Kiss of a Star

Artemis Lupine #2

by Catherine Banks

Artemis’ life completely changed when she met Ares and learned of her true genetics. Achilles comes to her and her life is changed yet again as she learns more about herself and Ares’ past. Now nothing is simple and life is anything but calm. As she adjusts to her new life she learns that shedding a little blood is more than necessary and that she must do whatever she can to stay with her pack and her mate. Can she figure out a way to protect her pack and stand against the man hunting her? Or will treachery and deceit separate her from the first family she’s ever had?

Genres: Werewolves, Shapeshifters, Young Adult, Vampires, Paranormal, Magic, Fantasy

121 pages, ebook

First published February 3, 2011

About the author

Catherine Banks is an award-winning, USA Today Bestselling fantasy author who writes in several romance subgenres under multiple pseudonyms. She began writing fiction at only four years old and finished her first full-length novel at the age of fifteen. She is married to her soulmate and best friend, Avery, who she has two amazing children with. After her full time job, she reads books, plays video games, and watches anime shows and movies with her family to relax. Although she has lived in Northern California her entire life, she dreams of traveling around the world. Catherine is also C.E.O. of Turbo Kitten Industries™, a company with many hats including being a book publisher and store full of nerdy fun.

Reviews

[Polly · Rating 1 out of 5]

So we have a love triangle, who do you pick:

The guy who randomly turns into a wolf, has a habit of licking your face, is old enough to be your great, great, great, great... grandfather, tries to pressure you into 'mating' with him and encourages you to walk around naked in front of his friends.

Or...

The magic fairy prince who tries to kidnap you to force you into an arranged marriage, claims to be Achilles (yes, THAT Achilles) and spontaneously lights up like a glow stick.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK so we've covered the fact that these covers are not my favorite. I'm starting to think it's the cartoon like qualities that turn me off, but that's just a guess. Either way, if there was ever a situation where you should NOT judge a book by it's cover, this series would be one of those times. Banks' books might not have covers to covet but the writing she puts behind those covers more than makes up for it. After the cliffhanger Banks left her readers with in Song of the Moon, I could not get this second installment open fast enough.

After meeting Achilles for all of five seconds in book one, though it might seem ridiculous, I instantly disliked him. I can't help it but I'd already decided that if a love triangle was created, that I was firmly on Team Ares. No ifs, ands, or buts about it, Achilles was not getting my vote. Artemis and Ares went through so much in Song of the Moon, that I began to wonder how this second installment would live up to all that excitement. But live up to and surpass it, it surely did. While the love triangle added an interesting twist of events, it was everything else that was happening in Artemis' new world that really took center stage. While the werewolves and their pack laws were gripping in book one, adding the sidhe characters and world only upped the ante left readers dying to know what Banks would come up with next. Most of you know Greek mythology has always had a special place in my heart, and Banks managed to hit this one on the head.

Like I said before, Banks draws her readers in and without even realizing how she's done it not to mention how quickly she manages it, but you become addicted. To the series, her characters and where she's going to take them and what all she's got planned to put them through. Kidnappings, fights and battles, bondings, murder attempts, pack hierarchies, royalty struggles...you name it and Banks is putting it on the table. Her characters do not rest and yet she never left me feeling overwhelmed with all that was going on, or even rolling my eyes and saying that enough is enough. Artemis and the rest of the gang are pushed to their limits, but it's always bordering the line of just enough, yet never crossing over. I simply can't get enough of Banks' writing and her series has me craving more!

[Sherry Sias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps getting better and better

Artemis and her story just keeps getting better and better. We learn more about who she is. We have a death and betrayal. Amazing read.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars and 2 spice

While this one felt less spicy than Book 1, this one had more action and twists and turns. I am truly enjoying this series!

[Lisa (A Life Bound By Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more info and reviews please visit my Book Review Blog here - A Life Bound By Books

Kiss of A Star, the second book in the Artemis Lupine series picks up right were we left off in Song of the Moon. With many things answered and more questioned asked, the characters and story held up well from the first book into this one. I do have to say that while the book was a tad on the short side and I felt that a few things were rushed, I was excited to see just where author Catherine Banks would take her characters next.

Artemis has changed so much from Song of the Moon, yet she’s still growing into herself as she continues to evolve both physically and mentally. With the continuing help, support and love of her Alpha and mate Ares, she further learns about her people and the many trials that loom for the halfbreed. She still has so many questions and things are about to get worse before they have a chance to get better. Artemis still wants the same things. To protect those that she loves and find out who’s after her. And Ares, he’s an alpha through and through. The only thing about him that rubs me the wrong way… in both books is that he never gives Artemis enough information. I understand he’s trying his hardest to protect her from everything, including herself, but that aspect of the story and his personality frustrated me here and there.

Characters old and new popped up throughout and lead too many twists and turns, some more shocking then others. It’s Banks imagination that has created strong characters and a plot that continues to lure me in and leave me ready for more.

The only down side, as mentioned above was the length of this second installment and how some key parts to the story felt somewhat rushed through. Did this take away from my overall enjoyment of Kiss of A Star? No, not at all. Would it have improved my enjoyment? Some what but let me explain that further. I really enjoy the story and characters and I simply wanted more. It’s not that it was lacking from the first book to the second, or in the series as a whole.

With an ending that’ll leave you wondering if what happened did in fact just happen, it forced me to reread the last few pages to make sure I wasn’t reading things incorrectly. With the turn of the last page… both times, I was surprised where Bank’s led the story and am eagerly awaiting the next book – Healed By Fire, in 2012. And oh, what a wait that’ll be.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiss of a Star is one of my favorite sequels. It's a definite 5 star! There is so much packed into those pages.

Artemis now knows that she is half wolf and half fairy. She has two gorgeous guys vying for her attention, although she seems to just want Ares. Now she just needs to learn to fight and use her powers to protect herself and the ones she loves. Her father has turned against her and is now working with the king of the vampires. As if that isn't bad enough she has her fairy fiance's mother trying to kill her, female wolfs trying to take Ares away from her. And to top it all off Ares, her wolf mate still keeps things from her that she could use to protect herself.

I don't want to say much more and give away any plot spoilers. I love how Banks keeps the romance between Ares and Artemis going strong without giving away too much. I would like to see something more develop between Artemis and Achilles. I love Ares but I think he is just to uptight while Achilles is more laid back and I think he would be more fun. A lot of questions are answered for Artemis and for the reader but so many new ones are waiting to be answered in the next book. The ending threw me a curve ball though, didn't see that happening. Still wondering where these new characters are going to fit into the story what is going to happen next. I can't wait for this series to continue!

[♥Lynn ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiss of a Star by Catherine Banks

Artemis, is a halfbreed. She is half wolf and half fairy. Her life is turned upside down when someone she loves betrays her to the vampires. Artemis and her pack fly back to Ares' home where Artemis is challenged as the pack alpha's mate. Accepting the challenge, she learns to fight taught by her pack mates, her wolf mate, and her fairy fiance Achilles. Vampire attack searching only for Artemis. Achilles takes her to the Fairy Court to meet his father and mother and the mother Artemis never knew.

I give this book 4 stars. Artemis has the potential to be a great female lead character. Artemis is still young and needs to grow as a character. I wish that Ares and Artemis could have more time alone so the reader could connect with them as a couple. I loved the snowball fight and the other times Ares let himself relax.

I am looking forward to seeing how this series plays out. I am not sure how Artemis is going to handle a wolf mate and a fairy mate. It is going to be a bumpy ride!

[Kim Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and couldn't put it down. Of course she had to give us a love triangle with 2 hot guys. Once you already love Ares she throws Achilles at you. Artemis finds out Achilles is her mate and was promised to him over 700 hundred years ago. He is the Sidhe(faire) Price and has been watching over her since birth where Ares just found out about her a few weeks ago. Even though she is mated to Ares she still fills a pull toward Achilles and things get really heated when the Queen of the Sidhe tries to kill her. Achilles bonds them together so if one of them dies so does the other, keeping his mother from killing her. Now Artemis has 2 guys being over protective and needing her touch to stay sane.

I couldn't put this book down I loved it. I wished it would have been longer, I just couldn't get enough.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paranormal romance thriller

Good story. I don't care for triangles but I think this one will resolve okay. Ends on a sad note which just makes me want to read the next one

[MissHavoc {Cry Havoc! Reviews} · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this one. It's the sequel to Song of the Moon, which I loved. I did read an uncorrected advanced copy so it was very rough and a little difficult to get through and will differ from the finished copy. The story line is great. Tons of action and adventure. The romance is still there with the added benefit of a third party. Achilles lays a claim on Artemis as well and everything goes down hill from there. I'm very excited to see what happens next and how Ares and Achilles will manage "sharing" her. Crazy, I know! If you haven't read Song of the Moon yet you need to, and then go out and get Kiss of a Star. It's a great addition to this exciting new series.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book about killed me! So may plot twists that my mind was just refusing to let them happen. I loved the characters in "Song of the Moon" and was glad to be introduced to new ones. I did not, however, think ahead as to this being a triangle book between characters. We find Artemis having to decide who is right for her, when she is not truly sure what is really happening around her. Though I know which male character I favor, it is hard to not like the other romantic character and want him to be happy too.

I cannot wait to start book 3! (I purchased it upon finishing book 1. I'm hooked.)

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to read this book, too many other commitments, but glad I finally got around to it. I did not know when I started this book that is was a series, I really enjoyed the charactors and it looks to be the beginning of a good series. I need to go back and read the first one and then reread this one just to get a better feel of the way things are going to progress. I would highly recommend this book but it would be best to start at the beginning.

[Athena · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY SHIT!! NOOOOO it can't end there!!!!! HERA YOU MOTHER FUCKING BITCH!!!!!!!!!! HOW COULD YOU BETRAY YOUR SON!!!! He loved her....and so did Ares!! FUCK!!!! I an so depressed and angry right now. I can't believe it ended at such a fricken cliff hanger. And now I have to wait until next year for the third book!! *cries hysterically*


UPDATE:

I still feel the same way I did when I read it 3 years ago.

[Chelsea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh, more plot vomit. Lord, save me from the vertigo rapid and whimsical changes. More random thoughts that don't really begin or end; just random events shoved into a limited timeline and story plot. If this author would take the time to really build off all her random ideas then she would go far. As it currently stands, I now have a big headache and have wasted 8 hours of my life by reading this dang thing.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series. I loved most of the second one, but THE ENDING! Seriously, there is nothing I hate more than a character losing their memories. It just makes the book depressing and slightly annoying. All in all, the characters, plot and writing was amazing, but the ending made my blood boil.

[Runningrabbit · Rating 1 out of 5]

This went from poor to worse to ditched.

The childish writing, together with the poor dialogue and prose let this novel fall into the dark fathoms of ditched across the room.

The main character became annoying to the point of wanting to slap her, and the whole book seemed to be heading towards repeating the first novel.

Irritating, annoying, cliched...

[Catherine Banks]

Book Two of the Artemis Lupine Series. Here we see Artemis learning more about her genetics and developing more as she becomes a young adult and has to deal with very difficult and hard circumstances.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Gosh that was good! Just finished reading this book and I don't even have words. What happens next? What's going on? Such a great book with lots of twists and turns. And left me begging for more! I don't know what I am going to do until the next one comes out!

[Samantha Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining book. It answers a lot of questions from the first book. I just wished it had been longer. Only a 100 pages is a really short book. The ending took me by surprise but I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Saki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Prince and a chosen one the life artemis lupine is getting complicated by her powers. Unexpected allies and betrayals changes her. The twist was really fun. Catherine does her job well. Looking forward to read the next book.

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book. The end was a real slap in the face and yes, I was screaming at Artemis to do something. Again we are left with the cliff-hanger. Can't wait for the third book!!!!! :)

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book the ending took me by surprise! I hate to have to wait for a whole year for the next book to come out!

[Mallorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series!! this answered some of the questions that i had from the first book. i recommend this series to everyone.

[Ms. MiLo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt that the 2nd book is too short for my liking otherwise I would've given it a 5 star. The ending is definitely a cliff hanger and I'm so eager to read the 3rd book!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good addition to the series. My biggest complaint is that it was pretty short.

[Miss Asima]

Love the cover art! Love it! So of course I have to read it. :D

[Evie]

OMG could not put it down!!!

[Trisha]

Once against cliffhanger that makes me go argh. Thankfully I have the next book already to read.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH MY GOD! I HATE LOVE TRIANGLES AND WHAT IS WITH THAT ENDING!!!

[Rhonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as the first book, but a decent read.