Guest Post: Rosanna Leo: “I Want to Bite You”

I’m thrilled to welcome back my friend and writerly colleague Rosanna Leo, and to feature her new release, Predator’s Fire! Predator’s Fire is book 5 in Rosanna’s popular Gemini Island Shifter’s series–click the image below to see the whole series on Goodreads. Y’all know I got a little excited when I saw the title for Rosanna’s post–mmmmm biting. Welcome back, Rosanna!

-V

Hello everyone and big thanks to Vanessa for allowing me to visit to share my latest release. Predator’s Fire, Gemini Island Shifters 5, has just been released and I couldn’t be happier to see the next installment in this fun shifter series.

In my opinion, one of the sexiest things about shape shifters is the way they mark their mates. In my romances, as well as others, shifters bite their human mates to solidify their bond. It’s part of their animal nature and they often mate with some of the tendencies of animals in the wild. All my shifters take part in this ritual and I wouldn’t have it any other way. In my romances, the marking and biting of a partner also results in the human partner becoming shifter.

What is it about a bite that we find so sexy? After all, biting does not always result in loving behavior. Animals also bite in self-defense. At times, they bite to kill. My shifters have certainly employed their choppers to defend their mates and take their enemies down. So why is it so important that a shifter mark his mate in this seemingly violent manner?

Perhaps the allure stems from the fact that the shifter is using restraint during the mating process. He could certainly kill his mate if he were inclined, but only bites hard enough to mark her. Although he employs animalistic means, he demonstrates his love and only nips hard enough to pierce the skin.

In my fictional world, the bite also leaves a mark. For my shifter men, this mark is a symbol of his love and protection. Okay, it also satisfies the brute inside, but my women don’t seem to mind. The mark of a mate is the ultimate hickey and they wear it proudly. Some of my heroines have balked at this territorial display, but they always surrender in the mating process.

And who wouldn’t want to surrender to these hot animal/men? If one of my heroes wanted to nip at my skin, I wouldn’t refuse him.

The act is carnal, sensual and implies tremendous trust. In my latest book Predator’s Fire, heroine Nina knows Killian’s bite will be momentarily painful but she submits. This act of love allows him to taste her, to swallow her essence and to become one with her.

Love bites are sexy and you will always find this sort of play in my shifter stories. Enjoy!

Blurb:

 

When Nina Suzuki discovers the body of her best friend Janine, her world turns upside down. Things go from bad to worse when Janine’s corpse seems to transform into that of a large, brown wolf. For the first time, Nina is faced to confront all the clues indicating her BFF was not what she seemed. A letter from the dead woman opens Nina’s eyes to a strange, new world. The same letter warns of a sinister group called the Alpha Brethren, and urges her to find Killian Moon of the Ursa Fishing Lodge and Resort on Gemini Island.

Killian Moon is a jaguar shifter and teen mentor at the Ursa Lodge in Northern Ontario. He may be a comfort and inspiration to confused teen shifters, but he also has a fiery past. His past comes back to haunt him when human Nina arrives at the resort, demanding to speak with him. Demanding answers. Can he trust her with knowledge that will not only change her life, but possibly endanger those around him?

As Killian begrudgingly tutors Nina on all things shifter, their mutual curiosity flares into passionate need. Once they touch, once they succumb to desire, there is no going back. Killian realizes Nina is his mate and they both begin to comprehend the terror threatening those on their shifter-friendly island. He is forced to confront the tragedy in his family and determines to protect Nina at all costs.

But can they protect everyone they love from a cult of dangerous shifters, intent on horror and destruction?

 

Excerpt:

 

“How much longer do I have to wait? I want to see Killian Moon. Now.”

The feminine voice, strangely soft despite its insistence, echoed deep in his being, awakening his jaguar. The great cat roared to life, turned toward the office and inhaled deeply. Its eyes flashed in interest.

In…recognition?

Killian breathed in at the same time, catching the scent of cherry blossoms through the door. The sweet perfume, mixed with human outrage, proved a heady distraction, making him forget why he was there. Shaking his head, he tried to dismiss the odd sensation as Ryland opened the door.

The door swung open and the first person he glimpsed was one of the clerks from reception, trying his hardest to placate the unexpected guest. “I’m sure Mr. Snow and Mr. Moon will be right back.”

And then his gaze landed on the petite human. Tapered Asian eyes, so dark and mysterious, but rimmed with circles of exhaustion. Smooth, cinnamon skin hinted at a mixed background. Wearing no makeup, she appeared younger than she must be, but her presence and keen eyes pegged her at around thirty years old. She had a riot of curly, black hair and feminine curves that ought to come with a warning. He could see it now. Beware: this woman’s body will cause insanity in men. Even as she gesticulated at the clerk, her boobs jiggled in such a way his throat went dry.

He pictured her in a corset, her breasts spilling over delicate lace edging, and almost forgot his name.

This Nina Suzuki was damn hot and his jaguar seemed to agree. The animal licked its lips, its golden gaze assessing and appreciating every detail, from her rounded hips to her come-hither rack.

Yes, the creature uttered on a frenzied breath.

 

 

Buy link: Predator’s Fire, Gemini Island Shifters 5, will be available Sept. 8 at Liquid Silver Books, as well as Amazon, Kobo, ARe, B&N and other outlets.