilly didn’t even realize her shoulder was still pressed to Mike’s. When Dilly’s game character blew up into a large bubble after smacking a wall of thorns, Dilly let out an aggravated growl, dropped her controller into her lap, and turned to encourage the man sitting next to her. “Come on, Mike. You can get it.”

Cheering him on as he raced through the last part of the level, Dilly tensed up in anticipation. A rush of triumph filled her as the little character jumped at the crystal and smashed it. Throwing her hands up, Dilly screamed, “You did it!”

“Heck, yeah,” Mike said, dropping his controller. Before he could say anything else, Dilly found herself wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him. It was rushed, and Dilly quickly pulled back with a big smile on her face, which disappeared when she realized what she’d done. She’d been so happy about beating that stupid level, she’d made a move on Mike.

Mike, the strange male wolf who had wondered into town looking for his mate. Mike, the guy Dilly had tried to convince to leave her alone. Mike, the man who sat beside her with a big Cheshire cat grin on his face.

Embarrassed by her actions, Dilly started to pull back from him, but Mike wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. Instantly, his lips were back on hers, claiming his own victory kiss. His tongue traced across her lips and Dilly opened them to let him in. The velvet softness of his tongue slipped into her mouth, and Dilly felt herself sigh as she returned the kiss. The taste of warm honey coated her senses."

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Interrupting Dilly for Some One on One

Last week I interrupted Witch Hunt to pull Mike aside and ask him a few questions about his thoughts on true mates and the relationship between his friends, Rei and Aidan. After doing that fun post for Romance & Beyond I started wondering what Dilly might think of true mates and the danger that werewolves face as they live their lives.

I’ve pulled Dilly aside just before the start of Fox Hunt. She has just arrived at her seasonal job where she is the winter time caretaker for a summer camp. So how about we get this ball rolling.

     Dilly, are you concerned about finding your mate?

I’ve got plenty of time before I need to start thinking about that and I’m sure when I do start to think about it my mate will find me with no problems. After all, at least one male shows up a year trying to court Lizzy or me. 

     Does that mean you’re not ready for your mate to find you?

Of course not. It’ll be years before I need to worry about that. Besides, Lizzy is the oldest. I’m sure she’ll be moving off with a mate long before I do.

     If you were to find your mate soon, what do you think he would be like?

Well, if he was my mate he’d have to be willing to stay near my family. I don’t want to leave them unless I have to. He would also need to be willing to let me do what I do. I’m not just going to sit at home and be a little housewife. I want to work and support myself.

     So you want to stay close to your family? Wouldn’t that make it easier for the burners to find you?

I don’t think those idiots could find much of anything. You hardly hear about them capturing anyone these days. I don’t think my family is in any real danger as long as we keep moving. It’s when you stop moving that you’re in trouble. 

 

     Does that mean your mate will have to move with you? What if he has a pack somewhere else he wants to stay with?

Typically males leave their pack when they find their mates, unless they’re the alpha, but I don’t think an unmated male is going to be in charge of his family. I don’t want a man who has too much control anyway. Alphas like to control everything.

     Is there any one way you think a mate shouldn’t act?

He shouldn’t think he has to protect me all the time. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself. If that’s everything I’ve got a lot of work to get started.

Well, I think that concludes our interview with Dilly. She’s in for a bit of a surprise when Mike shows up just in time to help save the day. Lots of luck, Dilly and we’ll be seeing you before too long.

I Dub Thee ... Saving Grace Saga

I've finally come to terms with the fact that I should have put a name to the stories that occur in the world in which Witch Hunt and Fox Hunt take place. I have a third story in the works and I suppose I should let the cat out of the bag on what I've been calling these stories. Therefor I dub thee the Saving Grace Saga.

The Saving Grace Saga is a set of three novels and what will mostly become unpublished short stories that hide away in my desk drawer. Witch Hunt and Fox Hunt are the first two novels in the set and a third is still being written.

I was reluctant to use this name for the stories because I wasn't sure if the second novel would be published. If Fox Hunt had gone no where I would have had Witch Hunt stand on its own, but Fox Hunt is scheduled to be released in June. So be on the look out over the next month or so for news able Fox Hunt and a giveaway or two to celebrate its upcoming release.

As always good dreams and happy reading.

The Fated and Mated

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In romance, especially paranormal romance, you will often find the "fated couple". This couple is drawn together by the universe. It is a theme seen with vampires, werewolves, faeries and almost any paranormal creature that your imagination can think of.

When it comes to readers there tend to be two different schools of thought for the "fated couple" stories. It's a horrible concept or its a concept that can work. There aren't many readers who absolutely, without a doubt love every inch of the concept. I can understand why. I mean the couple aren't so much falling in love with each
other. They aren't choosing for themselves. Fate has made it so, and there isn't much either partner can do about it.

So, here's my take on the topic. It's all an escape from reality. In real life the perfect partner isn't going to fall out of the heavens. It'd be nice, but it just doesn't happen. We have to learn about our potential partners, and even after we've met them, know them and feel we can put our trust in them they could still be the wrong partner. It's not always a happily ever after.

But with the "fated couple" a certain amount of trust is granted to the universe. The "fated couple" was made for each other. This means the universe, God, the Fates, whoever knew that it was going to work out for both partners. To be honest this takes some of the stress off the relationship, while sometimes adding a brand new layer of "Damn the Gods" into the equation.

What really makes these types of couples work for me is the layer of learning the author adds to the story. The couple may be fated to be together, but they're often complete strangers, and some of the fear of showing a weakness goes away when a character feels a deep, universe approved connection with their partner. Knowing your partner is going to accept you no matter what is a feeling that can really enhance a love story.

Stardust : Romance Fantasy at It's Best

I am a sucker for a good romance story. Not just books, but movies too. I've noticed over the years that while I can find fantasy romance books, its tricky to find fantasy romance movies. I don't get to watch a lot of TV so I've missed out on some of those great fantasy TV shows, like Once Upon a Time. I have to skim through the movie section at the store to see what I can find, and a few years ago I noticed Stardust. I hadn't heard hardly anything about this movie before spotting it on the shelf, but that cover caught me right off. After reading the summery I found myself interested enough to buy it and I was happy I did. It's rare to find such a wonderful fantasy romance movie. 

The story starts out with the hero's father making a rebellious move and crossing the mysterious wall that runs along his English village. On the other side of that wall he finds a world of magic and a rather magical one night stand. Nine months later our hero is born.

Skip ahead 18 or so years, and our hero, Tristan has grown into a fine young man in love, but as a simple shop boy he can't quite capture the heart of his lady. So he makes a deal to bring her back a fall star, and the adventure begins. With murdering princes and evil witches, Stardust has a surprising mix of traditional fantasy characters and modern twists. If you're anything like me you'll fall in love with Robert De Niro's character, Captain Shakespeare.

I have to say that this is one movie that not only made it into my collection, it has helped define whimsical modern romantic fantasy for me. I suggest giving it a try if you haven't watched it yet and you if you know of any other movies like it let me know!

What Makes A Romance Story

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With so many different genres within the romance world a lot of people start to wonder what really makes the story a romance. The answer to that isn't as simple as most people like to think it is. For many people a romance is just a sexy story about two people meeting up and hooking up/getting married (depending on the genre). Oh how I wish it was so simple. While that type of story does have it's place within the writing and reading world romance novels are so much more.

Conflict - Like any other genre a good romance novel has to have some type of conflict. Many of the sub-genres in romance will say there has to be more inner conflict between the characters than there is outer conflict. Inner conflict is a conflict a character or characters have within themselves, for example the hero wondering if he really is the best person for the heroin.Outer conflict is a conflict outside of the main characters; i.e. a bad guy trying to take over the world or kill one, if not both of, the main characters. Many sub-genres of romance enjoy equal parts of inner and outer conflict.

Happily Ever After - For a long time people thought that a romance novel must have a happily ever after (HEA) for the main characters. While this is still the norm you do often see the happy for now (HFN) endings. These types of endings normally lead into a series of stories about one or more characters in the world that the author created.

The Love Story - At the heart of a romance novel is of course the love story. The love story should be entangled with the plot of the story. If you can take away the love story and still have a good book then chances are it isn't a true romance, but just has heavy romance influence. Which is fine, because a good book is a good book.

There are many different elements thrown in throughout the sub-genres that can label a novel a romance. In my view as long as the love story is strong, the plot is good and it makes me not want to put it down, then it's a romance novel worth reading.

So what do you think makes a romance novel a romance?