Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 240
January 30, 2021
Blog Tour: THE LIGHT CATCHER MURDERS by Jo Cassie McRae
The Light Catcher MurdersKate Atherton Mysteries Book 1by Jo Cassie McRaeGenre: Cozy Mystery
Kate Atherton’s idyllic retirement is going well…if you don’t count the two murders, the mysterious drone, and her photographer friend who manages to poke a hornet’s nest of criminal activity, that is.
Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, the cozy town of Wheaton Creek seemed to Kate Atherton an idyllic place to escape the world’s harsh realities. And then there was the first murder.
Kate once enjoyed a long, successful career with a specialized, highly secret federal intelligence agency. Crises in both her personal and professional life drove her to early retirement and, ultimately, to Wheaton Creek, the perfect place for her and her former-military husband to escape what had come to feel like a world made up of wars, hatred, fear, and untimely death. And, at first, the escape was all Kate had hoped for. Then murder came to Wheaton Creek—a crime that a corrupt county sheriff seems determined to pin on Kate’s photographer friend, Lucy Celek.
Lucy’s work has been chosen to appear at a prestigious photography festival, a festival that could take her from amateur to professional standing. All goes well until the gallery displaying her work is broken into, and one of Lucy’s photographs is vandalized. A week later, the man Lucy suspected of destroying her photograph—a fellow photographer who was angry that his own work was not chosen by the festival committee—is murdered. Faced with a sheriff who shows little interest in expanding his list of suspects beyond Lucy, Kate feels she must dust off her puzzle-solving skills to find the real killer. Murder is just the beginning, though, as Kate’s amateur sleuthing begins to reveal a tangled web of crimes that go beyond anything she could have imagined.
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Jo Cassie McRae is a native Texan who has lived near Austin on the edge of the Texas Hill country for over 30 years. In addition to writing, McRae loves to read, garden, and cook. Like Kate Atherton (The Light Catcher Murders), McRae's bookshelves overflow with history books, biographies, historical fiction, and mystery novels. Unlike Kate, McRae does not have a mysterious, secret former career, having worked instead as a rather ordinary legal assistant at an Austin law firm.Website* Facebook* Twitter * Bookbub* Amazon* Goodreads
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Book Blitz: LET THERE BE DRAGONS by Janet Post
Dark Fantasy
Published: October 2020
Publisher: Tell-Tale Publishing
In a post-apocalyptic world, dragons, elves, vampires and demons war for control of Earth. A girl with powerful Gifts is the only hope the world has to destroy Slygon, a demon from the Pit come to rule all.
With the aid of a half-orc, his friends and a fairy, Annabelle tames dragons and rides to fight Slygon on his home territory. On a mission to rescue her sister from Slygon’s power, Annabelle will stop at nothing. When everyone around her is saying it’s time to quit, Annabelle is just getting started.
Excerpt
Chapter Three
Jackal
“We be getting mighty close the city, Jackal,” Slag said.
I glanced at my green friend sitting astride the Belgium draft mare he’d named Bunny even though she was mean as a snake. Slag was three-quarters orc. Slag’s mother had been a halfling, his father an orc who raped her when she was hunting. Slag had been given to the same wet nurse taking care of me. We were raised together along with Chub, our third companion, another half-orc.
Slag’s frown emphasized the pointed ivory tusks that rose at the corner of his mouth from his bottom jaw to above his upper lip and nearly to his flat nose. At seven feet of solid muscle Slag weighed in at three-hundred pounds, and was two inches taller than me, and twenty-five pounds heavier. When I noticed the sun shining off the top of Slag’s head I grinned. Slag kept his head shaved to show off what he thought were his best features, a broad forehead and small, slightly pointed ears, each pierced with three golden rings.
“Aye, the city be close” I said as I glanced around us. “The big lake be over that hill. The walls of New Orleans be about a league to the south of us.”
“This be dangerous ground,” Chub said. “It’s getting’ late and I’m terrible hungry. Let’s stop and cook up some of that shoat we bagged this morning.”
I laughed. Chub was always hungry, a huge halfling who besides food, loved me, Slag and no other being in the universe, except perhaps the draft mule he rode. The mule was always hungry too. Chub shared other qualities with his mount, such as strength, tirelessness, and a foul temper. A dangerous combination. But then all of us are dangerous.
“I’m good with that,” I said. “You two set up camp. I’m gonna ride up to the top of that hill and get a look see.”
I spurred Thor, a black Friesian with feathered feet and too much mane. The big horse was a gift from my mother, the elf queen, Ashera. It was the only thing besides my light skin, pointed ears, and thick brown hair she’d ever given me. That, and she’d carried me to term and not killed me at birth, which was the custom, because I was the result of an orc rape. Instead of killing me, she sent me to the village of Wildwhisper. She’d never raise a half-orc babe herself. Elves were all racists. They believed in the purity of the elf race and any mixing of blood was considered an abomination. I was glad she’d sent me to Wildwhisper. Life in the village suited me down to the ground. I’d learned to forge and use the weapons I made.
My two warrior friends and I were raised in the same small village outside the elves’ mountain fortress in what used to be Arkansas. It was also near Edenvale, a hidden sanctuary populated with humans who didn’t care to be serfs to the Magics or live within walls. The people of Wildwhisper maintained themselves by hunting in the forest, tanning hides, and forging weapons. They mined ore and coal in the mountains and found old steel and metal in abandoned cities to melt in forges fueled by the coal. Their swords were highly-valued, the metal folded and then sharpened to perfection and modeled after the Japanese blade, the katana. They also forged enormous axes to be used as weapons and smaller ones for cutting down trees. If it could be made of metal, it was forged in Wildwhisper. I always carried a satchel full of weapons to use in trade if we needed food or lodging, and sometimes I sold them for the most common form of money, silver coins.
As I galloped Thor to the top of the hill, reveling in the strength and immense power of the horse beneath me, I surveyed the landscape. Below stretched the big lake and the wall built around the city of New Orleans. The city center was too far to see clearly, just the spire of a great church, and the remains of tall buildings now crumbling ruins. Inside the wall, small farms were green with summer’s bounty.
I squeezed Thor’s sides sending him charging into a valley and up another hill. At the top, I spotted a group of orcs camped in the bottom of the next valley inside a copse of oak saplings. Smoke from their cook fire rose between the leafy boughs. I couldn’t see all of them, but the usual orc raiding party was ten or twelve. Seven were visible, tending to the huge boars they rode. The hogs grunted and snorted from their position tied to trot lines. I was close enough hear the restless animals.
This was good news to me. Finding a raiding party before it found you was always good news. Then I spotted the girl. She looked about ten and was tied face down across the back of a hog. One of the orcs dragged her off the massive pig and tossed her to his fellow who laughed and ripped off her clothes.
I felt my animal nature rising. Anger at the terrible treatment of the child, for the girl was no more than that, warred with my inner voice cautioning me to take care. I wanted nothing more than to tear down the hill and fight all of them.
I whirled Thor around on his hind feet and galloped back to camp. It was almost dark. Slag and Chub would appreciate the chance to kill some orcs.
I pulled the big Friesian to a sliding stop at the edge of the camp. Slag grabbed my reins. “I see that light in yer eye.” Slag grinned. “Ye found us a bit of work, didn’t ye?”
“Orcs have a girl. We gotta go now. Setting up camp can wait. Mount [JP1] up and let’s ride.”
Slag and Chub leapt on their mounts[JP2] . Chub still had his long bow slung over his shoulder, a quiver full of arrows and his axe in a holster attached to his leather body armor. Slag favored a broad sword, a crossbow with bolts tipped with rattlesnake venom, and a spear. I still had my katana and sheath hooked to the back of my armor. Armed to the teeth, we thundered down the trail, knowing the girl might soon be dead, or worse. A ten-year old was a woman to orcs.
We stopped at the top of the hill overlooking the orc encampment. The sun had set, and a huge moon slowly rose over the trees behind them. The ghostly-blue light illuminated the troop of orcs gathered in a raiding party. We sat still and silent, impatient as we watched the orcs move out. When the orcs crested the far hill and headed toward the city, I dismounted, left Thor ground-tied, and slunk down the hill staying in the cover of shrubs and underbrush. Chub stayed with the horses, but Slag followed.
The fire I’d seen earlier was extinguished, but the orcs obviously planned to return to this camp. Two huge, ugly, green monsters squatted close to the girl. They weren’t touching her, just sitting there watching. Two hogs wandered around behind them, saddled and ready to go, but eating acorns and snuffling in the leaves beneath the trees.
I waved, sending Slag off to the left, while I went right. The hogs scented us and squealed an alarm. The two orcs jumped to their feet. One held a massive hammer, the other a multi-bladed mace, crude but effective. A brace of spears leaned against one of the trees. The hogs came close to inspect me and I shooed them away. One charged, its tusks gleaming blue in the moonlight. I held my katana high over my head in a two-handed grip as I waited for the hog, then I stepped aside and sliced its head off with my razor-sharp blade. The head rolled, foam dripping from its gaping maw as blood gushed from the body. The other hog squealed and ran away.
Alerted, the two orcs raced around in circles searching for us. Slag stepped up behind them and put two poison bolts into the biggest one while I slashed the other diagonally across its body from neck to thigh, opening its belly. Guts and blood poured onto the ground as the stunned orc took a minute to figure out, he was dead, then toppled over.
Smiling, I do love a good fight, I wiped my blade on the grass to clean it. “Get the girl.”
Slag moaned. “Really? Like we ain’t got enough problems?”
“If we leave her here, the orcs will find her and their two dead friends and come looking for us after they kill her.”
“Happen, they’ll come for us, no matter.”
“Not if we catch them first.”
Slag lifted one bushy eyebrow.
“We have to go after them. They’re headed for the city.”
“When did you become a lover of the Magics?”
“It’s not the Magics I care about. The regular folk die too, and they don’t deserve it.”
Slag sighed. “Let’s be off then. Chub’s missing his dinner and that will put him in a right bad mood.”
We found the girl curled into a ball under a rough blanket made of sacking. I pulled the sacking off her face. She was red headed, with pale skin and bright blue eyes. She pounced on me, clawing at my eyes. “Whoa, there filly.” I pulled her off my head. “I ain’t an orc.”
“You are!” she screamed. “You might not be green, but you look just like them.”
“I know I ain’t pretty, but it’s not kind of you to remind me. I might be half orc, but I always thought I was better looking than orcs.” I held her out in front of me and noticed she was younger than I’d thought, and feistier. “We just killed your captors and we plan to get the rest.” She kicked and scratched at my leather wrist guards, tried to bite me, and shrieked bloody murder.
“I can always give you back, if you’d druther.”
She stopped shrieking. “Put me down.”
“Are you gonna run?”
“Duh.”
“Where to?”
“Away from you, that’s for certain.”
Slag stepped forward in all his hugeness and laughed. “Jackal be your onliest chance of surviving, missy. I’d stick with him if I was you, for a kinder heart in a bigger ass you’ll never find.”
About The Author
Janet Post is a self-described military brat from Hawaii. She worked as a reporter for years before retiring to write books. Horses and dogs are her passion along with writing adventure and fantasy for young adults. She currently lives in the swamplands of Florida.
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January 29, 2021
Blog Tour: JOURNEY TO ZENTOBIA by Stacy D'Alessandro
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Stacy D'Alessandro will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
A fast-paced fantasy/adventure that you won't want to put down! Discover exciting twists and turns around every corner in this new children's book.
When the Miller family moves to the small town of Hailsville, ten-year-old Maggie and her thirteen-year-old brother discover their neighbor comes from a magical world, Zentobia. After the amateur detectives try to help him get home, they're swept through a rainbow portal and end up in his world on their own.
In Zentobia, Maggie and Peter embark on an action-packed fantasy adventure where they encounter orange rain, cascade down floating water falls, and chat with talking animals. Before long, they learn danger lurks in Zentobia, where all magic has been banished. Maggie is captured by an evil leader who wants to bring back dark magic. Help is on the way from Peter and their dad, who team up with Zentobia's good leader. But once they reach Maggie, more trouble emerges.
Join Maggie and Peter as they navigate magical underground tunnels, use flying shoes to travel across the world, and race to save Zentobia from the return of dark magic. Will they make it in time to stop the world's last gold star from turning black, or will trouble find them first?
Read an Excerpt
“Not so fast. Finding the entrance to the tunnels will take time. When my father built them, he cast a shifting spell that made the entrance disappear and move to a new spot every couple of days. We’ll have to send out the squirrels to find the entrance. Once they find it, we can go.”
Griffen clenched his fists and put them on his hips. “Okay, then deploy the squirrels. Send out the cats, the birds, the monkeys, and the rabbits if you have to. Send out every animal on this side of the world to find that entrance. Wait...did you say spell? Like a magic spell?”
“Yes, a magic spell.” She walked over to the phone and lifted the receiver.
He addressed Mr. Walric. “You didn’t mention there’s magic here. Is this for real?”
“When Minka’s father ruled Zentobia, magic had a large role in this world. But it was banished after he had a deadly falling-out with Cyrus’s father. Minka is the only one permitted to practice, and only if there is a threat.”
“What happ—?”
The bang from the phone receiver demanded their attention.
“It’s done,” Minka said. “The squirrels are heading out now to find the tunnel entrance. If all goes well, we should be on our way to the north by nightfall. Once you set foot in the tunnels, you move twice as fast as you would above ground without ever realizing it.”
“More magic?” Griffen asked.
Minka smiled. “Yes.”
About the Author:Routine trips to Disneyland with her daughter played a role in Stacy's passion for storytelling.
Her daughter inspired the idea for Journey to Zentobia on a road trip home from one of their visits to the happiest place on Earth. They would pass a piece of paper back and forth in the car and each write part of a story. Her daughter's idea for a brother and sister to transport back in time through a rainbow portal stuck with Stacy for almost two years before she sat in front of the computer and began to write Journey to Zentobia.
Though she changed her daughter's original idea of the main characters going back in time to ending up in another world, the credit still goes to her innovative, young mind.
When she wasn’t working on this children's book, she wrote freelance stories for the Las Vegas Review-Journal Real Estate Section. Prior to that, she worked in the public relations industry in Las Vegas for more than 25 years. And when duty calls, she volunteers for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Zentobia-Stacy-DAlessandro/dp/0578781719/
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/journey-to-zentobia-stacy-dalessandro/1138077086?ean=9780578781716
Website: http://www.journeytozentobia.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zentobia
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Book Blitz: BILLIONAIRE UNWED by J.S. Scott
The Billionaire's Obsession
Romance
Date Published: January 2021
Publisher: Golden Unicorn Enterprises
You met Lia and Zeke in Billionaire Unloved, Jett and Ruby's book. Now you can find out what happened to them. Did Lia really end up marrying the wrong guy?
Although this story is part of The Billionaire's Obsession series, it can be easily be enjoyed as a standalone friends to lovers billionaire romance.
Lia:
I thought I had my life all worked out. My wedding had been meticulously planned. All I had to do was walk down the aisle and get married to the man I'd been engaged to for over a year.
Pretty easy and uncomplicated, right?
Unfortunately, all of my well laid plans go up in smoke when my fiancé leaves me at the church alone because he found a woman who was better suited for his snobby world of wealth and privilege.
After realizing what kind of man my intended groom really was, it was hard not to be more relieved that I'd dodged a bullet than I was heartbroken. Problem is, I still need to get married. All of my hopes and dreams are dependent on me tying the knot by my twenty-eighth birthday, and that date is closing in fast. Way too quickly for me to fall in love all over again.
As usual, my best friend Zeke Conner is there to pick up the pieces after I'm left at the altar by a jerk. He helps me work through the demoralizing event so I can put it behind me and move on. I'm stunned when he offers to marry me himself, but it's a bargain I can't really refuse.
As my relationship starts to change with my best friend, I find myself caught in a web of sensual desire and unending passion that's as terrifying as it is satisfying. Probably because it seems all too real.
Our arrangement was supposed to be temporary. A deal between friends that Zeke swore would benefit both of us, but as our marriage starts to feel like so much more than just a charade for me, what will happen when it all ends?
This book was originally published under the title “Temporary Groom” as a part of the now-discontinued Left at The Altar Series. It’s been completely re-written with added chapters and material, and retitled Billionaire Unwed as part of The Billionaire’s Obsession series.
All Books in the The Billionaire's Obsession Series
The Billionaire's Obsession ~ Simon
Heart Of The Billionaire ~ Sam
The Billionaire's Salvation ~ Max
The Billionaire's Game ~ Kade
Billionaire Undone ~ Travis
Billionaire Unmasked ~ Jason
Billionaire Untamed ~ Tate
Billionaire Unbound ~ Chloe
Billionaire Undaunted ~ Zane
Billionaire Unknown ~ Blake
Billionaire Unveiled ~ Marcus
Billionaire Unloved ~ Jett
Billionaire Unchallenged ~ Carter
Billionaire Unattainable ~ Mason
Billionaire Undercover ~ Hudson
Billionaire Unwed ~ Zeke
Billionaire Unexpected ~ Jax - (coming March 2021)
About The Author
J.S. "Jan" Scott is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of steamy romance. She's an avid reader of all types of books and literature. Writing what she loves to read, J.S. Scott writes both contemporary steamy romance stories and paranormal romance. They almost always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she just can't seem to write them any other way! She lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two very spoiled German Shepherds.
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January 28, 2021
Book Blitz: ROSE by Judith Keim
The Desert Sage Inn Series, Book 1
Romantic Women's Fiction
Release Date: January 28, 2021
Publisher: Wild Quail Publishing
Three talented women brought together by a man’s love…
When Rose Macklin is asked to help Alec Thurston, the one man she’s ever truly loved, by coming to Palm Desert, California, she doesn’t hesitate. He’s dying of cancer and needs her help in overseeing the sale of his hotel, The Desert Sage Inn, to another hotel group. With her marketing skill and as the owner of a very successful blog, she’s his perfect choice to make the sale a smooth transition while maintaining the reputation of the upscale property. She arrives to find two other women summoned to help Alec. Lily Weaver was once Alec’s assistant, and Willow Sanchez was like a daughter to him. They join forces to help him, lovingly accepting his nickname for them—the Desert Flowers, similar to the well-known Charlie’s Angels.
When Rose is assigned to work alongside Hank Bowers, an independent consultant to the hotel company’s team, she shudders at his reputation as an outgoing guy who always uses sports analogies and is certain they won’t get along. But Alec counsels her to give Hank a chance and, later, as they work together as a team, Rose is left to wonder if falling for one another is part of Alec’s secret plan even if one of Hank’s grown daughters fights the idea.
A series for those who love stories about strong women facing challenges and finding love and happiness along the way.
About The Author
Judith Keim enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Winston and Wally, and other members of her family. While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.
A hybrid author who both has a publisher and self-publishes, Ms. Keim writes heart-warming novels about women who face unexpected challenges, meet them with strength, and find love and happiness along the way. Her best-selling books are based, in part, on many of the places she's lived or visited and on the interesting people she's met, creating believable characters and realistic settings her many loyal readers love. Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.
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January 27, 2021
Book Blitz: THE FRANKLIN CHEMIST by Tilly Turbet
Middle Grade
Published: December 2020
Publisher: Warblebox
Elephant Toothpaste... submarines... rockets and a chase across the lakes of England. This book follows the adventures of Hannah and George as they find themselves on an unexpected adventure with their scientific Aunt Rosalind. When she disappears, they must protect her biggest scientific discovery from two scientists intent on stealing it as their own.
A fun and enjoyable STEM tale from an exceptional author.
#TheFranklinChemists #TillyTurbet #Warblebox #STEM #BookBuzz
Other Books by Tilly Turbet:
One Thousand-Eyed Spies
Publisher: Warblebox
Published: June 2018
Middle Grade
One Thousand-Eyed Spies is a fantastical middle-grade children's story about Gopi, a hapless soldier who is tasked by his Queen with a quest to save the White Island. Gopi must cross an ocean, battle a sea dragon and deliver the heir to the Island to the Upper World and to safety until he is ready to return and fight for his legacy.
Eleven years later and Nana tells her grandson Jag the story of the White Island and how it came to sink to the bottom of the sea. Jag soon realises that there is more to his history than he has been told and a great sea voyage delivers him to a very different destination, one which exists many leagues under the sea and where he must fight for his destiny and the future of the White Island.
Excerpt
“Listen.” She leant forward, whispering. “Between you and me, I don’t really like children. In fact, they’re just about my least favourite animal in the whole world. Worse than spiders. I just can’t bring 9 myself to care about your little plastic toys or your annoyingly loud games or your shocking lack of vocabulary. What’s your name?” “George.” “And yours?” “Hannah.” “It doesn’t matter, because I’ve forgotten you already,” confided Mrs Muddle. “I see forty, maybe fifty children just like you every week. If I cared about every child that I sent away from their family, it might make me sad; and you wouldn’t want me to be sad, would you? So instead, I don’t care. I don’t lose any sleep. I don’t shed a tear. Not ever.”
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January 26, 2021
Book Blitz: BEYOND POWER by Connie Mann
Florida Wildlife Warriors, Book 2
Romantic Suspense
Release Date: January 26, 2021
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Sultry romantic suspense set in Florida's untamed wilderness...
When your heart's involved...
If you dare venture beyond Disney's magic and Miami's high-rises, you'll find yourself in Florida's untamed wilderness.
A bush pilot and officer for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Josh Tanner is one of the tough cops needed to manage these rugged areas. And the minute he finds Delilah Atwood deep in the woods without a good explanation, he knows something is very wrong...
All the stakes are raised...
Delilah barely escaped her ultra-fundamental militia family years ago. Now she's back to save her sixteen-year-old sister, and no government man is going to stop her. Josh isn't going to stand by and watch Delilah risk her life, but unless he can get her to trust him, she may end up being the next victim.
Other Books in the Florida Wildlife Warriors Series:
Beyond Risk
Florida Wildlife Warriors, Book 1
Release Date: January 2019
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Author Connie Mann delivers clean romance with a side of intrigue and suspense the likes of which you've never seen. Florida's untamed wilderness beckons with its beauty and mystery, but this paradise has a dark side that's waiting for you to step off the path...
Former Florida Fish & Wildlife Officer Charlotte "Charlee" Tanner still carries the guilt of a tragic drowning accident that occurred on her watch. She hoped moving back home to central Florida would provide a safe haven―until she learns that her beloved wilderness is full of twisted lies and deadly secrets, including the fact that the death that's haunted her was no accident...and she was the intended target.
Tough and decisive, Lieutenant Hunter Boudreau has just been promoted as a law enforcement officer with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, though not everyone on the force is happy about the change. Despite the friction at work, Charlee is his best friend, so when she comes under fire, he's not letting her out of his sight until the killer is caught. But Hunter has secrets of his own, and Charlee is determined not to let anyone else die for her.
As danger closes in and Charlee and Hunter's attraction threatens to consume them, Charlee has to decide whether she can trust Hunter. And to save Charlee, Hunter will have to trust her, too.
Excerpt
Delilah raced after Mary, ignoring the gunshots spitting sand up at her. She’d pulled her weapon from her waistband, but she didn’t fire, wouldn’t risk hitting Mary by mistake. She just had to find her, fast.
If Mary disappeared now, Delilah might never see her again. Her family would disappear, and their like-minded friends would make sure no one could find them. She couldn’t bear the idea of her sister going through what she had.
She ran despite the bullets that just kept coming. Some part of her brain was surprised she wasn’t down on the ground, bleeding, but whoever it was knew exactly where they were placing those shots. They were trying to keep her away, not kill her.
The moon slid behind some clouds, and Delilah momentarily lost sight of her sister. One minute, Mary was ahead of her, and the next, she’d disappeared.
Delilah ran farther, heart pounding, until the gunshots stopped and the silence told her Mary was gone. Panting, defeated, she collapsed against a live oak tree and slid down to the ground. Bark scraped her back, but she didn’t notice. “Oh God. Mary.”
She’d hoped once her sister knew she’d come to rescue her, she’d meekly follow and they’d get the heck out of Dodge. Easy-peasy. She snorted at her own naïveté. What had made perfect sense in her Tallahassee apartment she now saw for the same childlike thinking that had gotten her trapped eight years ago.
Frustrated, she climbed to her feet. She wasn’t that scared girl anymore, but she understood Mary’s thinking. Her sister had no doubt been rigorously indoctrinated into the importance of family and sticking together against the outside world. Her reaction tonight said she’d also seen enough to want to protect Mama.
But given the gunshots, Mary’s cooperation was only part of the equation. Either Aaron or John Henry obviously didn’t want her to leave. They didn’t go to that much trouble for a “mere woman” without good reason.
Which meant she not only had to find them, she had to find out exactly what they were planning so she could use that as leverage, too.
Q
When Delilah stopped behind a tree, Josh deliberately made noise as he approached so as not to startle her. He was shocked to his toes when she stepped into view, Glock held in front of her, hands rock steady on the grip, eyes hard. “Hands up and move closer so I can see you,” she ordered.
He froze, stunned. Her confidence hit him square in the gut and made the attraction he felt for her burn even hotter. Damn, she looked good like that.
“It’s Josh Tanner, Fish and Wildlife. Please put down the gun, Delilah, for my safety and yours.”
Through his night-vision goggles, he saw her eyes narrow in surprise and suspicion, but she immediately holstered the gun.
He stepped into the small clearing, hands on his utility belt, in reach of his own weapon.
She gave his uniform a quick once-over, then fisted both hands on her hips. “What are you doing here?”
“I was going to ask you the same question,” he responded, her attitude fueling his own. He pulled off his goggles. “Why are you sneaking around out here in the middle of the night?”
She huffed out a breath. “Seriously? Since when can’t people go outside at night without being interrogated by Fish and Wildlife?”
He almost laughed at her belligerent tone. Almost. But then he noticed the pain shadowing her features. He softened his voice. “Who were you meeting with?”
Her chin came up, lips pursed. “I’m not sure that’s any of your concern.”
She was dressed in black from head to toe, the fabric of her T-shirt clinging to her curves, her hands propped on a utility belt that looked a lot like his own. He’d thought her beautiful when she was sipping coffee. But whoever the girl was, she’d sent Delilah into full-on protective mode, reminding him of Xena, the warrior princess. He felt the jolt all the way to his toes.
He took a step closer, and she stilled. When he reached out and plucked a leaf from her hair, she captured his wrist, questions swirling in her huge blue eyes. Seconds ticked by as they watched each other, her mix of strength and vulnerability drawing him closer. He ran his thumb along her jaw, and her grip on his arm tightened. He studied her lips, lush and full, and the urge to taste had him inclining his head. Inches before their mouths touched, their eyes met, held. She blinked, effectively breaking the spell as she eased out of reach.
He shook his head to clear his muddled thoughts. Focus, Tanner. “Who was the girl?”
She crossed her arms over her chest and regarded him steadily. “And if I said, again, that it was none of your business?”
“I would say I was making it my business, since you are considered a person of interest in a recent death here in the forest.”
Her eyes narrowed right before she huffed out a laugh and called his bluff. “Seriously? You and your FWC buddies have declared me a person of interest because some poor hunter got killed by a bear?”
Josh had to tread lightly. He couldn’t discuss an active investigation, but that death scene wasn’t right, which was why he was out here in the middle of the night to begin with.
“Who is she?”
“I don’t like being backed into a corner, Officer Tanner.”
Josh propped his fists on his hips. “Are you going to make me drag this information out of you one word at a time?”
“Never answer a question you haven’t been asked. And never offer more information than what is required.” She tossed the words out in a way that made Josh think they had been drilled into her from childhood.
He pulled back his irritation. There was something else at play here, something that clearly worried her. “I am not your enemy, Delilah. Talk to me. Let me help.”
By the light of the moon, he saw myriad emotions cross her face. “I appreciate that, but you can’t. This is a family matter, something I have to deal with myself.” She squared her shoulders and set off again.
He easily caught up to her and matched his steps to hers. “You don’t have to say a word to me if you don’t want to, but if you’re heading back toward your camper”—he hitched a thumb over his shoulder—“you’re heading in the wrong direction.”
About The Author
Connie Mann is a licensed boat captain and loves writing romantic suspense stories set in Florida’s small towns and unspoiled wilderness. She is the author of the Florida Wildlife Warriors series and the Safe Harbor series, as well as several stand-alone titles. When she’s not dreaming up plotlines, you’ll find “Captain Connie” on Central Florida’s waterways, introducing boats full of schoolchildren to their first alligator. She is also passionate about helping women and children in developing countries break the poverty cycle and build a better future for themselves and their families. Besides boating, she and her husband enjoy hanging out with family and friends and planning their next adventure. Connect with Connie online at: www.conniemann.com
Contact Links
Purchase Links
January 25, 2021
Blog Tour: DIVERISTY by Monique Gliozzi
Diversity
by Monique Gliozzi
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GENRE: Fiction / Short Stories
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BLURB:
Diversity is a delightful collection of short stories taking the reader on a charismatic adventure mixed with suspense, drama, and even humour.
A close shave with death in The Twin, a humorous account of the stubborn character in The Mask, the romantic and comical rendezvous of Burning Love, the ghostly memories of the El Caballo Inn, and so much more!
Gliozzi's exploration of diverse themes invites us to experience and acknowledge the colourfulness of life itself.
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Excerpt One:
DISCLAIMER: While some themes in this book may be based on real events, the following stories are fictitious. Certain long-standing institutions, public offices and agencies are mentioned, but the characters involved are entirely imaginary. Any resemblance to actual persons living or deceased is entirely coincidental.
BURNING LOVE
Sal had re-enrolled in a cooking class, only this time to learn about Malaysian cuisine. Entering the large, well-stocked kitchen, he made his way to the allocated cooking station where his buddy Stan was waiting for him.
“Hey, how’s it going, Stan?” he asked, placing his bag on the floor.
“Great.”
He glanced around the room until his eyes caught sight of a familiar, beautiful face. She smiled at him. Sal returned the greeting with a wave. Then, the class began flowing to its end without incident. He could barely concentrate, conscious of the flutters in his stomach.
Afterwards, Yui walked toward him, still smiling.
“Hey, you,” she said shyly.
“Hey. How are things?” he asked, still feeling guilt and embarrassment by what he’d put her through.
“I’m fine, thanks.”
“Maybe we can catch up some time for a coffee?” Sal asked, expecting a polite rejection.
“Maybe,” she replied, smiling.
He watched as Yui walked toward the exit, where she turned one last time and winked.
***
My review: Two former lovers may get a second chance after a cooking fire incident. A honeymoon at an inn has eternal consequences. A skydiving experience opens up an opportunity for more adventure. During the 2020 pandemic, a hypochondriac and germaphobe loses his only mask he had left. A sister-sister encounter during the holiday.
Lovely and well-written short tales. Each one has its special air of mystery. An easy and well-worth read.
My rating: 4 stars
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Born in Dublin, Dr Monique Gliozzi, a graduate from the University of Western Australia medical school, has a keen interest in forensic sciences and psychiatry. She works as a psychiatrist in Perth, with ties to the UWA School of Psychiatry, where she has had a role as a senior clinical lecturer. Her love for teaching granted her a nomination for an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2016.
Monique also holds an interest in aviation. She trained at the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia, where she obtained a commercial pilot licence. Following this, Monique completed her instructor rating and is now working on a casual basis as a senior flight instructor.
Monique rekindled her passion for writing starting with the fictional thriller Foresight, followed by Hunted and ghostly encounters in Vestige. Her latest book, Diversity, is a compilation of entertaining short stories of different genres.
Connect with Monique Gliozzi:
WEBSITE
BLOG
https://paranormalpsychiatrist.com/
https://www.facebook.com/moniquegliozziauthor
https://www.instagram.com/monique.gliozzi/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/GliozziMonique
Purchase Links:
AMAZON.COM
https://amazon.com/dp/0228831210
AMAZON.CA
https://amazon.ca/dp/0228831210
KINDLE
https://amazon.com/dp/B08LQXG2FM
BARNES & NOBLE
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/diversity-monique-gliozzi/1137965500
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Monique Gliozzi will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
RAFFLECOPTER:
Enter to win a $20 Amazon/BN GC - a Rafflecopter giveawayBlog Tour: RECIPE FOR LOVE by Kaithlin Shepherd
A Recipe for Loveby Kaithlin ShepherdGenre: Contemporary Romance
He's the hottest thing to hit the diamond in decades.She's America's sweetheart chef.Forced together for a good cause, will these two hit a home run, or will their love stay on first base?
Add to Goodreads Book2Read* Apple* B&N* Kobo
Kaithlin Shepherd was born and raised in Canada where she learned to figure skate and where she crafted a love affair with coffee. Growing up in a household filled by strong headed women, she learned early on that life is what you make it. Creating a world away from her own day to day, she loves the feeling of creating a universe where her fans can forget about everything in their life. She loves writing alpha men characters and she doesn’t shy away from turning up the heat with scorching hot sex scenes.
Website* Facebook * Twitter * Instagram* Bookbub* Amazon* Goodreads
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$15 Amazon a Rafflecopter giveaway
Book Blast: DOC CEDARWOOD by Megan Slayer
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Megan Slayer will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Can an accident and a rim job lead to lasting love?
Aiden Connor isn't looking for a date. Sure, he wants one, but relationships seem to be too difficult to maintain. He's an ER doctor and doesn't have time for commitment...that is, until he runs over a curb and needs a new rim for his sports car. The mechanic isn't anything like he expects, but could be the one man he needs if he's willing to open his mind and heart.
Matt Phillips equates dating with disaster, but sees himself as an eternal optimist. When he catches sight of Aiden, he wants to give relationships a try. Every cell in his body screams to get the sexy doctor naked and in his bed. But Matt has demons and addictions he's still working through. Will he fall prey to his past or learn and move forward with the hot doctor?
Read an Excerpt
Maybe I’m dating the wrong men.
“I keep telling myself that. Jordan tells me the same thing, but I still want to clobber Farin when he goes Groomzilla on us. I wasn’t this bad when I married Jordan—at least I don’t think so. We walked, we stood, we said I do, then had one hell of a party at the house.” Colin shook his head. “I just wouldn’t have thought he’d be…like this.”
“It’ll be over in two days. You’ll live.” Aiden clapped Colin on the shoulder. “Speaking of days, I have exactly one day off before I’m expected back at the hospital. I’m on for an eight-hour shift on Saturday, so if I’m running late, that’s why.”
“We’ll keep an eye out. Thanks for the heads-up and thanks for talking to the group. Have a good night.” Colin winked, then strode away.
Aiden grabbed his jacket from the coat rack. The weight of a twenty-four-hour shift had gotten to him. He wanted to go home but wondered if he’d make it. As he navigated through the halls of the hospital, he waved at a couple of the nurses and, in the foyer, nodded to the elderly woman behind the main counter. The moment he stepped into the chilly October air, he blinked and dragged a long breath into his lungs. Nothing worked to wake him up like crisp fall evenings. Well, nothing like those and a good blow job in the morning, but he wasn’t likely to get one. He’d need a boyfriend first. He’d worry about his lack of a partner later. Right now, he wanted to go home, slip into a warm bath or hot shower and collapse for twelve hours straight. Maybe he would meet someone at the wedding or reception.
Maybe hell will freeze over first.
©Megan Slayer, 2020, All Rights Reserved
About the Author:
Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com. When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library. Find out more about Megan and Wendi at http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm
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Website: http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm
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Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/wendizwaduk.meganslayer
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Buy Links:
https://www.firstforromance.com/book/doc-cedarwood
https://books2read.com/u/bank56
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08587JDBS/
https://books.apple.com/us/book/doc-cedarwood/id1500804906
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/doc-cedarwood-megan-slayer/1126488306
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/doc-cedarwood-2
https://www.amazon.ca/Doc-Cedarwood-Pride-Megan-Slayer-ebook/dp/B08587JDBS/
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