Tom Hobbs's Blog, page 167

Sojourn With A Stranger: Book Excerpt

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Sojourn with a Stranger

Keta Diablo

An erotic romance/paranormal novel

 

This novel includes voodoo, ghosts, an eerie Gothic atmosphere, and other fantastic paranormal elements. The reader should be prepared for a journey of suspense, thrills and murder.

 

Available on Kindle:  http://amzn.to/I0tYJK

 

* * *

And if a   stranger   sojourn   with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him.

Leviticus 19:33

 

Setup: Derek Stafford, owner of a large Southern estate, offers the most recent member of his house staff a large amount of money to bear his child. Raine Brinsley is outraged.

 

* * *

 

Derek dropped into an overstuffed divan opposite Raine. He pulled the leather pouch and brown envelope from his vest pocket, and placed them on the oak table separating them. Alternately, she looked between the pouch and his face.

“I’m not certain how to begin.” He wrung his clammy hands. Damn, this is more difficult than I imaged. “We had a discussion several evenings past in the garden?”

“I remember.”

“I explained my father’s desire to obtain a male heir and my inability to produce one thus far?”

Dark green eyes searched his. “Yes, clearly.”

“You’re a beautiful woman with a significant amount of intellect and a variety of coveted traits and talents.”

“Thank you, but you hardly know me.”

“That’s true.” The words managed to slip out his dry throat. “However, what I’ve witnessed since your arrival exceeds my highest expectations.”

“Expectations?”

“You’re in a difficult situation.” He forced a smile. “I’m prepared to offer you a way out.”

“A way out of what, Derek? I’m not understanding―”

“Hear me out, please.” Rising from the chair, he paced before her. “I realize the arrangement will seem outrageous at first, even obtuse, but I’ve thought a great deal about it since our meeting in the garden. I took the liberty of consulting an expert.”

“An expert? Whatever for?”

“Childbirth.”

A nervous giggle left her lips. “I’m not following you. Perhaps you should come right out and tell me what arrangement you’re alluding to.”

The seconds ticked away on the mantle clock, sounding like a thousand crickets had breached the room. “Yes, I’m trying to get to the point of all this.” He stopped pacing and held onto the back of his chair. “Here’s the way of it. You need to earn enough money to return to your grandfather inMaine. I, on the other hand, need a son.”

Her brow furrowed.

“I’m offering you freedom in the long run. In exchange, I want to have a child with you, preferably, a male.” The words rushed forth. “However, if you’re delivered of a female, I’ll love and accept her just the same.”

An audible gasp fell from her lips. “Oh, but I can’t possibly accept a proposal of marriage from a virtual stranger. It would be most unfair to both―”

Good, God, she thinks I’m offering marriage? Marriage? “No, that is, you misunderstood my proposal. I’m not suggesting we marry.”

Her eyes widened.

Walking to the table with a tentative gait, he picked up the envelope. “More money than you could earn in a lifetime is in here. I’m offering half now and the other half when the contract has been met.”

She looked at the envelope and then at him, her tone icy. “How much is in the envelope?”

“Five thousand dollars.”

Another gasp.

“Five thousand now and five thousand the day the child is born.” Tossing the envelope on the table for effect, he continued. “It’s yours right now should you accept my offer.” A rapid pulse took flight in a tiny blue vein in her neck.

“If you’re not offering marriage, in what capacity will I live in the manor?”

“You’ll be free to go home after the child is born. Until then, you’ll have complete freedom to do whatever you choose.”

Her eyes narrowed, and sparked.

“You said you wished to return to your grandfather one day. That day can be sooner than you think if you sign the contract my barrister drafted.” He nodded toward the envelope. “It’s also in there.”

Her face paled. “Horace Masterson, the kindly gentleman who promised me safety until I returned toMaine?”

“Yes, the money guarantees your security, and your safety.” Walking around the chair, he settled into it and leaned forward. “At the very least, read the contract. I’m sure you’ll agree the terms protect you.”

Her lower lip quivered, and he wondered if she might cry. Christ, what would he do if she launched into a crying jag? He couldn’t bear up under her tears.

“You seem quite well prepared.” Her gaze took him apart inch by inch. “I commend your valiant efforts to keep your father’s threats at bay.”

“I can’t find fault with your reaction at the onset, but surely you see the practicality on both sides?” After drawing in a lungful of air, he added, “You’ll be free to go about your life when it’s over in a manner envied by most women. I’ll acquire an heir to Stafford House, and my father will end his relentless pursuit.”

“Oh, do enlighten me.” She pinned him with a lethal glare. “Should I decide to engage in your well-contrived scheme, how do you propose we bring the end result to fruition?”

“It’s quite simple,” he said, aware the temperature in the room leaped to an unbearable degree. “You spend three nights in my bedchamber, the specific nights will be chosen by Madelina. She’s prepared―”

“Who is she?”

“A healer, a woman who dabbles in tonics, remedies. She’s already prepared several concoctions.” He dug for the instructions in the pocket of his vest. “You must follow her recommendations when it comes to diet and tinctures for several weeks. She’s highly skilled, claims certain remedies will enhance the possibility of producing a male child. I’ll expect you to follow her recommendations if you accept my offer.”

She shook her head. “I must applaud your tenacity and the immense preparation you expended in carrying out your duplicitous plot.”

“There is nothing duplicitous about this. I’ve told you everything.”

She looked away from him, but not before he saw the sadness return to her eyes again, and something he didn’t recognize. Indecision? Hatred? An interminable amount of time passed before he dared speak. “Think of it as a business arrangement.”

She turned to him with a look that said she would love to sever him at the knees with a saber.

“I’d like your decision in two days. You’ll find me in my study two nights from now. If you decline, you can remain at Stafford House until you’ve earned enough money to return toMaine. Do you have any questions?”

“Yes,” she said with calm composure. “Why me? There must be countless women who’d agree to bear your child.”

“I thought I made that clear. You possess undeniable beauty, have obviously been well educated, and you have the physical attributes, height and stature, I hope are passed on to our child.” He shrugged. “It’s that simple.”

Flushed with anger, the green eyes darkened. “Will that be all?”

“Yes.” He found almost impossible to look at her. “Unless you have additional questions.”

“I do not.” She rose from the chair, her tone cold. “I believe I understand perfectly well.” Offering a false curtsy, she added, “If you’ll excuse me, sir.”

He nodded.

The moment her footsteps faded from the room, Derek unfurled himself from the chair and headed for the liquor cabinet, his only thought to down a double dram.

* * *

Her fists clenched, her back rigid, Raine scurried through the kitchen and followed a moonlit path to the familiar garden bench. Stifling angry sobs of disbelief, a muffled groan left her lips. What kind of man is Derek Stafford, and what will I do now? She couldn’t remain at Stafford House after the conversation that just took place. To think yesterday she felt grateful for his kindness, his generosity, had almost fallen for his charm. Cold fear clutched her heart, and then anger. How dare he reel her in like an insipid dunce with his sad tale, garner her pity over his inability to father a child. She wanted to cut his cold heart from his chest with a dull knife.

She sat in the garden for the better part of an hour, returning to the manor only when she had regained her composure. How she prayed she wouldn’t cross paths with the insufferable beast while scurrying to her room.

Breathing a sigh of relief, she slammed the door and then locked it. A flash of brown on the pillow caught her eye. She recognized the envelope immediately. Next to it, sat a leather pouch containing the remedies he alluded to. She picked up the envelope and looked inside. Counting the bills, five-thousand dollars to be exact, angry oaths stuck in her throat.

A folded piece of paper sat amid the bank notes, the contract he spoke of. With open mouth, she read through it. Derek Stafford’s signature, penned in black ink resided next to Horace Masterson’s. Below, a blank line appeared for her signature. She tossed the envelope against the window and found a small measure of satisfaction when the bills flurried through the air and floated down to the carpet.

Two days. She had two days to make a decision. She climbed into bed, tugged the pillow over her head and cursed the day she met Derek Stafford.

* * *

Keta Diablo

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Nominated for Bookie Award by Authors After Dark.

Nominated for Best Romance of the Year by Deep In The Heart of Romance.

A decadent-looking savage has captured Francesca DuVall and her brother Marsh. Now she spends every waking moment planning an escape from the camp of the brutal Dog Soldiers.

Ethan Gray is a curator at a national museum . . . until he travels through time to help his beloved People. In the Cheyenne world he’s known as Meko, leader of the most revered tribe of the plains.

Cultures and hearts battle, violence and death haunt the road ahead, but when kindred souls collide, anything is possible. From the windswept plains of Colorado to the placid life of a curator, their love is fueled by passion and kindled by destiny.

Reviews:

“Diablo has created a tantalizing story in Where The Rain Is Made. I can’t wait to find out more about these characters. I hope this is the first book in the series. HINT! HINT! If you’re looking for a heartfelt, compassionate, adventurous story that’s sensual, informative and eye opening in regard to the Cheyenne culture, Where The Rain Is Made is the book to read. I will definitely recommend it to friends.” Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by The Blackraven!

“I totally loved this book. Keta Diablo really outdid herself. This is a historical, paranormal and romance. It is very well written and I’m certain will please a very wide reading audience.” I give this book 5 stars.” Book Eternity Reviews

”I absolutely loved this story. It paints a rich and vivid picture of the Dog Soldiers and their way of life, fitting this history into the story in such a way you learn a lot about the Dog Soldiers without being lectured. I really liked how Diablo doesn’t try to turn the Cheyenne into ‘noble savages’ as sometimes happens in romance, but how she writes them with both their good and bad sides, making them more real and recognizable this way.” Five Stars

“This is a fantastic book. The author did a lot of research into the history and the culture of the Dog Soldiers. The book is full of action, romance, and I felt the character’s emotions throughout the story. The way time travel was incorporated in the story was believable and worked very well with the storyline.A page-turner I could not put it down.” FIVE STARS Books R Us

”Through the lives of these three people, Diablo spins a vivid account of how grueling and sometimes brutal the life of a Dog Soldier could be. I loved how she wove the rituals and beliefs of the Cheyenne people throughout the tale as if you were there seeing it first hand. This is a historical romance sure to magically sweep you back in time. A must read!” Paranormal Romance Reviews – 5 Stars!

”An understanding of the culture of these wonderful people who fought to preserve their life style will be found in the pages of Where the Rain is Made. Keta Diablo takes us into the legends and lore of a people who lost so much more than lives long ago along the Platte River. Where the Rain is Made is a tale that is rich in history, emotions and love. Kudos to Ms. Diablo for penning such an impassioned story”. E-Cata Romance – 4.5 Stars”

”Diablo’s Where The Rain Is Made is a must-read for anyone interested in native history and anyone looking for a nice, deep romance that never gets too heavy despite some intense moments of fighting for survival. I rarely enjoy time travels but this one is thoroughly believable. My recommended list. I will be looking for other books by this author.” Classical Romance Reviews – 4.5 Stars

”What a wonderfully written historical. The amazing attention to detail really made the story Pop! Filled with heart stopping characters, a riveting plot and a love that spans time, this 1 will remain on my shelf for years to come and revisited often.” Seriously Reviewed – 9 Stars

“Can anyone say WOW! This is the first of Diablo’s books I’ve read. I totally enjoyed it. I couldn’t put it down until the last page. If you love time travel and romanc

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Product Description

After her parents die in a fire, Sophia Whitfield struggles to save her beloved home, Arbor Rose. The Civil War has devastated the South, and another blue coat has come to steal her meager possessions. Before the hated enemy inflicts his destruction, she shoots him. And soon discovers the soldier is Gavin, the champion of her childhood.

Gavin’s dark secret lurks in Sophia’s future. When she discovers the truth, she’s torn between a burning hunger for the man she truly loves and loyalty to Jesse, their childhood friend. The despicable acts of war have changed everything Sophia and Gavin once cherished. Yet somewhere deep in their hearts, the mystical Land of Falling Stars still exists.

Reviews:

A complex, layered plot and conflicts add to this poignant tale of star-crossed love. Diablo has created a romance that manages to blend erotic romance, historical and many elements with a subtle maestro’s touch. Erotic Author, Chloe Watts, 5 Stars

Diablo’s LAND OF FALLING STARS an erotic historical romance set during the Civil War is an excellent read. Goodreads reader, 5 Stars

LOFS Makes for one phenomenal read that will keep your heart pumping and the pages turning, not just from the delightfully sinful sex, oh no, the drama and suspense will carry you through till the end! Book Junkie, 5 Stars

Keta Diablo has penned a beautiful and haunting love story full of passion, deception, danger and the epic War between the states that will leave you breathless and longing for more! I loved this story from beginning to end! Night Owl Romance Reviews – 4.75 Stars

Diablo has a knack for getting beneath her characters’ skins. This is one of those rare books that you don’t want to miss out on! I’m sure you‘ll agree after you read Land of Falling Stars that Keta Diablo is a name we’ll be seeing a lot more of in the coming years. To which I say bravo!” – Sapphire Romance Review Blog, 5 Stars

The author pens a story that is unlike any other. I was torn during the reunion scenes and breathless during the chase scenes. I loved all the sub-stories and the minor characters that were such an integral part of the author’s vision. Land of Falling Stars makes you believe in the possibility of retribution and the hope of finding your brass ring in the last place you look. You NEED to Read – You Gotta read Reviews

“A story that has the ups and downs of a roller coaster and keeps the reader hanging on with bated breath, Land of Falling Stars is captivating.” —Bookwenches Reviews, 5 Stars

The blurb doesn’t even begin to state how wonderful this book is. Two compelling characters who seem so real thanks to Keta’s expert writing. I will read Land of Falling Stars again and again. Tina Ordone, Erotic Romance author, 5 Stars

“If you haven’t read Keta Diablo, you haven’t lived!” Crave More Romance. 5 Stars!

“This is one steamy hot erotic historical book I devoured as soon as I got a couple of pages in. I recommend all erotic romance readers go out and buy this book. It’s a keeper.” Phoebe Jordan, Talk About My Favorite Authors, 5 Stars!

“Keta Diablo has woven a tale set in Civil War times that is truly engaging.” The Girls on Books Blog – 4 Martinis

“I thoroughly enjoyed Land of Falling Stars and hope to read more of the people of Arbor Rose and Fredricksburg.” Whipped Cream Erotic Romance Reviews – 4.5 Cherries

“If you enjoy passion and emotion in your romance, Land of Falling Stars is one you won’t want to miss!” Jennifer’s Random Musings – 4.5 Stars

“Historicals are my favorite genre so when a friend told me about Land of Falling Stars I read it. I don’t read a lot of Civil War stories, but this was beautiful. I truly enjoyed it. The author really brought out the desolation and fear of the war.” Christinereader, NJ, Five

What Beauty

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“I want to read this book. I must read this book.” — Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award

Minus Orth’s “eccentricities … make him the iconoclast he is intended to be.”

— Publishers Weekly

Noted author Mark Beyer, along with Siren & Muse Publishing, bring you a story about obsession, identity, and art.

Minus Orth walks dogs for a living and sculpts for his life. He’s ready to create a unique sculpture cycle — Mythical Gods in Their Twilight. Meanwhile, he has a girlfriend, Belinda, who’s itching to get married. His friend, Peter N, has reaped artistic success that’s both inspirational and a thorn. He plays poker with a quartet of exiled aristocrats. And at Minus’s art co-op, the residents live on the fringe of society.

One day Minus crosses paths with Karen Kosek, best remembered as a culture critic of the 1960s. Karen dropped out of sight years ago. Now she dresses as a bag lady — ragged clothes, a garbage smell, and bulging plastic bags she carries as if they hold the secrets to the good life. Minus orchestrates a tenuous relationship with Karen, and discovers in her a woman who has not been trampled underfoot, but is burrowed deeper in society’s crust than anyone could imagine.

Thus begins an odyssey in which Minus becomes obsessed with Karen’s past and present, obsessed with creating his sculpture cycle, and with the role artists play in society’s split personality. “Do you have what it takes to make something beautiful?” is a question that comes to the minds of many characters in this story. Their answers are hilarious, confused, self-delusional, virtuous, or simply truthful, because the people who create beauty are different from those who value beauty, and far afield from the powers able to help it flourish … or destroy it.

Deadly Deception (Deadly Trilogy)

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In Deadly Deception, the second book of Alexa Grace’s Deadly Trilogy, enter the disturbing world of illegal adoptions, baby trafficking and murder with new detective Lane Hansen and private investigator Frankie Douglas.

Lane Hansen has a problem. He needs a woman to portray his wife in an undercover operation and the only females on his team are either very pregnant or built like linebackers. Then he remembers gorgeous P.I. Frankie Douglas — a woman who could take his breath away by her beauty and take him down in 2.5 seconds. Unfortunately, she’s the same woman he treated like a one night stand six months before.

Frankie Douglas has a problem. She wants to rid the world of one baby trafficking killer. The only way to do that is to partner with Lane Hanson, the man who hurt her by disappearing from her life after a night of mind-blowing sex.

Archaea

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She lay abandoned, moored to the south end of Luna Farside, left for scrap. Captain Dak Smith saw in her something special, an opportunity to burn for the far horizon as an independent, free from the gloms that hold known space in thrall – but he had to get her running first.

Armed with a standard-issue captain’s eyebrow and an infectious grin, Captain Smith and his hand-picked crew embark on an adventure through deep space filled with scoundrels, pirates, and some incredibly unfortunate peace-loving rocks that happened to be at the wrong place, at the worst time.

 

Realm of Darkness – Series 3 – Diabolical Devise (Volume 3)

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Realm of Darkness – Series 3 Diabolical Devise P.L. Hosek Diabolical Devise is the 3rd in a series of short stories entitled “Realm of Darkness.” This will be a continuing series where good versus evil, light turns into darkness and there will be no form of normalcy, for you have entered the Realm of Darkness. Series 3, Diabolical Devise, is a book that will tantalize your senses. For you will not be able to close your eyes until you find out the truth behind what is truly happening. The story begins in an old-time diner with two waitresses until one specific customer changes their lives forever. Father Victor will prove to be more than anyone can possibly imagine. For you have now entered the Realm of Darkness.

 

Black Eagle Force: Sacred Mountain

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President Annette Henry Thompson, the first woman president of the United States has been kidnapped by Mexican and al Qaeda terrorists. Secretary of Defense Baker tasks Dare Phillips and the Black Eagle Force to go deep into Mexico in the southern Sierra Madre Mountains to effect her rescue. The BEF is in the air within thirty minutes of the abduction with their giant C-5M airborne battle carrier, four Black Eagle VTOL M600/A fighters and twenty-four members of their ground force, the Raptors, with their massive 180 pound war dog, Bear.

May God have mercy on the terrorist’s souls, because the Black Eagle Force will not. Thrills, action, danger, treachery, romance, tragedy and surprises! It’s all in Black Eagle Force – Sacred Mountain.

The Complete Wedding Speech Guide

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The vows have been said. The champagne drunk, and the meal eaten. Only one task remains. The wedding speech.

The wedding speech is a crucial part of a successful day. A memorable speech can make the ceremony perfect. But it can also be a daunting task for everyone involved.

Banish all fear.

Michael Davenport is here to help.

This single essential guide includes all the wedding speeches you will ever need.

It includes templates for –

The Best-Man’s Speech

The Groom’s Speech

The Father of the Bride Speech

The Mother of the Bride Speech

The Chief Bridesmaid/Maid of Honour Speech

Each one mixes wit and wisdom in perfectly judged quantities to make sure all the speakers can deliver an oration that will be remembered for years.

Michael Davenport is an accomplishing comedy writer and script-editor who has contributed to several classic comedy shows.

Endeavour Press is the UK’s leading independent publisher of digital books.

 

Golden Years: How To Enjoy Your Retirement In Style

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Your working life has come to an end. Your children may have grown up. Suddenly a life that was busy and hectic may start to feel empty.

Many people go into retirement with a sense of loss.

But this should be one of the happiest phases of your life – and with the right attitude certainly will be.

In this invaluable guide, Michael Davenport shows you how to make the most of your retirement.

He looks at how to come up with new goals and ambitions.

He explains how to manage your finances.

And how to make time for children and grandchildren – but also for yourself.

This is the one-stop, complete guide to making sure your Golden Years are just that – Golden.

Michael Davenport is an accomplishing comedy writer and script-editor who has contributed to several classic comedy shows. He is the author of an acclaimed series of wedding speech and business presentation guides.

Endeavour Press is the UK’s leading independent publisher of digital books.

 

Harry’s War

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This SHORT fiction tale (15,000 words) deals with an epic air battle over Iraq between Iranian Air Force Su-27 Flanker aircraft and United States Air Force F-15C Eagles in the skies over Iraq. The author has divided this book into three basic parts: first, the prelude to this spine-tingling fighter clash, second, the nail biting air battle itself and third, the aftermath. These three parts constitute the war experienced by Harry Miles, ace fighter pilot. Which will prevail, the F-15C Eagle fighter or the Su-27 Flanker? What is the real war?