Thomas

Lanning's Leap #2

by Kathi S. Barton

Thomas Lanning likes things neat and orderly. He bought the house he grew up in and just about has everything remodeled the way he wants it. He’s happy with the house and wants a mate someday…that day isn’t today.
Linyah pops in to meet the Lanning Leap, she is expected, just not today. The last thing she expects to find is a huge handsome male who takes one look at her and he gets pissed off.
“This day just went from good to shit in a matter of heartbeats, didn’t it? I don’t suppose you have a mate, do you?” She shook her head. “Of course not. That would just make it too nice and easy. I wonder what else is in store for me. Plague? The bank go belly up?”
Linyah took a step back when he took one toward her. “I need to touch you.”
“Thomas?” He turned them both to his mom. “Thomas, is she your mate? Is this your mate?”
Linyah isn’t any happier than Thomas is. She has been very successful in avoiding any entanglements with a male until now. She has even managed to avoid, Timmer, a forced arrangement brought on by her sister, their Queen.
Even though Thomas isn’t happy about Linyah’s arrival, he’s even less happy about Timmer. Linyah’s his mate…
Timmer’s been promised Linyah’s hand by the Queen and isn’t about to take “no” for an answer…

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Magic

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2014

About the author

Kathi Barton, author of the bestselling series Force of Nature, lives in Nashport, Ohio with her husband Paul. In addition to writing full time Kathi likes to spend time with her eight grandkids, three children and three children-in-laws. She writes to relax and have fun.
Her muse, a cross between Jimmy Stewart and Hugh Jackman brings them to life for her readers in a way that has them coming back time and again for more. Her favorite genre is paranormal romance with a great deal of spice. You can visit Kathi on line and drop her an email if you’d like. She loves hearing from her fans. aaronskiss@gmail.com.
Follow Kathi on her blog: http://kathisbartonauthor.blogspot.com/

Reviews

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Thomas' is the second book in Kathi S. Barton's "Lannings Leap" series and it's even more intriguing than book one. Thomas is the brother the rest of them like to pull pranks on and give a hard time. An anal neat freak, he likes everything in a precise place, is a meticulous planner, everything highly organized. That's great in certain areas of his life but doesn't really help a lot when he comes face to face with his fated mate. She's of a race thought extinct long ago, a complete unorganized slob and yet can find anything she needs without having to hunt for it, and has a tremendous amount of magic. Oh, and she's the head of the planet's security force on top of being a princess to her sister, the current queen of their race, and her mother, the second queen since she retired or stepped down. Loving and loyal as they can be, I've come to the conclusion that these Lanning men act like spoiled brats when it comes to wanting things their way. Even Mirabel, their mother, often laments she should've beat them more as a child. LOL Fortunately, Linyah is not only strong-willed but completely confident in herself, that is until Thomas decides to start treating her like a 5-year-old and leaves her lists of step by step instructions on how to close a tube of toothpaste or pictures of how to put socks in the dirty clothes hamper. There are a number of missions the Lanning Search and Rescue Team are on and of course, the infamous crazy/evil family member that needs to be dealt with. Not to mention the fated mate chemistry that can easily take over their lives if they let it. Another great read that only brings me further into this family and wants to know what comes next.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot is awesome. The characters are wonderful. There are so many thing that I love about this book I can't just nome one . Can Thomas get over the fact his mate is messy more powerful and way older then he is. Will his mate Linyah kill him before he get his act together? Will he love Linyah before it's to late? You need to read this amazing book to find out.

[Adrianna Lamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every page of this story. It should probably come as no surprise to anyone who follows my reviews that I am a huge fan of Kathi S Barton.

[Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am in a love-hate relationship with this series. I really enjoyed the plot and mystery. I felt this book pulled together better than the first, and I enjoyed seeing the leap grow. I also liked the growth that Hannah and Maribel, displayed in conquering their own mountains. It was still hard to follow conversations at times...it is hard to figure out who is speaking and to whom.

Thomas was worse than his brother, Misha, and deserves the ultimate block-head trophy. He was Ridiculous! His mate, Linyah, emanated strength and power so. strong that even the author did not seem to know what she was capable of. It seemed every chapter therewas some new power that was revealed and I do not believe we have seen them all. I also found it convenient that she could share this with anyone, and gift them with an ability, or two.

I also don't get how the brothers run this amazing business, but it does not seem very organized...almost like it is in its beginning stages. I do like how new characters contribute though. It just makes the story more of a stretch.

I enjoy paranormal reads, but am a little creeped out by the sex with an animal "though I know that a person is in there somewhere" concept. Usually, both shift either one way or the other. I found myself just skipping those parts. I am sure there are other authors who write about this, but this is the first and hopefully the last that I encounter. This is a personal taste and has nothing to do with the writer's talent.

I like how the author makes certain that you hate the villians. I really disliked Andy, the sperm donor of the brothers, and Howard, the grandfather of Hannah.

Overall, this is a quick and entertaining read for a rainy day. I won't revisit this one, but I am curious about the things left unresolved for the next book to pick up. Most authors improve as a series progresses and this series shows promise. 3 stars

[Elaine Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

2 Excellent!

This book about Thomas, who is very OCD & Linyah who is a slob & their mating. Linyah's family is not of this world but of another, also one that the leopards (cause I don't know if any of the other shifters know about her family) thought were extinct. Linyah is thousands of years older than Thomas & his family including his mother & Linyah is also a princess. Linyah also is the head of security on her planet & or realm (because that wasn't fully explained in this book) & can magically appear & disappear at will & Thomas gets that ability when they mate.

Other than their mating there are many different good vs bad plots in this book & 1 of them has to do with Hannah's grandfather (& he's really bad as he knew where she's been & what Bella had been doing to her all this time). Maribel's (the mother of the Lanning family) ex-mate finally gets his too & Hannah helps. The other person who was a bad was someone from Linyah's home world/realm who wanted her & kidnapped the Queen, her sister Kenya (I think that was her name) in order to get Linyah to come to him; but that doesn't work out the way he planned it either. Hannah really stood up to her evil grandfather & took his head off for being so mean.

Thomas & Linyah's mating had many ups & downs throughout this book & this book was excellent; not only for the good vs bad plots throughout this book but for the sex scenes & the characters from the 1st book being in here too.

[Emmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis:

Thomas Lanning likes things neat and orderly. He bought the house he grew up in and just about has everything remodeled the way he wants it. He’s happy with the house and wants a mate someday…that day isn’t today.
Linyah pops in to meet the Lanning Leap, she is expected, just not today. The last thing she expects to find is a huge handsome male who takes one look at her and he gets pissed off.
“This day just went from good to shit in a matter of heartbeats, didn’t it? I don’t suppose you have a mate, do you?” She shook her head. “Of course not. That would just make it too nice and easy. I wonder what else is in store for me. Plague? The bank go belly up?”
Linyah took a step back when he took one toward her. “I need to touch you.”
“Thomas?” He turned them both to his mom. “Thomas, is she your mate? Is this your mate?”
Linyah isn’t any happier than Thomas is. She has been very successful in avoiding any entanglements with a male until now. She has even managed to avoid, Timmer, a forced arrangement brought on by her sister, their Queen.
Even though Thomas isn’t happy about Linyah’s arrival, he’s even less happy about Timmer. Linyah’s his mate…
Timmer’s been promised Linyah’s hand by the Queen and isn’t about to take “no” for an answer…

My review:

I love Kathi Barton. I cannot wait for the next in the series!

[Cindy Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lanning's Leap is growing by "leaps" and bounds. A new mate, a pregnancy, smoking hot sex, and a killer plot make this one of the best books by Kathi S. Barton. I love what the Leap does for a living, if there really were shifters in our world I hope that this is what they would do with their abilities. Isn't it sad that money, that dreadful necessity, is ultimately at the center of the trials that face these characters? From the father of all the Lanning men to the grandfather of Hannah, it is the only reason that they are here, they want more and believe they are entitled to have it. What to say about Thomas????? I loved him. He is such an ocd personality I had to laugh when he first saw Linyah's bedroom. You just know that there are going to be sparks and fun with these two. Linyah comes from a superior race of people and she is the security force. Her "job" puts her in the path of the Lannings when she is chasing a criminal. The Lannings are working a site where there has been a terrible event that has been caused by this criminal. This meeting will change the course of Thomas and Linyah and bring these two opposite personalities together. How will a neat freak and a slob get along? Can they? I can't wait to see who gets mated next.

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will these two be able to forget not having a mate to finally come together?

Thomas is the family neat freak. Everything has it's place and his house is nice and tidy. When he finds a mate, he's sure she'll be just like him and they'll live in their own nice clean world. Jokes on Thomas! When Linyah pops into his world everything is turned upside down and Thomas will have to decide if he can push his ego out of the way to have a happy life with his mate.

Linyah has done everything she can to avoid the opposite sex and mating. Including defying her Queen, her sister, when an arranged mating has been set in place. But when checking back in with the Lanning's she's in for a bigger surprise when the hot a$$hole turns out to be her mate. Will she ever been seen as a woman and not just a tough warrior?

**WARNING** Thomas is a bigger jerk than his big brother, but don't think Linyah just rolls over and takes it. She gives as good as she gets!

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book**

[LaVida Brisco - One Last Page Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical Mate

Thomas is just another great example of what Kathi S. Barton does so well and that's paranormal at it's best. Thomas was a leopard and wasn't looking for a mate but he got one in the form of the sassy, kick-a** heroine by the name of Linyah. From their first meeting you realize that these two have so much in common and that neither of them realizes it. Their protective of their family, both work for the better of humanity and they have a all-consuming attraction for one another, that made my heart beat faster and faster with every kiss, every touch, every argument. This book is packed full of action, romance, and intense passion that will leave you wanting more. We were introduced to other fantastic characters who just made the story complete. I hope we get to learn more about them in the upcoming books. All in all if you love paranormal and magic this is your story, it was a thrill ride and I can't wait for the next journey Kathi take us on.

[Vettech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lannings Leap series with Lanning brother Thomas.....love this series....I'm playing catch-up with this awesome series. Kathi S. Barton writes some of the very best paranormal romance reads.

Thomas finding a mate right now....or ever if you ask him, is not high on his list of things he wants to happen. I dubbed this guy...."Mr. Clean", since he has this thing about everything should be in it's place. So, when the beautiful Linyah shows up he just isn't ready to make a commitment.....plus this female is a real slob. It's a match made in heaven. This lovely creature has some amazing powers and it turns out she's royalty. It's lots of fun seeing how these two find their groove with each other. There is also some major suspense with sister-in-law Hannah and her family to round out this tale.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Is Another Hit!

Thomas is Book #2 in the Lanning's Leap series and Kathi S. Barton has done it again! I loved reading about this "Odd Couple." Thomas and Linyah are perfect for each other. Thomas is a neat freak and Linyah is a slob. Thomas has a problem with all the mess he has to deal with and makes idiotic demands of his mate. Linyah goes into a depression because of these demands. Linyah is something "other" (I won't say what so I don't ruin it) but you have to read it to find out. It is so worth it! Misha and Hannah (Book #1) and the rest of the family, make appearances in this book. Hannah gets closure on her past so you have to read this book to find out the outcome. I look forward to reading book #3 and the rest of the series!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in series and I got to tell you Thomas is a big ass then Misha !!!! Thomas and his brothers was out on a rescue and search when one of his brothers can across two hunter in the cave .. They were more then hunters and they had unbelieveable powers and they was looking for someone who escaped from their planet and went on a killing spree and the brother and sister helped the with the search and told them where all the bodies that need to be rescue .. Linyah was a hunter an alien and Thomas mate and she was a slob and Thomas could not believe this was his mate ... remember this a dark fantasy read with erotica scene !!! If you don't like either then this book is not for you just sayin !!!!!!!!!!!

[Charlene Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas

Thomas was a real jerk in the beginning, but his mate Linya sure set him straight in a hurry. There is danger and intrigue in this book as well as love and laughter.

I can never get over how Ms Barton manages to blend all the emotions into each and every book she writes.

I know you're gonna love this one as much as I did. And believe me when I tell you, there is a lot more to come.

[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathi S. Barton is an automatic buy for me. I loved this book. The characters are great and minus the paranormal part, you feel like they're someone you could know. They have doubts and struggles just like everyone else. This book is an example of opposites attracting. Of course that's going to cause some problems, but you know they'll work through it. I think it's great that the Leap uses their "something special" to help others. I recommend reading Misha then Thomas. You'll want to know the whole family.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Linyah who comes from a superior race of people and she is their security force. She is chasing a criminal when she runs into the Lanning's and most of all meets Thomas.

When they first meet Thomas knows that she is his mate and is not happy with this at all. Thomas is kind of a neat freak and Linyah is just the opposite, but the old saying is opposites attract.

Another awesome book by Kathi S. Barton - would definitely recommend to all to read.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe how much I enjoyed this book. I could not put it down until I was done. The story will grab you and not let you go until you reach the end and then you are like, I need more. The characters are amazing. You will have no choice but to fall in love with them. Kathi S. Barton is an amazing anuthor and everyone needs to experience her writing.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

book 2 in series. I love all books by this author,but not too sure about this one . All the hot moments,suspense ,funny moments are in the book . Without giving anything away my problem lays with Thomas Mate. She is like all the other mates in these books which i love ,it is where she is from,what she is that i have a problem with. I look forward to next in series

[Camylle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lanning Leap is at it again! This was a tough one for me, I really wanted to stop reading because Thomas was being a Class-A asshole! That also helped me to continue reading because I was like there is no way he could actually be like that, right?! So yea! Great read!

[Patsy Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has made me laugh out loud.

Linyah is a strong minded woman that can kick ass and still make you think she would have a smile on her face and not a hair out or place.

Thomas's character had me laughing at the comments he said especially the crown.

I cannot wait for the next book!

[Kim Baides · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I know some people thought that Thomas was an ass but I really enjoyed him. Not everyone can be the perfect hero.

[Mollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars