Camy Tang's Blog, page 103

Garlic Noodles

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Made garlic noodles according to this recipe: http://youtu.be/j09pazAcRLE Supposed to be similar to Crustaceans Restaurant in San Francisco. OMG it's awesome! Very close to the restaurant version. 

Snickers!

Not the candy, just my dog. I'm using this to test if I can post to my blog from my phone. 
(see full image)

Winner and excerpt - THE SOLDIER’S SISTER by Debby Giusti

The winner of
The Soldier's Sister
by Debby Giusti
is
Sandy F.

Congratulations! (I've emailed you. Please email me at camy {at] camytang[dot}com if you didn’t get the email message.)

I know the rest of you are crying into your chocolate and Oreo cookie ice cream that you didn’t win. Cheer up! Order the book!

WHO WILL PROTECT HER? Someone wants Stephanie Upton dead. A warning to leave town is just the beginning. Fearing for her life, Stephanie turns to Special Agent Brody Goodman for help and protection. But can she trust him when he's convinced her own brother is a prime suspect? Torn between her devotion to two men—an estranged brother whose trust she yearns to regain and an agent she may be falling for—Stephanie doesn't know whom or what to believe. As feelings between her and Brody escalate, she'll have to choose sides to stay alive. Military Investigations: Serving their country and solving crimes
Excerpt of chapter one:

The gathering dark clouds had mirrored Stephanie Upton's mood since she'd returned home to Freemont, Georgia, two days earlier. Grateful as she was to get the job as the Army Wounded Warrior advocate at nearby Fort Rickman where her brother Ted was convalescing from his war injuries, she was frustrated that he had refused to see her or answer her phone calls.

So much for a happy homecoming.

The August storm hit just as she left town, heading back to post. She leaned forward in the driver's seat, wishing she'd replaced the old windshield wipers that failed to clear the heavy downpour. Squinting, she could barely make out the yellow dividing line on the road.

A small strip mall appeared in the distance. She turned her Corolla into the parking lot to wait out the deluge and reached for her cell phone. Glancing at her client file on the passenger seat, she tapped in the number for Private First Class Joshua Webb and smiled, remembering her younger brother's high school friend.

"Joshua, this is Stephanie Upton, Ted's sister," she said when the call went to voice mail. "I'm back in town and took the position at Fort Rickman as the AW2—Army Wounded Warrior—advocate. I know this is short notice, but you're on my caseload. Since we need to schedule an appointment, I thought I'd stop by now while I'm the neighborhood and see how you're doing."

She glanced at her watch. "I'm about ten minutes from your house. As soon as the rain lets up, I'll head your way. Looking forward to seeing you soon."

Joshua and Ted had served in the same unit in Afghanistan and both had been injured by an IED. Josh had lost his legs, while her brother had sustained burns on his stomach and lower extremities. The two friends had been medically evacuated to hospitals in the United States and finally sent back to Fort Rickman.

Eventually, Josh would learn to walk with prosthetic legs, but for now he was wheelchair bound, which was probably the reason he hadn't answered her call. Hopefully, he would retrieve the message before she arrived on his doorstep.

Three years ago and just a few weeks after both guys had graduated from high school, Stephanie had left Freemont, never expecting to return. At least not so soon. Over time her feelings had mellowed and eventually taken a backseat to helping her brother through his current recuperation.

Ted had been headstrong and difficult to handle in his teen years. She had hoped his stint in the military would be a positive influence. Although she didn't need an abundance of brotherly love, she had expected civility and a glimmer of hope that with time they could eventually heal the past.

The one bright note was the warm and enthusiastic welcome from the folks with whom she would be working at Fort Rickman. Stephanie had held a similar position as the advocate for wounded soldiers at Fort Stewart, a three-hour drive east, and was well aware of the importance of making initial contact with the military personnel on her caseload.

She had visited two soldiers in Freemont this morning and had planned to stop by Josh's house on her way back to Fort Rickman. Seeing Ted's old friend would be an opportunity to catch up on Josh's plans for the future. As a teen, he had always been optimistic and upbeat. In spite of his recent injury, she hoped he retained the zest for life that had endeared him to her as a kid.

As soon as the rain eased, she pulled back onto Freemont Road and headed south. Ten minutes later, she saw the sign for Josh's subdivision.

She put on her signal, and just before she made the turn, a pickup truck perched on oversize tires screeched around the corner, its rear end fishtailing on the slick pavement.

The truck flew past—narrowly missing her car—in a blur of red paint and steel chrome. Muddy water, kicked up from the big, knobby tires, shot through the air, streaking Georgia clay across her windshield.

She laid on the horn and glanced in the rearview mirror as the truck crested a rise in the road and then disappeared from sight.

Her heart pounded like a reverberating snare drum, its cadence keeping time with the tension that throbbed across her forehead as she realized how close she'd come to a collision. Pulling in a number of cleansing breaths, she turned into the Cypress Springs subdivision, determined to focus on her visit with Joshua instead of the runaway truck.

Although the rain had stopped, the sky remained dismal and gray. She swerved around a scattering of leaves and twigs that littered the roadway and parked in front of the last house on the end of one of the side streets, a modest ranch Joshua was renovating to be wheelchair accessible.

Curb appeal and a low price tag made the neighborhood of new homes a great buy for a returning soldier starting over. As Josh's advocate, she should have felt a surge of elation that he was focusing on his transition to civilian life, but all Stephanie could think about was her own close call and her rapid pulse that failed to calm.

Grabbing her purse, she stepped onto the sidewalk, closing the car door behind her. A gust of humid air tugged at her skirt as she headed toward the house, her heels clipping along the sidewalk. She pulled her damp hair back from her face and climbed the ramp to the tiny front stoop.

The enthusiastic voice of a sports announcer sounded from inside the house. The full-blast volume of the radio drowned out her knocks on the door.

When Joshua failed to answer, she tried the knob. Locked. Surely he hadn't left the house with the radio blaring.

"Josh?"

Determined to be heard, she pounded on the door again and again, to no avail. Finally, letting out a frustrated breath, she headed around the corner to the kitchen entrance, where a second sheet of plywood served as a wheelchair ramp.

The sound of the ball game spewed through the back door that hung open, sending another round of concern tangling along her spine. Flicking her gaze over the backyard, she searched for some sign of the injured soldier.

"It's Stephanie Upton," she called, aware of the nervous tremble in her voice as she stepped inside. "Can you hear me, Josh?"

The smell of fresh paint and new carpet greeted her, along with the announcer's voice echoing through the empty rooms.

She paused in the middle of the kitchen, straining to hear something, anything other than the backdrop of cheering baseball fans.

Running water?

She raised her brow. "Joshua?"

A flutter of new fear flowed over her. The hair on her arms prickled as she peered into the living-dining combination straight ahead.

"Braves six, Astros two."

"Josh?"

Turning left, she entered the hallway that led to the rear of the house.

"It's the top of the fifth with Atlanta in the lead." Her neck tingled. A double amputee bound to a wheelchair brought to mind all sorts of scenarios. Hopefully, he wasn't hurt.

The announcer's voice sounded over the rush of water.

Glancing into the bathroom on the right, she gasped. Her hand flew to her throat.

Joshua lay on the floor fully clothed, his body crumpled next to an overturned wheelchair and surrounded by sharp shards of a broken vanity mirror. Blood pooled under his left arm. The cloying smell filled the tiny room.

Water gushed from the spigot into the rapidly filling tub. Aware that someone else could be in the house, yet terrified for Joshua's well-being, she turned off the faucet and dropped to her knees beside the soldier. His face was pale as death, his eyes glassed over. She searched for the artery in his neck and groaned with relief when she found a faint but steady pulse.

"Josh, can you hear me?" Stephanie raised the sleeve of his blood-soaked shirt and almost heaved. Rich, red blood pulsed from the deep gash on his upper arm.

Frantic, she dug in her purse for her cell phone and hit the programmed nine-one-one.

"State your emergency." The operator's monotone drawl was barely audible over the sports announcer's booming voice.

Balancing the phone between her shoulder and ear, Stephanie groped her hand along the bathroom vanity, found the docked iPod and turned off the game.

"There's been an accident." Stretching, she grabbed a towel from the overhead rack and jammed the thick terry against the open wound. "A man's been cut by glass. He's bleeding and needs medical attention. Tell the EMTs to hurry."

"What's your address?"

"One-forty-something Cedar Springs Drive. Third house on the right."

"I need the house number, ma'am. Could you check outside?"

Josh's breathing was shallow. His partially opened eyes appeared dull and lifeless. She wanted to scream at the woman on the other end of the line who failed to recognize the severity of the situation.

"Operator, I'm trying to keep this man from bleeding to death. I can't leave him. Get an ambulance and get it here fast."

She clicked off and speed dialed Joshua's unit at Fort Rick-man. A deep male voice answered on the second ring.

"WTB."

"Major Jenkins?"

"No, ma'am. This is Special Agent Brody Goodman with the Criminal Investigation Division on post."

Her eyes widened. "I dialed the CID?"

"You dialed one of the units on post, namely the Warrior Transitional Battalion. Major Jenkins is out of the office at the moment and asked me to catch the phone. May I take a message or have the major call you back?"

"Tell him Stephanie Upton phoned. I'm the new AW2 advocate." Her breath hitched. "One of the men on my caseload— Private First Class Joshua Webb—fell from his wheelchair and cut his arm. He's lost a significant amount of blood. An ambulance is on the way."

"Give me the address."

Once again, she relayed directions to the small house.

"Major Jenkins just stepped back into the office. I'll fill him in on the emergency. Hold tight, ma'am. We're heading your way and should be there shortly."

Stephanie didn't know Brody Goodman with the calm voice and take-charge attitude. Nor had she previously dealt with anyone in the CID. Usually they handled serious crimes on post. Perhaps Special Agent Goodman and Major Jenkins were friends or working together on a special project. She had only yesterday met the executive officer for the Warrior Transitional Battalion, but she felt a sense of relief that the two men would soon be en route.

"Josh." Her brother's voice sounded from the front of the house.

Glad for help, she called, "He's in the bathroom, Ted."

"Someone's there with you?" the CID agent asked. "Another soldier. I can't talk, Agent Goodman. Get here as soon as you can." Unable to stem the flow of blood, she dropped the cell to the tile floor and, using both hands, pushed even harder on the towel.

Footsteps sounded in the hallway.

Ted appeared in the open doorway, his slender face pulled tight. Confusion, then anger, flashed from his eyes. "What did you do to him, Stephanie?"

Hurt by his accusation, she pursed her lips. "I didn't do anything. He fell. An ambulance should be here soon. Go outside and flag down the EMTs when they turn onto the street."

"I'm not leaving Josh." Her brother knelt beside her. "Let me hold the towel."

"I've got it."

"Just like you had Hayden? You let him die. I won't let you kill Josh, too."

"Ted, please." Why did he have to bring up their painful past in the middle of this crisis?

"Please what, Stephanie? Forget about what happened? I told you never to come back to Freemont."

Her stomach roiled. No matter what she did, her relationship with her brother would never change.

"Ms. Upton, answer me. Are you all right?"

Hearing the agent's urgent voice, she raised the cell to her ear again. "I'm sorry, thought I had disconnected." She glanced down at the stained towel. "I'm okay."

But she really wasn't. She'd nearly had a fatal collision with a psycho driver just a short while earlier. Now Joshua's life was slipping away as she watched.

"Hurry," she finally warned. "Before things get any worse."

"What do you know about the new AW2 advocate?" Brody asked as he drove out the Fort Rickman main gate and headed north along Freemont Road. Recalling the urgency in Stephanie Upton's voice, he pushed down on the accelerator.

Major Jenkins sat next to him, equally worried about the situation. "She held the same position at Fort Stewart. Our former advocate had some unexpected medical problems and had to retire. Stephanie transferred here to fill the vacancy."

"And PFC Webb?"

"Lost both his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan."

Brody shook his head, feeling the frustration of too many young men and women being injured in the line of duty. Casualties were a horrific by-product of war. Not what he or anyone associated with the military wanted.

"Joshua Webb was initially treated at Walter Reed," the major said, "and was recently assigned to Fort Rickman."

"Do you have anyone named Ted in your battalion?"

Jenkins nodded. "Ted Upton."

"Related to the advocate?"

"Ted's her brother. He was in the same convoy that hit the IED. Upton was burned and treated at the Army Burn Center at Fort Sam Houston."

"Now they're home, getting ready to transition out of the military?"

"Private Webb will probably get a medical discharge. He's waiting for his new prostheses. Upton has the option of returning to active duty. The burns have healed, but he's still in counseling."

Brody raised his brow. "Over the phone, he sounded antagonistic toward his sister."

"I don't know anything about their relationship. I met her yesterday so it's just a first impression, but she seemed levelheaded and competent. PFC Upton's like a lot of other soldiers. He's young and wondering what the future will hold."

"What about Webb?"

Jenkins smiled. "PFC Webb's got a strong faith and a desire to make a difference in life. He'll do okay."

Your faith will sustain you, folks had told Brody nine years ago. Lean on the Lord, a statement he never understood. Why would he lean on a God who had let him down so tragically?

Brody shoved the thought aside. "What's your take on Upton? Is he stable?"

"His squad leader and first sergeant say he's guarded and doesn't readily share his feelings. The counselors encourage the soldiers to talk about their problems."

"Just as you and I had discussed earlier in conjunction with post-traumatic stress disorder."

The major nodded. "Exactly."

"What does the doc say about Upton?"

"That he needs more counseling."

The entrance to the Cedar Springs area appeared on the left. Brody turned into the subdivision littered with debris from the storm and made a right at the third street. At the end of the road, two Freemont black-and-whites sat curbside, their lights flashing. An ambulance had backed into the driveway. Its rear door hung open. A gray Chevy and an older-model Corolla were parked nearby.

Brody led the way into the house, glancing first at the police officer and then at the tall, slender woman standing near the fireplace. Arms wrapped defensively around her waist, she turned as he stepped forward, her eyes as blue as the sky and strangely haunting. The furrow of her brow and the downward tug on her full lips provided a glimpse of the concern she felt for the injured soldier.

Her pastel skirt was smeared with blood, her blouse, as well. A crusty streak lined her pale cheek. If the victim's injury hadn't been accidental, the blood-spattered advocate might be a likely suspect, but her reason for visiting the soldier seemed legit.

Confusion covered her face, probably due to the shock of finding the injured victim. Images of the scene he had walked into nine years ago replayed through his memory. His breath caught in his chest. Sweat broke out on his upper lip. He clamped down his jaw and forced the image to flee, just as he'd done a thousand times before. Today he needed to focus on the woman with the questioning eyes that bored into his soul.

She looked at him the way Lisa had. After all these years, he still needed to guard himself against the pain. More than anything, he never wanted to be vulnerable again. Especially to someone who reminded him of the woman he had loved and lost.

A young man leaned against the counter in the kitchen. The guy wore cargo pants and flip-flops with an army T-shirt. From the high, tight haircut and the splotch of angry, red skin on his left arm, he was more than likely the advocate's younger brother.

His right hand was bandaged. Blood spotted his shirt. The wail of accusation Brody had heard over the phone replayed in his mind.
Order:
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You can also purchase this book from any of the stores found at CBA Storefinder.

Also, don’t forget that it’s Free Book Friday over at Harlequin.com--if you order two or more books, you’ll get their weekly featured book for free!

This week, the featured book is: Riptide by Elizabeth Goddard (Love Inspired Suspense) (Camy here: This is a great book!)

Review: Pacific Rim: The Official Movie Novelization

Pacific Rim: The Official Movie Novelization by Alex Irvine

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Haven't seen the movie yet, but absolutely loved this book. The story concept and story world was just so intriguing and so well done.

I read this book by accident--I was browsing movie soundtracks and liked the composer for the movie, and saw there was a novelization of the movie, so got a sample of the ebook. I had to wait for something for a couple hours and started the sample to wile away the time, and I was hooked!

Characterization was deeper than expected in an adventure story--it's not as multi-layered as a women's fiction novel, but it still gives really good depth to most of the main characters.

The action was rockin'! The story reminded me a bit of those fantastic anime shows I used to watch as a kid, like Robotech and Voltron, but for adults.

I liked this book so much I bought a copy for my dad, who's a huge science fiction fan and who also likes action movies.



View all my reviews

Guest blog and giveaway - THE SOLDIER’S SISTER by Debby Giusti

Today I’m so pleased to welcome Love Inspired Suspense author Debby Giusti!

About Debby:

Debby Giusti is a medical technologist who loves working with test tubes and petri dishes almost as much as she loves to write. Growing up as an army brat, Debby met and married her husband—then a captain in the army—at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Together they traveled the world, raised three wonderful army brats of their own and now see the military tradition carried on in their son who's also in the army. Always busy with church, school and community activities, Debby knew it was time to settle down and write her first book when she and her family moved to Atlanta, GA. Despite occasional moments of wanderlust, Debby spends most of her time writing inspirational romantic suspense for the Steeple Hill line.

Debby wants to hear from her readers. Contact her c/o Steeple Hill, 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279, or visit her Web site at www.DebbyGiusti.com and e-mail her at debby@debbygiusti.com.

And now, here’s Debby!



When I first learned about the Army’s Wounded Warrior (AW2) program, I knew I wanted to feature it in my Military Investigation series.

Last year, I interviewed Nancy Carlisle, the AW2 Advocate who helps wounded, injured and/or ill soldiers assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia. As one of more than 200 advocates nationwide, Nancy’s job is to provide hands-on support for the soldiers on her caseload as they transition back to active duty or return to civilian life. She walks the injured and their families through the maze of paperwork that often accompanies government programs and also provides career counseling and information on educational opportunities and resources available to the wounded warriors.

Nancy provided me with a detailed overview of the AW2 program and talked openly about the many ways she assists the soldiers. She also discussed the setup of the Warrior Transitional Battalions, special units on each Army post where the injured servicemembers live and work during their recuperation.

After meeting with Nancy, my story started to take shape. The heroine would be an AW2 advocate, and the hero would be a special agent in the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division. A crime would occur at the beginning of the book, which would involve the heroine in some way.

I decided to have one of soldiers on her caseload attacked in the opening chapter and upped the heroine’s internal conflict by including an estranged brother. Making him a suspect added an interesting twist and increased the tension between the CID hero investigating the crime and the advocate trying to reconnect with her brother.

My hope is that THE SOLDIER’S SISTER will not only provide an exciting suspense read but will also spotlight the AW2 program and the many people who help our injured military heroes. God bless the brave men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much in order for this great country—the United States of America—to remain the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Happy Labor Day!

Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti

Camy: Thanks for blogging today, Debby!

Debby’s also giving away a copy of her latest release, The Soldier’s Sister!

The Soldier's Sister
by Debby Giusti

WHO WILL PROTECT HER? Someone wants Stephanie Upton dead. A warning to leave town is just the beginning. Fearing for her life, Stephanie turns to Special Agent Brody Goodman for help and protection. But can she trust him when he's convinced her own brother is a prime suspect? Torn between her devotion to two men—an estranged brother whose trust she yearns to regain and an agent she may be falling for—Stephanie doesn't know whom or what to believe. As feelings between her and Brody escalate, she'll have to choose sides to stay alive. Military Investigations: Serving their country and solving crimes
To enter:

You must join my email newsletter to be eligible for this contest. Fill out the form below. Be sure to read the rules.

Extra Twitter entries: Get one extra entry per day if you tweet about this giveaway:
Christian Romantic Suspense giveaway Debby Giusti (Love Inspired) THE SOLDIER’S SISTER! http://is.gd/TeiRyN @camytang
(Be sure to include @camytang so I can see your tweet and give you your extra entry.)

Extra Facebook entries: Get one extra entry per day if you share this Facebook post on your own Facebook profile and/or page: https://www.facebook.com/CamyTangAuthor/posts/10151657793582620
(Be sure you share the post at the link above--go to the link and then click "share". Make sure you set the privacy of your share to “public” so I can see that you shared it and give you your extra entry even if I’m not on your friends list.)

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Review: Lost to the Desert Warrior

Lost to the Desert Warrior by Sarah Morgan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Really, this is one of the best Harlequin Presents books I've ever read.

I absolutely LOVE the heroine. She is exactly someone I can relate to and respect as a character. She is logical and incredibly brave, and she also has this dark backstory that shows her courage and her love for her sister. She is amazing.

The hero is the usual Presents Alpha male, and while I liked him, he wasn't as interesting to me as the heroine. But he was a good foil for her, considerate and kind and willing to admit when he has made a mistake.

The climax was absolutely fantastic and made me love the heroine that much more.

Fantastic book. I can't say enough great things about this book.

Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the e-arc of this book.



View all my reviews

Review: Perfect Fling

Perfect Fling by Carly Phillips

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I've found that I usually enjoy Carly Phillips' books and this was no different. I especially enjoyed the hero in this story--he has a tortured backstory that makes him emotionally vulnerable in many ways, but he's also a tough bad boy who's brave, kind, and honorable.

The heroine is a lawyer, sensible and smart, but strong due to having to stand up to her cop brothers and father, which makes her fun to read about. Her chemistry with the hero is sizzling and fun.

The story dragged a bit in the middle portion--I felt there were some things rehashed a bit too much, they became repetitive. Also, the villain was a bit psychologically disjointed to me. The villain did some things (and didn't do some things) that seemed unrealistic, maybe a bit contrived, even and especially considering the villain's motives and emotional state.

However, all things considered, it was an entertaining book with a great ending.

Thanks to Penguin and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book.



View all my reviews

Winner and excerpt - Hide and Seek by Lynette Eason

The winner of

Hide and Seek
by Lynette Eason
is
Sybil M.

Congratulations! (I've emailed you. Please email me at camy {at] camytang[dot}com if you didn’t get the email message.)

I know the rest of you are crying into your tomato basil mozzarella salad that you didn’t win. Cheer up! Order the book!

SHE WON'T GIVE UP Erica James has spent the past three years as a skip tracer, hunting down others and hoping one day it will lead to her kidnapped daughter. Now she has a new suspect—Max Powell's missing sister. Max, a private investigator, has found evidence that connects the two missing girls, and together, he and Erica search for answers. The closer they get to finding answers, the stronger their feelings for each other become. But the kidnapper will stop at nothing—including murder—to keep them from finding Erica's daughter. Family Reunions: Bringing loved ones back together
Excerpt of chapter one:

Searching for a crack house had not been in Erica James's plans for the evening. However, Detective Katie Randall had uttered the one sentence that could send her into one of the worst neighborhoods in the city.

"We've found new evidence in Molly's disappearance."

Erica let the words ring through her mind as she drove, looking for the address of the crack house that had been raided two days ago.

New evidence. New evidence.

"It's been three years," Erica exclaimed. "What possibly could have come to light now?" she'd asked, hating the shak-iness in her voice, the desperate hope that she knew was carved on her face.

Detective Katie Randall had shown her a photograph of a crime scene. Even now, Erica's fingers curled around the steering wheel as she remembered the little outfit clearly pictured amidst the trash and rubble.

The outfit three-year-old Molly had been wearing when she'd disappeared from the day-care field trip to the zoo. Erica touched the picture with a shaking finger.

"That's her hair bow."

"We got a fingerprint from it. A girl by the name of Lydia Powell. Her prints are in the system for a shoplifting charge two years ago."

"So what does she say? Did you ask her about Molly?"

"We haven't been able to find her," Katie admitted.

"Then I will."

Now, two days later, on a cold Tuesday evening, Erica glanced at the sky. The sun would set in about ten minutes and she still hadn't found the address.

In this dark, dank part of town.

Drug deals on one corner, the selling of bodies and souls on the other. Her heart shuddered at the thought of her child being in the middle of all of this. And yet at the same time, her heart ached for the innocents trapped in this cycle of crime and abuse. For those who wanted out, but didn't know how to accomplish that. Or were too young to try.

Narrowed, suspicious eyes followed her progress down the trash-strewn street. The sun crept lower and her pulse picked up a notch.

As daylight disappeared so did the people on the street. One by one, everyone in a yard or on a porch made their way behind a closed, locked door.

She hadn't counted on it being dark by the time she got here. Then again, she hadn't counted on the place being so hard to find, either. Her GPS had led her down one street and up another until she was so twisted around she'd never find her way back out.

For the first time since Katie had told her the news, fear started to replace the hope she'd allowed herself to feel. She'd taken the information and run with it. Straight into one of the most dangerous parts of town.

What was she doing? Was she crazy?

After another hesitant second, she picked up the phone and dialed her brother, Brandon. Nerves on edge, she watched the street as she waited for him to answer. Finally, she heard,

"Hello?"

"I think I've gone and done something stupid."

"Who, you? You're kidding." He didn't sound concerned—or surprised.

With good reason, she had to silently admit. She bit her lip. "No, Brandon, this time I'm serious."

That got his attention. "What is it? What's wrong?"

The mechanical voice from the GPS told her, "Turn left and your destination will be on the right." Erica rolled to a stop and looked to her left.

Brandon said, "Where are you?"

"Five sixty-seven Patton Street."

"Patton Street! Are you crazy?"

Now she heard the concern. "Yes, I think so. If I stay in my car and wait, will you meet me here?" Uneasy and on alert, she glanced around, felt unseen eyes watching her every movement. "Because while I'm not comfortable here, I'm not leaving yet, either."

She heard him muttering and thought she heard the words "crazy woman" in there somewhere. "I'm getting you home and then you're going into a safe occupation like accounting or—"

As Brandon continued his tirade, Erica chewed her bottom lip and tuned him out. Brandon worked with her at Finding the Lost, an organization dedicated to finding missing children she'd started after Molly disappeared. Erica, Brandon and Jordan—Brandon's best friend who'd needed a job and came highly recommended—worked together to find children who disappeared either through criminal activity such as kidnapping, or because they ran away.

Erica glanced in the rearview mirror and saw two rough-looking characters headed her way. Her stomach flipped. She whispered, "Oh, yeah, bad idea. Bad, bad idea." She had her self-defense training and her weapon, but—

"Bad idea is right. What made you decide to go there?" he demanded.

"New information about Molly's disappearance," she said with her eyes still on the rearview mirror.

Brandon paused then sighed, a small breath of understanding. "Ah."

Erica had to admit having a good working relationship with several police officers afforded her information she'd otherwise have trouble getting. Katie was her friend and Erica had proved herself trustworthy over the past couple of years. Which was why she now found herself in a possibly very bad situation.

A police cruiser rolled past on the street perpendicular to hers and the two figures behind her took off. She blew out a relieved breath, looked at her GPS one more time and turned left. And there it was.

"Give me about fifteen minutes," Brandon said. "Stay put."

The house she wanted loomed ahead on her right. She pulled to the curb two houses down and cut her engine, then her lights. The street lay empty, quiet as a tomb. She had a perfect view of the front of the house.

Night approached, sneaking in as though even it was reluctant to be found in this area of town.

"Erica? Did you hear me?"

"I heard you. I'll be waiting. A cop drove by and scared away the riffraff."

"If you're determined to stay, stay in the car with the doors locked. I mean it."

"Okay."

She had every intention of staying hunkered down in the front seat and waiting for Brandon to get there.

Until she caught a glimpse of a slim figure in a hoodie, hunched over and slinking down the street toward the deserted house.

Erica's stomach twisted. She reached for the weapon she'd earned the right to carry in a concealed holster, but on second glance, the person didn't look to be a threat. Male or female? She couldn't tell.

Erica glanced at the clock, then back. The figure shot a look over a thin shoulder every so often. Finally, under one of the few working streetlights, Erica caught a glimpse of a pale face and scared eyes that flicked in every direction, watchful and jumpy. She looked to be about fifteen or sixteen and walked with quick jerky steps, shoulders bowed, arms crossed protectively across her stomach as though she wanted to make herself as small as possible.

Excitement spun inside Erica. This girl looked familiar. Could it be Lydia?

Did she need help? She kept looking over her shoulder.

Was someone behind her? Following her?

Erica watched for a few minutes until the girl disappeared around the side of the house. She put her hand on the door handle. If that was Lydia, she couldn't let her get away. She started to get out of the vehicle and stopped when she caught sight of another figure who had emerged from the shadows. He trailed the young girl, his steps quick and hurried.

Dread centered itself in the middle of her stomach. This didn't look good. Her fingers tightened on the handle, everything in her wanting to leap from the car. But she'd promised Brandon she'd wait.

When a shrill scream rent the night air, she could wait no longer. Erica threw open the door and raced toward the dark house.

Private investigator Max Powell shifted his eyes toward the older-model Ford Taurus parked on the street and leaned forward over the steering wheel as though that would give him a better view.

The car's open door and empty driver's seat set his nerves on edge. That didn't bode well. His gut tensed. Was his sister in that house? He'd gotten word from one of his street sources that she'd been here last night and would probably be back tonight. Max had rushed over to see if he could intercept her.

Max got out of his truck and peered inside the empty Ford. Relieved to see no evidence of foul play, he walked toward the house, his head swiveling in all directions, trying to discern whether there was a threat nearby or just someone who'd broken down and went looking for help.

Neither was a good option for the owner in this neighborhood.

Two feet away from the front porch steps, he stopped and checked the area one more time. The hair on the back of his neck stood at attention and adrenaline shot through his veins. He didn't have a good feeling about this—at all.

The brief thought that he should call one of his cop buddies flashed through his mind. But he wanted to find Lydia first, have a chance to talk to her before they found her.

He'd take his chances on going in alone.

He pulled his weapon and headed toward the front door.

Erica turned the corner around the back of the house and stopped. The door hung on one hinge, the darkness yawning beyond it now silent. In fact, it was so quiet, Erica wondered if it was possible she'd imagined the scream.

No. That had been real enough. Erica pictured the young girl she'd seen walking down the street. Her destination had been this house. Had that been her scream?

Her heart kicked into overdrive, pounding hard enough to make her gasp.

She swallowed hard and looked around. She couldn't just stand here waiting for Brandon. Where was he? What if the girl needed help?

Nausea swirled in the pit of her stomach as she looked back at the house and thought about her precious baby being held in such a place.

A crack house.

One that kept its secrets hidden, maybe forever lost, her daughter's whereabouts never to be revealed. Had Molly cried for her, expecting her mama to come rushing in to save her?

The girl in the hoodie was someone's baby. And she might need help.

Tears clogged her throat even as she put one foot in front of the other to enter the black hole of a doorway. She hadn't been able to save Molly, but maybe she could help someone else's child.

She slipped just inside and moved to the left. The kitchen. The rancid smell of unwashed bodies, rotten food and…other odors she couldn't identify assaulted her.

Doing her best to ignore the offense to her nose, she listened. And heard nothing but her own ragged breathing. Erica moved farther inside. The moonlight sliced through the kitchen window to her left, casting shadows on the walls. Shadows that danced and mocked her. Should she call out?

Just as she opened her mouth, a creaking sound reached her ears. A thump sounded from down the hall, a scuffle. A muffled curse.

"Help!" a high scared voice called.

Erica dashed through the kitchen and into the hall. She tripped over the debris on the floor and managed to catch herself before she fell. Glass crunched beneath her feet, but she didn't stop. Light pierced the darkness behind her, illuminating the filth surrounding her.

"Hey! Who's in here?"

The deep male voice coming from behind her penetrated Erica's fear even as she rounded the corner into the nearest bedroom only to come to a screeching halt.

A male in his midthirties had the girl by the throat with his left hand, a knife in his right. The girl's fingers clawed at his hand.

"Stop it!" Erica yelled. "Get away from her!"

Running footsteps sounded behind her. Erica moved and placed her back to the wall so she could see who entered the room, but she didn't want to take her eyes off the scene in front of her.

The attacker froze then shoved the crying young woman away from him and stepped toward Erica, knife raised, his eyes darting toward the door then back to her.

Adrenaline flowed, fear pulsed and she swallowed hard as she felt for the weapon in the holster just under her left arm.

In all the situations she'd found herself over the past three years, never once had she been forced to pull her gun.

It looked like tonight might be the night.

In the moonlight, she could make out the man's harsh features: glittering dark eyes and a scar that curved from the corner of his right eye to his jaw.

She shivered, notched her chin and demanded, "Leave her alone!"

"Stay outta this, lady, or you'll be sorry," he snarled.

"Drop the knife! Now!"

Erica whirled to see a man, weapon drawn and aimed at the young man in the torn jeans and black sweatshirt.

Blue lights flickered and flashed against the walls as backup arrived. The attacker licked his lips, shifted his feet.

"Drop it!" the man yelled again. The knife clattered to the floor. Erica nearly wilted with relief. "Up against the wall!" he shouted.

More footsteps sounded in the hallway as the man spoke into his cell phone. Erica's head spun as she watched the young girl's terrified eyes snap to the man then to the window.

Before Erica could call out, the young teen ran to the window and climbed out.

"No! Lydia! Come back."

The man's shout hung on the empty air. Erica raced for the window, the breeze blowing back her blazer. "Police! Hands in the air!"

She spun, shocked to see an officer's weapon trained on her.
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Also, don’t forget that it’s Free Book Friday over at Harlequin.com--if you order two or more books, you’ll get their weekly featured book for free!

This week, the featured book is: McKettrick's Heart by Linda Lael Miller (Harlequin HQN)

I’m giving away SUSHI FOR ONE at the Love Inspired Authors blog

Head over to the Love Inspired Authors blog for a giveaway of Sushi for One! 10 copies being given away!

Interview and giveaway - HIDE AND SEEK by Lynette Eason

Today I have an interview with romantic suspense author Lynette Eason!

About Lynette:

Greenville, SC native, Lynette Eason is the best selling, award winning author of the Women of Justice Series and the Deadly Reunions series. Since 2007, she has written/contracted thirty-three books and three novella/short stories. Currently, she writes for Revell and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. She has won several awards and was a finalist in the prestigious Carol Awards for 2011 and 2013. She was also a finalist in the 2013 ECPA Book Awards. Her most recent book, When A Secret Kills hit #12 on the CBA Bestseller list for the month of June 2013. Lynette is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.

And now, here’s me and Lynette!

1) What gave you the idea for HIDE AND SEEK?

I get asked a lot where I get my ideas. I honestly don’t always know. They just come to me. LOL. I knew I wanted to write a series involving characters who find lost children. Hence Finding the Lost, Inc. was established. I also knew I needed to diversify the story lines, meaning they had to be different enough to be interesting, yet all deal with missing children. Book 1 is Hide and Seek. The heroine’s daughter was kidnapped three years ago and she became a skiptracer to do whatever it took to find her. In Book 2, CHRISTMAS COVER UP, the heroine is a police detective whose sister was kidnapped fourteen years ago. She became a detective to find her sister but has hit nothing but dead ends. She hires Finding the Lost, Inc to get involved. In book 3 which doesn’t have a title yet, the heroine IS the missing child who wants to find her family.

2) If your heroine had a favorite dessert, what would it be and why?

Chocolate cake. Very simple, yet absolutely delicious. She might even go a little crazy and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

3) If your hero could have any car, what would he choose and why?

My hero’s not really into material things. He’s not flashy, but he does admire a good set of wheels. He would probably choose a king cab truck that would be big enough for the instant family he’s going marry but serviceable and dependable. He also would use the truck to help others if they needed it.

4) What was your favorite/funnest scene to write in HIDE AND SEEK?

Probably the ending. I always enjoy the tense moments where the heroine or hero is in trouble and rescue is on the way. I also love the villain reveal. That moment when the reader goes: “So he/she’s the bad guy!” Love those kind of scenes.

Camy, thanks for having me! These were fun questions to ask. I hope your blog readers enjoy them also. I have a question for those interested in entering the contest: What are your favorite kind of characters? What kinds of occupations do you like to read about?

Thanks again, Camy!

Camy: Thanks for being here today, Lynette!

Lynette is also giving away FIVE COPIES of her Love Inspired Suspense!

Hide and Seek
by Lynette Eason

SHE WON'T GIVE UP Erica James has spent the past three years as a skip tracer, hunting down others and hoping one day it will lead to her kidnapped daughter. Now she has a new suspect—Max Powell's missing sister. Max, a private investigator, has found evidence that connects the two missing girls, and together, he and Erica search for answers. The closer they get to finding answers, the stronger their feelings for each other become. But the kidnapper will stop at nothing—including murder—to keep them from finding Erica's daughter. 
To enter:

You must join my email newsletter to be eligible for this contest. Fill out the form below. Be sure to read the rules.

Extra Twitter entries: Get one extra entry per day if you tweet about this giveaway:
@camytang is giving away a copy of Lynette Eason’s Love Inspired Suspense HIDE AND SEEK! http://is.gd/2dPOp6
(Be sure to include @camytang so I can see your tweet and give you your extra entry.)

Extra Facebook entries: Get one extra entry per day if you share this Facebook post on your own Facebook profile and/or page: https://www.facebook.com/CamyTangAuthor/posts/10151533292117620
(Be sure you share the post at the link above--go to the link and then click "share". Make sure you set the privacy of your share to “public” so I can see that you shared it and give you your extra entry even if I’m not on your friends list.)

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