From the New York Times bestselling author of the Night Huntress series comes a thrilling new look at the iconic origin story of Cat and Bones, as experienced by Bones…from the other half of the grave.
There are two sides to every story–and the sizzling British alpha vampire, Bones, has a lot to say…
Ever wondered what Bones was thinking and feeling when he and half-vampire Cat Crawfield first met? Or how their story might differ if he were the one telling it? Now, relive the beginning of Cat and Bones’ bestselling love story through Bones’ point of view, which reveals a darker, sexier take on their early days, as well as a deeper dive into Bones’ past, the vampire world, and other things that Cat didn’t see when their story was told only through her eyes in Halfway to the Grave.
Cat had her say. Now, it’s Bones’ turn.
Uncaged Review: Like everyone else in the paranormal romance world, we’ve all read the Night Huntress novels and when the author announced this book, it immediately went up on preorder. Most of this series is from Cat’s point of view (except for the offshoots), and the author gives us a treat with this re-write of the first book, Halfway to the Grave, this time in Bone’s point of view. And she gives us more background on Bones, and much more insight into his mind that we never had before. Even though it’s the same plot as the first book, it’s also a brand new book.
I think I liked this one better, and I’ll explain. The original series, just got better and better with each book. This one already has that accomplished and then some. If you’re a fan of this series, you will experience Bones so much more, and will make you fall in love with him all over again. I would definitely love to experience more of this world from Bone’s POV. Reviewed by Cyrene
Miss Gabriella Winston finds herself on the auction block, about to be sold into marriage. That is until a stunning stranger swoops in and saves her. He’s kind and handsome and her relief would be complete if he didn’t propose rules along with marriage…
He’ll need one heir and then they’ll go their separate ways.
It’s a tempting offer but no one in her life has ever really loved her. If she accepts, she’s giving up any hope of ever having her own happily ever after.
He’s broken inside…
The Viscount of Vanity has a secret. He spent his youth fighting a disease he was certain would consume him. Only by the most disciplined of behavior has he overcome his childhood illness, but not the heartache that came with it. No matter how tempting her beauty, he can’t allow his control to slip and fall in love with Gabriella. Losing his heart could mean risking his life. But when she is threatened by the very family that should love her, he can’t help but rush to her rescue. And the discipline that’s always kept his life in order, it’s slowly slipping away.
Uncaged Review: This is another classic from this series from this author. I have enjoyed this series and always look forward to reading more. This time out, Gabriella is being auctioned off to the highest bidder for marriage by an abusive father. The Viscount, Austin, pays a good sum and offers Gabriella a safe home and taken care of, all he requires is an heir.
Gabriella and Austin begin their journey, but Austin’s sickness as a child has him at a disadvantage, anything strenuous could make his breathing difficult and even cause his death.
This is a good story, with both love and danger – and found myself rooting for this couple. Austin is a stronger man than he realizes and he will realize that with the help of the love a woman like Gabriella. Reviewed by Cyrene
I really should’ve known better than to play around with that old book of spells…
How was I supposed to know that the incantations scrawled inside of it worked? That the first one I read would open a portal into a demon plane — or that the next one was an unbreakable vow to the seven foot tall shadow monster I unwittingly summoned into my bedroom?
He says his name is Malphas, that he’s something called a Sombra demon, and I’m his mate.
Monster, demon… whatever he is, his muscles are bigger than my head, and that club between his legs… I don’t know if mate means the same thing to him as it does me, but he’s gotta be kidding.
Spoiler alert: he’s not.
Mal has been waiting for more than a thousand years for the one woman meant for him. He’s convinced that’s me, and he’s willing to do anything to prove it. And maybe there’s something really wrong with me because, before long, I find myself eager to let him try…
* Mated to the Monster (~55,000 words) is the first in a monster romance series about the Sombra demons, a race of shadow-based monsters who will do anything to claim their females. Mal and Shannon might come from different worlds, but when it comes to fate, lust, and forever… they might just be a perfect match.
Uncaged Review: Shannon casts a spell from an old book, and ends up summoning her demon soul mate, much to her dismay. The author does a good job describing Malphas, and even getting the reader to believe he’s pretty hot. This is at times a fun book, and at times it isn’t. What’s good, is the original concept of a shadow demon, known as a Sombra, and the way he can move and become just shadows and become corporal. What’s not great is the main character of Shannon. I didn’t like her much until near the end of the book. She comes off as a snotty spoiled brat in the first part of the book, and only improves a little by the end. This does have some erotic scenes, so be aware that this is an adult only book, but it’s not as hard hitting as others I’ve read. Overall, the storyline was good and it was entertaining. Reviewed by Cyrene
One dead body. One century-old haunted opera house. One zombie musical. One pissed-off detective.
Will Violet “Spooky” Parker keep her tail out of trouble or will she end up as one of Deadwood’s walking dead?
Uncaged Review: This is a fun series and the fourth book in the series is as fun as the first three. There is an overall arc running throughout the series so far, and it will continue on, but this wasn’t a book with a cliffhanger, at least not the typical tear your hair out kind of cliffhangers. Violet is still trying to get Cornelius to finalize the hotel sale, she’s still hanging with Doc, she’s getting in trouble with Cooper, her new boss wants to use her in an ad campaign, she is still encountering creepy things and ghosts and she’s still on the outs with Natalie.
A lot of things are answered in this book, and a lot more questions are popping up. The humor and snark is back in force, and it’s a fun way to spend some time. This book didn’t slow down and the action scene at the end was creepy and nail biting. Easily recommended series. Reviewed by Cyrene
Everything in the Darkfell Clan world puts you at risk. From the twisted king determined to kill me, to the demonic revenants hunting me down, it seems everyone wants me dead.
Lucky for me I’ve found powerful allies—a sexy warrior with a heart of gold, an arrogant trickster who’s as good with a knife as he is with words, and a reclusive ancient whose wounds run too deep to heal.
Our love makes us strong, but it could become the lever that breaks us apart.
I didn’t want a war, but when Viktor takes something that’s mine, he needs to learn the truth.
I’ll kill to save the ones I love.
New Orleans is about to become very bloody.
Uncaged Review: The second book of this series really ratches up the tension and secrets. Some things are answered as Seraphina begins to come into her powers. Learning more of who she is, and becoming stronger with her allies. There is a lot of danger, action and hard hitting sex scenes – enough to keep you flipping pages quickly. There isn’t any filler characters here, every one has a purpose to propel the story forward. There is not a lot of wasted pages in this book. Luther and Cyrus are in great form, and Deston is the vampire that the reader falls for. The romance is spot on, and in this addition to the series, you find out more background of the clans and Seraphina’s history. This is the book that ties the first one and the series together. Can’t wait to start the next one. Reviewed by Cyrene
The thrilling final installment of Chloe Neill’s New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series sees sinister sorcery advancing across Chicago, and it might usher in the fall of Cadogan House….
Since the night of her brutal attack and unwilling transformation into a vampire, Merit has stood as Sentinel and protector of Chicago’s Cadogan House. She’s saved the Windy City from the forces of darkness time and again with her liege and lover, Ethan Sullivan, by her side.
When the House is infiltrated and Merit is attacked by a vampire who seems to be under the sway of dark magic, Merit and Ethan realize the danger is closer than they could have imagined. As malign sorcery spreads throughout the city, Merit must go to war against supernatural powers beyond her comprehension. It is her last chance to save everything—and everyone—she loves.
Uncaged Review: The final book in this series goes out with a bittersweet bang. Bittersweet that this is the ending the main group of Chicagoland supernaturals that has kept me mesmerized for 13 books. I do realize that there is a spin-off ongoing, and Cadogan House remains, but not having Merit, Ethan and Mallory front and center is still a sad pill to swallow, even though the series is wrapped up nicely here.
Sorcha is back, and it take everyone in the supernatural community to bring her down before she completely destroys the city, and she is demanding Merit and Mallory as sacrifices. But we all know neither of these two will ever go down easily, and it’s time for a show down, once and for all.
This book moves at an incredible pace, with plenty of action, suspense and some romance sprinkled in. This is a top series for me, and I recommend anyone start from the beginning, and buckle up, it’s been a fun ride. Reviewed by Cyrene
The only way for darkness to thrive is to destroy the light…
Sabine owes her life to the two demon brothers who helped keep her hidden from the fae for the past ten years.
When she learns Dax has been forced back to the Underworld to stand trial for his treasonous crimes, Sabine races to their volcanic home to save him. What she discovers is a long-hidden truth that will shape the future of their world, or potentially destroy it.
Only an ancient weapon of power can shatter the portal’s bindings…
The demons secretly recognize Sabine as the true queen of the Unseelie, and they’re determined to keep her for their own purposes. With her magic, they can escape the Underworld and declare vengeance on those who oppose them.
But first, they must destroy all her ties to the light, including the man she loves.
Uncaged Review: The fourth book in this series has Sabine and her companions having to venture into the Underworld for the next artifact. This is their most perilous adventure yet and their time is up, and will have to go because the King of the Underworld is Bane and Dax’s father, Kal’thorz – with Dax going to have to face trial and probable execution. Sabine will need an alliance with the demons, to be able to go up against her father, and to do so, she’ll have to fight with more than what she has to get in and out alive with all her companions.
You learn more and get a lot more answers in this book from lingering questions. The author does a fantastic job keeping this intricate storyline moving along at a reckless pace and still delivering a well thought out world and storyline. The main story arc continues, but it doesn’t leave the reader on a cliffhanger. Admirable job by the author keeping this story and series as good as the last book, if not better. Reviewed by Cyrene
Welcome to Uncaged! You are releasing Unbranded, which is a spin-off of the Montana Bound series, which I personally loved. Can you tell readers more about the book?
In my Montana Bound series, Chloe McIntyre was the feisty seven-year-old that lived next door to main character, middle aged Maggie Abernathy. Chloe befriended Maggie, and the two created a forever-bond.
Fast forward to Unbranded, book 1 of my new Montana Bred series. Chloe McIntyre is now twenty-six, devoted to the family business, and independent. She’s determined to become the co-CEO of her grandfather’s Montana ranch, but her father isn’t ready to become partners—yet.
Jaded memories of her parents’ shotgun wedding gone wrong cloud her attraction for best friend Matt Cooper when she discovers she’s pregnant—with his baby. Chloe believes raising a child isn’t in her genes, and she doesn’t expect a marriage proposal. She keeps her condition a secret to hold her position on the ranch and continue what she does best: wrangling strays and working alongside hired hands.
After her father announces his first choice for co-CEO, a wild ride jeopardizes the pregnancy, and Chloe questions life choices. Will the cowgirl grit she has inherited from her grandmother be enough to rein in her disappointment, or will she walk away from everything that could flourish into love?
This book embraces the idea that we don’t always get what we want, but sometimes, what we need will take us further in life and love if we let it.
How many books are you planning on for the series?
I have three books planned. Book two, Reunion is in the editing phase and book three, Showdown is drafted. As I write, more plot lines and stories centered around supporting characters are developing. We’ll see what happens.
What is the most difficult scene for you to write? What is the easiest?
The scenes that come easiest are the exchanges between Chloe and Trout. Trout is the foreman of the McIntyre 617 Ranch and has known Chloe all her life. Trout has a special place in his heart for Chloe, and Chloe adores Trout. Their banter is quick-witted, honest, and encompasses life lessons.
Writing about Chloe’s grandfather’s passing was difficult even though he has been gone for two years. Writing out a character I’ve become attached to is hard. I included a memorial on the ridge overlooking the ranch to emphasize his character and importance.
Read the rest of the interview in the issue below
Linda’s inspiration comes from her favorite authors and life itself. Her character-driven stories integrate humor found in everyday situations, family drama, and forever love. Her distinct voice creates memorable journeys and emotion.
Linda’s been a finalist in the Booksellers Best Contest and Romance Reviews Readers’ Choice Awards. Linda lives in Michigan with her artist husband, sons, and rescue dog. Linda loves art, animals, and stories with hope and heart.
Threatened by the unexpected, a devoted rancher refuses to compromise her ambition or her legacy.
CHLOE MCINTYRE is determined to become the co-CEO of her grandfather’s Montana ranch, but her father isn’t ready to become partners—yet.
Jaded memories of her parents’ shotgun wedding gone wrong cloud her attraction for best friend Matt Cooper when she discovers she’s pregnant—with his baby. Chloe believes raising a child isn’t in her genes, and she doesn’t expect a marriage proposal. She keeps her condition a secret to hold her position on the ranch and continue what she does best: wrangling strays and working alongside hired hands.
After her father announces his first choice for co-CEO, a wild ride jeopardizes the pregnancy, and Chloe questions life choices. Will the cowgirl grit she has inherited from her grandmother be enough to rein in her disappointment, or will she walk away from everything that could flourish into love?
Excerpt
Chapter 1
I peed on the stick and said a prayer.
I wasn’t sure which stirred the queasy flutter in my belly, the fact I could be pregnant or the fact I’d have to own the responsibility. Matt and I weren’t ready for an addition. We’d been friends since college. We never talked about marriage, and I liked it that way.
My toe-tapping didn’t speed up the process. I wiped my sweaty palms on my jeans. The stopwatch on my phone ticked like the stride of a sloth. I wrapped the pregnancy test in tissue, tucked it beneath the washcloths in the vanity drawer, peeked into the hallway, then decided to go downstairs to the kitchen. I stuck my head in the refrigerator. The blast of air cooled my brow. My stomach rolled over.
My relationship with Matt wouldn’t ever be the same.
I grabbed a bottle of water, shut the door, and twisted the top off. The plastic container crackled. With an eye on the clock, I drummed my fingertips on the counter. The granite was cold, unforgiving. I peered out the picture window. Maggie and Dad were nowhere in sight. The midday sun lit the majestic Montana landscape. Dad had brought me here to live on his parents’ 617 Ranch when I was eight—6/17, my grandparents’ wedding date.
“I miss you, Grandpa,” I whispered to his spirit and pictured him, the way he looked when I came here eighteen years ago. I wiped away brimming tears, turned on a heel, hurried back to the bathroom, and locked the world out.
I never knew my grandma, Ida May, and I wished I had. I’d seen her in old photographs and always wondered what part of me was like her. If any. And did she watch over me with my granddad? My hands shook as I read the results on the white plastic stick. My vision blurred. There was no mistake about the outcome. I leaned against the counter and glanced in the mirror. I didn’t feel twenty-six and pregnant.
The knock at the door jarred me. I took a deep breath, wrapped the evidence in toilet paper, then buried it beneath the existing trash.
“Chloe, are you in there?”
I turned on the water, washed my hands, and took a seat on the toilet to search the far crevices of my mind for an answer. Every problem had a solution. All I had to do was find it. Maggie called my name, again. My heart raced.
“Just a second.” I pounded my fists into my thighs. The hangnail on my pointer finger caught in the fray of my blue jeans, and I bit my lip.
“Chloe? I could use your help.” She paused. “Chloe,” Maggie’s voice was muffled through the heavy door.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.” I dried my damp cheeks, stood, shook out my legs, and inspected myself in the mirror. My wavy, dishwater blond hair framed my flushed cheeks. The silver necklace I wore flickered in the light.
“I’m coming.” I steadied my hand and reached for the doorknob.
Maggie stood in the hallway, leaning against the railing. Her lips pinched when our gazes met. I hoped I could hide my secret behind a smile. “What’s going on?” She stepped closer, the corners of her eyes her lined with concern. She was beautiful as ever, perhaps even more beautiful than when I first met her. Her slender fingers pushed strands of hair from my face.
Maggie tucked her long, strawberry blond hair behind her ears. I didn’t think she’d ever go gray. I desperately wanted to ask her how it felt to carry a child.
“What’s wrong, Chloe?”
My shoulders fell forward. What was I going to do with a baby? Maggie stroked my hair.
“Chloe, what’s wrong?”
I had no words. Maggie held my hands in hers. The flecks of gold in her green irises shimmered like an Irish field as the light streamed through the window at the end of the hallway.
“It’s nothing.”
“You’re obviously upset. You’re shaking.”
“Matt and I had an argument.” I lowered my gaze at this lie.
“About what?”
Maggie examined me through narrow slits. Hopefully, she wouldn’t go all Maggie on me. That’s what Dad called it when she sensed something was off. As amusing as I thought it was when she turned the tides on him, I didn’t want to be in the undertow should she suspect a fissure in my world. She had the nose of a hound when it came to pretense. I suspected she acquired this inherent sense before retiring from her elementary teaching career.
Welcome to Uncaged! Your latest book, Out Like a Dragon is the seventh book in a series. Can you tell readers more about the book and this series?
The Chimera Chronicles is a paranormal romance series featuring seven chimera-shifting brothers separated as young children to hide them from their enemies. The youngest brothers don’t even remember they are shifters. Chimeras in my world can shift into three other forms. They can be a lion, a dragon, or a blend of the two. One form, either the lion or the dragon is usually dominant. In each book, one brother must find his fated mate before he goes feral and his animal side subsumes the human. This final book is about Caleb. He is a former Coast Guard Officer who was captured after going feral. His captors have a drug that keeps him human for a short time and they use him as a hired killer. Mika, the heroine, works for the Ethereal Council, a group of Supernatural creatures who enforce the world of shifters, vampires, and every mythical being that exists in the world of the Chimera Chronicles. She is an enforcer. It’s her job to track him down.
What are you working on now that you can tell us about?
I’m starting a s spin off series with three sisters. I love stories about families, in case you couldn’t tell. This will be another mythical shifter species. The hero is John, the best friend of Kyle, the oldest Chimera Brother. John is a half-demon (demons can be good or bad in my world). My heroine also is in the Chimera Chronicles. She’s in the same boat as Caleb, she’s gone feral and John uses the same drug the bad guys used on Caleb to bring her back and discovers she’s his mate. Unfortunately, being lost in her animal form for so long, she doesn’t remember who she is. In the midst of this, the Ethereal Council is choosing a new mythical-shapeshifter representative. While, the candidates are gathered there’s a murder. So John and his mate’s story will take place in the setting of this mystery.
What is the most difficult scene for you to write? What is the easiest?
The black moment scene is always the hardest to write. I want the reader to be completely immersed in the scene and feel the emotion the characters are feeling. I tend to second guess myself at this point and writing slows down to a crawl. I think the easiest scene is the first meet scene because usually I have had it in my head since before I started the book, so it’s had a lot of time to percolate.
Read the rest of the interview in the issue below.
As an avid reader who read every book in the kids’ section of the library and moved on to Harlequin Presents at age eleven, Karin Shah spends a lot of time reading. Some (everyone) might say too much. Every book she writes, she writes for herself as a reader. She enjoy novels that make her smile even though it seems the happy ending is almost beyond reach. At the end of a book, she wants to feel satisfied, not worried, so she doesn’t do cliff-hangers. All her novels work as stand alones, but her series are best enjoyed in order. She tries very hard to write the fun, emotionally satisfying Romances she adores and make each one better than the last.
She lives in Rochester, NY with her husband, two children, a girl and a boy, and three dogs, a vizsla and two basenjis. Along with reading, she enjoys anime and manga, and is trying her best to start running, but seems to do most of that between the couch and the bathroom. She admits to being a little flaky, having gone to get her teenage daughter at school once when all of a sudden she remembered her daughter had stayed home from school that day. Karin has been known to get so deeply into writing, reading or whatever that a brass band could march through and she’d never notice. Her dogs and children use this tendency to get away with bloody murder.
She loves to hear from readers–please visit her at any of her social media sites and tell her what you think.
Seven powerful shifter brothers torn apart as children, must find their fated mates and each other, before they go feral or their enemies hunt them down… Mika Satoru doesn’t need anyone. She’s always been glad she’s not a shifter, a mate would only slow her down. She’s a Satori, a supernatural being with telepathic abilities, and an Ethereal Council enforcer. She’s faster, stronger, smarter, and works harder than her colleagues. Being Deaf is just part of who she is. For the past year or more, she’s been tracking a mysterious killer. The last thing she wants is to be taken off the case to search for a possibly feral chimera shifter. Caleb is feral. His humanity has surrendered to his dragon side, but he’s a dragon on a leash. The Scorpius Corporation has a serum that keeps him human long enough to kill anyone who threatens their bottom line. Fortunately, until recently, that’s been weapons dealers with bloody hands themselves. Now Scorpius is gone, but his handler, Eris, still holds his leash. She has a job for him, assassinate a member of the Ethereal Council. When Caleb meets Mika, the fight is on — literally, but circumstances soon force them together. On the run from the Council Enforcers, Eris, and the police, Caleb and Mika must work to uncover the moles and find more serum before Eris carries out her mission. A talisman aids them in their task, but it has a mind of its own and they never know where they’ll end up. Worse, before the serum wears off completely, Caleb has the impulse control of a kindergartener and Mika shouldn’t find that adorable. Nor should every touch kindle the desire to kiss him. She doesn’t need a mate —but maybe she wants one.
Excerpt
Mika threw open the fallout shelter door as wide as it would go, which wasn’t a complete arc. The massive hinges must have settled over the years or the floor rose because the base wedged to a halt at about a 70 degree angle. She scanned the shadows inside.
There were no lights in here and she didn’t see another camera. The light bleeding through the window illuminated stacks of dusty plywood, two by fours and the like, lined up against the walls. An old folding chair lay open on it’s side in the middle of the floor. A push cart stood next to it. The room appeared empty, but that pull in her chest grew. She had to step forward to clear the area obscured by the door.
She’d already passed the threshold when Anand said, Wait.
But it was too late. The door slammed shut, leaving her cut off from the Maras and her team. The floor vibrated under her boots. Something being shoved. Mika tracked the object to its destination blocking the door. Her heart thumped like a taiko drum at a festival. The stale air felt as thick as sludge, needing extra force to be inhaled.
She spun to confront the threat, but despite the small window, most of the room was now masked in shadow. Her eyes were no longer adjusted to the dark which made it even harder to see. She raised her weapon toward the darker blob she could detect. Her eyes were re-adjusting and she scrutinized the edges of the shape. Dragon? No.
The thing took up a large space, but not that big. It was a very tall man. Twin golden circles reflected the light. Chimera eyes. Caleb.
Air pushed into her lungs. She lifted her weapon to aim at center mass. “Don’t move,” she commanded. He didn’t listen. He came closer. She should shoot him. Wouldn’t have hesitated before, but something stayed Mika’s hand. She tried to press back against the door. Something hit the back of her legs. It felt like the pile of materials she’d seen against the wall. This must be what had been shoved.
Her pulse raced. He’d trapped her in here with him.
Her eyes adapted further to the light from the door and she saw past the glowing eye shine for the first time.
Her breath snagged painfully in her chest. The floor did a weird dip. There was no disguising the wild beauty of a Mara in human form. The diamond cut symmetry of his face echoed Ky’s. But whereas her admiration of Ky’s looks was purely academic, the sight of this face did something weird to her heart. It fluttered.
She almost shook her head at the thought. Hearts didn’t flutter.
Fear had driven it into a faster rhythm. She confused attraction with panic. Anger cleared her head. This is hardly the time for self-reflection.
Book One in the From Kona with Love series depicting multicultural romance, love, loss, and redemption woven into a family saga set in the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Though connected, each installment can be read as a standalone.
After Andrea “Andie” Matthews chooses her career over a marriage proposal and then loses a promotion she worked so hard for, she jumps at the chance to take a break and help run a friend’s coffee shop.
Alone in Hawaii, Andie befriends the staff and quickly grows to care for them, making her determined to revive the company.
As luck would have it, she meets the mysterious Warren Yates on Christmas Eve. They share a cup of coffee, some conversation, and even a moment, which leads to many more in the coming weeks.
But when Andie learns who Warren really is—and what he actually wants—she is torn between her feelings and his deception.
Will Warren be able to win her heart back?
Uncaged Review: This is the first novel in a series, and told in a way that makes me want to escape to Hawaii. The authors do a great job describing this island paradise to the point where you feel like you are there with them. The characters are well flushed out and likeable, and the romance is sweet and irresistible.
Andie makes her way to her best friend’s coffee shop in Hawaii to run it while her friend takes a trip to be with her fiancé in France. Marketing is Andie’s specialty, so she puts her heart and soul into helping the coffee shop turn a profit. Along the way, she meets a man named Warren, who she slowly gets to know on weekly fun outings and you watch the love develop. Unfortunately, there is always something thrown in the way of love stories, and this one is no different. But it ends on a great happily ever after and a satisfying end. I’m glad I read the book now, and am looking forward to the movie that this is going to be turned into in the near future. I’m hoping Mr. Polaha will have a starring role. Reviewed by Cyrene
