Anne Patrick's Blog, page 7

Thursday Teaser & Giveaway

This week’s snippet is from Sabotage.  For a chance to win a $5 GC from Amazon, just leave your contact info.  Drawing will take place on Sept 5th. Good luck!
Blurb: District Judge Katie McKinley takes her career very seriously. No one knows that better than her old childhood friend and first love, Graham Bishop. Her ruling cost him his family’s ranch. So it’s no surprise when an attempt is made on her life that the sheriff turns his suspicions to Graham. As the two rekindle their love for one another, Katie refuses to believe Graham is guilty. But what if she’s wrong?  Available in eBook at Desert Breeze Publishing, Christianbook.com, Amazon.com,Barnes and Noble, and most online bookstores.
Set up:After a visit with the sheriff, Graham pays Katie a visit in her chambers to find out why she thinks he sent her some threatening notes.
Graham's smile faded. "I got a phone call this morning asking me to come to the sheriff's office to answer some questions about several nasty notes you received."Katie was unnerved by the fact that the sheriff had moved on with the investigation in spite of her wish to drop it. But what bothered her more was that he'd shown the notes to Graham. The more she thought about it, the more it seemed unlikely that Graham Bishop had anything to do with them. Her suspicions lay more with Scott Tillman, or someone in his family. The sheriff was correct in his assumption of their hatred for her family."I'm sorry for any inconvenience the sheriff may have caused you. I was under the impression when I left his office this morning the matter was going to be forgotten.""So you don't think I sent the notes?""Look, Mr. Bishop, I've already apologized to you, and I can assure you the sheriff won't bother you again. Now if that's all, I'm late for a luncheon appointment." She stood, grabbed her purse, and started around her desk."You didn't answer my question, Katie." He stepped forward so that they stood only inches apart.She gasped in alarm, his glare prompting her to step back behind her desk. The beating of her heart echoed in her ears. "You called me an egotistical little snob in my courtroom," she reminded him. Over a year later, his words still stuck in her like a thorn.He gave a low chuckle, and the lines beside his eyes multiplied. "You are a snob, or at least you were in high school. That doesn't mean I wish you any harm."Leaning against her desk, he folded his arms across his chest, his brown eyes leveled on her. "Look, I was mad. Yes. And I admit that if I'd been able to reach your bench that day without getting a bullet in my back, I may have been tempted to ring that pretty little neck of yours. But I don't hold grudges, Katie. Life's too short for that. Besides, if I did hold a grudge, it'd be for you pretending not to like me in high school when I knew good and well that you did."Her heart skipped a beat. "We're not in high school anymore.""I'm well aware of that, Katie.""This conversation is over, Mr. Bishop. Either leave my chambers, or I'll be forced to call security." The voice of authority she used in the courtroom sounded weak and shaky now. She knew deep down the man who stood before her would never intentionally hurt her, but since she'd received the third note yesterday, her nerves were a tattered mess."First you throw me out of your courtroom, and now you're throwing me out of your chambers."His smirk prompted her anger to deepen. She wasn't sure which bothered her more, his pompous attitude or the fact that he could still draw a reaction from her after all these years."Listen, Katie..." He moved toward her again.Not understanding why he wouldn't go, she backed up, almost tripping over the leg of her chair. "Please -- please leave.""Fine, I'll go. But be careful, Katie. You may not want to admit it, but I think we both know who's responsible for those notes."
Awards and Recognitions: 5 Heart review from The Romance Studio; #2 Bestseller in Suspense ebooks and Romance ebooks at Christianbook.com.

Meet Paul Winter from The Black Rose

Today I have the honor of having Naomi Musch visit. Naomi will do a PDF giveaway of any book in her Empire in Pine Series - winner's choice - The Green Veil, The Red Fury, or The Black Rose. To enter the drawing just leave a comment with your contact info. Thanks so much for visiting toady, Naomi.  Take it away....
I've asked some of my characters from The Black Rose, Empire in Pine Book Three to travel with me around the blogosphere and introduce themselves to readers. Jesilynand Corianneare taking the hot seat elsewhere (visit the links), so here today on Anne's blog I'd like everyone to meet one of the gentlemen from The Black Rose. Paul Winter is a preacher who came north a few years ago with his sister Marie. He had a missionary desire to bring the Gospel of hope to the men in the lumber camps, but it's not been quite what he expected.
First, here's the synopsis of The Black Rose:
Despite the panic of 1893, logging has reached its golden era in the growing state of Wisconsin, and twins Jesilyn and Corianne Beaumont enjoy a comfortable life with family in the bursting Great Lake city of Superior. But when jealousy incites Jesi to seduce Cori's fiancé, a flight and fall from grace lands her in a boomtown brothel, where a fresh start is denied her.
Camp preacher Paul Winter longs to offer hope in the logging and mining towns of northern Wisconsin, but not in the way he expects when he meets a redhead he calls Pie Girl. He's never had to battle his own longings quite this way before.
Meanwhile, stung by Jesilyn's betrayal, Corianne's bitterness might separate her from a second chance at happiness and peace. Only by Grace can both women begin new lives, and budding love can bloom in places neither of them expects.   Paul WinterHello, my name's Paul -- yeah, like the apostle. But I haven't had the ministry reach he had. In fact, seven years into my sojourn up here in the Wisconsin woods hasn't produced a single soul who really seems changed by the Gospel. I often wonder in my talks with the Lord, is one soul too much to ask? The fellows are a good lot for the most part, but if they stumble into a preaching service on a Sunday morning, it's probably more out of boredom than hunger for the Word. Most of them are sleeping off a big Saturday night spent in Hurley or Ironwood bars and saloons.
Hayward, Hurley, and Hell are the three hottest places on a Saturday night. That's the saying around here and with good reason -- it's true. Seems like some fellows want to spend their days tip-toeing along the brink of disaster. Some gals too... (frowning)
Where was I? Oh, yeah... In fact, I nearly gave up. I heard from an old friend -- okay -- maybe she was more than that -- but she told me about a church looking for a pastor down in Sheboygan. I wrote them a letter. My sister Marie is as solid as ever. Sometimes I think God should've made her a man -- a preacher. She's that strong and sure of where He wants her. But nah... she's too much a lady.
I was thinking seriously about leaving the northwoods then, even though my heart didn't want to give up what I thought God's calling on me had been. Then came Jane. Pie Girl, I called her, until the day I had a reason to know her by any other name. And even then -- Jane -- well, of course it wasn't her real name. We never had reason to doubt her until I met a man named Beaumont who was looking for his daughter Jesi. There was no mistaking the resemblance.
But Jane or Jesi -- it didn't really matter. She brought some sparks to our lives. Some folks might say Marie and I were fools, taking in a liar, a -- a fallen woman. But that's not how we saw her. Not how I saw her... (Looking at his hands) I saw something beyond what she even saw of herself, and I know the Lord did too. I don't regret what happened after that. I don't regret it at all.
(Looking up) I didn't expect to fall in love with her, of course. But her loving me -- well, that was a different story. A lot happened to her in Hurley, things you don't get past easily, especially when the past has a way of reappearing. Then there was that fellow back in Superior -- Clay Dalton. Sometimes I don't think I hit him hard enough...
Some preacher, huh? Seem to always find myself in the middle of some kind of brouhaha. And you wonder why I doubt myself.
I truly blushed telling that part to Naomi when she wrote our story. But God's pretty big. I'm over it. For all I know, there'll be more black eyes to come. Naomi sent you folks a scene about that crazy notion Marie had that I should marry Jesi just to shelter her. Marie is nothing if not persistent, but that's partly what I love about her. She's ever the big sister.
I'll be curious to hear how Jesi and her sister Cori do talking about all this on the other --what do you call 'em -- blogs? They might be twins, but they can think as differently as wet and dry.
Here's where you can get the whole story if the excerpt tickles your fancy. In the meantime, below is that scene I mentioned.
~ Paul Winter
Buy Links:Desert Breeze: http://tinyurl.com/793uv89Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/bosd2e5B&N: http://tinyurl.com/7tbnkep

Excerpt featuring Paul from The Black Rose
       Paul dropped the lid to the chest and stood, brushing past her. “This is foolishness.”       “You like her, Paul.”       “Of course I do. She’s a sweet girl. She’s had some misfortune.”       “Sweet?”       He looked up and was met by Marie’s precocious grin. “You know what I mean.”       “You like her.”       Paul strode into the main room and looked for something to do. He stirred the fire and added more wood, prolonging the activity.        Marie shadowed him. “You like her a lot. I’ve seen you looking at her.”       “Marie…” So she had noticed. Paul had feared that. No use arguing now. “Yes, I’m very aware of her, and I am attracted to her. But too many things stand in the way. The main one, I’ve already mentioned. Then again, she hasn’t shown the slightest interest in me. She’d probably run off scared out of her wits if you even brought up this idea.”       “Maybe not.”       He scowled and stared into the fire.       “She needs us. It’s obvious she has no place to go, no one to turn to. I think she’d consider the idea.”       “Marie, you’re not talking about me protecting her. You’re talking about me marrying her. That’s something else entirely.”       “Paul, surely you’ve heard of marriages of convenience.”       “I’ve never planned to be part of one.” His thoughts swept to Imogene Gillette, the girl he’d nearly married. The girl he had loved.       “Of course not.” Marie’s voice softened. She moved next to him and looped her arm through his. “But what if it’s God’s will? What if this is the soul you’ve been praying for? What if a marriage of convenience could become a perfect union of love and a lifetime of commitment?”       “What if it can’t?” The lifetime part worried him the most.       To that, Marie fell silent.       The door swung open, and they looked up from the fire. Jane hurried in out of the wind as light snow flurried down. She swept off her bonnet. Her bun tumbled askew, and her face was flushed with cold. Her beauty made Paul blush when he realized, once again, he was transfixed… and now Marie knew.       She strode over to take the empty basket from Jane.”How did it go?”       “Perfectly, as usual.” She unbuttoned the heavy coat she’d borrowed from Marie. “Cookee said to tell you he has some venison hind quarter in the smoker and that you should come get some later, Paul.” She smiled at him, and her eyes shone.       What if Marie is right? He swallowed, trying to imagine the possibility, while at the same time his instincts warred inside him. What if it is the answer... God’s answer?

Author Bio:
Naomi and her husband Jeff live as epically as God allows on a ramshackle farm in Wisconsin's north woods near their five young adults and three grand-children. Amidst it, she writes stories about imperfect people who are finding hope and faith to overcome their struggles. Her entire Empire in Pine series, available now in eBook from Desert Breeze Publishing, will also go to print in 2013. She invites new friends and old to say hello and find out more about her books, passions, and other writing venues at http://www.naomimusch.comor look her up on Facebook Naomi Musch - Author and Twitter NMusch.

Thursday Teaser & Giveaway

This week’s snippet is from Fire and Ash.  For a chance to win a $5 GC from Amazon, just leave your contact info.  Drawing will take place on the 29th. Good luck!
Blurb: Fire Investigator Sadie McGregor is called to her hometown of Emerald Point, Missouri to investigate a suspicious fire which claimed the life of a local college student. By appearance the fire looks accidental. What Sadie and the handsome new police chief discover will not only affect those close to them, but will rock the entire community and may cost one of them their life.  Available in eBook at Desert Breeze Publishing, Christianbook.com, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, or most online bookstores.
Set up:Quinn has just returned to the scene of a fatality fire and finds female fire investigator Sadie McGregor."I believe the point of origin is her bedroom, upstairs, first door on your right," Quinn volunteered."I've already been there," she said before exiting the room.He followed her down the hall, into the kitchen. "How long have you been here?""Since dawn." Just about the time he'd gone home to get a couple hours of much needed sleep. Sadie pried opened the door of the soot-covered refrigerator and surveyed the contents. "Looks like our girl had herself a party.""What makes you think that?""The refrigerator is almost empty and there are two barrels on the back porch with enough beer cans to pay for both our lunches.""Preliminary findings of the coroner suggest she died from smoke inhalation.""She also had a skull fracture.""You've seen the body?" he asked."Yup.""Well she could have received the head injury when she woke up disoriented. She was found next to the bed. She could have tripped and struck her head on the corner post.""That's one possibility."
Awards and Recognitions: 4 star review from Romantic Times; ‘Best Book’ and 5 star review from LASR; ‘Top Pick’ and a 5 star review from Night Owl Reviews; #1 Bestselling suspense eBook and #1 Bestselling contemporary romance eBook for over ten months at Christianbook.com. LASR 'Best Book of 2010' Nominee; Winner TRR's 'Best Inspirational 2010'.

Laurel Hawkes Interview & Excerpt

Please welcome debut author, Laurel Hawkes!  Thanks for joining me today, Laurel.  I look forward to learning more about you and your new book. 

[Anne]Is there one particular book you read as a child that continues to stick out in your mind?

[Laurel] Lord of the Rings. I read it as a tween, and it was my first "grown up" book. It's still one of my favorite books.

[Anne] Do you have a favorite author? What do you like most about their work?

[Laurel] JRR Tolkien. He had an amazing gift for description. He would describe a scene down to the rocks and flowers and blades of grasses and yet kept it so general anyone could read the scene and think of a place they knew exactly like it.

[Anne] Name a favorite character from a book you've read in the last year?

[Laurel] Wanda from Stephanie Meyer's The Host. I expected to dislike her, to put it mildly, and ended up admiring her.

[Anne] Congratulations again on your new release. How exciting! Please tell us a little about it.

[Laurel] In A Promise of Possibilities, Elizabeth Thorn is a spinster with no prospects but a life of servitude in her father's house, unless he marries her off to one of his cronies. Jonathan Silverton wants to escape the secrets of his past, but his perfect solution of a home in the country lands him in the middle of one of his biggest secrets.

[Anne] What inspired it, and how long did it take you to write it?

[Laurel] Regency romance is one of my favorite genres. A friend challenged me to write the story I wanted to read, and I did, in 2006. After a rejection in 2007, I did a lot of rewrites, as I learned my craft. The final draft was finished in December 2012 and accepted by Desert Breeze Publishing.

[Anne] So far, what's the most exciting thing about being a newly published author?

[Laurel] Being offered a contract. I never really believed I'd be published.

[Anne] What's your least favorite thing about your publishing experience so far?

[Laurel] Worrying. I've had so many amazing people believe in me, and I don't want to disappoint them.

[Anne] Do you have another book in the works?

[Laurel] Endless Possibilities is a series of three Christian Regency romance novels and the next, Hidden Possibilities, is scheduled to be published in March 2013. I also have a contemporary series, The Silver Locket Sisterhood, the first of which is scheduleded for November 2012, Luck In Love.

[Anne] Let's say Hollywood wants to turn your book into a movie. What actor/actress do see portraying your main characters?

[Laurel] A younger Daniel Craig and an older Rachel Hendrix.

[Anne] Other than writing, what do you enjoy doing?

[Laurel] Reading! I also enjoy time with friends.

[Anne] If you could go anywhere in the world on a vacation or to research your next book, where would you go?

[Laurel] The neverending list - Wales, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, the beach, in no particular order.

[Anne] You’ve won a talent show!  What act did you perform?

[Laurel] I sang On My Own from Les Miz. Really, only I didn't win. J

[Anne] Where do you go when you need to get inspired to write?

[Laurel] P.Croissant, my favorite eatry.

[Anne] Do you have any writing quirks?

[Laurel] Probably, but since they're mine, I don't think they're quirky.

[Anne] What do you think makes a good story?

[Laurel] I think what my favorite books, be it fiction or nonfiction, and they have in common are honor, hope, and love.

[Anne] Laurel, thank you so much for joining us today!  I wish you tons of success with your new release. In closing, why don't you give us a brief excerpt and then tell us where we can purchase your book.

Book Blurb:
In England, 1816, spinster Elizabeth Thorn has been more slave than servant as her father's housekeeper. The courageous war stories shared by author Paul Silver inspire her to correspond with him. But after years of heartfelt letters, he stops replying...

Johnathan Silverton blames himself for the brutal death of his best friend. When he moves to the countryside and unexpectedly meets his correspondent, he chooses not to reveal his secrets. But he cannot deny his desire to marry her, while hoping she'll never discover the truth. Shattered trust and faith may tear them apart...until they each learn a vital lesson.

Excerpt:
"Matthew," Elizabeth hissed.He grinned, unrepentant. "My sister instructs me I am not to ply you with my myriad questions, at least, not yet.""You're incorrigible," she muttered. It was all she could do not to clamp her hand over her mouth. She'd never meant to utter the words aloud.Mr. Jonathan Silverton turned his full attention on her, his gray-eyed gaze flicking over her from head to foot and back again.Vague discomfort rippled through her. She knew she was unaccustomed to a man's attention, but had he lingered overlong in his perusal of her? Had she ever endured such scrutiny? Under her sire's critical gaze, of a certainty, and perhaps his cronies as well. This had felt different. The latter invariably filled her with the sensation of being one of her father's breeding mares, but not coming from Mr. Silverton. Instead, she had sensed something more -- familiarity or perhaps recognition -- and yet how could such a thing be when they'd never met before this moment? She would remember if they had, without a doubt. His brooding world-weariness and striking appearance were unforgettable.She concentrated on keeping her own gaze directed to the gentleman's face, endeavoring not to notice his broad shoulders and chest, encased in a close-fitting coat and waistcoat, or his trim waist and lean hips and legs, in tailored trousers and boots, all of chocolate brown. In contrast, his shirt was stark white, and the cravat was tied with practiced carelessness. She suspected his piercing gray-eyed inspection of her discerned a great deal more than she wanted to reveal. Dragging her gaze away from his eyes to the rest of his face, she noticed it was tanned, his cheekbones high, his forehead broad, framed with light brown locks curling in disarray. His straight nose drew her perusal to his bow-shaped lips, the lower being fuller than the upper, and accentuated by his square jaw.He stepped forward, and she offered her hand, smiling, hoping her own nervousness did not show. As handsome as he was, a darkness overshadowed him, a burden on his soul.Tucking away her contemplations, she interjected, "Please pay no attention to my brother. He may be three and twenty, but when it comes to horses he is more like three and ten.""Ellie, never say so. Seven and ten, at least, was when I knew enough to appreciate quality, when I saw it, and even you cannot deny those horses were prime quality."Though Mr. Silverton offered a pleasant smile, it did not reach his eyes.http://stores.desertbreezepublishing...., Barnes and Noble, and iBook

Thursday Teaser & Giveaway

This week’s snippet is from Journey to Redemption.  For a chance to win a $5 GC from Amazon, just leave your contact info.  Drawing will take place on the 22nd. Good luck!
Blurb: Detective Morgan Reynolds thought her nightmare was over when serial killer Gerald ‘The Slasher’ Tate was sent to prison for her husband’s murder. But she was wrong. The Slasher has escaped and he’s making it even more personal this time. Tate has kidnapped her son and is giving her 72 hours to find the answers he wants or Jared dies.  Available in print or eBook at Whimsical Publications, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, or at most online bookstores. 
Set up:Morgan’s son has just been kidnapped by the serial killer who murdered her husband.
Chase stopped the car. Morgan leaped from the passenger side and ran up the small slope to her front door.“Jared,” she called out as she entered the foyer. After dropping her purse on the bottom step, she ran up the stairs to his room.  He wasn’t there.She crossed the room to the unmade bed and searched for any sign that he’d been there since that morning, but his backpack was nowhere in sight.  Glancing out the window, she spotted Cosmo lounging next to his doghouse.  Please, God…please let him be at one of his friends’.  Please let him be safe!Morgan fought off the threatening tears as she searched her bedroom, the guest bedroom, and the bathrooms before heading back downstairs.“Afternoon, Sergeant.” Morgan froze at the familiar voice coming from her answering machine. She stepped into the living room and stared at the black box next to the phone.  “Not to worry, you’re little boy is safe and sound. He’ll stay that way as long as you don’t contact your buddies down at the police station. I’ll be in touch soon.” She looked at Chase.   “Sorry.  I thought maybe he’d left you a message,” he said.“Oh no.” Her worst fear confirmed, Morgan sank onto the couch and wrapped her arms around her midsection. She struggled to fight off the nausea that threatened to consume her.“Get me the captain.”Morgan looked up and saw Chase on the phone.  She rushed to his side, grabbed the receiver from his hand, and slammed it down on its cradle then glared at him. “What are doing?”“Following procedure. The faster we act, the better the chances…”“You heard what he said, no cops.”“Come on, Morgan, be realistic. We have to follow protocol.”“Forget protocol. We’re talking about my son here. I’m not going to do anything that will endanger his life.”

Ian Walkley Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway

Ian will award a $50 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. To enter just leave a comment with your contact info. For more chances to win you can follow the tour and comment on other blogs. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot...

BLURB:

Two men, exiles from their respective societies, take conflicting approaches in the quest to regain their place and self-respect, and find themselves at war over a kidnapped girl.

Lee McCloud (“Mac”), a special forces soldier facing trumped-up charges of murder, is forced to work for a mysterious government outfit operating outside the law.

Khalid Yubani, cast out of Saudi Arabia for an offence against another member of the Royal family, seeks revenge through ruthless acts of evil. Engaged in the worst forms of human trafficking, Khalid buys Sophia, the daughter of Mac’s best friend, who has been kidnapped in Mexico. With time running out for Sophia, Mac enlists the help of a beautiful computer genius, a British SAS soldier and a Lebanese fixer to try to find Sophia and save her from the terrifying fate that Khalid has in store.

Although starting the quest as a man with no remorse, Mac gradually discovers a side of himself that he suppressed after witnessing the abduction of his own sister years before.

Dodging assassins, corrupt generals, evil medicos, Mossad agents, corrupt bureaucrats, and sharks, Mac ignores the order to stay out of trouble and follows Sophia’s trail from Mexico to Paris, London and Dubai, and the island of Andaran, where Khalid and his henchmen are waiting…

The Inspiration behind No Remorse

In my younger days, my writing heroes were Ludlum, Maclean, Wilbur Smith—action, adventure, global conspiracies—so I naturally gravitated to thrillers. When I began writing No Remorse, in 2008, I had in mind writing a Ludlum-esque prologue about some mysterious event, and weaving a story around it. I was curious about Saddam’s missing WMD’s, so I came up with the idea of Saddam passing nuclear materials to an old Saudi Prince who buried them in the Arabian desert just before the invasion.

However, over the three years I was writing the book many things occurred that kept forcing me to rewrite the story. I came to the view that everyone wanted to put Iraq behind them, and more recently Osama Bin Laden was killed. In the end, I spent a further six months rewriting the story so that it would not date.

No Remorse in its final form is the story of the kidnapping of two American teenage girls on holiday in Mexico, and the subsequent search for them by a former special operations soldier Lee McCloud (Mac). I have retained the theme of ‘no remorse’ in terms of achieving retribution for the evil that bad people have done to others.

I enjoy the research side of writing. I traveled to Paris, London and Dubai to help with setting, and investigated the activities of the bad guys in areas such as human trafficking, which is a massive global trade, rivaling drugs in illegal earnings. I also researched the corruption of the global financial system, computer hacking, and read many non-fiction accounts from special forces operators.

I’m currently writing my second book. It’s a different type of story, a crime thriller more like a Harlan Coben, Don Winslow or Nelson DeMille story. I have already begun plotting the sequel to No Remorse.

I love the challenge of putting together a complex plot and seeing it completed. And what I love equally as much is hearing from readers how much they enjoyed the story. That’s what writing novels is all about.

When I was running my marketing consultancy I traveled a great deal, and loved to read escapist thrillers while flying. I wanted to write a book that other travelers would enjoy. Thrillers are about tension that makes the reader want to turn the page. Many men don’t read fiction, and I want to write stories that get men reading fiction again, while also appealing to female readers. Readers have written to me about how they stayed up all night to finish No Remorse, or how their husband wouldn’t pay them attention until he had finished the book. So I think the answer is short chapters, lots of action, and a mix of conflict, violence and sex.

Fortunately, No Remorse has had excellent reviews. Here’s a selection from the authoritative Kirkus Reviews:

“Walkley’s beefy prose and rousing action sequences deliver a thriller to satisfy any adrenaline addict…

With so many interweaving subplots—kidnapped girls, Israeli undercover agents, nuclear weapons and a secret underwater hideout—it could be easy to lose track of what’s going on. But the author’s deft handling of the material ensures that doesn’t occur; subplots are introduced at the appropriate junctures and, by story’s end, all are accounted for and neatly concluded.”

Excerpt

The girls’ fathers, Bob and Marvin, each carried a briefcase full of cash with a tiny GPS tracker hidden in a false bottom. They were both taller than the kidnappers, and through the scope Mac could read the pain on Bob’s face. The behavior of the kidnappers was still bothering him, but there was nothing he could do except watch. The leader held out his palm and waved his pistol like it was a flag. He addressed the fathers in accented English.

“You’re late. We think perhaps you do not want your daughters back, eh?”

“Sorry,” Bob said, his breathing short and sharp. “We took a wrong turn coming into the dam. The signs were confusing.”

The man grunted and glanced at the one with the knife. “Check them.”

Knife Man patted them down, searched their pockets, nodded the all clear.

“You have our money?”

“Of course.” Bob’s voice came through deep and confident in his earpiece, although the armpits of his shirt betrayed his anxiety. Be courteous but strong, Mac had advised him, otherwise they won’t respect you. Being a basketball coach undoubtedly helped. “And you have our daughters,” Bob said. A statement, not a question. He held out the briefcase. “Here’s the money. We didn’t contact the police.”

Several kidnappers gave a hearty laugh.

The leader smirked. “We wouldn’t be here if you had, gringo. But your daughters would be. With bullets in their heads.” He gestured to a kidnapper wearing a red bandana around his neck. “Abrirlos,” he ordered, and the man took both briefcases and unclipped the locks.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Ian Walkley has had a career in social and market research, and has been writing novels, short stories, travel articles and copywriting since 2008. He has co-authored two publications on small business and his first novel, No Remorse, was published in 2012. Ian's screenplay "Deniable Justice" placed fourth in the Writer’s Digest 2011 Competition for best screenplay. Ian has travelled extensively and researched his subject, and brings a knowledge of location and technical detail to the exotic settings and big screen thrills. Ian lives in Brisbane with his wife and three children.

http://www.ianwalkley.com

http://www.facebook.com/ianwalkleyauthor

http://www.twitter.com/ianjwalkley

Thursday Teaser & Giveaway

This week’s snippet is from my short story Christmas with Hope. It’s a companion piece to my Wounded Heroes Series – beginning with Kill Shot – and can be downloaded for free from my publisher or at Books on Board.  For a chance to win a $5 GC from Amazon, just leave your contact info.  Drawing will take place on the 15th. Good luck!

Blurb: Penned down under heavy fire, the sound of the Blackhawk chopper is one of the sweetest sounds a ranger will ever hear. Then to discover an attractive female at the stick has the sparks flying. Hope Erickson, a Blackhawk pilot, and Nick Cunningham, an army ranger, renew their acquaintance on the battlefields of Iraq. Will they risk their hearts to one another or does fate have other plans in store for them?
Set up: Nick and his team have been ambushed. Blackhawk choppers have arrived and are attempting to take out the insurgents.
A bullet ricocheted off the concrete wall, narrowly missing Nick Cunningham's head. Kneeling next to the door, he returned several rounds from his M4. Mortars and small-arms fire exploded throughout the neighborhood. It sounded like the Fourth of July. He searched the rooftop of the building across the road, where the insurgents lay well hidden, but saw nothing.The mission was simple. Locate and eliminate a cell of insurgents embedded in the small village in western Iraq. But nothing was ever that simple in this unconventional war. As it turned out, the reliable tip that put this mission in motion appeared to be just a ruse to ambush Nick's unit.Thankfully, only one of his men was injured in the initial firefight.He glanced over at Doc. The young medic was changing the bandage on their fallen comrade. Lucas' gunshot wound wasn't serious, but if they didn't get him to a hospital soon they could lose him.Another mortar exploded just outside the door, showering Nick with plaster and dirt. The abandoned school had offered the perfect refuge, but after four hours of continuous hits the roof and part of the front wall were close to collapsing on top of them."Hey, Gunner," Nick yelled into his head mike. "You got that radio fixed yet?" He'd been at it over an hour and Nick was losing patience.Several seconds passed before the soldier answered, "I'm working on it."Nick glanced down the dirt road to their bombed Humvee, where Gunner and Mac were attempting to fix the radio. They were still receiving fire. Nick had to give them some reinforcement, if they had any chance of radioing for help. "Crocket, come in here and keep the doc company. I'm gonna go see if I can't speed things up a bit.""Hey, Lieutenant. You may want to hang back," his radio crackled. "Sounds like we have company."Nick listened. He could barely hear the sound of chopper blades over the gunfire. "Miller, shoot a flare on top of that roof so they'll know our location."Within seconds of the flare's landing, four blasts demolished the building across the road. The percussion knocked Nick off his feet. Smoke billowed into the school. An eerie silence surrounded them.

Six Sentence Sunday

Today, I’m sharing a snippet from OUT OF THE DARKNESS. It's a published contemporary romantic suspense.


Set-up: The serial killer is watching a taped interview of Alex. He's determined to add her to his list of victims.

*****

He paused the video and fixed his eyes on the still picture. Such a beautiful face. Her posture and expression were full of confidence.

She wasn’t so arrogant the night he’d attacked her though, and neither was her sister.

Until she’d come along, he’d been in complete control. Not to worry though, no matter where she ran, he’d find her.

*****

Blub:

FBI profiler Alex Michaels’ life was shattered when a sadistic serial killer murdered her twin sister and left Alex with a career ending injury. Hoping to put the past behind her, she sets off across country with a truck driver she barely knows. Royce McIntire knows Alex is on the run from something or someone, but he doesn’t care. He’s fallen in love with her and is finally getting his life back on track. The killer is hot on Alex’s trail though, determined to find the one victim who got away. As more bodies turn up dead Alex has no choice but to tell Royce who she really is. Will the love that has blossomed between them be strong enough to sustain them, or will the killer get to Alex before they even have a chance to find out?

OUT OF THE DARKNESS is available at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com/Out-Of-The-Darkness-ebook/dp/B004GKML3E/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_7

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/out-of-the-darkness-anne-patrick/1029826917?ean=2940043324672&itm=5&usri=anne%2bpatrick

Six Sentence Sunday

This is my first Six Sentence Sunday. The ones I've chosen are from my latest release, Fire Creek. In this scene Jimmy has just caught Kasey exiting the office of the attorney her late cousin had worked for.

What were you doing in Woodward's office?" he demanded.


She avoided his glare, as her mind raced to come up with a logical explanation. Lying was out of the question, not that it'd do any good anyway. He had no doubt seen her through the window, explaining the noise she heard.

"Do you realize how much trouble you could get into if anyone was to find out you broke into his office?"

"No one's going to find out... unless you rat on me.


Blurb:
Kasey Montgomery has returned to her hometown of Fire Creek Montana after the apparent suicide of her cousin. Within days of Beth's funeral, Kasey begins to find inconsistencies in her death. The local sheriff is quick to dismiss the allegations as figments of a writer's imagination. Kasey is determined to prove otherwise. Does the bronzed skinned stranger from Beth's funeral hold the answers?


Local park ranger, Jimmy Little Raven suspects foul play too. Beth was engaged to his best friend who died months earlier from a mysterious accident. Risking his heart and his job, he teams up with the famous mystery writer to find the answers to both deaths.

Available at:
http://www.amazon.com/K-T-Randall-Book-One-ebook/dp/B008GI62KA/ref=la_B002C793SE_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1341130949&sr=1-17 You can also purchase at Barnes & Noble and most online bookstores. Learn about Anne’s other books at: http://www.annepatrick.weebly.com/

Interview with Princess Tara from Dark Alliance

Tara, the Crown Princess of Gautier, a small European island country west of France, has gone to the finest schools in the world, was raised in the luxury of a beautiful palace in a country that was fast becoming one of Europe’s hot spots. In the eyes of the public she lives in a fairy tale world, is admired and adored by her people. But in the shadows lurks an evil far greater than even the king can imagine.


Babysitting a beautiful princess sounds like an easy job for former CIA agent Alex Girard, but when it becomes clear that the assassin trying to kill Tara is the same man responsible for killing his father he knows keeping her alive may be the toughest assignment of his life. Just as disturbing is the growing attraction he has for the future queen. Determined to find the answers that will save the monarchy and finally bring the murderer to justice, Alex and Tara team up with friends on an international quest that will change all their lives.

Interview with Princess Tara:
Princess Tara is the daughter of King Edward of Gautier, and is heir presumptive to the crown. The small country of Gautier is located on the Atlantic Ocean, between North America and France. The princess is here in the states trying to find answers from her past with the help of her good friend, Scott Humphreys and her new bodyguard Alex Girard. Welcome, Princess!


*Princess Tara removes her baseball cap and sunglasses she’s been wearing to conceal her identity and takes a seat on the sofa* Thank you, Anne. It’s my pleasure to be here.

[Anne] Forgive me for my informality. I’ve never interviewed royalty before.

[Tara] Don’t be silly. I detest formality. Just ask my father. *Tara tosses Anne a mischievous grin*

[Anne] Would you care for a brownie, Tara? Ummm it is okay if I call you by your first name…I mean since we’re being informal.

[Tara] Of course. And I would love a brownie. Thank you.” *Tara carefully removes one from the plate and takes a bite* Delicious!

[Anne] *Big grin* Thanks! I appreciate the compliment. I’m not really known for my cooking skills.

[Tara] Neither am I.

[Anne] I’m surprised you even cook. If I had servants, I sure wouldn’t.

[Tara] On this adventure, I do a lot of things I don’t normally do.

[Anne] Hmmm…Intriguing comment. Though I’m tempted, I won’t go there just yet. Instead, please tell us what a day in the life of a princess is like.

[Tara] Normally I would be kept to a tight schedule of meetings, fund raisers…whatever my father’s advisors request of me. They’re all part of my royal duties. They’re grooming me to be queen some day.

[Anne] You said normally. What have you been up to lately?

[Tara] For the past several months I’ve been away from court on a holiday.

[Anne] Holiday huh?

[Tara] *Tara grins* At least that is what my father thinks. In reality, I’ve been working with Scott, a former New York policeman, to find the answers behind my brother’s abduction fifteen years ago.

[Anne] I’m so sorry about your brother. Have you been able to come up with any answers to his disappearance?

[Tara] Going on the original reports from my own government’s investigation, we came up with the name Diablo Lazario, who at one time had been a suspect. With some research and a couple of inside tips through government channels, we were able to learn Lazario has a son living in the state of Virginia.

[Anne] I hear Scott has brought in some help in the form of a bodyguard. I happened to catch sight of him out in the hallway. He’s very good looking.

[Tara] *Tara makes a huffing sound as she sets her empty plate aside* His looks are all he has going for him. He’s a beast of a man! I would have demanded his dismissal if he hadn’t recently saved my life.

[Anne] Oh my! What happened?

[Tara] I’d rather not say. It was all very disturbing. I don’t like to talk about it. Besides, if my father were to find out my true whereabouts, he would demand I return to Gautier and I would have to give up my search.

[Anne] I understand.

*The door opened and the man Anne had seen in the hallway stepped in. Gorgeous locks of brown hair curled along the collar of his dress shirt. He stands well over six feet tall and has the muscled physic of a football player. A pair of stunning emerald eyes looks at Anne.* “Sorry for the interruption,” he said before turning to Tara. “Marcus just called. The plane is fueled and ready for takeoff.”

[Tara] Fine. I’ll be out in a minute. Please close the door on your way out.

[Alex] *Instead of leaving, he offers his hand to Anne* Alex Girard. Are those brownies I see there?

[Anne] *Anne reluctantly withdraws her hand from his and picks up the plate* Take as many as you like.

[Tara] *Tara gasped* I don’t believe this. You have the manners of a baboon. *She rises from the sofa and walks over to Anne.* I should probably be going. We have a lot of work to do.

[Anne] *Shakes Tara’s hand* It was a pleasure meeting you. You’re as lovely as your photographs in the tabloids.

[Tara] *smiles* Thank you. *She then turns to Alex* I’ll be waiting in the limo.

[Alex] She’s a royal pain in the you-know-what if you ask me. I’ve been in war zones that were more pleasant than this assignment.

[Tara] I heard that *Tara shouts over her shoulder.*

[Alex] *rolls his eyes* I better get going before she leaves without me. Thanks for the brownies.

[Anne] You’re welcome. I hope Tara is able to find the answers she’s searching for.

[Alex] She will, if I can keep her alive long enough.

If you'd like to find out what happens, you can purchase the book at the following locations for only $3.99.  Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Smashwords.