Showing posts with label Kari Thomas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kari Thomas. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

SURRENDER HER TOUCH by Kari Thomas

Publisher: Eternal Press
Date published: December 2011
ISBN 9781615725588
ASIN B006HU7WCG
E-book
Paranormal romance
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained by author


Dragon-shifters are real and Slade Stryker has one mission and that is to protect his clan and keep their existence a secret. Many of them have integrated with humans and have even mated with them. Slade’s boss asks him to guard his ward, Summer Althea, as a stalker seems to have set his sights on her. Slade would much rather hunt down the murderer who has a perchant for dragon-shifters. Slade is surprised she has a mountain lion as a pet who is doing a pretty good job guarding her. It even seems to be quite intelligent. It certainly doesn’t like Slade. But Slade likes Summer, big time. Their mutual attraction grows each day they are together but Summer is not who she seems to be and has a few secrets of her own. The dragon clan needs her exceptional gifts but she hates dragon-shifters…especially the Air Dragons. What will she do when she finds out that Slade is just such a dragon? And will Slade make her go against everything she hates to save them? And will their enemy finally catch up with them and wipe out the clan? Both Slade and Summer have to face their fears and show courage in order to save the day.

I fell in love with Kari Thomas’ cat shifters and was excited to get to read this book as I love stories about dragon-shifters. She writes a story that is heavy on the romance with a sensual, sexy hero and a relatable heroine. You just want to keep reading this to see if these two explosive characters really can make it! The chemistry between Slade and Summer is hot! Slade is over protective and Summer is not afraid to stand up to him. She’s got a mean kick! The plot is intriguing with some nice twists and turns although I did find it a tad predictable. I enjoyed the world Ms Thomas built around the Dragon clans and I hope she’ll write more about them. The secondary characters were enjoyable too, especially Leo who was a mystery himself and very likeable. The pace is well done and I was frantically scrolling down to see what would happen next. There were a few editing mistakes…misspellings and the such but maybe I had an uncorrected proof. But, if you’ve already read some of this author’s work, you won’t be disappointed and if you haven’t, I would recommend you have a try, you also won’t be disappointed!

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

SPELL KISSED by Kari Thomas

Publisher: Black Lyon Publishing
Date published: July 2010
ISBN: 978-1-934912-28-7
Paranormal romance
E-book
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained via Author


CLICK TO PURCHASE! Brianna Adair is a witch who is the keeper of The Sphere. Trouble is, her spells go awry when she’s in a highly emotional state. When she accidentally burns her house down, her friend, Cynthia offers her a place for the time being. Cynthia has two sons, both with the police force, Sloan and his brother, Hunter. Hunter has been asked to take some leave as he is practically on burn out and Sloan has asked him to come home and help him with a strange case. When Brianna and Hunter meet, the sexual attraction is strong. Soon, Hunter and Sloan are helping Brianna retrieve The Sphere that has been taken from her, they are fighting demons and are believing that there is more out there than the eye can see. All the while, Brianna and Hunter are discovering feelings that threaten Brianna’s spells to go completely crazy.

Kari Thomas gives her readers a wonderful story with some compelling and exciting characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love stories with witches and Brianna is a witch, although she often gets her spells wrong. This causes no end of trouble and some comical moments. Her hero, Hunter is all macho, protective, jealous, stubborn and he has sure met his match in Brianna. They are wonderful together as Brianna turns the world as he knows it upside down, and Hunter causes Brianna’s emotions to almost run out of control. Ms Thomas keeps the sexual tension on boiling point almost throughout the whole story and the reader will be simmering along right with them both. So, when they finally do the deed, the characters are not the only ones to experience the relief. There is a good, solid conflict that will keep you turning the pages to find out what will happen next and to see if everyone survives. Towards the end, there was a moment where I had to almost shed a tear…that always puts a book on my keeper shelf. If you haven’t yet tried a story by this author, I can highly recommend her and know that when you read one, you’ll be scrambling for her backlist!

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Welcome to Kari Thomas' guest blog!


Welcome Ms. Thomas to Love Romances and More, thank you for joining us.


Did you always want to become a writer?

K: Always! My mom taught me to read and write before I started school, and with her influence (she was a writer) I penned my first stories!


What is the most, and the least interesting fact about writing?

K: Most interesting is “meeting” people who read your books. The Internet has allowed readers and authors to connect ---where this didn’t used to be the case so much. I think it’s fantastic “meeting” everyone and gaining new friends. The Least fun fact is that you have to constantly Promote and I’m not so crazy about doing that.


How did you celebrate your first release? What was it like to see your book in a bookstore? Do you have a special ritual for celebrating a book release?

K: I celebrated by going out with friends. And of course, a New Release is always a great excuse to indulge (or OVER-indulge, as is my case!) in chocolate!



How did your family react to fact that you write romance novels? Have your family read your book?

K: They’re embarrassed! Honest! They read my first book and said they couldn’t believe that I’d written SEX scenes in it. The kewl thing is that every time they tell someone that, (with shocked looks on their faces,) then someone else is determined to read one of my books just to see what they’re shocked about! LOL!


Most authors are also avid readers. Is this the case with you? If so, who are some of your favorites? Have any influenced your writing?

K: I tell everyone I’m a confessed “Book-a-Holic”! LOL! I have over 3,000 books in my own personal home library, and I buy more on a weekly basis. As for influence, I’d have to say my Mom first, and then in the pre-teen years it was Barbara Cartland. I also devoured (read!) all of JRR Tolkien’s books by the time I was in the 5th grade. THOSE books definitely left me with an urge to create stories. I then graduated to “stronger” Romances, Paranormals, and Fantasy. But, I can’t pick one favorite author --- I have too many.


Do you feel each of your characters live with you as you write? Do their lives sometimes take over a part of your life? Can you name an example? Do you have living role models for your characters?

K: My characters are sooooo REAL to me that I find myself thinking of how one of them might react to certain situations when I’m writing a new book. I talk to them, while I’m writing, and I’ve even found myself mentioning them in conversations! Argh. It’s a Definite now: authors have to have a bit of insanity in them to be writers in the first place! LOL! As for Role Models, nope. Every one of my characters are original creations that came to life in my mind first and then breathed onto paper. What can I say? I have a BIG imagination! LOL---take my Hero Drake from “Her Heart His Soul”. He’s part Angel, part Demon. Readers are always commenting how “unique” he is.


Where do you get the inspirations for your books?

K: Having an over-active, crazy imagination helps every time! LOL! Seriously though, an idea pops in my head and then I do a lot of reading and even researching before actually starting a book.


Do you find it difficult at times to write love scenes?

K: Much to my family’s dismay, NO! I think the Romance/Sex makes the story by bringing the characters to even more “real life”.


Do you have a problem with deadlines and have you ever suffered a writers block?

K: I’ve fired so many “Muses” over the years! Writers Block isn’t fun, and every Muse should be aware that I don’t handle it well at all. As for deadlines, there have been times when I cut it too close because of Life Intrusion. I actually finished an 83,000 words book with 2 days to spare. The remaining two days I just sat there staring at my computer and thinking: I don’t HAVE to write?


Do you prefer stand-alone books or series (As a reader or a writer) ?

K: As a Reader I absolute LOVE series! But as a writer, I can’t seem to write them. By the time I’ve been with my characters through a whole book, I’m ready to start something new. (Bad me!) I think it relates to a short attention span! I received a lot of mail from Readers on my very first book (Temptation Unleashed) wanting sequels to the story. I finally ended up writing two Short Epilogues. They’re offered as FREE READS (see my site on the Books Page). The first one is the hero’s brother’s love story. The second is the hero’s sister’s love story. I keep getting requests for other Sequels on all my other books, but I don’t know if I’ll ever get the chance/time to write them. (grin)



If you could change places with one character from your book, who would it be and why?

My absolute favorite heroine is Kitlene Skye (from UNDER A SHIFTER’S MOON). I had her (and the hero) character in my mind for several years before I finally found the right story for them. So, she “lived” in my thoughts longer than any of the others. She’s a strong woman with vulnerabilities that make her all the more special. She has a serious health problem that may cost her, her life. Her reactions and decisions in the book were all-too similar to what I would have done. So, I guess, she’s a bit like me in way-too-many telling ways. (grin) And then, of course, her hero is Lyon Savage. And THAT alpha male is the type of man every woman dreams she could have!


What is your favorite book from the books that you have written so far? Who are your favorite hero and heroine, and why?

K; UH OH. That just wouldn’t be fair to my characters if I chose one! Kitlene and Lyon (Under a Shifter’s Moon) have a love that is Invincible. Kira and Aiden (Temptation Unleashed) have a love strong enough to fight incredible Evil. Logan and Tara (Hunted Mate) have a sensual love that breaks all taboo and boundaries. Sara and Drake (Her Heart His Soul) have a love “not of this world”. Kane and Bethany (Prey for the Wolf) have a love that scorches the pages with its eroticism. And everyone falls in love with Bailey and Colt (Seducing The Hero) who have a love that proves that anyone can have a second chance at Happy-Ever-After.


Would you like to give another genre a try?

K: I’m trying a Time Travel now, but not sure if I’m going to leave it that way. And I have a Fantasy (with Romance elements) that is tugging at my creative mind right now.


Which book was the hardest to write and which the easiest?

K: “Seducing the Hero” was the easiest. It’s only Novella length (23,000 words approx.). And it was so fun. I actually wrote this because I wanted to enter a RWA Contest just to see what happens. I had been asked to be Contest Judge and wanted more experience. So, I wrote it in less than a week and entered it. It won 3rd Place!!

I’d have to say the hardest to write was “Temptation Unleashed” because I had difficulties in giving the hero any “weaknesses”. Aiden came off so strong, so alpha. He’s the head of a family of unique Shapeshifters and he took his responsibilities way too serious. His youngest brother is murdered by a Sorcerer, and he hates anything and everything about witchcraft. So, when witch Kira comes into their lives, he actually works very had to keep hating her. I had to edit a lot and keep reminding myself that Aiden needed a “softer side” as well as his tough one.


If you could choose of your books for a movie, which one would it be and who would you as the cast?

K: OH NO. Not choosing again! LOL! Okay, I’ve had many readers say:


HUNTED MATE.

TEMPTATION UNLEASHED

UNDER A SHIFTER’S MOON

PREY FOR THE WOLF.

HER HEART HIS SOUL.

Uh oh. That leaves “Seducing the Hero”. Hmm! LOL!

And as for casting, I’d be VERY picky, cause each character is so special and unique.


If you could travel through time to visit a special time period or famous person, what or who would it be and why?

K: I’d love to see the Old South as it was before the Civil War. I’m a Southerner and I love the idea of women who were incredibly strong as well as feminine, and men who were gallant, brave, and oh-so-protective of their women.

Despite saying that, I think I’m more Melanie (Gone with the Wind) than Scarlett. (grin)


Do you listen to music while you are writing and if so what music is it?

K: Gotta have Nickleback playing! That lead singer has the sexiest voice!


Big congrats to your latest release, can you please tell us something about the book?

The latest is PREY FOR THE WOLF, with Eternal Press. It’s Novella length (26,000 words approx) and a Shapeshifter Romance. Kane is a too-sexy-for-his-own-good Alpha Wolf Shifter who sets his sights on Prey….his brother’s fiancĂ©. It was Released Nov. 7 and immediately hit the Top BEST SELLERS LIST at Fictionwise as #5. It’s still there, 18 days later, though it’s dropped some. And the Reviews are coming in, with fantastic comments. To say I’m proud is an understatement!


Are you working on anything right now, and can you tell us a teaser about these projects?

K: I’m 30,000 words into a Paranormal Romance that has the h/h dropped into a Parallel world. All of my heroes (with the exception of Colt in “Seducing the Hero”) are Preternatural. But in this one, Hunter is very much human. It’s been so fun writing him because of his reactions to everything paranormal going on in the plot.


THANKS for having me! I would love everyone to visit my site: and also to feel free to drop me an email at authorkari@yahoo.com. If anyone is interested in the FREE READS, contact me.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

UNDER A SHIFTERS MOON by Kari Thomas

Publisher: Black Lyon Publishing
Date published: October 2009
ISBN: 978-1-934912-21-8 (E-book & Paperback)
Paranormal/Shifter
E book/Paperback
Obtained by Author
Reviewed by Dawn



CLICK TO PURCHASE AS EBOOK! For Jaguar Shifters, Lyon Savage and his brother, an Elder decree for their pride has them racing against the clock to find the one woman who can give them what each desire: to be the alpha of the Pride. For Lyon Savage, that is Kitlene, a woman whose fragile beauty and inner strength draws him like no other has. Warring with desire and duty, can Lyon find a way to keep his true mate while trying to save his pride and his future?

UNDER A SHIFTERS MOON is the first book I have read from Ms. Thomas and I have to say, I loved this one. It had a nice build up between Lyon and Kitlene plus the reader got to meet some wonderful secondary characters that kept the story flowing nicely. Ms. Thomas creates a wonderful, rich shifter world that draws the reader in from the first page and captivates you till the very end. The slow build up between Lyon and Kitlene was a delight and the emotions between the two spear the readers’ heart. The reader gets drawn into the dynamics that make up this shifter world and Ms. Thomas does a masterful job in keeping the reader entertained.

UNDER A SHIFTERS MOON introduces you to the Jaguar shifters pride and there are some issues that need attending. Here Lyon and his brother are fighting over becoming the one alpha and the reader is drawn into their animosity from the beginning. Lyon is a strong character that kept me intrigued especially as he tries to not fall for Kitlene, a woman who draws him like no other ever has. A strong, feisty woman who is more than a match for this strong alpha male; Kitlene was a heroine I could relate to and her scenes with Lyon made me melt, especially as he became soft and tender with the one woman who holds his heart. With some wonderful secondary characters that kept the story flowing nicely, Ms. Thomas delivers a sensual and emotional romance that will leave you gasping.

UNDER A SHIFTERS MOON is a great story that will leave you longing for more. Ms. Thomas is a masterful storyteller who delights in creating complex characters and enthralling storylines that keep the reader entertained. If you enjoy a unique shifter story then grab UNDER A SHIFTERS MOON. It is truly one of those gems that will be read over again.


THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

Monday, September 28, 2009

Her Heart, His Soul by Kari Thomas

Publisher: Siren Bookstrand
Date published: March 2009
ISBN: 1-60601-327-0
Demons and Angels romance
E-book
Reviewed by Valerie


CLICK TO PURCHASE!Sara Winters has, for as long as she can remember, been driven to find a certain book. A book, which legend says, contains all the information about The Knights of the Night. She also sees visions and while in France she sees the death of her father. When she returns home, it is too late and her father is dead. At this point on, her life turns upside down with the arrival of Drake Domitaine. Now, she needs to come to terms with Angels, Demons and those in-between. She has to find the book at all costs, as the very existence of life as we know it could be erased forever. She desperately needs to help Drake and she needs to find out why her father died. What she doesn’t need, is to succumb to the attraction she feels towards Drake. This is the one thing that could cost her her soul.

This is a wonderful story that will grip you and carry you up to the heights of Heaven and into the depths of Hell. The characters are multi-faceted and intriguing. Especially Drake and his brethren. Kari Thomas has written an imaginative story that drew me in and had me scrolling the pages to see what would happen next. She imbues this story with a lot of emotions. You can feel the frustration that Drake feels about his attraction to Sara, knowing that they can probably never be together. I loved all the characters in this story, at least all the good ones. The antagonists were as they should be, dark and bad. The romance in this story is sensually gripping. Ms. Thomas builds up the sexual tension between Drake and Sara that you will be shouting for release yourself! And the sex scenes are intense and satisfying. I hope you will try this author out. You will not regret it, I promise.