Crossroads (Southern Arcana) [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

I feel like I should knock on wood or something. I have had a string of really great books and keep waiting for one to let me down! Crossroads continued my lucky trend of great books and exceeded my expectations. I am hereby declaring Moira Rogers my favorite discovery of 2009.

Nicole Peyton is a werewolf. She also happens to be heir to the very rich and powerful Alpha of the United States pack of werewolves. We first meet Nicole in book 1 of the series, Crux. What makes Nicole so endearing is that she doesn't want the wealth and power that she has every right to. Instead she leaves the world of werewolf politics and runs a bar in New Orleans. She is trying desperately to live a life of normalcy, constantly turning away from her father's goals of making her into a powerful female Alpha.

Derek Gabriel is a sexy beast. Derek was turned a werewolf, instead of being born one. As he tries to adjust to his new life he pushes Nicole away, even tho its obvious to all around them there is a connection between them. Thankfully the wolf comes to his senses not too far into the book and tries to claim what his inner wolf is telling him is HIS. Unluckily, on the verge of Nicole and Derek finding out what the future holds for them, Nicole's twin sister shows up with danger following her.

I went into this story fully expecting Derek and Nick to fight their attraction for half the book, it seemed obvious considering how stubborn they seemed to be! I mean they had already ignored it for 2 years, what was a little more time?!? I was overjoyed to find out I was wrong. The chemistry between the two was sweltering and just too much to ignore. The next thing I knew we had werewolves having sex on the kitchen floor amongst a flurry of waffle batter. This book contains an intimate scene in the forest after a run, which has to be the hottest scene I have read in a very long time.... I had to read it twice. Then I noticed I had a big grin on my face and was blushing furiously. Derek and Nick are just so needy, so intense, so passionate - it is perfection.
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One hand dropped to her ankle, and his large fingers encircled it easily. "Tell me to stop."
She couldn't. She wouldn't. "No."

Derek dragged her ankles apart and dropped to his knees between her legs. He tickled his fingers up her calves as he jerked his gaze to hers again. "Put your hands over your head."

Sheer primal instinct drove her to obey.
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Where Jackson's southern charm in book 1, Crux, made my heart go pitter patter, Derek's protective and passionate alpha manhood makes my toes curl.

I should probably point out there is much more to this book than just hot forest sex, lest I get sidetracked and find myself rereading all my bookmarked scenes, again. Crossroads has a complicated and engrossing plot that takes us deeper into werewolf politics. We learn so much more about the life Nicole and her sister have been subjected to along with the bond between them. Crossroads drags you into the characters lives and forces you to experience their passion, their happiness, but also their sadness and pain.

As if all of the above isn't good enough for a 5 star review, Moira Rogers manages to add a little bit more to the story. Jackson and Mackenzie from Crux are still in the mix and have small parts in the book. We get glimpses of the brooding and sarcastic Alec, at least once in nothing but a pair of jeans (hopefully low slung ones). We are also given a new development in regards to Kat and Andrew, side characters from book 1. They step a bit closer to the front of the stage in Crossroads and I hear that Andrew will be getting his own book after Alec's. Based on the events in this book, I am going to go ahead and lay claim to Andrew right now. He is mine and you can't have him.

If you have not read Crux, I encourage you to do so immediately so that you can pick up Crossroads on the day it releases, February 9th. Trust me, you will not be sorry

Crossroads is the second book in the Southern Arcana series by Moira Rogers. It can be read stand alone but I recommend reading Crux first simply because this is turning out to be a superb series. To miss any part of it would be a shame.

Nicole Peyton is a shape-shifter and eldest daughter of the Alpha wolf. She was born a shifter and is the reluctant heir to her father's position in the Conclave, the governing body for the shape-shifting society. Instead Nicole prefers her simple life as a bar owner in New Orleans where she has a close knit circle of supernatural friends. One friend in particular has had her special attention for quite some time.

Derek is a shape-shifter wolf but was not born as one. He was turned as a result of a vicious attack two years previous. In traditional shape-shifter society, he is considered a second class citizen, not worthy of the attentions of an heiress. However Nicole doesn't see things that way and she wants Derek. Sensing Derek is attracted to her as well, she has spent the last two years flirting and waiting for Derek to make his move.

After two years of struggling to get his wild instincts under control, Derek decides it's time to let Nicole know how he feels about her, so he plans to make his move at a birthday party Nicole is hosting at her bar. Derek's intentions of taking things slowly shatter as soon as the two are finally alone together and instinct overtakes them both. They end up in a very hot after hours make-out session. A knock at the door quickly brings the make out session to a halt though. Michelle, Nicole's twin sister, and her bodyguard/lover Aaron have arrived and they are in big trouble with the Conclave. There is a death warrant on Aaron's head and Michelle, who is pregnant by Aaron is in danger. Nicole and Derek discover just how deep their feelings for each other go as they and their friends rally together to protect Michelle and Aaron.

Moira Rogers takes us even further into the world of shape-shifter politics in Crossroads and gives the reader a sense of just how complicated and dangerous the world is without bogging down the story or slowing the action. We see a world steeped in traditions that have become outdated to the point where the rules and laws may harm those they were originally meant to protect.

Crossroads is a story of love and self sacrifice leaving the characters to decide just how far they will go for love, loyalty and tradition. Despite their different backgrounds and social standings Derek and Nick are perfect for each other. Their relationship gives new meaning to the words love and loyalty. I was truly touched by their devotion to each other as I watched them make selfless choices even at the cost of their own happiness. Their personal strength both as a couple and imageas individuals made me love and cheer for them from the very beginning. While their choices were difficult, every decision they made either together or separate were made in love and support of those they hold close to their hearts.

Nick and Derek's physical chemistry was so intense from their first kiss after hours in Nick's bar, to a sultry love making session after a run in the forest. These two burn up the pages with their passion and need for each other.

The Southern Arcana world is built well from the ground up and paves the way for what I hope are many more installments in this fabulous Romantic Urban Fantasy. As always Moira Rogers' secondary characters hold strong and support the plot well. Alec, a dark and broody wolf shifter is sexy and mysterious and so far he is one of my favorite secondary characters. We get a hint in Crossroads that his past is one of sadness and loss and I look forward to reading his story in the hope for his happily ever after.

This is a wonderfully written love story about two people who will not let anything stand in the way of their love. Moira Rogers has done a fantastic job of showing that nothing matters as much as the love between two people who are meant to be together, no matter their differences. - Karin