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Soulgirls #2

Taking the Stage

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When the tiger meets his tamer, “hot” doesn’t even scratch the surface.

Soulgirls, Book 2

Roseâtre takes one look at the white tigers that the stage manager has brought in to shake things up at the Midnight Mystery Lounge, and nearly has a heart attack. It doesn’t matter that the beautiful creatures’ handler raises her pulse and makes her want to purr. The tigers are sure to recognize her—and arouse her need for the hunt.

Pride outcast Anthony diNapoli wasn’t expecting to encounter an Amazon princess when he brought his white tigers to the lounge. The lucrative show will go a long way toward securing his future, but not if he gives in to the urge to make her submit to his dominance, and claim her as his mate.

No matter how desperately her body aches for the sun-kissed stranger and his completely lickable abs, Roseâtre is no man’s prize. Yet she finds herself hungering for Anthony to defeat her and take her for his own.

It’s show time in the Arcana Royale’s Midnight Mystery Lounge and all bets are off.

Contains sword fights, shackles, sexy showgirls, and a game of dominance between a determined weretiger and an Amazon who refuses to submit. Blades, bliss and battles, oh my!

131 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2013

1 person is currently reading
99 people want to read

About the author

Heather Long

260 books2,279 followers
I love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.

I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.

After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.

Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.

Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.

One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.

I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Vanessa theJeepDiva.
1,257 reviews118 followers
August 7, 2013
Taking the Stage is the first book I’ve read in Heather Long’s Soulgirls series. With that being said I do think it easily works as a stand alone. I do not believe I missed anything by not having read the first one. There were only a couple of small references to Into the Spotlight and the main character from that one. I loved the idea behind the setting for the series. A casino in Vegas that caters to paranormal clientele. You just know there are good times to be had there along with some very sexy not so human beings.

Anthony and Roseatre just happen to be some of those very sexy not so human beings. Roseatre is one of the performers in the Midnight Mystery Lounge. Anthony is a new hire that has been brought in along with his performing tigers to bring some new flare to the performance. Flare is not the only thing he adds to the stage. He just so happens to add some crazy sexual tension into Roseatre’s life. Roseatre doesn’t want the extra anything in her life. She has her job and her obligations to her Tribe. Its enough. The big cats and their overly sexy handler are a distraction that she doesn’t want.

The one major thing that really boggled me with this sexy showgirl short was Roseatre’s reaction to finding out which cat was really on stage performing with her. I know with the books I read that I have to suspend some of my beliefs for maximum enjoyment. The moment Roseatre flips out on Anthony I wanted to know about her reality beliefs. She is afterall working in a paranormal casino. She had to know the incredibly sexy man with the big cats was going to be something other than human.

Favorite quote, Anthony to Roseatre: “Yes, but please feel free to bite me anytime you want me to poke you.”

The playfulness of cat shifters always make them such a pleasure to read. The purring happens to be hella-sexy as well. Anthony is both and so much more.
Profile Image for Tara Clegg.
753 reviews8 followers
August 3, 2013
Heather Long is awesomesauce. Seriously, she is an author everybody needs to know about and not enough do. It doesn't matter the series or genre. She rocks it. Every. Damn. Time. And, she does it with an imagination that is to die for. Some of the most creative storylines I have recently read have come from her insanely talented brain and I have no clue how she does it. As long as she just keeps doing it, I suppose I don't need to know.
Profile Image for Erin.
174 reviews6 followers
October 28, 2013
This story mainly revolves around Roseatre, and Amazon, and Anthony, a tiger shifter. If you’re looking for hot and steamy, this book is for you! Although it goes against everything Roeatre is raised to feel, she can’t help but be immediately drawn to Anthony and his cats as soon as they show up at the Arcana Royale to become part of the show that she headlines.

We find in this story that there is more to the reasons why Roseatre is a part of this show, and can’t (and wont) leave. However, Anthony quickly makes her question every choice she has made up to this point, and every choice she makes in the future. Likewise, Anthony came there for a purpose, with a past as secretive as hers, and begins to question it all as soon as he meets Roseatre.

The harder they try to avoid each other, the more impossible it becomes. As a reader, you can actually feel the sexual tension with them, and all torment it must be to avoid each other. I loved both characters, and how similar they were in strength and passion; and how hard-headed they both were, which both made it nearly impossible for them to be together, and the only reason they had a chance to be together.

Although I found the book was a bit difficult for me to get into until after about a quarter of the way through, it ended up definitely being worth it. And for someone else, the experience may be totally different, so I definitely recommend the read. And as I said in the beginning, this one was definitely hot, and will not disappoint!
This Review is copyrighted. Please do not share without giving Paranormal Reads/Erin full credit.
Profile Image for Michelle Bowman  / We Love Kink .com.
468 reviews23 followers
September 10, 2013
I was leary mostly from the title had stage in it. I stay away from "hollywood, rockers..bad boy band" types of books. But seeing the tiger on the cover I was soo in. Reading almost to the middle of the book I didnt want it to end. Wanted a ongong story about Anthony and Ruth.

Ive loved Amazon's since I was very young, Tigers has always been my favorite animal. Putting them together with a taste of magic and mythology was amazing insight. Have to give Ms long a A++.
A oath keeps a sassy princess as a dancer within a dance company that is more than a dance company. A Male that has "ownership" of a pack of beautiful tigers. Anthony has his own past to fight. Ruth and Anthony need to work together closely. They will find out they are or should be old age enemies. As she dances a dance with a tiger that leaves her breathless and wanting more, she finds out that its not just a simple tiger. She fights and rages against him, only to find herself collared and at his mercy. The Tiger and the amazon dance a dance as old as eve, sensual heated, smooth hot skin glides over soft warm fur. When Anthony ask the important question he is denied and he pushes Ruth when he toss' her a blade. Ready to battle princess..
There is much more to the dance that is being plotted. Anthony thinks of his Pride, will he take it back? The fate that Ruth has locked herself away for will she be forsworn? Will both of Anthony and Ruths needs be met? Will their fates be combined?

**Free copy provided for honest review**
For more reviews visit welovekink (dot) com
Reviewed by Daria
Profile Image for Heather.
81 reviews28 followers
August 2, 2013
This is the first paranormal/futuristic book that I have read by this author. I felt that it was well written and the characters were fairly well developed. The action takes place at the Arcana Royale in Las Vegas. It is a casino/hotel where both "others" and humans go. This hotel/casino is run by the "Overseers". A group of "others" whose identities are kept secret. Suffice it to say if you run afoul of the "overseers" then your punishment is your soul and being kept as an "employee" of the Arcana Royale until you have made amends. Roseatre (Ruth Ann) is an Amazon princess and the headliner at one of the lounges in the casino. Anthony, a weretiger, was brought in with his "cats" to be part of the show. Roseatre's tribe and Anthony's pride have been mortal enemies for centuries. Anthony is attracted to Roseatre and his tiger recognizes her as his mate, convincing her of that is another matter, even though she is also attracted to him. Things happen and Anthony is given control of Roseatre. Saying any more would spoil the book and the give and take between Roseatre and Anthony. You find out things at the end of the book that give you a greater understanding of the feud between the Weres and Amazons. There were some loose ends that I am sure will be tied up in subsequent books in this series.

I was given an ARC for an honest review of this book
Profile Image for CoffeeTimeRomance andMore.
2,046 reviews163 followers
August 9, 2013
Roseatre is the stage name of the Amazon princess, Ruth. She works at the Midnight Mystery Lounge as the lead dancer. Her reasons for exile are complex but courageous. Anthony DiNapoli is the trainer of the white tigers that are to perform at the lounge. He is also a white tiger shifter. Very much an alpha male, it is the reason for his departure from his pride. Roseatre is apprehensive about the new additions to the stage show at the Midnight Mystery Lounge. Amazons and White Tigers are natural enemies, no matter how handsome and sexy they may be. She must overcome her fear and prejudice or lose her place in the company. Anthony is determined to find out why the Amazon Princess is working as a dancer and to work through the incredible attraction he has for her. I love this story. The characters have an inbred dislike of each other’s species and find it difficult to overcome. They are both strong and brave, and I really enjoy reading about Anthony’s determination to overcome Roseatre’s reluctance. The other characters are equally interesting as are their back stories. The Midnight Mystery Lounge employs a colorful assortment of paranormals. The next installment of the series should be equally engrossing. Maura Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More - See more at: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Book...
Profile Image for Donna.
4,129 reviews57 followers
July 25, 2013
Roseatre is taking Pandora’s place center stage as the lead dancer at the Arcana Royale s Midnight Mystery Lounge. Management has brought in a new act and she has to suck it up and deal even if they are cats. Big cats. White tigers to be specific. When tiger shifter Anthony diNapoli brought his cats to the Arcana he didn't expect to find his mate. He didn't expect her to be an Amazon (his people’s mortal enemy). But nothing worth having comes easily and there is nothing easy about Roseatre.
I liked this installment a whole lot more than the first. Probably because all the world building had been done. I think it might also be that I liked Roseatre and Anthony a little better as well. This is a terrific new series in a unique environment. This isn't every other paranormal romance you've read and that alone makes it worth reading add in laugh out loud moments of humor and break out the ice cubes sex scenes and you have a book you can’t put down.

I’d like to thank the author for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for The Smutty Kitty.
326 reviews44 followers
August 17, 2013
As posted on The Smutty Kitty reviewed by KittyKelly

5 out of 5 Licks

Holy yum! A sexy tiger shifter and an Amazon with a secret made for a great book. The scene when Roseatre meets Anthony's inner tiger for the first time...OMG it's so freaking hot. I love her feisty, no holds bared attitude. The arguing between them is clearly as much of a turn on for Anthony as it is Roseatre. And this is a couple that likes to argue! When they finally come together they burn up the sheets...when they make it there that is. ;) I love that each of them is so strong natured and it absolutely carried into the bedroom with them. Heidi (the stage manager) is back and just as mysterious as ever. I wasn't sure if I liked her when I finished the first book in this series, but I know I like her now. I hope we learn more about her in the future as well as the rest of the cast!! I cannot wait for the next Soul Girls book to come out. I hope Ms. Long doesn't keep us waiting for long!!
Profile Image for Daria.
1,992 reviews42 followers
August 19, 2013
heres part of my review.. you can of course check the rest of it out at

http://www.welovekink.com/taking-the-...


Ive loved Amazon’s since I was very young, Tigers has always been my favorite animal. Putting them together with a taste of magic and mythology was amazing insight. Have to give Ms long a A++.
A oath keeps a sassy princess as a dancer within a dance company that is more than a dance company. A Male that has “ownership” of a pack of beautiful tigers...
Profile Image for Jan Meredith.
Author 4 books82 followers
October 3, 2013
Once again, Heather Long delights her readers with an awesome story. Taking The Stage, book #2 in her paranormal Soul Girls series is yet an wonderful escape into another world. Sexy, sensitive, a can't put it down read that leaves you with a satisfying ending and hoping for the quick release of the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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