The Beginning of…

Savage Transformation. Enjoy…

Prologue
Memphis, Texas—Two Months Ago
The woman stared at Jackson Whitmore, her expression both guarded and menacing.  Don’t try it, her clear blue eyes said. Don’t even think about it. What “it” was, Jackson didn’t know, but he’d bet his left testicle it’d be fun finding out. Fun and dangerous. Probably painful, too. A grin pulled at the corner of his mouth. He didn’t mind danger. And when it came down to it, a little bit of pain wasn’t too bad either. A certain type of pain, that was.
He studied the still image on his laptop, grin stretching wider. This one would bite. Of that, he had little doubt. In both the metaphorical and literal sense of the word. Frozen in thousands of vivid colored pixels on his computer’s screen, the woman stared back at him, those striking blue eyes of hers sharp and piercing despite the fuzziness of the photograph and the distance from which it was taken.
She stood in a busy city street, surrounded by pedestrians dressed in an array of business suits, jeans and short summer dresses. She could be standing in any big city in the world, but the short note accompanying the image told him she was in Sydney, Australia.
Jackson raised his eyebrows. That was not where he expected her to be.
He ran his inspection over the distance-blurred image, noting the confident straightness of her shoulders, the slim but athletic frame, the confident way she held the glock in her hand.
She wouldn’t be easy to capture. He didn’t need to read the short dossier attached to know that.
He dragged his cursor over the image, zooming in on her face. Something about her eyes intrigued him. They were intelligent, almost arrogant, but somehow haunted as well. Like she’d witnessed events more than one lone female should, and had made her judgement.

Hot Excerpt – Savage Retribution

It’s been a while since I shared anything from the first in my Savage Australia series so – to celebrate the creative explosion that has given me the premise for the next Savage book – here’s an excerpt from Savage Retribution. Enjoy.

Regan opened her eyes. Slowly. She peered around the dark room, squinting at the thin shards of bright light pushing through a narrow crack in the curtains on the far wall. Where was she?
She pressed her palms to the spongy mattress beneath her and struggled into a sitting position, taking in the kitsch, framed prints on the wall and the sunken bed beside her. A hotel room? Was she in a hotel room? The sound of traffic hummed beyond the walls; cars, trucks, motorcycles, and behind those typical urban noises the distant cries and squawks of seagulls. God, she could be anywhere.
Swinging her legs around, she placed her bare feet on the floor and pushed herself upright. Black swirling stars filled her head immediately and she flopped back down to the bed, a dull throb pounding up her jaw into her temple. She lifted her hand, running her fingers along the aching beat.
Damn it! He’d hit her! He’d actually hit her.
“I’m sorry about that.”
The softly spoken words with their even softer accent caressed her ears and she spun around, staring through a fresh wave of black stars at the man sitting in the armchair behind her.
At some stage he’d found himself some clothes. A pair of very faded blue jeans hugged his long, lean legs, emphasizing the corded strength of his thighs and impressive bulge between them, and a black Ramones t-shirt covered a torso Regan remembered being hard and smooth and wonderful to touch. A squeezing sensation rolled through her belly into the warm centre between her legs. Regan scowled. Goddamn it! The man had kidnapped her and here she was feeling horny? She steadied herself on the bed, giving her abductor a mean glare. “Yeah, well sorry doesn’t cut it, mate. If you wanted me to leave that badly you could’ve asked.”
To her surprise, the man laughed, the sound rich and relaxed. “I did ask. You decided to make a phone call, remember?”
Regan closed her eyes. Shit. Peter would be going out of his mind. Probably had the entire Sydney City Police Force out looking for her.
And with good reason?
She flicked a shuttered gaze to the man watching her. She didn’t know. Yet.
“I truly am sorry about the jaw.” The Irish lilt played over her senses like a feather and she suppressed a shiver. She really needed to get her act together. Who knew what he had in store for her? “But we had to go. I couldn’t wait.” Grey storm-cloud eyes grew intense. “We couldn’t wait.”
Regan edged into a more comfortable, but easy-to-spring-from position on the bed, checking out how close and easy to reach the phone was in case she needed to swing it. “What are you?”
The blunt question didn’t seem to offend him. In fact, those defined lips curled into a small smile. “Apart from a freak, you mean?”
Regan didn’t bat an eyelid. “Yes. Apart from that.”
“A werewolf.”
It was Regan’s turn to laugh. “Oh, right. A werewolf. Of course. Why didn’t I think of that?”
The man’s smile stretched wider. “I thought it was pretty obvious myself, love. Considering one minute you were stroking my fur and running your fingers up and down my four legs—which I enjoyed immensely, I might add—and the next I was standing before you on two. Furless.”
A very large, hard lump suddenly stuck in Regan’s throat and her head swam again. The memory of the wolf’s unusual humerus and pelvic bone crashed over her, as did her surreal response to the animal’s inherent power. Her skin prickled into clammy gooseflesh. She stared at the man still watching her from his chair, her pulse a rapid hammer pounding in her neck. “Holy shit.”
The man’s smile turned dry. “There’s nothing holy about werewolves, love.”
Frazzled anger shot through Regan and she gave her abductor a glare. “Stop calling me love.”
Even blacker eyebrows shot up, a light she could only describe as mischievous glinting in his grey eyes. His smile grew wider. Wolfish. “And what would you be having me call you, then?”
“My name’s Regan.”
With a speed she’d seen from him before, both as man and wolf, he was on his feet, across the short distance between them and beside the bed. He extended his right hand, the mischievous light in his eyes now devilish. “Declan O’Connell. Your kidnapper for the day.”
Regan ignored his hand, even as a tight, wet heat unfurled in the pit of her stomach at his proximity. His clean but musky scent threaded through her breath and she pressed her thighs closer together, trying her best to ignore the constricting pressure between them. “For the day?” she repeated, looking at him squarely in the face. “So this is just a twenty-four hour thing? Like a twenty-four hour flu?” She paused. “Only more annoying?”
The man—Declan—chuckled, but Regan didn’t miss the dark tension in his gaze. “Perhaps ‘for the day’ was a poor choice of words.”
Regan clenched her fists and jaw. “Perhaps you should tell me what the hell is going on. Because at this point in time, I’m very close to picking up the phone and braining you with it. Hard.” She narrowed her eyes. “I’m still not convinced this isn’t all just a bad dream left over from my run-in with Epoc’s security guards.”
Strong fingers pinched her shoulder before she could move. “Feel that?”
Damn, he’s fast. The thought sent a chill straight up her spine. How the hell was she to get away when he moved like a…
Like an animal?
Stomach fluttering, Regan looked up into the smoldering grey eyes. Damn it, she was in trouble. A heavy lump formed in her throat again and she swallowed. “What’s going on? No bullshit, no Irish charm, okay?”

YAY!!!

This is an entirely silly post, but I have to say Yay!! The premise for the next book in the “Savage Australia” trilogy (which began with Savage Retribution) finally exploded in my head! YAY!!!!

Fingers crossed I will have Savage Transformation finished and in my editor’s inbox (Hi, Heidi *waves*) by early next year!

I can’t reveal too much, but here’s a tease…. Sydney Detective, Jackie Huddart – briefly seen in Savage Retribution, has taken a long-overdue vacation and has returned to her home town in the small state of Tasmania. She is enjoying catching up with old friends, taking it easy. Things are going well, when her best friend, a vivacious and totally extrovert redhead called Delannie McKenzie, goes missing. A mysterious note appears stuck to Jackie’s bedroom mirror. I know what you are. And You’re Mine. It is then the reader learns what Jackie is – a…

OK, I’m not going to tell you what she is *grin*, but she begins to hunt the person who took Delannie, and is suddenly joined by a very mysterious stranger who seems to know more about her than a stranger should. Especially how to make her weak at the knees.

So…. stay tuned for more!

Reviews! Reviews! Get ‘Em While They’re HOT!

Oh my God, do I have an tidal wave of reviews to share with you. Ready?

Firstly – Savage Retribution Karen at JERR gives it FIVE STARS and an ORGASMIC HEAT LEVEL! “This book is hard to put down! Declan is sexy no matter what his situation. I couldn’t help falling in love with his Old World manners and charm. Like Regan, I felt safe in his company even before witnessing the first fight and knew she could never leave his arms after their first kiss. The villain, Epoc, is especially heinous, completely heartless and must have recruited his minions from Disgusting Creatures ‘R’ Us. The sex between Declan and Regan is varied and titillating, sometimes slow and sweet, often overwhelmingly passionate, but always stimulating. Be forewarned, however, there is a well written but graphic and disturbing rape scene. Regan’s policeman brother and his suspiciously new female partner are the other secondary characters who add to the tension and mystery. The pace of this story is rollercoaster fast with just about as many spins, twists, drops and turns in the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed Savage Retribution and I highly recommend it to all the wolf lovers among us.”

Maura at The Romance Studio gives it FOUR AND A HALF ANGELS and says, “This is on rollercoaster ride of a story. The main characters are on the run throughout the story and the author has captured that feeling in telling their story. I definitely needed to catch my breath at the end.” and “The combination of a very exciting plot, great characters, evil megalomaniac werewolves, and a sad back story make this a book that will be very difficult to put down.”

Ashley at FAR gives it FOUR ANGELS. ” As soon as I saw the words Irish werewolf, I knew I needed to read this story. I had high hopes, and Lexxie Couper reached them all. Savage Retribution starts off capturing your attention and never stops. I really enjoyed seeing the interactions between Regan and Declan. They are both characters to love, through their faults and all. Regan is strong and knows how to take care of herself. Even when she is scared, either of or for Declan, she shows that she can be compassionate and smart, which is not always easy to find in heroines. As for Declan, I think Irish werewolf says it all. He makes you want Regan to not give in too easily, just to see him try harder. He is sex and charm and everything else you could want from a hero. This story has it all, a hot werewolf, a smart heroine, and a great villain. Savage Retribution by Lexxie Couper is a must read for any romance fan.”

Secondly – Shifting Lust

Serena at FAR gives my sci-fi epic FIVE ANGELS and says, “Ms. Couper is not one to hold back in order to make us feel better about how things happen. Honestly, she’s almost mean to her poor characters in this series. That being said, she also does an amazing job of making them real. How often do you feel like shaking the author because she’s mean to the characters? Her villains are just as real as her heroes and let me tell you, she should’ve been meaner to them! The depraved things they did to and around Raiven and Kyra were just vile and sometimes truly disgusting. If you have delicate sensibilities, do not read this collection. If you can handle the harsh realities that Lexxie Couper has penned in Shifting Lust then please, read it. You will be drawn into a world that is truly awesome.”

Thirdly – Snowbound: Captive Heat

Chris at Night Owl Romance gives my little bit of spice FOUR HEARTS. “This was a great little read. Only 9 pages long, it grabbed my attention and kept it for the whole ride. I liked the interaction of the two characters to one another, and while it lacked a lot of romance, it really wasn’t meant to have it. The end was sweet, and rounded out the tale nicely.”

Amethyst Nymph at Literary Nymphs Reviews says “Lexxie Couper really knows how to dangle a bone in Snowbound: Captive Heat and leave you salivating. The passion is so overwhelming it will hit you like a ton of bricks. Every moment is the perfect build up to what I hope is only the beginning of Darci’s bigger adventure. I have too many questions to let Darci’s erotic adventure go. This enjoyable story is certainly a must read.” She gives it FOUR NYMPHS!

Ivy at Whipped Cream Reviews gives Captive Heat FOUR CHERRY SUNDAES. “This story made me all tingly! It was extremely sexy and fast moving. Darci Watson is amazing — Olympic skier, adventuresome young thing and out in the cold mountains on a bet. I want to be her! Flying down a hill “just because”. Mr. Blue Eyes sounds hot! He is a mystery through the whole story. Lexxie Couper let me use my imagination up until the very end…and I still wanted more. At one point, Darci is pinned up against an ice wall by Mr. Blue Eyes. She should be freezing to death, but Mr. Blue Eyes is just emanating sex and power, keeping her HOT. WOW! I felt the goose bumps on my back and furnace-like heat everywhere else. It’s an awesome picture. It makes me feel like I would while driving on a highway, going 100 mph — just going with reckless abandon. But there is no crash; just soft fur and intense heat. I would even say, raw sensuality. I am definitely putting Lexxie Couper’s backlist on my TBR pile. ”

And last, but not least – Viva Los Regalos: Kat and Mouse

Tallyn at JERR says this about my erotic paranormal crime caper. “Kat and Mouse is an erotic, suspenseful and romantic paranormal tale about two people’s obsession of playing cat and mouse has become more than just a game. Kat is a dedicated and workaholic police officer who loves to be in control while the Mouse is an arrogant and cocky thief who has taken control of their unique relationship at every turn…I couldn’t stop reading even as my PDA ran out of power and I had to resort to reading this story on my desktop. Kat and Mouse is a part of the Viva Los Regalos series and can be read individually. A definite keeper!”

I think that’s it. I’m sure I’ve missed a review somewhere. I want to say a HUGE thank you to all the amazing reviewers for their wonderful words on my books. Consider yourselves all well and truly cyber-hugged!

I’ve Made A Book Trailer!!

Check it out!!

REVIEWS! REVIEWS! No, Seriously….REVIEWS!!!

So, for my second blog I’m going to brag about myself. At some stage of the game, I’ll actually get my act together and blog about something far more interesting, but for the moment what you’re getting are reviews…

To begin with… Shifting Lust – The Collection

Goddess Minx at Literary Nymphs says this about Shifting Lust – The Collection…

“Wow! I am still reeling from all the excitement of the three books that lead you on a whirlwind of an adventure for Raiven and Kyra. From one end of the galaxy to the other, thing are happening to them that are beyond their control at times and other times, their love making is so intense it will leave you breathless. This was not what I expected from reading the excerpt or the title, but way more. Lexxie Couper has done a fabulous job on this romantic Shifting Lust. I say here a Golden Blush Award is deserved, along with 5 Nymphs!”

Next we have Kyraninse from Night Owl Romance who says this…

“

Shifting Lust is an amazingly hot story brought to steaming, vivid life by Lexxie Couper. I loved the novel premise of a shape-shifter that is affected by lust – it definitely kept things sizzling. Not to say that the plot itself wasn’t enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. Lexxie Couper has a talent for keeping the story running and the reader panting (for more reasons than one) after it. I adored Kyra’s character; not only was she more than enough to take on Raiven, but she has one of the coolest heads I’ve seen in a while. My only quibble is that Drean seemed to have been left in the lurch at the end. I also wouldn’t have minded a lot more back-story to round things out a bit. I sincerely hope that there’s going to be more about Raiven and Kyra. Hopefully Drean will make another show also if there’s to be a sequel. *hint hint*”

You know, the funny thing about Shifting Lust… It was my first series. I fell in love with all the characters. ALL of them, including the villains. A while ago I thought my journeys in Kyra and Raiven’s world was over, but the six systems calls me again. Drean Et will be getting his own HEA soon. He deserves it.

Now… Savage Retribution

My very first novel is being received very well so far. Check this out…

Chocolate Minx at Literary Nymphs says “Savage Retribution is a side-splitting funny action packed story of payback. Lexxie Couper has created a cast of characters, and a plot that takes you to the extreme with an intense fast moving chase through Sydney, Australia. Regan is a sassy, quick thinking female who packs a punch when cornered. Declan is a tough as nails, hard to kill werewolf determined to save Regan. There are sensual love scenes, but I found the hilarious dialog to be my favorite element of this fantastic narrative.”

Angel at Romance Junkies give Savage 4 hearts and says, “The love scenes are emotional with a touch of sensuality. Lexxie Couper knows how to grab your attention and hold it until the last page. SAVAGE RETRIBUTION is sure to gain her many more fans.”

And Beth over at PRN.org says, “Lexxie Couper’s Savage Retribution is an action packed thrill ride. This story had me on the edge of my seat; start to finish. This story is so strong and well thought out, and the heat between Declan and Regan will have romance readers begging for more. I had a wonderful time reading this story. Lexxie Couper can add another fan to her list.”

The response to Savage Retribution has truly surpassed my hopes. I’m currently plotting the next ‘Savage’ book, following Peter and Yolanda as they hunt and are hunted by a mysterious werewolf killer with an even more mysterious link to Yolanda’s dark past.

There are more reviews (Snowbound: Captive Heat has two so far) but I’ll save them for another day.

I really must say thank you to Renee George and Emma Ray Garrett. This wordpress blog is INFINITELY better! Be prepared, World. Lexxie Couper has just developed the blogging bug! Mwhahahahahahahah