Sanctuary For My Mate by Terri A. Wilson 💕 Series Tour & Gift Card Giveaway 💕 (Shifter Romance)

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Tatum’s perfect, well-planned life crashed one piece at a time. After small mistakes led to bigger ones, she’s ready to give up and walk away from the only dream she ever knew. A trip to a New Mexico retreat sounds like the best way to pull herself together. Then she met Connor, a hot falcon shifter who shows her a whole new world full of possibilities she never imagined. Connor’s falcon claimed her at first glance. Now faced with her inner demons, can she learn to forgive herself and stop the cycle of self-destruction? Will his love be enough to calm the anxiety and fears that prevent her from finding the life she never knew she wanted?

“Your whole family is like this?” She smacked an open palm on her forehead. “Were you at the cabin when I first arrived?”
He ducked his head, embarrassed. “Yes.”
“Were you spying on me?”
“Not spying. I returned home when my falcon noticed the dirt you knocked up. He wanted to see what caused the commotion.”
“Wait. Is what we did—am I going to turn into something like you?”
“No, it doesn’t work that way. Sex alone doesn’t make you into a shifter. There has to be a claiming to be bonded.”
“Claiming?”
“When shifters bond they claim each other. Bonds are for life. It connects them on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. It goes way beyond a typical marriage.”
“How does this claiming work?”
Don’t get excited.
He pulled out a dining chair, sat, and rested his arms on his knees. “Well, it involves sex.”
“Of course, it does.” She rolled her eyes.
“Sex is the most intimate connection two people share. During sex, the mate, normally the female, has to open her soul, and the male connects to her spirit, and they click.”
“Click? You make it sound like a rom-com.”
“Well, it’s more than just clicking. It’s hard to explain, but when the male bites the female—”
“Hold up. The guy has to bite the girl? And why is it usually the man forcing this bondage?”
He put his head in his hands. After a count of ten, he said, “Tatum, it’s not bondage. There’s a huge difference. Shifter relationships are traditional. The male is alpha over the female. In shifter packs, there is even one, again it’s mostly a man, but a few females have done it, who is alpha.”
“Are falcons part of a pack?”
“A family pack. We stay close together. That’s why my family hated me living so far away.”
“Are there other falcon shifters?”
“Yes. We have a big barn dance each year.”
Tatum cocked her head to the side. “Are you making fun of me?”
“Maybe a little. We don’t all belong to a club, and we don’t have yearly cons. But we keep an eye out for each other.”
“Do you get along with other shifters?” She put the pillow away and crisscrossed her legs under her.
“Most of the shifters I’ve met are good people busy living their lives. Just like everyone else.”
“Do you have special abilities?”
He scoffed. “Sure, I can shoot laser beams from my eyes.”
“That’s it. I’m out of here.” She shot up to leave, but he met her at the door. “Tatum. Tatum, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to tease you. Look, I’ve never shared this with anyone outside of the shifter community. I don’t know how it’s done.”
She faced him. “This is a lot to take in.”
He put his hands in his pockets. “I understand if you need time to let this sink in, but I need to tell you something before you go. Last night was not fun and games for me. I understand we just met, but you have become someone special.”
She crossed her arms. “Well, that doesn’t add any pressure.”
“I’m fantastic at reading people. Last night was special for you too.”
“You’re right. There is something different about you, but that only makes it more complicated.”
“How so? I’m still the same guy I was last night.”
She stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “The problem is, I’m not.”

How do you choose between two women, when only the love of both will bring you harmony?

Cameron was born a falcon shifter, but when his arrogance prompted a total disregard to safety, he was attacked by a bear shifter. Living with two predatory animals who want control makes it hard to find peace. When he meets the new chef, Eliza, his bear recognizes his mate, but his falcon longs for Skylar. When an opportunity presents itself that will make all the three happy, Eliza’s heart fights against her traditional upbringing. Faced with a choice, she retreats into fear and uncertainty. Skylar knows her love is not confined to a predetermined set of societal norms. She has to break through the walls Cameron and Eliza built, but that’s not easy when Cam’s heart is split in two and Eliza refuses to believe she deserves happiness. Can three unique hearts turn their back on tradition and forge a new type of bond in order to bring harmony to their life?

Cameron crossed his arms and leaned against the counter. Watching Eliza work in the kitchen was like watching an artist paint a canvas. She ignored everything around her and focused on the food, chopping, sautéing, and tasting. He had no clue what came out of her magical jars, but the smell made his mouth water and her happiness made his cock hard. If anyone deserved happiness, it was her, but he didn’t understand how to make that happen.
“Are you going to stand there all night and watch or get going on that onion?”
He smiled. “I’m enjoying watching you do your thing.”
Eliza threw an apron across the island. “Get your ass busy. I’m sure you know your way around a knife.”
He put on the apron and took the knife. “I’m fantastic with pointy things.”
She stirred the vegetables and lowered the flame. “I don’t get the point of that joke. Want to take another stab at it?”
He rolled his eyes. “You had to go there?”
“Would you expect anything less?”
“No, your sharp wit astounds me.”
“Ooohhh, check you out. You’re not just brawn. There’s a brain there too.” Eliza handed him two pears. “Cut these for the cheese platter.”
“I could, but I’d rather do this.” He turned her to face him, put his hands on her face, and leaned in for a kiss.
“Cameron-” she inclined her head away, “-the food will burn.”
He reached around her and turned the flame down to the lowest setting. “Problem solved.”
Cameron picked her up and sat her on the island then stood between her legs. She gasped when he slid his cold hand up her shirt and pressed her against him. His tongue slid up the side of her neck and he whispered, “I want to make you forget everything but us and this moment.”
“I wish you could.”
“I could if you’d let me.” Cameron hated having this same conversation. He struggled with a lot these days, but his feelings for Eliza were certain and he needed her to understand that.
“Right now, you need to focus on you. How are your bear and bird getting along these days?” She slipped off and squeezed around him.
He grumbled, turned around, and rested his backside against the counter. “You sound like my mom.”
Eliza brought the food back up to temp. “Your mom’s a smart woman. I like her a lot.”
Cameron hated the way people treated him with kid gloves. The one time he ignored the park ranger’s advice, a wild bear attacked the camping excursion he led. High on cockiness and a desperate need to feel useful, his life changed in an instant. The tourists were unharmed, but he suffered a deep wound on his shoulder. After weeks of denial, the effects of the bear shifter’s bite forced Cam to address the new inner conflict. Two strong predatory animals fighting for domination took its toll.
As Eliza stirred the various pans and tasted a sauce, Cameron watched her hips twist in rhythm. Since meeting her, his bear grew stronger and needed more attention. The strength of her bear demanded a challenge and he reciprocated at the cost of appeasing his falcon.
“That smells incredible,” Cameron said.
Eliza spun around with a spoon for him to taste. The roasted garlic and tomatoes melted in his mouth. How could this woman take ordinary ingredients and create heaven?
He closed his eyes, savoring the flavors. “That is fantastic. What’s in it?”
“A bit of everything, but I’m experimenting with flavored salts. This one comes from the dehydrated herbs I made last week.”
“The chef we had here before had a hard time making anything taste good. It was like eating at a school cafeteria.”
“Well, I’m still learning a lot.” She faced the stove.
He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her around. “Why do you do that?”
“Do what?” Eliza avoided his eyes.
Cameron placed a hand under her chin, lifted her face, and kissed her forehand. “Dismiss my compliments.”
“I didn’t realize I did that. It’s weird to listen to good things being said about you.”
“Why is it weird? You need to get used to it.” He grew hard holding her against him. Her mouth stretched up and met his. His hands cupped her face as his tongue parted her lips. The taste of onions and garlic made him hungrier for more than food.

What is something unique/quirky about you?
I like to eat my food in even servings. Like for instance, I would rather eat two cookies instead of one and I get twitchy if you serve me three. I also constantly rearrange my eggs in the carton to keep it balanced and I hate when there is an odd number of eggs.

Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
In 2009, I had my second daughter at home. My first delivery wasn’t bad, but my experience at the hospital was less than desired. The second delivery went so well, I would have another one in an NY Minute. I made a lousy pregnant woman. I didn’t really like being pregnant, but the actual delivery was awesome and I’d do it again.

What are some of your pet peeves?
I really hate people who are inflexible and refuse to see another point of view. I also can’t stand to be scared.

Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in San Antonio Texas, but I spent most of my life in California. I’ve lived in North Carolina since 2006.

If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
Holding my husband’s hand.

Who is your hero and why?
Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She’s just flippin’ awesome.

What kind of world ruler would you be?
Not a very good one because I get bored easily, I hate dealing with conflict, and I expect people to do the right thing.

What are you passionate about these days?
Writing, coffee, and chocolate

What do you do to unwind and relax?
I love my bed. My room is dark and we try to keep it cold. For me, I love to just lie in my bed with the lights out. I don’t really sleep, but it’s quiet and I can think.

How to find time to write as a parent?
I have my laptop opened all the time and I use multiple devices that sync together.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Sarcastic, Loyal, Foul-mouthed, Creative, Clever

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I still don’t because it hasn’t sunk into my head yet. When I see my name on a book, I have a hard time connecting that it’s my name.

Do you have a favorite movie?
Yes, many. Practical Magic and Steele Magnolias being at the top

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
When I write, the story plays out in my head like a movie. So I guess all of them.

What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
I went to Pompola, Spain for the running of the bulls and to visit the bar where Hemingway spent a lot of his time.

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
Dragon because it’s fierce and beautiful at the same time.

What inspired you to write this book?
It may sound cliché, but there are a lot of characters who live in my head and they fight for dominance. Whoever wins the round when I start a new story gets their story told and then I just let them tell it.

What can we expect from you in the future?
I want to explore combining historical fiction with paranormal stories.

How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?
They speak to me.

Where did you come up with the names in the story?
Top 100 Baby Names and the Coke bottles that come out in the summer.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
Researching

Tell us about your main characters- what makes them tick?
Skylar is the most confident person I know. Eliza needs acceptance and can cook. Cameron has to accept he’s different and that’s okay.

Who designed your book covers?
B Creative Designs

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I’d like to see it a little longer.

Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
Yes. I have a hard time focusing for long periods of time.

If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
Skylar- Margot Robbie (but with dark hair)
Eliza- ???? Sarah Shahi
Cameron- Alex Pettyfer (based on looks only, I’ve never seen him act)

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
When you read Harmony For My Mate or any books from that series, I hope you connect with the characters and they help you examine your own life. Don’t assume it’s a typical menage story. Be open to examining your accepted ideas of love.

How did you come up with the name of this book?
It’s one of the words I think of when I think about the idea of sanctuary.

What is your favorite part of this book and why?
Writing the scenes with Skylar and Eliza because I had to look at love in a new way.

If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?
Eliza- she’s a chef

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
There’s a little bit of me in every female character I write and a little of my husband in every male character I write. Other than that there is no one specific.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
Characters

Convince us why you feel your book is a must-read.
Because this book will move you and help you escape your world for a little bit.

Have you written any other books that are not published?
Yes.

If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?
Clean Cotton

Terri is a former English teacher and librarian. She taught middle and high school and college. Now she works from home homeschooling her two daughters and living out her dreams via her stories. She began escaping into books a little later than most but was hooked after the first book she read. It has been her dream to give back to the book world since she was in second grade.
When she’s not writing or reading, she enjoys binging on Netflix and painting. Due to her crunchy lifestyle and free spirit, she considers herself a recycled hippie. Her most important goal is to help others jump and learn to fly.
To find out more about her characters and the lives they live, check out her website, http://www.terriluvsbooks.com. Follow her on Amazon and Goodreads, or connect with through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.