Monday, March 5, 2012

Book Giveaway & Toni's Review of Changeling Dawn by Dani Harper ***5 Stars***


RUN

Shadow and moonlight merge beneath her bare feet, the forest floor blurring as she flees the dogs and torches. Werewolf, monster -- those are the names given her kind by the humans who hate them.

HUNT

Kenzie Macleod has spent her whole life hiding what she is, and she’s not about to open up to any man, even one as powerfully attractive as wildlife expert Josh Talarkoteen. But legend says that a Changeling cannot escape the call of her true mate, even in the wilderness of backcountry Alaska.

MATE

An isolated archeological site, a terrified Changeling cub, a secretive research center -- as Kenzie and Josh face the ultimate betrayal, his obsidian eyes promise untold pleasure and hint at dark secrets of his own . . .




********************

This series has grabbed me from the very beginning.  Changeling Dawn is book three.  I’m not sure what it is; the wolves, the history of the changelings, the intriguing storylines, the feeling of family or even that the author is from Alaska.  I’m not sure, but Ms. Harper has sunk her claws in me and won’t let go!

Kenzie Macleod is a Changeling.  It is all she has ever known.  During her long life, she has lived in fear though.  As a child she had a life altering event and to this day, it still forms her life, love and dreams. 

Josh Talarkoteen has been to war and back.  He survived an awful tragedy in Afghanistan, but returned to the states a broken man.  Though years have passed and the memories have seemed to subside, he is still not over the pain. 

A scared and abandoned little girl forces their buried memories to resurface.  They must work through their pasts to help Anya and possibly each other.  They will do everything in their power to protect Anya, even die for her. 

Ummm WOW!!!  Each of the novels in this series has been unique and Changeling Dawn is simply great.  They all can be read alone, but why do that when you can enjoy the other two in the series too?  As a whole the series is a breath of fresh air; they almost have a calming effect for me.  There is action, love, sex and history, but there is much more to these books.  They are well thought out and the characters are personable.  Nothing is too over the top, just well written stories with heart.

Changeling Dawn tells the story of the remaining unmated daughter of the Macleod clan.  She is a strong woman and very independent.  From the moment she meets Josh she knows there is heat between them, but she refuses to have a relationship with a human.  This barrier plagues them through the book and I have to give it to Josh and his tenacity while pursuing her.

Josh is a wonderful match for Kenzie and I loved his personality and determination.  You could see the strength in him, but he was never a pushy alpha like some heroes in romance novels.  He was not afraid to put himself out there for her or even Anya.  He is definitely a man of great worth.

Ms. Harper really delivers with this story.  The action was tense and the love scenes between Kenzie and Josh were sweet.  I also enjoyed that we learned a bit more about Changelings.  She has done a wonderful job with the world building in this series.  I give two thumbs way up for this book and I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for the twins’ stories.  These two men are going to need some feisty women to tame them and I can’t wait.

Thanks for Reading! - Toni


Check out my other reviews for the series:




Book Giveaway!!

I personally have an extra copy and I'm going to give it away to a lucky poster.

I mentioned that Dani is from Alaska.  Well I used to live there too and I miss it every day.  So to qualify for the giveaway please answer one of the following questions, along with your email address so I can contact the winner:
  • Have you ever been to Alaska and if so, what did you think about it?
  • If you have never been to Alaska, would you want to ever go and why?

This giveaway will close on March 18th at 11:59pm.  Open to US & Canada only. 

Good luck and I can't wait to see your responses!


Random Sequence Generator
Here is your sequence: 
29
And the Winner is.....Laurie!

65 comments:

  1. I have never been to Alaska and I would want to go. I want to go because I wanna see how different it is from my state PA. I hear it's freezing there and there's always snow so I want to see what it's like for myself. I wanna see if some people live in igloos lol
    Brittany

    hernameisavril@yahoo.com

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    1. The native peoples don't live in igloos. In fact, igloos were mostly built as practical temporary shelters for winter hunting expeditions -- not intended as homes.

      Lots of other things to see, however. Alaska has stunning scenery - the mountains alone are incredible. Wildlife in abundance (sometimes too abundant, like when the bears start wandering through my neighborhood)

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  2. I have never been to Alaska, I doubt that I ever would as I don't like the cold and although it might be interesting to go off and enjoy the wild life there I am just really not the outdoor type person unless you count sitting near a lake or on the beach reading lol

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    1. You might really enjoy a cruise. A lot of people visit Alaska that way -- they get to see the magnificent coastal scenery, glaciers and whales, and dock at various towns in the southeast part of the state. I would choose it myself as a relaxing vacation. It's not cold in the southeast, although in some parts it's often overcast and raining in the summer.

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  3. In the Anchorage area where I lived, I would have to say they had maybe 6 months of winter. It is actually very comparable to where I live now in northern Idaho. Well maybe short by one month here. Summers are wonderful. They do not get hot, high 70's maybe and the amount of daylight is great. The mountains are majestic, and the greens are just beautiful. All the years I was there, the only igloos were made by kids. I actually had more culture there, then I do where I live now, go figure.

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    1. I love Anchorage. I've only gotten to visit a couple of times, but it's a great city. My pugs, Fiona and Toby, both came from an Anchorage rescue organization. I like the amount of daylight too -- I'm used to that from northern Canada. It makes for amazing summers!

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  4. Lou Ann Warren

    I've never been to Alaska, but have seen so many gorgeous photos of the state. I'd love to go up there during the summer so that I can go fishing, site seeing and just relax and enjoy it.

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    1. There's some amazing fishing to be had here in Alaska. The salmon and trout are a sportsman's dream. My sweetheart is a commercial fisherman and catches salmon out on the ocean -- but in his spare time, he loves to sportfish! He won a salmon derby with a 53.6 pound salmon one year!

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  5. I have never been to Alaska, but my dad and step-mother went on a cruise to Alaska and loved it. I don't think I would like to go because I really hate cold weather. Of course if I went when it was warm, I hear the men out number the women there, that may be the deciding factor. lol

    proudarmymom32(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I think a cruise is the best introduction to Alaska. It's comfortable, you see a lot of amazing scenery (and whales), and you make a number of day-long stops at different towns. It's like a vacation buffet!

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  6. I have not been to Alaska yet, but want to go. I have had friends and family who have been there and loved it. It sounds like such a beautiful place.

    Heidi Durham

    bluecrowofhappiness@yahoo.com

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    1. Alaska IS stunningly beautiful. Seems like everything is bigger, grander and wilder here. I'll never forget the first time I saw a glacier - I'd never seen blue ice before.

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  7. I've not been to Alaska...but have friends that went on a cruise there and they LOVED it! The pics they brought back were gorgeous too. But, I'm not sure I'd want to go there...I really HATE the cold. I saw your comment about the summer...so, that wouldn't be so bad, in fact...it sounds VERY pleasant! Not sure I could get the hubs to buy into it though :)

    barbbattaglia @ yahoo.com

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    1. Summers are great. And there's a certain allure to Alaska -- it's known as The Great Land and The Last Frontier. Myself, I had never realized just how big this state was --- it's more than twice the size of Texas! And there are still plenty of places where humans have never set foot.

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  8. I have never been to Alaska, hoping one day to make it there. I love to photograph nature and it seems like a great place to do that!
    bluesun1218@yahoo.com

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    1. I think Alaska can be a photographer's paradise -- the scenery is amazing! I hope you get a chance to see it one day. :)

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  9. I've never been to Alaska, and I want to go for the sheer beauty, fresh air, wild animals, northern lights and mostly because, as my son says, I am an isolationist, lol.

    Thank you so much for the awesome chance to win one of Dani's books, Chelsea! I <3 you both!

    Gena Robertson
    robertsongena@hotmail.com

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    1. Actually Gena its all Toni's giveaway this time love ;) And I'm happy Dani is stopping by to say hello *waves*

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    2. This is the land of the rugged individualist and the place for people who REALLY want to get away from it all!

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  10. I spent most of my life in northern Alberta, Canada, with plenty of -40 winters. When I moved to Sitka, Alaska, it was nothing like I expected. It's part of a collection of islands southeast of Alaska's mainland, and it's all coastal rainforest. We get some snow in the winter, but it doesn't usually stay long -- it gets rained off. The climate here is modified by the Japanese current, so we have a number of birds and whales that don't bother migrating because food is plentiful for them year-round. That doesn't mean it's balmy here in the winter, but the temperature seldom falls much below freezing. Summers are seldom above 70.

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  11. I have never consider living in Alaska. Dont think I could deal with the long nights. I don't like driving at night. LOL
    xzjh04(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. The short daylight hours are tough to deal with in the winter (and I don't have it as bad as some since I'm only in the south of Alaska). But the LOOOONG summer days are pretty wonderful!

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  12. I've never been there...but I would love to go one day. I would love to see the clean, bright wilderness. See the natural habitat and the wild life. Peaceful is what comes to mind.
    Cindy
    ctrim at wi dot rr dot com

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    1. It's very peaceful and quiet. Unless a float plane takes off or a Coast Guard chopper flies overhead or an ATV rolls by, there's not that much human noise.

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  13. I have never been to Alaska, but I've heard so much about it, that I would like to go there at least once, just to see if it's as beautiful as people say it is. I've always thought of Alaska as a frigid Iceland, but recently I've also come to realize it is one of the few places with land still untouched. I think I would like to visit, just to see what that might look like, and of course, to get some great photos of the Northern Lights...is that even possible?

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    1. The Anchorage to Fairbanks area is your best bet for Northern Lights because these cities are inland. And they ARE amazing! Most coastal towns such as mine (Sitka) have overcast skies much of the time. All of Alaska is drop-dead GORGEOUS -- but I deeply miss seeing the night sky and the aurora.

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  14. Well, as a Floridian I would ONLY go in the middle of summer. Period. I freeze my-ass-here in Florida's winter season as it is. *shivers* Yup, I'm a tropical girl and not ashamed to admit it. I won't even visit my better half's family in Minnesota for Christmas. Nope. Not going to happen in this lifetime anyway. To damn COLD!! LOL I've seen a lot of stunning pictures of Alaska. It is quite beautiful. I've seen the Northern lights when I visited Minnesota in the summer. I would love to see them from Alaska. Thank you for the chance to win! :D
    DeAnna Schultz
    sacredmoon1(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Summer is a GREAT time to see Alaska! It's really at its best -- the wildflowers are just amazing.

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  15. I have never been to Alaska but my hubby and son went for a fishing trip. I would love to see it myself because the pictures they took were amazing. It is a beautiful place! Thanks for the giveway.
    lfacchini(at)tampabay(dot)rr(dot)com

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    1. I'll bet your husband and son had a blast fishing here! Hope you get to come with them next trip.

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  16. I have not. But I would love to visit one day. It looks like a beautiful place.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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    1. I hope you get a chance to visit -- it's worth the trip. I'm still amazed at the beauty that surrounds me just driving to the post office!

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  17. I've been to Alaska once. I was on a cruise, and I'll NEVER forget how beautiful (and cold) Glacier Bay was. However, as I went during the summer, I'll also not forget what it's like to see sunlight at 11pm... That was just odd. However, I'd happily go back.

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    1. It's astonishing how much a glacier affects the surrounding temperatures, even in the height of summer. The loooong daylight hours are my favorite!

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  18. I've never been to Alaska, but I would want to go just to experience it. I read a story when I was in elementary school about a girl who was lost in Alaskan wilderness or something like that. I'd never want that to happen to me, but to see what she might've gone through with my own eyes would be a enlightening.

    lovemibooks(at)aol(dot)com
    Thanks for the review, I'm very interested in reading this series now :)

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    1. Sounds like a great book -- and very possible. Alaska is raw wilderness in every direction, and hunters can get lost even a short distance from our town.

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  19. I have never been to Alaska but do want to go... Probably on a cruise during warmer times... There always seems to be lots of activities around the sea area and the scenary looks amazing in the cruise brouchure... would love to see it one day when I saved enough money! :)

    maybe31 at yahoo.com

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    1. I've said it before, but cruises are a wonderful introduction to Alaska. You see a lot -- and the scenery really IS amazing. It's a postcard everywhere you look!

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  20. I have never been to Alaska, But I have always wanted to go. I love to travel and see new places. If I ever went to Alaska, I would want to see the wildlife, visit state parks, Anchorage, really just see all that I can. I am used to the cold, Even though I hate it. My hubs is from England, I think he would find Alaska interesting.

    Thank you for the review, and Have put the books on my TBR list. I love the covers! Beautiful!
    myheroin01 at gmail dot com

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    1. I feel really lucky to have been blessed by the cover gods -- I get a lot of positive comments about them. :)

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  21. I've never been to Alaska, but always wanted to go to see the northern lights. My mom was going to take the whole family on a cruise through there one year, on her and my step-dad's 10 year anniversary, but weren't able to do it :( It would also be amazing to see the pure-ness of it, the beautiful landscape!!

    Thanks for the cool review, sounds like a great read! Another to add to my TBR Pile that keeps growing and growing!
    nelsnr2010(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. My own TBR pile is looming over my bed and threatening to crush me in my sleep.... So many great books, so little time!

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  22. I would love to go to Alaska - never been - because for one, I love the winter and snow. Second, I hear there are some amazing arctic animals there - like the arctic wolf or polar bears!<3

    Love the review, and can't wait to read the book! Email: yamnamir@yahoo.com

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    1. If you love winter, Alaska is the place, especially the mainland. Valdez got over 400 inches of snow this season.

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  23. I've never been, but would like to go. I've know people who have done the cruises, and have said Alaska is beautiful. I don't think I'd do a cruise though, I'd like to be on land, see the mountains and wildlife. Being from Saskatchewan, I've gone to some northern more remote places here, and I imagine Alaska as somewhat similar, very unspoiled.
    mmbourassa(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. *waving to a fellow Canadian*

      Alaska is called The Last Frontier for good reason --- there are still plenty of places where a human foot has never stepped. You might enjoy Denali National Park. Big country - and big wildlife!

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  24. I have never been. I would consider going if I had a nice warm cabin to entertain a hot man in. *laughs* I swear I would go outside and see the beauty; truly I would....after I was good and warmed up!
    Thanks for the chance!
    Sebrina_Cassity at yahoo dot com

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    1. ROFL - I think I want to go to YOUR version of Alaska!

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  25. I have never been to Alaska but 9 years ago for my mom's birthday, the family sent my stepdad and my mom on an Alaskan cruise. In the future, she wants my hubby and I and my brother and SIL to go on a cruise with them back to Alaska. I would love to as I love traveling and it sounds beautiful!

    books4me67 at ymail dot com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. what a wonderful thing to do for your mom and stepdad! If you get a chance to go to Alaska with them, definitely take it. There are more than a few tourists who are "repeat cruisers" because there is so much to see.

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  26. I have seen pictures from the trip my aunt and uncle went on... beautiful scenery!

    miabama @ gmail dot com

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    1. After living in beautiful Alberta, Canada, with all its lovely mountains and parks, I honestly expected Alaska to be similar. NOT! Everything is bigger, grander, wilder here.

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  27. Does the airport count? lol! I had to change planes and wait there for about 2 hours as I flew back from my ship on my way home when I was discharged from the Navy. Gotta love the military hops!

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    1. Omigosh, talk about the scenic route! And you probably didn't get to see much from the airport. Although if you were in Anchorage, the airport there has lots of wildlife displays and such.

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  28. I would love to go to Alaska! One of my husband's uncles owns a place up there so he can go hunting (I'm not much of a hunter myself), so maybe one day I'll get up there and see the state! I've always wanted to go on a cruise around Alaska too. Here's hoping!

    rwschwarz11ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. My fingers are crossed for you. Cool that a family member has a place!

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  29. I would love to go to Alaska, my cousins have gone and told me it is beautiful. edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom

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    1. It's extra nice if you know someone who's been there and can recommend places to see. Hope you get to go!

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  30. I've never been to Alaska but Hubby and I are planning within a year to start our adventure of RVing and Alaska is our first destination. There is so much to see in Alaska, I'm looking forward to not just seeing the beautiful whales but to ride their farry road system and hopefully go as far out as I can to get closser to Russia just so I can say I did it. Then there is the train that goes through the mountains, I cant wait to see the beautiful scenery. Then there is the Kodac Island I believe I want to see. I look forward to seeing the little towns that I've read about in many books. They seem so peaceful and beautiful so I cant wait to experience Alaska.

    mrsqueentutt@yahoo.com

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    1. Oh wow - you have a wonderful trip planned out! You can also drive up through Canada and connect to the Alaska Highway at Dawson Creek, BC --- that's about 2 hours from where I lived in northern Alberta! A lot of RVers travel that route.

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  31. I have never been to Alaska, the closest thing I think I can relate to Alaska is the 'Baked Alaska' cake/pudding... mmmmmm I love to visit various countries and I certainly wouldn't say no to visiting Alaska to see if it is as nice as it's namesake (pudd!!) :)

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    1. You know, I've never tried Baked Alaska or even seen it. Is it like an ice cream cake?

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  32. I was fortunate enough to be able to tag along on a cruise with my mother last June to Alaska. My dad had been to Alaska during my childhood and spoke of its beauty. The photos he took in the 1960's sure did not do it justice! Alaska is awe inspiring, breathtaking, surreal, and words cannot do an adequate description of its beauty! The history and animal life are amazing. The native people of the areas we visited were most gracious and made you feel part of the family/community. This was an experience I will never forget!

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  33. I've never been but hubby and I do have a cruise planned in the near future. Several of our friends and my daughter has convinced us this is one that we'd really enjoy.
    (\___/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com

    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

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