ARC Review: Impulse by Moira Rogers

2.5 Feathers

Impulse

by Moira Rogers
(Southern Arcana # 5)

Sera Sinclaire needs a holiday between a crazy ex husband who can't let her go and a town of over protective dominant werewolves she feels smothered. But, Sera is a the last of a dying breed, a coyote and a submissive one, but Sera isn't the only one who needs to get away Julio Mendoza, a very dominant wolf on the council needs to escape from his responsibilities before they swallow him up. Together they take a road trip and the initial attraction flares into something more, but a submissive coyote who values her hard earned independence be able to stay with a wolf as dominant as Julio...

Before I start this review, I should warn you that I haven't actually read the previous four books in this series, something that I think you really need to do before starting this, although it makes sense I didn't always understand who the people or the events that we're referenced and it did make it a I confusing; this doesn't read as a standalone very well.

Apart from the fact that I hadn't read the previous books, the main problem I didn't enjoy this book as much as I wanted was because I didn't feel a connection with the maim characters and I didn't feel the connection they had with one another either, they seemed to get to the I-love-yous too quickly for me to really buy it.

But it did sound like there was an interesting story arc going through these books, I didn't really always understand what was going on, but it made me curious enough to get the first book for my kindle and find out.

Although this book was okay, I think it would have been much better for me to have read it after reading the others, maybe the characters had built a rapport in the previous books that I missed, but as a stand alone I wouldn't recommend it, but I may give this series a try. 

*ARC provided by author

Purchase Links: Amazon

Samhain Nights: MOIRA ROGERS

 

Moira Rogers

It's the last day of Samhain Nights, but don't be sad! We've got the awesome writing team, Moira Rogers here with us today! We got a chance to ask them some questions so here's how that went down!

You're a writing duo and some readers don't even know this fact because the writing is so smooth in your books. How do you go about working together? Do each of you have your own tasks? 

Donna: Thanks so much! With regards to writing, Bree and I don't trade off chapters or anything like that. We split up the characters at the outset of plotting--"okay, this hero's mine, the heroine's yours, now let's take a look at secondaries." That way, each of us gets to handle the development of a character, start to finish. After that, we send manuscripts back and forth constantly, adding a sentence or a paragraph each time.

Bree: After the book is done is where we divide up tasks. Donna handles the manuscript formatting, polishing and editing. I do the administrative work and handle promotion, including making our graphics and promotional materials and managing our website.

What would you say is the best part of working together as a team? What is the worst aspect? 

Donna: The best thing is definitely that being a working writer isn't lonely for us the way it is for many. There's always someone who knows what I'm going through! And the worst part? When our vision of something doesn't exactly line up. Then it's compromise time.

Bree: Yes. The best part is that I always have someone to be excited with when things are going well. The worst part is that I always have someone to be depressed with when things are going poorly. I mean, sometimes that can be good...but sometimes twice the misery is just...twice the misery. ;)

Can you please describe what a brainstorming session between you two would look like? 

Donna: Haha, hours of phone chatter or IMs with tons of "what if...". Interspersed with lots of Jeremy Renner pictures.

Bree: Yes. We talk on the phone a lot. I think, during a school month, we might spend three or four hours on the phone every day. At least. We talk about characters, their pasts, their motivations, their arcs and all the evil things we can do to to them.

What Moira Rogers book are you most proud of and please tell us why this book and/or series has your heart?

Donna: I think I'm definitely proud of all of our series for different reasons. I love Southern Arcana because the characters feel so real to me. I've "known" them for years, and seeing them struggle and triumph is so satisfying. I love the Bloodhounds because they're filthy and heroic and their world is kind of insane and cracky.

Bree: I love Hammer Down. It's probably our most obscure book, and a bit unconventional as to genre, but I loved the complicated world we created and the story we told. We worked hard on that book and I'm really proud of it.

If we were unforgivably rude and pulled at random five things from your hand bag, what would we find? 

Donna: My wallet, Advil, a signing pen, my business card holder, and some old movie tickets.

Bree: Would you believe I don't have a hand bag? I throw my wallet & keys into a Samhain Publishing tote bag if I have to go somewhere. True story. (But when I used to carry a backpack around, it would have books, Advil, books, my wallet and more books. Now I guess it'd just have my kindle. *g*)

You have a couple of releases coming up, ARCHER'S LADY in July and IMPULSE in September. What can readers expect from these? 

Bree: ARCHER'S LADY, like all the Bloodhound books, is a little shorter, a lot dirtier, and full of action, adventure, mad scientists, explosions and vampires. IMPULSE is a little longer, and full of paranormal politics alongside the supernatural loving. But both have happy endings. :)

 

What is your favorite thing about being a Samhain author?

Bree: The freedom to decide what I want to write without worrying that a good story will be turned away because it's quirky or a little outside what's popular.

Donna: The freedom, definitely. The staff. And my editor!

It's a warm summer's night and you are free to do anything you want! What would you do and who would you spend it with? 

Bree: Read a good book or snuggle with my hubby.

Donna: That's a nice time to hit up an outdoor concert or head over to Sloss Furnace for a ghost walk!

Stalk Moira Rogers
website

Moira Rogers is graciously giving away a copy of Wilder's Mate in ebook.

Wilder Harding is a bloodhound, created by the Guild to hunt down and kill vampires on America's frontier. His enhanced abilities come with a high price: on the full moon, he becomes capable of savagery beyond telling, while the new moon brings a sexual hunger that borders on madness.

Rescuing a weapons inventor from undead kidnappers is just another assignment, though one with an added complication--keeping his hands off the man's pretty young apprentice, who insists on tagging along.

At odds with polite society, Satira's only constant has been the aging weapons inventor who treats her like a daughter. She isn't going to trust Wilder with Nathaniel's life, not when the Guild might decide the old man isn't worth saving. Besides, if there's one thing she's learned, it's that brains are more important than brawn.

 As the search stretches far longer than Wilder planned, he finds himself fighting against time. If Satira is still at his side when the new moon comes, nothing will stop him from claiming her. Worse, she seems all too willing. If their passion unlocks the beast inside, no one will be safe. Not even the man they're fighting to save.

Warning: This book contains a crude, gun-slinging, vampire-hunting hero who howls at the full moon and a smart, stubborn heroine who invents mad-scientist weapons. Also included: wild frontier adventures, brothels, danger, betrayal and a good dose of wicked loving in an alternate Wild West.

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ARC Review: Merrick's Destiny by Moira Rogers

Merrick's Destiny

by Moria Rogers

Bloodhounds #1.5

First off, I have to mention the cover. Worst. Cover. Ever. I know, I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover...but really...that weird beard has to go! However, after getting over my fit of giggles after looking at the cover I did indeed ignore it and started to read.

Merrick is a Bloodhound, modified by scientists so that he is stronger, faster, heals quickly and can also change into a giant wolf. But despite his healing abilities he wakes with a case of short term memory loss with a smouldering aircraft a few feet away and a smouldering hot woman straddling his hips, a woman he realizes who is his mate, and a woman he has no recollection of.

I haven't read the first book in this series, and this one is a short story, so I am a little ignorant of the world building, but from what I read it sounds really interesting, vampires and ghouls slowly taking over with the Bloodhounds trying to stop them with a distinctly western historical vibe. I really liked this idea, but it wasn't explored very much in this book and the focus was on Paralee and Merrick and their escape from the Deadlands.

Despite being marooned in an undead infested country there weren't any obstacles in the way of Paralee and Merrick's getting together and they fell into bed quickly and passionately. This was great as the sex scenes were hot, but it always makes me chuckle that despite being in dire straits they managed to get some hanky panky in before having safe shelter.

A good taste of the Bloodhounds series one that has intrigued me to read more.

*ARC provided by author

Win an E-Reader with Moira Rogers: Trucker vs Outcast Throwdown!

TEAM TRUCKER OR TEAM OUTCAST?

The fantastic writing duo, Moira Rogers is celebrating the upcoming release of HAMMER DOWN, the second book in the Children of the Undying series. After having read the first book, DEMON BAIT (see review here), I just had to declare myself as TEAM OUTCAST!

There is just absolutely no competition. Humans versus half-demons? No hesitation.  Demons all the way baby! Here’s what TEAM OUTCAST has to offer:

Zel: A natural-born leader who is more beast than man. Check, got your intimidator.

Hailey: A hybrid with summoner blood which makes her the best psychic around.  She’s a powerful tool and a kickass girl to boot!

Lorenzo: Though he may be only be half-incubus, he still can rock the “Angel on the street, but a demon between the sheets” line.

Trip: A mastermind with the gadgets, Trip has the ability to hack into anything in this network dependent world. Sometimes the mind IS mightier than the sword.

Jai: Don’t be fool by him adjusting to the rules of man. He’s a demon through and through!

Think I’ve got it all wrong? Well then let me know in the comments. Don’t hold back. I can take it! I won't cry. In public. Or if you think I’m right, let me know how awesome I am!

Each comment enters you in a drawing to win an ereader of your choice! Remember to consult the list and hop on over the other blogs and comment there for more chances to win.

Let the battle begin!!!

This post is part of Moira Rogers’s Post-Apocalyptic Trucker vs Outcast Showdown. A comment on this post will enter you to win your choice of a NOOK Simple Touch, or a Kindle Touch or Kobo Touch with special offers. For rules, details on more ways to enter or information on how to pick your own side, visit the contest page at Moira Rogers’s website.

Review: Kisri by Moira Rogers

Kisri

by Moira Rogers

(And the Beast # 2)

Finding a woman in the midst of his army, Ennon has to deal with this situation. He is still supposed to be at war and leading his army. But most unexpected of all is the fact that this woman is a royal, one that throughout the years he's wanted but known was too high for him to reach.

He is now tasked with delivering her back to her family, after she has spent time fighting alongside soldiers. This lioness will put to the test his resolve during their journey.

Kisri knows once she goes back she will be forced or strongly encouraged to marry someone who will be the "appropriate" suitor for her. This time she has now with Ennon is the only time she might experience true desire for a man and be able to act on it.

As Ennon and Esri can't resist the attraction and pull that's there, he realizes she's more to him than just an occasional bed mate. She is his mate. And after mating her, he could never have another, will always feel her loss.

This story reminds me a lot of a fairytale in a way, I think that's my favorite part of reading this series. They are short stories, but with a great plot, with lots of romance, destined mates and hot sex. Could you really ask for more? 

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: Demon Bait by Moira Rogers

 

Demon Bait 

(Children of the Undying # 1)

by Moira Rogers

At the words “Demon Apocalypse” I knew I’d be interested in reading Moira Rogers’s first book in the Children of the Undying series. Marci is a summoner, a smart and independent woman who has gifts far beyond comprehension. Unfortunately, living in one of the underground cities, she is vulnerable and her powers are muted. But what other option does she have? It’s better than living topside.

Enter Gabe - a half-demon who has got some serious charm. When Gabe offers Marci the chance to see to her safety and escape to a settlement where she can no longer live in fear of being found out, Marci wonders if she can trust Gabe with her life.
And her heart.

I really enjoyed Marci’s character. She’s a smart techie and isn’t one to jump into things without careful deliberation. But even a smart gal like Marci can’t resist Gabe’s offer. She may be safe from demons but if she stays where she is, blending into the background, is she really living?

Gabe and Marci have chemistry that is combustible! Rogers does a great job of turning up the heat in slow degrees until Marci can’t help herself and she turns to butter. I don’t blame her.

Meanwhile, Gabe is great in that he gives Marci the ability to choose. He respects her, gives her time and doesn’t manipulate her into wanting what he wants. Instead, he allows her to choose her fate, picking a path she desires.

For a novella, the worldbuilding is pretty impressive. Already I’m itching for the next dose of this series. Even if you’re not into sci-fi all that much, there’s enough paranormal romance to keep you reading until the very last page.

*ARC provided by author

 

 

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Sabine by Moira Rogers

Sabine

by Moira Rogers

(...and the Beast # 1)

Paranormal Romance

This was my first exposure to Moira Rogers. I'll confess the covers are what attracted me to get it. I think they look so cool and sexy (yes, even though it's only a girl!). So, in the good sense of judging a book by its cover, and even though this is EXTREMELY short, it delivered a pretty good story.

Lets go back in time to kings, and courts, and wars. Ciar was Prince, and he was madly in love with Sabine, but she wasn't of royal blood, and his mom didn't approve of her. Ciar has to leave to go to play his role in the war and is gone for years, thinking he will return and make Sabine his mate.

Except he comes back to a castle where no one remembers who Sabine is. Using his instincts he tracks her to a rundown hut where she lives isolated to find that his mother had a witch put a spell on Sabine. Whoever she touches will forget about ever seeing her or knowing her.

This a story of true love and fighting to make it work. Even through the impossible. There's enough steam in it to keep it interesting but it served the story in every occassion. And what is more heartbreaking than the man you love to not know who you are.

I'm very curious to read Kisri next! 

Purchase from Amazon

Interview and Giveaway with Moira Rogers!

Under The Covers is happy to be participating in the 18 & Over Book Blogger Giveaway Hop from Sept 15 - 18.  This hop is hosted by Bitten by Paranormal Romance and Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Make sure you visit their site to hop on to other wonderful blogs during this event.  And now...

Moira Rogers is here at UTC! Everyone scream! Yup, we are all excited to have them here with us. In a time when paranormal is all the rage, Moira Rogers manages to make her books stand out of the pack! For more information on Moira Rogers, please visit their website here.


Let's get started, shall we? The anticipation is killing me! Your Southern Arcana series has shapeshifters, psychics and spell casters. What was the inspiration behind this series?

Bree: Honestly we wanted to take the bits of paranormal lore that interested us most and mix them up in a pressure cooker, where tensions were high between spell casters and shapeshifters, spell casters and psychics and even the shapeshifters who were born shifters and those who were turned.

Nick and Derek are a great couple who know they are destined to be together. How do you ensure that readers feel the chemistry between them?

Donna: Actually, the hardest part about their relationship was finding a way to convey that certainty to readers. Bree and I were so familiar with it, we just sort of took it for granted. Then we turned in our final manuscript to our editor and she basically told us to fix it. LOL We'd glossed over everything that showed them growing closer together. So we tried again, and were very careful to show those tiny moments where nothing really happened, per se, but they were still falling in love.

You have the best collection of covers! Which one is your personal favorite and do you have a say in what gets put on the cover of your books?

Bree: I think Deadlock is my favorite Southern Arcana cover. And we do get a fair bit of input. Our artists, our editor and Samhain have been really supportive of us in keeping a feel and theme for these covers. We want the Southern Arcana covers to look cohesive together, and I think they do!

What intrigues you about the paranormal enough to write about it?

Bree: Everything! I know that's not a very useful answer, but I love it all. I love the monsters, and the chance to part from human cultural norms and morality, and even the chance to explore themes like prejudice and sexism from an alien perspective.

What does a typical writing day look like for you?

Donna: I have two young children, so there is no typical day! Now that they're both in school, though, I've fallen into a bit more of a routine. I drive them to school, then call Bree on my way home so we can plan and strategize for the day. When I get home, I usually throw something into the CrockPot for dinner and then head to the corner of the kitchen that serves as my office to get to work.

Is there another genre out there that you wish you could try in the future?

Bree: Maybe psychological thrillers or suspense--but I'd still want the romance. Actually, if there's one thing I really want to try, it's writing in a serial format. But we haven't found a project and method that work for us with that yet.

Who is your favourite heroine ever? 

Bree: Hmmm. I think it's a toss up between Hope, from Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series, and Savitri from Meljean Brook's Guardian series. Though I love so many of the heroines that those two authors write that it can be hard for me to pick one.

Who is your favorite author and what is it about your work that resonates with you?
Donna: Stephen King will always be my favorite author. In a way, I think what he does with horror is the same thing we do with the paranormal--he tries to find the common and mundane in it, because that's the part that makes it believable and scary, the things people can recognize from their own lives.

What makes a perfect alpha male?

Bree: Honestly, I don't know! I see so many different definitions of "alpha male" that I am never sure what it means in a general context. If you mean a perfect alpha werewolf male, I think it's someone who takes responsibility for the safety of others very seriously, who puts the welfare of others before their own wants and needs, and who never abuses their strength and power out of selfishness or blind arrogance.

Paranormal is all the rage! How do you make sure your supernatural creatures stand out among the crowd?

Bree: My main goal is to try to make my supernatural creatures fully developed characters, whether they're the hero or heroine of a book, or will only be appearing for a few paragraphs or even a single line. I don't know if it works as a strategy, but it's the one I've got. :)

If your life was a TV show, what channel would it be on and who would be cast as you?

Bree: I don't know if they have a TV station mundane enough for my life, but I think only Tina Fey could truly capture my immense awkwardness.

Thanks for the interview!

Moira Rogers is graciously giving away the first three books in her Southern Arcana series! This includes Crux, Crossroads and Deadlock! Open to everyone! Good luck, guys!

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