Who knew dating a skunk shifter could be so sweet?
Photographer Bilana thinks she can beat the heat and her migraine by taking her meds and getting out of the sun. But she wakes up to find her whole world order being changed before her eyes.
Chaska is a powerful Dakota warrior in full regalia, defending his right to pick the mate of his choosing. But when Bilana stumbles into a centuries-old rite, he finds himself having to save the beautiful black woman’s life by claiming her for his own.
Now Bilana has an insolent young warrior, a set of elders, and a shapeshifter mate all invading her peace and quiet. She has to learn to accept change as it comes, but that’s what happens when you learn how not to date a skunk.
Stephanie is a multi published multi award-winning wife and mother of two whose unparalleled imagination causes her no end of trouble. From sex shifting shape-shifting dragons to under sea worlds, up to sexually confused elemental fey and homo erotic mysteries, all the way to pastel challenged urban sprites, Stephanie has done it all, and hopes to do more. Stephanie is co-founder of the charitable organization Write 4 Hope, Co Creator of the Japanese Culture and Anime Convention Mikomicon, Home-school Mom, English Tutor, an Orator on her favorite subject of writing and world building, a sometimes teacher when you feed her enough coffee and donuts, an anime nut, a costumer, and a frequent guest of various sci-fi and writing cons where she can be found leading panel discussions or researching more and varied legends and theories to improve her writing skills.
Stephanie is known for her love of the outrageous, strong female characters, believable worlds, male characters filled with depth, and interracial that make the reader sit up and take notice.
When I initially began to read the story of Chaska and Bilana I was unsure if it was in the present or the past. The writing of Ms. Burke is superb and provides a wonderful story which shows the research she did on native culture. The blending of centuries old ceremonies with present day reality is handled very well. I found the story to be an example that true love can be found in a moment and last a lifetime. I highly recommend Bilana and Chaska’s story as it is beautiful and thrilling to read. Delane Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More Full Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
I was pleasantly surprised that this story is entirely in modern times, with no time travel. Sooo, that changed a lot of the interactions. However, it was so charming, hot, and hilarious! And unique, because how often do you see SKUNK SHIFTERS?!?!
Representation-wise, I adore that the main characters are both minorities and that adds an interesting dimension to their relationship. Yes, it matters.
I only wish that this story was longer!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Title: How Not to Date a Skunk Author: Stephanie Burke Publisher: Changeling Press Publication Date: September 2, 2011 ISBN: 978-1-60521-675-1 Genre: Erotic Romance, Novella, Paranormal, Interracial, Shapeshifters Length: 51 pages Rating: 5 Diamonds Heat Level: Erotic Other: anal/oral play Reviewer: TJ Date: September 28, 2011
Who knew dating a skunk shifter could be so sweet?
Photographer Bilana thinks she can beat the heat and her migraine by taking her meds and getting out of the sun. But she wakes up to find her whole world order being changed before her eyes.
Chaska is a powerful Dakota warrior in full regalia, defending his right to pick the mate of his choosing. But when Bilana stumbles into a centuries-old rite, he finds himself having to save the beautiful black woman's life by claiming her for his own.
Now Bilana has an insolent young warrior, a set of elders, and a shapeshifter mate all invading her peace and quiet. She has to learn to accept change as it comes, but that's what happens when you learn how not to date a skunk.
How Not to Date a Skunk is a fanciful break from the ordinary. Chaska is a powerful and gorgeous hero who comes across as genuinely charming and with just the right touch of alpha magnetism. Bilana is a delightfully complex character. I was all prepared to feel sorrow for her as the story started but she soon revealed she did not need my sympathy. She is resourceful and practical Stephanie Burke transports her readers right on to the Pow Wow field with a wonderfully precise description that brings the story to life in vivid detail. And if the story itself wasn’t enough to win me over there is a fantastic list of references at the end for those who would like to do more research, how great is that? This author has a fun, fresh style and she will be added to my must-read list.
The story of Bilana and Chaska compelling and kept me engaged from the very beginning. Due to the interruption of the ceremony, Chaska opts to claim Bilana in order to save her life. She's pretty accepting of the events that take place but things get really interesting when a young warrior takes matters into his own hands.
How Not to Date a Skunk is another great book in the How Not To series by Stephanie Burke. The author's conflict resolution was suspenseful for several reasons and I was on the edge of my seat. The story is unique, has a fun plot, and includes likeable characters.