Review Brink of Passion by Sondrae Bennett

Title: Brink of Passion (Alpine Woods Shifters #6)
Author: Sondrae Bennett
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Reviewed by: Laurie
Rating:4
Sexual Rating:3

He’ll do anything to protect his mate.
The last thing Laurie expects when she bumps into Max at the shifter convention is finding her mate. Certainly not that her mate can shift into a leopard. Wolves and leopards mix about as well as water and oil. Or should she say, dogs and cats. Mating him means leaving her family, her town, and the only home she’s ever known. But the possibility of a happily ever after is worth the risk, right?

Max couldn’t be happier with his brazen, feisty wolf, but returning home isn’t the welcoming affair he’d expected. In his absence, his brother has been attacked within the leap complex. Something must to be seriously wrong. Could someone be using his loved ones to get to him? When his worst fears prove true, his protective instinct goes into overdrive. Will keeping Laurie mean putting her in danger?

Review

Brink of Passion is the six installment of Alpine Woods Shifters. In this installment you’ll find romance, danger, and some lighthearted funny moments. Author Sondrae Bennett does not disappoint her readers as she give us another fun, adventurous romance story that will leave you panting for more.

If you have kept up with the installments you know heroine Laurie is introduced in book one and continues to pop in and out in silhouettes thought the series. Since her name is spelled the same as mine, I have been on needles waiting for this installment to come out. I enjoyed reading the story and I felt like Laurie got the mate she deserved.

I loved the characters and the story but I would have loved for the author to have went into more detail behind the attacks against Max family.

I recommend this book and the whole series to anyone who loves romantic novellas.

This series is more enjoyable read in order

My reviews for this series

Book one

Book two

Book three

Book four

Book five

About The Author Sondrae Bennett 

 I love romance. I love reading romance, living romance (who doesn't), but I especially love writing romance. There's no greater feeling than watching my characters come alive in each other's arms. Most of all, I love giving my characters the happily ever after’s they deserve, with a little necessary drama first.

When I pick up a new book and can sink into the story, immersing myself in the emotions between the characters, I know I've found a keeper. I hope someday to inspire readers the same way my favorite authors have inspired me.

I love to hear from readers so feel free to email me at sondraebennett@gmail.com or check out my blog to learn more about me. I dedicate *most* Mondays on my blog to books I'm in love with so come on over and join the fun.

Where to find the author

Website/Facebook/Twitter

ARC Review Kalindra by Sondrae Bennett

Title: Kalindra 

Author: Sondrae Bennett 

Source: Author request

Genre: PRN

Length: Novella

Reviewed by Laurie 

Release date May 6, 2013

Harpy Kalindra stumbles upon three human corpses who’ve mysteriously

crossed from Earth into Outremer through the portal she guards. A human prisoner with two traveling vampires seems her only clue. She captures the man, and brings him back to her lair to discover the truth–not only why he came to Outremer, but how he got past the defenses of the gate. She expects answers. What she doesn’t expect is the intense attraction she feels for him…attraction he seems to share.

Cameron has a secret. For years, he’s used a shard of the gateway to cross worlds without detection–for his own gain. When the gatekeeper saves him from the clutches of vampires who want the shard, he learns she’s not just another monster from Outremer. He can’t resist his attraction to her human form, and before long he’s feeling more than simple lust for her.

Kalindra’s gateway comes under constant attack from creatures who want what Cameron has. The assaults are his fault, but he can’t hand over the shard, which is a family legacy. He must convince Kalindra he can help defend the gate…but how?

Guest Post/giveaway by paranromal romance author Sondrae Bennett

Please welcome Sondrae Bennett! 

Guest Post by Sondrae Bennett

Today, I’m interviewing Amber and Danny, stars of the recently released Covert Desires. So tell us how you two met.

(Amber and Danny exchange a long, speaking glance.)

Amber: That’s a funny story, really. Well, maybe funny is the wrong word. It all started when there were some riots in the area. They attracted some attention because no one could figure out why the riots came about, or what people were rioting against. So, I was sent here to gather information. Only, Danny and his family found out I was coming, and was tasked with distracting me in order to assure I didn’t learn too much about him and his pack of wolf shifters.

Who sent you, Amber?

Amber: The government. FBI, to be specific. I’d just gotten out of a…difficult assignment. (A low growl rumbles from Danny. Amber grabs his hand and entwines her fingers through his.) He gets a little possessive when I bring that up. (She pats their joined hands with her free one.) Anyway, the Bureau thought this would be a nice, simple assignment to ease me back into undercover work.

How’d that work out for them?

Danny: She’s never going back, so not so good.

Is that true, Amber?

Amber: Why would I go back? I have everything I could ever want right here.

Danny: And I’m going to make sure it stays that way. (Amber leans in and kisses Danny’s cheek.)

So what happened when you first met? Was it love at first site?

Amber: He brought me cookies. (Amber purses her lips as Danny groans and hides his face in his free hand.) At least, I think they were cookies. Really, they were just black circular chunks on a plate, burnt beyond recognition.

Danny: I believe you said it was the thought that counts.

Amber: It was. Is. (She turns back to us) It was sweet. Of course, I still didn’t trust him. Any criminal can bake something, or attempt to, and my trust in other people had taken a beating. But it didn’t take me long to realize Danny was a stand-up guy with a heart of gold.

So after that it was happily ever after?

(Both Danny and Amber start laughing)

ARC review Covert Desires by Sondrae Bennett

Title: Covert Desires (Alpine Woods Shifters #5)

Author: Sondrae Bennett 

Source: Author request

Genre: paranormal romance

Length: Novella

Review by Laurie 

Release date December 5, 2012 but it's live at amazon at this time. 

Blurb

Will desire be enough once all their secrets are revealed?

Still recovering from a traumatic assignment, Amber is wary of the man who shows up at her door with a plate of cookies and a welcoming smile. Instinct warns her he’s not all he seems. Then again, neither is she. Since she was sent to root out the secrets of the town and its people, she might as well accept his invitation to dinner. But when things start to heat up between them, will her loyalty lie with her job, or the man trying to win her heart?

Danny knows Amber is an FBI agent. Tasked by his brothers and the shifter council to keep her from discovering too much, he sets out to seduce her, a perfect cover to keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn’t learn about his pack or their society. He hadn’t counted on a blazing attraction at first sight, though. His wolf knows Amber is his mate, and he’ll do anything to keep her safe and happy. But how can he reveal everything he is, and everything he’s been keeping from her, without losing her forever?

CONTENT WARNING: This book contains explicit sex.

October's Paranormal romance characterfest with Sondrea Bennett and giveaway !

Welcome to Characterfest

Characterfest is a month long event where you’ll find a different character interviews written by the author each day. Each interview has a giveaway(s) make sure the giveaway is open to you and if so add a comment or question along with your email. I will close all giveaways at the end of the week and add the winners to the winners post on that Tuesday. Odds are if you won you’ll be hearing from me.

One thing I will ask is if you could please twitter or hit the facebook likes button on the post so that others can see the interview. I want to get these authors out to as much as I can and you’re my go between in this event.

I hope you enjoy each interview and please try to make it here each day to find out whom or what’s next. If this goes as planned I will be hosting this next year. 

Meet Samantha Walker and Jason Callahan, the stars of Arctic Winds.

First of all, tell us a bit about yourselves.

Samantha: Well, I’m an arctic fox shifter, originally from Alaska, but I haven’t been back there in years. My skulk and I didn’t get along, and I left them about four years ago. Since then, I’ve been a bit of a wanderer, never staying in one place for very long. Until now, that is. Samantha reaches out and grabs Jason’s hand. Jason smiles at her before speaking.

Jason: I’m the oldest of five, two brothers and two sisters. All of us are alpha wolf shifters except for my youngest sister. I’m the Premier, or leader, of a pack of wolf shifters in Alpine Woods, Colorado, and I own and run a software company with my two brothers. We’re a very close family.

And has your family welcomed Samantha?

Jason: My family loves Samantha. They see how perfect she is for me. Jason raises their joined hands and places a kiss against Samantha’s.

Jason, tell me a bit about when you first saw Samantha. Was it love at first site?

Jason: Uh, no. No I wouldn't say it was love at first site. I was drawn to her and I knew there was something different, something special about her. But I wouldn't call it love. I just knew I had to keep her around, and keep the other men away.

Samantha laughs and squeezes his hand.

Samantha: You should have seen him the first time one of the wolves in his pack hit on me.

Mad was he?

Samantha: Something like that. Jason growls and I look at him startled. The smile on his face gives him away.

Samantha, what did you think when you first met Jason?

Samantha: Don't eat me. Jason throws his head back, his loud laugh ringing throughout the room. No, seriously, that was my first thought. But after I realized he didn't want to hurt me, I fell immediately into lust. But really, who wouldn’t. I mean just look at him.

Yes, I see what you mean. Samantha, have you made friends in Alpine Woods?

Samantha: Well, I’m very good friends with Jason’s sister, Laurie. We actually had a girl’s night where we had margaritas and girl talk. I didn’t have a lot of friends growing up, so it was my first time experiencing anything like that.

Jason growls.

Jason: Too many margaritas, if you ask me.

Samantha: Oh hush, no one saw us, so what was the harm. Samantha swats Jason on the arm before turning back. We had a nice time together and only got into a little trouble. I also met the Premier of the local fox pack. Jason’s displeasure shines from his eyes. But Jason gets a bit touchy when I talk about that, so we’ll leave that story for another time.

So, we’re curious, is there a wedding on the horizon?

Samantha and Jason share a secretive smile

.

Samantha: There may be one soon. Right now, we’re waiting until the whole family is together. Jason’s youngest sister, Julie, is still away at school, and will be graduating in a couple weeks. Ethan just got back from vacation with a mate of his own, but we’ll be getting hitched before they do.

Some fun Questions:

Favorite Color: Samantha: purple Jason: Red

Favorite Food: Samantha: A good omelet Jason: A juicy steak

Favorite movie: Samantha: Pretty Woman Jason: Godfather

Wine or Beer: Samantha: Wine Jason: Beer

Any last thoughts?

Samantha: We just want to thank Laurie for having us on her blog today. Both Jason and I will be around if anyone has any questions for either of us.


Sondrea website 


Sondrea is giving away an eCopy of Arctic Winds. Please leave a comment or question along with you email. International giveaway.

Review Chasing Paradise by Sondrae Bennett

Title: Chasing Paradise (Alpine Woods Shifters #2)
Author: Sondrae Bennett
Source: Author request
Genre: Paranormal romance
Length: Novella eBook
Authors website 

He'll do whatever it takes to earn back her trust.

A vacation is exactly what Ethan needs to escape the mate hungry females in his pack. Determined to have fun, he can't think of a better way to start than sampling all the different flavors the shifter only resort has to offer, and not the food variety. But after he meets Gwen, no one else holds any interest for him. Ethan came on
vacation to avoid mating. There's no way he's going to give up his freedom without a fight.

Gwen is devastated when she hears her mate denying everything they are to each other. She can't sit by, watching him fool around with other girls at the resort. Or worse, crawl back, unable to resist the mating pull but not really wanting her. She needs to get away and her own vacation sounds like the perfect plan. But she should have remembered what her mother always taught her, never run from a predator unless you want them to chase you. The hunt is on . . .

WARNING: This title contains explicit sex.

Chasing Paradise is a good steamy romance. I liked the fact that it was hot and quick to read. This story could most definitely be standalone from the first book, but I do suggest going back to the first one if you just read this one. 

I took a liking to Ethan from the start. He is alpha and all male. His male side shows up right off the bat. You know how they run their mouth and get themselves into trouble? Well, Ethan says something and Gwen hears it and well she takes him on a little chase. 

Needless to say I was very glad this was a novella because she was getting on my last nerve by holding back because of it, but hey I have to admit I could relate to Gwen because she did what most women would do lead them on a good chase. Yep, let the chase begin. 

All in all I did like both characters and I really enjoyed the fact that Ethan went on the chase after Gwen and never gave up. I liked how the family was brought into the picture and I would recommend this to someone that loves a short sweet romance story with some tension. 

Guest paranormal romance author Sondrae Bennett + giveaway

Whether we’re holding the door open for a stranger, deciding how much tip to leave, or writing a thank you note after an interview, all of our actions are governed by what we believe is the right thing to do. Our own rules for acceptable behavior. Sometime we’re not even conscious of them, but they’re always there at the back of our minds.

For Gwen, the heroine of Chasing Paradise, her rules about men are set in stone. Never jump into bed with hotel guests, never sleep with a guy on the first date, and never have sex without knowing what would happen the next day. But when Ethan walks into her hotel, all her rules fly out the window…with disastrous results. Afterward, Ethan had to prove their impulsive night wasn’t a mistake at all, but the start of something amazing.

Blurb:

He’ll do whatever it takes to earn back her trust.

A vacation is exactly what Ethan needs to escape the mate hungry females in his pack. Determined to have fun, he can’t think of a better way to start than sampling all the different flavors the shifter only resort has to offer, and not the food variety. But after he meets Gwen, no one else holds any interest for him. Ethan came on vacation to avoid mating. There’s no way he’s going to give up his freedom without a fight.

Gwen is devastated when she hears her mate denying everything they are to each other. She can’t sit by, watching him fool around with other girls at the resort. Or worse, crawl back, unable to resist the mating pull but not really wanting her. She needs to get away and her own vacation sounds like the perfect plan. But she should have remembered what her mother always taught her, never run from a predator unless you want them to chase you. The hunt is on…

WARNING: This title contains explicit sex

Excerpt:

When she stopped in front of him, her eyes locked on his and he was powerless to look away.

“Hi.” Her gaze shifted to the side as if searching for something to say. “I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself earlier, or thank you for saving me from the wall. I’m Gwen.”

She thrust out her hand to shake his, and Ethan stared at it. How would she react if he pulled her into his arms and ravaged those beautiful lips like he wanted to? Instead, he gave her a smile and shook hands.

“Actually, you did manage to thank me.” Utterly charming him in the process, too.  The blush that stole over her cheeks only endeared her to him more. “I’m Ethan. Can I buy you a drink, Gwen?”

Her gaze drifted to the open doors behind him. “I probably shouldn’t. I try not to mingle with guests.” She continued to stare into the bar before glancing back at him, her doe-like eyes hiding nothing. She wanted to stay with him and was fighting an internal battle with her conscience. It would be easy to tip the scales in his favor.

With any other woman, he’d swing his arm around her shoulders, and guide her toward the bar with a charming smile. Instead, using his intuition as his guide, he cupped her cheek with his hand. Her eyes closed as she nuzzled her face against him but flew open moments later as he drew her closer. His other hand slipped around her waist as he tilted her chin up, aligning her lips with his.

As soon as his lips brushed against hers, his wolf growled low in his chest. Something about this woman captivated him. The need to touch her, taste her, move inside her, was unbearable. Resisting the urge to crush her against him proved difficult and he struggled to keep the kiss light.

Despite his resolution, the feel of her lips parting in silent invitation proved too much for his tightly-strung control. His tongue thrust inside, exploring her mouth as his arms pulled her tighter against him. Her hands closed into fists, pulling at him as if to draw him closer. Breaking away, he gasped for air, need setting him on fire. Gwen rested her head on his shoulder, panting as well.

“What say we skip the drink and go back up to my room?” Ethan suggested, desperate to know her better.

“No.” Her quick reply was so unexpected, it took him a moment to process.

No? He thought they had been on the same page. Her hands were still fisted in his shirt, her body a comfortable weight in his arms. Everything indicated she had enjoyed the kiss as much as he had. Hell, she’d practically melted against him. What had he done wrong?

The moment he’d met this woman, everyone else had ceased to matter. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted anything in his life. It devastated him to think she might not feel the same way. Letting her go tonight would be one of the hardest things he’d ever done. If that was what she wanted, he’d find a way to walk away. But it wouldn’t end there. Wolves were persistent when they wanted something and he wanted Gwen. Nothing would stop him from coming back until she was ready for him. He’d win her over eventually. No other outcome was acceptable.

“My room is bigger.”

It took a moment to process the meaning behind her words, but once he did, his soul leapt and he fought the impulse to howl.

Sondrae is give away a choice of an e-copy of either Chasing Paradise, OR the first book in the series Arctic Winds. I'll give you a hint if you haven't read Arctic winds it's a must! I loved it.


Giveaway rules and policy 

Interview with romance author Sondrae Bennett

Please welcome romance author Sondrae Bennett!

Laurie-Hello Sondrae, I want to thank you for do this interview. Would you tell us a little about yourself?

 Sondrae-Thank you for having me! This is a hard question considering I completely turned my life upside down a couple months ago (quitting my job and moving from NYC to Michigan) but the two things that have always been constant in my life are my love of reading and my love of romance. I can't remember what age I was when my mom gave me my first romance novel but I was immediately hooked and have been ever since. 

Laurie-What inspired you to write?

 Sondrae-I've always been a hobby writer but it wasn't until a few years ago that I decided to pursue publication. I kept searching for specific story lines and wasn't able to find exactly what I wanted, so that made me consider writing them. But the real impetus was when I decided to enter a romance short story contest. I started Arctic Winds intending to enter it but before I knew it, I was way over the wordcount guidelines and not even half way done. I decided to keep going because I fell in love with my characters and wanted to see where their tale was going. When the story was finished I asked a friend to look at it and he pushes me to submit it. Luckily Lyrical Press thought it was as good as I did and published it.

Laurie- Out of all the books you wort, do you have a few that holds a special place in your heart?How about your heroes and heroines, do you have a favorite among them?

 SondraeMy debut book, Arctic Winds, will always hold a special place in my heart for paving the way (and I love the story). Other than that the book I just got contracted, The Wolf Within, which is the third book in the series, stand out as one of my favorites. Even though she is barely in Arctic Winds, I always knew that Julie, the heroine of The Wolf Within, had something special in store for her. Turns out I was right. But I think whatever book I'm working on/ just finished is always gonna be among my favorites.

Laurie-What are some of your favorite author’s and some of your favorite books you’ve read?

 Sondrae-My number one favorite book is Watchers by Dean Koontz. Even though it's not a romance novel, the book is filled with love and Einstein is one of my favorite characters of all time. My favorite romance writers include Shelly Laurenston, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Nora Roberts, Dana Marie Bell.... and so many more. I actually have a feature on my blog every Monday where I point out books and authors I'm in love with called Madly in Love Mondays.

Laurie-What sub-genre that you write? Do you have a favorite?

 Sondrae-At the moment, I've only published paranormal romance but I've got a couple stories in the work that are contemporary and one erotica.

Laurie-Would you tell us a little of what you’re working on next?

 Sondrae-Well, the next two books in the Alpine Woods Shifters Series, Arctic Winds being the first, are finished and contracted with Lyrical Press. Chasing Paradise will be out in August and The Wolf Within in November. Other than that I'm concentrating on writing a contemporary story about a woman who gets a second chance at love. I'm also researching a new paranormal series I've been wanting to write and of course I have plans for the forth and fifth books in the Alpine Woods Shifters as well. Needless to say, I'm keeping busy.

Laurie-I loved reading your Arctic Winds eBook. Would you tell those who have never heard of this book a little about it.?

 Sondrae-Arctic Winds is a paranormal romance between an arctic fox shifter, Samantha, who’s been abandoned and on her own, and an alpha wolf, Jason, who’s the leader of his pack. She stumbles into his pack’s diner with barely more than the clothes on her back, terrified of other shifters. He has to prove to her that she’s not only worthy of love and respect but that she belongs with him, despite the interference of the jealous female wolves in the pack and the male foxes in the neighboring town.

Laurie-You have so many great characters in Arctic Winds are you paining on writing more? If so who is next?

 Sondrae-Yes! The second book, Chasing Paradise is the middle of edits right now and is slotted to be released in August. It's Ethan's story, Jason's brother, and it's a very emotional and angsty story. I'm just getting started on The Wolf Within edits, the third book in the series. It's Julie, the youngest sibling's, story and it's scheduled for a November release. Needless to say I'm not done with the characters quite yet. :)

Laurie-What was your favorite scene in Arctic Winds?

 Sondrae-This is a hard question! I've got a couple that stand out in my mind. I'll try not to give away any spoilers. My top two are probably the massage scene and the parking lot scene.

Laurie-I loved the heroine as an arctic fox, it’s different. How did you get this idea?

 Sondrae-I didn't understand why shifters had to be wolves, bears, large cats, and other predators and wanted to create something different. Jason was actually originally going to be a red fox but... well he set me straight on that one. But I liked using unique shifters. In fact, Ethan's mate in Chasing Paradise, Gwen, is an otter shifter. One of my favorite scenes is one where she's hunting fish in the water.

Fun questions

What your favorite color? Green (especially a dark forest green)

Do you have any pets? 2 dogs, a wire haired fox terrier and a wheaten terrier

What your favorite movie and TV show?
Tough one! I have to say Newsies and Survivor but it depends on what day you ask me. Close seconds are Aliens and Legend of the Seeker.

Do you have a favorite food or place to eat?
I love chicken parmesan. That's probably my favorite but I also love a good cheeseburger and fries.

Thanks again for having me!

Sondrae

Where to find Sondrae 

My review of Arctic Winds

Arctic Winds by Sondrae Bennett

Title:Arctic Winds (Alpine Woods Shifters)
Author: Sondrae Bennett
Source: Requested review
Genre: Paranormal romance -wolf shifter and fox shifter
Length: Novella
Format: eBook
Authors website

Nothing will stop a wolf once he's found his mate . . . not even her own doubts.

After her skulk abandoned her four years ago, Samantha knew she would never truly be wanted. When she accidentally stumbles into a wolf town and is asked by their premier to stay, she believes it's the novelty of an arctic fox motivating him. She knows she'll be on her own again once he tires of her.

Jason finds himself pulled to Samantha from the moment she faints in his arms. His wolf is calling to him, telling him he's found their mate and the heat he feels for Samantha is impossible to resist. But his little fox is loaded down with emotional baggage and doesn't believe she's worthy of love. Can he overcome her fears? Or will pack jealousies and the local faxes convince her she doesn't belong with him before he has a chance?

My review
Rating-

Sexual-

Impressive love story! I love it when I can feel the romance build between to characters. This story has some humor, a sexy arctic fox and one alpha wolf that can’t keep his paws off of a white fox. These sex scenes are very hot and I am looking forward reading more about the rest of the characters. I will hope the author will expand more into this world she has building. I can really see this story keep growing as she writes more about these characters.

This is a short novella, so I not going to give a lot out. Samantha has been on the run for years she has no family or home until she walks into a wolf shifter town where she meets Jason and he basically makes her stay with an offer for a job with his sister. Now this thing will be is how is he going to keep this fox from running again. You’ll have to read to find out.

Overall I was impressed with the author and the love story and can‘t wait to read more from her; I would recommend this to any paranormal romance reader. I know I will be reading more future books by this author!

Tease
“Unbelievable,” Jason angrily whispered, yet again. He looked at the wolf sitting in the front seat next to him. “I told you to take care of her!”
Jason glanced in the rearview mirror at the wet arctic fox. Unconscious, she was spread out over the entire backseat of his car. She looked a bit like a big rat with her white fur plastered against her skin. “What, exactly, made you think skinny dipping in the very public park fountain was a good idea?”
The wolf looked at him with her tongue hanging out the side of her mouth. As he stopped at a red light, she put front paws on his thigh and licked his face.