Crux Southern Arcana-Book 1
by Moira Rogers
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Available: January 5, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1605043296
Genre: Romantic Urban Fantasy
(I purchased this book myself)
Jackson Holt makes a decent living as a private investigator in New Orleans, home of one of the largest underground supernatural populations in the United States. He and his partners have never met a case they couldn’t crack…until a local bar owner asks him to do a little digging on her newest hire.
New Orleans is the fourth destination in as many months for Mackenzie Brooks, a woman on the run from a deranged stalker. After all, any man who shows up on her doorstep claiming to be her destined lover has more than a few screws loose. But crazy doesn’t explain why he always finds her no matter how far she runs.
When her well-meaning boss puts a PI on her case, Mackenzie comes face to face with the incredible truth: magic is real, and whatever spell has kept her hidden and separate from the paranormal world is rapidly deteriorating.
With time running out, she has no choice but to trust Jackson as he struggles to uncover the truth of her past-and her destiny.
I’ll say right up front that I am a fan of the writing team of Moira Rogers and so I’m not at all surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I first discovered Moira Rogers from the free reads offered on the Moira Rogers website. My favorite is Honor Bound, check it out. I also loved the Red Rock Pass series so I fully expected to like Crux and I was not disappointed.
Mackenzie Brooks has arrived in New Orleans where she has landed a job in bar. For the first time in a long time she feels like she fits in and really likes her boss and the bar regulars. However she is on the run and can’t afford to settle down here. She is being hunted down by a crazy stalker who speaks of destiny and babies and she is terrified.
Mackenzie’s boss is a shifter and senses that Mackenzie may be one as well. She also suspects that Mackenzie is in some kind of trouble so she asks her private investigator friend, Jackson Holt to do a little checking and see what her deal is.
Jackson discovers Mackenzie is on the run but what she’s running from is far more dangerous than your average everyday stalker. He discovers that she is unaware that she is a rare cougar shifter and the people hunting her down have plans for her that could put everyone in danger.
Mackenzie and Jackson are a compliment to each other. Although Mackenzie is afraid and on the run she is a strong female lead who makes solid decisions. No sitting around and waiting for a knight in shining armor for her. Jackson is a southern gentleman, and while his focus is on protecting Mackenzie, he never crosses over into overprotective jerk mode. He is sexy, thoughtful, can cook, and best of all, southern. Yum! Their romantic relationship develops at nice pace and the chemistry between the two is hot! The interesting thing about this couple is 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.
The secondary characters do their part in supporting this story as well. There is Nick the bar owner who is the daughter of the Alpha Wolf. She has a crush on Derek, who is considered a “second class citizen” because he wasn’t born a wolf, he was changed. Although they didn’t get a lot of play in Crux, their chemistry came through nicely and the authors have set a nice foundation for their developing relationship.
Although there is plenty of relationship development, Crux has a good dose of action as well. Just when when I thought I knew how it would all end, there was an unexpected twist and the story took on a second burst of momentum paving the way for a very nice ending.
I think fans of Paranormal Romance as well as Urban Fantasy will enjoy Crux. The authors have blended the two genres perfectly combining good strong world building, interesting supernatural characters with romance and sexy scenes that will make your blood run hot. I eagerly anticipate Crossroads, the next installment in the Southern Arcana series.
Sexiest quote:
“She found his ear and her breath was warm and tormenting as she whispered, “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.”
Characters to keep an eye on further along in the series: Marcus and Eddie. I won’t go into my theories here, I’ll just say read the book and draw your own conclusions. *g*
Other books in the series:
Crossroads Southern Arcana Book 2
Available February 2010 (ebook), November 2010 (print)
Add Crux to your GoodReads shelf
The reviews for this book just keep getting better and better!! I love how balanced the book sounds with both romance and action.
ps – nice sexy quote!!!!!!
pps – nice new blog layout.
I'm enjoying this series very much; nice review!
OH wow… Okay, new author and new book to me. And one that sounds awesome. Thanks for the heads up on this one honey!!! A rare cougar shifter…humm.. very interesting. I like the storyline of this one.. and Yea, okay New Orleans is mentioned in it might have something to do with it! LOL!
PS Loving the look!
I haven't read anything by this team yet, but keep hearing wonderful things about them! I'm so adding them to my want to read list now!
Mandi–Yes, this is a good start to the series. Lots of interesting characters, good lovin' and action! I'm excited about Crossroads!
Patti–Seems like Bree and Donna have a hit on their hands. I've heard only great things about the series so far.
Cecile–Yes it's based in New Orleans. However a lot of the action took placed elesewhere. But, with the base being in New Orleans there is lots of potential for some really great paranormal action!
Buckeye Girl–Yes, definitely check out Moira Rogers. I recommend the Red Rock Pass series and now the Southern Arcana series.
I'm a fan girl.
I'm almost to the end of this one, and have to agree, really enjoyed it – thanks for the rec.
Curious — writing team of MR? I thought it was one author? it's a team?
LOVE the website redo.
Sam
Nice review! I've been wanting to pick this one up, and you just made me want it more
This story is definitely on my radar FV! I love New Orleans and your mention of how they blend various elements is right up my alley
Sam–Moira Rogers is Bree and Donna, they are BFF's. Cool huh? You should check out their website.
Queen B–Don't wait! Go grab it.
Leontine–Yes, I thought this was a nice blend of UF and PNR. According to Bree, Crossroads is a bit more PNR though. I love me some PNR so that's just fine with me.
oh how I love this book and this series! I believe I have you to thank for introducing me to Moira Rogers. I am going to read the Red Rock Pass books next!
Now read Crossroads, can't wait to see what you think! Just remember, I have already claimed Andrew
KV–No fair time stamping! But if you insist, Dylan from Red Rock Pass is MINE!
Okay I get it. I need to read this book. Everyone on the planet has read it & I need to too.
P.S. Like the new look
KC-Yes this is an FV recommended read for sure. Lots of potential for a really great series. I look forward to the next installment.
I've recently bought this book, everyone is so positive about it that I had to read it
I didn't know though that Moira Rogers was a team. How interesting!
Droppin in to say hi! Love the new blog layout! I have read this one as well and loved it too! I know what you mean with Marcus and Eddie, now we have to wait and see about that..
Is it wrong of me to add this book to my TBR list based solely on that sexy quote? LOL The book sounds really good. I'm definitely going to check it out.
Great review!
BV–No, but this books is so much more than the sexy stuff. It's got everything. A really good read.
I was lucky enough to get this book about a month ago and really enjoyed it. Can't wait for Crossroads