Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 9

#Excerpt: BURIED ROOTS by Terra Weiss

Buried Roots
Terra Weiss
Publication date: September 5th 2023
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Mystery, Romance

I might’ve found my own grave.

Or not, but I don’t have time to figure it out. A perfect stranger willed me his neglected fifty-acre farm, and now, this New Yorker has two weeks to get it sell-ready. With a business to run, I can’t stay in this boondock town a second longer.

But I’ve got it handled—even after a series of suspicious property mishaps. Even after the threatening notes.

My veterinarian neighbor Owen Brooks shows up with a sledgehammer, a wicked sexy smile, and Demon, his appropriately named foster bulldog. But after losing my family, I only rely on myself.

That doesn’t stop Owen and the town of Violet Moon from showing up for me. Maybe family isn’t just blood.

Owen and I can’t deny our magnetic connection as we restore the historic estate. But the more we dig, the more my disturbing buried roots surface. I have to confront that grave… and my bombshell family secret.

*Buried Roots is a grittier, heartfelt romcom mystery with adult language and steamy, open-door chemistry that will have you rooting for a happily-ever-after.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

I approach my car, and everything around me is echoey and out of focus. I just have to take one step at a time, the first being to get this car out of the ditch.

A windowless white van slows to a crawl as it swerves around me. Nerves clench in my gut as the driver pulls onto the shoulder just up ahead. A stranger driving a kidnap van in this desolate place? Hell no! I already have a raging fear of the woods.

When the driver steps out, I grip the pepper spray on my key ring. So what if he’s got a killer bod and shock of black hair? Who cares if he’s wearing a faded t-shirt and rugged jeans, like some Hallmark movie hottie? I know better than to be fooled by looks.

I check the highway, scanning for other cars. Of course, this country road is empty. When he gets closer, I see the oily black streaks on his face, the filth on his hands, and the dirt on his clothes. And he’s wearing mismatched neon socks. That has to be ironic, no? But his smile is wicked sexy when he says, “Can I help you, ma’am?”

Ma’am? Is he for real? I force a smile and a wave when I say, “No, thank you. I’ve got it.” Translation: don’t come an inch closer.

“You’ve got it?” His voice is incredulous.

“Yup. All good.”

His eyes bulge as he stops and glances at my stuck tire. “All good? Looks like you’re in a bit of a pickle.”

On closer inspection, he has muscles everywhere, and the light scruff on his carved jawbone is annoyingly sexy. Which again, will not stop me from pepper spraying his fine ass. Hello, stranger danger—in the middle of nowhere. “Pickle? Nah.”

He rakes a hand through his hair. “Look, this isn’t a sexist thing. I have a mother and three sisters who could kick everyone’s ass. But this road doesn’t see much action, and I can’t leave someone out here.”

“I appreciate that, I really do. But I won’t be stuck long—I’m handy.” That’s a stretch. I restore homes, so I am handy, but with cars, I only know the basics.

He raises a brow as he studies my face. “Handy or not, getting a car out of a ditch is a two-person job. At least.” He cocks his head and hitches up his voice a notch when he adds, “Out here, there’s no Triple A.”

“I don’t need Triple A. But thank you.”

His lips quirk up as they appear to search for a response. “Once I leave, you might not see another car for hours.”

“I’ll figure it out. I’m a New Yorker.”

“Ah. That explains it.”

My hand lands on my hip. “Explains what, exactly?”

“Nothing.” His mouth curves in a patronizing grin.

His amusement pisses me off. It’s really hard not to sound condescending when I say, “I’m sure you’ve got places to be.”

He hesitates before he hitches his thumb over his shoulder. “Okay, then. I’m leaving.”

Our gazes lock, like we’re in a game of eye-chicken. That’s fine, bring it—I don’t mind studying his. They’re part ocean, part storm cloud—sparkle tinged with despair. Like mine. I don’t look away, don’t blink when I say, “I see that, and good for you. Enjoy your day.”

He steps away in defeat. “I’m really leaving this time. You’ll be out here in the backwoods. All by yourself.” Another step back. “When you could have a mechanically inclined, super handy guy give you a hand.”

I put my palms up. “Again—mechanically inclined, super handy hands right here.” I wiggle my fingers and paint on a smile. “Sir.”

“All righty, then. Good luck.” That grin is back. “Ma’am.”

I hate to admit it, but damn it, smug is sexy on him. Our gazes lock again, and I enjoy looking at his smile, looking at him. Forget eye candy—this country boy… or man, with distinguished light creases on his temples—is more of an exquisite eye confection.

And now, I’m staring. I attempt to run my fingers through my auburn hair, which I’ve forgotten is bobby-pinned. My hand gets stuck, and I try to play it off as a head scratch.

He waves. “I’m Owen Brooks, by the way. It was nice meeting you.”

“You too.” I’m not giving him my name. I point at his feet and say, “Nice neon socks, by the way.”

That smug grin is back when he runs a hand over his dirt-stained tee. “Pulling this look together wasn’t easy.”

I smile, and for the first time, it’s genuine.

Author Bio:

Terra Weiss is a romcom author with a knack for witty banter and gift for capturing authentic family dynamics. Readers love how her stories steer away from typical romcom cookie-cutter formulas and show how real-life people find real-life love.

When Terra's not spilling the tea on what happens in the big and small towns that live in her heart, you'll find her with her spunky daughter, mad scientist husband, wacky and wonderful mother, and the two six-pound dogs that run her house. She enjoys jogging at a snail's pace, reading from her iPhone, and piling bright orange mountains of squeezy cheese on her crackers.

Want a FREE ebook? Sign up for Terra's newsletter and get one as a thank you! http://www.terraweiss.com

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#Review: THE DUKE AND THE DRESSMAKER by Eva Devon

 

5 of 5 stars

I loved the first book in this series, and this book is as enjoyable as the first one.

American-born shipping captain, James Blakefield, is now, through a complicated family tree, the new Duke of Ashbridge. Unbeknownst to James until he arrives in London is that he's also the legal guardian of Miss Violet Martin, but he has no idea where to find the girl. Just by happenstance, James and his friend are drinking in a bar, and James comes to the rescue of Lily, who is being manhandled. Come to find out, Lily is Violet's sister. He soon learns of the dire circumstances of their living situation and tells them they are to live in his household. Thus begins a complicated relationship between James and Lily and how Society views their relationship.

I loved Lily's strength and perseverance. She had endured so much since she fled France during the revolution and now works her fingers to the bone for a modiste in London, just to keep a roof over her and her sister's head. The love she has for Violet is evident in everything she does. Lily is a talented dressmaker, but her family's name has been riddled with scandal. Her dream of opening her own dress shop has languished for over ten years while she slaved away. Lily is smart, ambitious, and wants to fend for herself and make a name for herself as a premier dressmaker, but as with everything in the world, she doesn't have the funds to accomplish her dream.

James is a more complicated character--abandoned at a young age by the death of his parents--he's taken to the sea and the regiment of a sailor's life as his safe haven. He has worked hard to gain success, and he firmly believes everything runs better on a schedule. He uses this routine to establish a place for Lily and Violet to feel safe and secure. What James doesn't realize is that he cannot just come barging into London Society and expect his goals to be accomplished. He needs allies, and it's through Lily's expert knowledge of the ton that helps James navigate the complicated life and rules of the ton. The two of them make a formidable pair.

Ms. Devon gets to the heart of their insecurities and lets the reader understand how devastating their respective childhoods had been. Both James and Lily have been wounded deeply and are reluctant to love again, even though they cannot resist their mutual attraction. It takes an act of supreme courage on both of their parts to admit their mutual love before they get their HEA.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own. 

#Excerpt: THE QUEEN OF THE POOR by Alan Gold

The Queen of the Poor
Alan Gold
Publication date: August 9th 2023
Genres: Adult, Historical

Angela Burdett-Coutts was a wealthy woman who used her money, class, and prestige to make a tangible difference for those less fortunate. She would become one of the most outspoken and dedicated philanthropists of her day. Throwing herself into the causes she valued the most, her charity work became renowned, earning her recognition from none other than Queen Victoria herself.

Coutts the bank was founded in 1692 but really took off when Thomas Coutts took over at the beginning of the 19th Century. He made a fortune, and left it to his second wife, 40 years younger and an actress. When she died, she left it all to Thomas’ granddaughter, Angela Burdett-Coutts.

Suddenly, Angela became the second wealthiest woman in England after Queen Victoria. She had to hire bodyguards to keep fortune hunters away. But because of her wealth and also because her father was a radical politician, she moved in the most interesting circles of Victorian society, where she met and had numerous affairs with famous people, like the chemist Michael Faraday and many others, including Charles Dickens and the Duke of Wellington.

She caused something of a scandal with her radical lifestyle, but because of her wealth, and the fact that she spends most of her money on charity, opening schools for impoverished children, helping Dickens with the housing for the poor, housing prostitutes and getting them off the streets, she’s almost beyond criticism…. until, at the age of 66, she caused absolute shock and outrage, because she chose to marry her 29-year old secretary called William Lehman Ashmead Bartlett. Whilst this in itself does not appear particularly shocking, as he was, like her father, a Member of Parliament, the astonishing age gap left society aghast. Whilst she was sixty-seven, he was just twenty-nine years old.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

When Harriot Mellon Coutts and the duke had married, it had caused a sensation, mainly because he was twenty-three years younger than she was. Also, despite her previous marriage to the late Thomas Coutts, she was still known far and wide in British aristocratic society as ‘the actress’. Appearing at the reading of his wife’s will wasn’t something which the duke would countenance, not with all her damnable relatives pointing and sniggering.

Explanation (On her death in 1837, her property and fortune went to her step-granddaughter, selected as heir after careful scrutiny of the possible recipients, who as a condition of the inheritance adapted her name to Angela Burdett-Coutts . [7] )

Author Bio:

Alan Gold began his career as a journalist, working in the UK, Europe, and Israel. In 1970, he emigrated to Australia with his wife, Eva, and now lives in St. Ives, Sydney, where he divides his time between writing novels and running his award-winning marketing consultancy.

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#Review: WHEN THE DUKE LOVED ME by Lydia Lloyd

 

3.75 of 5 stars

John Breminster, Duke of Edington, wanted nothing to do with Miss Catherine Forster, and certainly not to ask for her help. After everything that her Aunt Mary had done to destroy his family, he could hardly admit that a codicil in his father's will would force him to ask for Catherine's help in finding Mary. The meeting with Catherine did not go well as they both remembered that night seven years ago when they each had assumed a fake identity at a ball and shared a moment of passion in the garden, only to find out each other's true identity. John had recoiled from her and walked away.

Catherine never forgot that night in the garden, and she only agreed to help John find her aunt for a princely sum. The money wasn't for her sole use. It would help her adopted family regain some of their dignity and help with future expenses. Of course, that meant she must travel with John and try to find the location of her aunt, or John's sister Henrietta stood to lose her substantial dowry. 

All of the circumstances that bring John and Catherine together seem a bit far-fetched, but as I read further, the will became the driving force in the book. Both of them, as it turns out, had never forgotten their shared passion of that night seven years ago. I liked Catherine. She suffered a lot in her young life, especially during her first Season, which was an utter disaster because the scandal about her aunt and the old duke was still on everyone's lips. John, on the other hand, was mostly distant and aloof. It took a while for me to warm up to him. 

There is a lot of angst in the book, but I was surprised at the opening chapter when Catherine was willing to have a tryst with John in the garden. That seemed a little out of character for a well-bred young lady. Also a few situations, especially the one with the modiste, I believe would never happen in Regency England, but for the sake of the plot moving forward, was used in the book. The secondary characters added charm to the book, especially John's friends, which I can see, each having their own book. This is a very good first novel for this author, and her writing flows nicely. As she writes more in the series, I hope that she will stay true to the period and Societal norms of the times.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

#Excerpt: HUNGRY IS THE NIGHT by Robin Jeffrey

Hungry is the Night
Robin Jeffrey
(The Night Series, #1)
Publication date: August 22nd 2023
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

The werewolves of the world live in tight knit gangs, or “dens”, for protection from outsiders – and each other. Every major metropolis has one; to belong to a den is to have a family for eternity. However, Grace Holtz, next in line to lead the Seattle den called The Nameless, has had enough of living under the crushing weight of her den’s expectations. Having fled to a small, rural town in southeast Oregon, her goal is to blend in and be as “normal” as possible for the rest of her unnaturally long life.

But Marcus Bowen, a wolf from the UK-based Feóndulf den (and the closest thing Grace has ever had to a lover), has other plans. Reappearing thirty years after their affair came to an abrupt and bloody end, Marcus needs Grace. He needs her to return to Seattle and arrange an audience with Mama, the current leader of The Nameless and Grace’s estranged grandmother. The leader of the Feóndulf and his heir have both been brutally murdered, and Marcus suspects that Grace and Mama are next.

Teaming up to hunt for the killer in the Emerald City, the pair slowly begin to realize their romance may not be as dead as they thought. However, as it becomes clear that the person they’re looking for holds secrets about both their dens, Marcus and Grace must grapple with competing loyalties, conflicting desires, and ultimately decide what matters more: their dens or each other.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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EXCERPT:

The sensation of his lips against mine rippled through me like a shot of whiskey, warming and intoxicating, setting my blood dancing while at the same time making me shiver. When he reciprocated the gesture, when he reached out to hold my cheek with trembling fingers and shifted against my lips without withdrawing, the tight coil of control in my chest unraveled. I took a step forward, my body flush against his, and lifted my hands to grip at Marcus’ shoulders with a possessiveness I barely recognized.

Marcus mimicked my stance, but instead of pulling me closer, he took a step back, breaking the kiss with a small gasp. My eyes flickered open.

While he shook his head, Marcus’ eyes remained closed as he whispered, “Grace, we shouldn’t—”

“Marcus.” His eyes opened wide at the sound of his name. I gave a weak smile and lifted my hand to his face, trailing my thumb across his lower lip. “Don’t be so stupid as to make the same mistake twice.”

He blinked at me once, then twice. The corners of his mouth shot down into a frown and his hands dropped from my shoulders to my hips. He pulled me against his body while quietly whispering, “Ah, sod it, then,” before kissing me hard.

I answered in kind, my hands skittering unmoored across first his jaw, then his shoulders, then his sides, then his chest. I deepened the kiss with a flick of my tongue at his bottom lip, a teasing, tentative request that Marcus answered with unabashed eagerness, opening his mouth to my explorations.

Slowly at first, then in a progressively frantic tumble, I pulled Marcus back into my room toward the bed. I kicked off my shoes as I went, running the tip of my tongue along the top of his palate. He tried desperately to keep pace with me, capturing my lower lip between his teeth and biting down, not too hard, but just hard enough. Still, there was hesitation in his movements. No longer content with the skin available to my hands, I began easing his shirt up and over his body. Marcus tried to register a verbal protest, but it was lost in the crush of our mouths. It wasn’t until I relinquished his lips and began lavishing attention on his neck that he was able to say anything at all.

As soon as his mouth was free of mine, he breathed my name imploringly, caressing my back and shoulders through my thin sweatshirt. “Grace…”

“Don’t worry,” I answered, my words muffled as I pressed my lips against his carotid artery, my wandering hands pushing up under the hem of his T-shirt, fingers dancing over the newly exposed flesh at his side. “I’ll take care of you.”

Author Bio:

When Robin Jeffrey isn’t checking out books to students at the academic library where she works, she can be found cranking out punchy flash fiction, lyrical essays, and world-rich romances. Her writing has been published in magazines across the country and around the world. She currently calls the Pacific Northwest of the United States home, where she lives happily with her husband and their out of control comic book collection. She currently resides in the rainy Pacific Northwest. More of her work can be found on her website, RobinJeffreyAuthor.com.

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#Review: AN EARL TO REMEMBER by Stacy Reid

 

3.5 of 5 stars

I am a fan of Ms. Reid and usually devour her books in one sitting, but this one took me longer to get into. The writing was well-done as usual, but I didn't really connect with Georgianna Heywood as much as I'd like. Yes, she was a devoted big sister and took care of their little family as best she could, but her going off to be the chef for an earl's yacht party seemed a stretch for a young woman of her time where women's actions were scrutinized so harshly.

Daniel Rutherford, the Earl of Stannis, was a cold-hearted rake at heart. When he washes up on the shore of her little village with no memory of who he is, his character seems to pivot 180 degrees to a man who doesn't question the validity of Georgianna's claim that they're married. This ruthless and clever earl who has a head for investments and making money never thinks to question anyone or seek any information for weeks, doesn't seem to fit with his innate personality. 

Daniel and Georgianna's growing affection is based on a lie, and I didn't like that she kept the secret from him for weeks. I did like the change in Daniel's personality as he comes to realize that there is more to life than money and debauchery. A life with a loving partner is worth everything. Georgianna's sisters added a bit of fun to the story, especially their chicken Hetty. That was quite funny.

While this is not a favorite story of mine, I look forward to reading more from Ms. Reid. She is a talented writer who can transport you into the story.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are mine.

#Review: KNOCKOUT by Sara MacLean

 

5 of 5 stars

I haven't read the previous books in the series, so I had no preconceived notions about this book. Suffice it to say, I loved it!  Lady Imogen Loveless is described as chaos incarnate and odd, but she is so very brilliant that she uses that ruse to cover her real activities--that is, solving the explosions in the East End of London. I loved Imogen and was so glad that Ms. MacLean did not dumb her down in her interactions with Detective Inspector Thomas Peck.

The banter and interactions between these two are off the charts, and I had many laugh-out-loud moments while reading this story. Thomas Peck was so honorable, but underneath all his stickler personality, there was such admiration and, eventually, love for Imogen and her abilities to solve seemingly unsolvable. Add in the cast of Hell's Belles, and the story was well-fleshed out. The conspiracy behind the explosions is complex, and it will take all of them--Thomas, Imogen, and the Bells--to unravel all the complicated threads to take down the real perpetrators. There are lots of twists and turns between Tommy and Imogen finally get their HEA.

Now, I'm really looking forward to reading the book about the Duchess. That looks to be another "knockout" of a read.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.

#Excerpt: COCKTAILS AND CASUALTIES by Carly Wayne

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author is awarding 4 prizes to randomly drawn winners (a leather bound diary and pen, a set of 4 drink coasters, a pewter necklace of a Quetzal bird, a copper compass). Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Teddy Aarons is a nomad, using her bartending skills as an excuse to move to a new luxury resort with each change of the season. But when she finds herself stuck on the remote island of Mahina Cay, she finds refuge in the quirky little Township of Crooked Cove.

Crooked Cove is a village of expatriates from various countries, and the people are welcoming, but she only intends to stay long enough to make the money to get off the island and back to her real life.. However, when one of the village’s most distinguished citizens turns up dead, it’s up to her to either solve the case or become a permanent resident of the slammer!

With her new friend Jasmine at her side, Teddy will do whatever it takes to shake out the truth and stir up the real killer to clear her name. Will she manage to keep herself out of lockup, or will she end up under the influence of the Mahina Cay Prison?

Excerpt:

“Teddy, what are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking you should give me the pictures and the phone and wait here,” she said.

Jazz pulled her purse close to her. “Oh hell no. If you are going to question Frannie, you’re not leaving me sitting out of the action. I’m coming with you.”

Knowing it was pointless to argue, Teddy sighed. “Alright. But you have to promise me to behave, Jazz. Let me do the talking. We are going to try the soft approach first.”

The look in Jazz’s eyes told Teddy she was not planning on staying silent. She was chomping at the bit to back Frannie into a corner.

Frannie stood and walked to the ladies’ room, and they followed. Teddy counted to twenty, and then walked in with Jazz behind her. The room was empty except for the two of them, and Frannie was in the last stall. Teddy pointed to the door, and Jazz silently locked it. They leaned against the door and waited for Frannie to emerge....

About the Author: Carly Wayne first discovered her love of storytelling as a child when she would create alternate endings for all of her favorite fairy tales. As she grew, her fascination developed into a passion for writing about the characters and worlds she imagined.

Now, Carly has returned to her ancestral home deep in the woods of Jacksonville, Florida, not too far from the ocean. She fills her days pursuing her bliss by writing, creating, and exploring nature.

Carly holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology.

Website: https://carlywayne.online
Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/cocktails-casualties
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/creator.of.worlds
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarlyWayneJax
GoodReads: https://cutt.ly/carlywayne-goodreads
BookBub: https://cutt.ly/carlywayne-bookbub

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#Excerpt: A HOLLYWOOD ENDING by Melanie Summers

A Hollywood Ending
Melanie Summers
Publication date: August 10th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

When life hands you heartbreak, grab a sexy bodyguard…

America’s sweetheart Courtney Bennett had it all – fame, fortune, and a doting husband in one of Hollywood’s most powerful men. But when he trades her in for a younger actress, Courtney’s world topples down around her.

With paparazzi on her tail and nowhere to turn, she hides away in a secluded cabin in Colorado with her new (and deliciously hot) bodyguard, Damien Young.

As Courtney strives to rebuild her shattered heart, she finds herself drawn to Damien, the man determined to get her back on her feet again.

But as a man of honor, Damien won’t take advantage of a woman in such a vulnerable state, no matter how undeniable their chemistry is.

Author’s Note: A Hollywood Ending is a sizzling, opposites-attract romance. It’s much spicier than a regular Melanie Summers rom-com so you may want to grab a fan (or maybe a glass of cold milk).

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

She ripped the warm center out and popped it in her mouth. “Mmmmm. Wow. White bread with real butter.” Sighing, she added, “You have no idea how long it’s been.”

“Quite a while, I’m guessing.”

“I’ve basically been hungry for the last decade. For real. And this is sssoooo damn good.” Damien watched her, his body responding as she closed her eyes and dragged her tongue across her lips. He cleared his throat and turned his gaze to the sunset for a moment. He could not allow himself to react like that to her. No matter how drawn to her he was. Glancing at the table, he looked for a way to distract himself. Picking up the bowl of mushrooms, he said, “More mushrooms, Ms. Bennett?”

“You know what, Mr. Young? I will have more mushrooms.” She tilted her head and gave him a thoughtful look. “But first, I need to thank you for taking such good care of me today. I know it’s not your job—carrying me around, feeding me, and listening to me go on about my life and my crappy marriage.”

“I’m happy to help however you need.”

She wiggled her eyebrows in the most lecherous way imaginable and said, “However I need, hmmm?” Then she giggled a full-on fit of laughter, her drink sloshing in her glass as she held it in front of her mouth. “Oh god, you should see your face!”

He slapped on a smile, recovering quickly from the direction his thoughts had plummeted. Dragging them back from the gutter, he smiled at her and spooned a huge helping of mushrooms onto her plate. “Here you go, Ms. Bennett.”

She sighed, her laughter dying out. “You’re no fun, you know that? I was just teasing.”

His entire body agreed with her assessment. Doing nothing was not fun at all. But he refused to look at Ms. Bennett anywhere other than those startlingly green eyes, and definitely not lower, where she was sliding the pendant from her necklace back and forth on the chain. Back and forth. Just above her cleavage.

It was going to be a long night.

Author Bio:

Melanie Summers also writes steamy romance as MJ Summers.

Melanie made a name for herself with her debut novel, Break in Two, a contemporary romance that cracked the Top 10 Paid on Amazon in both the UK and Canada, and the top 50 Paid in the USA. Her highly acclaimed Full Hearts Series was picked up by both Piatkus Entice (a division of Hachette UK) and HarperCollins Canada. Her first three books have been translated into Czech and Slovak by EuroMedia. Since 2013, she has written and published three novellas, and eight novels (of which seven have been published). She has sold over a quarter of a million books around the globe.

In her previous life (i.e. before having children), Melanie got her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, then went on to work in the soul-sucking customer service industry for a large cellular network provider that shall remain nameless (unless you write her personally - then she'll dish). On her days off, she took courses and studied to become a Chartered Mediator. That designation landed her a job at the R.C.M.P. as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator for 'K' Division. Having had enough of mediating arguments between gun-toting police officers, she decided it was much safer to have children so she could continue her study of conflict in a weapon-free environment (and one which doesn't require makeup and/or nylons).

Melanie resides in Edmonton with her husband, three young children, and their adorable but neurotic one-eyed dog. When she's not writing novels, Melanie loves reading (obviously), snuggling up on the couch with her family for movie night (which would not be complete without lots of popcorn and milkshakes), and long walks in the woods near her house. She also spends a lot more time thinking about doing yoga than actually doing yoga, which is why most of her photos are taken 'from above'. She also loves shutting down restaurants with her girlfriends. Well, not literally shutting them down, like calling the health inspector or something--more like just staying until they turn the lights off.

She is represented by Suzanne Brandreth of The Cooke Agency International.

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#SALE .99 THE LADY AND THE SPY by Debra Elizabeth

 

Blurb:

 

Viscount Alesbury, a seasoned spy for the Crown, wants to scale back his missions after his current assignment is complete. It was time he looked for a wife and he knew just the young lady he wanted to be his viscountess, Miss Violet Bainbridge, the sister of London’s spymaster.

Miss Violet Bainbridge was excited to come to London for her Season and attend teas, musicals, dinners, and balls. She had met Lord Alesbury last fall, but has not seen him since. Her heart flutters when she thinks about the handsome lord. Will he be in London for the Season, and, more importantly, does he crave her company as she does his?

Can these two reconnect, or are there unseen forces working to keep them apart?

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09LR73PZV

Customer Reviews:

Gail5.0 out of 5 stars Never underestimate a title!

Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2022

Verified PurchaseThis was an awesome book! I loved all the characters, especially the leading lady's sister, Emma - she was always reading a book, made me think of myself. Can't wait to read more of Debra Elizabeth's books!!
Ruth Ann Campbell5.0 out of 5 stars Loving HimReviewed in the United States on February 14, 2022Verified PurchaseThis was a very good book written by Debra Elizabeth and I enjoyed reading it. A spy, a smuggler, a young lady, a mother's determination, a brother, realizing she loves him, hoping he feels the same, a new gentleman, a smuggler needing money and will marry for it, trying to get investments, always going to balls, musicals, theater, dinners, refusing a gentleman, being proposed to by the man she loves, being kidnapped. Will they find her in time? Will they realize who took her? Will she be ruined? Will he kill her? Will they save her from death? Will someone get hurt? Will they have a happy ever after? I would recommend this book to everyone who loves a love story and a mystery. Buy the book and you will find all the answers and more. Enjoy!