December 2013
On Sale: November 25, 2013
Featuring: Luc Lazare; Skye Cross
212 pages ISBN: 1622662954 EAN: 9781622662951 Kindle: B00GET18FC e-Book Add to Wish List
Animals bring joy to my life. Not just my own pets, but anyone's animals. Even
the big guys. Which is why, when I thought it was time to start giving back, I
decided to volunteer at Lincoln Park Zoo. I'd been volunteering there for more
than ten years when I wanted to do something more personal—socialize cats
up for adoption at the then new PAWS Chicago.
While I was volunteering there, the Humane Society of Illinois had a couple of
informative meetings about getting legislation passed to help stop dog fighting.
Which is how I came up with the original idea for ANIMAL INSTINCTS. I wanted
to help spread awareness. I was soon convinced, however, that people loved their
pets too much to want to read about such a troubling practice, so I made a left
turn and transitioned dog fights to shifter fights—humans who shift into
predators. And that gave me a whole new angle on my story.
Skye Cross is the most like me heroine I've ever created. She's an animal
advocate. She even lives in my neighborhood, in my city 2-flat. I'd always
wanted to have an animal rescuer heroine, and this was my opportunity. To make a
really interesting match, my hero, Luc Lazare, is one of the shifters.
Half-human, half-Kindred (descendents of the Nephilim), he is torn between his
two worlds. The last thing he needs is to have to protect a human whose cop
brother was killed while investigating those shifter fights.
Here is their first meeting, outside a fight arena:
Dark hair whipped around features so rugged they could have been cut
from granite. High cheekbones. Broad forehead. Square chin. His eyes appeared
silver in the moonlight, and they glowed at me, tightening my stomach and making
it hard to breathe.
Trembling, I gasped, "What just happened?"
"You got into something that doesn't concern you." Forget about
it.
I started. He hadn't said the last bit out loud. There was something
about him so powerful that I almost agreed.
I fought the desire to give in, saying, "I'm not forgetting about
anything. Who are you?"
I felt as if he were trying to push the command into my mind.
Glaring at him, I pushed back.
"What are you?" he asked.
"Someone who protects animals."
His silence told me that wasn't exactly the explanation he was
looking for. My pulse threaded unevenly as he stepped closer. I sensed both
threat and something less tangible, something that made my stomach knot and my
throat tighten. I'd always had a psychic connection not only with animals, but
with my brother. No one else. Not until now. And this guy being able to mess
with my mind went beyond any previous experience I'd had.
"Did you have something to do with the fight?" I gasped. "Where did
those predators come from? What kind of power do you have over them?" It had to
be something supernatural.
He stepped closer, and I sucked in a breath as his power cut through
me, speeding my pulse, drying my mouth.
"You need to forget about them, Skye."
This time he said it aloud. And he used my name.
"How do you know who I am?" I demanded, my heart beating so fast I
could feel it bump up against my ribs. "What were you doing here? Who are
you?"
Rather than answering my questions, he reached out and slid a palm
along my cheek. The touch seared me, reminding me of the time I'd inadvertently
touched a live wire. Wanting to move, wanting to run, I stood frozen instead. He
was so close, I imagined I could feel the heat of his body as he splayed fingers
around the side of my head. My insides trembled and my breasts felt full and
tight.
What was wrong with me? Why couldn't I move? Or speak?
You never saw me. You'll forget about me the moment I
disappear.
Every fiber of my being longed to do what he wanted. But something
in me, the thing that made me do what I do, was stronger.
"Disappear to where?" I demanded through a parched throat when I
finally found my voice. "I have an excellent memory."
Appearing frustrated that I'd been able to hear the silent command,
he dropped his hand. "What are you?" he asked again.
The holidays from Thanksgiving to the New Year is a time of
giving, and I'm hoping that this year, those of you who can will support an
animal shelter or sanctuary or zoo, whether it is by volunteering, buying gifts
that help the organization or by donation. Here are a couple of places that I
support:
PAWS Chicago, with it's adoption center, spay and neuter clinic, and at the
forefront of animal advocacy.
Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the last free zoos in the country.
Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection
organization.
For a chance at winning a copy of ANIMAL INSTINCTS, tell me
about your pet or an animal story that will make us smile.
Luc Lazare doesn't need more complications in his life. And Skye Cross, the
intriguing woman able to communicate with animals, is the last thing he wants.
Too bad his body disagrees. But he's trying to save his shapeshifting family
from being forced into the battle arena, and that means protecting the shifters
responsible for stealing Skye's brother's soul. Even as she demands his help,
he'll have to resist the pull of temptation. Skye's most recent animal rescue
assignment involves saving canines involved in primal battles. Her investigation
leads her to Luc, a man whose powers unsettle but intrigue her. Luc lures her
into a dark encounter, and realizes that the animals engaging in these battles
aren't dogs at all, they're wild predators. Skye finds herself caught in a
dangerous world she never knew existed while relying on a man she couldn't
possibly trust. In a world where everything--and nothing--is as it seems, can
Luc and Skye find a way to overcome the odds that are destined to keep them apart?
USA Today Bestselling Author Patricia Rosemoor has
written 95 published novels that have generated more than seven million sales
for eight publishers. Her fascination with "dangerous love" has led her to bring
a different mix of thrills and chills and romance to each book. ANIMAL INSTINCTS and CRIMSON DUET (2 related
holiday novels at a discounted price) are now available at digital retailers.
sounds really good i am a animal lover also i cant wait to read this (Denise Smith 12:07pm November 24, 2013)
I love cats,(I'm allergic,) but I have a fond memory from when I was about 12. I went in my mother's room to see if she was awake, and our cat Teenie was asleep at the top of Mom's head. (Lynne Mauro 12:57pm November 24, 2013)
I have 4 dogs and 6 cats, they are what I call my throw aways, all from the streets and now all my family. (Felicia Lockamy 2:21am November 24, 2013)
Our dogs are all rescue dogs. They may have had a rough life before, but they are living happy now. (Robyn Roberts 8:29am November 24, 2013)
I love dogs...love the cover and, yes, I can't wait to read this book!!! (Bonnie Capuano 8:49am November 24, 2013)
I've had rescued cats and a rescued dog all my life. In the book, the animals are a set I had a few years ago -- Peach & Phantom, sisters born to probably a brother and sister cat who lived behind a bakery -- the baker brought them in and the kittens were born in a dresser drawer. Dreamer I found outside -- thought he was a starving little girl kitty -- was going to find him a good home (hah, I did!). He made friends with Boomer, the dog my husband and I found on a major street, barking at passing cars, before he ever let me touch him. He was also neutered, which meant he had a home and either got out or was thrown out. Poor guy. Well, until he found me :) (Patricia Rosemoor 10:57am November 24, 2013)
Love dogs and we have a shelter dog (Patricia Wagner 11:10am November 24, 2013)
Our first dog was named PeeWee (my brother named him) and he was the smartest dog I ever met. Once he was able to get the meat from between two pieces of bread that my brother was carrying in his hand. And once after a bath he was able to jump clear over the dining room table. He was that rambunctious after baths. (Pam Howell 12:12pm November 24, 2013)
We own 2 kittens, Sugar Ray and Gizmo, who are both fixed. It was a hard decision for us, because they came from a litter of 4. We befriended the mothers - 2 outdoor strays who were dumped where we live, and became pregnant. The one mother, who we named Bailey, started to give birth right at my feet!! We have a one-bedroom apartment, and when it was all over, we had 8 kittens, and 2 mothers here, nursing and living in our apartment!! Since we're the Caretakers here, the Landlord was very nice about things, and we helped out with the kittens as best as we could. When they were old enough to be weaned, we had a hearbreaking decision to make, and I had to pick 2 out of all of them to keep. The rest of the kittens, along with the 2 mothers, one of them who was pregnant again, went to a cat sanctuary where they could be adopted out. We drove out there and dropped them out, and the rest is History. These 2 kittens are the loves of our lives, and are strictly house cats now. They came from the same Mother, but look like complete opposites!! I chose the first born, and the last born, who was born the day after, actually. One is attached to my Husband more than me, and the other one is more attached to me. They are both thriving, and get into everything, but it's their nature, and it's how they learn. They do things to make us laugh every day. Sugar Ray loves water, and goes in the shower with my Husband. He was strictly a dog lover, but now he can't picture life without Sugar Ray!! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! I know we will!! (Peggy Roberson 12:25pm November 24, 2013)
I have a dog named Mack. For such a little guy he has a big personality and he thinks he owns the place. I guess he does because he has me trained :) (Jennifer Richardson 12:44pm November 24, 2013)
I love dogs and cats, they understand most things better than humans. (Courtney Haas 1:54pm November 24, 2013)
I love, love hearing great animal stories like the kittens or the dog jumping over the dining room table. More, please! you know you have them :) (Patricia Rosemoor 2:00pm November 24, 2013)
We're kitty people, neutered of course. Also they were from Humane Society. (Susan Falkler 3:08pm November 24, 2013)
While out walking our dog Wraith, he broke the leash and went chasing after another dog. We went running after him but he was soon lost to sight. After spending an hour trying to find him, we returned home. Wraith was waiting for us on the porch and came running to greet us. (Mary C 3:13pm November 24, 2013)
We had a cat when I was a baby that got lost before we ended up moving and about a few months later he showed up at the new house somehow. (Leslie Davis 4:10pm November 24, 2013)
I have a cat that thinks he's a dog. He refuses to use a litter box. He goes to the door to go outside to do his business. Its funny if he has to go out through the night he will wake my hubby up by jumping on his chest. (Tami Amiott 4:21pm November 24, 2013)
love my shelter dog (Debbi Shaw 4:30pm November 24, 2013)
Wraith sounds like a smart pooch. The cat who showed up later, also. My mom was always bringing animals home when she was a kid. Her father got tired of it and drove the cat a couple miles from home to let him out (unfortunately, people still do that) and the next day, the cat had found his way home. Love the kitty jumping on Dad's chest to go out... (Patricia Rosemoor 5:04pm November 24, 2013)
i cant wait to read. love the cover.i love animals. (Jennifer Beck 6:41pm November 24, 2013)
I'm a Chicago gal as well and grew up going to Lincoln Park Zoo. Now, I'm looking forward to taking my grandchild there! (Susan Coster 6:42pm November 24, 2013)
Right now, I just have one cat, who really is my daughter's cat that she didn't take with her when she moved out. She's not a very friendly cat, though she's happier (and easier to get along with) now that she's the only cat in the house. (Janie McGaugh 8:39pm November 24, 2013)
Ready to read this one! (Melanie Backus 9:00pm November 24, 2013)
I could type all night with all my critter tales. I've currently got 3 cats, one dog, a horse, a bearded dragon, and assorted fish. All the cats are rescues that we found in our yard. The youngest 2 were abandoned by their feral mother when they were only a day old. My husband says they won the kitty lottery... I'm not sure they even know they are cats some days. ;-) (Glenda Martillotti 9:37pm November 24, 2013)
Many cats need to be the only cat, Janie. I had one that tried to bully the other three cats and the dog. Elaine, I have a cat who sits by the back door (second floor apartment) when she wants to go downstairs. And when I go downstairs, she thinks she should go outside. A bearded dragon -- a reptile -- are they friendlier than snakes? Never had a reptile of any kind. Or a bird. (Patricia Rosemoor 10:07pm November 24, 2013)
In junior high my cousin came over. Our black lab (which my parents described much like "Clifford the Big Red Dog") got a hold of the rope of the sled my cousin was using and pulled Rob half way across the field be for he even slowed down. I can't remember if Rob got Hunter to pull him back or not. (Laura Gullickson 10:10pm November 24, 2013)
My husband and I are slowing down now, but for many years he rescued unwanted bunnies. We've only got 4 right now, my two and his, but at one point, we had 8. It seemed like every time I turned around, he was bringing home another one. He kept telling me, they were free, and I kept telling him, there was a reason why they were free. We're getting older and find it harder to take care of so many babies, but we still have our favorites. It's just when they go to their great reward, they haven't been replaced. (Marcia Berbeza 10:12pm November 24, 2013)
I can't wait to read this book, it sounds like so much fun. ^^ (Mariah Oyondi 10:14pm November 24, 2013)
Each of my pets that I had have and currently have plays a major role in my life. Some comfort me when I'm upset or angry about something/someone. I don't think I could be happier if they didn't come into my life. (Kai Wong 12:52pm November 25, 2013)
Fun comments. Nice that you all have animals in your lives. :) (Patricia Rosemoor 1:44am November 25, 2013)
What a fascinating book! Thanks for sharing the great excerpt. Love paranormal romance and would love to win a copy of this book. (Bonnie H 4:58pm November 26, 2013)
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy