A Bookworm’s Haven (ABWH): Can you tell us a little bit about Covert Desires for those who might not have read it?

Sondrae Bennett (SB): Sure, Covert Desires is the fifth book in my Alpine Woods Shifters series and picks up where the last book, Worth Fighting For, leaves off (although it does read as a stand-alone if needed). In Covert Desires, Amber comes to Alpine Woods undercover to determine the cause of an outbreak of violent riots in the area. Danny, one of the wolf shifters who run the local pack, knows what she is, and sets out to lead her away from any shifter activity. So the book starts out with both characters deceiving the other, and follows them through love and beyond.

ABWH: Do you have a favorite scene from Covert Desires? I personally loved the whole rock climbing scene because it felt like a turning point in their relationship and the hot make-out session when they sneak away for a minute.

SB: Thanks! The rock climbing scene is a good one, but I think my favorite scene is when Danny tries to get Amber to go out with him again. I find it really amusing that Amber can’t resist Danny even when she sets out to do exactly that.

ABWH: I am hoping with the way you ended this book that Laurie is going to get her book next. *crosses fingers* If it is not Laurie, can you tell us which sibling is up next in the Alpine Shifters world?

SB: Yes, Laurie will be the next book in the series, but I’m still in the planning phase and will probably begin writing it in January. Her story will open up a whole bunch of new characters, at least one of which will get a story of his own after that. Before Laurie’s story though, I have at least one book outside the series releasing. Keep your eyes out for Kalindra next May. It’s another paranormal romance and I’m very excited about it.

ABWH: If Covert Desires could be made into a movie, who would your dream cast be for Danny and Amber?

SB: Sometimes when I write, I have clear actors in mind for a character. Julie from The Wolf Within would have absolutely been played by Bridget Regan (with her dark hair). But I don’t know who I would get to play Danny or Amber, so I would probably hold auditions and go with some unknown actors.

ABWH: You have created a fascinating world you in the Alpine Shifters novellas, with lovable characters and great shifter mythology. Which comes first for you? The character’s story or the idea for the novel?

SB: A little bit of both I suppose. The books are very character driven. That’s just how I write. Without a clear idea of who the characters are, I can’t put them on paper. But I also have a rough idea of the plot as well. Especially in the last three which have all grown from the conflict in the previous books.

ABWH: Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?

SB: This is a hard one! I’d love to say yes, but I can’t think of any. I certainly see aspects of myself in characters. For that matter, I see parts of my personality in every character I write. But I can’t think of one character I’ve read or seen that personifies me. There are plenty I wish I was more like, though, lol.

ABWH: Who are some authors that are on your must read list?

SB: I love this question. Shelly Laurenston is one of my favorites. She adds humor into her books so beautifully, and I absolutely adore every character she writes. Patricia Briggs is another. Both her Mercy Thompson series and her Alpha and Omega series are among my favorites. I also love Maya Banks, Lauren Dane, Kresley Cole, and Karen Marie Moning (there are no words to describe how amazing the Fever series is).

ABWH: What is something you have to have with you when writing?

SB: Paper and pencil. Even though I write on the computer, I’m constantly jotting down notes in a notebook. That and something to drink, usually coffee or some fancy latte beverage. Food nice, too, but have to have the beverage.

ABWH: Is there anything you are working on now that you are really excited about?

SB: Well, as I mentioned above, I’m in edits for Kalindra, which will be releasing in May. At one point, I was bawling as I wrote one of the scenes, and I’m excited to see if the emotions come through for readers like I hope they did. I also am working on a completely different book at the moment that’s very mystical and very soft paranormal, presently titled Bring Me To Life, that is still early in the writing phase, but I have big hopes for it. After that, it’ll be on to Laurie’s story which I can already tell is going to be a lot of fun. So lots of good things on the horizon.

ABWH: Thanks so much for being here today Sondrae! Is there anything that you would like to add?

SB: Thank you for having me! If anyone is interested in learning more, my website is www.sondraebennett.com and all my books can be found on Amazon, B&N, and digital bookstores everywhere. That and I’ll be checking back throughout the day, so if anyone has any questions, I’d be happy to answer them!

Want to know more about Sondrae? Find her in the following places.

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Blurb for Covert Desires:

Will desire be enough once all their secrets are revealed?

Still recovering from a traumatic assignment, Amber is wary of the man who shows up at her door with a plate of cookies and a welcoming smile. Instinct warns her he’s not all he seems. Then again, neither is she. Since she was sent to root out the secrets of the town and its people, she might as well accept his invitation to dinner. But when things start to heat up between them, will her loyalty lie with her job, or the man trying to win her heart?

Danny knows Amber is an FBI agent. Tasked by his brothers and the shifter council to keep her from discovering too much, he sets out to seduce her, a perfect cover to keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn’t learn about his pack or their society. He hadn’t counted on a blazing attraction at first sight, though. His wolf knows Amber is his mate, and he’ll do anything to keep her safe and happy. But how can he reveal everything he is, and everything he’s been keeping from her, without losing her forever?

Title:

Author: Sondrae Bennett

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Release Date: December 5th, 2012

Will desire be enough once all their secrets are revealed?

Still recovering from a traumatic assignment, Amber is wary of the man who shows up at her door with a plate of cookies and a welcoming smile. Instinct warns her he’s not all he seems. Then again, neither is she. Since she was sent to root out the secrets of the town and its people, she might as well accept his invitation to dinner. But when things start to heat up between them, will her loyalty lie with her job, or the man trying to win her heart?

Danny knows Amber is an FBI agent. Tasked by his brothers and the shifter council to keep her from discovering too much, he sets out to seduce her, a perfect cover to keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn’t learn about his pack or their society. He hadn’t counted on a blazing attraction at first sight, though. His wolf knows Amber is his mate, and he’ll do anything to keep her safe and happy. But how can he reveal everything he is, and everything he’s been keeping from her, without losing her forever?

Summary from Goodreads.com

My Review: I have said it before and I will say it again, I am not normally one who likes novellas. I have tried quite a few of them and I always end up feeling like I was cheated out of something. Whether it was the plot or character development, I usually finish up the story and feel frustrated. However, I will never say that about Sondrae Bennett’s novellas. They are just hands down amazing! She manages to pull off an incredible story, well developed characters that are impossible not to love, and some sizzling romance that always heats up the pages. I have read some full length novels that don’t even come close to making me feel the kind of connection I always get out of one of Sondrae’s books.

In Covert Desires, we pick up right where we left off in Worth Fighting For. Danny has been enlisted by his siblings to get close to the FBI agent, Amber, and keep her off the trail of what really goes on in their town. They don’t want to drive her away or harm her, they just don’t want her discovering that shifters live in Alpine Woods. Danny, who is usually the quiet one, begrudgingly accepts the job and hopes that he can just get it over with quickly. That is until he meets Amber and all logically thought goes straight out the window.

Amber is still reeling from some pretty traumatic personal issues when she comes to Alpine Woods on assignment. She is hoping to use this trip to prove herself as an agent, but she is also struggling with where she fits in. She lives in DC, but has no real ties there and is drawn to the cabin she is staying in while in Alpine Woods. She desperately wants to find somewhere she belongs, but has built so many walls around herself, she keeps everyone she meets at arm’s length.

Since Danny and Amber are not really sure if they can trust one another, they take the relationship very slow. The side effect of this was a delicious build of tension that oozed off the pages. I was so absorbed in the story and the romance between Danny and Amber.

I also enjoyed seeing past characters come back and weave into the story seamlessly. Amber does not get along with Danny’s family right away and the conflict that arose because of this was very interesting to watch.

Overall, I cannot say enough good things about Sondrae. She is an amazing writer who I always know I can turn to when I am looking for an engaging story filled with hot shifters and even hotter romance. You can read these novellas out of order, but I highly recommend starting at the beginning of the series and working your way through. Trust me, it is worth it! I am very eager to see whose story Sondrae will bring us next.

FTC: I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

A Bookworm’s Haven (ABWH): Can you tell us a little bit about Playing with Fire for those who might not have read it?

Tamera Morgan (TM):Playing with Fire is a little bit romantic comedy, a little bit paranormal, and (hopefully) a lot of fun. Fiona, our heroine, is a reluctant participant in this superhero world. Ian, our hero, is the exact opposite—he wants to put his finger in ALL the cool pies.

Hmm…maybe that didn’t come out quite right.

ABWH: The Converted have a fascinating mythology behind them, where did you get the idea for them?

TM: I really liked the idea of people taking personal control over whether or not they want superpowers. Instead of their abilities being brought on by radiation or mutations, my heroes (and heroines) purposefully inject themselves with the conversion serum. Sometimes the serum takes in a big way. Sometimes it doesn’t. It’s superhero Russian roulette.

It raises an interesting question for our modern world. If you had a choice, would you put a potentially unstable element in your body to try for a kick-ass, heretofore unknown power?

ABWH: Do you have a favorite scene from Playing with Fire? I personally enjoyed the scene where Fiona shoots fire at a rock in front of Ian and all the revelations that came out of that sequence of events.

TM: Oh, that’s a good one! I also like the interrogation scene with Fiona in General Eagle’s underground lair, when she finally realizes that she’s strong enough to fight her own battles. That was an important one for her development.

ABWH: If this book could be made into a movie, who would your dream cast be for Fiona and Ian?

TM: Oh, geez. I think I’m the only romance author in the world who doesn’t have Hollywood prototypes for her characters. Let’s cast…Elisha Cuthbert and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I have a serious crush on Mr. Gordon-Levitt.

ABWH: Will you continue on in the world of the Converted or will Playing with Fire be a stand-alone novel?

TM: I shall remain mysterious and look coyly aside for this question.

There’s so much left of their world to be discovered, and I definitely left some ends loose and flapping around in there, so it’s a possibility. That’s all I’ll say.

ABWH: On your website you talk about your love of historical reenactments and the costumes that go with it. What is your favorite costume that you have gotten to wear?

TM: I don’t actually wear the costumes, much to everyone’s dismay! I’m the introverted writer lurking in the back corner of all these events, taking notes and admiring everyone else’s getup.

I think my favorite is this old man who comes to the Renaissance Fair every year dressed as Gandalf. He’s really, really authentic.

ABWH: What is your favorite book by another author?

TM: This is always such a hard question because I have so many favorites. Right now I’m rereading The Sparrow by Maria Doria Russell. It’s a fantastic sci-fi—one I think everyone should pick up. (Hint, hint.)

ABWH: What is something you have to have with you when writing?

TM: It’s such a cliché answer, but COFFEE. There will be no words on the page until this woman gets her caffeine fix.

ABWH: Can you share what you are working on now?

TM: This week I’m working on edits for my next release, a con woman vs. an art thief heist romance novel. (It’s so much fun. I love characters with a relaxed moral code.)

I’m also in the middle of writing a series of category-length novels about a group of Search and Rescue heroes. (Also fun, but in a high-intensity, DANGER DANGER, sort of way.)

ABWH: Thank you very much for answering these questions for me! Is there anything that you would like to add?

TM: Just a big thank you for having me! If there’s one thing I like more than writing books, it’s talking about them.

Playing with Fire

by Tamara Morgan

Fiona Nelson has always been one hot ticket—even before she took the conversion serum that gave her superhuman abilities. Fiona’s powers come at a price: lack of human contact, or she won’t be the only thing burning. When she loses control of her emotions, her fire powers run rampant…and she’s hurt enough people already.

Including herself.

But when the man behind her conversion returns to blackmail her into helping him gain power, the only person she can turn to is Ian Jones, the man who broke her teenage heart. The man determined to expose the criminal known as Fireball, whose explosive escapades are just a little too close to Fiona’s M.O.

Ian is convinced Fiona’s dangerous, convinced she’s Fireball, and convinced he’ll damn himself if he doesn’t resist a heat that’s always drawn him to Fiona like a moth to a flame—but Ian has his own secrets.

And he’ll learn far too soon what happens when you play with fire.

Information:

Title: Playing with Fire
Anthology: Holding Out for a Hero
Author: Tamara Morgan
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 140 pages
Release Date: September 2012
Imprint: Ever Afters