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RELEASE BLITZ ~ Waking The Bear by Kerry Adrienne
WAKING THE BEAR by Kerry Adrienne
A shifter war is brewing and Griff must decide between the clan he has to protect and the woman destined to be his mate. WAKING THE BEAR is a tale where passion and danger lurk in the heart of the forest. This novel is perfect for fans of The Bear King’s Captive by Milly Taiden and Reinike by Becca Fanning.
Praise for Waking the Bear:
“Waking the Bear is a quick shifter read that will have you coming back for more from this author, I know I will.”
Night Owl Reads
I’m rating Waking the Bear a 5 out of 5 stars.”
Reviews by a Thrifty Mom
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Title: Waking the Bear
Series: Shifter Wars
Author: Kerry Adrienne
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: August 1, 2016*
Publisher: Carina Press
Synopsis:
Sexy shifter passion is awakened when two unlikely lovers are challenged by secrets, danger and an unstoppable need to claim one’s mate…
For human Amy Francis, the secluded cabin in Deep Creek is the haven she needs to map out a fresh new start. She never expected her heart to be reawakened by a distraction like Griff Martin, commanding yet gentle, too ferociously sensual to ignore. It’s clear that patrolling the forest is more than a job to Griff—it’s a means of survival. But what Amy doesn’t realize is she’s reawakened the beast within him.
Griff’s dormant hunger is stirred by this intoxicating woman…and threatened by the secret she must never learn. Duty-bound to defend his bear clan against an avenging pride of lion shifters, Griff’s entire world is upended when he meets Amy. His animal need to claim his mate has taken hold, but that very desire could seal her fate as an unwitting pawn in battle.
Now, as a shifter war looms, Griff must decide between letting Amy go or following his most carnal instincts. To have her would change his life…but risk everything he knows and was born to protect.
*Previously published, newly revised by author
Order Now: Amazon | Carina Press | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | ARe
Excerpt from WAKING THE BEAR:
“Griff, this is Amy Francis, your new tenant.” Jill rushed over to Amy and took her by the elbow to lead her to the small kitchenette table. “I’ve already done the background check and credit check, and she’s prepared to pay two months up front. Just gotta sign the papers.”
As Amy passed the ranger he peered down at her, his hazel eyes locking on to her, examining. Warm, and soul-deep, they stared. Not judging or comparing, he truly seemed to be studying her without any pretense. She gazed back, her mouth partly open, her heart rate accelerating from being so close she could smell his woodsy scent. He wore a full beard, the kind of scraggly brown mess of wiry hair usually reserved for reality TV. His hair matched, curling to his shoulders in a tangle of waves.
Something about his eyes warmed her to her core.
“Nice to meet you, Ms. Francis,” his deep voice almost growled. He set her scarf on the table.
What had he been doing with her scarf? She’d left it on the table. She grabbed it then wrapped it around her neck, hoping to conceal her flush. “Nice to meet you, too.”
She was instantly at ease with him, despite his gruff appearance and her body’s reaction to his maleness. He had that Grizzly Adams kind of comfort in his posture. Big, but safe. Trustworthy. At ease with himself and his environment. The kind of guy that made you feel like everything was going to be okay.
Not the kind of guy she was used to being around.
“Glad you find my cabin to your satisfaction.” He continued to stare, but it wasn’t threatening, it was curious.
“It’s a lovely place, and the view is amazing, but you know that. Exactly what I was looking for, though. So thank you for agreeing to rent it to me.” She could tell she was babbling but her mouth wouldn’t stop. Something about the sexy ranger made her slap happy. She squeezed her scarf, trying to keep quiet and slow her thoughts down. Amy time. Amy time. Not looking for a man. Shouldn’t even be looking at a man, especially not a man like this. Whew, is it hot in here? She fanned herself.
“I have some questions.” He eyed her for a few seconds before continuing, his gaze cutting into her. “This is my family’s cabin and it’s very special to me. I don’t rent to just anyone that shows up. Even someone Jill has picked and background checked.” He nodded toward Jill. “Even though I’ve known her a long time.”
“Her background check was clear.” Jill nodded.
“I hope you’ll consider me.” Amy shuffled her feet. Her heart thudded and her palms dampened. She hadn’t considered that he might not rent to her. If he didn’t, she’d have to stay in a hotel till she found another place, and that wouldn’t be easy.
He ran his fingertips across the chairback and paused before speaking. “This cabin is a special place to me.”
She followed his fingers, watching them slide across the smooth wood. “I can see how it would be.” Her mouth went dry. His long fingers and large hands exuded the same power his height did. No wonder Jill seemed to have a crush on him. Who wouldn’t? She cleared her throat. “What questions do you have? I’m prepaying.”
“I’ve got the contract,” Jill interjected. “Ready to go.”
“No, it’s not that.” He ran his fingers through his beard. “I need to know how you’ll use the cabin.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t damage anything. I’m an artist and I draw and paint landscapes and florals. Mostly watercolor, and almost always outdoors. That’s why I thought about coming to the mountains of New York. It’s so beautiful here.” Damn, she was still babbling. What was it about the big man that both put her off guard and comforted her at the same time? Her body hummed with excitement being in his presence and she’d left her cool in the cabin bedroom. She had to get control. She was in New York to get away from people, not meet new ones. Especially not sexy new ones.
He had facial hair and she had a rule. No facial hair. That was simple enough, right? No facial hair meant zero facial hair. Well, except eyebrows. She’d dated a guy in college who shaved off his eyebrows as part of his Goth sensibilities. Best guy ever at quoting Whitman. No facial hair except eyebrows had been a rule since that guy was out of her life.
“I see. Well, I’m glad to hear you aren’t painting with harsh chemicals.” He yawned and rubbed his eyes. He gripped the back of the kitchen chair and scooted it across the wooden floor to its place under the table. “Sorry. I’m having a hard time staying awake.”
“Sorry.” Her face heated again. “I’m trying to tell you how lovely I think this area is, especially compared to the city.”
“The mountains are picturesque, especially in springtime. I think you’ll be an ideal tenant, long as you can follow the rules.”
His gaze lingered, and she crossed her arms over her chest. “Th-thank you,” she stammered at his close inspection. “I can follow the rules.” The landlord won’t be too bad to look at, either. Not a bonus I was expecting. Looking is okay.
“One thing you need to know. Take it to heart, please. The mountains are very dangerous. Especially if you don’t know what you’re doing or where you’re going. You don’t want to go traipsing around these trails by yourself. You could get lost pretty easily and it could be days before someone finds you. There are things—”
“I don’t think you need to worry about Ms. Francis,” Jill spoke up. “She’ll be fine.” She fiddled with her notebook, flipping pages quickly. “She’s from Atlanta.”
Griff reared up to his full height and stared at the Realtor. “This is not Atlanta.”
BLP REVIEW – Tracy
Aahhhh, my fave genre….. PNR!!!
Waking the Bear was a good read. The first book in the Shifter Wars series nicely introduced and set up the storyline for what is sure to be one helluva battle between the Deep Creek bears and the Sen Pal lions.
I really liked Griff, yeah he was a real alpha male but he was a good guy, cared about the forest and the bears in his clan and knew pretty much from the get go that Amy was his fated mate but given everything that was going on in and around Deep Creek and the Caves of Whispers I could totally understand why he felt he had to pull himself back from thinking about a future with her.
Amy, looking to have some ‘me time’ for a couple of months having ended a horrible relationship with an overly possessive and controlling guy ends up renting a cabin from Griff in the Deep Creek National Park .
I liked that Amy was cautious about starting anything serious with Griff. She hadn’t been single for long at all and, even though she could fell the intense draw between them, she wasn’t sure where she would be in 2 months. The last thing she feels she needs is to get involved with her overprotective landlord – gods help her when she finds out that she’s actually his mate!!!
With a real nasty villain holding onto a deep seated grudge, some action and drama with a few twist and a whole lot of heat, Waking the Bear was an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series from Kerry Adrienne.
I rate WtB 3.75*
Other Books By Kerry Adrienne:
Storm Damaged:
In a world where humans don’t know mermaids exist, Mari leaves her home in the ocean to escape her mother, her betrothed, and her tribe’s expectations in order to make a go of independence on land. Chase, former Navy diver and self-appointed curmudgeon-who-isn’t-worthy-of-love, lost his brother in a freak diving accident and now fears the ocean he once loved.
Mari’s a mermaid with a plan. She has to get the sexy bartender, Chase, to remain on the island so she can get him into her bed. Trouble is, he’s afraid of the water and there’s a hurricane coming. But with Mari’s betrothed on the rampage over a centuries-old vendetta, the storm isn’t the worst thing they’ll have to face.
Storm Damaged is available now: Amazon | Kobo | ARe
The Wolf and the Butterfly:
Nika, the pack’s newest scout, wants nothing more than to please his Alpha. When he discovers a beautiful, and very sick, stranger in the woods outside Los Lobos, he finds himself torn between his duty and his hormones. The stranger carries a deadly wolf virus—one that hasn’t been seen in the Black Hills in ages.
Kimi, a Lakota Sioux, is dying. She’s transported herself forward in time, hoping to find the cure to the illness that’s stricken her tribe. Her only chance for survival is to trust Nika, even if she’s not used to having help.
To find the cure and save the pack, Nika and Kimi must travel to a time long ago—before the Lakota populated the Black Hills—a time filled with dangers neither can imagine. Their growing attraction may save them, or kill them both.
The Wolf and the Butterfly is available now: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | ARe
About Kerry Adrienne:
Repped by the fabulous Marisa Corvisiero with the Corvisiero Literary Agency.
Kerry loves history and spends large amounts of time wondering about people who lived and walked on Earth in the past. She’s a mom to three daughters, six cats, and various small animals. Her husband says she’s a marketer’s dream, as she often believes everything she hears—at least initially. Her shoe horde will attest to her fine shopping skills.
In addition to writing, Kerry loves to sew (costumes and cosplay, especially), draw, paint, make chainmail, and play guitar.
Her new love is her Mini Cooper Convertible, Sheldon, and they have already gone on many adventures. They travel to as many concerts as they can–especially Green Day and Marilyn Manson.
You can visit her much-neglected costuming blog here: Maybe she’ll have time to update it soon.
Connect with Kerry: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon
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NEW RELEASE BLAST ~ Destiny’s Choice by Victoria Saccenti
NOW LIVE !!!
No one evades Fate. Especially when the escape route is cracked and full of holes.
As a naïve young woman, Marité Muro nearly drowned in a maelstrom of confusing emotions stirred by two very different men. One whose tortured soul tugged at her heart, another whose scorching touch made her innocent body want…more.
Four years in a Spanish prep school gave her time to gain perspective, and now she’s come home to Florida knowing what she wants. The one man she’s never been able to forget, and she’s ready to prove their age difference is no obstacle.
Vietnam left scars on Brian MacKay, some visible, some invisible—and infinitely more dangerous. His war buddy’s sister-in-law has ripened into a tempting, irresistible woman, but she is forbidden fruit. Yet she challenges his resolve until, in a moment of weakness, his demons slip free.
Marité isn’t sure why the man who held her closer than skin is suddenly holding her at arm’s length, but she isn’t afraid to fight for him. Even when someone returns from the past who could destroy everything. Her home. Her family. And Brian’s love.
EXCERPT:
December 1969
You’re late…you’re late. Where the heck are you? Out of the corner of her eye, Marité Muro scanned the hallway of the chapel. To her mounting frustration, several attendees standing next to a column blocked her view. She could stare forever and accomplish nothing. Neither the people nor the column would move out of her way. Reality does stink. She didn’t have X-ray vision or mental superpowers like the superheroes in her favorite comics and fantasy novels. Her human anatomy had its limitations, and just to reinforce that concept, a painful stab attacked her temples as a multitude of sparks filled her vision. Half-blind, she tangled the tip of her elegant new shoe with the footed base of a nearby massive candleholder, and she nearly flew forward. Mumbling a curse that would’ve shocked her mother, Marité froze in place, waiting for her vision to clear.
Thanks to the futile search, she’d almost made a fool of herself in front of everyone and, worse, had missed key aspects of a ritual she didn’t know well. She should be following the ceremony. Any minute, the spotlight and all eyes would be on her, which meant ignoring the stupid voice that wouldn’t stop nagging in her mind. The incessant taunts had begun as soon as she took her place by the baptismal font: Go ahead. Turn around. Check the crowd, silly girl. How else will you know? Well, screw the voice. She had an important role and should appear focused on the celebration—same as Brian, her partner in the ceremony—or at least pretend.
Still, she couldn’t stop thinking of Michael. Why aren’t you here?
How about a little peek? the voice insisted. Shifting her gaze to the left hallway, she tried again, seeking a body, a shadow, some movement, anything that might indicate her cousin’s arrival. Nope. Nothing. Zip.
You’re going to ruin it if you don’t show up. How could he miss the triple christening when it meant so much to everyone? The entire family had flown in from the Old Country, not to mention friends from all over. Forget the relatives, she had dreamed about this occasion for weeks, had bought this pink chiffon dress and complementary shoes, hoping to regain his attention. She wanted him to see her among adults, doing adult things like a young lady. Maybe then she’d impress the indifference out of him and the uncomfortable disaffection would end. Not so long ago, he would’ve insisted on driving her. He would’ve been full of advice on the ride over. He used to be so protective and supportive, so affectionate, but lately—
The clinking sound of the swaying censer and Father O’Leary’s voice grew louder. He’d moved from infant to infant, performing the sacramental rite: dabbing bits of salt in their mouths, sprinkling the tiny foreheads with holy water, and lastly anointing them with chrism. And now it was Rebecca’s turn, the gorgeous child cradled in her arms. Marité glanced at the beaming parents standing off to her right, Raquel and Matthew Buchanan, her sister and brother-in-law. Dismissing her earlier preoccupation, Marité sent a silent prayer on their behalf for a life full of well-deserved happiness. They’d struggled enough.
Father O’Leary recited the questions to the godparents, and Marité answered in unrehearsed unison with Brian. The sound of his deep voice, full of emotion and self-assured, rang in her ears as spirals of thick church incense wafted around her with its heady scent. A dreamy feeling overcame Marité. Each I do response seemed to roll out of Brian’s lips in slow motion. The words echoed throughout the room, then ricocheted inside her mind in giant swells. A sense of déjà vu transported her to a distant time in a faraway chamber, richly ornate and full of golden lights, nowhere she knew or had seen before… The experience didn’t last; it ended with the last question but left her shivering. She looked Brian’s way.
“Brian?”
He leaned forward. “Lil’ godmother?”
“Forget it. It’s nothing,” she said quickly. Whatever she’d seen, Brian obviously had not. No point in pursuing it further.
Brian MacKay, Matthew’s best friend and ex-war buddy, was the happiest person she’d ever known in all of her fifteen years. His smile could brighten the gloomiest day. In these days of the Vietnam War, men who survived the jungle came home either physically damaged or with broken spirits, sometimes both. Not Brian. His cheerful disposition had carried him through exhausting physical therapy sessions—she’d heard Raquel and Matthew talk—and conquered his wounds. She watched in awed respect as he moved or walked about, displaying his faltering step like a badge of honor and the ever-present cane like a scepter.
Despite the seven-year gap between them, Brian didn’t condescend to her. He treated her as an equal, and she liked that quality best. When she learned Brian had agreed to become Rebecca’s godfather, she’d been overjoyed and honored. The sacrament would not only bind them to the child but to each other, as compadres in a very special lifelong relationship, almost like parents. Her thoughts pivoted to her absent cousin…and yep, she was back to where she’d started.
“What is it?” Brian nudged her arm. “That frown’s ruining your purdy face.”
Marité knew he’d tried to keep his voice down but was also certain folks in the last row heard him. “Shhh,” she whispered, and, suppressing a rising giggle, she bumped him with her shoulder.
Brian jerked up to his full height, snapping two fingers in mock salute. “Yes, ma’am.”
Rebecca must have found their exchange entertaining, because she decided to join the fun. Her rosebud lips puckered, releasing a loud half-raspberry, half-spit bubble.
“Not very ladylike,” Marité murmured. Brian snickered, and the priest shot them both a warning glare.
Her sister, Raquel, heard the sound and flicked a signal to Matthew. As a lighted taper was presented to Marité and Brian, Matthew retrieved Rebecca in exchange, rescuing everyone from the priest’s displeasure. With little Rebecca’s explorations in sound effects successfully silenced, Father O’Leary nodded, and the baptism proceeded in its ordered sequence.
Boom! The sound of a kneeler dropped carelessly on the floor reverberated throughout the chapel like a discharged cannon. Marité tossed poise out the window and turned, peering above and beyond the curious guests to the source of the commotion.
You know how to make an entrance, don’t you?
With hands pressed against the last pew, Michael leaned forward. His shoulder-length hair, falling in the direction of his hands, concealed his features. On her next breath, Marité evaluated the situation in the room: a pale Aunt Coralina directed a wife-to-husband plea for serenity to Uncle Jonas, whose gaze emitted ice-blue fury toward his irreverent son.
An unexpected censuring scoff out of Brian startled her, and Marité pivoted, beginning to feel like a spinning top. The frown of disapproval was a rare departure from Brian’s affable countenance. Confounded by it all, Marité flipped back around just as Michael looked up, tossed back his leonine mane in obvious defiance, and smirked. Ignoring everyone present, he glared at her. A chill ran down Marité’s spine…
Destiny’s Choice, the long awaited sequel to Destiny’s Plan, is available for pre-order through the following vendors.
A native of Cuba, Victoria acquired a love for books from her mother, and the desire to see the world from her father. As a result she has been around the globe by her count, at least twice. From her journeys she has gathered a varied collection of stories and anecdotes, which now serve to inspire her muse. Central Florida is home, but if she could convince her husband, she would pack her computer and move to Scotland, a land she adores.
Stay in touch with Victoria via Facebook or drop me a line on my web page, Victoria Saccenti Writes or visit her Amazon Author page:
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