Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 28
April 19, 2022
#Review: IMPOSSIBLE by Darcy Burke
5 of 5 starsMaximillian Hunt, Viscount Warfield, neglects his country seat and tenants and doesn't care about anyone. He has suffered grievous wounds both emotional and physical in the war and he wants nothing to do with anyone. When his friend sends Ada Treadway to help with the estate ledgers, Max does his best to drive her away. Ada has suffered in her young life first by her family's rejection and then by her former lover, but she's determined to look on the bright side of every situation. She wants to help Max, but he's reluctant to let her in. Can these two tortured souls find love?
This book may be my favorite of the series so far. I felt bad for Max for what he suffered in the war even though he was acting like a complete bear on the estate. Ada's innate goodness shines through in the story and I love that she never gives up on trying to help Max see that there is still goodness in the world and it's worth living. The PTSD and guilt Max suffers from are quite traumatic and I liked how Ms. Burke didn't instantly fix him. The slow-burn romance between Ada and Max is well done. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
April 18, 2022
#Review: THOROUGHLY CAPTIVATED by Chantry Dawes
3 of 5 starsI loved the premise of this story. Captain Warwick (War), the Baron of Graestone, came back from the war trying to save as many men and horses as he could. He invites them to Castle Graestone to live and heal from their emotional and physical scars. He's racked with guilt over all those he could not save. He lives his life to help others, but all that is upended with Miss Lulu Darley comes to the castle to take care of his injured horses. To have a woman at the castle full of men is not acceptable and War vows to send her home the next day until she saves one of his severely injured stallions. Now he can't stop thinking about her and her quirky ways. Lulu is skittish and doesn't like to be touched ever since she was attacked in Hyde Park. She faints when she meets War for he's a beast of a man and his size intimidates her. But, the more time she spends at the castle, the more she sees his gentle side. Can she ever love such a man?
I really enjoyed the way War is always trying to help his men and boys at the castle, but I couldn't get past all the ridiculous names of the characters. I couldn't pronounce half of them and just skipped over them. That really distracted me out of the story where more simple names would have sufficed. I understand the author was trying to bring out a quirky side to the story, but I thought it took away the flow of the story. Lulu was a likable and complicated character. Her innate goodness eventually overcomes her terror of being around men as she tends to the wounded horses. As she becomes more comfortable, she begins to see the men as individuals and offers them salves and poultices to help with their wounds. The slow-burn romance between War and Lulu was well done. While the story was heartwarming and uplifting, the author's writing style is not one I enjoyed. It took me too many days to read the story and I doubt if I'll be reading any more of her books.
I received an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
April 15, 2022
Interview with Lucia Ashta, WHEN THE MOON SHINES
Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?
When the Moon Shines starts off the Six Shooter and a Shifter series with a bang. I’m currently halfway through writing the fourth book, and after that, there will be one more to round out the series. I’ve written quite a lot of books at this point in my career, and throughout those other books, I’ve often had to rein in my boundless imagination for one reason or another. The Six Shooter and a Shifter series is what happens when I give myself permission not to hold back, to let loose, and go hog wild. ;) The adventure takes place in a one-way portal world. Once you go in, there’s no coming back out. The town of Traitor’s Den is themed after the Wild West, only the man who set the town up via a curse didn’t know all that much about what a true Western community is supposed to look like. Nobody behaves while in Traitor’s Den, and the longer anyone is there, the naughtier they get…
Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all? Did the character become the hero/heroine of their own book?
All the time! When I write, I fall in love both with my worlds and my characters. Often enough, a side character will worm their way into my heart and become so real to me, so dang fascinating, that I just can’t help exploring more. In that case, this character will later on star in their own series, which works out well since so many of my series and books are interconnected in a larger world. Readers love seeing their favorite characters weave into new series, and so do I. :)
If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?
I’m always extremely involved in the design of any one of my covers. I work with several different and highly talented graphic designers who are very skilled in taking my idea and transforming it into a stunning cover that both represents my story accurately and also makes readers want to pick up the book and dive right in.
Do you have an ARC review team? How did you recruit your reviewers? BookFunnel? Readerlinks? Booksprout?
I do have an ARC review team, but I don’t really recruit reviewers. They usually come to me, asking if I have any openings on my team, or occasionally, I’ll post about the opportunity in my Facebook reader group if there are a few open spots.
What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?
My writing process is quite simple, really. I sit down in my creative studio and let the muse and my characters guide me where the story wants to go. I never listen to music while I write. Silence is the best for me, as then there is no external stimuli interfering with my traveling to my story worlds.
Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?
I never outline. I tried it a couple of times over the years, but by the end of the first chapter, I’d already be so far off where I thought I’d be based on the outline, that I’d end up having to scrap it. After about 70 books, I’m quite comfortable trusting the muse to take me on a fun adventure. I rarely know what I’ll be writing before I sit down to do it.
Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?
Always. I work with a great editorial team that includes a content/line editor and a proofreader. I write pretty tightly to begin with, but their help in improving my books is invaluable.
Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book? Do you try to write everyday or carve out certain times during the week?
Yes! As an established author, there is always so much to do other than simply writing the next book. Despite the support of a small team, too often I find that there are more tasks for me to complete than I have time for. Whenever that happens, I usually train my focus on writing the next book. I think it’s always the best thing to do. I usually write five days a week. I’m pretty much always writing a book or two…or three. I enjoy writing more than one book or series at a time.
Besides writing, do you have any other passions?
I love to paint, draw, and art in most other ways too. I love to adventure, hike, travel, and be active in general. I love to spend quality time with my family. And I love to read amazing books!
What’s next for you?
More books, more adventure, and more fun! I’m currently writing the final book and a half in my Six Shooter and a Shifter series, while also writing another brand new series that’s still an upcoming surprise. Once I complete these two series, I’m on to the next that captures my imagination. I love creating new, magical worlds. It’s the best!
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When the Moon Shines
Lucia Ashta
(Six Shooter and a Shifter, #1)
Publication date: April 1st 2022
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Western
Welcome to Traitor’s Den. I hope you like it here, because there’s no leaving the small western town that’s more theme park than authentic. Once you walk through the portal, you’re stuck as a boot heel in a half foot of mud.
I’ve never seen the outside world and I don’t care. The cannon-toting, trigger-happy residents here are like family, even if most of them are a few spoons short of a full set. Eventually, everyone grows on you, kinda like nail fungus. But the booze flows freely, and Tiger keeps me company. He’s as much a prisoner as I am.
I don’t figure there’s much point in wanting what you can never have. I’ll eventually accept one of my boyfriend’s marriage proposals and then keep policing the one-way town while I pop out the babies he wants. I was born knowing how to make chicken salad out of chicken shit.
At least I won’t be bored. Denners aren’t fans of following the rules, and the longer they’re in town, the worse they behave, thanks to the spell that keeps us all trapped here.
Just when I think I’ve made my peace with my lot, the portal pops open and two men shoot through, throwing punches before their feet even finish landing in my town. When they finally look at me, all I see is problems. Big, ginormous, entirely-too-handsome problems. And that’s before I even take into account the little “surprise” they brought through with them.
No one’s ever looked at me the way they do.
They aren’t the kind of men who back down after claiming something.
Or someone…
Did I say I had my life in Traitor’s Den all figured out? Hell, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
* A sexy fantasy western with growly shifters, sketchy vamps, peculiar mages and creatures, and one badass cowgirl sheriff. Within this small town, magic and gossip flow as freely as whiskey, and work and pleasure are nearly the same thing. Weird things happen on the regular in Traitor’s Den. Come and join the quirky family, where everyone’s packing. Oh, and don’t mind the tiger.
Author Bio:
Lucía Ashta is the Amazon top 20 bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and paranormal women’s fiction filled with wild magic, spicy romance, and quirky characters that make you snort-laugh.
A former attorney and architect, she’s an Argentinian-American who lives in North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains with her husband and daughters.
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April 13, 2022
#Excerpt: MERMAID OF NEW YORK by Jincey Lumpkin
Mermaid of New York
Jincey Lumpkin
(Mermaid of Venice, #3)
Publication date: February 7th 2022
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Mermaid Gia Acquaviva’s thrilling adventures continue. She must travel to New York to fight a battle in the public arena with the powerful media moguls, Royce and Bronwyn Langley. Her casino empire is under attack, threatened by her Greek relatives. Meanwhile, Gia is paired up with a rising movie starlette to create the perceptions a tabloid romance tabloids. With tensions rising, will Gia survive after burning every bridge to get what she wants?
Fans of Killing Eve and Big Little Lies will love Mermaid of New York, a sexy psychological thriller with lush fantasy elements. The chic mystery of Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley with a juicy splash of the lavish lifestyle in E. L. James’s 50 Shades series. This is not the Little Mermaid you grew up with. Gia’s out for blood.
Mermaid of New York is the third installment of the Mermaid of Venice series, 6 novels about Gia Acquaviva.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo
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EXCERPT:
“Park Avenue? Four bedrooms? No. I told you six bedrooms at a minimum. I need a room for my daughter and space for my security staff. I do not care what the price is. Find me the biggest, safest apart- ment in Manhattan.”
Gia hung up and slipped the phone in her bag, pulling her hat lower on her head.
As Gia waited to board her plane, her thoughts were occupied with her journey to New York—and her ensuing custody battle for Serena. Gia didn’t notice that the other plane inside the hangar bore a familiar name: Bisset. Bisset Industries to be specific.
It wasn’t until she saw a face from the past descending the airsteps of the other plane that she snapped out of her rumination.
“Bonjour, Gia,” the man said.
“Florent, is that you?” Shocked, Gia’s mouth dropped open.
Her security guards closed in around her, forming a protective circle, but she gave them the signal to back off.
“Gia,” Florent winked, “you have not aged a day.” He lightly
tugged on the neck of his cashmere turtleneck to let in a bit of fresh air. It was much too early to wear any kind of sweater, let alone cash- mere, but Florent had his reasons for the choice of wardrobe—and they had nothing to do with fashion.
Gia was dumbfounded, confused. She never thought she’d see him again—much less witness him stepping off of a jet emblazoned with his last name.
As he edged closer to her, she took a step backward. “It’s all right,” he cooed. “I heard about everything that happened to you in Sicily. I am just happy that I was able to help you.”
“Help me?” Gia shook her head, trying to process everything. “I do not understand. What do you mean?”
“We share a common friend… Awa Diop.”
“Awa? How do you know Awa? I am sorry, but this is all coming as quite a shock to me.”
On the other side of the hangar, Gia’s pilot radioed to the flight attendant that the jet was ready to depart for Teterboro airport. The flight attendant then approached Gia’s security team to begin the boarding protocol. The head of security murmured into an earpiece, relaying that Gia would be ready to board the plane shortly.
Florent continued speaking. “Awa asked me to help coordinate smuggling you out of that psychopath’s compound.”
“Why would you do that?” Gia demanded.
“We are old friends, aren’t we?” Florent’s eyes narrowed, and inside them, Gia could see her own reflection. The corners of her mouth turned down.
“I do not think that we are.” She felt tingling in her chest and a gnawing sense of anxiety. “I… I left you in St. Moritz.”
“Indeed, you did. You left me in the snow all alone.” He approached her, leaning close to her ear, whispering to her. “But I lived.” He yanked his turtleneck down, revealing a thick diagonal scar that ran from the bottom left of his chin to his right shoulder. “You tried to kill me, Gia, but I lived.”
Author Bio:
JINCEY LUMPKIN is a writer and creative director in Luxury Beauty. She is the author of the Mermaid of Venice fantasy thriller series. Recognized as a thought leader on women and culture, Jincey has written more than 50 columns for the Huffington Post and Playboy. She headlined Sex Week at Harvard and gave an infamous TEDx talk, “Are Robots the Future of Sex?” She has been profiled by Dateline NBC, Vice, and GQ, among others. Out Magazine listed her in its "OUT 100", naming her as one of the world's most influential LGBTQ+ people, alongside celebrities like Laverne Cox and Ricky Martin.
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Interview with Emily-Jane Hills Orford, BEAUTY IN THE BEAST
Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?
It’s not part of a series, but a stand-alone fantasy/ science fiction.
Priya, a name that suggests beautiful. Amell, a name that suggests all powerful. One is a beautiful young lady; the other a beast. Their paths have crossed before, only Priya doesn’t remember Amell from her past. Or does she? And what does it all mean? The Amell she meets is part beast. So are the others at Castle Mutasim. Is she one of them, too? How can this be? What manner of creature would experiment on other living creatures, to mutate them into something bizarre and, sometimes, downright dangerous? Priya has to know. She wants to know. And she wants to make things right.
Do you have a favorite character?
Priya, the main character. She’s beautiful, both inside and out. She cares about others. She loves dogs, books, music, history and a good cup of tea in a quaint tearoom. We have so much in common. Perhaps that’s why I wrote her the way I did:
“Priya stepped back, blending into the blackness of night. Spreading her arms, she felt the feathers surge forth giving her wings. Taking off, she soared mere feet above where she had left Roderick. He only glanced once, waved, then he, too, faded into the night. She soared higher, in broader circles, then took off into the night sky over the forest, seeking her feathered friends and a night of reckless abandon. Seeking the beauty embedded deep within every living creature. The beauty within the beast.”
Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all? Did the character become the hero/heroine of their own book?
I do in this book. Bear, the ever-faithful BFF, the rescued mutt. Only, upon arriving at Castle Mutasim, she discovers that Bear is really a mutant dog/human and who knows what else. Sitting next to her at the grand table in the castle’s dining room, Priya is stunned.
“Bear?” she gasped.
“Yes, Priya,” the creature replied. “It is I. The one you call Bear. Perhaps you could come up with another name. Like Gawain. Or Wayne, for short.”
“His suggestion was met with guffaws all around the table. “He fashions himself after the great Sir Gawain,” Roderick paused from his eating long enough to explain, pointing a fork at Bear. “Knight in shining armor. Rescuer of damsels in distress and all that.”
From BFF as a dog, to BFF as a mutant, Bear, now Wayne, aspires to capture Priya’s attention, only he has a hidden agenda which is not in Priya’s best interests or that of the other castle’s occupants. He always appears to be elbowing his way into the action. I really can’t say anymore without giving away the story.
Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?
I’ve tried both traditional and self-publishing. Both routes have their challenges. The biggest challenge that influences book sales no matter how the book is published is marketing. There are so many really good authors who are struggling, just as I am, to get recognized – a lot of competition. I don’t think either route is better than the other. The only real advantage to traditional publishing is you don’t have to put money up front for the cost of publishing the book.
How long before you got your offer of representation/your first contract? Was it for your first novel?
Each book was different process, a different timeline. I think the longest I’ve had to wait to find a good, reliable publisher was two years. I don’t have that problem now, as, thankfully, Tell-Tale Publishing is now my publisher for all of my books.
What factors influenced your decision to go with a particular agent or publisher?
Tell-Tale’s faith in my writing, in my stories and their willingness to work with me.
Briefly describe your journey in writing your first or latest book. Have you joined any FB author groups to inspire and help you along the way?
Every book is a writing journey. I tend to be rather secretive about my current writing projects. I don’t tend to share much on FB or other social media sites as I really don’t trust the big bad ‘web. I do realize, however, that it’s a necessary and useful tool to help with marketing my books.
Are you currently under a traditional publishing contract for future books or do you have manuscripts that you will self-publish? Are you doing both?
Yes. Tell-Tale Publishing.
What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?
Self-publishing gave me a start. Now I have a traditional publisher.
Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?
I allow the muse to take me wherever it will go. As the plot evolves, I often write margin notes to help me thicken the plot, or add more dimension or description or character development. Otherwise, I find an outline not very helpful.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Emily-Jane Hills Orford is a country writer, living just outside the tiny community of North Gower, Ontario, near the nation’s capital. With degrees in art history, music and Canadian studies, the retired music teacher enjoys the quiet nature of her country home and the inspiration of working at her antique Jane Austen-style spinet desk, feeling quite complete as she writes and stares out the large picture window at the birds and the forest. She writes in several genres, including creative nonfiction, memoir, fantasy, and historical fiction. http://emilyjanebooks.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realpeoplestories
Twitter: @ejhomusic
Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Beast-Emily-Jane-Hills-Orford-ebook/dp/B09TH1T6J6/
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:
Emily-Jane Hills Orford will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
April 11, 2022
#Review: PIPER'S PURGATORY by Maureen A. Miller
5 of 5 starsWhat a riveting story! Kept me glued to my kindle as I read it in two sittings.
The story revolves around Piper waking up to a world of pink, mauve and red only to find that she's the only thing substantial in the world. That is, until she sees a man, Russell Hughes, across the street. He's solid and in full color and the two of them embark on an adventure trying to figure out what's going on and why they are together on her street. Can they unravel the mystery or will they be stuck in this pink and silent world forever?
Miss Miller is a talented writer who has woven a story of intrigue and suspense as she slowly reveals the details of what happened on the last day they both remember. The descriptions are vivid pulling the reader deeper into the story. Piper and Russ's growing attraction is handled so well with smoldering looks and caresses so definitely rated PG for those who don't like steamy. While I did guess some parts of the story, there are multiple twists and turns and one especially I never saw coming. Highly recommend.
April 7, 2022
Review: DEBATING WITH THE DUKE by Alexa Aston
4 of 5 starsMajor Everett Wayland thought he'd spend his life as an army officer, but when his older brother is murdered, Everett finds himself as the new Duke of Camden. He knows nothing of running a duchy or how to act in Polite Society. His friends, Spencer and Tessa, agree to help him along with Tessa's cousin Lady Adalyn who has been out in Society for a couple of years. Adalyn has enjoyed her time as a single young woman, but feels this is the year she's ready to marry. What she doesn't want is someone as shy and reserved as the newly elevated Duke of Camden, but there's something in the way he looks at her that fans the flames of desire. He's not the man for her, but can she convince her heart of that?
I'm a fan of Ms. Aston and enjoyed this second book of the series. Everett is honorable and quite reserved, but he is the ultimate gentleman. I liked how his personality grew and changed as well as his wants in a duchess. Adalyn was likable and she tried so hard to make Everett happy not realizing that she was changing exactly what he liked about her in the first place. While there aren't any big conflicts in the story that could have made it more interesting but after a series of misunderstandings, these two finally confess their feelings for each other and enjoy their own HEA. I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the series.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
April 6, 2022
#Excerpt: CURSE & CRAVING by Jill Ramsower
Curse & Craving
Jill Ramsower
(Of Myth & Man, #1)
Publication date: April 4th 2022
Genres: Adult, Romance, Urban Fantasy
My new job landed me in another country, but it might as well have been an entirely different world.
An underground world of magic and secrets ruthlessly guarded by an elite group of Fae warriors.
This place has brought out a power buried deep within me.
A dark and monstrous power.
I have no choice but to turn to the Fae for help.
Lochlan is the leader of those warriors meant to guard the border between realms.
He’s secretive and arrogant yet undeniably alluring.
I have no reason to trust him, but he’s the only person who can teach me to protect myself.
He pushes me to my limits and threatens to unravel me with every husky command.
More than anyone, he has the power to undo me.
Because with every lesson, I lose more of myself to him and this new world I never asked to be a part of.
Author’s Note: This story was originally published as part of The Fae Games Series but has been substantially rewritten. This 140,000 word urban fantasy romance novel is for adult audiences.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play
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EXCERPT:
We walked a mile or so to the city gates, where we were offered a mount by the city guards to ride to the palace in the center of the city. Not anticipating visitors, they only had one spare horse at the gate. We would have to ride together.
Of course, we would.
I took a deep breath and joined Lochlan near the majestic black beast. The horse began to whinny anxiously and prance in place, his brown eyes bulging wide. I was no horse expert, but it was plain that the horse was uncomfortable with my presence.
“Stop upsetting the horse,” Lochlan said as he walked up to the agitated creature and took the reins, stroking the behemoth’s neck while cooing softly at him.
“I’m not doing anything!” I replied indignantly.
Lochlan grunted, then swung me onto the saddle without warning. I squealed like a five-year-old girl.
“Stop your screaming. You’ll upset the horse more than he already is.”
“I couldn’t help it. You startled me. Next time, let me know before you throw me onto the back of an angry animal.” Boorish, impossible man.
Lochlan lifted himself onto the saddle behind me, one arm snaking around my middle. His lips lowered to my ear. “Keep up with the attitude and see where it gets you.”
His words sent an avalanche of shivers down my spine.
Before I could recover, he gave the reins a tug. The horse surged forward, forcing me to cling to Lochlan’s arm at my waist.
Author Bio:
Award-winning author of contemporary and fantasy romance. With Jill’s books, you can count on confident heroines, plenty of steamy tension, and deliciously assertive leading men. There are no guarantees in life, but with her books, you know everything will work out in the end. However, a perfect ending would not be nearly as satisfying without a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Jill loves to add plenty of adversity in her stories, creating unforgettably dynamic characters and sneaky plot twists you will never see coming.
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N.N. Light's Book Heaven April 99c Sale Event: THE ACCIDENTAL WEDDING
I'm pleased to announce my book, THE ACCIDENTAL WEDDING, will be part of N.N. Light's Book Heaven Flash sale.
Blurb:
Has Keira made the worst mistake of her life?
Unemployed Keira Callahan decides to try her luck at the casino before delving back into job hunting. As she walks through the casino, she bumps into the most handsome man she’s ever seen. When he asks her to dinner, she doesn’t hesitate. As she learns Cade Tyndale’s story—he needs to wed or lose his British estate, her impulsive nature rears up and she agrees to marry him and move to England for one year. What does she have to lose except her heart to the impossibly handsome Earl of Barrett?
Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0744PNS1H
Excerpt:
Keira looked around for the nearest cashier window, spotted one past the roulette and craps tables, and hurried toward it. As she passed the craps table, she looked at her ticket again, with its final payout of one thousand and seventy-five dollars. It was the most money she’d ever won at the casino. Tonight was indeed her lucky night. This money would certainly give her some added time while she made up her mind about what she wanted to do next about finding a job. Still looking down at her ticket, she nearly fell to the floor when she ran into something rock hard. Or make that someone. As she began to fall backward, her arms doing wild cartwheels to try to regain her balance, her eyes found the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen standing in front of her.
He was tall and lean, with striking blue eyes and light-brown hair that fell in waves to his shirt collar. Women would kill for hair like that, it was so perfect. He looked like he’d stepped out of a GQ magazine cover; or better still, put him in a suit of armor and give him a sword, and he would become the legendary knight Tristan come to life. A hero destined to make the ladies swoon, and Keira was ready to swoon. He was impossibly handsome.
All these crazy thoughts swirled through her mind as she fell backward. This tumble was going to be so embarrassing, never mind the bruising her bottom would endure. Much to her surprise, none of that happened. A strong arm wrapped around her waist at the last minute and prevented her from falling. Instead of sitting on the floor embarrassed, she found herself pressed against a hard and very toned chest.
“Oh, my God! I’m so sorry,” she blurted out. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
Blue eyes twinkled at her. “The fault is mine. I stepped back from the table without looking. Please accept my sincere apology,” the handsome stranger said in a charming English accent before releasing his grip on her waist.
Could he be any more perfect? Not only was he Adonis, the god of beauty and desire, in the flesh, but an Adonis with an English accent. Her mouth hung open as she stared at him.
Giveaway Info –
Enter to win a $20 Amazon gift card:
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Open Internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US or Amazon Canada account to win.
Runs April 5 – April 13, 2022.
Winner will be drawn on April 14, 2022.
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April 4, 2022
Excerpt: THE FALL OF JAKE HENNESSEY by PJ MacLayne
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Jake Hennessey deals in selling fine jewelry of an illegal nature. The thrill of getting away with it is his addiction. When he hears a rumor about a rare old book in the personal collection of a small-town librarian, he gets the urge to try a new game.
After all, even jewel thieves get bored.
But the librarian, Harmony Duprie, isn't what he expected and the challenge becomes serious business.
In order to win, Jake's going to have to play by a new set of rules—and make them up as he goes along—because this time, he's playing for the rest of his life.
Excerpt:
The Bargen house was simple to break into. It was well-maintained, but Jake knew the tricks. The windows were the easiest point of entry once the family left to go to a concert. With the police busy controlling the crowds, the neighborhoods were unguarded.
The locked doors would be easy to pick, but that left behind traces a good cop would find. The first window Jake tried was firmly latched, and he didn't want to break a window if he didn't need to. But they'd left the kitchen window open a crack. He had to go through at an angle to get his shoulders through the narrow opening and use his arms to pull the rest of his body past the sink and onto the floor.
He waited a few seconds for his eyes to adjust to the semi-darkness. Older people favored nightlights throughout their house. They gave him all the light he needed to work. There hadn't been time to scope out the interior, so he crept from room to room to find the main bedroom.
The door stood open, but he slipped on the latex gloves he'd swiped from the motel before he entered. If he got lucky, the case and the brooch would be sitting on top of the dresser. He hoped Mrs. Bargen hadn't worn it. But the cluttered tray held no jewelry box.
He worked quickly, opening and closing each drawer, not finding what he was looking for. The next place to check was the closet. He turned on the light and closed the door behind him. And hit paydirt.
About the Author:
Born and raised among the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, P.J. MacLayne still finds inspiration for her books in that landscape. She is a computer geek by day and a writer by night who currently lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. When she's not in front of a computer screen, she might be found exploring the back roads of the nearby national forests and parks. In addition to the Harmony Duprie Mysteries, she is also the author of the Free Wolves adventures.P.J. MacLayne can be reached on:
Website
Amazon Author Page
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