Julie Elizabeth Powell's Blog, page 26
September 25, 2017
The Series by Nancy Pennick
29 - The Series
by Nancy Pennick
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
29 (Twenty-Nine)
Allie Sanders thinks life in a small town can’t get any more dull and boring. She plans to escape after graduation. After a bad break-up, she wants to sail through junior year without distraction. Then the mysterious loner sits down in front of her in AP English. He’s the guy she noticed last year desperately trying to stay invisible. She wants to know his secrets. Suddenly her much older military brother, Doug, makes a rare appearance. He takes a special interest in her life. Suspicious of his motives Allie holds back, never really trusting him. Doug wants what she wants—the boy she has come to love. No way would she let that happen. She’d go against family and friends to protect him—and his secrets—even if it ends up breaking her heart.
Our hands touched briefly and a tingle traveled up my arm and back down my spine. He quickly pulled away, handed me the folder and continued to pick up the rest of the mess. I didn’t know if I should say sorry or thank you because I couldn’t take my eyes off his gorgeous face.
As he placed the pile on my desk he looked directly at me, straight through to my soul. “You’re welcome.” His dark hair hung over his eyes and those chocolate orbs burned right through me. A slight smile crossed his face. Then it was over, and he turned back in his seat, pouring over that important book.
I brought my hand to my chest, the one he touched. It still tingled. Funny, I never felt that way with Josh. I never experienced anything when we held hands. Josh may have been a teenage crush but this felt like something more—more like danger and romance could be right around the corner.
I blinked and noticed my schedule still lay on the floor close to Heathcliff’s desk. I debated if I needed it, but didn’t want it in someone else’s hands. I leaned to the side and tried to extend my leg out into the aisle to pull the paper toward me. The schedule lay just beyond my reach. I slipped from my seat into a squatting position, praying no one watched. How embarrassing if anyone saw me. Super powers would be really great right now. Wishing for invisibility, I wiggled a few inches forward and picked up the paper.
As I scooted forward, I couldn’t help notice Loner’s sandals. I had the sudden urge to tell him he had good fashion sense. I caught my breath as I spotted something on the arch of his right foot. I couldn’t make out the whole thing. Part of the foot was covered by the sandal strap. Pen marks? Letters? A tattoo? My blood ran cold. I began to feel dizzy and steadied myself on my desk. I saw something I wished I hadn’t. Loner had a tattoo on the arch of his foot. I couldn’t make out the whole thing but what I saw was enough to send a chill down my spine—I-X.
Amazon ✯ Kobo ✯ AbeBooks ✯ Indigo ✯ Alibris ✯ iTunes ✯ Indie Bound ✯ Book Depository ✯ B&N ✯ Goodreads
29² (Twenty-Nine Squared)
Nineteen-year-old Allie Sanders is a student at UCLA. She’s done everything she can to forget Lucas Montgomery and move on with her life. Her goal is to graduate early and live far from home, a place that holds painful memories.
Fate intervenes and her structured life topples. Lucas returns, or was he ever really gone? Her brother Doug still hunts them, and he’s become darker and more sinister than before.
Sometimes a girl has to resort to drastic measures to protect those she loves, and Allie feels forced to make a choice … one she hopes she won’t regret.
“Will!” I acted more shocked than I should.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you. I know you have to work but wanted to stop by and see you.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “I’m not staying, you like your space and all.”
“Are you going to be around later?” I reached for his hand. “I have a break at three. We can do lunch.”
“You probably haven’t eaten anything. Can you wait till then?”
I pulled a breakfast bar from my bag. “I’ll be fine.”
Will ran his hand through my hair. “I want you to take care of yourself, Allie. Sometimes I feel like you’re going through the motions just to get through life.”
That was profound. I needed to start seeing Will for who he was, not as a distraction. He leaned in to kiss me. I backed away, the Lucas sighting still fresh in my mind. “I’ve got to get going.”
Guilt spread through me when I saw the expression on his face. I cleared my throat and shifted my bag to the other shoulder. “I’ll see you,” I said as I continued on to the library’s main desk. “Three o’clock, our usual place.” I called.
I shelved books and helped people find the section or book they needed during my shift, but my mind kept drifting elsewhere. I saw a place of hope and love and even a future. I wanted to slam the door shut on it and get back to the robotic existence I lived for almost two years. Life would be much easier. I hurt no one, and no one hurt me. But Will managed to push through that door.
Suddenly, a feeling of nausea swept over me. My legs trembled as I steadied myself against a bookshelf. I didn’t know if I could do this. I wanted to put the brakes on this new relationship, all because of Lucas—the man I could never have or see again. Darn! Why did I think I saw him at Nate’s, then here? Did I want him to secretly follow me?
Amazon ✯ Kobo ✯ AbeBooks ✯ Indigo ✯ Alibris ✯ Indie Bound ✯ Book Depository ✯ B&N ✯ Goodreads
29° (Twenty-Nine Degrees)
After a wonderful celebration in Hawaii, Allie returns to the Niner community in Montana and learns her brother Doug plans to run for a seat in the U.S. Congress. As he is already head of the private security team, the STF, Allie is unsure of his motive, but is determined he must be stopped. She plans to go back to Virginia to sabotage the campaign, no matter the reason he’s running for office. This is just the beginning of another battle between brother and sister, but by the time this ends, it will affect more than just the Niners and Allie. It may change the world.
Nate and Lucas stood in front with the minister. They both looked so handsome in their white linen shirts and khaki pants, but in contrasting ways. Lucas’ dark, good looks caught my eye but I was sure Ashley only noticed Nate’s reddish-blonde hair giving off a golden cast in the setting sun. His tall, lean body had a relaxed stance, not a sign of nervousness. Ashley let out a breath of air, and I smiled knowingly.
Staff members inconspicuously moved around the venue to make sure everything ran smoothly. When they spotted us, soft strands of Hawaiian Wedding Song began to play. On cue, Mr. Donovan rose from his seat and met us under the floral arch. He nodded at me as he slipped by to get in place next to his daughter. “It’s a wonderful day,” he whispered.
I fought back the feeling of dread that I took everywhere these days. Wonderful day? Would I truly ever have one again? My eyes searched the grounds for Doug. He’d always be with me, no matter where I went or what I did. I’d come to terms with that. But for today, I had to set that aside.
I placed my foot on the white runner and locked eyes with Lucas. A smile crept across his face. I felt like we were the only two people on the beach. Tears filled my eyes as I replayed our history in my head. Nate and Ashley had been a part of it all. We were a team, and nothing, or no one, would break us apart again.
Amazon ✯ Kobo ✯ AbeBooks ✯ Indigo ✯ Alibris ✯ Indie Bound ✯ Book Depository ✯ B&N ✯ Goodreads
29∞ (Twenty-Nine Forever)
Allie has done all she can to protect her family and the Niner community from her brother, but it never seems like enough. Her brother’s dream of creating a new America happened at lightning speed. Doug Sanders, now President of New America, took the country and his sister by surprise. That won’t stop Allie from sabotaging his strategy of expose, divide and conquer. She plans to defeat her brother regardless of the odds against her. Who will be the winner in their greatest battle yet?
Parker waited at the door and stepped through when he saw me. “Come on.” He gestured for me to follow.
Once outside, we hugged for what seemed like forever. “I thought I’d never see you again!” I cried.
“And I thought the same!” Parker lifted his glasses and wiped his eyes on his sleeve. The heat was oppressive, and it made a person begin to sweat within seconds. “You didn’t get breakfast, did you? Although you were never fond of it, if I remember correctly. I know a great place to get coffee.”
As we walked along, I caught Parker up on my life. He seemed to know more about me than he let on. Maybe he’d become close with Carol. I tilted my head. “What’s going on?”
“Well,” he whispered. “Greg isn’t really sick. I called him in sick and volunteered to take his place. I needed to talk to you.”
Shocked or surprised, I couldn’t figure out which I felt. Dear, sweet Parker had to see me? “About?”
“The Underground.”
“Where the subways are?” I wrinkled my brow.
“No, silly, the movement,” he whispered. “Will assured me he’d told you about it.”
“No-o-o.” I shook my head. My mind flashed back to yesterday. I’d slipped unseen out of Doug’s SUV and into the art museum. Carol had whisked me to her office to clean up and change clothes. Will, my old college boyfriend, who was now living in New York working as a model and Carol’s new guy, was also there. He had mentioned some people didn’t believe in Doug and weren’t going to blindly follow him just because he said there was a threat, but had said nothing about an Underground.
Parker glanced at me. “Are you sure?”
“He said something like, ‘There are a lot of us who don’t agree with being herded into big cities for our safety.’ And he made air quotes when he said safety, like he didn’t believe in the threat.”
“Well, there you go.” Parker threw out his hands. “He was practically telling you he was in charge of the movement.”
“What?” I came to a dead stop. “There’s a movement, and Will’s in charge of it? Why am I just finding out about it?”
“We had to see where your loyalties lie, Allie. Remember the Art Gala? Carol was given the task.”
My whole world spun around me. From the outside looking in, I was Doug’s sister. Why wouldn’t I be loyal to him?
Amazon ✯ Kobo ✯ AbeBooks ✯ Indigo ✯ Alibris ✯ Indie Bound ✯ Book Depository ✯ B&N ✯ Goodreads
After a great career in teaching, Nancy found a second calling as a writer. Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, she currently resides in Mentor, OH. Ohio is her home, but she loves to travel the U.S. Now Scotland is on her bucket list as a place she’d like to visit. Nancy is married and has one son.
The Series by Nancy Pennick
29 - The Series
by Nancy Pennick
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
29 (Twenty-Nine)
Allie Sanders thinks life in a small town can’t get any more dull and boring. She plans to escape after graduation. After a bad break-up, she wants to sail through junior year without distraction. Then the mysterious loner sits down in front of her in AP English. He’s the guy she noticed last year desperately trying to stay invisible. She wants to know his secrets. Suddenly her much older military brother, Doug, makes a rare appearance. He takes a special interest in her life. Suspicious of his motives Allie holds back, never really trusting him. Doug wants what she wants—the boy she has come to love. No way would she let that happen. She’d go against family and friends to protect him—and his secrets—even if it ends up breaking her heart.
Our hands touched briefly and a tingle traveled up my arm and back down my spine. He quickly pulled away, handed me the folder and continued to pick up the rest of the mess. I didn’t know if I should say sorry or thank you because I couldn’t take my eyes off his gorgeous face.
As he placed the pile on my desk he looked directly at me, straight through to my soul. “You’re welcome.” His dark hair hung over his eyes and those chocolate orbs burned right through me. A slight smile crossed his face. Then it was over, and he turned back in his seat, pouring over that important book.
I brought my hand to my chest, the one he touched. It still tingled. Funny, I never felt that way with Josh. I never experienced anything when we held hands. Josh may have been a teenage crush but this felt like something more—more like danger and romance could be right around the corner.
I blinked and noticed my schedule still lay on the floor close to Heathcliff’s desk. I debated if I needed it, but didn’t want it in someone else’s hands. I leaned to the side and tried to extend my leg out into the aisle to pull the paper toward me. The schedule lay just beyond my reach. I slipped from my seat into a squatting position, praying no one watched. How embarrassing if anyone saw me. Super powers would be really great right now. Wishing for invisibility, I wiggled a few inches forward and picked up the paper.
As I scooted forward, I couldn’t help notice Loner’s sandals. I had the sudden urge to tell him he had good fashion sense. I caught my breath as I spotted something on the arch of his right foot. I couldn’t make out the whole thing. Part of the foot was covered by the sandal strap. Pen marks? Letters? A tattoo? My blood ran cold. I began to feel dizzy and steadied myself on my desk. I saw something I wished I hadn’t. Loner had a tattoo on the arch of his foot. I couldn’t make out the whole thing but what I saw was enough to send a chill down my spine—I-X.
Amazon ✯ Kobo ✯ AbeBooks ✯ Indigo ✯ Alibris ✯ iTunes ✯ Indie Bound ✯ Book Depository ✯ B&N ✯ Goodreads
29² (Twenty-Nine Squared)
Nineteen-year-old Allie Sanders is a student at UCLA. She’s done everything she can to forget Lucas Montgomery and move on with her life. Her goal is to graduate early and live far from home, a place that holds painful memories.
Fate intervenes and her structured life topples. Lucas returns, or was he ever really gone? Her brother Doug still hunts them, and he’s become darker and more sinister than before.
Sometimes a girl has to resort to drastic measures to protect those she loves, and Allie feels forced to make a choice … one she hopes she won’t regret.
“Will!” I acted more shocked than I should.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you. I know you have to work but wanted to stop by and see you.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “I’m not staying, you like your space and all.”
“Are you going to be around later?” I reached for his hand. “I have a break at three. We can do lunch.”
“You probably haven’t eaten anything. Can you wait till then?”
I pulled a breakfast bar from my bag. “I’ll be fine.”
Will ran his hand through my hair. “I want you to take care of yourself, Allie. Sometimes I feel like you’re going through the motions just to get through life.”
That was profound. I needed to start seeing Will for who he was, not as a distraction. He leaned in to kiss me. I backed away, the Lucas sighting still fresh in my mind. “I’ve got to get going.”
Guilt spread through me when I saw the expression on his face. I cleared my throat and shifted my bag to the other shoulder. “I’ll see you,” I said as I continued on to the library’s main desk. “Three o’clock, our usual place.” I called.
I shelved books and helped people find the section or book they needed during my shift, but my mind kept drifting elsewhere. I saw a place of hope and love and even a future. I wanted to slam the door shut on it and get back to the robotic existence I lived for almost two years. Life would be much easier. I hurt no one, and no one hurt me. But Will managed to push through that door.
Suddenly, a feeling of nausea swept over me. My legs trembled as I steadied myself against a bookshelf. I didn’t know if I could do this. I wanted to put the brakes on this new relationship, all because of Lucas—the man I could never have or see again. Darn! Why did I think I saw him at Nate’s, then here? Did I want him to secretly follow me?
Amazon ✯ Kobo ✯ AbeBooks ✯ Indigo ✯ Alibris ✯ Indie Bound ✯ Book Depository ✯ B&N ✯ Goodreads
29° (Twenty-Nine Degrees)
After a wonderful celebration in Hawaii, Allie returns to the Niner community in Montana and learns her brother Doug plans to run for a seat in the U.S. Congress. As he is already head of the private security team, the STF, Allie is unsure of his motive, but is determined he must be stopped. She plans to go back to Virginia to sabotage the campaign, no matter the reason he’s running for office. This is just the beginning of another battle between brother and sister, but by the time this ends, it will affect more than just the Niners and Allie. It may change the world.
Nate and Lucas stood in front with the minister. They both looked so handsome in their white linen shirts and khaki pants, but in contrasting ways. Lucas’ dark, good looks caught my eye but I was sure Ashley only noticed Nate’s reddish-blonde hair giving off a golden cast in the setting sun. His tall, lean body had a relaxed stance, not a sign of nervousness. Ashley let out a breath of air, and I smiled knowingly.
Staff members inconspicuously moved around the venue to make sure everything ran smoothly. When they spotted us, soft strands of Hawaiian Wedding Song began to play. On cue, Mr. Donovan rose from his seat and met us under the floral arch. He nodded at me as he slipped by to get in place next to his daughter. “It’s a wonderful day,” he whispered.
I fought back the feeling of dread that I took everywhere these days. Wonderful day? Would I truly ever have one again? My eyes searched the grounds for Doug. He’d always be with me, no matter where I went or what I did. I’d come to terms with that. But for today, I had to set that aside.
I placed my foot on the white runner and locked eyes with Lucas. A smile crept across his face. I felt like we were the only two people on the beach. Tears filled my eyes as I replayed our history in my head. Nate and Ashley had been a part of it all. We were a team, and nothing, or no one, would break us apart again.
Amazon ✯ Kobo ✯ AbeBooks ✯ Indigo ✯ Alibris ✯ Indie Bound ✯ Book Depository ✯ B&N ✯ Goodreads
29∞ (Twenty-Nine Forever)
Allie has done all she can to protect her family and the Niner community from her brother, but it never seems like enough. Her brother’s dream of creating a new America happened at lightning speed. Doug Sanders, now President of New America, took the country and his sister by surprise. That won’t stop Allie from sabotaging his strategy of expose, divide and conquer. She plans to defeat her brother regardless of the odds against her. Who will be the winner in their greatest battle yet?
Parker waited at the door and stepped through when he saw me. “Come on.” He gestured for me to follow.
Once outside, we hugged for what seemed like forever. “I thought I’d never see you again!” I cried.
“And I thought the same!” Parker lifted his glasses and wiped his eyes on his sleeve. The heat was oppressive, and it made a person begin to sweat within seconds. “You didn’t get breakfast, did you? Although you were never fond of it, if I remember correctly. I know a great place to get coffee.”
As we walked along, I caught Parker up on my life. He seemed to know more about me than he let on. Maybe he’d become close with Carol. I tilted my head. “What’s going on?”
“Well,” he whispered. “Greg isn’t really sick. I called him in sick and volunteered to take his place. I needed to talk to you.”
Shocked or surprised, I couldn’t figure out which I felt. Dear, sweet Parker had to see me? “About?”
“The Underground.”
“Where the subways are?” I wrinkled my brow.
“No, silly, the movement,” he whispered. “Will assured me he’d told you about it.”
“No-o-o.” I shook my head. My mind flashed back to yesterday. I’d slipped unseen out of Doug’s SUV and into the art museum. Carol had whisked me to her office to clean up and change clothes. Will, my old college boyfriend, who was now living in New York working as a model and Carol’s new guy, was also there. He had mentioned some people didn’t believe in Doug and weren’t going to blindly follow him just because he said there was a threat, but had said nothing about an Underground.
Parker glanced at me. “Are you sure?”
“He said something like, ‘There are a lot of us who don’t agree with being herded into big cities for our safety.’ And he made air quotes when he said safety, like he didn’t believe in the threat.”
“Well, there you go.” Parker threw out his hands. “He was practically telling you he was in charge of the movement.”
“What?” I came to a dead stop. “There’s a movement, and Will’s in charge of it? Why am I just finding out about it?”
“We had to see where your loyalties lie, Allie. Remember the Art Gala? Carol was given the task.”
My whole world spun around me. From the outside looking in, I was Doug’s sister. Why wouldn’t I be loyal to him?
Amazon ✯ Kobo ✯ AbeBooks ✯ Indigo ✯ Alibris ✯ Indie Bound ✯ Book Depository ✯ B&N ✯ Goodreads
After a great career in teaching, Nancy found a second calling as a writer. Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, she currently resides in Mentor, OH. Ohio is her home, but she loves to travel the U.S. Now Scotland is on her bucket list as a place she’d like to visit. Nancy is married and has one son.
THIS DEVIL IS CRAZY by Pauline Hornsby
THIS DEVIL IS CRAZY
The Devil's Prophets, book 1
by Pauline Hornsby
Genre: Romance Suspense. (high heat levels)
When Jenna Mitchell enters the world of the Devil’s Prophets Motorcycle Club, unlike most women before her, she is not there to land herself a biker. After the late president of the MC, kidnapped their baby and murdered her sister, Jenna could only look on from the sidelines as another woman raised Jack. Now is her chance to finally reunite with her son, and nothing will stand in her way.
Try telling that to Ali, the club’s enforcer. The stunning, quiet bookkeeper is like the start of his favourite sex fantasy, the part just before the secretary whips off her glasses, and shakes down her hair. One short meeting, and she’s all he can think about.
First love at thirty two, seems unlikely, yet Jenna can’t help falling for the sexy, dirty mouthed biker. But it’s not all MC parties and off the chain hot sex for this interloper. When the man that wants you, demands your secrets too, it’s only a matter of time before he will them find out.
Ali
I let myself into the office the moment Chrissie left to do the banking. “You settling in?” I said, picking one of the pens out of the stupid penguin holder that Chrissie must have bought.
“I have a lot to do,” Jenna said and swallowed. “Can I help you?”
She appeared skittish and I had no plans to alleviate that. “Maybe.” I slid the pen back into the container. “Funny place for someone like you to work. Did you know it was an MC?”
I waited for her to say no, to tell me that she had no idea that the garage had a link to an outlaw motorcycle club. “I worked it out from the address, so yes,” she said.
“You’ve lived here, what, a month?”
“Six weeks. Is there anything else? I’m kind of swamped.”
I reached across and closed the laptop, her perfume hitting me sharply. Roses, unusual when most women around the place smelled of spices and sex. I liked it, though, the aroma lighter, more subtle than I was used to. “Take a break.”
Her eyes went to my mouth like she lip-read me. “I could make coffee,” she said, her hands shaking before she closed them into fists.
“So, where’s Mr. Mitchell?” I asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
“I thought you checked all that out?” Her mouth lifted at one side.
“We did, just wondering if you have one hidden away somewhere.” I leaned closer. “You don’t look single.”
“I don’t? What does single look like?” She appeared interested, her head tilting.
“Not beautiful like you.” I cocked my head to the side. “But you don’t look very content, so you’re either not being fucked properly, or you are on your own.”
Her breath hissed in. “I don’t appreciate that.”
“Being fucked properly?” I didn’t back away, leaning down a little more.
“Being spoken to like that. It’s disrespectful and unprofessional. I’m here to work, not have you come in here and harass me like this.” She rolled her chair back and I held down the chuckle that started making its way up my throat. “I think you should leave.”
“Babe, you don’t get to tell me shit.” I straightened up. Fuck, my dick had been getting hard the entire time I had been talking to her. I had been caught up in the discussion, but still, how the hell had I not noticed?
“I’m just making conversation. Besides, it’s you that’s harassing me.”
“What?” Her eyes grew rounder. Had she noticed? I really hoped so. “I’ve said nothing to you.”
“Yeah, but you’ve been checking me out. I saw you watching me. I’m not an object, you know.” I smiled, softening my words. I’d liked her watching me. Of course, she’d checked out my brothers too. We were probably like animals in a zoo to the pretty little citizen.
“You’re being ridiculous,” she said, her voice wavering. I’d caught her, she couldn’t really deny that.
“It’s okay. I think I like you harassing me.” I scratched my chin. “Yeah, I’ve changed my mind, you can harass me as much as you want.”
Amazon ✯ B&N ✯ Totally Bound ✯ Angus & Robertson ✯ Goodreads
Pauline lives in a quaint country town where she writes, reads, and is lucky enough to, live romance. Having found the love of her life early, she has no issue with her friends reading her stories, and being unable to make eye contact with her for weeks after. It’s all about love, and the trials of finding a happy ever after in her world.
September 22, 2017
Back 2 School Special
REJOICE! The children are back in school.
For those who live to read...here are some awesome books provided by the incredible authors who wrote them. All in celebration of the new school year.
While a few of these books might be oldies, but goodies...others could be new and fresh off the presses.
Relax and find your new favorite author.
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ROMANCE
Romance in traditional literary terms is a narration of the extraordinary exploits of heroes, often in exotic or mysterious settings. The term romance has also been used for stories of mysterious adventures, not necessarily of heroes. These adventure romances usually are set in distant places.
Please enjoy these books that focus on romance and all their sub-genres. The list is available in alphabetically order by title.
Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win an Amazon Giftcard.
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Death of a Sculptor in Hue, Shape, and Color by M.C.V. Egan
Women's Fiction/Twisted Romance
Color-coded love stories and revealing female anatomies lead to the puzzling death of world-renowned sculptor, Bruce Jones.
In life, the artist loved women, almost as much as women loved him. Adored for his art, colorful personality, and sexual prowess, Bruce is mourned by the world. The multifaceted perspectives of his four ex-wives, the current wife, his new love interest, and their children narrate this pulse-pounding tale.
Loose ends are tied up by the insights of Sylvia, his son Aaron’s wife and a trusted keeper of secrets; Scott, the private investigator and family friend; Nonna, the quintessential grandmother everyone loves but to whom few are truly related; and Detective Jim Miller who will not rest until he discovers Bruce Jones’ murderer.
Exactly Like You by Lori Sizemore
Romance
Former social worker Roxie Fisher believes she’s cursed to never find happiness and an invitation to Cupid’s Café isn’t going to change her situation. All the same, against her better judgment, she gives it a try. What else does she have to lose?
After the death of his wife, accountant-turned-firefighter Aidan Craig, can’t stop taking ridiculous risks and never turns down a dare. So an invitation to Cupid’s Café is an offer he can’t refuse. What he doesn’t expect is to meet the social worker who helped him through the darkest days of his life. Now she’s the one struggling, and he’s compelled to help.
The two experience an immediate attraction, but Aidan swore to never become involved in another relationship, and Roxie can’t imagine daredevil Aidan being interested in a boring, cat-rescuer like her.
Can Roxie find the simple joy of taking a risk? Is Aidan willing to risk his heart? Or will they both lose out on a chance at true love?
Homer Bait and Switch by Cherime MacFarlane
Sweet Romance
He's not a bad guy, but he did something that has his mother and sister upset. Then there are all the girls in town, they've nicknamed him the Russian Raider.
There's new girl in town, Lynn. Rurik feels the pull the moment he sees her. His reputation is against him and the fisherman knows it.
“I didn’t plan to take off with the money. Ally, my sister was driving our fishing boat to the boatyard to schedule a ton of work the old tub needed to continue making us money. She handed the check from the last offload of salmon to me. I was supposed to take it to the bank and deposit the money.
In all my twenty-six years, I hadn’t been anywhere out of Alaska. I stared at that check, eighty thousand plus a few hundred and didn’t want to let go of it.”
After doing something stupid, Rurik has to fix things which won't be easy.
Linda Gets Her Groove Thing by J.D. Frettier
Romantic Comedy
Linda White is on a mission to sic Karma on her cheating, ex-husband Grey in this laugh out loud second installment of The Green Room Chronicles.
After being blindsided with infidelity and financial devastation, recently widowed Linda has sworn off men forever. Nearing middle age, her dream of retiring early from the airlines is no longer within reach, so, she retreats into the world of battery operated boyfriends to deal with the stress. When the one purchase Linda counts on for a long haul flight to Paris backfires, she passes away suddenly… from a conniption fit, of all things!
Linda lands in the infamous Green Room where she’s met by veteran Green Roomers, Dee Smeltzer and Bonnie Hampton. Always up for stirring the pot and having a good time, they introduce Linda to the finer aspects of the Green Room and Edwina Starr, the renowned sorceress who has a few Karmatic spells up her sleeve. Let’s just say, ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.’
Join Linda, Dee, Bonnie, and a few familiar Green Room faces—old and new—for a frolicking green time that will leave you in stitches as Karma comes full circle.
Contains adult situations, language, and is intended for readers over the age of 18.
Not So New In Town by Michele Summers
Contemporary Romance
You can't go back, and you can't stand still...
Lucy Doolan is a marketing genius. She can sell rain to a frog and snow to a polar bear. Newly single and unemployed, she's lured back to her hometown of Harmony, North Carolina to help out her pregnant evil stepsister...only to find former crush heartthrob Brogan Reese has returned too, to open a new business in town. To add insult to injury, he's still hot.
If the thunder don't get you, then the lightning will...
Brogan never noticed Lucy much when they were young, but seventeen people have recommended her to help him. She's got his attention now. With her sweet personality, brilliant imagination, and penchant for doing the completely unpredictable, Brogan is finding a whole lot of excuses to spend his days-and nights-with Lucy.
Romantic Comedy
One night is all she wanted.
Georgia Burke is on a mission to find a sexy one night stand. After she catches her cheating ex with her friend, in Georgia's apartment no less, she visits her brother in his sleepy lakeside town to regroup. Her first night at Fox Lake and she finds the Drunken Duck pub and puts her plan into motion. Almost.
Will Calder is looking for the real deal. He's done with the short-term flings and wants to find a woman ready for everything he has to offer. Will's determined to show Georgia more than just a single night of debauchery and he'll do everything in his power to keep her close.
Georgia's going to find Will's idea of the perfect woman isn't what she expected. She'll have to face her own insecurities to land the sexy contractor or settle for the vacation fling she anticipated.
Warning: Contains a curvy woman with a geeky streak and the contractor out to win her heart. Expect a sexy romp with a man who knows how to work with his hands.
Contemporary Romance - Sweet Heat
A terrible misunderstanding separates high school sweethearts, Jo and Callum. When they meet again years later, will they be able to get past their hurt pride and old wounds, or will they go their separate ways permanently?
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September 19, 2017
Back 2 School Special
REJOICE! The children are back in school.
For those who live to read...here are some awesome books provided by the incredible authors who wrote them. All in celebration of the new school year.
While a few of these books might be oldies, but goodies...others could be new and fresh off the presses.
Relax and find your new favorite author.
✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
FANTASY
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that concentrates on imaginary elements (the fantastic). This can mean magic, the supernatural, alternate worlds, superheroes, monsters, fairies, magical creatures, mythological heroes—essentially, anything that an author can imagine outside of reality. With fantasy, the magical or supernatural elements serve as the foundation of the plot, setting, characterization, or storyline in general.
Please enjoy these books that focus on fantasy and all its sub-genres. The list is available in alphabetically order by title.
Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win an Amazon Giftcard.
Morning's Journey by Kim Iverson Headlee
Fantasy
“Magnificent.” ~ Kathleen Foley, author of the Faith in Uniform series
In a violent age when enemies besiege Brydein and alliances shift as swiftly as the wind, stand two remarkable leaders: the Caledonian warrior-queen Gyanhumara and her consort, Arthur the Pendragon. Their fiery love is tempered only by their conviction to forge unity between their disparate peoples. Arthur and Gyan must create an impenetrable front to protect Brydein and Caledonia from land-lusting Saxons and the marauding Angli raiders who may be massing forces in the east, near Arthur’s sister and those he has sworn to protect.
But their biggest threat is an enemy within: Urien, Arthur’s rival and the man Gyan was treaty-bound to marry until she broke that promise for Arthur’s love. When Urien becomes chieftain of his clan, his increase in wealth and power is matched only by the magnitude of his hatred of Arthur and Gyan—and his threat to their infant son.
Morning’s Journey, sequel to the critically acclaimed Dawnflight, propels the reader from the heights of triumph to the depths of despair, through the struggles of some of the most fascinating characters in all of Arthurian literature. Those struggles are exacerbated by the characters’ own flawed choices. Gyan and Arthur must learn that while extending forgiveness to others may be difficult, forgiveness of self is the most excruciating—yet ultimately the most healing—step of the entire journey."
Naked in the Winter Wind by Dani Haviland
Fantasy
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO LIVE IN A DIFFERENT TIME, IN A DIFFERENT BODY, AND AS PART OF YOUR FAVORITE ROMANCE NOVEL?
She awoke in a different time, in an unfamiliar body, and not knowing who she was.
Find out how 'Evie' got there in the first book of The Fairies Saga series.
A mix of mystery, history, and fantasy, with a tad of romance, a dash of violence, and a pinch of humor. 'These characters will live in your head long after you’ve read the books.' (common remark by readers)
Imagine falling right into the middle of your favorite historical romance story...and getting a thinner, rejuvenated body at the same time. That might sound ideal, but dealing with cougars, creeps, and kidnappers isn't.
Join 20th century-born Evie as she deals with the hardships of living in the backwoods or Revolutionary War era North Carolina while dealing with a severe case of AMNESIA, being ABANDONED by the man who claimed her as his wife, and ADOPTIONS, using nothing but her wit and grit, give or take a knife or two...and the smartphone that hitched a ride with her from the 21st century!
THE FAIRIES SAGA ~ Time travelers: fairies, according to the auld folk, people who suddenly showed up in strange clothes, confused about where they were, and without friends or family. Fairies either kept quiet and adapted to their new time period…or went insane.
**The books in The Fairies Saga are numbered for historical sequence only. Each is a stand alone story. If you decide you want to know more about a character-- where they came from or where they eventually wound up-- check out your book's number and go from there! (Much like the Star Wars movies)
Nightwind's Shadow by Cherime MacFarlane
Apocalyptic Fantasy
To survive a world of mutant predators, people must band together, but Nightwind’s and JoJo’s people have chosen different paths. His family has reclaimed an old cliff dwelling, hers herd cattle and migrate. Their rules and ideologies are not compatible. While her people are prospering, his must scavenge farther to hunt exposing Nightwind to the ever-present danger of the rats.
JoJo’s partner leaves her alone and defenseless, running for her life. The solitary hunter who sees her must choose. He can bring her back to the small hidden shelter he shares with his dog, Mouse, to take cover. Or he can leave her to her fate. If Nightwind allows her to see his find, the woman can never go home. The rats are coming. JoJo must become his shadow…or die.
Rana: Teenage Queen by Liza O'Connor
Fantasy
Rana is only sixteen when she becomes queen. Her first challenge is to quell an internal coup while a massive army storms the gates of her castle. Her enemies believe her to be a child, but she has powers they’ve never suspected. She also has great dreams for her people, and she will do whatever is necessary to make them happen, even marrying a prince she does not want.
Steampunk Fantasy
The steam-powered civilization of Myrn is a thriving adolescent culture. But the rapid industrial development has given rise to greed, and the triumvirate of government, banks and industry leaders has lost sight of those it is supposed to serve and protect.
When a mysterious incurable illness sweeps through the impoverished masses, increasing the suffering to breaking point, rebellion seems unavoidable. Society is on the brink of revolution, and the planet is marked for destruction.
M'nacht, his son Kes, and his team of researchers investigate a legend about three sacred fossils that could save the people and rebalance Myrn. However, they are not the only ones looking. Where they see salvation, others see power, wealth and control.
Will the gifts from the goddess Navora be found in time to save their world, or will the sacrifice of innocents be lost under the weight of human depravity and corruption?
Unmasked, Book 1 The Liranni Trilogy by Maggie Mundy
Fantasy with Romantic Elements
Six hundred years of peace are destroyed when Daria’s settlement is attacked. It is the start problems for the land of Majura. Daria saved people with magic and must join the magic wielding Mask wearers who rule the land. Her dreams have warned if she became one it would be the end of Majura. Are the Mask wearers keeping secrets or is she the only one who can see the power in the land is changing. A Mask wearer called Alenze believes her, and offers to go on a quest with her to fix the Essence where the magic comes from. He may be keeping secrets from her that could be the death of them all.
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MINEFIELD by K.H. Bixby
MINEFIELD
Deadly Gambit, book 2
by K.H. Bixby
Genre: Thriller
Complications mount when Sam Turan agrees to work part-time for Heidelberg Bank and dedicate the rest of his time to rebuilding his homeland in the Middle East. Conspiracies and plots threaten his relationship with the Adler heiress and attempts to blow him up escalates the danger level. Sam can only trust a handful of friends. With the ground shifting beneath him, is anyone what they claim to be?
Both Sami and the agent returned to the living room and Sami handed Cassidy the sweeper. “Here. Take this. See for yourself. The ambassador can verify there weren't any bugs last night as he was here when I swept the place after getting home from talking to you at the airport. I’ll look for physical evidence and for Jazzy-cat.” He pulled over Agent Cassidy and whispered to him, “I do have a closed-circuit camera system. Cameras are in the ceiling moulding. Unless they found it, I should have an image of who planted the spyware.”
Cassidy looked over at Stills and gave a nod. The man pulled out his phone and called for a tech to clean out the spyware. “We’ll look, but our team will have more sophisticated equipment. They will be here shortly. Let me know if you see anything odd.”
Jazzy was Sami’s next concern. With the new furniture, her hiding places had changed a little. He looked behind the potted plants and stepped out to check the balcony as the cat door provided an exit to the small outdoor space. In the past, she often hid under the old easy chair. It’d been replaced but since it had been her habit, he got down on his knees and began to peer under the sofa and chair. She wasn’t there but something else was.
Blood drained from his face as he slid back. Cassidy had been watching him. “What? Your cat?”
“Bomb, I think,” he said in a weak and shaky voice.
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Uprooted from the violence of his homeland, Sami Turan leads a sheltered existence in New York until an explosive encounter with a family member brings back to the surface all he’d lost. On a mission to right a wrong in the best way he can think of, he discovers monsters wear many masks.
Trying to correct his ill-conceived actions, he inadvertently nudges out of balance the first domino of an overlooked international conflict.
Will his actions help his homeland or will he end up starting the next world war? At what price? And will the monsters he exposes in the process be obliterated?
As a person who views news and politics with the fascination of watching a train-wreck, Bixby is driven to extract what IS discussed and twist it into the light of what ISN’T.
ALTERED & TOUCHED by Amy Stearman
ALTERED & TOUCHED
2 Independent Books
by Amy Stearman
ALTERED
Paranormal Romance
Unassuming law student Sadie Pratt leads a quiet life immersing herself in her books; outside of school, her only real form of excitement is researching the local flour mill and her link to its terrible history. That all changes one fateful night when her employer requests she meet with a mysterious client who will change her life in an unthinkable way.
Vincent Strickland has toured the country attempting to regain his holdings after serving a punishing sentence for his violent past. He is out for revenge when his path unexpectedly crosses Sadie's, who he believes is his former lover reborn. He will stop at nothing to possess her.
Fallen deity Thayer Aubade has dedicated his life to The Creed, a secret sect charged with protecting the innocent from monsters like Strickland. When his team is dispatched to rescue Strickland’s latest victim, the scene he discovers feels all too familiar and he vows he won't play by the rules this time.
Desire, possession, and treachery lead Sadie down a crooked path to redemption. She must rely on her intellect and inner strength for her survival... and for that of the man she loves.
Gathering all her courage, Sadie grabbed the railing and was about to swing her leg over when she heard very quietly in her ear, “Where do you think you’re going?”
She let out a cry of surprise and almost toppled over the railing. She hadn’t even heard him move. How?
“I didn’t give you permission to leave.” He was so close his breath tingled along her ear. Enough of this.
“I didn’t ask for it!” Sadie moved to push past him but his next comment stopped her in her tracks.
“We’ve not even broached the subject of you yet.” Cold tendrils of fear snaked around Sadie’s spine. “Look at me, Sadie.”
Slowly, reluctantly, she turned and craned her neck up to meet his eyes. And screamed.
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TOUCHED
Romantic Paranormal Suspense
Carrie Walters has a special gift – she can read the history of any item she touches. Though not everything she comes in contact with has led a happy life, she’s built a successful business selling the ones that have. After a painful divorce, she’s anxious to begin rebuilding her life in the small mountain town she grew up in. But a chance encounter with a pocket watch - unremarkable to anyone without Carrie’s ability - teaches her that not only can everyday items hold bad memories, they can become infused with evil and malicious intent.
Soon, Carrie's life becomes embroiled in vicious attacks, vandalism, even a murder. With the help of Lucas Anderson, town sheriff, and her first love, Carrie must find whoever has possession of the terrible entity within the watch, and stop them before anyone else is hurt, all while learning how to trust and love again.
The moment she had it in her palm, she froze, and all the blood drained from her face.
“Carrie?” Luke reached out to touch her elbow. “You all right?”
She released the watch like her fingers were made of springs. It clattered to the floor and she stood staring down at it in horror, her hands trembling.
Luke increased the pressure on her elbow. “Carrie?”
She looked up at him as if she’d forgotten he was there, then seemed to shake herself. “I... I’m ne.” She gave him a weak smile. “Little tired, I guess. Long day.” But her eyes moved back to the watch on the ground.
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Amy Stearman is an avid reader and writer of stories, hailing from the Midwest. She lives in the liberal mecca of Kansas with her husband, young son, and ornery Sheltie.
Amy holds her bachelors degrees in Human Services and Victim Studies, and a Masters degree in Social Work. That might sound pretty cool, but she accidentally ended up in marketing.
When she's not chasing her six year old or attempting DIY home improvement, she's jotting down story ideas and dreaming big.
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September 16, 2017
TWINS by Kim Iverson Headlee
TWINS
The Dragon's Dove Chronicles, the novella genesis of book 6
by Kim Iverson Headlee
Genre: Epic Historical Fantasy
From the award-winning, critically acclaimed pen of Kim Iverson Headlee comes the fall of Camelot as you have never seen it before.
The death of their mother knells the death of any hope for a joyful future for Gyan’s identical twin daughters, Gwenhwyfar and Gwenhwyfach. Their father, Arthur the High King, wastes no time in announcing firstborn Gwenhwyfar’s betrothal to Medraut—the man whom Gwenhwyfach secretly loves. And Gwenhwyfar is in love with Angusel’s son Lannchu.
The twins conspire to defy Fate and trade places. They know how ambitious is their scheme, for Gwenhwyfar is trained in the domestic arts and Gwenhwyfach has chosen the warrior’s path, yet the sisters are confident of success. The wedding and its accompanying night come off without a hitch… for both of them.
Fate, however, shall not be defied.
Incorporating ancient Welsh legends of the “False Guinevere” and “Feasting the Hungry Man,” and featuring many characters introduced in Dawnflight, Morning’s Journey, and Raging Sea, this glimpse into their destiny, thirty years after the setting of those novels, reveals the destruction of Arthur’s realm that’s unique in all of Arthurian literature.
Praise for other Arthurian works by Kim Iverson Headlee:
“Intense.” USA Today (Dawnflight)
“Solidly entertaining.” Publishers Weekly (King Arthur’s Sister in Washington’s Court)
The bedchamber door opened. A dragon writhed in her stomach. This was the moment upon which all her plans hinged.
Gwenhwyfach summoned a nervous smile for her bridegroom that wasn’t feigned.
Medraut flicked his gaze about the chamber before letting it come to rest upon his bride. “You’ve become more like your sister.” His speech was only a wee bit slurred. The dragon in Gwenhwyfach’s stomach took a leap. He waved a hand in her direction. “Chosen like a true warrior.”
He was right, Gwenhwyfach realized with a mental groan. Defensively, the room offered only two possibilities: near the door for the greatest element of surprise, and near the fire, with a wall to guard her back and a weapon nearby in the form of the blunt but heavy iron poker.
She rose. “Not so, my lord.” She fought to keep her voice low and even, her eyes downcast. “I was cold.” She added a shiver and chafed her arms.
“Ah.” Gwenhwyfach kept her gaze lowered as Medraut approached her. “Perhaps I can be of assistance.”
He unpinned her brooch. The cloak slid from her shoulders to pool at her feet. Gwenhwyfach allowed herself to look up and saw hunger smoldering in her husband’s eyes. She tried to forget that his hunger wasn’t for her. In time, it would be.
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✯✯✯✯✯Short, but Packed full of delightful content!
ByCLMon August 19, 2017
I have to confess, the names were a tangle for me.
But that aside, I never got lost. This is a short but packed full of content delight.
I was shocked many times in this story.
There appears to be a chance for love. Two twins, one experienced with a sword and the other experienced running the castle decide to switch identities so each can have the one they love.
Kim Headless puts so much into her stories. Even this short story is filled with so many court intrigues.
Dawnflight ✯ Morning's Journey ✯ The Color of Vengeance
Raging Sea: Reckonings ✯ Raging Sea: Enemies and Allies ✯ The Challenge
Kim Headlee lives on a farm in southwestern Virginia with her family, cats, goats, Great Pyrenees goat guards, and assorted wildlife. People and creatures come and go, but the cave and the 250-year-old house ruins—the latter having been occupied as recently as the mid-twentieth century—seem to be sticking around for a while yet. She has been an award-winning novelist since 1999 (Dawnflight first edition, Sonnet Books, Simon & Schuster) and has been studying the Arthurian Legends for nigh on half a century.
Amazon ✯ FaceBook ✯ Twitter ✯ Goodreads ✯ Website ✯ Pinterest ✯ About Me ✯ Newsletter ✯ Blog ✯ Authorgraph ✯ Google+ ✯ Linkedin ✯ Triberr ✯ YouTube ✯ BookBub
Back 2 School Special
REJOICE! The children are back in school.
For those who live to read...here are some awesome books provided by the incredible authors who wrote them. All in celebration of the new school year.
While a few of these books might be oldies, but goodies...others could be new and fresh off the presses.
Relax and find your new favorite author.
✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
Suspense is anxiety or a state of uncertainty or excitement about the resolution of something.
Please enjoy these books that focus on mystery/suspense and all the sub-genres. The list is available in alphabetically order by title.
Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win an Amazon Giftcard.
✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
Aye, I am a Fairy by Dani Haviland
Suspense
"Time travel can't be real...can it? There had to be another explanation.
Leah's mother had disappeared a year ago, then suddenly reappeared looking forty years younger. She vanished again, but this time, left behind her solar-powered smartphone. Was Leah brave enough to look for clues on it? And where had Mom disappeared to? Again. Then there was the strange call from Lord James Melbourne who claimed to have vital information. He was definitely a hottie, seemed sweet and generous, but could she trust him?
**Note: The books in The Fairies Saga are numbered for historical sequence only. Each is a stand alone story. If you decide you want to know more about a character: where they came from or where they eventually wound up, check out your book's number and go from there! (Much like the Star Wars movies)
The Fairies Saga, tales of time travelers and their friends and family who bounce between the present day and the 18th century, interacting with the 'fictional' characters of the 'Lost' romance novels. Revenge, intrigue, and passion were never so sweet."
Chasing the Painted Skies by Ryan Jo Summers
Contemporary Romantic Suspense w/Light Paranormal
"Raven Koynes is a woman in hiding. Years ago she escaped to remote Gull Island Light Station, nestled far away in Lake Superior. She has carved out a life of peace and solitude for herself. Until famed nature photographer Sebastian Knight arrives—in the height of a nor'easter storm—to document the beauty of Gull Island. Unsavory treasure hunters also blow in with the storm, determined to find missing cargo from a sunken ship. And they think Raven knows where it's stashed. A power outage is a final threat, pushing Raven to the limit.
Help arrives in the form of a stray German Shepherd Dog, who takes an immediate protective interest in Raven. He becomes her constant shadow and listening ear as she sorts out her growing—and conflicting—feelings for Sebastian.
Meanwhile, Sebastian came to the island looking for treasure as well, in the form of photographs, While he isn't so sure about a sunken boat and missing cargo, he only needs one look at Raven Koynes to know he's found his own valuable treasure. One he hopes he can hang on to once she learns about his mysterious secret.
Now that Madeline the resident ghost has found out, it's probably just a matter of time until Raven does too. And with the storm and power outage, no one is going anywhere any time soon."
Saving Olivia by Melissa Kay Clarke
Romantic Military Suspense
Two million people disappear into human trafficking every year. Olivia Parker would never have believed she could be one of them. Born to a barely functional mother and caring for her dependent brother, Olivia was determined to make their future better than their troubled past. Instead, she finds herself thrown into a nightmare from which she cannot awaken.
Navy Seal, Grayson ""Bruiser"" Titus, abandoned as a baby, creates a family with his SEAL team. He would do anything for them and knows they would do the same. However, something is missing - could he find it with the intriguing beautiful sister of Jayden Parker? Meeting Olivia feels like looking at his future wrapped in a pair of deep hazel eyes.
Bruiser's team would follow him into the pits of hell. It only stands to reason when Olivia disappears they rally around him. Being SEALs meant they often battled the worse dregs of humanity for God and Country.
However, this is personal.
Saving her is a one-in-a-million long shot, but they will do whatever it takes to bring her home. The only question is: will it be in time to save both body and mind or will her new reality finally break her spirit?
Romantic Suspense
Torn and betrayed by her family, Emmalyn is taken to live with her mother and stepfather, who happens to be one of the most evil, vile men around.
Thrown into a world she never knew existed, Emmalyn is roomed with Kodah. A hot-headed boy, whose only weakness is her.
Both lost in this endless hell, they cling to the hope that one day they will make it out, that one day they will be set free.
Authors note: Set Me Free is a dark romance. Not intended for anyone under the age of 18!
Sweet Retaliation by Mimi Barbour
Romantic Suspense
She watches the mob kill her twin and is too frozen by fear to stop them. How can she live with that cowardice eating away at her self-respect? Revenge claws at her sheltered existence until she can’t breathe. Though she’s naïve, she isn’t stupid. When she finds a stash of loot in her brother’s gym locker, she has the means.
Now all she needs is the guts to make every one of those low-life gang members pay.
People might think detectives are hard-assed cops with no home life, but Trace McGuire has a dying mom he loves fiercely. Already stressed over his personal problems, he takes a bullet for a virgin beauty hiding while mobsters shoot her brother.
This chick draws out every protective instinct he thought had disintegrated over years on the job and he becomes invested – in her hot body, her plans for retaliation and her fighting spirit.
Helpless, he watches her enter the seedy underworld that’ll eat her alive.
Then he sees her fight.
The Bingo Hall Mystery by Alathia Paris Morgan
Mystery/Suspense
Sunni Wilson, child-wrangler extraordinaire, thought raising twin preschoolers and a teenager was the hardest thing she’d ever do, but that was before she joined the local moms’ group and plunged headfirst into life-threatening hijinks.
A shady character, suspicious packages, and a kidnapped aunt are only the beginning when the moms decide to take the law into their own hands to stop the drug dealers infiltrating their town.
Join Sunni and her friends through the joys of motherhood, kooky neighbors, and hair-raising adventures to find the ones threatening all the group holds dear…their families.
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NOT A GENTLEMAN by Loreen Augeri
NOT A GENTLEMAN
by Loreen Augeri
Genre: Historical Romance
When Juliana Stevenson’s father dies under suspicious circumstances, her greedy uncle betroths her and her sister to vile men for his profit. They refuse to be part of his plan and flee, but her uncle hires an arrogant, demanding man to bring them back.
Needing money to care for his brother and sister and repair a manor in disrepair, Nicholas Blackstone agrees to find the women. He captures Juliana but not her sister and imprisons her in his manor until he can discover the whereabouts of her sibling.
Juliana’s body calls to Nicholas, but she can never be his — her life is already mapped out. Can they fight the passion pulling them together while her father's killer stalks them?
The small, warm form lay still below him. Had he killed her? No. Her ragged gasps penetrated his fear. Nicholas hadn’t meant to land so hard, but the aggravating chit deserved it. She held a gun on him and threatened to shoot!
But she was a woman, and a small one at that. He jumped off her, grabbed her arm, and hauled her to her feet.
“Let go…of…me.” She panted as she fought to catch her breath.
“Are you hurt?”
“I don’t…know. Probably. You pounced on me.” She fought to free herself.
He released her. “You had a gun.”
Miss Stevenson brushed the dirt from her bodice and skirt. “You tried to kidnap us.”
“I wasn’t kidnapping you. I was returning you and your sister to your uncle. He is worried about you.” He strode to one side of the cave and scooped up the gun lying beside the wall.
“He doesn’t care for us. His concern is how much money our marriages will bring him.” She examined her palm and winced. “We won’t go back.”
“He is your guardian.” He peered at her hands. “You cut yourself.”
She glared at him. “It’s your fault, and he’s not my guardian. I am of age.”
“Well, Miss Emily isn’t, and he wants you both. Where will your sister hide?”
“I have no idea.”
She walked away. This female who didn’t reach his shoulder actually walked away. He thought this job would be quick and easy, and he would soon be with his brother and sister with money to start repairing the crumbling estate he inherited, so he could return to the army where he belonged. Where exasperating women didn’t question his orders and answered when asked for information. He ran to catch up and grabbed her elbow. “Where are you going?”
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I have always liked to read and write. As a child, I created stories featuring a young girl and her horse.
I started reading historical romances when my children were babies. When my youngest daughter started school, I decided I wanted to write one. At first, to see if I could, later as a hobby, and then seeking publication. Becoming a member of the Romance Writers of America, Hearts Through History, and my local chapter, New England Chapter helped in the process.
I live in the Northeast with my husband and two adult daughters and work in my local library. When I am not reading or writing, I enjoy walking, dancing, and spending time at the beach. I am the one under the umbrella, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and tee shirt over my bathing suit. I have my English and Irish ancestry to thank for my white skin that burns easily.
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