Moondance
by Linda K. Hopkins
Genre: Clean Paranormal Romance
356 pages
Unlike any shapeshifter romance you've ever read!
Handsome, alluring, and a little dangerous, Melissa Hewitt's boss can barely manage to acknowledge her. But there is something about Leander Garrett that makes him impossible to ignore. He is not the only thing plaguing Melissa’s thoughts, however; a huge panther, as black as night, pursues her relentlessly through her dreams.
As winter turns into spring, Leander’s chilly demeanor begins to thaw, but danger prowls through the mountains, and Lee has a secret that lurks beneath his elegant clothes and rippling physique. Something that compels him to reject what he desires the most.
Can he learn to see the good in himself and finally allow his heart to love, and be loved in return?
˃˃˃ An engrossing and captivating tale of romance, Moondance will keep you enthralled to the very last page.
Add to Goodreads
Amazon * B&N * Kobo
Handsome, alluring, and a little dangerous, Melissa Hewitt's boss can barely manage to acknowledge her. But there is something about Leander Garrett that makes him impossible to ignore. He is not the only thing plaguing Melissa’s thoughts, however; a huge panther, as black as night, pursues her relentlessly through her dreams.
As winter turns into spring, Leander’s chilly demeanor begins to thaw, but danger prowls through the mountains, and Lee has a secret that lurks beneath his elegant clothes and rippling physique. Something that compels him to reject what he desires the most.
Can he learn to see the good in himself and finally allow his heart to love, and be loved in return?
˃˃˃ An engrossing and captivating tale of romance, Moondance will keep you enthralled to the very last page.
Add to Goodreads
Amazon * B&N * Kobo
Melissa’s eyes were on the view ahead instead of the trail and she missed seeing the animal standing in her path. A sudden blur was her only warning before she fell into the dirt, her arm securely gripped in the mouth of a large, tan cougar. She screamed, and for the briefest moment, its grip slackened before it dug its teeth even deeper into her flesh. With her free hand she hit the creature in the ribs, and it snarled and shook her arm, ripping it even more. She scrabbled her hand over the dusty ground and her fingers curled around the smooth bark of a stick. Heaving it into the air, she swung at the creature, catching it on the ribs. The cat loosened its grip, and she pulled her arm away and scrambled backward before pushing herself hurriedly to her feet. Her skin was ripped and bloody, but she barely noticed as she grabbed the branch again and swung it through the air in the direction of the cougar. It snarled and darted away from the crude weapon, its olive-green eyes watching her intently, and Melissa gripped the branch more tightly.
A crashing sound came from the trees, and then, suddenly, a flash of black rushed through the air, slamming into the cougar and sending it flying. She stumbled back as a huge black cat, bigger by far than the cougar, fought her attacker. Her mouth went dry as she realized it was a panther – just like the one from her dreams. Tan and black blurred together as snarls and growls ripped through the air. Blood spurted over the dirt; the cougar yelped but met the panther with bared teeth. The black cat didn’t even pause as it lunged for the cougar’s throat, ripping open the side of its neck. The cougar stumbled to the ground, then rose and fled.
The panther watched as the cougar disappeared between the trees, then slowly turned its bright green gaze on Melissa. She stared back, frozen with fear, as the creature looked at her. It glanced at her arm, bloody and dirty, and she stepped backward, holding the injured limb to her chest as she gripped the stick. The cat followed her movement, then with a flick of its tail turned and vanished through the trees.
A crashing sound came from the trees, and then, suddenly, a flash of black rushed through the air, slamming into the cougar and sending it flying. She stumbled back as a huge black cat, bigger by far than the cougar, fought her attacker. Her mouth went dry as she realized it was a panther – just like the one from her dreams. Tan and black blurred together as snarls and growls ripped through the air. Blood spurted over the dirt; the cougar yelped but met the panther with bared teeth. The black cat didn’t even pause as it lunged for the cougar’s throat, ripping open the side of its neck. The cougar stumbled to the ground, then rose and fled.
The panther watched as the cougar disappeared between the trees, then slowly turned its bright green gaze on Melissa. She stared back, frozen with fear, as the creature looked at her. It glanced at her arm, bloody and dirty, and she stepped backward, holding the injured limb to her chest as she gripped the stick. The cat followed her movement, then with a flick of its tail turned and vanished through the trees.
Linda K. Hopkins lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Calgary, Canada, with her husband, two kids and one dog. Originally from South Africa, she holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the Univerity of South Africa.
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Amazon * Goodreads
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Amazon * Goodreads
What is something unique/quirky about you?
I have lived on three different continents – Africa, Europe (or that little island to the west, known as England, to be more specific) and North America.
What are some of your pet peeves?
Living in Canada means that we have snow on the ground for a good portion of the year. One of my pet peeves is the way people park when snow covers the lines in the parking lot. Yep, I know – very silly, but so many more cars could fit in there if people just parked properly! My kids (two teenagers) think it’s hilarious – they cannot help making jokes as soon as I drive into those shudder-inducing lots!
Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in Durban, South Africa, but grew up in the gold city of Johannesburg. I now live in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Calgary, Canada.
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
I would spend my last day with those I love most, creating the most spectacular memories.
Who is your hero and why?
JK Rowling. I love how she wrote her first Harry Potter book when she had nothing to her name and was living in her car. And then when she did make it big, she gave away so much, she lost her billionaire status!
What kind of world ruler would you be?
Much better than the leaders of today! (Okay, that’s rather arrogant! But I would put the well-being of others ahead of my own need/desire for power.)
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I love to read, so whenever I have a spare moment, chances are my nose is buried in a book.
How to find time to write as a parent?
My children are teens, which definitely makes things a lot easier! I write from the time they go to school until they arrive home in the afternoon. My kids love that I am an author, and are always giving me ideas for my books – some of them are quite good, too!
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Author, publisher, marketer, mother, woman!
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve always been a writer. As a kid, I’d write plays and get the neighborhood kids to act them out with me. I also wrote poems and stories, which I’d share with my family. Later, I wrote for church and school newsletters, and in the years spent in business (prior to making writing a full time career), there has been some element of writing. In 2014 I published my first book, taking the step from writer to author.
What other books have you published?
The Dragon Archives series, set in the middle ages, is about dragon shapeshifters. The last book in the series will be released in June 2018. In December I released The Dragon Archives Coloring Book.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
Actually, all of them!
When characters become more than imaginary
Hang out with authors enough, and you will begin to notice something interesting – they will often talk about their characters as though they are real people, not just fictional characters in a story they have dreamed up! Are authors crazy? My teenage daughter would answer with a resounding ‘yes,’ and maybe we are, just a little! Of course, writing a story means you spend many hours with your characters, exploring who they are, what makes them tick, their strengths and their weaknesses. They become part of your life, at least for the time you are immersed in their stories. But when characters start talking to their creators, things really become interesting! There are many authors who will tell you that the character demanded a different role to what the author had originally envisioned; in fact, some characters can become downright insistent! And it isn’t just the main characters! No, often it is the minor characters – those originally intended to have a supporting role – who can become the most obnoxious, insisting on playing a larger part. And I have learned over the years that it’s actually a good idea to listen to your characters, because chances are they are right, and the story is better for it when you listen to these voices in your head!
So who was it in Moondance that demanded more attention? That would be Caleb, Lee’s younger brother. He was not satisfied with just being on the sidelines, but insisted that he needed to be there for Lee when things went sideways. As it turned out, he was there not just for Lee, but for Melissa as well, and without Caleb, the story would just not be complete.
Why I Write Paranormal Romance
When I released my first book, Bound by a Dragon, back in 2014, it was with some nervousness that I presented it to my friends and family. And that nervousness was well-founded – as I had anticipated, the reactions I received ranged from surprised to horrified that I would write something so ‘trivial’ as a paranormal romance!
So why do I write what I write? From the time I was a young girl, books and stories have been my means of escaping the real world. Fairies and hobbits have led to me fantastic new worlds where anything is possible, and even the most insignificant person can become someone special. And the unique mix of ordinary and extraordinary that is found in paranormal fiction adds a dimension that makes the unreal seem even more possible. Of course, some of the first paranormal tales came from Marvel and DC Comics, and they taught us that the only limits to paranormal tales is the author’s own imagination. Throw some romance into the mix and you have the perfect elements to create an enticing, engaging and unforgettable tale of overcoming adversity, reaching potential and finding love.
I have lived on three different continents – Africa, Europe (or that little island to the west, known as England, to be more specific) and North America.
What are some of your pet peeves?
Living in Canada means that we have snow on the ground for a good portion of the year. One of my pet peeves is the way people park when snow covers the lines in the parking lot. Yep, I know – very silly, but so many more cars could fit in there if people just parked properly! My kids (two teenagers) think it’s hilarious – they cannot help making jokes as soon as I drive into those shudder-inducing lots!
Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in Durban, South Africa, but grew up in the gold city of Johannesburg. I now live in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Calgary, Canada.
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
I would spend my last day with those I love most, creating the most spectacular memories.
Who is your hero and why?
JK Rowling. I love how she wrote her first Harry Potter book when she had nothing to her name and was living in her car. And then when she did make it big, she gave away so much, she lost her billionaire status!
What kind of world ruler would you be?
Much better than the leaders of today! (Okay, that’s rather arrogant! But I would put the well-being of others ahead of my own need/desire for power.)
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I love to read, so whenever I have a spare moment, chances are my nose is buried in a book.
How to find time to write as a parent?
My children are teens, which definitely makes things a lot easier! I write from the time they go to school until they arrive home in the afternoon. My kids love that I am an author, and are always giving me ideas for my books – some of them are quite good, too!
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Author, publisher, marketer, mother, woman!
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve always been a writer. As a kid, I’d write plays and get the neighborhood kids to act them out with me. I also wrote poems and stories, which I’d share with my family. Later, I wrote for church and school newsletters, and in the years spent in business (prior to making writing a full time career), there has been some element of writing. In 2014 I published my first book, taking the step from writer to author.
What other books have you published?
The Dragon Archives series, set in the middle ages, is about dragon shapeshifters. The last book in the series will be released in June 2018. In December I released The Dragon Archives Coloring Book.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
Actually, all of them!
When characters become more than imaginary
Hang out with authors enough, and you will begin to notice something interesting – they will often talk about their characters as though they are real people, not just fictional characters in a story they have dreamed up! Are authors crazy? My teenage daughter would answer with a resounding ‘yes,’ and maybe we are, just a little! Of course, writing a story means you spend many hours with your characters, exploring who they are, what makes them tick, their strengths and their weaknesses. They become part of your life, at least for the time you are immersed in their stories. But when characters start talking to their creators, things really become interesting! There are many authors who will tell you that the character demanded a different role to what the author had originally envisioned; in fact, some characters can become downright insistent! And it isn’t just the main characters! No, often it is the minor characters – those originally intended to have a supporting role – who can become the most obnoxious, insisting on playing a larger part. And I have learned over the years that it’s actually a good idea to listen to your characters, because chances are they are right, and the story is better for it when you listen to these voices in your head!
So who was it in Moondance that demanded more attention? That would be Caleb, Lee’s younger brother. He was not satisfied with just being on the sidelines, but insisted that he needed to be there for Lee when things went sideways. As it turned out, he was there not just for Lee, but for Melissa as well, and without Caleb, the story would just not be complete.
Why I Write Paranormal Romance
When I released my first book, Bound by a Dragon, back in 2014, it was with some nervousness that I presented it to my friends and family. And that nervousness was well-founded – as I had anticipated, the reactions I received ranged from surprised to horrified that I would write something so ‘trivial’ as a paranormal romance!
So why do I write what I write? From the time I was a young girl, books and stories have been my means of escaping the real world. Fairies and hobbits have led to me fantastic new worlds where anything is possible, and even the most insignificant person can become someone special. And the unique mix of ordinary and extraordinary that is found in paranormal fiction adds a dimension that makes the unreal seem even more possible. Of course, some of the first paranormal tales came from Marvel and DC Comics, and they taught us that the only limits to paranormal tales is the author’s own imagination. Throw some romance into the mix and you have the perfect elements to create an enticing, engaging and unforgettable tale of overcoming adversity, reaching potential and finding love.
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
Jan 22
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
Jazzy Book Reviews
Jan 23
A Tome Gnome
Paulette's Papers
Jan 24
La Libreria di Beppe
2 Girls & A Book
Jan 25
Romance Novel Giveaways
Spunky N Sassy
Jan 26
AC Squared Book Blog
A Mama's Corner of the World
Jan 27
Anna Del C Dye – GUEST POST
The Book Town
Jan 28
Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews
The Bookworm Chronicles
Jan 29
Book Bangers Blog
Belle's Book Blog
Jan 30
The Bookworm Lodge
Books a Plenty Book Reviews
Jan 31
Bound 2 Escape
Book Review Virignia Lee
Feb 1
books are love
Brianna Remus Books
Feb 2
Book Reviews and Giveaways
BookwormBridgette's World
Feb 3
Deal Sharing Aunt
The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
Yah gotta read this
Feb 4
Fantasticando sui libri
The Reading Spot
Yearwood La Novela
Feb 5
Fantasticando sui libri
Laurisa White Reyes, Author
Feb 6
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
Kimmie Sue's Book Reviews & More
Feb 7
Lisa-Queen of Random
Rabid Readers Book Blog
Feb 8
Girl with Pen
LaFifeReviews
Feb 9
Home for Book Lovers
Queen of All She Reads
Feb 10
Meghan's Mindless Mutterings: Reviews & Giveaways
WS Momma Readers Nook
Feb 11
Writers and Authors
XoXo Book Blog
Feb 12
Loves Great Reads Blog
Mello & June
Feb 13
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
nanasbookreviews
Feb 14
Charmed Book Haven Reviews - REVIEW
Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
Feb 15
Indie Wish List – REVIEW
Rambling Reviews
Feb 16
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
Sylv.net
Feb 17
JB's Bookworms with Brandy Mulder – GUEST POST
Triple A - REVIEW
Feb 18
Casey's Corner
Book-Lover
Feb 19
Nicole's Book Musings
Sapphyria's Book Reviews
Feb 20
T's Stuff
The Authors Blog
Feb 21
Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom
Teatime and Books
Feb 22
The Books You Read
YA Book Divas
Jan 22
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
Jazzy Book Reviews
Jan 23
A Tome Gnome
Paulette's Papers
Jan 24
La Libreria di Beppe
2 Girls & A Book
Jan 25
Romance Novel Giveaways
Spunky N Sassy
Jan 26
AC Squared Book Blog
A Mama's Corner of the World
Jan 27
Anna Del C Dye – GUEST POST
The Book Town
Jan 28
Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews
The Bookworm Chronicles
Jan 29
Book Bangers Blog
Belle's Book Blog
Jan 30
The Bookworm Lodge
Books a Plenty Book Reviews
Jan 31
Bound 2 Escape
Book Review Virignia Lee
Feb 1
books are love
Brianna Remus Books
Feb 2
Book Reviews and Giveaways
BookwormBridgette's World
Feb 3
Deal Sharing Aunt
The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
Yah gotta read this
Feb 4
Fantasticando sui libri
The Reading Spot
Yearwood La Novela
Feb 5
Fantasticando sui libri
Laurisa White Reyes, Author
Feb 6
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
Kimmie Sue's Book Reviews & More
Feb 7
Lisa-Queen of Random
Rabid Readers Book Blog
Feb 8
Girl with Pen
LaFifeReviews
Feb 9
Home for Book Lovers
Queen of All She Reads
Feb 10
Meghan's Mindless Mutterings: Reviews & Giveaways
WS Momma Readers Nook
Feb 11
Writers and Authors
XoXo Book Blog
Feb 12
Loves Great Reads Blog
Mello & June
Feb 13
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
nanasbookreviews
Feb 14
Charmed Book Haven Reviews - REVIEW
Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer
Feb 15
Indie Wish List – REVIEW
Rambling Reviews
Feb 16
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
Sylv.net
Feb 17
JB's Bookworms with Brandy Mulder – GUEST POST
Triple A - REVIEW
Feb 18
Casey's Corner
Book-Lover
Feb 19
Nicole's Book Musings
Sapphyria's Book Reviews
Feb 20
T's Stuff
The Authors Blog
Feb 21
Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom
Teatime and Books
Feb 22
The Books You Read
YA Book Divas
