Julie Elizabeth Powell's Blog, page 28
September 2, 2017
HALLOWEEN IS MURDER by Carolyn Arnold
HALLOWEEN IS MURDER
McKinley Mysteries, book 11
by Carolyn Arnold
Genre: Romantic Mystery Comedy
Beware of all that goes bump in the night…
Sean and Sara McKinley are excited about the haunted house they’ve set up as a Halloween charity fund-raiser, but things take a ghoulish turn when the reporter covering their story is found dead. With the media keeping mum about how she died, Sara’s curiosity is piqued, and she convinces Sean to take on the investigation through their PI firm.
But this case is not without its challenges. The police are actively investigating it, as well, and it’s not even clear that the woman was murdered. It will take a little cloak-and-dagger, dress-up, and finesse for the McKinleys to get to the bottom of it, but they aren’t the kind to give up.
As they troll for leads and work through the skeletons in the reporter’s closet, they unearth a few suspects, but they’ll need to carve out the whole truth if they’re going to find her killer. If they do so fast enough, there might even be time for a little trick-or-treating.
Chapter 2
SHOCKING TURN OF EVENTS
IT WAS NEARING SIX O’CLOCK in the evening, and Sean and Sara were home in their media room on a large sectional couch, getting ready to watch their spotlight on the evening news with some friends and colleagues. They’d left the haunted house in the hands of some capable employees, who would be posted there until closing at eight.
Jimmy Voigt, their former sergeant when they worked for the Albany PD, also worked for them at the PI firm. He was on the couch next to his girlfriend, Meredith, for the viewing. Sara had told Sean more than once that it was a match made in heaven. He was pretty sure he’d rolled his eyes every time. Not because he didn’t believe in love—he was married to his soul mate—but he just found it hard to picture his former boss whispering sweet nothings to a lady love.
Helen was seated at the other end of the sectional, and Mia was on the floor at her feet, still dressed up as a princess. She really was a good kid—as far as kids went anyway. And it’s not that Sean had anything against children, but for now, he and Sara had decided they weren’t going to have any. And honestly, it was probably for the best, as they traveled a lot and solving crimes didn’t leave much free time.
“I’m going to be on TV.” Mia’s face lit up as she grinned. “I can’t wait!” She seemed more excited about this than she had been at the announcement that pizza was for dinner. Mia stared at the muted television. “That lady was so pretty.”
By “that lady,” Sean assumed she meant Chloe Parsons. Sean had to agree that based on appearances and initial impressions, she was good-looking. But he didn’t understand why she took such issue with Susannah when she didn’t want to talk.
Mia turned to Sara and flashed another smile. “You looked great, too.”
“Thank you.” Sara returned the smile and swept her long brown hair over her left shoulder. “Did you have fun today?”
“Oh yeah. My favorite part was the mummy.”
“That didn’t scare you?” Sara laced her voice with concern but couldn’t hide the underlying amusement.
Mia’s expression faded, and her eyes enlarged. She nodded. “I was, but I like to be scared. And I love mummies!” She bounded to her feet and jumped onto her mother’s lap. Helen let out a whoosh of air but quickly recovered.
“It’s the other kind of mummy, though, sweetheart.” Helen ran a hand over her daughter’s silky hair.
“Oh, it’s almost time,” Meredith said, obviously getting swept up in Mia’s enthusiasm.
Sean looked at the digital clock on the cable box: 5:59.
“It’s on!” Jimmy said, sitting up straighter.
Sean turned up the sound and sank back into the couch, putting an arm around his wife.
Mia wriggled on her mother’s lap.
“Come on, honey, back on the floor.” Helen’s voice strained with the desperation of her plea.
Sean smiled, not because of the woman’s discomfort but because he loved seeing how excited Mia was.
“My costume was the best. They have to show me!” The little girl’s eyes were wide and fixed on the screen.
“You are a beautiful little princess,” Sean said.
Mia glared at him. “I’m not little.” She held up both hands, fingers splaying as she counted them off. “I’m six.”
“My apologies,” he said with a slight bow of his head.
Sara laced her fingers with his, and he met her gaze, which said, You’re aren’t the best with kids…
Message received.
“Shh.” This came from Jimmy, and when Sean turned to look at him, he shrugged. “You want to hear it, don’t you?”
Sean increased the volume a bit more.
“We have some somber news this evening,” a chic reporter announced from the news desk. Based on the set of her mouth and the sad look in her eyes, she wasn’t reading from a script. “Your Source has just received word that one of our own has died.”
Sara tapped her fingers on the back of his, leaned in, and whispered, “I have a bad feeling about this.”
He didn’t look over at her, but his wife had this way of sensing things. He wouldn’t label her clairvoyant, but she certainly had strong intuition.
“Tonight, we say good-bye to”—the reporter, while she kept her tone modulated, was clearly battling with her emotions—“Chloe Parsons.”
The news was a sledgehammer to his chest, knocking the wind out of him.
Amazon ✯ Amazon Int'l ✯ B&N ✯ iTunes ✯ Kobo ✯ GPlay ✯ Goodreads
Romance. Humor. Murder. Are you looking for a murder mystery without all the graphic violence and foul language? Something that you can enjoy in an afternoon and walk away feeling good about afterward? How about a dash of humor and romance? If so, meet former detectives Sean and Sara McKinley. When a billionaire leaves them all his money, they no longer have to work, but they find themselves sticking to what they’re good at—solving murders. Undercover, off the books, and around the world, they’ll get to the bottom of things…and romance it up along the way.
CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures.
Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.
Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.
She currently lives just west of Toronto with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime.
INK ME MORE by Jude Ouvrard
INK ME MORE
by Jude Ouvrard
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Love can be stronger than friendship, but what happens when love takes an unpredictable turn?
Valerie Lee has left Seattle, including everyone she knows and loves, to join long-time boyfriend John Maverick at the University of Boston. Fast forward a year later to graduation. Val is excited about heading back to her hometown, but John wants to stay and climb his way to the top in Boston. She doesn’t agree with the change of plans so takes matters into her own hands. When she leaves like a thief in the night, there will be a lot to explain.
The night before her big future-changing step, she meets country singer Miles Kent. Worried about her state of being for his own personal reasons, he extracts a promise from Val to keep in touch until she arrives at her destination.
Jobless and homeless, Val arrives unprepared to face her friends and family, so spends her first night in a cheap hotel. It doesn’t take long for word to spread that she’s back in town. A call to her old friend Nix, and things don’t seem quite so impossible anymore. Will her friends support her decision? Will she regret leaving John and their life in Boston? Or will her hometown, and new adventures, bring her the happiness she’s hoped for?
A few days ago John and me graduated from Boston University, at long last, and I couldn’t be happier. We’d finished school, there would be no more homework, and soon, we’d be done with Boston, too. All I had left to do before we left was get this tattoo done.
Jenson, my tattoo artist, always pulled off perfection in his work. The mix of colors and shapes he’d inked into my skin over the past months were capturing what I’d envisioned when we’d started working on my creation. The man had been able to take all of my own drawings and fit them into a masterpiece on my arm. This was the third sitting, but my three-quarter sleeve would be complete after tonight. John wasn’t a fan of my growing tattoo collection, or its increasing visibility, but he didn’t stop me from going to get them.
“And your tattoo is done, Miss Valerie.”
“About time. It was starting to hurt.” I chuckled and went over to the mirror. My smile wouldn’t go, I loved it. “You’re the best. You met my every expectation.”
“We had a good time, didn’t we?” I nodded, and he asked, “What are you doing tonight? You want to grab a beer or something?”
Is he asking me on a date? Oh my god. “I’m sorry, Jenson. I’m going to dinner with my boyfriend, and then we’re supposed to go out after. I could call you, if you want to meet up later?” And that made the situation even more awkward. Great.
“That’s okay. You two enjoy your night.”
After giving Jenson a hug, I made my final payment. The thought didn’t escape me that I’d have given him a chance if I wasn’t with John. Jenson was cute, that was for sure, with amazing ink on his arms, fingers, and neck. Plus, he had a smirk which made me blush. Maybe I just had a thing for bad boys.
Walking outside, the burning from the fresh ink grew more intense with every step. I knew the pain would ease after a while, but it’d have been great to get some ice on it right then.
Before leaving Seattle, getting the small star on my ankle had scared me. Now, I had plenty of tattoos, and couldn’t seem to stop myself from planning the next one, and the next. John and I’d gotten matching tattoos a couple of weeks ago. It had been his second piece, but they were always covered because his future didn’t allow for ink, or so he said. John felt his aspirations to be a respectable businessman meant no ink should show, that people couldn’t know he was marked. I didn’t like his prejudice. We often debated over this, but had never come to an agreement. Back in Seattle, Nix’s boyfriend Levi was covered in them, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t a respected businessman. He and his partner Kyle owned Ink Me, the tattoo shop where I’d gotten that star.
Tonight, at dinner, I planned on asking John when we were headed home. Boston wasn’t my home, never would be. I missed Seattle, my friends, and my family way too much. With a number of cheap flights leaving almost every day, all we had to do was to pack our things and go.
We were getting ready to go out for dinner. I was taking care of my tattoo, which I couldn’t stop staring at, when John asked, “Hey, sweet pea. Tonight is country night at the pub, are you up for going after dinner?”
“Country, really? Do we need to wear cowboy hats?” I laughed.
“No, that won’t be necessary. Wear your jeans, nothing fancy.”
I nodded; I had no problem with that. John watched me get dressed, and I could see desire in his eyes. These past few weeks we’d both been under a lot of stress with our finals. There’d been a couple of fights, I’d cried, and had even thought we’d never get over it. In the end, we reconciled, but I was having trouble shaking the feeling that things had changed forever between us.
“You know you’re beautiful, right?”
I blushed. “So are you.” John was easy on the eye. He had perfect white teeth, slick hair, and a casual chic style which fit him well.
Approaching me and wrapping his arms around my waist, he said, “I think we’re going to be fine now. We’ll enjoy our summer and get good jobs. Maybe look into a bigger apartment?”
“I can’t wait to be home again.”
“Home? You mean here, right? In Boston?”
What? No… no… no. “I’m not staying in Boston, John. I want to go back to Seattle. That is home for me, and it always will be. That’s always been the plan…”
His arms loosened and he leaned back to look at me. “I– I don’t know what to say, Val. I thought we were staying here. I have a good chance of getting in with a really good firm downtown.”
“You don’t want to go back home?”
Shaking his head, his next words gutted me. “I’m sorry, but, no, I don’t want to. This city adopted me, and I love it here.”
I was going to start crying any second, I knew it.
“Look, can we enjoy our date tonight, then talk about this later?”
When he kissed my lips it felt disconnected. A tall, thick wall had risen between us. I accepted his offer to placate him, for the moment, but I would never agree to stay here.
Amazon ✯ Amazon Int'l ✯ Goodreads
Phoenix Silverstone more commonly known as Nix, is a twenty-one year old that has finally discovered her freedom. After living under the strict rules and protection of her mother, Nix moved out with her two best friends in a quaint little Seattle apartment. For the first time Nix is finally able to spread her wings and breathe. Together, they get a job working at a bar and for the first time everything is perfect.
Freedom, friendships, a great job and fantastic man on the verge of becoming hers. Tristan is the suave, intelligent, not to mention gorgeous law student that Nix has her eyes and heart set on. For the first time, she has her life together; that is, until her path crosses with Levi. The charming, tattooed and downright sexy bad boy that Nix knows she needs to avoid.
But when one of her friends moves out she is shocked to find that her new roommate is none other than Levi. Flirting. Desire. Undeniable temptations. Nix can’t deny the chemistry surging between them but she can’t forget her mother’s extreme hate towards bad boys.
Will Nix have the strength to listen to her heart? Or will her mother’s rules cost her everything?
Levi Munroe’s life consists of his friends Tyler and Kyle, a lot of ink and having a good time, but most importantly, his heart only has one reason to beat, Nix.
Phoenix Silverstone came into his life and put him through an emotional roller coaster. No one knows what they sign up for when they fall in love, and Levi is no exception. Dealing with his girlfriend’s negligent biological father, and her old demons returning to tempt her, Levi has way more on his plate than he bargained for. It can break them or make them stronger.
Both getting to know each other more, they fall deeper in love and are ready to take on the next step. With their wedding approaching, Levi wants what is best for her. A time apart turns out to be exactly what Nix needs but in Levi’s world, it means moping around missing the girl of his dreams.
More love, more ink, more Kyle and definitely a whole lot more of Levi. Can Nix and Levi survive the reality of their life together or will it break them apart?
"Drama, true love, tattoos...and everything in between!"
Jude Ouvrard is an author who writes from the heart, and reads with passion and devotion. Jude enjoys stories of drama, true love, tattoos, and everything in between. While writing is her therapy, reading is her solace. Life doesn't get better than books and chocolate, and maybe a little bit of shopping.
A romance lover, Jude writes about love, pain, heartbreak and matters that will challenge your heart. A book can tell an unexpected story, no matter which directions it takes. Jude embraces words that have haunted her for years.
Jude is a working mom who dedicates her time to a law firm and writing books. She has an energetic superhero son, and a supportive boyfriend of many years. Her family is her rock; she could not survive without them. Born a country girl, she transformed into a city woman who now lives in Montreal, Canada. Although French is her first language, Jude decided to write in English because she liked the challenge.
Website ✯ Twitter ✯ Goodreads ✯ Amazon ✯ Facebook
DEAR DIARY, by Susan Horsnell
DEAR DIARY,
by Susan Horsnell
Genre: Children's Fiction
Rebecca is an eleven-year-old girl whose father has taken a job in a new town.
This means she is forced into a new school.
Shorter than most her age, and not quite as intelligent, makes her a prime target for ongoing bullying.
The only thing she can trust in, confide in, is her Diary.
A story about the real danger of bullying which every child should read.
This story is fictional but based on a true to life event.
I have written two children's books during my career.
This is my second, dedicated to my nephew who took his own life just a few weeks after he turned twelve years old.
I have five grandchildren who are subjected to bullying, a coward's way of displaying power over another and occurs at any age.
Hopefully through this book, both children and adults will learn how dangerous bullying can be. It's not something which can be dismissed as a childhood 'stage.'
My first book – Secret Beneath the House - is the story of two children left alone for the day. What they find under the house is another magical world.
I also write Best Selling/Award Winning Western Romance and Best Selling Contemporary Romance under a pen name.
I have been married for 43 years, have 2 married sons and 5 gorgeous grandchildren.
Hubby and I are retired and love to travel Australia with our caravan, our elderly Jack Russell dog – Caellagh (Kelly) and a very opinionated Cockatiel called Rocky.
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.
✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
SCI-FI
Science Fiction in traditional literary terms is a literary or cinematic genre in which fantasy, typically based on speculative scientific discoveries or developments,environmental changes, space travel, or life on other planets,forms part of the plot or background.
Please enjoy these books that focus on sci-fi 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.
✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
Burn District by Suzanne Jenkins
Sci-Fi
What do you do when the world as you know it ends? Run! A perfect life slides into despair when a trusting neighbor whispers a warning, and Mike and Laura Davis’s world crumbles. Dreams and goals come to an abrupt end, but a new existence waits in the future. Survival depends on the ingenuity of family and friends. First, they must hide in a safe place.
King Arthur's Sister in Washington's Court by Kim Headlee
Sci-Fi/Time Travel
Are you sick of US politics? Afraid of what will become of America because your chosen candidate didn’t prevail? Do you believe the world is doomed now that King Donald has claimed the Oval Office throne?
Refresh your spirit and allay your fears by laughing along with what Mark Twain might have written about today’s political falderal.
“Entertaining.” –Publishers Weekly.
WINNER 2016 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Gold Medal for Science Fiction & Fantasy.
Morgan le Fay, sixth-century Queen of Gore and the only major character not killed off by Mark Twain in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, vows revenge upon the Yankee Hank Morgan. She casts a spell to take her to 1879 Connecticut so she may waylay Sir Boss before he can travel back in time to destroy her world. But the spell misses by 300 miles and 200 years, landing her in the Washington, DC, of 2079, replete with flying limousines, hovering office buildings, virtual-reality television, and sundry other technological marvels.
Whatever is a time-displaced queen of magic and minions to do? Why, rebuild her kingdom, of course—two kingdoms, in fact: as Campaign Boss for the reelection of American President Malory Beckham Hinton, and as owner of the London Knights world-champion baseball franchise.
Written as though by the old master himself, King Arthur’s Sister in Washington’s Court by Mark Twain as channeled by Kim Iverson Headlee offers laughs, love, and a candid look at American society, popular culture, politics, baseball… and the human heart.
Memory of the Color Yellow by Suzanne Jenkins
Sci-Fi
In a world ruled with military precision, a misspoken word has the power to generate enough rage to turn life upside down in the story of a post apocalyptic world on the brink. Steve Manos and his family live in Europe Town, a segregated area where people of European descent live in the Coalition; formerly the United States. The necessities of life are minimally met by the government and everyone works for the good of the leadership. Life for the people is almost intolerable, but that is when change happens.
Only the Dead Don't Die by A.D. Popovich
Sci-Fi/Dystopian/Horror
Scarlett Lewis doesn’t realize the United States is succumbing to a horrific pandemic. Until Scarlett begins to notice the bizarre events occurring around her . . . Travel with Scarlett on her perilous journey as she discovers the dark fate of the human race. Along the way, she meets other survivors who may not have her best interests at heart. With hope as her last weapon of defense, Scarlett must learn how to survive in this creeper-infested world without sacrificing her own humanity.
Public Secrets by Liza O'Connor
Sci-Fi
Carla Simon is a best-selling novelist besieged by death threats and lawsuits because her stories keep turning out to be true. She is considered an extraordinary researcher, uncovering facts unknown by field experts.
Scavenger's Mission by Liza O'Connor
Sci-Fi
In a single month, Alisha Kane has gone from a wealthy debutante to street girl to scavenger. While testing her new flying skills in the Cully Canyon, Alisha incurs a near-death crash landing. She’s “rescued” by a colonel of the SkyRyders and her life changes forever.
✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
12 SLAYS OF CHRISTMAS
12 SLAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Genre: Holiday Mystery
BUY A BOXED SET! RESCUE A DOG! (OR CAT!)
And have yourself a Cozy Mystery Christmas!
We've got twelve new, never-before published, Christmas-themed cozy mysteries in a boxed set from twelve, bestselling cozy authors.
And what's a cozy without a pet? To help spread some of the Christmas spirit, the authors of The 12 Slays of Christmas, along with sharing our Christmas whodunit stories, are donating all of the proceeds from our boxed set to an animal rescue shelter to help cats and dogs in need - and you can be a part of it all!
Come on, read our cozies and have yourself a Merry Christmas with a little murder, a whole lot of fun, and a gift of love to our cozy pet partners in crime solving!
Won't you help a dog or cat in need this holiday season?
Abby L. Vandiver - Baby, it's Cold Outside
Cindy Bell - Christmas Chocolates and Crimes
Summer Prescott - Home for the Holidays
Kathryn Dionne - Murder at the Holiday Bazaar
Landing Page ✯ B&N ✯ iTunes ✯ Kobo ✯ Goodreads
Abby L Vandiver
Through her various occupations, Abby discovered her love of writing. She'd always been told she had a gift for telling stories, combining the two, she became an author.
Her debut novel, the mystery/sci-fi, In the Beginning, Book I in the Mars Origin "I" Series was an Amazon #1 bestseller. It was written on a whim, packed away, and rediscovered some twelve years later. After publishing it in 2013, Abby decided to make writing a full-time endeavor. She's penned a slew of novels since then and has even more in her head. Although she writes mostly mystery, she's written a historical/women's fiction novel. It was co-written with author and friend, Kathryn Dionne under the pen name Kathryn Longino. Currently she is working on her first cozy mystery series. There will be at least five in the series, three, Bed & Breakfast Bedlam, Coastal Cottage Calamity, and Maya Mound Mayhem have already been published and are Amazon international bestsellers.
Abby, a former lawyer and college professor, has a bachelor's degree in Economics, a master's in Public Administration, and a Juris Doctor. A lifetime resident of Cleveland, Ohio, Abby spends all of her time writing and enjoying her wonderful grandchildren.
Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website
Amy M. Reade
USA Today Bestselling author Amy M. Reade writes women's contemporary and gothic fiction. Her books have been compared to authors such as Daphne du Maurier, Phyllis Whitney, and Victoria Holt. Amy's standalone novels feature vivid descriptions of exotic and fascinating locations, such as the Thousand Islands region of New York State, Charleston, South Carolina, and the Big Island of Hawaii. Most recently, she has been working on The Malice series, set in the United Kingdom.
A former attorney, Amy found that writing was her true calling. She loves cooking, reading, and travel. You can visit her website, where, in addition to information about her books and appearances, you will find a contact form, suggested playlists to go along with her novels, and notes and recommendations on wines.
Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website ✯ Newsletter
Amy Vansant
Amy specializes in fun, comedic reads about accident prone, easily distracted women with questionable taste in men. So, autobiographies, mostly.
Amy is the former East Coast Editor of SURFER Magazine but the urge to drive up and down the coast interviewing surfers has long since left her. Currently, she is a nerd and Labradoodle mommy who works at home with her goofy husband.
She loves interacting with fans when the dog isn't laying on top of her, so stop by her blog or Twitter and say hi!
Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website
Cindy Bell
Cindy Bell has always loved reading, but it is only recently that she has discovered her passion for writing romantic cozy mysteries. When she is not reading or writing she loves baking (and eating) sweet treats, or walking along the beach with her energetic cocker spaniel, thinking of the next adventure her characters can embark on. Cindy is the author of the Chocolate Centered, Dune House, Sage Gardens, Nuts about Nuts, Bekki the Beautician, Wendy the Wedding Planner and the Macaron Patisserie Cozy Mystery Series.
Goodreads ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website
Colleen Helme
Colleen Helme is the author of the best-selling Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, a wildly entertaining and highly humorous series about Shelby Nichols, a woman with the ability to read minds. When asked if reading minds is something Colleen wishes she could do she says, "No way! It gets Shelby into so much trouble that I would never want that ability." Known for her laugh since she was a kid, Colleen has always tried to find the humor in every situation and continues to enjoy writing about Shelby's adventures. Besides writing, she loves reading, biking, hiking, and playing board and card games with family and friends. She loves to connect with readers and admits that fans of the series keep her writing.
Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website
Colleen Mooney
I am born and raised in New Orleans. I started going to parades and watched them from sitting on my Dad's shoulders before I could walk. I've been in Girl Scout parades, high school parades, St. Patrick's parades, Mardi Gras parades, on dance teams in parades and just about any loosely organized group who deemed it necessary to parade. I just can't help myself. I love parades.
I attended Loyola of the South here in New Orleans so I wouldn't be far from a parade.
I spent 20+ years working for and retired from AT&T. I have worked and lived in New York City, Madison, New Jersey, Atlanta, Georgia and Birmingham, Alabama returning home for the big parade every year--Mardi Gras.
Before Katrina, I moved away and back three times, four if you count rebuilding the same house at the same address after Katrina flooded my home. I did miss a couple of parades that year.
I'm an avid sailor and Scuba diver for many years, and made lasting friendships from sailing and dive trips. I love travel and if the opportunity presents itself, I'm there. Except for a brief stint where I had to own and learn how to ride a motorcycle, I've been a water baby. When I am not enjoying fun with friends in all New Orleans has to offer- sailing and racing with friends on Lake Pontchartrain, Mardi Gras, parties and festivals- I head to Florida.
I am an ardent animal lover and direct volunteer breed rescue work as Schnauzer Rescue of Louisiana. I love to write and I write about what I know and love! You can take the girl out of New Orleans, but you can't take the New Orleans out of the girl!
Dead & Breakfast, the second book in my series THE NEW ORLEANS GO CUP CHRONICLES placed in two categories in the 2014 SOLA Chapter of RWA's Dixie Kane contest for Short/Long Series for Contemporary fiction and for Single Title Contemporary fiction. My first book is RESCUED BY A KISS.
Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website ✯ Blog
Judith Lucci
Judith Lucci is an international best-selling author. She writes what she knows.....Hospitals, Patients, Physicians and Health Care. She adds suspense and intrigue along with well-constructed plots, vivid descriptions, and memorable characters, and produces medical thrillers that few readers can put down.
Dr. Lucci is the author of the Alexandra Destephano Series, a series of medical thrillers that offer fans an escape into the busy world of a fictitious world-class hospital in New Orleans. The protagonist is Alexandra Destephano, a nurse-attorney who leaves her home in Virginia to become the legal counsel for a large New Orleans hospital. Lucci's thrillers are a fast-paced, riveting glimpses in the reality of hospitals that offer reader’s believable drama, and an extraordinary read that allow them to escape into the complex, often mysterious world of health care. There are currently five novels in The Alexandra Destephano series.
Lucci’s Michaela McPherson crime series is set in Richmond where Judith was born and raised. Main characters include Michaela, a retired Richmond Homicide detective and Countess Dorothy Borghase, Mic’s aging, aristocratic partner. Of special importance is retired police dog Angel. Lucci’s stories are often based on current day issues and focus on social justice. Her books advocate for vulnerable populations.
Virginia born Judith Lucci holds graduate and doctoral degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia. She is the author of numerous academic and health-related research articles and documents. She is currently a professor of Nursing at a major University in the Southern United States. Her novels are based on her clinical experiences, research and very active imagination. Lucci’s novels have won awards and all carry the Five Star Rating by Readers’ Favorite. When not teaching or writing, Judith is an avid silk painter and multi-media artist. She lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with her family and five dogs. For a free short story, check out her website.
Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website
Kathryn Dionne
Kathryn Dionne lives in Southern California with her husband, Jeff, and their Shar Pei, Bodie.
From an early age, Kathryn's love of treasure hunting sparked an interest in archaeology. As an amateur archaeologist, she's been fortunate enough to uncover some very unique artifacts in different parts of the globe. However, she's still searching for that very special scroll.
In addition to writing, she manages their five-acre property and their grove of Italian olive trees. Her husband has lovingly named their business; Saint Kathryn's Olive Oil.
In her spare time, she makes cookie jars and throws pottery in her studio. She also creates mosaics from discarded objects and sells them under the category of Found Art.
Kathryn's books:
The Eleventh Hour Trilogy, an Amazon #1 best seller, is a supernatural thriller set in Israel. The story is based on a terrifying end-of-the-world dream she had over fifteen years ago that still haunts her to this day.
She has also written a children's book called, Derek the Fireless Dragon. It is collection of illustrated humorous poems and rhyming stories suitable for children of all ages.
Under the pen name Kathryn Longino, Kathryn has partnered with author Abby L. Vandiver and wrote, At the End of the Line, an Amazon #1 bestseller. The book is a women's/historical fiction that spans from 1958 through 1972. It is a story of friendship, survival, and determination during one of the most tumultuous times in America's history.
Six Mile Canyon is the first book in the Savannah Swift Psychic Mystery Series. It is about a seventeen year old girl who keeps having nightmares about a woman being buried alive in her car. With the help of her two best friends, Savannah discovers that the the woman from her dreams is a real person who went missing three years earlier.
Kathryn is currently working on the second book in the Savannah Swift Psychic Mysteries Series.
Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website
Kim Hunt Harris
News, book giveaways, contests - Everything Kim Hunt Harris - KimHuntHarris.com
Kim Hunt Harris is the award-winning author of the Trailer Park Princess comic mystery series.
Kim knew she wanted to be a writer before she even knew how to write. When her parents read bedtime stories to her, she knew she wanted to be a part of the story world. She started out writing children’s stories, and her stories grew as she did. She discovered a gift for humor and a love for making people laugh with her tales, and the Trailer Park Princess series was born.
Kim loves to not only make her readers laugh and entertain them with a good mystery, but also to examine the issues the everyday people face…well, every day. Issues like faith and forgiveness, perseverance and tolerance. Set in Lubbock, Texas, the fun books feature a cast of quirky characters, outrageous situations, a drama queen of a dog, and from time to time, a tear or two. Kim lives with her husband of more than thirty years and two teenage kids in Texas.
Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website
Larissa Reinhart
A 2015 Georgia Author of the Year Best Mystery finalist, Larissa writes the Cherry Tucker Mystery and Maizie Albright Star Detective series. The first in the Cherry Tucker series, Portrait of a Dead Guy, is a 2012 Daphne du Maurier finalist, 2012 The Emily finalist, and 2011 Dixie Kane Memorial winner. Her books have also been nominated for Georgia Author of the Year and the Silver Falchion Award. She loves books, food, and traveling with her family.
Her family and Cairn Terrier, Biscuit, lived in Nagoya, Japan, but have returned to Georgia. You can see them on HGTV's House Hunters International "Living for the Weekend in Nagoya" episode. Visit her website, find her chatting on Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads, and sign up for her newsletter.
If you enjoy your books, please leave a review. She sends you virtual hugs and undying gratitude for your support!
Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website ✯ Newsletter
Nell Goddin
She has worked as a radio reporter, SAT tutor, short-order omelet chef, and baker. She tried waitressing but was fired twice.
Nell grew up in Richmond, Virginia and has lived in New England, New York City, and France. Currently she's back in Virginia with teenagers and far too many pets. She has degrees from Dartmouth College and Columbia University.
Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Website
Summer Prescott
Growing up with a military dad, I've had the amazing experience of having lived all over the world - experiencing other cultures, customs and cuisines from an early age.
Now that I've settled into a peaceful and pleasant adulthood in the Midwest, my loves in life are simple - a good book, some fine wine, and furry friends underfoot. I've found that Cozy Mystery readers are some of the nicest folks you'd ever want to meet, and I'm glad to have befriended many of you as I journey through this wonderful mystery called life.
I find inspiration for characters every day in the people I meet and the places I visit. Taking unique traits and expanding upon them, I imagine the way that new characters would look, talk, think and go about their daily lives. The folks in my books live interesting and colorful lives in the movie that plays in my head, and I get to enjoy writing down their shenanigans.
Goodreads ✯ Twitter ✯ Facebook ✯ Amazon ✯ Website
Landing Page ✯ B&N ✯ iTunes ✯ Kobo ✯ Goodreads
Kobo: a Rafflecopter giveaway
THE REAPER'S KISS by Dale Ibitz
THE REAPER'S KISS
by Dale Ibitz
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Sex and poison aren’t enough to help William forget his status as a shunned reaper with a sordid past. Rejected, disgraced, and hopeless, he straps on his emotional armor so no one will ever hurt him again. His path to redemption for his sins is side-tracked by Natalie, an exquisite human trying to save her sister from the horrors of the Other World. But then Natalie’s reckless actions sets William on a collision course between his past and his present: a demonic tyrant who wants William back in her bed; the sadistic daughter of an angel who wants revenge on his murdering mother-goddess; and the mother-goddess who demands obedience and love from William, her favorite child. After learning the dark secret of Natalie’s past, how much will he sacrifice to save her soul?
William lost himself in sensations: the taste, the smell, the feel, everything that was Natalie. His lips continued their trek along her neck, down to her collarbone, before starting up the other side to taste her other ear. Warmth infiltrated every molecule of his body, melting the darkness in his soul, his heart, and his mind. He wanted Natalie not just physically, but emotionally. He wanted her to want him, to need him.
To love him.
Why was he torturing himself? He was no longer free to pursue her.
Lifting his head, he peered into her eyes, wide and dilated. She breathed heavily, the rise of her breasts pressing against him, stirring a need to tear off her clothes and forever brand her as his.
Her lips parted, drawing his gaze. Slowly, he sucked on her lip ring. Her lips were full and pliant, and she tasted warm and soft, like sunshine.
“Does your mouth hurt?” she whispered when he abandoned her.
“Nothing hurts when I’m touching you.”
And it was true. Overpowered by her essence, the aches dissipated: the ache in his heart, his body, and his soul. He felt whole and free, free to live and love and be a man that could be loved.
If only Natalie could love him back.
Craving another taste, he opened her mouth with his tongue. She welcomed him in, allowing him to push inside as deeply as he wanted. He savored her until she writhed and pressed her curves against his budding hardness. One hand cupped her breast, squeezing until her nipple hardened. When he rolled his thumb over the peak she broke off the kiss to lean her head back and moan. He immediately sought her neck, kissing a trail toward the neckline of her shirt.
The world faded. The bargains faded. His fate faded. All that mattered was Natalie, here and now and kissing him with all the passion he could ever hope for, initiating a desire he now knew only one woman could ever satisfy.
“Ahem.”
William froze as Bianca’s voice slammed the door on his fantasy. Closing his eyes, he murmured, “Sorry. I forgot where we were for a moment,” before stepping away and facing the other woman. To his surprise, she was grinning.
“I see you haven’t lost your touch.”
Natalie blushed. He could tell by the wave of heat hitting his back. Needing to put distance between them, he straddled the chair once again. Unable to behold his Natalie without striding across the room and kissing her, he distracted himself by sloshing another shot of vodka into his cup and tossing it down. He shuddered when the burn hit the back of his throat.
“But,” Bianca continued, “I thought the whole point of this exercise was to keep the girl’s soul safe.”
He studied the table, unresponsive, unable to admit the kiss had been all pleasure, not business. At least on his part.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He winced at Natalie’s question. She just couldn’t stop asking questions, could she? Gripping the cup in his hands, he braced himself for Bianca’s answer. If there had been any wavering in Natalie’s feelings toward him, it was about to unravel.
Amazon ✯ Amazon Int'l ✯ Goodreads
Dale Ibitz was born in Oxford, Connecticut, grew up in the state of Washington, and then re-located back to Connecticut as an adult where she studied English at Central Connecticut State University. She never left, choosing Connecticut as her permanent home. Dale’s a fan of hiking and the outdoors, loves alternative metal music, and she never, ever starts the day without chocolate and coffee (preferably together).
Facebook ✯ Website ✯ Twitter ✯ Goodreads ✯ Amazon ✯ Pinterest
DEAD OF NIGHT by James Agee Jr.
DEAD OF NIGHT
The Blood Curse Chronicles
by James Agee Jr.
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
All families have secrets.
Some have secrets worth dying for.
The Vasile family owns a funeral home in Frederickton, Virginia. For the most part, life in this small town is ideal. However, there is one secret they try to hide – one that could destroy their lives as they know it.
They are vampires.
When a strange girl comes to town for her grandmother’s funeral, new information is uncovered. There is a chance the Vasiles and all other vampires will know a day when they can become human and break the blood curse that has plagued vampires for centuries.
She opens her mouth to say something, more than likely about what book I should purchase, but I speak before she can get any words out.
“Was someone playing the piano earlier?”
She tilts her head as if I have just asked her a confusing question.
“Well…I don’t know how to explain this. It won’t make much sense to you, but the piano plays itself.”
She must see the disbelief written across my face because she hastily adds, “Sometimes there is the shadow of a person sitting on the piano bench, but honest to goodness the keys play themselves.”
The music starts playing and I find my body gravitating towards the sound. The keys bob up and down swiftly seemingly of their own accord. My heart leaps as I see the shadow of a person sitting on the bench. If I did not believe the old woman before, I sure do now.
I inch closer to the piano.
Is it a spirit? A ghost? My imagination?
A fast paced jazz tune is echoing throughout the shop. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, filling my lungs with the inky dust particles. I open my eyes and the head of the shadow is facing toward me. I reach out to touch it, unsure if I should. My hand goes right through the dark form and slowly the music stops playing.
The woman’s hand tugs on my arm. There is a slightly annoyed look on her wrinkled face.
“Why did you go and scare him off?”
I can’t help but ask her, “Him? How do you know that it is a ‘him’?
She chuckles and pushes her glasses up her nose to keep them from sliding off.
“Dear, you can tell by how he plays the piano. There’s such passion behind the sounds. He has so much emotion.”
Amazon ✯ Amazon Int'l ✯ Goodreads
James Agee Jr. writes fictional stories that border on the unknown. When he isn’t reading a book, he is writing one. Stories surround him and he cannot help but to write a few of them down. Occasionally, some of those stories turn into books. He firmly believes that words have power and that if you are reading then you are doing yourself a wonderful favor.
Facebook ✯ Website ✯ Twitter ✯ Goodreads ✯ Amazon
August 31, 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)
He crushed her to him with startling force, thrusting his tongue into her mouth to probe its secrets. Too soon, he shifted his focus to her chin, her throat, her neck, each kiss torturing her with promises that could never be kept. A raw blend of pleasure and pain forced a moan from her lips.
“It would be best to remain a virgin for your wedding night,” said a new voice.
With a startled cry, Gwenhwyfar straightened and looked about. Hand to dagger, Lannchu whirled. When the intruder stepped from behind a nearby piling, Lannchu folded his arms.
“Gwenhwyfach.” Gwenhwyfar didn’t care how her sister had found them; the pertinent question was why. “Don’t expect me to bid you well come, because you aren’t.”
Gwenhwyfach tossed her braids, uttering a light chuckle. “Not even if I were to give you the solution to your dilemma?”
“What would you do? Guard our backs as we run away?” A romantic notion, but not a feasible one. “Father would kill us all. If Medraut didn’t find us first.”
“You’re right. My plan is simpler.” She extended her open-palmed hand. “We trade places.”
✯✯✯✯✯ Short, but Packed full of delightful content!
By CLM on 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
Romance Between The Pages presents...
Ever wondered about the personalities behind your favorite books? Victoria Danann's new podcast with Riley J. Ford has an incredible lineup of authors booked through the spring. No question is out of bounds. Check it out!
THIS WEEK'S BEST SELLING AUTHOR...
Laxmi Hariharan!
I am a New York Times bestselling author of Paranormal Romance.
Listen on Itunes (Subscribe so you never miss an episode! It’s FREE!)
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.
✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
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.
✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
A Journey Home by Angela Scavone
Contemporary Romance
Air Force Captain Stephanie Tyler's sole duty is to fly overseas to war torn areas of the world to retrieve and escort the bodies of fallen soldiers back home to the United States. It is a tough and emotional job but she is honored for the privilege. Her duty also helps her to escape her past and her failed marriage. But those flights have become increasingly more dangerous and she is forced to have a partner accompany her. Much to Stephanie's surprise and dismay, she is partnered up with her ex-husband, Captain Douglas 'DA' Aston. From the moment DA enters the scene, he irritates her. It could have something to do with the fact he slept with her best friend while she and DA were married. As they go on several missions together, Stephanie is forced to be courteous and professional with DA even though the very sight of him irritates her beyond comprehension. Then, Stephanie's cheating, husband stealing, ex-best friend is killed in Afghanistan and Stephanie and DA must escort her body home. While executing this difficult duty, a myriad of conflicting emotions makes Stephanie ponder how short life really is . . . and to question her own ability to forgive.
Beside Still Waters by Ryan Jo Summers
Contemporary Christian Romance
Top Journalist and corporate climber McKayla Buchanan is sent to a remote California mountain camp for inner-city, at-risk teens. Accustomed to political and high-society assignments, she is suddenly a fish out of water. At Camp In As Much, she meets eight hostile and distrustful teens, assorted volunteers, rescued horses—and Clay.
Clay Michaels is the man who founded Camp In As Much and made it the success it is now. His hope for the highly recommended journalist is to come and write a feature to send seeds out to form other camps like his nationwide one. He never considered the reporter would turn out to be a lovely woman, or for him to have such an attraction to her.
Between McKayla’s worldly experience and Clay’s strong faith, they form a partnership to help with the endless challenges of the kids.
While McKayla’s assignment is supposed to be temporary, it isn’t long before she and Clay are each wishing it could last longer. A serious situation will force McKayla to decide if she can give up her worldly ways and place her faith in the same higher source that Clay does.
Betting on Love in Vegas by Stacy Hoff
Romance
Catherine “Cat” Warner has problems. The profits from her inns are down. The pressure from her parents is up. Her love life is non-existent. But Cat did manage to get the attention of tough, powerful, gorgeous hotel magnate Ty Orland. Unfortunately, his interest in her is for all the wrong reasons. Instead of wanting Cat, this debonair CEO only wants her land—a parcel he desperately needs for his next big development deal. Too bad, it’s not for sale. A people pleaser by nature, Cat knows to stand strong. If she caves in to the demands of this sexy, alluring man, it will be her own neck on the line.
Ty Orland has a lot of things going for him. Success. Power. Respect. Unfortunately, he’s also got an old chip on his shoulder and a new financial nightmare. His development deal is going down in flames—and fast. His only way out is if Cat sells him her strategically located parcel. But romancing the land from her is not easy when love gets in the way. The woman is as beautiful as she is beguiling. And Ty no longer knows which prize is more valuable.
Desperately Seeking Sixty-Nine by J.D. Frettier
Romantic Comedy
The year is 1969. Though there is war and unrest in the world, on August 15th, on a farm in upstate New York, a little concert will go down in history as the most famous music festival of our time: Woodstock.
It also happens to be the day Bonnie McMillan and Peter Hampton meet and begin their free-spirited love-filled journey with each other. What happens at Woodstock stays at Woodstock, right? Nope!
Fast forward forty-seven years. Bonnie unexpectedly passes after a night of hot sex and is whisked up to Purgatory, ‘The Green Room’ as they call it. Bonnie’s best friend meets her at the pearly green gates and the fun begins, from body sculpting to channeling.
Follow Bonnie on her erotically incorrect quest to re-connect with the love of her life. Or at the very least, make sure the sex toys are hidden before the kids start sorting through her things!
Everything I've Dreamed Of by Norah Bennett
Contemporary Romance
Kate Willowbrook dreamed of a life filled with beauty –– a man who loves her, friends, and a home. At eighteen, Kate's dreams were replaced by nightmares when she witnessed a crime. Kate fled, never settling down and never trusting anyone until at the age of the thirty, she discovers the small town of Lakes Crossing and CEO, Noah Reed. When Noah’s wife was killed in an accident, his world exploded. Noah settled for an empty, loveless life until the day he met Kate. When he learns about Kate’s past and finds she is still in danger, Noah takes over, becoming over-protective—to the point Kate feels stifled and controlled. As Noah and Kate struggle to put the past behind them and find a balance that fulfills both their needs, they learn that there are no guarantees in life, but in Lakes Crossing they have been given a second chance at love.
New Adult Romance
As the bassist for the band Caged, the last three years have been one, long non-stop party. Sure, I’ve had some regrets. Everyone does. But getting trapped in a relationship isn’t one of them. I know good and well what happens when the attraction fades. I’ve seen it first hand. Love is a zero sum game, so why play? As long as I’m upfront about my feelings, no one gets hurt. Besides, I’m never in one place long enough to worry about tomorrow.
That is, until the band decided to take an extended hiatus in our hometown. That’s when I met Melody Sullivan. She’s the full-package. Whip smart and beautiful, with enough determination to take on anything life has in store. And the best part? Melody shares my philosophy on the fleeting nature of attraction. She doesn’t buy into the whole “happily ever after” crap anymore than I do. We’re perfect for each other. For now. And now is all I want.
With the expectations off the table, I can let my guard down and enjoy her company until the spark dies. And we both know it will. In a week, or a month. But until then, we’ll just keep having fun. The good kind, with lots of sex and no strings attached. And when it’s time to move on, we will. No drawn out goodbyes and no remorse.
That’s the plan, at least.
Find My Way Home by Michele Summers
Contemporary Romance
She's just the kind of drama...
Interior designer Bertie Anderson has big dreams for her career, and they don't include being stuck in her hometown of Harmony, North Carolina. One last client, and Bertie is packing up her high heels and heading for her dream job in Atlanta. But her plans are derailed by the gorgeous new owner of that big old Victorian she's always wanted to renovate...
He's vowed to avoid...
For retired tennis pro Keith Morgan, Harmony is a far cry from fast-paced Miami-which is exactly the point. Keith is starting a new life for himself and his daughter Maddie, and he's left the bright lights and hot women far behind. Bertie's exactly the kind of curvaceous temptation he doesn't need, and Keith refuses to let their sizzling attraction distract him from his goals. Keith and Bertie both have to learn that there's more than one kind of escape, and it takes more than wallpaper to turn a house into a home.
Romance
Justine Montgomery, daughter of a divorced beauty queen and TV magnate, is a tabloid disaster after her infamous sex tape. She’s so desperate to help save her family’s home she turns to her deal-making dad. Can she prove to him she’s cut out for a career in television or will she lose it all?
Sawyer has his own past and a successful career is his only goal. Seeing Justine fail would mean the promotion of a lifetime, but things get complicated when he develops feelings for her. Suddenly, the lines between work, life, sex, and love are blurry.
They will have to overcome the bitterness of a rejected ex, the controlling actions of her father, and the half-truths they’re telling one another to forge a lasting partnership both on the job and off the clock.
✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
