Julie Elizabeth Powell's Blog, page 74
March 14, 2016
This is a release tour for The Founders by Holly Barbo
THE FOUNDERS
Book 1 of the Sage Seed Chronicles
AUTHOR: Holly Barbo
GENRE: YA Fantasy
There are no monsters on Ose. People can be monstrous enough.
Disaster strikes the beautiful world of Ose. Marisily is one of the Sages who can help heal the planet when nuclear winter pushes the civilization back to the brink of destruction. Only she doesn’t know her own powers yet.
It is survival of the fittest as vicious outlaws destroy all that remains, kidnapping, enslaving and killing those weaker than themselves.
With a bounty on her head, alone and betrayed by her own father, can a young woman find the strength and wisdom necessary to rally the good people of Ose and rebuild their culture?
Sari worsened as the day wore on. She was too weak to fight off the effects of the abuse and the fever at the same time. Marisily was at her mother’s side when she died. She closed her mother’s eyes and wrapped her in a clean sheet. Then she sat at her mother’s side and rocked back and forth as the tears rolled down her cheeks. Eventually, her sobbing breaths quieted and she wiped her cheeks.
Dazed, Marisily resumed her duties. She had made a stew in the afternoon with the thought that the broth would be nourishing for her mother. Now she served it to her father for dinner. Jed came in from his workroom and started eating when Marisily quietly said, “Mother’s dead. I have prepared her for burial.”
Jed gave his daughter a long look before he answered. Marisily sensed he was considering saying something that she wouldn’t like and she steeled herself for it, but when he spoke all he said was, “I am sorry to hear that. She was a good wife. The only thing she didn’t do was give me a son. I’ll move her body to the workshop before I go out tonight.” He scooped another piece of meat from the stew and chewed thoughtfully. “Daughter, I don’t think I can continue to support you. I will give you a choice. Rory, the herder, needs a wife. He’s a friend of mine. I don’t believe he has ever cleaned his place and though he is eight years older than me, he is lusty enough to keep you busy. I think he could take you to wife tomorrow. Or you could leave. It makes no difference to me. As your father, I don’t need to give you a choice, but since I’m grieving the loss of your mother, I will be generous. If you are still here tomorrow morning, I’ll know your decision is to wed.” He finished his meal and pushed back from the table. “I am going into Morraton to meet with friends. I’ll bring my new wife home after I bury Sari tomorrow.” Jed put on his heavy coat and smiled to himself as the door closed behind him. He didn’t believe his daughter had enough warm clothing to survive. She would either set out tonight and freeze to death or would stay and leave with Rory tomorrow. It didn’t make any difference to him. She would be gone either way.
Marisily cleared the table, giving her father time to go down the trail to town, keeping an eye on the window until he disappeared from sight. There was no way she was going to remain. Angry at her father’s offhand comments, total insensitivity and arrogance, she was also fully aware of her danger. Marisily had been very lucky that her father had given her a choice. She had been thinking about where she would go. There was a place that she had seen several years before. At the time, Jed had been gone on a journey to obtain yarns spun in Osily. Sari and Marisily had ranged miles from the cabin picking berries. They had separated, to cover more area. Marisily thought hard about where that place was. They had meandered through the foothills during that gathering trip.
She brought out her coat, and put on all of her warmest clothes as well as a few things of her mother’s. Her father would never allow her to leave with anything he deemed his property and that included everything in the home. Marisily knelt by her bed and, rolling back the rug, she removed the floorboard. She pulled out a heavy, knitted hat, scarf and gloves that she had made for her mother’s upcoming birthday and donned them. Her mother would be happy that she was using the gift to survive. Quickly, Marisily emptied her secret cubbyhole of her journal and other small treasures. Gathering what she could carry that she felt her father wouldn’t miss, Marisily stepped outside and disappeared from her childhood home. She had no intention of ever coming back.
Holly's world is shaped by her love of family, the beauty of the natural world and an irrepressible creative drive. She has always been curious and sees life through questions. These four characteristics color her writing voice and her stories frequently evolve from her asking "What if....?" Her tales tend to have non-urban settings with nature contributing to the plot, building discordant themes inside a seemingly peaceful refrain.
My motto: Weaving Alternative Worlds with Threads From Today.
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This is a release tour for The Edge of Madness box set
THE EDGE OF MADNESS
Official genre of box set: SUSPENSE, THRILLER, HORROR
Content warning: RATED MA 18+ for mature content, V — violence, S — graphic sexual situations, L — vulgar language. Not suitable for anyone under the age of 18. Reader discretion is advised.
MARCH MADNESS as you’ve NEVER seen it… 15 COMPLETE NOVELS AND NOVELLAS FROM YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS IN ONE PRETTY PACKAGE.
Kick off Spring 2016 with a collection of macabre, suspenseful, and disturbing thriller/horror stories from around the globe. From murder in Vegas to deadly obsessions and down dark rabbit holes so deep, you may never find your way out again. Each story will have you biting your nails, and both fearing and anticipating turning the page! The suspense might just kill you.
A mix of previously-released stories and never-before seen tales, this set holds fifteen new worlds to explore — fifteen incredible experiences to bombard your senses, fifteen sets of characters to love, hate, and run from — Who could ask for more?
What is found within the depths of the human soul? Does wickedness linger, as if the Devil's thumb is ready to pluck the strings of certain choices? And with the strumming, just how far will Evil spread? 13 is the story of random souls pitted against the tragedy of the modern world. Will they decipher the unknown and make it out alive?
Warnings
strong language and scenes of violence /horror.
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You know the saying, ‘What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’ . . . well, that’s not always true. Three travelers find themselves running to Sin City in an attempt to right a wrong, only to have it backfire—in a big way. Rated NC-17 for extremely graphic scenes. Please heed warning inside.
Warnings
First off, the musical inspiration for this horrific short story came from God Speed You Black Emperor, Dark Lotus, Type O Negative, and Alkaline Trio.
If you are a child, elderly, or have a heart condition, then this story is probably not for you.
If you cannot handle torture scenes and/or have a weak stomach, why are you here? This story is not for you. If you have any problems with language, nudity (and descriptions of such), drugs, forced sexual acts (including gore porn), maiming, torture, forced humiliation, self-mutilation, vomit, urine, blood, snakes, character death and more . . . then I cannot stress enough that this story is not for you.
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Jennifer Jones suffered the loss of her parents in a car accident. Heaped upon her grief and survivor’s guilt is a debilitating layer of domestic abuse from her fiancé, Aaron. It’s all too much, and without warning, she snaps. Free from the moorings that bind us all to rational boundaries, Jennifer finds that stepping across the line and committing murder means she no longer needs to follow anyone’s rules but her own, but has she gone too far? Now that she’s tasted the heady power of controlling her own destiny, she can’t stop!
Down the rabbit hole she goes into a realm of psychotic darkness so deep, she may never find her way out again! Is murder Jennifer’s new reality or has reality skewed, tilting on its axis, writing its own story? Reality is in the eye of the deceiver, after all. Is this new reality real or has Jennifer Jones split?
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Jerome's all charm, no substance. At best, he's a talented womanizer. His wife leads a long list of women scorned by him, and one of them carries a deep grudge.
When his life takes a downward spiral, in a blur of binge drinking and hookups, the calls start. Someone's playing a tantalizing game with him, but who?
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What would you do if you woke in a room filled with strangers, with no memory of how you got there, and no way out?
Morgan Drimmel wakes to find herself in the midst of this nightmare. The gouged, blood-splattered walls scream of terror and torture, and the unrelenting light that shines between the cracks in the walls fills her with dread.
When the others in the room wake, they form alliances, and Morgan finds herself drawn to rogue biker Slade Rivers. But dependence, for her, has always come with a deadly price.
Those inside the room have secrets too; dark secrets they will go to any length to keep from getting out. When evil rears its ugly head, Morgan will not only have to fight to survive—she will also have to trust.
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As Confederate and Union forces clash in and around the Missouri community of St. Charles, Constance McAdams fights a war of her own. Her mind has been fractured, her heart ravaged, and her soul nearly torn from its very existence. Her husband, Gavin, threatened by a corrupt sheriff and judge, is the binding that holds her together. With a blessing from an old Choctaw woman as her only weapon, she spirals into a maddening world of crows and spirits as she fights the forces pressing in around her.
“Action!” Dollar shouted. Then, quieter, to her. “Oh, I will enjoy watching your end, Precious. Every single second of it. Every cut, every lick of blood, every morsel of flesh that drops off your body.”
Tequila felt her eyes bulge out of their sockets. She was too terrified to breathe, too stunned to think. And still, the beast walked nearer. He sneered, and then lifted up the scalpel until it was level with his chin.
“Don’t forget to scream,” he whispered.
Following his son’s kidnapping and subsequent rescue, Nick Hunter proceeds to track down and eliminate every person involved in the crimes against his family. But where will the chase end? And has he bitten off more than he can chew? Nick discovers a tangled net of human trafficking and corruption, and world-class players with a penchant for disturbed obsessions.
Gritty, dark, chock-full of suspense, this thriller is not for the faint-hearted.
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It was meant to be an easy job; go to my sister’s and update their security system. My sister’s husband is handsome and rich and she lives the epitome of a perfect life. As I work, Reese drops a bombshell and things begin to spiral out of control at a rate far faster than I’m comfortable with. After waking covered in blood, I’m left to piece together the mystery of what happened before I go mad. Or die trying.
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A Crystal Snowflake ~ Holly Barbo
When Chayse’s friend is murdered before he can get protective custody, she and her department in Homeland Security are thrust into a race to stop a destructive cyber worm from wiping out all bank and stock market records during the Christmas break. The good news is there is an inoculating code which will stop the worm. The bad news is it is hidden in a special crystal concealed in the sculpted walls of a beautiful ice hotel in the lapland region of Sweden and the terrorists are searching for it too. As the snow flurries of November becomes frozen December each side rush to find the crystal…with entirely different goals. Will the Christmas holiday bring destruction for western financial systems?
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Not only had Adam lost his parents in a car crash, but he’d also forgotten who he was. Pamela is haunted by the patient who was murdered by her father. Barbara and Mike have mysterious secrets. Harry seeks solace at the bottom of a glass. And why is Mildred so afraid? While Helen’s mind gathers dust, Lizzie mourns the loss of her, and her husband. Both Penny and Jane are frantic to find their daughters, if in different ways. Rick wonders what to do about his family. And who is William?
Warnings
strong language and violence.
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Surviving numerous attempts on their lives including the explosion that rocked Tropical Dreams, David Murphy and Tiana Alexander started to rebuild their lives. Living on the beautiful and tranquil island of St. Lucia, they tried not to let the ugliness of Robert Dubose invade every aspect of their lives. They knew he was coming and wouldn't stop until someone was dead.
Robert Dubose planned every second of his revenge against David and Tiana down to the littlest detail. This time he was leaving nothing to chance. Bringing a partner in on the plan almost guarantees his success.
Can David and Tiana once again defeat Dubose or will he finally get his revenge? Will Dubose and his hidden partner finally succeed in killing them? Can David forgive himself for failing Tiana or will their love be another casualty?
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Gavin Bloom and Alex Moore run an online magazine for an adult market; although each insists it has to be within the limits of not only the law but to their sense of decency. Gavin is on the edge of developing a revolutionary turn for that very magazine, a programme that will no doubt secure the business, maybe forever.
Amidst the excitement and enjoyment of its success, however, is the mysterious and heinous murder of one of their own.
Who can have done it? And why?
And who is the woman fastened by a chain to a wall?
Follow the twists and turns and perhaps you can solve the puzzle before they do.
Warnings
some strong language, violence and moderate scenes of a sexual nature.
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I always thought my demons came out in the day, rather than at night. I’ve never been scared of the dark. I’ve only ever been scared of real things: getting ill, having injections, physical pain… death. Those are my monsters, not ghosts or vampires or whatever else can hide under your bed at night.
I was wrong.
The dark makes everything worse.
When Mary’s psychiatrist advises a short stay at a psychiatric unit, her worst nightmares are confirmed. How can she get better in a place that fills her with dread? When she meets the other patients, she begins to gather some hope, until she realises that the death toll in the hospital is rising without explanation. Something sinister stalks the corridors and maybe she is the only one who can stop it…
Mary has to confront the Things that she sees if they are to stand a chance. But will she survive a confrontation with death itself?
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Without her he is alone in the world. Letting his wife go alone to Seattle, Washington to display her paintings in an invitation only show is difficult. But he has commitments to fulfill. Unease turns to fear when she doesn't answer his call. The "sight" tells him something is horribly wrong. An inept investigator, an obsessed fan and three friends all come together in a tight tale of a race into British Columbia's Pacific Coast as a husband tries to save the only thing he ever wanted, his wife.
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A New Life Series is an epic adventure. TORI FARRELL's life IS one wild story... escaped from a biker gang and running from drug lords... used by the FBI and hoping to protect her present from her past... IT'S DARK - IT'S BRUTAL, and it's WORTH EVERY MINUTE OF IT!! (Mature read, 18+ for graphic sexual content and violence, including rape)
This is the promo version of the review tour for Deadly Dunes by E. Michael Helms
DEADLY DUNES
Book 3 of A Mac McClellan Mystery series
AUTHOR: E. Michael Helms
GENRE: Mystery/Suspense
Hours after hiring Mac McClellan to investigate the supposed suicide of her archaeologist brother, single-mom Jessie dies in a car accident. Jessie had just showed Mac artifacts and a copy of a map Jake found, items that indicate Hernando de Soto and his explorers might have camped on Five Mile Island during the winter of 1539-1540. Studying the map, Mac determines the site lies in the middle of a planned resort, The Dunes. Declaring the area an historic site could shut the project down. Suspicions aroused, he forges ahead, even though he no longer has a paying client.
Everywhere Mac turns, greed abounds, and no one he interviews seems innocent, even Jessie's closest friends the Deckers, who have adopted her teenage daughter. Ron Decker's construction company is building the Dunes, and he is heavily invested in its success. Then there is the oily son and ex-stripper wife of an old curmudgeon who won't sell the one lot the project still needs to acquire. Jake's estranged wife Laurel had plenty to gain from his death, and as Mac continues to dig, he begins to wonder if Jessie herself had more at stake than he was led to believe.
No one is happy about Mac's persistence, and someone is unhappy enough to crash his truck and frame him for yet another murder. But Mac isn't giving up, no matter what the cost.
Because he couldn’t keep his fly zipped, former Staff Sergeant Raymond Youngblood had gone from being a respected Drill Sergeant, United States Army, to bouncer at The Golden Pole, a strip club located on West Highway 98 in Panama City. It was the seedier part of town, with rundown motels that rented by the day, week or month, and hookers roaming the area shopping their wares.
It was easy duty. All I had to do was show up by eight when Ray’s shift began, and stay awake and alert until the joint closed at two in the morning. My biggest worry was finding a suitable parking spot each night where I could watch the front, and the side door that exited into the parking lot. A local cop pulled up behind me the second night, wanting to know if I was a john on the hunt. After I showed him my PI license and explained what I was up to, he put out the word that I was okay.
For the first week Ray was as well-behaved as a Boy Scout. Shortly after closing time he’d exit the building through the side door and stand watch over the parking lot, making sure the departing customers behaved themselves until they vacated the premises. His duties also included seeing that the female employees made it safely to their rides home. If he’d treated Bonnie with half the respect and courtesy he showed these young women, I would’ve been out of a job.
Usually by three he’d climb into his dark green Chevy Blazer and head home, with me on his tail. Traffic was light, so I’d stay a good distance behind and use another vehicle as a blocker. It was only a couple of miles to the house they rented in an older neighborhood near St. Andrew Bay. After Ray turned onto their street, I’d drive past the turnoff and double-back a few minutes later. When I saw the Blazer parked in the drive, my day was done. I was beginning to think that if Ray had been fooling around, the fling might be over. But Bonnie wanted me to keep bird-dogging him, sure that he’d trip up sooner or later.
Then things got interesting.
It was the Wednesday after Labor Day, and things were slow at The Golden Pole. Around midnight the side door opened and Ray stepped out into the parking lot, his arm wrapped around the waist of a young dancer I’d noticed before. Hot pink hair and spiked-up bangs will stick in your mind that way. I knew she was a dancer because there was a photo of her hanging upside down on a pole in the strip club’s show window I’d scoped out earlier with my zoom lens.
I was parked across the four-lane in front of an out of business pet store. I cranked the engine, but waited until they were a couple of blocks away before switching on the headlights and pulling onto 98 heading west. Less than a half mile from the club he slowed and hung a right into the parking lot of the Panama Motor Court, a single-story concrete block structure whose heyday probably dated back to the 1950s or ’60s. Ray drove past the office and its fluorescent sign with a flashing red palm tree announcing Vacancy. He brought the Blazer to a stop in front of the right wing of the upside down U-shaped structure. The Blazer was hidden in the shadows of a burned out security light and was barely visible from the highway.
There wasn’t time to stop and try to snap a photo of the two as they exited the Blazer and entered the second room from the wing’s end. I’d have to wait them out and give it my best shot when they left. I hoped to hell it wasn’t an all-nighter. I checked the mirrors and made a U-turn and parked in the lot of a twenty-four hour MacDonald’s a block and a half away. I grabbed my camera, a new Canon digital SLR I’d laid out big bucks for. I locked the Silverado, checked traffic both ways and hustled across 98.
I cut across the parking lot of the Mini-Mart next door to the Panama Motor Court, being careful to keep the camera against my left hip in case any customers might wonder what the hell a man with a camera was planning to shoot at this hour of the night. There was a drainage ditch between the two establishments, and then an overgrown hedge skirting the Motor Court’s property line. If I could work my way through the hedge, I’d probably have a good vantage point to snap away when Ray and Hot Pink exited their love nest.
In the darkness behind the Mini-Mart I underestimated the width of the ditch and landed short, my right foot finding water and mud that sent me sprawling to my knees. A sharp pain jolted through my left kneecap when I landed, but I managed to hang on to the camera. Struggling to my feet, I wondered if Frank carried workers’ comp.I limped out of the ditch and faced my next obstacle. The hedge looked like it hadn’t been trimmed in years. I walked along the length of it, searching for an easy way through. No such luck, so I bit the bullet, picked a likely spot and plowed in. A couple of minutes and several scrapes and scratches later, I found myself on the other side, no more than fifty feet from the end of the motel’s right wing. Keeping in the shadows, I crept along the hedge closer to the motel and found a spot where the growth bulged outward enough for concealment and provided a good view of the target room. I checked the ground for sharp objects and ant beds and settled down to wait.
I killed the next hour or so by putting a dent in the ranks of the mosquito horde that wasted no time finding my hideout. A couple of minutes before two the door swung open and the girl stepped out, closing it behind her. She leaned back against the concrete wall, propped a foot against it and lit a cigarette. I trained the camera on her face and zoomed in. She took a drag and blew a long stream of smoke toward the overhang. In the glare of the bare bulb outside the door I was able to get a good look at her. Despite the wild hair and enhanced boobs bulging over the top of her low-cut blouse, she was a looker— almond eye, full lips painted a matching hot pink, high cheekbones, and a slightly upturned nose. She didn’t look a day over eighteen, but I figured she had to be legal to pass muster to work at The Golden Pole.
The camera was set on silent mode and low-light conditions, and I snapped several shots of the girl before Ray Youngblood stepped out into the night to join her. He locked the door, and then reached down and pinched Hot Pink on the butt through the tight miniskirt she wore like a second skin. She reached down and grabbed his groin, and then they both laughed and hugged. While all the grab-assing was going on, I was firing off shot after shot of the two lovebirds. I made sure to get a few wide angles also, so anyone looking at the photos would have no doubt that the location was a motel, namely the Panama Motor Court.
As soon as they climbed in the Blazer and headed back toward The Golden Pole, I beat feet across the parking lot to the office. When I stepped in I was greeted by a cold blast of air coming from a noisy window unit, and a thick cloud of cigarette smoke coming from an overweight, balding man sitting behind the counter. He was dressed in a pair of old gray slacks and a dingy white tank top T-shirt, and was staring down at a girlie magazine spread across his lap.
He looked up when I leaned on the counter. “Need a room?”
“No, what I need is information.”
The man set the magazine on a lamp table beside his ragged-out chair and stood. He scratched his big belly and yawned, showing a cavernous mouth with several missing teeth as he stepped to the counter. “Yeah? What kinda information?”
“Who’s renting Room 38?”
The overhead light reflected off his head when he tilted it back a little and looked down his nose at me. “Who’s asking?”
I grabbed my wallet and slipped out a twenty and laid it on the countertop. “Andrew Jackson.”
The man glanced down at the bill for a second, and then back at me. “Never been much of a Jackson fan.”
I pulled another twenty out and dropped it next to the first one. “Andrew Jackson and his twin brother.”
He reached for the bills but stopped short. “You a cop?”
“No,” I said, wishing I had a twenty-dollar bill for every time I’d been asked that in the past year.
He scooped up the forty bucks and opened a register filled with dog-eared pages. After flipping through a few pages he ran a chubby finger down a column of names. “Room 38. That would be Mr. John Smith.”
“Not the John Smith?”
The man scratched an armpit and grinned. “I reckon so.”
“Does Mr. Smith pay by the day or week or what?”
“Mister, I can’t go giving out that kinda information. It’s against regulations, ’less you the law, that is.”
I opened my wallet and flashed him my PI license and pinched out another twenty. “Just so happens those Jackson boys are triplets. That do?”
He took the bill out of my fingers and looked down at the registry again. “Says here your Mr. Smith’s been renting by the month.”
✯✯✯✯✯An apparent suicide, a missing map, a dead client, Mac’s latest case (and his first as a full-blown PI) takes him from the earliest history of modern Florida to a present day murder in his own backyard. The story grabs you on page one and the twists and turns won’t let go until the end.
I was breathless. Read it in three sittings did not want to put it down and did not want it to end. I was lucky enough to snag an advance copy of this book, and I want to put my name in the hat right now for the next in the series. Kait Carson via Goodreads
✯✯✯✯✯Deadly Dunes is from the Mac McClellan Mystery series by E. Michael Helms. Private Detective Mac McClellan decides to continue his investigation after his client, Jessie, dies shortly after hiring him to investigate her brother’s death. Jake was an archaeologist who unearthed artefacts and a coded map to an alleged camp of famed explorer, Hernando de Soto, and Jessie was convinced he was murdered.
Mac learns that a construction company wants the site to build a resort and would do anything within their means to acquire it. The people who were close to the siblings also have ulterior motives for wanting them dead, and Mac hopes he can find the data Jake hid before the killers do. He knows they are ruthless enough to remove all obstacles in their way, including him.
Deadly Dunes is a sleuth mystery with good action and suspense. The story is an interesting one that sees its main character and narrator, Mac, constantly forgetting his P.I. training and resorting to doing things in his own amateurish way. I think the dialogue is witty and I like Mac’s dry sense of humour that seemed to irk some characters.
The story catches one’s attention with a beginning that made me curious to read on, as well as being amusing at times while Mac continues his sleuthing. E. Michael Helms writes well and I want to read other books from his Mac McClellan Mystery series, whose protagonist is compelling. Michelle Stanley via Goodreads
E. Michael Helms grew up in Panama City, FL. He played football and excelled in baseball as a catcher. Turning down a scholarship offer from the local Junior college, he joined the Marines after high school graduation. He served as a rifleman during some of the heaviest fighting of the Vietnam War until wounded three times in one day. Helms discounts it as "waking up on the wrong side of the foxhole."
Helms' memoir of the war, "The Proud Bastards," has been called “As powerful and compelling a battlefield memoir as any ever written ... a modern military classic,” and remains in print after more than 20 years.
A long-time Civil War buff, Book One of Helms' two-part historical saga, "Of Blood and Brothers," was released September 2013. Book Two followed in March 2014. Seeking a change from writing about war, Helms decided to give mysteries a try. The first novel of his Mac McClellan Mystery series, "Deadly Catch," was published in November 2013 and named Library Journal's "Debut Mystery of the Month." The second Mac McClellan Mystery, "Deadly Ruse," premiered in November 2014. It was awarded the 2015 RONE Award for “Best Mystery.”
While concentrating on his mystery series, Helms dusted off a manuscript dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that sat in his desk drawer for over two decades. "The Private War of Corporal Henson," a semi-autobiographical fictional sequel to "The Proud Bastards," was published in August 2014.
With his wife, Karen, Helms now lives in the Upstate region of South Carolina in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. He enjoys playing guitar, hiking (when his body cooperates), camping, canoeing, and is an avid birdwatcher. He continues to listen as Mac McClellan dictates his latest adventures in his mystery series.
March 10, 2016
This is a author blitz for Melissa Foster
A Tribute for New York Times & USA Today bestseller Melissa Foster
Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.
Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.
Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.
I'm so excited to welcome all of these fab authors to the Remington Kindle World--and to welcome back the five who have previously written in the World! Readers who love the Remington world I've created are now able to read many more stories with new, fun, characters, set in that world. I hope you love these new, exciting stories!
~ Melissa
What is the Remington Kindle World?
Authors are given permission to write their own story in my Remington series “world.” They can use my setting, my characters, and my Remington “world” to write their own story. Fans can bring new characters into the world, and write about existing characters. There are all kinds of exciting ways for these worlds to grow, and we're having so much fun bringing these stories to fans!
Will the characters appear in the real Remington series or change the Remington’s current story lines?
No. The stories written in the Kindle World do not change the original Remington stories, characters, or world. Even if an author writes a story that changes the original characters in that particular fan fiction story, that only affects their Kindle World story, and not the original characters or series. Characters written into Remington Kindle World will remain in the fan fiction world (kind of like "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas").
March 9, 2016
This is a release tour for The Voices of Angels by Peggy Jaeger
THE VOICES OF ANGELS
book 4 of The MacQuire Women series
Author: Peggy Jaeger
Official genre of book: Contemporary romance
Love is the last thing Carly Lennox is looking for when she sets out on her new book tour. The independent, widowed author is content with a life spent writing and in raising her daughter. When newscaster Mike Woodard suggests they work on a television magazine profile based on her book, Carly’s thrilled, but guarded. His obvious desire to turn their relationship into something other than just a working one is more than she bargained for.
Mike Woodard is ambitious, and not only in his chosen profession. He wants Carly, maybe more than he’s ever wanted anything or anyone else. As he tells her, he’s a patient man. But the more they’re together, Mike realizes it isn’t simply desire beating within him. Carly Lennox is the missing piece in his life. Getting her to accept it-and him-may just be the toughest assignment he’s ever taken on.
“I…” Carly began, then stopped. “Oh, hell. I’m not good with words in situations like this.”
His laugh came quick, charmed by her nerves. “Pretty pathetic declaration for a writer.”
Carly stuck out her bottom lip in a very alluring pout. He was tempted to stop and take her mouth with his again.
“Don’t mock me. When it’s on paper I can get it right. Real life has no re-writes, no editing.”
“Granted.” The sunlight played with the alternating auburn and fire-red highlights in her hair as they began to walk again. He was convinced no color had ever been so alive.
Carly squared her shoulders. “I don’t want you to get the wrong impression about me. Concerning men.”
When he didn’t comment, she continued. “It’s only, well…I haven’t been involved with anyone since my husband died. I’ve been busy with my daughter and my writing. I haven’t met anyone I’ve been interested in, I guess.”
“Until now.”
Carly turned to look at him. Irritation crossed in her narrowed eyes. “You’re pretty sure of yourself.”
“No,” he replied. “I’m more sure of you, though.”
“Excuse me?”
Mike laughed again. He stopped and cupped her cheeks. “You’re even more beautiful when you’re angry. Your left eyebrow arches ever so slightly and your eyes turn the most incredible forest green.” He kissed her and felt her pulse trip again under his fingers. “I would bet,” he said into her hair, breathing in the fresh fragrance of the shampoo she’d used, “no man since your husband has made your heart beat this fast, or your breath come in such spurts, as when I do this.” He lowered his head to kiss her again.
When she arched her back, Mike’s hands did a slow slide downward, coming to rest on the dip under her waist.
“Tell me I’m wrong,” he commanded, his voice charged with challenge.
“You are.”
“You’re a liar, Carly Lennox.” Before she could refute him, he continued, “You’re breathing is way too fast, and your eyes are unfocused. But for now I’m willing to back off. I know we’ll be together. I’m certain of it.”
“Why you arrogant, egotistical—I said you were nice. Ha!” She turned on her heel and started to walk away. His vise-like grip on her arm stopped her short. Mike spun her around, drew her to his chest, and his mouth crushed down to hers in a kiss neither patient, nor tender. It bespoke all the raw desire and hunger churning inside him.
Ten things you should know about Peggy:
10. Her favorite book is The Little Engine That Could (ask her why when you see her!)
9. She loves scary movies — the scarier, the better.
8. Her favorite movie is The Wizard of Oz, because there really is no place like home.
7. Her left eye is smaller than her right eye.
6. The best decision she ever made was to marry her husband — a man who can’t live without a strong woman!
5. The best gift she ever received was her daughter, who’s now 25 but whom she will always refer to as “her baby”.
4. Her favorite song is Secret Agent Man by Jonny Rivers.
3. She’s been on a diet in some form for the past 40 years.
2. She’s very direct and doesn’t suffer fools, false prophets, or suck ups.
1. Writing is her oxygen!
Interested in meeting Peggy and picking her brain about her books? Well, you're in luck...this incredible author will be doing signings at the following locations.
Peggy Jaeger is a contemporary romance author who writes about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can't live without them.
Her current titles, available now, include SKATER'S WALTZ and THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME, and FIRST IMPRESSIONS books 1, 2 and 3 in her 6-book The MacQuire Women Series, published by The Wild Rose Press.
Tying into her love of families, her children's book, THE KINDNESS TALES, was illustrated by her artist mother-in-law.
Peggy holds a master's degree in Nursing Administration and first found publication with several articles she authored on Alzheimer's Disease during her time running an Alzheimer's in-patient care unit during the 1990s.
In 2013, she placed first in two categories in the Dixie Kane Memorial Contest: Single Title Contemporary Romance and Short/Long Contemporary Romance.
A lifelong and avid romance reader and writer, she is a member of RWA and her local New Hampshire RWA Chapter.
March 8, 2016
This is the promo portion of the review tour for The Starlight Chronicles by Lisa Orchard
The Starlight Chronicles
GENRE: Young Adult / Coming of Age
Lark Singer is seventeen years old and already on the way to a brilliant music career. But as she and her band, Starlight, gear up for a competition, life seems to be throwing her a few curve balls. The mysteries of her past seem to be unraveling, and she’s no longer certain she wants to know those answers or how knowing about her past will affect her difficult relationship with her mother. And when her best friend, Bean, changes things between them, all her plans for a musical future are placed in jeopardy. How can she balance her complicated personal life to keep her musical goals on track?
Book One ~ Gideon Lee
Original Release Date: Oct 19, 2014
Lark Singer’s relationship with her mother is prickly to say the least. As she enters a musical competition that could launch her career, Lark also searches for answers her mother would rather keep hidden. Throw into the mix the fact her best friend Bean has been acting strangely, and Lark finds herself launched into uncharted territory. Will her quest for answers sabotage her musical aspirations?
Chapter One
I want to be like Gideon Lee. My lips move as I read the title of my essay. They twitch as I stifle a snicker. Looking around the room, I make sure no one has seen my facial tic. My eyes light upon the Presidents’ pictures lined up on the wall. They face me, each with a unique expression, and I wonder what they were thinking while they posed. They are above the clock so my gaze naturally falls on it. It’s almost time for lunch.
I settle back in my seat and my lips twitch again. A feeling of defiant exhilaration washes over me like a tidal wave.
Montgomery’s going to freak when he reads this.
Despite my best efforts, a giggle escapes and the boy in front of me turns around and gives me the evil eye. I return the glare. He is slumped over, and sweat beads on his upper lip. I think this is odd — it’s rather chilly in the room — but dismiss it before I turn back to my essay.
I bet old man Montgomery doesn’t even know who Gideon Lee is. This thought sends another giggle to the surface, but I quickly squash it by biting my lip.
I picture him searching Gideon Lee’s name on the Internet. I see his expression changing from confusion to disgust. I imagine him taking off his black, thick-rimmed glasses and shaking his head. I hear him mutter, “Lark Singer, what are you doing?” He rubs his face. I can actually hear the rough sandpapery sound as his hand finds his day old stubble. He sighs and puts his glasses back on. “What am I going to do with you?”
I remember when Mr. Montgomery first told us about the assignment. We were supposed to write an essay on someone we admire, someone who has contributed to society in some way. I know when he says this he wants us to write about an a historical figure. After all this is history class, but I raised my hand anyway.
“Lark,” he called out as he stood at his lectern.
“Do they have to be dead?”
He cocked his head as he studied me with his piercing blue eyes. Then he ran his hand over his military style crew cut, and I watched as his salt and pepper hair flattened then popped back into place as if each hair was standing at attention. I could tell he wasn’t sure where this was going. “Well… I guess not.” That’s when he froze, as if he realized he had just opened a door for me and he wasn’t going to like what was on the other side. He shifted his weight, and looked down at the floor before he backpedaled. “But they have to have made a positive contribution to society. It can’t be about a mobster or anything like that.” Pursing his lips, he stared at me, fiddling with those glasses. “This is one half of your semester grade, Lark. I wouldn’t pull any funny stuff.”
“Oh, I won’t. Scout’s honor,” I answered sweetly, placing my hand over my heart and giving him the scout salute, while inside I planned my rebellion.
I have him. I’m going to write about Gideon Lee, and there’s nothing he can do about it.
Book Two ~ Lark Singer
Original Release Date: Dec 6, 2014
Lark Singer is seventeen years old and already on the way to a brilliant music career. As she and her band, Starlight, gear-up for an upcoming, life-changing band competition, though, life seems to be throwing her a few curve balls. The mysteries of her past seem to be unraveling, and she’s no longer certain she wants to know those answers, or how knowing about her past will affect her difficult relationship with her mother. And when her best friend, Bean, changes things between them, all her plans for a musical future are placed in jeopardy. How can she balance her unraveling personal life to keep her musical goals on track?
Chapter One
THE GUYS ARE impatiently waiting for me. Bean’s foot jiggles so fast; it appears as if a current of electricity runs through him. We have to be down at Pearl’s by seven.
We’re all geeked about playing on stage, I can tell. Performing at Pearl’s gives us the face time we need for when it’s really going to count. The real event — the competition — is only a few weeks away. I pick up my pace, we have three hours to jam and grab some food before we go on stage.
“Come on, Chickie,” he says, gesturing with his sticks as he settles into position behind his drums.
Rushing forward, I plug in my amp. As I crank out a few chords to warm up, that old energy buzzes through my veins. After a couple of licks, I’m ready and my nimble fingers tingle. I’m wired. I love playing in front of a live audience. “Which one are we jamming on?” I look over at Bean and wait for his answer.
His brow creases as he tries to decide. “This one here.” He holds up the lead sheet and waves it impatiently in the air.
I squint to see it. It’s the one we titled “Secrets.” Pointing to the lead sheet sitting on Stevie’s stand, I get into position. I had taken a few minutes and titled Stevie’s lead sheets for him the other day.
He nods. “Thanks.”
Bean slams his sticks together and counts out. “One… two… three.”
We’re off, filling the garage with musical energy. My body’s rigid, as if every muscle’s flexed and ready for action. Screaming chords fill the air, as my nimble fingers crank on my Gibson. I feel like I’m a live electrical wire, popping and snapping with unrestrained energy.
When we’re done with that song, no one speaks. Instead, Bean holds up another lead sheet and then we’re off again. Tonight’s performance is going to be epic. I can tell just by how we’re coming together. I grin in spite of my intense concentration; my confidence is growing by leaps and bounds. We are so ready for this competition that I can feel it all the way down to my bones.
After the second song, I hold up my hand and say, “Our sound smokes. But don’t you think we should play some of the music we’re going to be performing tonight?”
Bean snorts. “Yeah. Probably.”
We take a few minutes and discuss some of the songs we want to play. We usually crank out tunes that were big hits in the seventies and eighties, a lot of Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Rolling Stones. They’re more mellow than what we’ve been playing, but they’re still good melodies and the crowd at Pearl’s digs that classical sound. Playing this type of music broadens our musicianship, but there’s nothing like cranking out our own songs. After choosing a few of the harder tunes we immediately start jamming.
We’ve chosen “Hotel California” by the Eagles. It’s a dark tune about moving to California and I love the melody. My guitar howls out the chords and I feel that quiver inside as I sing the lyrics. After cranking out three more Eagles’ songs, we change it up for a few Fleetwood Mac and Rolling Stones’ songs. They’re great dance tunes and we know we’ll get people out on the floor with these.
After the last melody, we take a break. The garage seems to hum with the absence of our music. As if it was vibrating at a rapid rate and is slowly winding down because the music stopped. We all take swigs from the water bottles Bean brought out earlier and then sit in the folding chairs by the wall.
“What time is it?” Stevie asks, screwing the cap back on his water bottle.
“Time to get going,” Bean answers after a quick glance at his watch. “My brother should be here any minute to help me get my drum set down to Pearl’s.”
“Cool. I guess I’ll ride down with Francine.” I grimace as I say this and Bean exchanges a look with Stevie.
“I’ve got my parents’ Toyota for the night. You could ride with me,” Stevie offers with grin and a shrug.
“Awesome.” I smile at him as my heart swells with gratitude for my band mates. The truce between Francine and me has been extended, mainly because I’ve been avoiding her and there hasn’t been an opportunity to wage another war. So I welcome any opportunity to keep the avoidance plan going.
A horn sounds off in front of the house. Moving to the garage door opener, I press the button. The Brown Turd sits in the driveway, rumbling and vibrating.
“There’s my ride,” Bean says. “Can I get some help?”
No one talks as we all gather around Bean’s drum set and help him disassemble it. It takes us about fifteen minutes to get everything in the car, but when we’re done, Bean’s satisfied with our work. He gives me a wink and says, “I’ll see you down there, Chickie.” Shifting his focus to Stevie, he says, “Later, dude.” They exchange a quick knuckle bump, and then Bean jumps in the car.
As they pull out of the driveway, Stevie gives me a nudge. “Come on. Let’s get going.”
I follow him back to the garage, where we grab our equipment and stow it in the backseat of his parents’ green sedan. Then we hustle inside and grab our coats. On my way out the door, I glance at my watch and realize we’ll just have enough time to eat before we play. Since we don’t charge for our performance, the owner of Pearl’s gives us our meal on the house. We’re okay with that because we need the face time and the food at Pearl’s is epically awesome.
After we climb into the car, Stevie starts it and pulls away from the curb. “What’re you going to get?” he asks after adjusting his mirror.
I tilt my head and think about it before I answer. “Probably a wet burrito.” I smile and face him. “How about you?”
“That does sound pretty good. I’ll probably get one of those too.”
We share a giddy laugh and then zoom down the road. I love Friday nights at Pearl’s, the relaxed atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff. The owner of the bar, whose actual name is Marge, always welcomes us with a smile. Her grandmother, the original owner, was Pearl.
Marge is a rotund woman with big boobs and an even bigger heart. When I was a young girl, I’d been afraid of her. Afraid that I’d get lost in that big pillowy chest and suffocate.
I snicker every time I think about that now and chalk it up to irrational fears of childhood.
As we pull into the parking lot behind the bar, I turn to Stevie and say. “Hey, did Bean tell you we have a name for the band?”
Stevie shakes his head as he puts the car in park and shuts it off. “Nope. What is it?”
“Starlight.”
Stevie grins and fiddles with his glasses. He repeats the name a couple of times, then turns to me, and says, “I like it.”
I let out a squeal of delight. “I do too.”
Stevie laughs because I’m not the type of girl that squeals. I’m much more levelheaded, but I can’t help it. We have our songs picked out and we have a name for the band. And the fact that we’re getting face time tonight is just frosting on the cake.
“Where’s Bean?” I ask, scanning the parking lot for the Brown Turd.
Stevie frowns. “I don’t know. He should be here by now.”
“Well let’s get the equipment into the bar. Maybe by the time we’re done, he’ll be here.”
“Okay.”
Climbing out of the car, I scrutinize the area again and still no Bean. Disappointed, I sigh and grab my Gibson and my amp, then carry them inside. Stevie’s right behind me with his gear in tow.
We trudge through the back door and find ourselves in a dimly lit hall. It’s narrow and smells of slimy grease and stale cigarettes. I figure this is where Marge’s staff comes when they want to have a smoke.
Traveling down the narrow corridor, we pass a bathroom on the right and the kitchen on the left. Coming from the kitchen is the sound of meat frying on a hot grill, the clatter of dishes, and the barking of orders as the staff hustle around trying to get through the dinner rush.
Inhaling a big whiff, I catch the scent of chipotle and cayenne pepper. Must be a Mexican dish is the special tonight, and my stomach rumbles in anticipation. We skirt the main dining room and enter the bar area. At seven, Marge opens the divider between the two rooms and we’ll start cranking out the tunes.
There’s a small stage at the back and we head in that direction. I flick on the light. It flickers before the room lights up. Booths with cracked upholstery line the walls, and there are tables sporting red plastic tablecloths with candles in the center of them. Surrounding the tables like troops taking a bunker, are chairs with the same type of upholstery as the booths.
Stevie bangs into a table with his Fender and curses under his breath. I make it up on the stage and place my equipment on the left. Stevie likes the right side and Bean sits center stage, about five feet behind Stevie and me. There’s a small platform for him that sits about ten inches higher than the stage. This way Bean isn’t lost behind his drums. Stooping, I arrange my stand and amp so they’re out of the way, but accessible. Stevie does the same thing, and we’re quiet as we work.
After I get everything situated, I glance toward the door and frown. Still no Bean. My stomach flutters. If we don’t have a drummer, we can’t play. I catch Stevie’s eye. “I’m getting nervous.”
Stevie gives me a smile and says, “Chill. He’ll be here. You know Bean, he’s always running late.”
Just as Stevie finishes speaking, Bean rushes in the door. He’s carrying one of his snare drums and his brother’s following behind him carrying his cymbals. I’m so glad to see him that my heart swells in my chest. The overwhelming urge to run up and hug him is so strong, that I have to clench my hands to stop myself. I play it cool and say, “Hey. We were wondering where you were.”
He gives me a wide grin and says, “We had to make a quick stop.” He’s pumped — I can tell by his energetic motions and bright, shiny eyes. “I’ll be right back with the rest of my drums.” He winks at me and then turns to Stevie. “Would you care to help, kind sir?”
Bean and Stevie share a laugh at Bean’s silliness, then leave to carry in the rest of the drums. Brian waves to me and bounds. We are so ready for this competition that I can feel it all the way down to my bones.
After the second song, I hold up my hand and say, “Our sound smokes. But don’t you think we should play some of the music we’re going to be performing tonight?”
Bean snorts. “Yeah. Probably.”
We take a few minutes and discuss some of the songs we want to play. We usually crank out tunes that were big hits in the seventies and eighties, a lot of Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Rolling Stones. They’re more mellow than what we’ve been playing, but they’re still good melodies and the crowd at Pearl’s digs that classical sound. Playing this type of music broadens our musicianship, but there’s nothing like cranking out our own songs. After choosing a few of the harder tunes we immediately start jamming.
We’ve chosen “Hotel California” by the Eagles. It’s a dark tune about moving to California and I love the melody. My guitar howls out the chords and I feel that quiver inside as I sing the lyrics. After cranking out three more Eagles’ songs, we change it up for a few Fleetwood Mac and Rolling Stones’ songs. They’re great dance tunes and we know we’ll get people out on the floor with these.
After the last melody, we take a break. The garage seems to hum with the absence of our music. As if it was vibrating at a rapid rate and is slowly winding down because the music stopped. We all take swigs from the water bottles Bean brought out earlier and then sit in the folding chairs by the wall.
“What time is it?” Stevie asks, screwing the cap back on his water bottle.
“Time to get going,” Bean answers after a quick glance at his watch. “My brother should be here any minute to help me get my drum set down to Pearl’s.”
“Cool. I guess I’ll ride down with Francine.” I grimace as I say this and Bean exchanges a look with Stevie.
“I’ve got my parents’ Toyota for the night. You could ride with me,” Stevie offers with grin and a shrug.
“Awesome.” I smile at him as my heart swells with gratitude for my band mates. The truce between Francine and me has been extended, mainly because I’ve been avoiding her and there hasn’t been an opportunity to wage another war. So I welcome any opportunity to keep the avoidance plan going.
Book Three ~ Starlight
Original Release Date: Feb 17, 2015
Everything is on track for Seventeen-year-old Lark Singer and her band Starlight. They have a great shot at winning the competition that can launch their musical career. But when Lark discovers they will be competing against her old nemesis Duane McIntyre things really heat up. How far will Lark go to win, and what will it cost her in the end?
Chapter One
“AWESOME JAM session!” announces Bean as he twirls his sticks in the air.
“We are so ready!” I exclaim. The competition is just a week away, but I’ve never been so ready for anything in my life. We have the smoking hot tunes. Four of them, and they’re full of positive energy. And we have the smoking hot name. Starlight. I love the way it rolls off my tongue when I say it.
For a brief second, I think about who we’re up against for the competition and Duh-Wayne’s face floats into my consciousness. I shake my head to wash the image away. Nothing is going to ruin this chance for me, not even Duh-Wayne.
The competition. It’s my one chance to get out of this town, to have the musical career of my dreams. The winner gets a paid-in-full opportunity to audition for American Singer and the winner of that gets a recording contract. I can almost feel the contract in my hand.
Turning my attention back to the task at hand, I unplug my guitar. As I put my Gibson back into its case, Bean moves from his perch behind his drum set and squats next to me. “Hey, I’ve got to give Stevie a ride home, but after that would you like to go for a cruise?”
“Yeah.” I give him a smile. “I would.”
“Bean. Come on, I’ve got to get home,” Stevie says in a tone that’s not quite impatient.
I stand. “Just let me put this away,” I say, patting my guitar case. I hustle inside and run my guitar up to my room.
When I return to the garage, I hit the button and then sneak under the door as it makes its descent. Stevie’s standing just outside the passenger door, waiting for me to climb into the car next to Bean before he gets in. He’s thoughtful that way.
I climb in and give Bean a nudge and a grin. He grins back and his eyes have that special twinkle that’s just for me.
Stevie scrambles in and closes the door. “Let’s go.”
Bean backs out of the driveway and heads down the road. The Brown Turd rumbles and backfires as he steps on the gas. I’m surprised Mr. Szasbo hasn’t made an appearance, but then I remember his cat. Ever since I saved his kitten, I haven’t heard a complaint from him. Maybe he has warmed toward me.
It takes us fifteen minutes to reach Stevie’s house. A brick ranch with a long front porch and attached two-stall garage. The house doesn’t seem to match my friend. I expected him to live in some bungalow by the sea. Instead, he’s in small town suburbia and it dawns on me that I don’t even know what his parents do for a living.
“I’ll catch you guys tomorrow,” Stevie says with a wave, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Yeah. Tomorrow,” I say with a quick smile. I can’t wait for him to leave so I can be alone with Bean.
“Later, Dude,” Bean yells before rolling up his window. I snuggle up to him as he steps on the gas and heads toward downtown. “So where do you want to go?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. Let’s go someplace where we can talk.”
He winks at me and says, “I know just the place.”
“Where?”
“You’ll see.” He gives me a mischievous smile that sends my heart racing. I love it when he looks at me like that.
We make small talk while he drives to our destination. I’m shocked when we pull into a cemetery. “What are we doing here?”
“You said you wanted to go someplace to talk.” He snickers. “We definitely won’t get interrupted here.”
“No kidding,” I say as I stare out the window. The grave markers go by and I can’t help but think about the people lying beneath the ground. I wonder what kind of lives they had. As I think about these things, I realize there’s a lot of history in this cemetery.
“So, what did you want to talk about?” Bean asks as he grabs my hand. The familiarity of the rough calluses on
my skin warms my heart. He stops the car and turns the engine off.
“My mom admitted it.”
“Admitted what?” Bean shifts in his seat and slouches against the driver’s door.
I shift and turn toward him. Before I speak, I rub my fingers along the scar above my right eyebrow. It’s my bastard stamp. I got it the day Duh-Wayne called me a bastard and then laughed when I didn’t know what one was. As I recall the horrific fight we had, a shudder runs through me as I tell him. “She admitted that Jared Miller is my father.”
“What?” Bean sits up straight and bumps his head against the window. Rubbing it he says, “When did all this happen?”
“Last night.” I brush a curl away from my face.
Lisa Orchard grew up loving books. She was hooked on books by the fifth grade and even wrote a few of her own. She knew she wanted to be a writer even then. Her first published works are the “Super Spies Series.” These stories revolve around a group of friends who form their own detective squad and the cases they solve. “The Starlight Chronicles,” is the next series that Lisa created with musical misfit, Lark Singer as her main character.
Lisa resides in Michigan with her husband, Steve, and two wonderful boys. Currently, she’s working on the next book in the Starlight Chronicles Series along with a few new ideas that may turn into stand-alone novels. When she’s not writing she enjoys spending time with her family, running, hiking, and reading.
March 7, 2016
This is a release tour for Weave a Murderous Web by Anne Rothman-Hicks & Ken Hicks
WEAVE A MURDEROUS WEB
No good deed goes unpunished. Mark Samuels, a somewhat seedy matrimonial lawyer, is dead from an overdose of suspiciously pure cocaine. Jane Larson, a hotshot litigator for a large law firm in New York City, is sucked into the world of divorce and child support when her friend Francine asks her to help out one of Mark’s clients.
Jane quickly learns that the case is a complete loser and that her new client, Gail, is a demanding and unscrupulous prima donna. However, through some skillful legal work and a tip-off from a mysterious informant, Jane uncovers a safe deposit box where the deadbeat husband has been hiding a large chunk of cash.
She also attracts the attention of a fellow lawyer (Bryan) who is handsome and successful and an excellent protector from the threats to her life that suddenly start popping up with alarming frequency, along with murders of people related to the case—among them the deadbeat dad and an undercover cop.
It soon becomes apparent that Jane's discovery of the cash has only started to unravel a web of lies, drugs, and criminal activity. Ultimately, she is involved in a race to recover a suitcase of money that Jane hopes will help police catch the murderer before she becomes the next victim.
The judge mounted the steps to the bench and sat down quickly as though he had been attending to some urgent business, but couldn’t wait to get out here and sweat with the rest of us. He said hello to the assemblage, received back a muffled chorus of “Good afternoon, Your Honor,” made a joke that nobody heard and everyone laughed at, and shuffled some papers.
He was ready to embark on the business of the day when his face suddenly turned sour and his forehead flushed. He pointed one long bony finger toward the rear.
“Get them out of my courtroom,” he ordered.
One hundred and thirty lawyers’ gazes, including mine, followed his outstretched arm, although my colleagues did not gasp in horror the way I did. Many, no doubt, enjoyed it. There was Gail again, with Courtney in tow, turning this way and that to squeeze through the courtroom door in those cardboard barrel costumes.
The court officer started briskly across the room, unable not to smile at the prospect of confronting my client, whose body strained against the spandex with a fit that was wonderful to behold, especially after she had climbed the stairs and perspiration had made select parts of her costume particularly clingy.
It occurred to me I had not yet entered a formal appearance for this woman and could simply melt into the crowd and make an unobtrusive exit. Ridge would have definitely appreciated the move. Lord knows I would have saved myself an astounding amount of trouble. Even Martha would agree with me on that.
However, having told Francine I was ‘in,’ I would sooner have faced a squad of pit bulls than informed her I was out. So, like a well-trained policeman who runs toward the sound of gunfire, I hopped to my feet and hurried toward the judge.
“May I be heard, Your Honor,” I shouted above the din.
Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks first started writing books together while Anne was a student at Bryn Mawr College and Ken was a student at Haverford College— a long time ago, when, as their children like to say, dinosaurs roamed the earth.
In 1973, they came to New York City while Ken attended law school at Columbia University and Anne worked as an editor in publishing. They have lived here ever since and do not intend to leave voluntarily.
They wrote their first novel together in 1976, hoping that it would be a success and Ken would not have to even start working as a lawyer. Alas, that book is still in on the upper shelf of their closet, but they kept at the writing business. In 1984, they published Theft of the Shroud, a novel, through Banbury books, distributed by Putnam. That same year they also published a series of 10 books based on the most popular names for boys and girls, as well as a book about the stars for children. Following these successes, Ken quit law for two years as he and Anne devoted themselves fulltime to writing and their children. However, children need to eat and be clothed and go to school, and these things all cost money, so Ken resumed the practice of law. Still, they continued to write, and rewrite, and rewrite some more.
Prior to the publication of Weave A Murderous Web, Ken and Anne wrote Praise Her, Praise Diana, (Adult thriller) Melange Books LLC, 2014, Kate and the Kid, (Adult mainstream) Wings ePress 2013, and Things Are Not What They Seem (Tween fantasy) MuseItUp Publishing 2014. Anne and Ken have also self-published two small-format photography books, which are available on the Apple iBookstore – Hearts (no flowers) Signs of Love in the Gritty City and Picture Stones.
This is the second release blast for 6 Kindle World spinoffs books
THE REMINGTONS join the LOVE IN BLOOM series by New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. This 5-book steamy contemporary romance series features alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're flawed, funny, passionate, and very relatable to readers who enjoy new adult romance, contemporary romance, and women's fiction.
18 incredible authors have written spinoff books based on characters from different books in the LOVE IN BLOOM series. These books are all featured through the Kindle World. Enjoy the first installment of these books.
ENJOY the third installment of these books by these incredible authors.
Full of grief and jaded by love, corporate philanthropist Egan MacGuire is given two options by his boss: take a leave of absence or kiss his job goodbye. A road trip with a friend is just the distraction Egan needs to figure out how to get his life back on track.
Celeste St. Angelo left the bright lights and big city for the mountains of North Carolina to open the next phase of her flourishing Angel Therapy business, a healing and wellness center. With the grand opening looming she has no time for distractions, especially love.
When divine timing sparks an unexpected romance, will Egan and Celeste be able to leave their troubled pasts behind and find the courage to have a little faith in love?
Egan looked around, taking in the floor-to-ceiling book cases that lined two adjoining walls. “These are gorgeous. Are you a big reader?” Egan set his duffle bag onto the pull-out sofa which Celeste had already made up. As he lifted his messenger bag over his head, his shirt rode up and Celeste inhaled sharply when she caught a glimpse of his toned stomach, his abs flush and tight beneath the buckle of his jeans.
She quickly turned her face to avoid meeting his gaze. The raw surge of heat went straight to her belly this time, skipping her cheeks entirely. She hadn’t had a reaction like this to a man in a long, long time.
“Voracious,” she whispered.
Egan lifted a brow, amused. “Are we still talking about reading?”
Celeste cleared her throat. “I’d better let you get settled. I’ll see you up on the front porch in a few?”
Celeste didn’t wait for an answer. She hurried upstairs and made her way to the laundry room. Closing the door behind her, she stood there in the dark, her heart racing. She ran her hand up along her chest to her neck, trying to roll away the tension and desire that had seared inside of her during her exchange with Egan. This was not good at all.
“It’s just attraction,” she whispered to herself. “It doesn’t mean a thing.”
But deep in the pit of her stomach, she felt an ache. More like a flutter. Something was awakening that she thought she’d long since tempered. Hope.
Author C.M. Albert enjoys living dangerously on the razor’s edge as both author and editor. She’s had the privilege of copy-editing under her Grammar Babe business for several international bestselling and award-winning authors. Her own writing infuses a healthy blend of humor and romance, and she’s a sucker for a good villain and everlasting love. In her spare time, Colleen and her husband Derek wrangle their two young kids and enjoy spending time outdoors. When not writing, editing, or kid wrangling, Colleen is also a Reiki practitioner, chocolate chip cookie aficionado, kindness ambassador, and seeker of naps.
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Skilled “tiger whisperer” Kennedy Swift is on a mission to get her life on track and escape the people who want to do her harm. Running into Dante Vega isn’t on the plan. When her gaze lands on Dante, the same obsession and longing she experienced in her senior year comes roaring back to life. She simply can’t afford to let him in. End of story.
An unexpected, surprise encounter at a tiger sanctuary in the Bronx leaves mega-superstar musician Dante Vega reeling. Is the woman being charged by the tiger, about to lose her life, the same woman he crushed hard on at his exclusive private Manhattan high school before she vanished?
Each of their lives has been marred by tragedy. Each carries secrets, too dark to reveal. Will their secrets tear them apart? Or will they find the courage to come clean, risking all to find love?
Cameo appearances from Dex Remington, Ellie Parker, Mitch Anziano and Regina Smith, from Game of Love.
“What’s the plan?” Dante’s drummer Gia asked.
“Tag wants us to take control of the stage at intermission. He won’t say a thing. He wants to see how long it is before recognition dawns.”
Keys guffawed. “About the time it takes for Heat here to blow his load while laying between two hotties…two seconds.”
“Fuck off,” Heat said. “They double teamed me.”
“Cool it, you two,” said Dante. “So, it’ll be a short set, but let’s make it count. We’ll start with Wet, ramp up with Hungry and end with Want.”
“Now, there’s an explosive set,” Gia said. “You must need to blow off some steam.”
“You could say that,” Dante said, thinking of Kennedy. The feel of her on top of him…it was far better than he could have imagined. Giving her control was do-able. Stopping himself from claiming her, taking her the way he wanted — now that was pure torture. And when she left the way she did? He shook his head. The entire encounter proved unsatisfactory in the long run, leading to him standing here in SoHo-Mios with his band mates, confused, angry and twitchy as hell.
Calinda B is a bestselling author who crafts erotic short stories and paranormal, sci-fi and contemporary romance novels. An avid adventurer and outdoor enthusiast with a quirky sense of humor, she's always finding ways to torture her characters, and to entertain her long time love, her two cats or her kids and friends. She lives in the breathtaking Pacific Northwest, a place that soothes her soul and gives her plenty of time to write, scuba dive, work, write, bike ride, write, kayak, write and write some more.
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Any of Miles Sharp’s ex-girlfriends would agree that his top priority has always been installing wells in developing countries. After all, he has never met a woman who is more important than his job. So when an attractive and seemingly unprepared botanist is sent to Honduras to help him with a problem, he makes it clear that he works best alone.
Inspiration from her late father gives Kara Mason the courage to leave the safety of her home to chase her dreams. If she wants her non-profit program to succeed, she must rely on Miles’s translating help to convince the ranchers of El Punto the answer to their water issues is planting bamboo.
As their attraction grows, Miles wonders if she is a woman he could put first. But if Kara leaves before he can decide, they’ll have to go back to their solitary lives unless he takes a chance and gives in to love.
She placed her hand on the bull’s forehead and gave it a scratch before leaning down. A sudden twitch of its head caught Kara off balance. With her eyes on the horns, she teetered, and fell into the red sludge. Her chest, arms and legs landed with a splat in the mud. Although surprised, she couldn’t help but laugh.
Snickers joined hers, as Miles’s hands grabbed her and with some effort, lifted her upright. Clay-covered and stiff, she allowed herself to get spun around. His lips pulled into a broad grin as he tugged her close.
“Watch out, I’ll get you dirty,” she murmured.
“Too late. Are you okay?” he asked, ignoring her muddy hands touching his forearms and pulled away to look her over.
Kara’s eyes trailed up to his face and caught there. Instead of answering, she nodded her head in small movements. Every second that passed, she began to notice what it was like having arms wrapped around her and the rise and fall of a strong chest. She’d never felt like she belonged anywhere like she did in his arms.
Natasha Brown’s active imagination has always been a distraction to her. When she was a child, the forest outside her home, and books read in the dark past bedtime taught her that exciting worlds are created with dreams and a voice. Once she started writing, she couldn’t break the habit. By day, Natasha’s an assistant teacher at an elementary school, and by night, she’s a book cover designer. Her weekends are spent writing and spending time with family, unless she’s not busy sleeping and dreaming up her next imaginary world.
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Willow Alders is looking for a new start and leaps at the opportunity to work for an elite marketing agency in New York City. With the pain of Dallas in her rear view mirror she clings to her new motto, “The past is a statement, the future is a question.”
Tate Conway treats women like his racing opponents, one and done, but lately, his conquests have left him looking for more, and seeking solace in the bottom of a beer bottle.
Her first assignment at the agency forces Willow to face her past with the handsome racing devil, Tate. When she accidentally spills her coffee on him, Willow burns a track straight to his heart, can he shift her attention his way or will this be the greatest loss of his life?
“Willow, I’d like you to meet Dex Remington to your left and,” Marcus pointed to a guy wearing funky, steampunk style glasses sitting across from Dex, “Mitch Anziano, both from Thrive Entertainment.”
I nodded. “My pleasure to meet all of you.” I extended my hand to Tate. When he took it with a soft, flirty grip, I wanted to jerk it clear and punch him.
“I’ll just call you coffee girl.” He snickered.
“Well then, I suppose I could call you ass—”
“Willow, can you start the video please?” Marcus inserted before I could claim my own space in the world of sarcasm.
Tate’s cockiness was a challenge and normally, one I’d accept. After all, he was definitely attractive and there was something to be said about his broad shoulders and dark, unruly hair. But, racing was off limits to me. Way beyond addiction, it was a one-way flight straight into hell.
With a creative personality, Abbie St. Claire has always had her nose in a book. Whether one for decorative painting, gourmet cooking or steamy romance.
"Heck, those books all go together in my mind. My imagination can easily picture a painting session that turns steamy and I certainly see trying to prepare a gourmet meal while getting deliciously sidetracked with a partner and finishing that meal for breakfast," St. Claire says with a raised brow and twinkle in her eyes.
An International Best Selling Author, St. Claire focuses her work on writing steamy romance from the "writing nook" in her Houston, Texas kitchen, where she's currently at work on the "5th Avenue Romance Series.
St. Claire has quite a bit in store for 2016 with finishing the 5th Avenue Romance Series, starting a new series, participation in First Glance and The Diamond Club anthologies, and a Kindle Worlds project with Melissa Foster.
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Fabiana Rivas doesn’t have time for love. She’s already got more on her plate than she can handle with the long hours she works as a cooking instructor, caring for her aging mother and autistic son, and dealing with her self-absorbed celebrity chef ex-husband. But when a handsome firefighter flirts with her in the grocery store and then shows up to her cooking class, eager to learn, Fabiana considers that there is always room for dessert.
James Howland is newly divorced and burned out on love. He’s not even sure if he wants to stay in New York City – a place he moved to for his ex-wife’s career, taking him away from his work as a forest firefighter in Oregon. But when he meets a lovely woman at the grocery store and sparks fly, James can’t help but want to stoke the fire.
Fabiana and James discover that together they can turn up the heat without getting burned.
Fabiana felt herself swoon a bit at the thought of this man all sweaty and dirty, sitting on the curb, his gear spread out around him, wolfing down a meal that undoubtedly contained cream of mushroom soup and tater tots. She enjoyed watching people eat with gusto after a hard day’s work.
She took a chance and slipped one of her ancient cards from the little-used pocket on the front of her purse. After quickly inspecting it to make sure she hadn’t used it as scratch paper or written a phone number on it, Fabiana thrust it at the guy. “I run the cooking program over at Tableau. My Beginner’s class starts this Saturday if you’re interested.”
The man grinned from ear to ear and blushed, taking the card from her hand. He looked it over. “Fabiana? What a cool name. I’m James.” He stowed the card in his pants pocket and then offered his hand to her. “Thanks for saving me from further humiliation. I’ll be sure to check out your class. Lord knows I need it.”
Stacey Wallace is a full-time author and mama, and a part-time lunch lady. She writes engaging romances that make her readers snort-laugh, ugly cry, and fall in love with her characters.
Stacey lives in Beaverton, OR, a suburb of Portland, which suits her just fine as she can always find parking.
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Injured during the last game of the season, Jesse Turner won't admit to anybody he's afraid his career is over. After surgery and months of grueling physical therapy, he's anticipating and dreading the opening of training camp. Football has been the one constant he could depend on, and the only thing keeping his mind off his ex-wife.
After earning her Master's degree in education, Emma Worthington relocated to Dallas to teach and leave behind painful memories. What were the odds that out of six and a half million people, she'd run into her ex-husband?
Wed too young, their marriage ended in an annulment before the ink had a chance to dry, and they haven't spoken to each other since. When they reconnect, a tenuous friendship grows, but their special magic won't be denied and their feelings begin to resurface. When the lies from the past that drove them apart are finally exposed, can they find forgiveness or is it too late for a second chance at love?
During the drive back from his parents' place, she'd slumped over, practically landing in his lap. He'd ended up pulling her against his side to keep her from sliding off the seat.
Yeah, right. You just wanted to feel her against you. Touch her.
"Emma, honey, wake up."
"Don't wanna. Sleepy now."
He sighed and stared down at the barely awake but enticingly beautiful blonde. There were two very good reasons he didn't want to grab her in his arms, race upstairs and toss her into his bed. A—because she'd be mortified when she woke up and found herself sprawled out in her ex-husband's bed. And B—he wasn't sure his knee would hold up under the added strain.
With a grimace, he propped her languorously limp body against the seat and slid out, going around to the passenger door.
"Emma, come on, baby. Let's get you to bed."
The sunglasses slid down until they perched on the end of her nose. She opened her eyes, sleepy and yet a brilliant green even in the muted light of the garage. So damned gorgeous.
"What? Bed? Umm hmm, bed sounds good."
USA TODAY Bestselling author Kathy Ivan spent most of her life with her nose between the pages of a book. From best-selling authors to just-getting-started writers, as long as it was a good story, she devoured it and happily searched for the next romance novel. It didn't matter if the book was a paranormal romance, romantic suspense, or action and adventure thrillers, sweet & spicy or sexy novella. As long as there was an alpha hero and a feisty heroine who got their happily ever after, she'd gladly spend her time with a psychic in New Orleans, or a mysterious stranger manipulating the fate of lovers. Kathy turned her obsession with reading into the next logical step, writing. Her books transport you from a paranormal lodge in the Colorado Mountains to the sultry splendor of the French Quarter in New Orleans in her award winning romantic suspense and mysteries. Kathy tells stories people can’t get enough of; reuniting old loves, betrayal of trust, finding kidnapped children, psychics and even a ghost or two. But one thing they all have in common - love (and some pretty steamy sex scenes too).
March 5, 2016
This is a pre-order blitz for The Voices of Angels by Peggy Jaeger
THE VOICES OF ANGELS
book 4 of The MacQuire Women series
Author: Peggy Jaeger
Official genre of book: Contemporary romance
Love is the last thing Carly Lennox is looking for when she sets out on her new book tour. The independent, widowed author is content with a life spent writing and in raising her daughter. When newscaster Mike Woodard suggests they work on a television magazine profile based on her book, Carly’s thrilled, but guarded. His obvious desire to turn their relationship into something other than just a working one is more than she bargained for.
Mike Woodard is ambitious, and not only in his chosen profession. He wants Carly, maybe more than he’s ever wanted anything or anyone else. As he tells her, he’s a patient man. But the more they’re together, Mike realizes it isn’t simply desire beating within him. Carly Lennox is the missing piece in his life. Getting her to accept it-and him-may just be the toughest assignment he’s ever taken on.
“Now for a check on the weather. Carl?”
When the monitor light changed colors, Mike turned back to her. “Well done.”
“Thanks for being so patient. I almost lost it for a second there.”
Her beautiful mouth quirked at the corners, and his own went drought-desert dry. He swallowed and ran his suddenly sandpapered tongue across his lips.
“You know, I read parts of your book last night as prep,” he said as she stood, noticing how long and shapely her legs were under her short green skirt. “I was taken with the stories and the details in it.”
“Thanks.” She glanced down at her wristwatch and then offered her hand. The shockwave electrifying through his body at her touch staggered him. A bolt of lightning, hot, fast, and bright surged straight to his core.
What seemed like confusion clouded her eyes as she looked at him. “I-I have to go. I’ve got to be across town by nine. God only knows what the traffic’s like. Thanks again for plugging my book. Tell Sharon I’ll call her soon. Bye. And thanks, again.”
Mike watched her bolt through the studio doors and was only brought out of his musings by the director calling him back to the news desk.
For the rest of the broadcast he was distracted by thoughts of her, resulting in him flubbing some of his lines and intro’s, something he rarely-if ever-did. How compassionate and warm her face had been as she’d told her touching story; the subtle fragrance of roses surrounding her; the deep coppery sheen of her hair as the hot, bright studio lights intensified its color.
By the end of the program he vowed he’d find a way to see her again.
Interested in meeting Peggy and picking her brain about her books?
Well, you're in luck...this incredible author will be doing signings at the following locations.
Peggy Jaeger is a contemporary romance author who writes about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can't live without them.
Her current titles, available now, include SKATER'S WALTZ and THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME, and FIRST IMPRESSIONS books 1, 2 and 3 in her 6-book The MacQuire Women Series, published by The Wild Rose Press.
Tying into her love of families, her children's book, THE KINDNESS TALES, was illustrated by her artist mother-in-law.
Peggy holds a master's degree in Nursing Administration and first found publication with several articles she authored on Alzheimer's Disease during her time running an Alzheimer's in-patient care unit during the 1990s.
In 2013, she placed first in two categories in the Dixie Kane Memorial Contest: Single Title Contemporary Romance and Short/Long Contemporary Romance.
A lifelong and avid romance reader and writer, she is a member of RWA and her local New Hampshire RWA Chapter.
March 4, 2016
This is the second release blast for 6 Kindle World spinoffs books
THE REMINGTONS join the LOVE IN BLOOM series by New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. This 5-book steamy contemporary romance series features alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're flawed, funny, passionate, and very relatable to readers who enjoy new adult romance, contemporary romance, and women's fiction.
18 incredible authors have written spinoff books based on characters from different books in the LOVE IN BLOOM series. These books are all featured through the Kindle World. Enjoy the first installment of these books.
ENJOY the second installment of these books by these incredible authors.
“No Beatrice, I don’t love you.”
For ten years those words echoed in the mind of professional organizer Beatrice Sanders. She buried her painful past beneath a life of order, control, and solitude.
William Connors passes the days by losing himself in woodworking and farming in his family owned apple orchard. He’s haunted by the moment he chose a woman who made sense for the farm, but not for himself, just like his father had.
Five years after William’s divorce, he makes a decision he hopes will change his life, and seeks out Beatrice, the only woman he ever loved--and the one he betrayed. William hopes to plant a seed of forgiveness in her heart, but does time really heal all wounds?
“How…how is he?”
Jodi chewed on her lower lip for a moment.
“You know I don’t like going down this road, it never ends well.”
Beatrice rolled her eyes.
“And I like going down the road of having my best friend trying to set me up with every guy with a pulse?”
“Point taken, but remember when you feel the urge to start collecting more useless hobbies after I tell you how he is, I didn’t start it.”
“Jodi, I’m a big girl.”
“He’s fine, and no he hasn’t asked about you, William has moved on and so should you.”
“But he is divorced, right?”
Jodi balled up her napkin and nodded.
“For two years, but I think he’s seeing someone now.”
“Are they serious?”
“Sure, maybe, I don’t know, I teach him martial arts and we don’t discuss his love life.”
Another buzz from Beatrice’s vibrates the table.
“Why can’t your hobby be settling down?”
Swiping the surface of her phone to silence the alarm and putting it in her pocket, Beatrice signaled the waiter for the check.
“Not everyone gets it right the first time. You and Trent are clearly a match, but don’t mistake your luck in finding the right one as expertise in romance.”
Bestselling author Christine Cunningham loves stories and loves to share stories with her audience. She’s a cat lover and tea enthusiast who infuses her own experiences and adventures in her books. Several of her books have earned five star ratings because she works to write a book that will give you a thrill, tease your heart strings, and make you cheer for the hero to win.
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Nothing is sweeter than love.
Willa Stowe left her small town for the bright lights of New York to follow in the footsteps of her literary idol, Kurt Remington.
She didn't expect that her great apartment was actually a Craigslist scam or that she'd be broke in a new city.
With nowhere else to go, she buys a jar of jam at the Brooklyn Flea and relays her story to the lady behind the booth who hires her on the spot. Her first job? Deliver jam to the most eligible bachelor in Brooklyn and the owner of the FO winery, Justin Foster.
Justin spent his years since graduating from college, focusing on building his winery and proving to his blue blood parents that he could build something on his own.
He didn't expect the wide-eyed Midwestern girl to walk into his winery, or to fall head over heels for her.
But when a trip to Justin's parent's family vineyard brings some unexpected guests from his past, Willa and Justin have to find out if this urban businessman and aspiring author can find some kind of love.
"Are you trying to tell me I should give you some inspiration?" I stepped closer, not wanting to do anything she didn't want me to, but the more she licked her lips, the more I wanted to taste them.
"What have you got for me?" she whispered, looking up at me with those bright hazel eyes dancing.
I ran my fingers along her jawline, her body shivering as I stepped closer. "I think maybe you should look into writing romance."
Without thinking any further, I leaned in and pressed my lips to hers. She gasped, her mouth opening to mine. She had the sweetest lips and an even more intoxicating taste. Her tongue found mine and my body pulsed as she wrapped her arms around my neck, moving closer to me.
I put my hands on her hips, feeling the curves of her body under my fingertips. I wanted to push her up against the wall and take her right there against all the barrels. When she moaned and bit my lip, I gripped onto the thin fabric of her dress, trying to hold myself back from doing just that.
Magan Vernon has been living off of reader tears since she wrote her first short story in 2004. She now spends her time killing off fictional characters, pretending to plot while she really just watches Netflix, and she tries to do this all while her two young children run amok around her Texas ranch.
Website ✯ Twitter ✯ Amazon ✯ Facebook ✯ Goodreads ✯ Newsletter ✯ Street Team ✯ Vernon's Verses ✯ Magan's Books
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When the planes crashed into the World Trade Center on 9/11, Brock Westhaven didn’t just lose his dad, he lost his future. Now the project manager for Aspen Construction, Brock had two goals—to rebuild the family business, and get his still-grieving mother out of her less than desirable circumstances. His plan was simple until Charlotte Cruise appeared.
Charlotte Cruise lost everything to corporate greed. Despite a deathbed promise to her cancer-stricken mother, Charlie wasn’t a real activist. So when the construction company responsible for her mother’s death showed up with yet another potentially lethal project, Charlie chained herself to the front door to stop their progress. She wasn’t expecting the project manager to be tall, dark and unforgettable.
Two lives pushed together by fate and torn apart by circumstances. Can they beat the odds and give into their desires, or will their stubborn dispositions get in the way of true love?
She had a voice as sweet as maple syrup and a body that sizzled with sin. My curiosity was sparked. “I just moved here from New York City.” I gave a cursory look over the menu. “Some silver-haired lady told me to come here and order the chicken and taters. She said to tell Charlie that she sent me. Is he around?” I peeked past Charlotte into the cutout window of the kitchen, but I didn’t see anyone.
“You’re looking at her.” She leaned forward and into my personal space. “Charlotte … remember? Charlie for short.” She placed a napkin and silverware in front of me.
“You’re hard to forget.” And she was. She was quirky and strange, but I found that a refreshing change to the girls I met in New York. They were brand names and fine dining, whereas Charlie gave me the impression she was the salt of the earth.
“Oh, you won’t forget me.”
Kelly Collins writes with the intention of keeping the love alive.
Always a romantic, she is inspired by real time events mixed with a dose of fiction. She encourages her readers to reach the happily ever after and bask in the afterglow of the perfectly imperfect love.
Kelly lives in Colorado with her husband of twenty-five years. She loves hockey, shiny objects, and has a passion for lemon drop martinis.
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Diem Keegan's cupcake bakery is working the wedding of what's proving to be bridzilla of the year, fashion model Lili Crew. After a particular trying meeting with the bride-to-be, Diem uncharacteristically complains about her client while drinking at a bar in the hotel where the wedding his being held. Just when Diem thinks the wedding can't get more stressful, she realizes the bartender was none other that the owner of the hotel, Sterling Crew, Lili's brother. Will this be a disaster, or a recipe for love?
Lili gave me an entire thirty minutes of her time. By the time she’d tasted, and rejected every sample of cake I’d brought, my legs were asleep, and I could barely get off the floor.
“This has no flavor.” She threw it back in the box.
“This is delicious, but I can’t have red cake for my wedding. Can you make it with white cake?” It was red velvet cake.
When I suggested it was red velvet, but I could make the frosting very white, and thick liners, she threw the sample across the hallway. I took a deep breath.
It was no wonder her brother didn’t have the hotel wedding staff planning her wedding. He needed to keep them. They’d have quit after the first week of planning. She’d been pleasant for the first ten minutes when we sat down, even asked me how things had been going since high school, so I thought maybe Siena had gotten through to her.
“Was that Siena Remington I saw you with?” Yes, it took me that long to get up the nerve to ask her.
Absentmindedly, she responded, “Uh, huh. I’ll be right back.” She stood and dashed down the hallway.
USA Today Bestselling author, Jamie Lee Scott, loves killing people. I mean writing a good mystery, or a good romance. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two dogs, two cats, and three horses on a small farm. When she's not writing novels she's writing screenplays and making indie films, or competing at barrel races.
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Harboring secrets has jeopardized Bree Winthrop's spot on the US Ski Team. She's lost her focus and drive to win. Her only hope to remain on the team is Riley "Ry" Guyette—the one man she doesn't trust. Bree must let go of the past if she wants to keep her dreams alive.
Ry knows what it's like to crash and burn after a ski accident sidelined him from competition two years ago. But his coach wants Ry to help a teammate regain her focus and competitive edge. Too bad he hasn't spoken to Bree in six years—six very long years.
Bree and Ry face a mountain of struggles. Will they be able to learn that forgiveness isn't the steepest slope they must conquer?
“I’ll make my final decision when I see how the cookies turn out.”
“You won’t be disappointed.”
Her gaze met his.
Awareness passed between them, strong and undeniable. The connection felt real, almost electric, and pulled him in.
She tilted her head, exposing her neck. All he could think about was leaving a trail of kisses from her collar to her lips.
Moisture filled Ry’s mouth. His pulse accelerated. The temperature in the condo rose twenty degrees. He took a step toward her, wanting to get closer, then stopped.
Uh-oh.
He moved back, went around the breakfast bar, and gathered the ingredients in the kitchen. Her scent—something citrusy—hung in the air. Every nerve ending seemed conscious of Bree, the rise and fall of her chest with each breath, her adjusting the ice pack against her hip.
Yes, she was pretty. Hot, actually.
But her appearance shouldn’t matter.
He was used to being around gorgeous models—holding them, touching them, kissing them. All for the camera.
But this sudden connection with Bree?
The low ache might be familiar, but the longing in his chest wasn’t.
USA Today bestselling author, Melissa McClone has published over thirty novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group and been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three school-aged children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds and cats who think they rule the house.
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Six years of traveling for her television series has left host Kiley Nelson longing for a place to call her own. Spending a weekend at her girlfriend’s beach house is the perfect reprieve, especially when she purchases property to finally settle down. But her peaceful escape is shaken when she smashes into a car containing the sinfully sexy and infuriated passenger, Jeff Hammond, who immediately melts her heart.
Jeff, staying at his friend’s Montauk home to relax after a trying week of building a home for a spoiled diva, doesn’t count on sharing his weekend with the flaky, yet incredibly sexy, Kiley. He agrees to build her house, despite the tug on his heart as Kiley turns him on in every delicious way.
Passionate weekends and shared dreams begin to shape the house they start to build together. As their relationship deepens, so do the wounds from past hurts, rousing ghosts from Jeff’s traumatic past. When a summer storm rolls in at the nearly complete house, they’re forced to deal with the past before it shakes and cracks the very foundation they’ve built.
As they swam out again to wait for the next one, they turned toward one another. Jeff pulled her to him, and she wrapped her legs around his waist without thinking that it was a pretty intimate position to be in with a man she’d only met a few hours earlier.
His strong arms encircled her back, and he drew her closer until their lips met. Kiley thought of nothing else but the taste of salt on his mouth. They both opened their lips at the same time, and tongues entwined as the water swirled around them. Only when the next wave hit and pulled them both under did they pull apart.
“I didn’t expect that,” she sputtered when she surfaced. “That was some kiss.”
Jeff grinned. “Didn’t you like it?”
“I loved it, but I don’t even know you. Don’t you think it’s kind of sudden?”
“You mean, you need to find out if I’m a mass murderer or something?”
She splashed water on him and then dove under, swimming closer to shore. When she came up for air, he was right next to her.
Bestselling author, P.C. Zick describes herself as a storyteller no matter what she writes. And she writes in a variety of genres, including romance, contemporary fiction, and nonfiction. She's won various awards for her essays, columns, editorials, articles, and fiction.
Many of her novels contain stories of Florida and its people and environment, which she credits as giving her a rich base for her storytelling. "Florida's quirky and abundant wildlife - both human and animal - supply my fiction with tales almost too weird to be believable." Her Behind the Love trilogy - contemporary romance - is also set in Florida, but she's now working on a series set in the Smoky Mountains.
Her fiction contains the elements most dear to her heart, ranging from love to the environment. All of her novels contain elements of romance with strong female characters and descriptive settings. She believes in living lightly upon this earth with love, laughter, and passion, and through her fiction she imparts this philosophy in an entertaining manner with an obvious love for her characters, plot, and themes.
