Welcome to the Crux chat! Are we ready to dive into the Southern Arcana world? Let’s get to it.
The Main Characters:
Jackson Holt: “Just because I use magic doesn’t mean I’m a weenie.”
Well hello there, Jackson Holt. A southern gentleman who loves to call people “darlin” but don’t let that fool you. He is a very accomplished sorcerer who is not afraid to take danger head on. Living in New Orleans, he owns a private investigation firm with his good friend, and shifter Alec. He loves to give his friends a hard time, but when it comes to protecting Mackenzie, he is all business.
Mackenzie Brooks : “But when this is over, we are going to have the kind of insanely hot sex that takes hours to finish and days to recover from.”
Adopted at the age of five, Mackenzie has always had the same dreams of running, and running. But now she is actually on the run, from a man that wants to use her for something she doesn’t understand. Unknown to her, she was born a cougar-shifter, and a spell was placed on Mackenzie when she was young that repressed her shifter side. She ends up in New Orleans, and Jackson and his friends want to help her. She also must learn the truth about who she really is, and why Marcus and his father, Charles are after her.
The Villains: Charles and Marcus Talbott. Cougar shifters who are trying to make a cougar that can transform humans. In this world, only a bite from a wolf can turn a human into a shifter. All other shifters must be born from shifter parents, so they are rare. He wants Mackenzie and his “son” Marcus to have that baby. Marcus has been brainwashed since he was little to believe that his father only has good intentions and just doesn’t want the cougar line to die out. He doesn’t realize his father has kidnapped and killed to accomplish his mission.
Mandi’s Thoughts:
My first thought when I read this book is how easy it is to get into this world. The characters are very likable – all giving each other a hard time, but you can tell they have known each other long enough for there to be true friendship and love between them. I thought the romance is very believable, and is not rushed, although I think I would have liked a little more internal conflict between Jackson and Mackenzie.
One thing that I think is done really well in this book is the reaction Mackenize has to learning there is a supernatural world. Her acceptance isn’t rushed nor does it come easy. And my favorite part of this book and series overall is the ensemble cast, and how the world builds upon itself in each book.
Discussion Time! Feel free to discuss any aspect of this book. What did you like? What didn’t work for you? We also have some discussion questions below if they strike your fancy.
Each person who leaves a comment will be entered to win a refurbished Kindle! The contest will be open through August 6th.
Please note: This contest is open internationally – and international contestants have the option of a $115 gift certificate, rather than the Kindle prize. This can be determined after the winner is chosen.
1. When Mackenzie realizes the world she lives in is filled with supernaturals and that she is one of them, is her reaction to this believable?
2. Jackson and Mackenzie’s relationship is an easy one in this book, ignoring all of the outside conflict. Was their road to happiness too easy? Did we like the talkative sex scenes? *waggles eyebrows*
3. Marcus starts out as the bad dude, but we soon discover daddy dearest is the true evil one. Marcus is redeemed and set free. Do you agree that Marcus holds no fault? Should there have been consequences for him? Do you think he is living happily ever after with Eddie?
4. Who is your favorite supporting character in Crux?
5. Mackenzie is a cougar shifter which makes her physically strong. Although Jackson is a part of this paranormal world in that he’s a caster—skilled in magic—he is human and breakable. Mackenzie definitely has the upper hand physically. How do you feel about this since typically we see the hero as physically stronger. Does it affect your view of the hero and heroine?
6. Late in the story it seems as though things are coming to a nice conclusion and then there is a second burst of action and then the ending. Did you like this or did you feel that it was a break in momentum? Did it affect how you felt about the ending?
7. This is a paranormal romance however the world building is more like what we find in urban fantasy. Do you like the blending of the genres here? How did you feel about the balance between the set up of the world and the focus on the romance?
Tomorrow, Smexy Books, Fiction Vixen and The Book Pushers will start the Crossroads giveaway! Click picture for more information.
I loved the second re-read of this book. There were so many things I had forgotten that it was like a treat to read it all over again! I love Mackenzie, she is so tough and strong and feminine at the same time! And Jackson with his Southern charm was much fun to get back into once again!
For some reason the first time I read this, I never really picked up on the Marcus and Eddie undertones. I have no idea why, but it totally went over my head. Realizing that gave me a different outlook on Marcus. He never really got to live his life the way he wanted either. :(
Can’t wait to read other people’s thoughts!!
I enjoyed the first read, but on the second go around I enjoyed Jackson even more. His southern charm really got to me this time.
I didn’t pick up on Marcus/Eddie either really the first time. I think the concern for Eddie was more than just friendly :)
I enjoy Jackson’s southern charm too
I haven’t started this series, but it sounds great. I love cat shifters and just about all things paranorm.
Good reading ~ Escape by Fiction :)
If you can, catch up and then participate in the next discussion. You’ll enjoy this series if you’re a fan of pnr.
This is definitely one of those series you will want to catch up on! :)
1. I thought Mackenzie’s initial incredulity was believable, and I liked that she mad Jackson “show” her that he was telling the truth and that magic was real.
2. I do think Jackson and Mackenzie fell together very easily… maybe a little too easily… and what conflict there was surrounding their relationship never seemed to affect them. The talkative make out sessions cracked me up.
3. I think Marcus is just as innocent as Mackenzie, and just as used. I don’t think there should be any consequences for him. I think he’s already suffered enough, and we aren’t even aware of all of them. I walked away wondering how many times Charles had wiped parts of him to be able to continue with his plan. I would like to see Marcus and Eddie get a HEA. I think Marcus definitely deserves it.
4. This is a hard choice for me, but I think Mahalia. I’m hoping to see more of her in the other books.
5. I didn’t see that the unusual distribution of power played in to the story over much. In the end, it took both Jackson and Mackenzie to beat down the big, bad evil. While she is physically stronger, she couldn’t have done it without Jackson’s magic. They were a team, which I appreciate seeing. I liked that he didn’t burn pages complaining about her being stronger than him.
6. I didn’t feel that there had been a resolution until the final scene. While the break in action didn’t bother me, I did feel that the initial confrontation wasn’t developed as fully as I would have wanted. It was very short and quick. After pages and pages of buildup, it was over in a snap.
7. This book fell into what I think of as paranormal romance, not urban fantasy. I liked the world building, and am curious to learn more as I read the later books in the series. As I said, I think the romance happened a little fast. They saw each other, she was suspicious of him, then they were together. It was a very quick progression.
*looks at my REALLY long response* I’m very chatty… and we are talking about books… *scurries back over to twitter*
1. Yes – she didn’t just take his word for it – she wanted actual proof and I really liked that.
2. I like a little more struggle for my h/h to get together. They had a lot of external things from keeping them together, but they pretty much fell for each other without any other problems. I would have liked to see it a little harder for them.
3. I would have loved to see Marcus have more of a HEA at the end – or in future books (I can’t remember if we revisit him in Crossroads…good thing we are rereading :) I agree that Marcus was being used and I really like how he slowly comes to realize this. I remember the first time I read this book, Marcus becoming “good” was my favorite part.
4. My fav is Alec. Shocker I know. Again, I can’t remember if we visit Mahalia again
5. I thought this was a very interesting question Sophia came up with. I had not thought about it but I really like that Mackenzie does have the upper hand in strength.
6. I thought the end dragged just a bit. I was ready for the book to be over when there was a final battle scene..again. But at the same time, that scene had to happen. I like how it was resolved.
Mahalia got a nice novella in The Big Book Of Paranormal Romance :) She gets down in the dojo.
Edited: Whoops!! So sorry everyone. Big mistake!! It’s Zola that has a story in The Big Book Of Paranormal Romance. Hence the title Zola’s Pride. It’s a great story, you should check it out. Sorry for the error. :)
3. I wondered that too. If Marcus had only had the chance to live half a life b/c Charles kept interfering with his choices and will. And really, with learning his “father” had his real parents killed, that his “father” was killing other shifters, other CAT shifters, as well as innocent humans. I think Marcus’ guilt will be punishment enough.
I think so too. He was brain washed.
Yes, I appreciated that the author gave McKensie (the ‘victim’) the upper-hand physically without portraying Jackson as weak. It was a nice balance of power both physically and emotionally.
1. I thought Mackenzie’s initial reaction to her situation was believable. She is a strong and resiliant character.
2. Jackson and Mackenzie I thought came together to easily, to quickly, I thought it should have been harder.
3. I didn’t see the Marcus and Eddie connection right away, had to go back and reread the book. I was glad to see Marcus had finally realized the truth and was getting away from his father.
4. My favorite supporting character was Mahalia, she seemed like a very interesting character.
5. I liked how Mackenzie and Jackson were able to work together to defeat Charles, even though Mackenzie is stronger, it didn’t detract away from my thinking of Jackson as a hero. It balanced out.
6. There was all the build up leading to the end, but the break didn’t bother me, I realized that was what was needed and it was resolved nicely, it didn’t leave me hanging and wondering.
7. Right away when I started reading this story, I thought it as a Paranormal Romance. I liked the world building and am curious about the other books in the series.
All and all a very enjoyable story, that I quite enjoyed reading.
I thought Jackson and Mackenzie came together nicely too. They had chemistry, they both acted on it, and things whirlwinded from there! :)
Marcus is such an intriguing character.
And learned today – In the Big Book of Paranormal Romance, Mahalia gets a story :)
Actually, the story in the Mammoth Book of PNR 2 features Zola, a lion shifter, not Mahalia.
I would have loved to read a story where Michelle broke the rules for love. The part that shocked me was when Marcus grabed Kenzie for that escape…I was like what? Wait the calvary is coming. The only thing I kept doing was when I would read the name Nick…I would think guy, not chick.
I loved Michelle! She is one of my favorites throughout the series. I hope (think actually) that her book will be 6 or 7. *Fingers crossed* We do get to see a lot more of her in Crossroads! *happy dance*
Michelle is scary. I’ve had a hard time with her character. I’ve read the rest of the books but I don’t want to say too much and spoil but I’m hoping as I re-read the series I will warm up to her.
She is kinda scary, but at the same time she is also sensitive and sweet and misunderstood. I hate that everyone treats her with little kid gloves, and that she is forced to really suffer through life.
I think that might be what bothers me with her. She is uber powerful, almost afraid of herself. Everyone is skittish around her. It’s almost too much for me. I’m hoping with the re-read I will see her a little differently. I do sympathize, but maybe too much?
I LOVE Michelle’s character and I really hope she is explored more. We get lots of her in Crossroads. We need to talk after that book ;)
I thought their coming together made sense. McKenzie had been on the run, and was tired both emotionally and physically. She gave in to her attraction to Jackson. He was drawn to her and offered comfort. They just went with the chemistry. The outside conflict was a catalyst.
1. Her reaction was totally believable. She didn’t accept it at first (who would?) and she kept on questioning it. Like you said Mandi, the authors did a great job with this. It took Mackenzie a long time to come to terms with what she is.
2. I did think their relationship was a little too easy. But there was a strong attraction between them. Nothing could keep those two apart!
3. I think Marcus was a victim just as much as Mackenzie was. He was lead to believe certain things, by his father of all people. Who’s going to doubt their father, and his intentions, when he makes it seem like what he’s doing is best for the species? But once Marcus found out what his father’s true intentions were, he smartened up and did the right thing. I forgive him :)
4. I like Nicole and Alec. And I like the possibility of a love triangle going on between Nicole, Alex and Derek.
5. I like bad-ass strong heroines. I like it when the heroine has the upper hand ;)
6. I did wonder why that ‘second burst of action’ wasn’t saved for the next book. I wasn’t expecting it. Though I’m not thoroughly convinced that Charles is completely dead….There’s that line in the book But it was terrifyingly simple. that makes me a bit suspicious. I think if it’s sounds too good to be true, then it must be. I’ll see what happens in the next book.
7. The romance was a bit on the heavy side. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I wanted to focus more on Mackenzie and her ‘ancestry’ than her relationship with Jackson. (Says the vixen who *needs* romance in just about anything she reads.)
Interesting. More history would have been great. But I really loved the romance so I can’t complain there.
Yeah, more history would have helped. Their relationship took off fast.
After reading Crux, Nicole and Derek were my favorite secondary characters as well. I was SOO glad they were featured in the 2nd book!
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more of this series. I love shifter stories and all paranormal romance.
Who was your favorite character in Crux? Was it one of the protags or a secondary?
this is on my tbr stack . had hoped to have read it by now but with summer here and the kids im afraid my reading has slowed down
My reading slows down in summer too. I hope you can catch up and join us for the next discussion though. :)
Silly kids requiring all your attention!! *wink*
Oh, I get to talk about books! Yay! (I hope I’m making sense…)
1. I think her reaction is very believable. A lot of the time in paranormal romance stories, the person who’s new to the world just sort of accepts everything at once. I think Mackenzie’s initial reaction of thinking everybody is crazy and that she’s going insane too is pretty realistic; I liked that she had to put a break on the information dump every now and then because it just got too much.
2. Yes, it’s an easy relationship, but I think that was because of all the outside conflict. For me it was a nice idea that Mackenzie had a place to rest, a place to feel safe; I think she found that which she really needed with Jackson in this time of her life. If she had conflict with him too, she would really have gone out of her mind.
3. I… I don’t think Marcus should be held responsible at all. But… I do think that the way he changed his mind was unbelievably fast; it irked me a little how easy that part of the story went. He was raised to believe in everything Charles stands for, and just like that, he gets over that?
4. Nick, without a doubt. I loved how cheeky she is and how she stands up for what she believes in.
5. I liked the fact that she’s got some physical strength over him; his magic really imbalances their relationship and with her cougar side it’s a bit more balanced.
6. Like I said, I didn’t really buy into the Marcus suddenly changing his mind storyline, but the break in action didn’t bother me at all. I held my breath anyway to find out how it would end!
7. I love my paranormal romances with a lot of world building; it makes the books more complete, the story more compelling and me more intrigued and interested. I think it brings a lot to the story and to the characters.
Nick is my favorite too, especially after reading Crossroads. The author(s) give Nick and Derek an amazing story.
Sometimes I questioned how Marcus really didn’t know just how evil Charles was the whole time he was with him. But – Charles is pretty sly and sleazy and I suppose could have hid it. I felt when Marcus learned of what was going on, he acted rash to escape – which made total sense to me.
I LOVE Nick – when I heard Crossroads was Nick and Derek I felt a little meh – but it turned out to be my favorite book. I love them together.
I could be wrong, but the way I read it, specifically Charles’ threat to Mackenzie to bring in someone to make her do want he wanted, is why I can still see Marcus as “innocent.” I wonder if Charles had to “erase” some things from Marcus over the years, to keep him in line.
I wondered about that too. How awful for Marcus to not KNOW how many decisions had been his, and how many had been forced upon him unknowingly.
Nick is super awesome!! She is one of my favorite heroines of all time I think. A lot of woman in a little spit-fire package!! :)
I did like the blending of genres, it was so very hard to find a word for it ;) Not PNR, not UF, but a very lovely mix that I fell for because this way we got the best of both worlds.
*thinking of more smart things to say*
I liked the location :) Lol
It’s a UPNRF: urban paranormal romance fantasy. It really is a great combination of the two genres. :)
I like the blending too. I also like the genre designation. Will have to look for more UPNRF to read. Does anyone know other authors who write in that field?
Hmmm..A lot of PNR series continue the story arc in each book – like Nalini Singh’s Psy Changeling, or her Guild Hunters.
Also the Skin series by Ava Gray.
I’ll try to think of more
I loved this book and have read the whole series 3 or 4 times and am anxiously awaiting the fourth installment due out next month. If you haven’t already check out the freebie stories relating to the series on the Moira Rogers website.
I liked that New Orleans was a supernatural haven. Mackenzie is a tough character whose world is spun on it’s axis. Jackson is just so darn adorable I want to squeeze his cheeks, both sets, and then get down and dirty! :D
I think that Mackenzie response to learning about herself and the supernatural community is believable. She uses her head well when trying to run from Marcus but it sucks that she was doing it all alone. Nic was right to be concerned and have Jackson look into things. I love the motley crew of supporting characters, especially when a bunch of them go on ot have their own books later in the series.
Moira Rogers do a great job of worldbuilding in this book. There’s always of lot of it to do in a first book of a series and it’s handled well in this one. After finishing the book for the first time I was definitely hungry for more and they delivered in the subsequent books.
They really are incredible world builders huh? I think that might have been the thing that threw me off the first time I read it. The world was so developed and so intense that it can take away from the overall romance and story of the book. If that makes sense.
I’m not entering as I own a Kindle. Just wanted to say this looks really good and I love the cover.
My impression of Mackenzie is that she isn’t meek, she’s a fighter in her own right. She is demanding in a good way. Even before she knew what she was, the blood running in her is already showing signs in how she acts and reacts. She’s been dreaming of the same thing over and over, it’s not normal but it must mean something. Deep inside she probably knew she wasn’t normal. I think her reaction to a supernatural world is believable. She questions it like any normal person but she doesn’t outright reject it either. I think all the questions were her trying to come to terms with all the information and more importantly, adjusting. I can relate to her in this capacity, if someone told me I was living a parnormal world, I too would be full of questions. I couldn’t accept it at face value,
I also really like a man or as the case with paranormal books, any creature with a Southern accent. It is so endearing. I actually don’t come across many Southern male characters, it’s usually women. It’s the sort of trait that makes characters memorable to me. It can be as subtle as an accent. I think the sugar-coated cover-up was perfect for Jackson since he was a sorcerer.
This is true..I love a hero with the southern charm. I’m trying to think of other heroes that fit this..I know I’ve read some.
And I agree – Mackenzie always knew there was something just out of her reach that is was different about her. I think that matched with being plopped right into Jackson’s world made her reaction to the supernatural a believable one.
Crap!! Sorry!! I suck. But then that’s not news.
1. I though Mackenzie’s reaction was believable.
2. No, I don’t think their road to happiness was too easy and yes, I liked the talkative sex scenes.
3. Part of me wants to say that Marcus should have some consequences to face, but in the end, I do think he’s suffered enough. It appeared to me that his change of heart happened fairly quickly, though. I never gave his relationship with Eddie a thought, but no, I don’t think he is living his HEA with Eddie just yet.
4. Would have to say Alex – he’s snarky and I like snarky.
5. No, her physical strength doesn’t affect my view of the h/h. They each bring something to the relationship.
6. No, I didn’t sense a break in the momentum and it didn’t affect how I felt about the ending.
7. Blending was good and I thought there was a good balance.
Let me say that I have never read Moira Rogers and this series before. I loved Crux. I read it in one sitting and was totally wrapped up in it from the start; can’t wait to read Crossroads. I usually read for the pure pleasure of it; I have never analyzed (or attempted to) the story before and have never participated in this kind of discussion. Hopefully, I’ll get better at it. Good learning experience.
Maybe we will get more hints about Marcus and Eddie. Maybe they aren’t destined to be together. Le sigh.
Alec is my fav. He is so cranky and damn sexy. Gah! Love him!!
So glad you are reading this series – you are going to be blown away by Crossroads..I’m so excited to hear what you think after you read it :) Happy you joined the discussion!
You picked a good book to start reading Moira Rogers with. I hope you pick up her other series too. I have yet to read one of her books and not like it! I started with her Red Rock Pass series and have been buying her books when I get the chance. It’s hard to put a Moira Rogers book down once you’ve started it!
YAY! I’m glad we get to pop your Moira Rogers cherry, and yes the Southern Arcana books are (IMO) the best ones to do it with!!
I loved this book!
1. Mackenzie’s reaction to the supernatural was very believable. Too many books have the “human” characters accept and adjust to the paranormal too quickly to be believable. Mackenzie’s reaction’s make her more real.
2. I feel that having Kenzie and Jackson’s relationship build so quickly with little conflict with them made a good contrast to all the craziness going on around them. Sometimes an author can have so much going on that it’s hard to keep your interest in the relationships going on.
3. About the middle of the book I started wondering about Marcus and his motives. I was glad when Marcus was able to get away from Charles. Made me wonder what type of person Marcus would have been if Charles hadn’t done everything he did. He’s just as much an innocent victim as Mackenzie and deserves his own happiness. I would love to see more of him in the future books.
4. I have to say that Nick is my favorite character. She’s strong, determined and caring. Just what everyone needs in a best friend.
5. I love that Mackenzie’s stronger physically than Jackson. It keeps everything nice and equal in their relationship. Too many time the female has to depend on the male so it’s nice to read about a male who has a female that can not only take care of herself but him too. Jackson’s magic can keep them safe on one level and Mackenzie can protect them on another.
6. I wonder if we hadn’t had the break in the action how would Marcus’s character turned out. I think the break in the action gave the reader a chance to regroup, think about what might or might not happen. I work with 7th graders and we’re always talking to them about predicting, connecting with the characters, thinking about the direction the story’s going. The second burst of action gave a satisfiying end without leaving more to be dealt with in the next book.
7. I don’t know that it was Urban Fantasy world building. I never felt that. For me it was a paranormal romance world building and just the world I like reading!
I agree – one of my biggest pet peeves is a heroine (it always seems to be the heroine) that has to adjust to a new world. Mackenzie handles it well.
And Nick is my fav too..she is an awesome heroine in the next book :)
Wow, some great long responses! I am more of a reader than a writer, but I can say that I felt at home in this story’s world very quickly. I loved the characters, including their flaws, and especially the concept of a Seer, with all that power and all the restrictions imposed on them. I appreciated that Marcus “went good” and look forward to him and Eddie getting a chance with each other. My favorite supporting character is Alec, and I am looking forward to more about him in later books.
Oh I don’t think we ever find out about the other shifter Charles had, but I hope we do!!
I forgot to mention, I am also interested to know what became of the other cougar shifter boys that Charles “collected”.
Good point!
I do too!!!!!
I’m curious about that too!
That is very well said – their writing style “felt at home”
And oh do we have some good Alec stuff coming up…zomg :)
I think Mackenzie’s reaction to supernaturals is believable, with all that was going on I think when Jackson proved he had magic she could see that there was more to the world than what she knew.
I thought Jackson and Mackenzie meshed right away, dare I say Love at first sight. I think when you meet your soul mate you know right away.
Dear Marcus, I don’t really believe he was all around bad. I honestly believe he didn’t know people where dying, and he was real sweet with Mackenzie trying a relationship when he really didn’t want one with her. I think if you grow up in a bubble you only know what’s in the bubble, he knew only what Charles wanted him to know. I was leaning toward a love match between Marcus and Eddie. I think I started thinking this when Eddie was drinking and talking with Mackenzie, I though maybe Eddie had a crush on Marcus, but it was when Marcus rescued Mackenzie that I realized the crush was on both sides. As for living HEA, I would hope so, maybe later we will find out.
Alec would have to be my favorite supporting character. He helps just about everyone in the book at one time or another. I like his wit and the fact that when he decides to talk it is very meaningful.
I agree with a lot of the posts that Mackenzie might be physically strong but needs Jackson as a complement to her strength. I love a strong female role, but I also like her to have a softer, needier side as well. I don’t feel that either character lost anything in the story, both are strong in different ways, I can respect that.
I liked the way the story concludes, like real life things don’t always go as planned.
I like the blending of the genres and thought the balance between the romance and world building was good. As I haven’t read the other books yet I am hoping the world building continues.
Crux was funny at times and also sad. The banter between the characters made me laugh but then when Steven is killed I wanted to cry for Mahalia, I kept wishing that somehow Steven would come back to her.
I would like to thank you for writing such an enjoyable book and giving me the opportunity to read it. I am looking forward to reading the next book to see how much bigger the world gets and who is in it!
Deb
I thought Jackson and Mackenzie meshed right away, dare I say Love at first sight.
Yes…I’m not a huge believer in love at first sight but I think this is the case here :)
When Alec has that moment with Mackenzie – where she realizes if she really listens to Alec..though all of his bullshit..he really has something meaningful to say – that is when Ifell in love with him. He is a really awesome character.
The authors did a great job between the witty banter and the more sad moments. Just wait until Crossroads!!! :)
I agree with Mandi, if you love the banter in this one… Just wait for Crossroads!! *squee*
1. I thought the reaction was good. Because the book is super long, I knew that there wasn’t going to be a ton of soul searching before she accepted the paranormal. The fact that she demanded proof at each step showed me how intelligent and logical she is. I liked Mackenzie almost immediately.
2. The banter was great. I found myself laughing because it was so real. I wasn’t expecting an angst ridden romance so I never felt like the road to happiness was too easy. Yes, it was really fast but I had known that going in so it didn’t bother me.
3. I liked that Marcus got to be “saved”. I don’t think he should be punished. He was essentially a brainwashed cult member. My bigger issue is that people died in the quest to capture Mackenzie. I do feel that someone needs to pay for those crimes. Unfortunately, that opinion means that Marcus and Eddie might not get the HEA I really want for them.
4. Hands down, Nick. Love her and want her to have her own story and HEA.
5. I considered the issue and then discarded it. Basically, what does it matter who is physically stronger? Mackenzie has her talents and Jackson has his. As a team, they are super heroes. Besides, I had to laugh about breaking the headboard. It made me remember how cringeworthy the headboard scene in Breaking Dawn really was. The headboard and torn linens in this book are definitely not cringe worthy.
6. I loved that the story seemed to be wrapping up but then there was one last burst of crazy. Let’s face it, life is not always straight line. I thought it was a good choice for the story and sets the stage for future installments. I love finding books that aren’t written as if someone took a writing course and then published their projects.
7. This is a paranormal romance however the world building is more like what we find in urban fantasy. Do you like the blending of the genres here? How did you feel about the balance between the set up of the world and the focus on the romance?
I love UF. For me, the UF feel of the story was great. World building is so great to read because I know that the next story will spring from what I already know. It’s like building with Legos! (Sorry, my geek is showing.)
I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. I look forward to reading Crossroads.
Jen B.
Gah, I meant isn’t super long in #1. Typos-R-Me!
“Life is not always a straight line”
Well said!! I definitely agree with you on that one!!
1. I liked her reaction. Very believable, even the way she finally accepted it. she was doubtful but not stupid. well done.
2. Wow, my jury is still out on this one. I like both characters but I just didn’t feel the chemistry although I kept being told how much chemistry there was ….
3. It really bugged me that writers spent A LOT of time building up a really seriously scary villain and totally knocked the wind out his sails for another bad guy. I REALLY have a hard time believing Mackenzie would cosy up to Marcus after being in mortal terror of him for years. I can see forgiving him when she finds out the truth but napping with him??? Not so much.
4. Who is your favorite supporting character in Crux? NIck and or Alec I honestly got the feeling throughout this book that Nick’s book was the one they REALLY wanted to write. It’s the one I REALLY want to read.
5. I think this works because she is still realizing how much stronger she is. I liked it with Manny and Payne in Wards last book too. And to some degree John Mathew and Xhex. I like strong female characters. I also think that Jackson getting to save her at the beginning of the story in the alley really made this part of the story work.
6. I’ll admit, I’m not quite finished with the book so I’ll have to get back on this one. But I suspected as much. (Retribution just hit my Kindle.)
7. You know I consider the BDB, IAD, and Dark Hunter Books PNR and the world building in those is pretty awesome so I think it doesn’t have to be UF to have great world building. And since I really don’t like the First person you find in UF, I’m happy to find a PNR series that can distract me while I wait for Tohr and Lothaire…..
I’m enjoying the book and want to read more. But I really think the writers must have serious outlines and checklists because I can almost see them ticking off the checks with each chapter. It’s almost too well planned.
And I REALLY do NOT like when a writer spends so much time building up a big rescue only to have the damsel in distress slip away before they get there. I know the characters don’t see what we see but WE SEE it and I always feel like it’s a huge waste of my time to read pages and pages of set up for a rescue that doesn’t happen. That just really bothered me in the book.
But I LIKED it overall. I love the setting. I like the supporting characters. I think they are really well drawn and interesting.
That interesting, I kinda of liked that they were able to take out Charles so easily. Granted it wasn’t exactly an even fight, but it was nice to see that the big bad wasn’t SOOO extreme that he was able to take on Michelle, Mahalyia, Jackson, Alex and Aaron at once. He was outnumbered in power and strength and I for one was glad to see him go down so easily. For me him lasting in that fight would have been a little ridiculous.
Helloooo Smexy Books! It’s true, as a caster, Jackson isn’t the alpha male. I’m actually really glad he’s not. It’s nice to see that sexiness in a different light. Having Mackenzie be the supernaturally strong one in the relationship is ingenious on the part of Moira Rogers. The two (characters, not writers) compliment each other. There’s a balance there that just works between them. Beyond that, Jackson doesn’t allow his physical strength handicap to hinder his heroism. He has the heart of a hero and he handles his alpha woman well!
This entire series has me hooked. The characters remind me of the cast of Friends in that I feel so connected with them. I mean, seriously, can’t we have a contest to win a night with Jackson? No? Ack. Well, I have enjoyed the entire series and this one in particular kept me up well into the night following the story from page to page and cursing the genius of the authors (in a good way).
Thanks for the opportunity to read and enjoy what others are thinking!
So…where are we on winning a night with Jackson?
~andi
Now I enjoy Jackson, but if we are getting a night with a character…. ummm Dereck!!
*squee*
Mackenzie is my fave character, love her to pieces!
So I am not going to be a unbiased reader here. :D (I am also exhausted after work, so please excuse any rambling)
1. I think her reaction was very believable, despite all the stuff that had been going down with her life.. some dude starts calling magic, of course she wants proof!
2. I don’t think easy, is the term I would use to describe their relationship. It didn’t have a lot of the usual song and dance, big misunderstanding bruhaha – but instead we got to see them grow together through external diversity, I loved that.
I guess in some ways it allowed me to lose myself in the new world (1st read round) and just fall in love with the characters.
3. There was much evidence of Charles playing Marcus, as he tried to play Mackenzie, now Charles had Marcus from a kid, he had plenty of time to brainwash him and play him like a pawn.. and yes I think the trauma of finding out his life was a big kerbang, and his guilt is punishment enough.
Eddie I’m a bit more meh on.
4. Can’t I just say Mac??? ;D I did like Mahlia’s style though. She is made of win.
5. Mac’s cougar not a problem at all, it just part of her awesomeness. ;) Part of what I love about all Moira Rogers books, is the relationships often balance out, the power evens out if that is the right wording? Both h’s bring equal stuff to the relationship table. And this is one of the more obvious examples of it. And it’s hot. heh
6. No break in momentum really.. My fave parts are always the action parts, so I was happy that there was more. :D
7. LOVE the blending of genres in this series, IMO it brings the best of both worlds to the table. For me this first one leaned a bit more into PNR territory, but I’m not saying the world building suffered for it at all though.
And can I just end with the fact that while I really enjoy the world of this series, so much win, the characters are the bomb! I love the way they meld and bounce off each other.
whew.. that was long winded.
The characters really make this series come alive for me too. They are so real and genuine and gritty and as you say “made of win!” :)
I absolutely love this book and this series. Bree and Donna are wonderful at crafting worlds that are easy to fall into. I fell in love with this series and these characters almost from the first moment I read the blurb and excerpt.
Given the way the world is built, that some people know there are supernatural and paranormal entities, I find Mackenzie’s reaction to learning she is a shifter completely believable. It helps that all of the people she has surrounded herself with in her adopted home of New Orleans have links to the supernatural and accept it as normal. There are so many great secondary characters that it’s hard to choose just one that as my favorite, especially since I’ve read all but the latest book in the series. All of the characters have special places in my heart.
I haven’t read this series yet, so sadly I cannot join the discussion. But they sure sound like my kind of thing. And on my wishlist they are!
I have this on my gotta have list, so I haven’t read this yet:( But I figured although there are already so many entering I could at least try…*S* Might as well try right? *S*
Thank you for the wonderful journey!
Darcy
pommawolf @hotmail.com
I need to get me a copy of this book, like, yesterday! Thanks for bringing my attention to this fabulous-sounding series!!
I really liked the fact that Mackenzie was stronger than Jackson. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE alpha men, but it was refreshing to see a heroine be strong than the hero.
1. Her reaction was believable. First she made Jackson prove it, but then still seemed shell shocked that magic and shifting does really exist outside of books and movies.
2. I found the relationship to be almost to easy. While the trust may have built up over tragic circumstances, there never was any conflict or wondering if it was true love. The talkative love scenes were adorable. Not everything needs to be silent, moanable, single syllable words.
3. Marcus started off as the ultimate bad guy, but we never really got to read the early scenes where he meets MacKenzie. He thought she knew she was a shifter. Now the thugs terrorized her, that I blame on Charles. Not sure that I agreed Marcus had no fault, but you could understand how he was mislead by his father. I just don’t know what the consequences should have been. Until I read the comments, I didn’t pick up on anything between Eddie and Marcus. Have to re-read for that.
4. Nick…. I just loved her!
5. I like that they both seemed to be in a partnership. Neither used their skills as a way to one up each other. It was kind of refreshing for the heroine to be stronger than the hero. But the both worked better together than apart.
6. It felt anti-climatic . I usually dont mind different tempos with build up, but I didnt feel a rush to urgency that Charles was still at large and coming for them.
7. I am more of a paranormal reader than fantasy, but they pulled it off. I did feel that the world was built but a little confusing. While I didnt want MacKenzie to mate up to save her line, it did make you wonder how that happened and what kind of babies Jackson and MacKenzie would prduce. Also, are wizards born to a magical family or kind of like Muggles, lol. All questions I wanted answered. I did feel the romance was rushed and no real onflct made it worth the effort.
I have not read this series yet although I’ve read Moira’s Last Call series. Sounds like a great series and would love to read this. Since I’ve not read this book yet, I cannot answer the questions. But from the character and book background introduction and the active discussions here, I would say that both the hero and heroine are believable, solid characters in a world that has been beautifully crafted.
Tamsyn