COVER REVEAL: After Dark ft. Shadow Hunter

After much anticipation to show you all this, I'm finally allowed to reveal MY VERY FIRST COVER!!!!!!!!!!!! AAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! Can you tell I'm excited??? =D

This is the cover for AFTER DARK, a paranormal romance anthology featuring my short novel, SHADOW HUNTER, and a novella titled THE DARKEST ANGEL by NYT and USA Bestselling Author Gena Showalter! I'm ecstatic to be featured alongside an author as great as Gena and I can't wait to hear what all of you think of this anthology. AFTER DARK releases on June 25th in trade paperback everywhere that Harlequin HQN book are sold. My short featured novel, SHADOW HUNTER, is a prequel to my debut EXECUTION UNDERGROUND paranormal romance series. The first book in the series, TWILIGHT HUNTER, releases this coming September!

So what do you think? Isn't he something scrumptious? *mischievous grin*

I hope you all enjoy the cover as much as I do. Below, I've posted the back cover blurb and all sorts of different links where you can find the book. Enjoy your man-candy ;-)

A timeless seduction A unique temptation And a whole world of dark desires...

From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter

The Darkest Angel

Winged warrior Lysander has been alive for centuries, and yet he's never known desire-until he meets Bianka. Spawned from the bloodline of his enemy, the beautiful but deadly Harpy is determined to lead the untouched Lysander into temptation. He may try to evade her attempts, but even the most iron-willed demon assassin can resist for only so long....

And from debut author Kait Ballenger

Shadow Hunter

Vampire hunter Damon Brock's first assignment with the Execution Underground is Rochester, New York, a city crawling with the undead. But he isn't the only hunter in town gunning for vamp blood. Tiffany Solow is fierce and ruthless when it comes to slaying the monsters that destroyed her family-and she works solo. But being alone is no longer so desirable when she meets the mysterious hunter who wants more than just her turf. As they work to massacre the local covens, the line between good and evil blurs when they are forced to decide between their lifelong beliefs... and their newfound hearts

You can find AFTER DARK available for pre-order at both Amazon and BN:
AFTER DARK on Amazon

AFTER DARK at Barnes and Noble

Add AFTER DARK to your Goodreads shelf!
 http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16180772-after-dark

Praise for AFTER DARK
  
 "One of the premier authors of paranormal romance."
--#1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole

"Gena Showalter knows how to keep readers glued to the pages and smiling the whole time."
--New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian on The Darkest Surrender

"Showalter delivers yet again!"-RT BookReviews on Wicked Nights

"Non-stop action, pulse-pounding suspense, and red-hot romance ... Kait Ballenger's Execution Underground series delivers in spades!"--New York Times bestselling author Jaime Rush

"Taut with action, suspense, and romance that sizzles, Shadow Hunter is an evocative prelude to what's certain to be an exciting new series! Fans of J.R. Ward are going to love the sexy warriors of Kait Ballenger's Execution Underground." --Kate SeRine, author of Red and The Better to See You

 

 “Action and romance in one mesmerizing story. A phenomenal start to the EXECUTION UNDERGROUND Series. Shadow Hunter will leave you breathless and demanding more.” --Cecy Robson, author of Sealed with a Curse

AFTER DARK Available on Pre-order!!!

Hey, everyone!

So I found out mine and Gena Showalter's anthology, AFTER DARK, which features SHADOW HUNTER, the prequel to my Execution Underground paranormal romance series is now available for pre-order in trade paperback on Amazon and BN, and it's currently on sale right now! So cheaper price ;-)

Any likes for both the book and my author page on Amazon would be much appreciated! And if you haven't added it on your Goodreads "to read" list, I'd love if you did.

Amazon (Book): http://www.amazon.com/After-Dark-Darkest-Angel%5CShadow-Hunter/dp/0373778252/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1356636157&sr=8-7&keywords=after+dark+gena+showalter

Amazon (Author Page): http://www.amazon.com/Kait-Ballenger/e/B00ATR1USA

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/after-dark-gena-showalter/1113942026?ean=9780373778256

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16180772-after-dark

Any retweets and FB posts appreciated! Pre-written tweet below =D

@kait_ballenger and @genashowalter 's #paranormal #anthology #AfterDark is available for pre-order! Currently on sale! http://www.amazon.com/After-Dark-Darkest-Angel%5CShadow-Hunter/dp/0373778252/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1356636157&sr=8-7&keywords=after+dark+gena+showalter

Thanks a bunch for any and all support!

Fall in Love Blog Hop and GIVEAWAY

Happy (shortly belated) Halloween, everyone! Hope you had some great autumn festivities with more to come. A las personas que celebran el dia de los muertos, espero que disfrutan sus felicidades! En caso de mi espanol esta mal, perdonme por favor--no es mi lengua nativa y estoy aprendando lol.

First things first. As part of the Fall in Love hop theme hosted by the wonderful Reader's Confession, I want to gush about my two favorite debut authors this year: Kate SeRine and Cecy Robson. See their covers below! =D Aren't they pretty?

Both writing urban fantasy with a wonderful dash of romance, but casting their own unique spins on the genre, these ladies' novels rocked my socks off! Kate SeRine's gritty, badass heroine Tess "Red" Little knows how to hold her own in a world where fairytales run rampant. And Cecy Robson's kind-hearted, Weird Girl, Celia Wird, has a fierce inner tigress--literally!--and Celia's not afraid to sink her claws into anyone who threatens her family.

These debut authors have amazing voices. In all her stubbornness and intelligence, Tess kept me right by her side and rooting for her from the very first page, and Celia is a woman after my own heart--she balances the line between the girl everyone can relate to and a badass superwoman perfectly. ;-)

The writing is strong in both of these novels and any urban fantasy reader, and even those who normally enjoy solely paranormal romance, should give these fantastic debuts a try. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the Transplanted Tales and of the Weird Girls.

If you'd like to check out my full review of Kate SeRine's Red, please click the link: Review of Red. I also plan to host the wonderful Kate SeRine again in the coming months of 2013 with the release of the second novel in her Transplanted series, The Better to See You.

You'll have to wait patiently for my full reviews of Cecy Robson's Weird Girls. On November 27th I'll be posting a review of the Weird Girls Novella and on December 18th I'll be posting a review of the first full length novel in the series, Sealed with a Curse. I will clue you in--if you haven't caught my drift already--and say that I LOVED both Cecy Robson's books!

Now, onto the giveaway! U.S entrants only please!

Since my own publisher is Harlequin, I will be giving away four different Harlequin novels from various lines (three of which are signed): Killing Me Softly by Maggie Shayne (single-title romantic suspense), The Protector by Carla Capshaw (inspirational historical romance), His Bride for the Taking by Sandra Hyatt (contemporary romance, and The Longest Night by Cindy Dees (romantic suspense).

The giveaway starts today, November 1st 2012, and ends November 11th 2012 with the winner announced on the 12th.

So how about you? Who are your favorite debut authors of 2012? Please share in the comments! And don't forget to enter the giveaway! Extra entries for those who follow via FB or Twitter, or those who tweet about the contest. Cheers!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Signing My Harlequin Contract!!!!

Happy Monday, everyone! Hope you had a great weekend!

Though I received my three-book deal from Harlequin back in May, I just finally received the official contract in August. For the sake of memories, I filmed me signing it and thought I would share it with all of you!

I was so super excited to sign that contract! And have been waiting impatiently for my advance ever since LOL! I may just have some other exciting news to share with you soon, who knows *wink wink*

And with that, I leave you a second excerpt from book one in the Execution Underground series, SHADOW HUNTER! This one is HOT, so if you're under 18, look away. You can check out the first excerpt here: E.U Excerpt #1

In the first excerpt we saw werewolf hunter and Execution Underground member, Jace McCannon, in the first pages of the novel, leading up to the discovery of the corpse of a young girl, who'd been slayed by a sadistic Rogue werewolf. In this excerpt, Jace has taken werewolf heroine and Rochester packmaster, Frankie Amato, captive after finding her in wolf form at the scene of the crime. He forces her to shift to human form and cuffs her ;-)

SHADOW HUNTER EXCERPT #2

            Jace was screwed, so totally screwed. He slammed the door to his black H3 and rounded to the driver’s side of the car. Reaching for the handle, he silently cursed himself and wondered what the hell his problem was. Catch and kill. That had always been his philosophy with hunting. Never once had he kept one of those monsters alive. Until now.

            He climbed in the car and closed the door behind him. Glancing in the rearview mirror, he saw her wiggling in the backseat, naked breasts swaying as she fumbled against the cuffs. He shifted his weight and his erection pressed against his pants in an attempt to escape. As much as he wanted to succumb to her beauty and the electricity which flowed between them when they touched, he knew better. He’d already thought too much with his lower head tonight.

            She was right about the evidence. With no blood on her, no weapons, and a different scent, there was no question she hadn’t killed that girl. But either way, looking at her was a betrayal to his job, his fellow hunters. And damn it, he sure as hell wouldn’t change his conviction for a sweet lay. Werewolves were his enemies and they always had been. He slammed his fist onto the steering wheel. The whole situation was bullshit. She hadn’t done anything wrong, so he wasn’t sure he could bring himself to kill her, but shit, she was a goddamn wolf.

            He revved the engine and glanced in the mirror one more time. Her jaw clenched, pure frustration evident on her face as she continued to struggle with the handcuffs. Princess was seriously pissed off. Ripping his eyes from her gorgeous allure, Jace pulled away from the curb and slammed down the gas pedal. He floored it. Damn meeting started in fifteen minutes.

Copyright Kaitlyn Ballenger, Harlequin Enterprises Limited

A Picture Worth a Thousand Words?

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Hope you're having a great week.

I thought I'd share this photo from my publisher, Harlequin. "A picture is worth a thousand words, but a book that touches your heart is priceless." Personally, I agree 100% with the statement in this photo. I know I have had a lot of books touch my heart and that is certainly a priceless feeling.

One of my favorite novels, which has definitely touched my heart, is Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. I find that women's fiction is what really touches me spiritually when it comes to books.

But, of course, I always love a good paranormal romance with a sweet and romantic happy ending, and I hope that Shadow Hunter (Sept. 2013) can touch someone's heart in a way that is priceless.

So how about you? What's a book that's touched your heart? Please share in the comments.

Til Friday ;-)

Execution Underground Title Reveal!

Hi everyone! Happy Monday!  Hope you all had a great weekend!

I have lots of exciting posts coming up. One year from now, my first novel will be released! Okay, well not on this specific day for sure, but in September 2013, and as a result, I am ssssssoooooo excited to announce that the official title of my first paranormal romance release, book number one of the Execution Underground series, will be titled SHADOW HUNTER!!!

Since I am so excited to announce this title, I thought 'hey, why not have a giveaway?'

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

The SHADOW HUNTER Giveaway opens today (9/17/12) and closes Sunday September 23st, 2012 at 9PM EST!!!

U.S entrants only please!

Simply leave a comment on this post with your email address in order to enter.

Tweet about the SHADOW HUNTER Giveaway and it's link for an extra entry! Only one extra entry per person!

PRIZE:

An AUTOGRAPHED copy of New York Times Bestselling Author Christina Dodd's paranormal romance novel, Chains of Ice!

So please leave a comment with your email address in order to enter! And as a special treat, I leave you with this: the first three pages of SHADOW HUNTER (Execution Underground, #1). 

 

Chapter One

Jace McCannon palmed the Mateba and clicked back the gun’s hammer. The cold grip panels of the modified revolver sat comfortably in his hand. Six silver bullets for a rogue werewolf. Limited shots. But he was feeling lucky.

            He gripped the gun with both hands and lowered it to his side, slipping in and out of the shadows. The rank scent of garbage, car exhaust, and piss wafted into his nose as he passed through the alleyway. Ah, the sweet aroma of Rochester’s slums. He ran his tongue over his teeth, jonesing for a cigarette to drown out the smell and steady the adrenaline buzz creeping through his veins. Goddamn, he wanted to find this son of a bitch.

            Resting his back against a brick building, he paused and glanced up. The white moon stared down to Earth, calling him. Heat prickled beneath his skin and his beast shifted. But he wouldn’t allow it. Not tonight.

            He wrenched his gaze from the damn tempting sky and forced himself into the moment. Inhaling a deep breath, he rushed around the corner and scanned the area, pointing his gun into the darkness. No one. No werewolves, no hobos. Damn, not even the prostitutes were roaming.

            Not that he blamed them. Regular killings weren’t anything to call home about—happened all the time. But this was different. Innocent women being found with their organs slung around their corpse, Jack the Ripper style. The worst part? Jace had no idea where to find the sick fuck responsible, and the thought of the young women’s pain sent his blood boiling.

            He wandered the alley, gun still at the ready and eyes searching for any sign of movement. A rustling noise hissed from around the next corner. Jace held his gun tight and snuck down the narrow passage toward it. The sound grew louder and he quickened his pace. When he reached the bend, he stopped, listening close. He threw himself around the edge, gun ready and his finger on the trigger.

            A plastic bag caught on a dumpster swished in the light wind. He cursed under his breath. Maybe he wasn’t so lucky tonight. He pushed his fingers through his hair. The cell phone jammed in the pocket of his jeans vibrated. He pulled out the annoying piece of shit and read the screen: David.

            He jabbed his thumb into one of the buttons, hoping it was the right one and shoved the phone to his ear. “Yeah?”

            “Meeting in an hour,” David’s deep voice rumbled over the line.

            Aw, hell. Jace shook his head. “Don’t toy with me. I’ve got business.”

            “I’m not shittin’ you, J. One hour, and you better be there or Damon’s gonna rip my head off. I told him I’d get you here.”

            Jace frowned. He hated being forced to carry a damn cell phone. He didn’t enjoy people contacting him whenever they pleased. “It’s near the full moon, David. This is my prime time. You know that.”

            “You don’t have to preach to me. Damon’s the one hawking you.” David paused for a moment. “He’s gonna want a report tonight.”

            “Yeah, yeah, I hear ya. I’ll have something.”

            “Sure you hear me, and I like to dress up in tutus, while my girl spanks me and calls me Big Daddy.”

            Jace smirked. “Hey, if that’s what gets you off—”  

“Shut it,” David said. “You’ve gotta report tonight or your ass is in a sling. So what are you gonna tell him?”

            Jace glanced into the empty darkness surrounding him. “Same thing I told him last time: jack shit. I’m not opening my damn mouth until I’ve either got their packmaster bound and chained, or preferably, his head on a silver platter courtesy of my bare hands.”

            David let out a frustrated sigh. “I thought you said you had something.”

            “I do.” Jace lowered his voice; it didn’t matter that he was alone, some things he couldn’t say aloud if he wanted to keep his sanity. “I’ve got a scent. That’s all, and it’s familiar, so I smell it everywhere. Trailing him is about as much fun as shooting myself in the foot.”

            “It’s something.”

            “You better believe it’s something. But what do you expect me to do, David? Tell the whole goddamn council their werewolf hunter happens to be so damn good at his job because he’s a friggin’ half-breed?”

            Silence answered him from the other end of the line. Another rustling sound blew through the alley, but Jace ignored the noise. “Look, I’ll deal with this, all right? Forget about it. I’ll be at the damn meeting with bells on and a smiling face, but let me do it on my own terms.”

            “Yeah, fine. I better see you there or the next time I’m around, I’ll have a long rope and it’ll be coming straight for your neck.”

            Jace huffed. “Talk to you later, Big Daddy.”

            “Yeah, you too, sugar.”

            With a small click,  the line went dead. Jace shoved the machine in his pocket again. The swishing sound continued, the noise growing. Jace rolled his eyes, ready to ball the grocery bag and pitch it. He eyed the plastic.

            Shit. The wind stopped. It wasn’t blowing.

            The faint sound of footsteps echoed and the rustling quieted. Jace wrenched his revolver from his side, launching himself down the alley and around the corner. He held his gun tight, prepared to shoot.

Copyright Kaitlyn Ballenger, Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Never Ending Reading List???

Happy Thursday, everyone!

I apologize that this post is a day late, but I promise it won't be a dollar short ;-)

I thought I would share with you a lovely little graphic made by my publisher Harlequin. Tah dah!

This got me thinking about my own seemingly-never-ending reading list. So I thought I'd share my own current reading list.

PRINT                                                                        

1. Night Pleasures--Sherrilyn Kenyon                  

2. The Girl in the Steel Corset--Kady Cross     

3. North of Need--Laura Kaye                                

4. The Darkest Night--Sherrilyn Kenyon              

5. Night Embrace--Sherrilyn Kenyon                    

6. Men of the Otherworld--Kelly Armstrong        

7. Sword of Darkness--Sherrilyn Kenyon              

8. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan--Lisa See      

9. Crave--J.R Ward                                                                    

10. Blood Trinity--Sherrilyn Kenyon and Diana Love


 NOOK
1. Red--Kate SeRine
2. All the Flowers in Shanghai--Duncan Jepson
3. A Touch of Dead--Charlainne Harris 
4. Fallen--Lauren Kate
5. Linger--Maggie Stiefvater
6. The Book Thief
7. Grave Witch--Kalayna Price
8. Weird Girls Novella--Cecy Robson
                                                         

Phew! A LONG list! And that's just the very beginning of it! Not even including schoolbooks. Can you see I'm trying to get caught up on my Sherrilyn Kenyon reading? Lol!

How about you: what's your TBR list? Share it with us in the comments! ;-)

Music Monday

Happy Monday, everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend!

I thought that on this rainy Florida day, I'd go ahead and share a song I enjoyed listening to when writing book one of the Execution Underground. Jace McCannon is a bad bad boy and he warns Frankie Amato from the start that he's only going to break her heart...

Taio Cruz--Break Your Heart ft. Ludacris

Review: Forbidden by Fate--by Kristin Miller

Happy Monday, everyone! Hope you had a great weekend! Today we're participating in the blog tour for paranormal romance author Kristin Miller's novella, Forbidden by Fate, the second in her Isle of Feralon novella series. Woo Hoo!!! If you didn't get a chance to check out the Saturday review of the first novella, Claimed by Desire, you should definitely do so by clicking this link: Claimed by Desire Review! Also, don't forget to check down at the bottom of the post for a chance to enter to win a copy of Forbidden by Fate or Claimed by Desire!!! This is a hot read meant for adults only. Enjoy!

Synopsis: " A forbidden love……A second chance……A night of passion neither will forget.

Sasha, a love-thirsty werewolf and rightful heir to the Were throne, is ready to take control over her pack. But when her first love, dragon shifter Damon Frost, lands on her doorstep, demanding their races negotiate ownership over Feralon’’s hot springs, he makes her question more than the fight for the enchanted neutral ground. No matter the emotions bubbling inside her, Sasha can't become involved with Damon. Not now. Not ever again.

Forbidden to step foot onto Were land after a romp with the Alpha’’s daughter as a teenager, Damon has bided his time, waiting for the day when he’’d be accepted back onto Were land. Using the hot spring negotiation as a way to get closer to Sasha, Damon plans to use every minute alone to remind her of the passion they shared–—a passion they could ignite again.

One night of ecstasy stands between them and the fight for the springs. One night of revealing glances, skin searing chemistry, and erotic desires they’’d long buried.

Will one taste of forbidden love be enough to satiate their desires? Or will the need to explore the depths of their love unleash a Were-Draco war?”

Genre: Paranormal Romance--novella

First Sentences: "He was coming for her. No matter the years spent apart or the order from the Alpha of her werewolf pack forbidding them to be together." I really loved the way this novella kicks off. The very first line had me thinking action-packed opening scene, but needless to say the very next line turns that idea on it's head. It's not an action scene, it's a sexy scene! The break in my expectations definitely got my attention and made me want to continue reading. There is yet another small, unexpected twist at the end of the scene as well, which I really loved, but I won't give it away.

Brownie Points: Like the first novella in the Isle of Feralon series, Claimed by Desire, Forbidden by Fate did not disappoint on bringing the heat! The story was hot hot hot! The first sexy scene features Sasha and Damon dancing the two-man-tango beneath the moonlight in a warm, steaming hot spring. The scene was steamy in more ways than one (okay, couldn't resist the joke)! Damon and Sasha's time together was both sweetly romantic and wildly sexy! It was a fantastic way to open on their relationship. The perfect combination for a lover of the romance genre. Damon is delicious and I loved his character from the start. He is sexy, playful, and strong. Hard as he tries to resist the temptation to be with Sasha again, after being banished years before from Were land by Sasha's Alpha father, after coming back to Were territory on official Draco business, Damon's heart quickly becomes putty in Sasha's small but capable hands. Despite orders from Queen Elixa, the Draco queen, he can't resist the temptation to touch her just one last time before he leaves Were land for good.

Beefs: I don't have anything really critical to say about this novella. My only thought was that, even though I really liked Sasha's character, I wanted her to appear stronger in the very beginning of the novella. I like my female Weres to be total badasses and while Sasha definitely had the attitude in her thoughts, her outward actions didn't reflect her true fiery personality until slightly further into the novella. But when her claws (I mean claws metaphorically, by the way lol) came out, she had no trouble winning my respect and taming her dragon-shifter man ;-)

Ending: A satisfying wrap-up. There were no lose threads to this story; everything was nicely taken care of in the end and I enjoyed the ending--though I wished the novella wasn't over!

Recommendation and General Comments: This novella follows suit of it's predecessor in the series--it's a quick, fun, enjoyable read. I didn't want this novella to end and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next in the series! I'm definitely rooting for a future full-length Isle of Feralon novel. It's for this reason, that I give Kristin Miller's Forbidden by Fate a rating of full moon!

I highly recommend Forbidden by Fate. This novella is a great read if you want a quick, fast-paced story to satiate your romance craving! Forbidden by Fate is both fiery and sweet! I definitely recommend it, and the Isle of Feralon novella series, to all fans of the paranormal romance and fantasy genres. If you can appreciate a sexy dragon, or a yummy werewolf, this series is for you!

I hope you enjoyed the review! Don't forget to check out the giveaway below and get your hands on your own copy of Claimed by Desire or Forbidden by Fate.

Where to find Forbidden by Fate:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Author Bio

Kristin Miller has had a passion for language and literature her whole life. Born and raised in Small Town USA, she often made up stories about faraway places and edge-of-your-seat adventures.

After graduating from Humboldt State University with a degree in psychology, Kristin realized there is no scarier place than the warped human psyche. Wanting to combine her love of writing with her desire to paint twisted villains, Kristin wound up in the unlikeliest of places—the classroom. She taught high school and middle school English before giving in to the desire to create her own world, where villains can be sympathetic and heroes can be devilishly good.

She is represented by Nalini Akolekar of Spencerhill Associates Ltd. and writes dark paranormal romances and toe curling romantic suspense.

Find Kristin At:

Her Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!

 

Giveaway Details:

•        Two random commenters from the tour will win their choice of either a Kindle or Nook format eBook of Forbidden by Fate OR a Kindle or Nook format eBook of Claimed by Desire, the first novella in the Isle of Feralon series.

•        The tour host with the most comments will receive a Kindle or Nook format eBook of both Forbidden by Fate and Claimed by Desire.

•        Please leave a comment along with your broken up email addy.

•        Contest is open the duration of the tour (July 2 - 20) and Internationally.

•        Winner will be randomly selected and notified via email.

Tour Stops:

http://events.litconnect.com/forbidden-by-fate-by-kristin-miller

Remember, the more tour stops you comment on, the greater your chances of winning!

Review: Claimed by Desire by Kristin Miller

Happy Saturday, everyone! It's the weekend! Today we have a review of paranormal romance author Kristin Miller's novella, Claimed by Desire, the first in her Isle of Feralon novella series. This is a hot read meant for adults only. Enjoy!

Synopsis: "Empath Misty Burke only ever wanted one man: dragon shifter Rafe Landon. Their attraction was irresistible, but he was forbidden to love a member of another race and banished her from their island, breaking Misty's heart.

Misty believes she's gotten over him since that day—until she's called home for a mission to help Rafe's clan. The primal draw between them is as strong as ever, but despite their searing passion, Rafe still refuses to put Misty at risk by claiming her as his rider and mate. Even if it costs him his life…..”

Genre: Paranormal Romance--novella

First Sentences: " 'How long she been out?' Misty Burke teetered on the edge of consciousness, struggling to separate the syllables of the gravelly voice. Who was that? Where was she? And why couldn't she open her eyes?"A great opening! Though I'm usually one for heavy action openings, I enjoyed these first lines. They drew me in without jarring me out of my seat. And when the heroine, Misty, was asking questions, so was I. I was able to relate easily to her, and the hero, Rafe, was immediately appealing.

Brownie Points: The sexual tension in this novella was hot hot hot! The heat level hits the ground running and it was interlaced perfectly with the conflict, which was established in the first few pages. I loved the set up of Misty and Rafe's previous relationship--young love. The history between them served perfectly for a novella. Misty's character is strong-willed and I liked that when she returned to the Isle of Feralon she wasn't willing to take any b.s from Rafe. Although Rafe is bull-headed (in a sexy way, of course), I loved that not only is Misty his soft spot, but he is willing to put aside his pride and humble himself in order to re-express his love for her. The world-building in this novella was also fantastic! The world was extremely well-developed and very detailed. I can't wait to revisit the Isle of Feralon in the next novella!

Beefs: I didn't have many beefs with the story. Though the novella was immediately hot, I wanted more time before Misty and Rafe did the sideways-tango, though when they did, it was smokin' lol! Their connection happened very soon after they were reunited and I would've liked some more time. Granted, the constraint of a novella lends for the sexy times being a bit early, so I suppose you could say I wanted this to be a novel, not a novella--which shows how much I liked it! I also wanted to see the transformation of Misty's feelings more before she decides to trust Rafe again, even though she reassures herself that it's purely physical.

Ending: I won't give the ending away, but I was thoroughly satisfied, though I wish it hadn't ended. I'm very much looking forward to Forbidden by Fate, the second novella in the series.

Recommendation and General Comments: Overall, I really enjoyed this novella. It was a quick and enjoyable read, and I was sucked into a very magical world that still felt very real. There was no shortage of romance and the story was definitely hot to match. It's for this reason, that I give Kristin Miller's Claimed by Desire a rating of full moon!

This novella is a great read, and the story is perfect if you want something fast-paced and intriguing. This would be the perfect read whilst traveling or even just at home one lazy afternoon--if you want to escape somewhere magical, Claimed by Desire is for you. I enjoy Kristin Miller's work and I think these novellas show even more growth in her already talented abilities. I'm a big fan of the Isle of Feralon!

I hope you enjoyed the review. Don't forget to check in on Monday for my follow-up review of the second novella in the series, Forbidden by Fate! Author Kristin Miller will be here on her blog tour to answer questions! Don't miss out! See you then ;-)